Vacay GIVEAWAY!!

Back to life, back to reality...we're back from vacation! I'm looking forward to re-capping everything, but first things first, there's the unpacking, laundry, necessary trip to the grocery store, etc. etc. etc.! So, to buy myself a little time I thought this would be a great time to do a little give-a-way! Lately, I've been enjoying playing around with my own blog header as well as a couple of friends...

I need more guinea pigs! If you are happy with your current header and aren't interested in a change, feel free to still enter! If you win we could do something "holiday" themed for the festive months ahead! In lieu of the vacation post to come all you have to do to enter is leave a comment about your favorite vacation spot! The contest will close Friday at midnight (pacific time)...hopefully by that then I'll at least be unpacked!

Time in a Bottle

I was perusing my parents computer tonight looking for a photo when I ran across this one...

I can't pinpoint in my mind exactly when it was taken. I have my "favorite" photos that I have practically memorized and this photo hadn't been "filed" away in my mind. For some reason when I run across one I can't remember seeing the contrast hits me like a ton of bricks. To most people Carter probably still looks very much like she does in this photo, to me she looks like my little baby. And if you spent everyday playing, talking and chasing after her mile long legs you would know our little chick is no longer a baby. So, no real reason for this post...just a range of what I'm assuming are very typical "motherly" emotions. On the one hand I could not be more proud of the little lady whose cheerful chatter fills my days...and on the other I just wish I could freeze time or at least store it in a pretty little glass bottle. I would tuck it away safely and pour at the littlest drop when I needed to cuddle or just smell that sweet baby smell. I think I would be sure and add a little bit of the way I'm feeling at this very moment into the bottle as well. It would be just what the doctor ordered on those days when I'm snappy, tired and giving her less than my very best. The perfect reminder that time is too short to look back with regrets.

I love you sweet Carter...and as badly as my fingers want to type the words you'll always be my baby...I know deep down in my heart you were created to grow up. I just want you to know that I am profoundly changed by having you as my baby. I think what it all boils down to is the realization that in the beautiful story of your life a chapter is ending. I say that with an equal amount of sadness and pride. You are beautiful. And in so many ways your journey has just begun...I'll love you every step of the way...mom.

The Great Northwest

Ok, so I know I'm running this risk of winning biggest hypocrite of the year award right now. Writing a post on how "great" the Northwest is while sitting in the sweet state of Texas just might get me kicked out! But, before I get any further from the fact I wanted to do a quick post on our super fun week before last...is there such a thing? It made sense to me....So, Nate's mom made the trek across America from Fredericksburg (a hidden gem in the middle of Texas that's famous for it's delicious peaches). It always takes having company to get our butt's in gear and go exploring, I guess that also makes us a little lazy, but that's beside the point. Anyway, we did the usual stop at Deception Pass which always makes me feel a little bit like I'm taking my life into my own hands. I honestly have had nightmares about Carter falling off this bridge. But, I grin and bear it, because it's one of the cooler things about visiting Whidbey Island. Here are some snapshots of the day, which was beautiful by the way...

We also took a new venture via ferry to Port Townsend. It's a fun little town and a nice day trip from Oak Harbor. It's amazing how a sunny day can make even the simplest outing more fun. Thanks so much for the visit Nonna, we had a great time!

A few silly faces to pass the time...

We'll be headed back to Washington soon. I'm looking forward to posting on our Texas sized vacation when we return. Right now we're just trying to enjoy to the warm weather, from what I hear the sun won't be doing much more "warming" in Whidbey until next spring...sounds like fall has officially fallen up North. I'm taking home some of my favorite Texas chili mix, because on a gray cool day something hot with a little cornbread can make the world a better place!

Mother Land

Well, as it turns out the military can be unpredictable! Shocking I know. We were planning our family vacation for October, but of course the second Nate returned home the folks who pay him were already plotting when he would be leaving again. This is hard for me. I'd love to just have a minute to actually enjoy him being here before I have to think about him leaving again. But, the last time I checked no one was asking me, so I just choose to put on my big girl panties and deal with it. A lot of things are up in the air at this point and as a result our "leave" aka vacation was denied for October. So, last Saturday my sweetie sprung on me (via a very well written itemized letter) all of these possible changes and his new plan for our family vacation, which is now taking place....TOMORROW!! That's right, we're headed to Tejas tomorrow. The thing I am most excited about at this very moment is the fact that tomorrow at the airport I can pee in the regular stall all by myself without Carter gazing approvingly at me. It's the little things in life that you learn to appreciate when you are used to having a toddler shadowing your every move! She and I have traveled so much together we've got it down pat, but it is such a treat to go somewhere with all three of us! We'll get to enjoy some high school football, see family, and Nate and I are going to spend four glorious days just the two of us in Austin! I can't quite wrap my mind around what that will be like, we've never left Carter that long before. I am so excited and it is much needed for me. I love my baby, but my love for her daddy is where this whole thing started and I can't wait to spend a little concentrated time with the man of my dreams. I'll post when I can...but if you don't hear from me I'm probably just licking some good ol' Texas BBQ off my fingers!

Because Nothing Says Happy Birthday Like...

Growing up my family had a little tradition where everyone got to pick what they wanted to eat for their birthday dinner. Come Monday we decided to give that a go with Carter and surprise, surprise...
Because nothing says Happy Birthday like a dinner at Wendy's!

I'm not sure what exactly we had in mind. I mean for her little three year old mind and all its infinite wisdom this actually seems pretty par for the course! She also stuck to her guns. We had our first conversation about it before Nate headed to work that day, and by the time I was driving her to Mother's Day Out she had made up her mind. Our conversation went something like this...

Me (with enthusiasm): Remember, be thinking because, you get to choose wherever you want to go for dinner tonight!

Carter (with a mischevious little grin and high pitched enunciation for every other word): You know what I'm going to pick!?

Me (feigning great suspense): Where!?

Carter (with emphatic excitement): WENDY'S!!

So, Wendy's it was and that would be harder to take except it actually is one of the nicer places to eat here in Oak Harbor (does that give you a better idea of what we're dealing with here?!) We topped it off with ice cream from 31 Flavors, because we just aren't lucky enough to have one of those real fancy ice cream places with the marble slabs! And, of course, the evening wouldn't have been complete without a few more gifts...

Big smiles and thank yous to Aunt Kimmi and Uncle John...

Roxi and Pops...

Uncle Clint...

Cat Osterman meet Carter...

And, I had just been dying for her to open this one...

I knew she was just going to love it!And, her daddy just LOVED putting it all together!

I mean, he flies airplanes for a living...how hard could it be!?

I'm determined to enjoy each and every one of the 363 days I have left of Carter being three. I'm sure if you're anything like me (being a mom to a little person) you probably hear at least once a day (if not a hundred), "Enjoy it, they sure do grow up fast!" I get that. I feel it already and I'm so thankful. I'm thankful that I don't think I will look back in 2, 5, or 20 years and feel like I have regrets for not knowing that the days of being up to my knees in toddler-hood wouldn't last forever. I definitely have my moments of feeling like I'm one step away from four padded walls and pills from a little clear dixie cup, but those pass about as quickly as they come. I love being a mom (and a wife)...I think deep down inside it fulfills me.

Three...It's a Magic Number

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat

But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small

When you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances

But they're worth taking

Loving might be a mistake

But it's worth making

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes,

I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice

To sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

Happy Birthday sweet Carter. You bring sunshine to our world! How is it possible that you are already three? I cannot believe it and yet I cannot imagine what we ever did without you...