California Pictures

I feel really bad that I do not have more pictures.  Last year when we went to California Carter was around 6 months old and all he was doing was sitting there so I got to take about 100 pictures.  Now, he is running everywhere and I was so busy chasing him and not wanting to take my eyes off of him that I didn't have that much time for pictures.  But here's what we got:

The first plane ride he had his own seat.  He loved it!

This is the back yard at my uncle's house.  Carter loved being outside all he wanted to.

Uncle Louie and Carter shopping in the fabric store.

Happy Boy!

I can now say that I ate caviar!  I really thought that I would throw up the second I put those fish eggs in my mouth, but I actually liked it and ended up eating three of them.  Just that amount right there was 40 bucks.  Can you imagine how much money people spend at fancy weddings???  I also got to eat crab legs in butter sauce for the first time and I absolutely loved it...and I am really not a sea food person!  But my taste buds had a party!  We most definitely got wined and dined that evening!

My uncle's house has lots of stairs so Carter was in Toddler Heaven!

Watching all the people and cars go by through the window while shopping

Visiting awesome buildings and hotels

Wow!!

How relaxing would it be to stay in this hotel?

Carter loved the beach so much!  Nick and I always say that we will never take a vacation to the beach.  Well, now we are already planning our trip to Florida for next year.

Carter was such a good boy!  Pretty much the whole trip, this is what he looked like

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Carter is now back to his normal schedule.  He goes to sleep around 10:00, wakes up at 6 and comes into our room, drinks a big glass of milk, then goes back to sleep with us until about 8:00.  Then we get up and around and ready to go to Lisa's with breakfast waiting on him.  They eat lunch at 11:00 then go down for a nap at 12:00.  My mom  picks him up around 3:00, while I workout.  Then we play play play til dinner around 7:00 then bath time which is about 8:00.  Then we play play play and eat popsicles and other snacks until story time and bedtime.  I am loving this schedule and Carter really is too.

We got to break out his Adidas wind pants this morning.  It was pretty chilly!  They are adorable on him!  But it has gotten me scared because they are 12 month pants that fit him perfectly and I pretty much got him mostly 18 month pants.  He just does not have the butt or legs to hold up some 18 month pants, I don't think.....but we will survive.

AD and I are getting to where we are running about 4 miles every day!!  Yes, we are walking some of it but for the most part we are running.  So proud of us!  We have been doing our couch to 5k workout for 2 weeks and we are already on week 5.  I am so ready to start seeing some serious results!  Now if I could just eat right....dang that's so hard.

I started my business class yesterday on public speaking.  I actually really love it!!!  I am learning and having fun in that class.  I think everyone should be taking it.  Not only does it teach how to speak to people one on one and to a crowd but it also teaches how to set goals and meet them, which is right down my ally!

Anyways, I'm getting stuff done today, but got a chance to take a break to post pictures.  Holla atcha!

Cali 2012

Yes, we are alive and well. We made it back to good ol' Arkansas in one piece.  We had a terrific time, but there is no place like home.  I missed my bed and missed my husband even more than that!!  But again, Cali did not disappoint.

Our trip started off kinda rocky because Carter was sick and had very bad diaper rash.  We almost decided to cancel our trip because he was so bad.   We took him to his doctor the day before we left and big boy weighs 22 pounds with clothes and shoes on.  We are trying our hardest to help him gain some weight without giving him unhealthy stuff.  We almost decided to cancel our trip because he was so bad.  But we decided to go ahead and go and if he didn't get any better then we would just pay extra money to come home early.   Good thing we went because he got better the next day after we got there. 

We got to spend lots of quality time with family that we only get to see once a year, if that.  We got to do lots of shopping.  I got some stuff but Mr. Carter racked up!  He has enough winter clothes and shoes to wear a different outfit every day.  I got me about 3 pair of pants, 3 shirts, 3 winter scarves, and some other stuff that I can't think of at the moment.  We also got to go to the beach which was so much fun.  Carter had a really good time and didn't want to leave.  But I decided it was time to go once he started rubbing dirt in his eyes.  We also got to visit some very beautiful hotels and buildings.  Very neat places!

