memorial weekend

We had a great family weekend. Most of the weekend was spent with family, swimming, BBQ, games, and laughs. Carson did very well playing with his cousins. However, we did notice he likes to hang more with the older cousins. I am very thankful the older cousins were very willing to hang with Carson as well. With that being said, I sat most of the time in the chair with my feet up as I am suppose to be on complete bed rest.
Today,we hung at the house and did some last minute "things" before the baby comes this week. I have doctors appt Tuesday, Wednesday and the c-section is scheduled for Thursday. More to come regarding my thoughts about the pregnancy and c-section...
Anyway, We are so blessed to live in America. Thank you to all who have/do serve our country!

what a helper

Jonathan and Carson put together the bassinet on Friday. Carson loves to help. Jonathan gave him a few screws to tighten and off to work he went. Carson said, Mommy, I really can not talk right now....I have homework to do!

Do not touch and bedrest

I can not understand why "people" get into my car and turn my radio station. I think its very rude regardless if you are family or not- I think it should be an unspoken rule... if its not your car do not touch the radio.

I am on complete bedrest until the baby comes next week. Ugh! I know...it could be worse however I am not one to lay around the house. But, my feet are huge and my blood pressure is high.

wordless wednesday

sticks and stones and this and that

Yesterday I was talking to Carson about calling people names i.e poser, loser, fat, ugly, old, ect. and how words can hurt others regardless if you are joking or not. I was telling him when people call you names to turn the other cheek and ignore them. Carson said very quickly, Mommy, you mean like this and turned his other cheek towards me. Too Cute!

Anyway, I have had the privilege of receiving numerous "anonymous" responses to my post... What I find interesting is "someone" is pretending they do not know how to spell or write complete sentences. However, they are smart enough to turn on a computer, find my blog, read my post, cut and post articles and comment.... Well, its really not too hard to figure out who that "someone" is by what they write and know about my family. I am finding the comments very humorous as double talk is cheap... i.e. I planted a plant in your honor (LoL). Just like I am teaching Carson- I turn the other cheek. I have been through way too much in life for your words and thoughts to hurt me. So if you want to continue to waste your time commenting on my blog please do so as I am honored you care so much about me.

I am traveling back to Guatemala in August. My Essie and sister will be taking care of Carson and the new baby for one week. However, my ticket is refundable just in case :) Yes, I am going on a mission trip without my four year old and two month old baby.

Tomorrow is my last full day at work. In the state which we live I am entitled to 14weeks of leave for the birth of the baby, however, like I have stated before I am not taking the full amount of time off at once. My family is very excited about the birth of the baby. I am excited, but at this time I am more nervous then anything. I have no idea how to care for a newborn. Thank God I have my family and husband.

Today was Carson's last day at soccer. Sorry no photos because we forgot the camera. Carson really enjoyed playing this half of the season, but t-ball has started so he needs to change gears. Carson is doing really well in t ball. He hits the ball well, catches the ball, throws the ball but will NOT run to the base. When I asked him why he does not run he said, people are making fun of me when they are yelling my name. I said, no honey, they are cheering for you :) He will get it!

I finished my graduate course. Praise God! I will get my grade within the next two days. I think I got a strong A... I am taking a break from the next session due to having company this summer and the new baby. I was working on papers for hours after Carson went to bed. I am ready for a little break from homework (just a little break).

Jonathan and I are praying about Godparents for the new baby. Making that decision is very difficult. Godparents play a very important role in your child's life. I want to make sure the Godparents are up for the challenge and commitment. Its more then buying gifts. Its praying for your child, spending time with them and making special memories with them.

My twenty plus year old pony has an ulcer in his left eye. The vet was out at the horse stable on Sunday. We are doing our best with the eye drops and ointment. I am hoping it clears as I do not want him to lose his eyesite in that eye.

