Monday Carter Edition #53~C is for Carter!

This may be a little short and sweet. I've been battling an upper respiratory and sinus infection from H-E-double hockey sticks and am still feeling a bit under the weather. I am now on an antibiotic and am hoping that does the trick, if not my head might really explode. Luckily my little Monday Carter doesn't seem to be adversely affected and spent most of the day doing her thing. The highlight for her, if I had to guess, would have been making a new friend at Chik-Fil-A. She misses her old buddies from home and has mentioned several times wishing she could see them. It was nice to see her smiling and playing with someone her own age. What a cutie!

Happy Monday!

For all we have been given...

For all we have been given...

For blessings today...

and those that are still to come...

Our hearts are joyful...

And we give Thanks.

Monday Carter Edition #52~Hello Texas!!

I'm missing my little Monday Carter today! She is spending some time with Roxi and Pops while Nate and I do some marathon house hunting (praise God I think we found one!) She and I arrived in Texas last Thursday via airplane and Nate (who is a road warrior) made it a couple of days later via car (WOW, that's a long drive, or so I hear). We've been in a bit of a whirlwind ever since we got here. After a nice night spent in Dallas with G.G. we headed west and arrived just in time for a pep rally. Carter and Roxi decided it would be a good idea to let the dogs go cheer for the Cougars too...

The next day we headed a little further west (and back to my roots) for the Cougars play off game in Midland. Roxi took a little detour along the way to show Carter where cotton comes from...

We may not get much snow around these parts, but there's no shortage of cotton...

West Texas is a fairly interesting place. You just never know what you might see rolling down the road...

We cheered the Coog's on to victory that night and are happy to report they will continue their play off run this weekend at home in Abilene! The day after the BIG game my mom and I took Carter to see The Nutcracker. Contrary to the frown on her face she was actually very excited to be going (just not so excited about having her picture taken)...

I did manage to squeeze a couple of smiles out of her though...

"Daddy, isn't this the most gorgeous ball gown you have ever seen?" she asked....

What a fun little date for the girls...

I must admit the stress of moving and all that goes with it have begun to catch up with me a bit. So, this little afternoon with my sweet little girl was a welcome hiatus. She held my hand for most of the show, except of course when she couldn't resist dancing along with the ballerinas in the aisle next to her seat. Love, love, love you...

Hopefully things will be slowing down just a bit. I think we all need to have a little time to take a deep breath and get ready for the next phase of moving. Regardless we are so happy to be in the great state of TX. As Nate likes to say at least a couple of times a day in his best Tye Pennington voice, "Welcome home Family, welcome home."

Goodbye Washington...

Depending on the way life goes over the next three years I just might have spent my last days ever in Oak Harbor. It is never easy to say goodbye to people who have become your close friends, and at times even been like family, but for better or worse it is the way of the military and something that we are getting kinda' used to. We spent our last night in town having dinner with a few of those nearest and dearest. Thanks so much for sending us off. Carter and a couple of her buddies Carlos...

and Kylie...

Military wives need someone to lean on when things get rough and these girls have been just that for me. I don't know that I would have made it through all the past few years have had to offer without the support of good friends. Thanks girls (Molly, Cat, Lara, Me, Whitney, Jamie, Carter and Kylie)...

The next day was Carter's last day of Pre-School and they had a special Chapel presentation that the parents were invited to attend. As soon as she sat down she began mouthing to us to "Stop smiling!"

That didn't work so she tried ignoring us...

And then it was time for her to receive her Bible...

That lovely moment was followed by a really special one (hint some sarcasm) where she rather loudly said, "I SAID STOP SMILING AT ME!!" Sort of one of those where you chuckle and cringe at the same time. Needless to say we are doing our best to whip her little attitude into shape lately (no pun intended, as I realize I just delivered my third dose of spankings for the evening). When I talked to her about it later after I picked her up she informed me that we were just showing our teeth way too much, and if we smiled with our mouths closed that would have been just fine. Apparently we are just a little to happy for our overly conscientious four year old. Note to self: Smile less. All that aside her Pre-School has been such a blessing in our lives, even for a few short months. She slowly wrote this entire card for her teacher all by herself, and I couldn't have said it better...

With our boxes packed, goodbyes said, and car loaded we were off...