It was a very fun trip for me but it was a very tiring trip also.  Chasing and hauling a 22 pound hoodlum/monkey all day was tough at times.  But he was an absolute delight the whole time and such a trooper.  SUCH. A. TROOPER.  He never really complained about being stuck in the car seat while we were stuck in traffic.  He took a nap in his tiny stroller while shopping.  Never complained one time.  The little stinker ate everything that was offered to him.  I learned stuff that he loved to eat that I had no clue about.  Green peppers, onions, mushrooms, shrimp, noodles, and honey.  So I got to shop and research stuff to cook for him that I have never made before.

I was so afraid at how Carter was going to adjust when we got back to Arkansas.  For one...the two hour difference.  But the big problem was that he got to sleep in the big bed in between me and my mom for a whole week.  Also, since the weather is so nice there, they just leave the doors open to outside without having to turn the air conditioner on.  Since my Uncle's back yard is fenced in, Carter got to go in and out as much as he pleased.  He was in Heaven.  But low and behold he has really shocked me and has slept in his own bed in his own room by himself without waking up a single time, and he really is not begging to go outside anymore than he was before he left.  I just think he was so excited to see all of his toys again that he forgot about it.  And Daddy!!  He just loved on Nick for the longest time when he saw him for the first time.  But the whole time change thing does have him a little messed up.  Going to bed at 11:30 is really getting old but I can live with sleeping in until 10:30.  But his little world is going to be turned completely upside down tomorrow when he has to get up early and go to the babysitter.  He is totally going to freak.  He has really loved being with Mom for the last 2 weeks.  But life and business goes on and I go back to work tomorrow.

I have been back for 2 days and I still have not unpacked and organized everything.  I am dreading that.  At least I washed everything the night before we came back so I don't have to do any laundry.  I just got to make my non-motivated self get busy. 

Our workout starts up again tomorrow as well.  AD and I have decided that it's time to really get serious about it.  We are both feeling like big ol' slobs and we are sick of it.  So weights tomorrow around 3:30 and running at 7:00.  If you get a chance say a quick prayer for us.

I still know nothing about my knee.  Do you know how livid I am about that?  I finally get the people in Texarkana to send my MRI result to the surgeon in Little Rock.  That took a couple weeks.  Now they have had the MRI report for over a week and I still have not gotten a phone call telling me the low down on what's going on with my knee.  Pretty ridiculous, right?  So I have decided that if I don't get a phone call by 4:00 then I am calling and yelling at some folks.  I have been nice way longer than what I probably should have.  But they are about to see a side of me that will not be so pretty on me.  Waiting is a game that I don't like very much.

Anywho, once I get more time I may try to post some pictures from our California trip.  But it's nearly midnight and this little lady is tired.  So, goodnight all!

Carter Update

Exhausted (igˈzôstid)- Drained of one's physical or mental resources; very tired. 

That's exactly what I am.  Utterly Exhausted.

Carter has really put us through the ringer the past week or so.  I so wish I could take all of his sickness and endure all that he is going through.  So, I told you that he has been sick and having diarrhea.  Well he has taken it to a whole new level.  He has been pooping like every 10 minutes and that, in turn, has made him very very raw.  So he has been very cranky.  I know it hurts really bad so I cant blame him.  There is no telling how I would be acting!!  But we have had very bad nights at home.  Poor little guy.  It finally ended (for the most part) yesterday.  So he is fine today and totally over everything so he is back at Lisa's.  He is still raw, but not sick.  But Nick and I have not recovered from all the lost sleep yet.

He is now back to his normal goofy self......

 

......and this was his wardrobe for the whole entire week.

 

I just can't tell you all the new stuff he is learning everyday.  He loves to show us his big, huge, bulging muscles.  He loves shaking everybodys hand, and telling them bye.  And he loves stepping on and off the couch by himself using cushions--it could keep him busy for hours.  But his new thing that he loves to do is dance.  I have yet to get this on video, but if you have ever seen Chandler dance, off the show Friends, then that's about what he looks like.  Anytime a song comes on tv he goes to swaying and moving his arms.  ADORABLE!!

 

He has to eat a "pop" (Popsicle) every night before bed.  He just craves them!

