What I want to remember about this Christmas.

I was inspired to write this after reading another Mama's blog post the other day....

Days go by so quickly... It seems like from 1 blink to another we went from holding our precious baby boy in our arms for the first time, to celebrating his second Christmas.

I want to remember the day Caleb put up the tree while Carson and I were at the store. When we came home and he saw the tree in our living room, lit up, his eyes got big with wonder and his first reaction was "Awww." The giggle and excitement he had as we decorated the tree that evening. And how he got frustrated when he couldn't hook the ornaments on the tree, so then he started laying them on the branches instead. Which is how I can always tell if he's been playing with the tree. The ornaments are either laying on branches are in a neat little pile right under the tree :)

I want to remember how every morning when we come up stairs, the first thing Carson does is go up to our Christmas tree and says "on on on". When I turn the lights on, he gives a beaming smile and says "Awwwww".

I want to remember how he likes to sit down with his Nativity play set and pretend to feed each animal with the little trough. When you ask him where Baby Jesus is, he picks him up and hugs it, and says "baby" in his sweet kind little voice. He then points to Mary and says "Mommy."

I want to remember the many nights we've spent curled up on the couch together, watching the glow of the Christmas Tree, smelling his freshly cleaned hair, and reading a book together. Being caught up in the moment of how overwhelmingly blessed we are.

I want to remember watching him run around while we looked at Christmas lights one evening. And clapping and smiling happily when seeing his favorite Characters. How he would say "Elmo!" "B Bird" " Eeernie" " Me Mouse" "Foofy" and call them out one by one as he saw them.

I want to remember the look of wonder and aw as Carson took in Disneyland for the first time. To seeing "It's a Small World" through his eyes as he gazed in amazement and joy. Tears were brought to my eyes then, as they are now thinking of that moment. It's one of those moments in time that I will hold with me my whole life.

I want to remember Carson's silly grin when he snuck a piece of candy in his mouth while we decorated the Gingerbread house. And how he carefully placed the gum drops on the roof. After we finished he kept climbing up on the chair and table and saying "Hi House!"

I want to remember the magical feeling of walking around Garrison Street, taking in all the Christmas lights. Carson sitting on his Daddy's shoulders with his adorable red and white Christmas Elf beanie. Enjoying the company of family and singing Christmas songs on the way home.

I want to remember the feeling of bliss as we snuggled up on Christmas eve, drinking sparkling apple cider, eating cookies, enjoying the fire and watching "A Muppets Christmas Carol". Tucking Carson in to bed and telling whispering "Merry Christmas my Son, I love you so much".

I want to remember the look of pure happiness on Carson's face when he came upstairs and saw what Santa brought him. The beaming smile as he climbed in and out of his tent, and the giggles he made as he watched "helped" Daddy build the train set Santa brought.

Most importantly I want to remember the comfort and peace that was around us, knowing that we are a family and that we are ultimately celebrating Jesus. Last night as I tucked Carson in to bed on Christmas night, I was overwhelmed by how extremely blessed we are. I've always loved Christmas, but sharing it with your children, who you love more than life itself is the best feeling in the world.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, we will have lots of pictures to come soon!

I love this time of year.

I really do love this time of year. Our crazy busy schedule is starting to wind down, and we are able to take it all in and enjoy this precious time. 

My two guys <3

Carson's mission to get the Cat out from under the tree was a success.

Snuggle time.

Cousin play time at Church.

My baby burrito.

He is my whole heart. I love him so much.

On Saturday the 24th we decorated the house for Christmas and enjoyed some wonderful family time. Carson and I went to Target to get a few things and when we came home, Daddy had put the tree up and had all the boxes ready to go. Carson's reaction to seeing the tree lit up was "Awww". Man I love that kid.

We listened to Christmas Music and decorated the tree as a family. Carson "laid" the ornaments on the branches and got frustrated a few times when he couldn't hook them onto the tree. He loved the "Cars" themed ornaments, and Elmo ornament I bought him for the lower portion of the tree. 

Just like last year we watched "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree" while eating dinner, I love little tradition of ours <3

Carson saying "Awww" while checking out the tree.