More then bags of clothes

One year ago, one of my favorite Aunt's passed away way too quickly. I had the privilege of caring for her in the nursing facility where I was the Administrator. However, that was a very hard task with many blessing, vivid memories (some that rip at my heart strings while others I can laugh at). Well, for months I was carrying around bags of her clothing in the trunk of my car to donate at the local good will. Well, I knew the clothes were in the trunk as I would open it up for one reason or another and her fragrances on her clothing would linger in the trunk. Jonathan asked me numerous times to drop off the bags as we needed the trunk space however I always found an excuse why I did not drop them off. With that being said, it was more than clothes... it was my aunt's clothes, clothes that she wore on her perfect body, clothes that she picked out, clothes that someone gave her, clothes that I could smell her perfume on, clothes that I could see her wearing to holiday dinners, parties, etc. Its was more than bags of clothes. It was clothing that I could hold close to me and still feel her presence as I smelled her perfume. I can remember this one day as I was having a difficult time dealing with her death but could not express my feelings to my family as my Mom was dealing with her own grief regarding losing her sister which was her best friend. My Dad and Jonathan were there to listen, however all I could do was cry and not get a word out. So, I went to the horse stable and opened up one of the bags and held one of her sweaters close to me for a few hours as I cared for the horses. Later on that evening, every once in a while I would get a smell of her perfume as it was on my clothing... with each smell I would look for her or have very vivid memories of our time together.
Fast forward a few months of carrying around her clothing in the trunk I finally broke down and found a place to donate her clothing. As I walked into the store to ask about accepting donations the lady said, Yes we accept donations you can leave them by the garage that says donations. The lady was very matter of fact and I thought to myself.... Lady, you do not understand they are not just donations of clothing there are tons of memories in each bag.. you do not get it? I walked out of the store with the thought of getting in my car and forgetting about dropping them off. However, the Lord had another plan for me... he broke me down right in the parking lot. Tears were streaming down my face as I opened the trunk and in slow motion removed each bag from my trunk and placed them neatly and gently against the wall which was labeled donations. I stood there for a few minutes which seemed like hours looking at the clothing and taking in each remaining smell of my Aunt. As I began to walk away I noticed the sales lady staring at me from the door as we made eye contact she walked outside and said to me "We will take care of the articles." I could not even get the word Thank you out of my mouth. I sat in my car and sobbed like a baby. I was really missing my Aunt and I felt so bad about leaving her belongings behind. As I finally drove off I kept my eyes on the bags to make sure they were ok. I could barely see the road as I was crying so hard and my head was killing me from crying. I drove to the horse stable and spent the rest of the afternoon out there as I needed some alone time. To this day, every once in a while when I open the trunk I get a smell of my Aunt's frangence. Oh, how I miss her!

less then two weeks to go... and I can not wait

Carson is counting down the days until the baby arrives. Phew! While we were driving yesterday he asked... will the baby have tan skin like me or white skin like Mommy?

I have truly enjoyed the pregnancy and I am very blessed to have an awesome supportive husband and family.

With the delivery of our new baby there are certain things I can not wait to do again... Please do not laugh at my list as its not the norm-

clean the horses stalls. I really enjoy cleaning the horses stalls as I find it very relaxing and refreshing (lol) from the grid of work.

Mowing the grass- There is something about seeing the grass being cut. I would not want live in an area where there is not grass. I love fresh cut green grass!

Power walking- I love to power walk. Most of my power walks are alone with God as that is where I feel I can talk freely to him.

sleeping on my belly- I am a true belly sleeper :)

Wearing sneakers again- My feet are so fat right now, I only can get my feet into two pairs of shoes and one of the pairs are flip flops.

Planting flowers out front of our home without getting short of breath or dizzy from the lack of air supply. :0)

you visit his blog...

I received a few comments regarding what do I mean by “working the system” in one of my posts. “Working the system” implies people who are able to work, however they live on the welfare system and others. While individuals like myself work and pay taxes, others sit at home and collect money from the government and others (not referring to stay at home moms with working husbands).
Also I received a few emails regarding my “ I cannnot imagine” post. First off, I am not writing to mothers who have given their children up for adoption. Second, the post is to mothers who do not take time for their children regardless to what state they may live in, mothers who have written their children off, and mothers who make excuses to why they do not want to be involved in their children’s lives, again nothing to do with mothers who have given their children up for adoption. Please remember, my hand does not force you to click on Carson’s blog so if you do not like what I write or like how I care for my family then stop reading Carson's blog.

first time on the ferry for carson

Random

I love cheeseburgers from McDonalds on Sundays.