I realized something during our last week in Oak Harbor. I guess you could say I realized how much I really didn't like living there. I think Nate and I would agree neither one of us were ever to crazy about living in a rather un-populated corner of Washington. That being said I am thankful that over the three year period that we lived there we didn't spend a lot of time dwelling on all the things we didn't like. Sure, I had my days where the lack of a local Target had me a little under the weather...but overall I'm glad we made the most of it. I think one thing I'm learning is sitting around dwelling on the things you don't like about something (especially when they are out of your control and un-changeable) just leaves you miserable. Maybe it's all those pep talks from my dad and other Coaches that come back to me...reminding me that most of the time life is about 10% circumstance and about 90% attitude. I've definitely had my share of days walked through with a rather piss poor attitude, but overall I'm so thankful to have these lessons to fall back on. And, in a lot of ways, it feels like we are heading into such a welcome change....here we come TEXAS, and we can't wait!!

Carter's Room is a Semi-Finalist...PLEASE VOTE!!

Hey y'all!! To all of you who supported us and voted for Carter's room in the OhDeeDoh contest a couple of weeks ago we owe you a BIG thank you, because, she made the semi-finals....WOO HOO!! So, voting is now reset and for the next 24 hours people can vote again on their favorite's, which are now down to a top 9. We would really appreciate you sharing the love again and voting for her room...I seriously feel like a campaign manager right now!! Much love from our now packed up munchkin's room to you!! Just click on the link below to vote...Thanks a million!!

VOTE FOR CARTER!!!!

Monday Carter Edition #51~Moving Day and The Box Top Band

Monday Carter was greeted by this as she walked out the door this morning...



That's right! It's moving day! We've been living in a house full of boxes for a couple of days, so she and her parents were pretty happy to be getting this show on the road...

I must admit I was a little teary eyed as my head hit the pillow last night. I can remember our very first night in this little house and now we have spent our last. But, as the saying goes out with the old and in with the new, we are ready for the next chapter...

Of course Monday Carter isn't thinking about all that, she was just tickled pink to have some mattresses to jump on before heading to school this morning!

Entertainment when your toys and games are M.I.A. is sometimes hard to find, but if you use your imagination anything is possible. Carter turned this stack of boxes into her very own drum set...

Every good Rock Star knows how to give a "shout out" to their fans...

Introducing, live and in person, Carter and the Box Top Band...

I also just had to share a little "Moving Quote of the Day" from Monday Carter...

"Mom, when they (referring to the movers) walk in, all I smell is sweatiness, and it's kinda' stinky. But, I can just use lamb to cover my nose."

~Carter Brooke Age 4

On down to San Antone

We're Johnny Cash fans around here. So, as we get ready to embark on the next chapter in our lives he's been singing like a broken record in my head. I hear it numerous times a day, over and over, "On down to San Antone..."

It hasn't felt real yet, but I know that when the packers show up bright and early in the morning it will hit me. We're organized, we're ready, and a week from tomorrow we will officially be off.

We are taking our time and will be spending Thanksgiving with family before I go find us a new casa to live in. Nate will continue with his job here and will be back and forth between states several times in the next couple of months. I think we are both feeling a huge amount of peace about the plan in place and are looking forward to officially being Texans again. Wow...amazing really. We are "going home".

But, this little house has been the one in which our sweet baby turned into a little girl right before our very eyes. It holds fond memories and has witnessed many tears during the separations we have faced as a family living here. I'd be lying if I said there hadn't been times that I struggled to see the light at the end of the tunnel...and now, finally, it has seemingly arrived. I am reminded as I look back that life truly is a journey. We are stretched, challenged and shaped through the experiences that we go through. I believe we will look back on these past three years as ones that made us stronger as family. We know what it is to appreciate each other, to treasure our time together, to not take the little moments for granted...we have learned more about what it means to love.

Carter upon arrival in Whidbey (18 months old)...

Quite the tiny tot...

And, no longer a baby, enjoying breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants The Calico Cupboard (age 4)...

Taste and see that the Lord is good. ~Psalm 34:8

Squash Blossom

A lovely little squash...

You are definitely beginning to blossom...

And, this past weekend we were "sprinkled" by some sweet friends in our squadron!

A Cowgirl themed party...

complete with these adorable little cupcakes...

Are we lucky or what?? Thanks so much to all the sweet friends who have been there for us over the past few years and who took the time to help celebrate our new addition. I will miss you greatly. That's right folks...we are headed out soon. And I do mean soon and very soon.

Monday Carter Edition #50~Do I love you this much?

Monday Carter woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She was cantankerous and cranky from the start and to be honest I wasn't equipped to deal. What can I say, some days you have the patience some days you don't. I wish I was the "perfect mom" and could say that I never lose my temper, get short, or find myself frustrated over the "little" things...but, that would be lying and I try to avoid that if at all possible (unless you're my sister and ask me if the Arby's to go cup in the car is mine. In which case I will lie and I emphatically deny ownership. I will even go as far as to blame its presence on my husband, when in fact I had really scarfed it as I drove to the airport to pick her up. What can I say I'm preggo and sometimes there is nothing like roast beef and nacho cheese). Anyway, before we headed out the door for pre-school she had already received a few spankings, and I may or may not have said, "YOU are driving me bananas!" (I know, I know, I'm a horrible mom). So we were running late and doing our best to get over a bad start to the day...


