For the Love of Balloons

Carson loved the balloons we got for Daddy's birthday. We had five in the back of the car with him on the ride home from the store. He was in complete awe. When we got home, he was asleep and holding the strings with both hands. It was difficult to get him out of the car withouth the balloons tagging along.

As we got set up for J's bday, Carson just stared at the balloons. Then, trauma occurred. His favorite balloon caught in the fan! You should have seen the panic in his face. I think he may have believed they were alive. Luckily, since he is only 7 months, he was easily distracted with another balloon.

Nothing has ever been more hilarious in his life than Daddy bumping the balloons with his face. Who knew.

Yesterday afternoon I had a typical "April" moment. I went out to check my mail and locked the door behind me. Smart. I was so happy that I had brought Carson with me though I was not very upset. See, he was in his high chair playing happily when I decided to check the mail. Last minute, I thought I would bring him with me and went back and grabbed him. Can you imagine if I would have locked him in??? The broken window would have been expensive to replace.
So, Carson and I walked up to a neighbors and hung out. We called J and he came home early. That was fun. Maybe I should lock myself out more often.
The advice Justin gave me was that if I ever lock Carson in is to not break the window but kick in the door instead. Thanks, Honey. I will make sure that happens.

My Son is a Future Redneck

Need I say more?

We had a great time at the cabin at the Archery Deer Hunt Opener this weekend. The guys were up way before the sun every morning, hiking around the mountain...doing the things guys do when they get all dressed up in their camo "costumes".

Here are a few things I learned this weekend:

Zack is moving to Texas to live in a camper trailer and hunt domestic pigs gone wild--seriously.

After sleeping in a loft with 4 adults, 2 children and a baby... I will never complain again when my husband wakes me by flipping over. Also, air mattresses are very loud when you toss and turn.

Grandpa Mark has been trying to install a working toilet since I met Justin four years ago. We still need to dump a bucket of water in it to flush.

Apparently, the corn muffins I made were for "poor" people. But, it is perfectly kosher to eat Vienna Sausages for breakfast.

The closest we saw to a bear was Grandpa Marlo... when he growls. However, Tyler actually saw a mama bear and two babies. As wonderful an experience as that may have been, I will pass on seeing bears in the wild.

As much as I think my cooking skills are improving, even using their recipes, I will never cook as good as Susan or Grandma May.

Don't let Tyler go through the food line first, he will get 3 1/2 of the 4 lb roast before anyone else gets a turn.

Esther is better at word games than me. Oh yeah, and as she states "I win a lot".

Cody is a card hustler.

I discovered something else, but I think it is still a secret. A three year old told me the secret though!

The air is definitely fresher up there! The food tastes better... there is nothing so peaceful and wonderful as hanging out at the cabin where the only chaos is that caused by the family!

For Your Benefit

While doing dishes today, I discovered something that everyone needs to know. Cooling Racks DO NOT make good bubble wands.

As I was washing my cooling rack (see above)... I was intrigued with how the soap spread out over each square. Thinking I was ingenious (and trying to keep Carson entertained so I could finish), I decided to twirl around with it REALLY fast and make bubbles.

I was not successful. In fact, I created much more work for myself as there was soap ALL OVER the kitchen. My phone which was charging nearby got soaked.

But Carson was smiling. Sometimes I wonder what he is thinking.

Sleepy Head

Despite all of our best efforts, Carson's blankets always end up wrapped around his head. If we move them, he wakes up. He loves to nuzzle down deep in his blankets. This causes major concerns every night... I think Daddy checks on him at least 4 times a night and moves the blankets they are not completely wrapped!

Carson already loves his books...just like mommy!

Perfect Moments

I recently read a book that said that once you become a mother, there are no perfect days but a million perfect moments.

I have been working on focusing more on those perfect moments. I realize they usually occur when I am thinking of things I SHOULD be doing. Like dishes, cooking, or whatever.

I already had my perfect moment today. I am sure there will be others.

I laid Carson on my bed and laid next to him. For some reason, this tickles him... maybe because I am at his level.

He was getting tired and I thought "I should put him in his crib so I can start cleaning."

But I paused and stared into his big, beautiful blue eyes.

He reached out and took my hand and stared back. He continued to stare at me until he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

So sweet and innocent. How lucky I am.

Birthday Wish

I turned 33 yesterday.
I went to blow out my candle and make my wish.
I looked around.
Some good friends had come over to celebrate and made me a yummy chocolate cake.
My husband was smiling and had worked so hard to spoil me and give me the best birthday.
Then my sweet little baby boy stared at me. Last year on my birthday I found out he was a boy. He was healthy and smiley and happy. Last year when I blew out my candles I put everything I had inside me into that wish. It had come true.
I paused. Justin saw my hesitation. "Wish for a wakeboarding boat!"
Oh yeah a wakeboarding boat... that would be fun. I blew out the candle.
Someone else can have my wish this year though. I don't really need a wakeboarding boat.
Here's to FABULOUS 33!

Mamma Mia

I had a fun Friday night! First, my friend Nikki and I tried a new restaurant... India Fusion in Jordan Landing. Delish! Nikki loves Indian food and her husband does not... we went to Indian Food for book club one month but I was pregnant and nauseated and it was not so good. This experience was MUCH better. I highly recommend #10 chicken.. the coconut milk one with Plain nan. YUM!
Then we went and saw Mamma Mia (the movie) with her sister and niece and Jayna and her mom and another friend from Nikki's work. Well, I had heard from a few people that it was corny and silly and had no substance. And that Pierce Brosnan should never try to sing. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical going in...BUT, I LOVED IT!
It was so fun. Yes, it is musical to the core. They break out in song as some of the silliest moments. But it was energetic and the music was great. Just a fun girls night. I wanted to stand up and dance in the theater.
I do have to agree though that Pierce's job is to just look good and keep his mouth shut. It was hilarious when he tried to sing. He put in such an effort but you could tell he was trying not to laugh at himself the whole time.
I am grateful to have a husband who tells me to get out and have fun too! Although I seriously had "Dancing Queen" in my head all night. Also, while Nikki's niece Anya was only 4 all the suggestive humor was way over her head, I would think twice about bringing tweens or teens...