 

He was gaining weight really well until he got sick and I bet he is back down to weighing 21 pounds again.  Little dude just can't catch a break. 

 

He is getting better and better about dealing with people and I just really think it is because he is away from us during the day.  Lisa is really doing well with him.  Now we just gotta get him to start playing with other kids better.  I don't know if he is like this at Lisa's but when he is home, he is constantly smiling and is the sweetest thing and very active! 

 

All in all he is doing great and he is one tough cookie!

 

 

 





Labor Day Weekend

I have had a pretty busy end of the week and weekend.  Reason number one is Carter has been sick. And let me tell ya, when he is sick he is a lot of work!!  He gets very clingy, whiney, and his fuse box that keeps his temper somewhat in check is completely cut on half----which means it was out of working condition.  There were several times I almost just got in the floor and cried with him but decided that would have probably made him so mad and make beast that lives inside him would be unleashed.  That's his daddy's fault.... He made him that way. I am responsible for his sweet and loving side.  Anyways, the kiddo has not eaten much in five days and I can tell he has lost some weight....like he had any at all to spare.  He has had some kind of stomach virus (diarrhea, not eating, fever). It is finally almost over though and he is starting to liven up and play and eat more snacks.

We have missed out on all the fun being sick! Lake with family, football game, my best friends sons birthday party, cousins birthday party, and grandpas birthday party. What a bummer! We also missed out on having fun with cousin Nolan while he was down visiting.  I am hoping all of this sick business is out of Carter's system before we leave Saturday for California!!  Also, all that work that I did cleaning my house......it's messy again.  I blame it all on Carter!!

Reason number two for being so busy is because Tonya let me have a garage sale at her house, Saturday, which turned out to be a huge 4 family garage sale.  I think we did very well. After it was all said and done I ended up making 250 and what we didn't sale, we donated.  My money will be flying with me to California to replace what I sold and donated for stuff that is actually in style and fit me!  I had a lot if fun at the sale. One thing I learned though... A garage sale is a lot of work and takes time!  

The MRI people called and said it would take 5 DAYS to send the report on my knee to my doctor! If it were their knee I bet it would not even take 24 hours! I was so mad when they told me that.  Oh well.  Until they call and tell me the low down, I am still going to work out.  AD and I are starting the Couch to 5k workout today.  So if anyone goes to the park and sees two girls passed out in the middle of the road....it's us.  Just leave us there.  If we are not in good enough shape to do the first day....we deserve it.

So I know my Labor Day weekend don't sound like a lot of fun but I have enjoyed spending this time with my boy at home..... For the most part :)

This and That

This is one time that I really do not know what to say.  But I'm hoping as I rock along here I will find the right words. 

Something exciting....my mom and I are going to California to visit family on September 8 and come back on the 14th.  I am always so so ready for this annual trip that we take.  We always find awesome shopping deals.  Like you have no clue!!  Jeans for 10 bucks!  And since I am still not wearing the size that I was wearing pre-baby then I am actually in need of some new pants.  I have 3 pair of jeans that fit me at the moment and I think I am wearing them out!!  I am so excited to see my Uncle Louie.  He always shows us a great time.  And, of course, I can't wait to show everyone how big Carter has gotten and the new things he is doing since last year.  Carter loved the beach last year and I know he will love it even more this time.

Something not so exciting.....I had my MRI on my knee yesterday.  Just waiting for the really great phone call to tell me that nothing is wrong with it and I am just a big baby or the dreadful call that says it's torn again, let's schedule surgery.  My knee is very tricky business right now.  I can lift weights and even run on it and it really don't hurt--but give it a couple hours after and it gets very swollen and hurting like no one's business.  I can't even stand on it for very long without it starting to hurt or swell.  I can't keep it still very long either.  If it stays bent or straight for very long it starts aching.  Weird.  Just ready to know either way.

Something yucky....Carter has been running fever all day and has not eaten anything but a couple of gold fish.  He is drinking lots of milk and juice to make up for it.  Maybe he will be better tomorrow.  But, just in case, he is staying home with me tomorrow.

