soapbox....

Today as I sit and watch Carter eat and watch Mickey I just can't stop and thank God for such an amazing gift. Yes, the last week while Carter was up at least 4 times a night was extremely difficult, but I wouldn't trade these days for ANYTHING.

Watching him grow each day and learn something every day just amazes me. I am SO blessed to be able to stay home with him. I wouldn't want anyone else watching him all day. I am his MOM and that is MY job. I recently had THIS very conversation with someone at a baby shower a few weeks ago. We both agreed that anyone can be a stay at home Mom if they want to. SO many people say they can't afford it, but I am here to tell you, IT CAN BE DONE. It is WORK, HARD WORK, but it is possible. You just have to have a major lifestyle change. Dave Ramsey has been it for us. I griped, moaned and GROANED when Jon said it was time to be back on it. BUT, oh my gosh, its amazing how much $$$$$$ we save when we live on a budget. We know where every penny is going. And we don't have a SINGLE credit card. So, we can't HIDE purchases from one another and that way we can't live outside our means. Seriously, Dave Ramsey can change your life. Check him out!

Jon and I toyed with the idea of putting him in Mother's Day out in the fall, but have pretty much "xed" that idea. For one thing its EXPENSIVE to do it! AND the main reason is...I know it's crazy, but I just don't think I can leave him for that long yet. I know it's only 4 hours and I could use the break, BUT, I just LOVE our routine that we have going. We have a great schedule and it's not like he is bad to take anywhere. In fact, I love getting out with him. I can't wait until its the Spring time and we can go to the park. I think he is going to LOVE it. He already loves to ride in his stroller outside, so I know he will love the swings at the park! :)......Sure, maybe this time next year he will need it for the socialization, but until then he is mine. :)

Anyways, thats my soapbox for the day. :)

Day 21-29 of 365

We LOVE to make homemade pizzas! Jon makes the best!

I ADORE this picture of Carter. Doing what little boys do...play with CARS!

Carter was falling asleep in his highchair watching Mickey Mouse!

We have LOVED this spring like weather lately!

Chi and GranJan! Carter and I went and spent a few days while Dad was in Jamaica. :)

Carter in all his glory...GranJans TOYS!

Carter and Laura. <3 <3 <3

It won't let me rotate my picture!!! WHY?!?! AHH, oh well..I LOVE living in the "Rocket City!"

That bib says it all! HA! Here is Carter enjoying Strawberries and cool whip!

Day 18, 19 and 20 of 365

Jon's Mom gave us a heated blanket for Christmas. Not sure who is enjoying it more. Me or Mr.Wiggles?? :)

Jon's brother, Jeff, gave Carter this super cute hat and shirt for Christmas. Carter was NOT in the mood to have his picture taken, but I did it anyways!

And my latest obsession. This picture of Carter. Taken on a fluke. I mean just in LOVE with it.

Philippians 4:6

Today I am reminded by Philippans 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I joined a Mother of young children Bible study at Asbury today. I will be the first to tell you. I was ANXIOUS. Almost to the point of having an anxiety attack about leaving him. I had NIGHTMARES last night and my stomach was in knots until we left. I tried to find every reason under the sun NOT to go, but kept repeating Philippans 4:6 to myself over and over. 

I texted my Mom all morning and she kept encouraging me to go. Especially since I had already told the leaders I would be there. She told me I had to give it ONE shot. And if I didn't like it I didn't have to go back.

Reluctantly I got myself ready and WOKE Carter up form his nap to go. I got there and dropped Carter off. My first time to leave him for an hour with complete strangers to him. I know that now is the time for him to get some socialization, but I was still nervous about leaving him. 

Of course, Carter did great and OF COURSE the Bible Study was JUST what I needed. I feel SO thankful for my Mom for encouraging me to GO and not let the devil get in my way. The ladies leading the group are such GODLY Christian Wives and Mothers something I STRIVE to do and hope to learn LOTS and LOTS from them. Bringing Carter up in a Christian home is absolutely the most important thing to me. SO, I need all the advice and support I can get from these women. 

Here is my 365 picture from today:

I am looking forward to the next 6 weeks. I know it will be a weekly struggle to get there. BUT, I refuse to let Carters nap, being sick or just lazy keep me from getting there. Those are just bad excuses and the devil keeping me from hearing what I need to hear.

Thank you, GOD, for putting these amazing women in my life. I can't wait to see how I am changed. You are my potter, I pray you will MOLD me into the Christian wife and mother you want me to be.

365 Catch up and a Baby shower!

First things first! :) My Project 365 for the past 4 days!

We hosted a shower for my cousin Laura on Sunday. Here is the UNFINISHED banner..

Here was my first ever attempt at a diaper cake for Laura's shower!

The FINISHED banner! :) (I made the onesies, too!)

FINALLY after 9 months, I decided it was time I put a picture in this frame! It has been hanging on Carters with a picture of another baby in it! HAHAHAH!!

 

 

 

 

Now, here are some pictures from Laura's fun shower. Everything was so cute. She got some really cute things. I can't wait to meet sweet baby Jake. Not too much longer now! :)

LOVE this!

CUTEST DOOR SIGN EVER!!!!!

Carter has these jammies and we LOVE them!!

We had such a fun/fast weekend! I hope Laura had as much fun at her shower as we did planning and making things for it. :)