I start my Christmas shopping in September.

Ice pops over ice cream any day...

Carson's forever family day is 2 days after the baby is due. 4 years!

My Dad taught me many years ago... The only person you can trust is yourself and the only person that will not let you down is yourself. A very hard lesson but true!

People who work the system drive me crazy. Get a job!

Guard your heart

Start off the way you mean to end

I am learning how to forgive others but I struggle with the forgetting part.

The closer I get to the Lord the harder my life seems.

I have been so blessed with my pregnancy.

My parents have been married for 40 years.

If you think someone has changed maybe you should look at yourself first.

Can't touch this...

Carson is one of the cutest Guatemalan boys out there :) I love his "I am all that attitude" when he is dressed up. He was showing my brother he had gum in his mouth. Yes, chewing gum is a big deal to Carson as he does not get it often.

summiting my paper work

Well, this is my last full week at work for many months. :) I decided to take off six full weeks with the baby. The remaining ten weeks I will be working part time until 2012. This schedule works best for my family as Jonathan's mother is coming in from Fla to help for a few weeks, my mom and sister both want to be very active with helping with baby and Carson (Thank you!) My sister already requested a week off of work when the baby first comes home to help out. I am very grateful for the extra hands however I will be looking forward to working part time and spending one on one time with the baby as the house will be quiet and Carson will be in Kindergarten full time.
Jonathan and I also have a lot going on as we are trying to sell the house, build the new house, mission work in Guatemala, raising our children in a Godly manner, and spend quality time together. We both believe family comes first however we have to work to support the family (and then some). Anyway, this will be the first time in fifteens years I have not worked full time... awwwee- I am scared, I might like working part time. ;)

T-Ball

Carson is playing T-Ball. Well, Carson is playing something... if he is not tossing dirt, making dirt angels, wrestling with other kids then he is playing T-Ball. He really seems to enjoy it for the first twenty minutes.:) He is playing for Middle Township as our Township does not start the kids until 5 years of age. He is the cutest Guatemalan on the team ;)

Less than 19 days to go...talking back

My baby is now considered full term, even though your due date is still three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. He weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long.
The above is from "baby news" My baby is only 4lbs 11oz right now.

It's funny to read "My baby" as I always call Carson "my baby". Well, it was determined a few months ago that I will deliever via c-section. Wow! I have read some pretty 'painful' things about c-sections. However, the Lord has brought me this far he will see me through. Amen!!

phew, within the last two weeks Carson has really started talking back. I am not sure which is worse a teenager with drama or a 4 year old talking back...

smile mommy and daddy

carson loves to take photos

I could not imagine...

being a mother and not calling my daughter back on mother's day-
being a mother and telling my children the flight tickets are to expensive to fly home for a holiday
being a mother and not calling my children on the phone
being a mother and not listening to my children as they want to share how they feel
being a mother and working the system instead of getting a job
being a mother and not taking time for my children
being a mother and complaining about a thousand health problems
being a mother and spending money on myself or other family members instead of my children
being a mother and not attending at least one school play

model material?

Happy Mother's Day...

First, I want to wish my Mom (Essie) a very Happy Mother's Day!
Being a Mother is one of the hardest jobs I will ever love. I have listed a few reason why I love being a Mom to Carson:

- I love how he comes to me when he is hurt or not feeling well.
- I love to hear him say, I want my Mommy!
- I love to hear him yell through the house, Mommy where are you?
- I love to say, Yes, I am Carson's Mommy.
- I love the way he hugs me and says, I love you Mommy.
- I love when Carson says, Mom will you watch this movie with me?
- I love that Carson wants to spend time with me.
- I just love being Carson's Mom!

wordless wednesday

This weekend..

my brother is getting married... OH! That is so hard for me to type. More to come later-

carson and Kyndel

Phew! These two are always together. However, Carson is learning that Kyndle is an older dog and she can not always keep up with him. Most days they are either playing cat and mouse or taking a rest together. Kyndel is a wonderful dog. She has been through a lot with me...boy if she could talk ;)

Mommy wait there..I have something for you!