Sometimes rain puddle jumping can be good for things like that...

And, if you're really lucky you might even find yourself giggling in spite of a bad morning...

I wish I could report that the whole day was a complete success. But, to be honest I'm spread a little thin and unfortunately that sometimes means Carter doesn't get the best of me. But, she is quite possibly the most forgiving little thing I have ever met. She showered me with kisses, hugs, and a little game of, "Do I love you this much?" before she headed to bed. I'm one lucky mama. Hopefully we'll both roll out on the other side of the bed tomorrow...

Party in the U.S.A. (or at least our house)

For Carter's most recent birthday Aunt Kimmi gave her something she's been wanting for a while now...

Granted we're not exactly sure why, because she has never seen the movie or watched the show. Anyway, her dadddy hasn't been too sure about his feelings on the famed Hannah Montana, but Aunt Kim decided to go ahead and make her little niece smile...

Oh yeah, every little rock star needs a hot pink microphone! She was all set and ready to give performing a go...



That was her first day with the CD and she's gotten a few more Miley lyrics down since then...

Without embarrassing myself too much let's just say that we spend quite a bit of time "nodding our heads...and moving our hips" together. But, I don't look nearly as cute as she does!

And, on another note, a quick CONGRATS to my dad and the Abilene Cooper Cougars who are District Champs! Pops looks pretty nice in a pink mic too...

but, considering how successful you are we're thinking you probably shouldn't quit your day job! Way to go DAD!

VOTE for Us!!! (pretty please, with sugar and a cherry on top)

I woke up this morning and was happy to have a little "sunshine" to brighten my day! Carter's room is entry #22 on the Apartment Therapy site Ohdeedoh's Small Kid's BIG Color room contest (I wrote about entering a few posts back!) So, for the next 48 hours anyone who would like to can give us a THUMBS UP (which will encourage them to make us one of the finalist). I'm not above begging so would you please pretty please head over and check it out?? If your little heart desires and you would like to give us your vote that would be just peachy!! Just click the following link...

Carter's Punch of Color~OhDeeDoh

Many thanks!

Monday Carter Edition #49~Little Chick

Monday Carter spent her weekend like most other children...on a sugar high! Like a lot of other moms I started about a month ago with the, "What is my little cutie going to dress up as?" thoughts. I wanted her input and after discussing it at length she decided she wanted to be a puppy. I did a little research and found that Old Navy actually had a fairly cute (and really affordable, as in way less than Pottery Barn) puppy costume. So off we went....over the river, through the woods and off the island toward civilization. And, while we're on the topic of civilization I am pretty sure that no one else's kids request that you take their photo with the mannequins at Old Navy right?

Yeah, I was pretty sure that was just me. Apparently Old Navy is such a "special" place that we needed to document being there with photos...

Carter may not quite know what to do with herself when there is literally an Old Navy on every corner, what a sheltered life she has led for the past three years!

So anyway, back to the costume hunt. We arrived and found the puppy but we also ran across something Carter thought was much, MUCH better. Let me just say that in the day of fairy princesses and cheerleaders I was already quite surprised she had decided to be a puppy. Imagine the shock when she changed her mind and could not be talked out of being a....

And not once was she anything but thrilled to be going as a little chick!! I loved it. Our first round of trick or treat was actually about a week ago. I worked a table for our squadron and Nate took Carter around to gather the goods...

I never get tired of how cute these two look together (a big thanks to Roxi to for the perfect trick or treat "feed sack")...

Later that week we decided (last minute) to attend Nate's squadron costume party, so I had less than 24 hours to throw us some costumes together. We decided to go as the "Swine Flu". Carter was obviously our "swine"...

Then the BIG night of trick or treating arrived! Carter was super excited...

and super cute I might add...

She tried to fly the coop...

"Come back here little chick!"

We started the night off with one of our favorite houses in Oak Harbor. Knock, Knock, Kenny and Molly...

Trick or Treat...

Treat of course!!

We were then ready to hit our neighborhood, it's chilly up here y'all!

I'm not sure there is a whole lot more exciting when you're 4 than having people give you lots of candy!

What?? You don't believe me?? Just look at that face!

The night sure is fun, especially when you have your best guy to escort you around...

We'll leave you with one last smile...

Little Chick...over and out!