Carter's day

On Carter's actual birthday, the big boys had camp so I got some quality time with my big 4 year old.

Before we took them to camp, we had the traditional birthday breakfast...

Then I took him to Chuck E Cheese. He is always talking about that place. My sil Laura and niece Livvy met us there for the fun...

That evening, my parents and Cody's parents came over to celebrate our little guy. 

We all went in on a big gift for him and he loves it! Check him out cruising in his new car!=) 

It was a fun day and his pirate pool party was coming up on Sunday afternoon. 

Good reminders

Saw this on Facebook and it was just what I needed to read this morning...

For the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don't think we have it in us to read one more story, play one more game of Uno, wash one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has it together. For the days we're sure anyone else would do this job better.

For those days. You know the ones.

Repeat after me:

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.

2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.

3. I shall say yes to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.

4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.

5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.

6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.

7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.

8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.

9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.

10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children out loud, especially in front of my daughter.

11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.

12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unfine moments.

13. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.

14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.

15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.

16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.

17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.

18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.

19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.

20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college.

... with love from one tired mother to another. 

Happy 4th birthday Carter!

Today is my baby's birthday! It is so hard to believe that he is 4! 

My littlest guy brings so much joy to our lives! He is so much fun and has the sweetest spirit. He adores his big brothers and they adore him too. He is growing like a weed and is big for his age. People are constantly telling me how tall he is. Pooh Bear is still his constant companion which is still cute as can be. Carter has the best belly laugh and gives the best hugs and kisses. His hair is still a beautiful shade of red and gets lots of attention everywhere we go. I love to listen to him talk and use his imagination. He is a smart and funny little man!  Quite simply, the boy makes me HAPPY!! 

Happy, happy birthday Carter Wesley! 

I love you with all my heart, to the moon and back, sun and back and Pluto and back! (Hearing him say this melts my heart!)

A day at the Bahn

We got Schlitterbahn passes this summer and I gathered up the strength to take all three boys all by myself. =) I know that probably sounds terrible but it is hard work to go it alone in a water park. Here are the rules I set before we left.

*First, I have to explain to the big boys that we will not be able to do very many older kid rides. The splitting up is not cool with me. Too crowded and no way to get in touch.
*Second, Carter wears his floatie every.single.second. Luckily, he's good with that.
*Third, we pack a lunch and drinks. The only thing I bring money for is Dippin' Dots. The passes already cost an arm and a leg and they like to charge a finger or toe for each snack they sell.
*Fourth, we shellac in suncreen several times. No complaints.

We had a great time! We were able to ride the Torrent River where we got in tubes and went around a wave pool area. It was fun for all of us. Colton and Cooper even did this a little on their own while Carter and I watched closely from a kiddie slide area. Then we all rode The Falls which is a tube ride with lots of rapids. It was fun but super exhausting for me because I had to be in a tube and Cooper and Carter both need me to hold their tube. It pulls in all directions and works lots of weird muscles. =) We also went on a 5 story ride called The Wolfpack Raft slide. Three of us could go in one raft so Colton went with a father and son right behind us.The line was way long(close to an hour) and it was almost worth it. =) All of the boys loved playing in Hans Hideout which is a big, multi-level fun house with lots of dumping buckets, water cannons, tunnels and slides. We spent lots of time there.

 We had a wonderful day! I am so glad I braved it!!=)

Carter was pooped! Sacked out in the car!

Father's Day

It was about six weeks ago that we almost lost my Daddy and I get overwhelmed thinking of what life would be like without him. Words cannot explain how blessed I felt to be able to celebrate with him today! Thank you GOD for that gift and the gift of an amazing husband that is the perfect Daddy for our boys! Can't forget my father in law who we love and would be lost without too. Surrounded by GREAT men! BLESSED beyond measure!

My loves!!!!!!

My boys love their Papa!!

My boys love their Opi! 

Beach trip

We got to spend a long weekend at the beach this past weekend. It was the annual Japhet Fishing Tournament that my dad helps put on. Several of our friends met us there and we had a great time. We played on the beach for a long time one morning and soaked up the sun. Carter's best buddy Ryan was there and they had a blast.

As always, Colton stayed in the ocean. He loves it! 

This is what we saw most of the time. =)

Cooper was in and out and everywhere and enjoying every minute!

We took a little ride on Mr. Bubba's boat one evening after dinner with our favorite friends. 

The next day, we spent a lot of time at the pool with my family. Here are the cousins jumping in together. (I never caught a good mid-air picture for some reason. Got lots of starting and splashing though.)

Mammy is the best pool toy! =) Carter loves to be with her in the pool--they all do!

Once again, we had a great getaway. We always love the coast and are hoping to squeeze one more trip there sometime before summer is gone.