I am way to excited to start this on December 1st.

Carson's 2nd year Christmas Ornament.

Helping Daddy hang up "Cat"

The finished product. I loved Christmas last year so much with our squishy little guy, and I can already tell this year is going to be awesome as well. Toddler Christmas is going to be the best yet!

A year and a half in a blink.

I can't get over how fast this past year and half has gone by... Being Carson's Mama has taught me so much about life and what's truly important. He's a constant reminder of how very blessed I am. I thank God daily for my sweet Ray of Sunshine. 

2012 Olympics: What I want to remember.

The Summer Olympics are here... It has always been something I've looked forward too and

loved watching over the years.

1992's Olympics is the first one I really remember. It was my 7th

Birthday and my Mom threw me an Olympic themed Birthday Party. It was

amazing and one of favorite parties I've ever had.

Fast forward 20 years later (ouch), and I'm now enjoying them with my own Son.

The night time Olympic coverage has been great this past week because

of Carson's restless nights as he's getting more teeth. So I get to

lay in bed snuggling my sweet boy, and watching gymnastics and

swimming. Ive been savoring this extra cuddle time and loving every

second.

Another thing I love? How when I'm cheering on our US Women's Soccer

team, my little guy is cheering and clapping along with me :)

I never want to forget those moments.

It's amazing what 20 years can bring <3

The clouds parted and a ray of sunshine appeared.

Almost 2 weeks ago my Carksey boy and his Daddy both got hit with a nasty stomach bug. It was not pretty, 6 days of keeping nothing in and they were both miserable. I took Carson to the Dr. and he had told me about all the stomach viruses going around, and how we just needed to wait it out and keep doing what we're doing.

So wait it out we did. Lot's of snuggling, baths, Pedilite. 

6 days later the clouds parted and our little ray of sunshine was back to his normal self, and eating again! 

Oh and his Daddy was better too ;)

10 years ago today...

In 2002 I was 16 years old and a Junior in High School...

on

May 1st, 2002 this really cute guy I had a crush on asked me out.

and I said Yes.

Best decision I ever made! 

10 years later we have a strong marriage founded God centered beliefs, a home, an incredible son, a dog, a cat, and a beautiful life together.

My brain can't even wrap around the thought of what life would have been like had he never asked me to be his girlfriend.

I am so thankful I get to spend the rest of my life with him.

I love you Caleb.

(Picture taken 2002 on my 17th birthday)

(2002 Photoshop class)

(Senior Prom 2003)

(HS Graduation 2003)

Letter to Carson: 1 year Old

Dear Carson,

Tomorrow is your 1st Birthday. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how just one year ago today I met you for the first time and my life forever changed. Words cannot do justice for the love that I feel for you. God truly blessed your Daddy and I and our whole family by bringing you into this world. Each new day is a blessing and a treasure with you and I am honored to be your Mommy.

You are so smart, funny, smiley and loving. My favorite is when you squeeze your arms around my neck and give me a big hug and kiss. You are pure joy and your giggles melt my heart. You are very close to walking now and can stand not holding on to anything for a few seconds at a time. You get around by walking with your push truck or crawling. You are into EVERYTHING, and have so much fun exploring things and discovering how they work. Your vocabulary is expanding quickly. You can say "Mama" "Dad" "Dadda" "Daddy" "Dog" "Cat" "This" "Yes" and can sign "all done" and "more". Your favorite show is still Baby Einstein but you also love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Chugginton, and Little Einstein's. You love to look at books and have story time. We read Dr. Seuss a lot at night and you love reading animal books.

I am so proud of you and excited to see what this new year brings as you enter Toddler-hood and experience new things.

Happy Birthday my Peanut, you are the greatest gift from God.

I love you with all my heart,
Mommy

Morning time.

The morning is my favorite time of day with our Carskey boy... He always wakes up with a smile on his face, ready to play and start the day. 

He sticks his tongue out when he's thinking, I love this photo so much.

After breakfast we get dressed and have a little more play time!

And a picture of our Bear-bear... because he's such a nice snuggler in the morning :)