Something precious......Carter, of course!! :)  He is a mess y'all.  He is all over the place here lately.  I mean, he has always been somewhat active, but he is no longer my little cautious baby anymore.  He is "jumping" off the couch and chair onto cushions, stepping off big steps like they are nothing, walking through tall grass that is head high without even thinking twice, and running and acting like a wild baboon.  These are some huge steps for him.  The old Carter would never even thinking about doing somthing that might end up hurting him.  And for the most part he is all smiles.  Always happy and in a good mood.  We are loving it!

Something addicting....Zulily App on my phone.  I swear I buy things at least 3 days a week.  My two winter boots (in black and brown) just came in today and I am soooo in love!!  For some reason I am just not too impressed about the baby stuff that I see, but I love the "boy size".  Carter has quite a bit of growing to do before he fits in that size.  Every now and then I will buy something for Carter, but I love pretty much all of the women's clothing.  It is seriously my exact style that I love!  I have already gotten in three sweaters and they fit perfectly.  Since I have gotten rid of pretty much my whole wardrobe I am in need of a new one and why not buy them when they are 50-90% off??  It's AMAZING!  You should get it!  Or actually you might not want to get it....it is sure murdering my bank account.

Something AMAZING..... God.  Do you know him?  If not, you are really missing out.  I'm talking about someone that will be there for you through thick and thin.  He sent his one and only Son to die on the cross to set us free so that our sins can be forgiven.  Do you know how much love that is?  Would you send your only child to be killed for the world?  I know I wouldn't.  It takes a perfect soul to do that and that's exactly what God is and we should all strive to be more like him.  His love is never ending.  If you want to know more about this and want to know him as your Lord....just message me :)


I knew I could find some stuff to say! ;)

Cleaning Progress

Hold on to your seats--or your iPhone!  I have managed to pick out half of my clothes for the garage sale and they are already delivered to the place where the garage sale is going to be held!  And....wait for it.....I have cleaned out every closet that we have and have 3 huge boxes of stuff that I am going to put in the garage sale.  Mirrors, clocks, lamps, rugs, place mat settings, shoes, baby stuff that still have price tags on them, vases, wall pictures, doggy bed, baby clothes that Carter never wore, and games that Nick and I never really cared for.  I know there will be more once I go through all of our cabinets.

I have gone through all drawers and filled up two huge trash bags with stuff to throw away.  All of our important bank papers, deeds, insurance polices, and contracts were spread out in about 5 different drawers so I got a paper organizer and have each one labeled and filed in its correct place.  I have put all of Carter's clothes that he has grown out of in space bags and in tubs.  I stayed up til midnight after Carter went to sleep and cleaned every inch of my floors and dusted every piece of wood in my house.  I also have every piece of laundry done.  I am worst now then when I reached the "nesting" stage in my pregnancy. 

Momma has been busy!!

I have also worked hard all week long at the hotel trying to clean all the places that don't normally get cleaned.  Rails, posts, trimming hedges, siding, ect.

I don't know what has gotten into me.  I think I just cracked.  I tried to let the clutter slide but I just can't any longer.

My next step is going to be to go through all of Carter's toys that he never plays with anymore and put them up in storage because our house is being taken over by toys and most of them he does not even play with anymore.  We spend most of our time outside anyways.  The only toys that he plays with consistently are his trucks, push toys, balls, 4-wheeler, and books.  And he usually plays with all of those outside.

My mom and dad have redone their whole kitchen and got all new appliances and they gave us their old fridge...which is a really good one.  We actually have an ice maker now.  Being married two and a half years and having to get ice out of ice cubes trays is not fun!  Or having company over and not having enough ice....lol!!!  But the best part is that we now have two fridges.  Our old one will go in the mud room where we will keep our drinks and most of Carter's stuff.  And our new big one in the kitchen for everything else.

It just seems like my life is coming together great. I mean it has always been great but it is such a good feeling of loving to be home and not having to clean. If you have clutter or just need to deep clean your house...just do it!!  I dare you!  It's amazing the feeling it gives you!  There is also advice that I read on the Internet....clean as you go.  Like....when you just get done taking a shower and it is time to be cleaned...just do it while you are in there.  It takes literally 2 minutes, if that.  The tub is already wet, water is already running, you already have your wash rag--just have cleaning solution close by. 

Well, I just wanted to brag on myself a little bit for all of my hard work!!  Thanks for reading.

Clean Up

It's time to clean up my life!!  And I'm not talking about that part of my life that people usually talk about figuratively...like going to church, cleaning up my language, getting closer to God, ect.  I am happy with my life in all those areas.  I am talking about LITERALLY cleaning up my life.  I am so sick of my car being messy....all the time.  My house being messy....all the time.  My house is not dirty, just messy.  Toys and clothes usually everywhere.  And Clutter....wow.  I don't like clutter and it most definitely don't like me.  I was talking about this with a friend and her response was, "so your house looks like a toddler lives in it." Which is true but I am also very sick of that excuse!  It is really starting to get to me so I have to do something about it before I lose my mind.  Admit it--how good would it feel to have your house completely clutter free and know exactly where everything is?  And to be able to actually see the floor in closets. 

How to fix this?

1.) Nick and I went to the Home Improvement Store in town and looked at storage buildings.  We were shocked at how much they were.  We guessed about 1000 cheaper...(or maybe that was just wishful thinking).  So Nick is going to ask his uncles to help him build one.  We need one in a baaaad way!  We have a king size mattress and box springs just chillin in our game room along with so many baby stuff---bouncers, rockers, car seat.  Carter's closets are full to the max with tubs full of clothes he has grown out of that needs another place.  A crib and matress that needs a place to go besides in the back of Carter's closet.  There is countless toys that he has grown out of as well that needs to go into storage as well.

2.) I have done a lot of research on how to get and keep a house organized.  There is lots of good advice out there but there are two rules that I think will be most effective.  The first is buy one, get rid of one.  For example if I buy a new shirt, go pick out one that I have not worn in a couple of years and sell it or donate it.  That seems pretty reasonable.  The second thing is that everything needs a home.  Find a place and know exactly where each object in your house goes.  This is a very big problem for me, because I just have way too much stuff.

3.)  Have a garage sale.  That is my ultimate goal.  I mean, I have clothes in my closets that I still have from junior high.  Come on, Catherine!!  That was 11 years ago!  It't time to let them go.  Even though some of them may still fit, they are no longer in style.  Accept it and move on.  There is a 14-16 year old out there that would love to have my name brand clothes, surely.

4.)  Get a trash bag and go through all the "junk drawers" and just start throwing stuff away.  I found lotion and face washing creams that I got 5 years ago at Christmas that I have never even opened.  Toss it!!  Flip flops that are old and stained...toss it!  Socks that I can't find the matches for that I keep just in case the other match magically appears....yes, toss it!   And do I really need 40 pajama bottoms?  I think not.

Then when I finally get my house all organized just like I like I will master #2.  While I was doing research, it also said to just take one room at a time or even one drawer at a time.  If I look at my house as a whole then more than likely I will give up.  But since I am about to lose it, I really want to stick with it.

It will also help once I get my routine down.  I will probably drop Carter off at Lisa's around 8:30, come home and clean my house for a couple of hours, then go to motel and check rooms and all that good stuff, work out, pick up Carter around 4:30 and play with him for the rest of the evening.  So this whole house renewing thing will probably take a couple of months I suppose.

So please everyone give me some encouraging words and if you want, we can have a clean up party at my house.  Everyone is invited!!!!!  I'll even supply the supplies...ya know...because I'm generous like that.

Anyway.

Carter had a great, fantastic, fabulous day.  Lisa said that after I left him this morning he never cried again.  He did whine to go outside but I expect that to never change.  She told him it was time for a nap and he laid down on his little pallet and went to sleep, by himself, and slept for 2 and a half hours.  WHOA THERE!!  She is the baby whisperer.  He hate a good lunch--fish sticks, mac n cheese, and green beans.  And then when we went to pick him up he really didnt act like he wanted to leave.  For it to be his second day without family...I would say that is pretty darn good.  I am so proud of my boy!! And it feels great to know he is in good hands.

Tomorrow I am going to put old clothes on and work til I drop at the hotel.  Looking forward to it!