Summer Fun 2011: Olentangy Bike Trail

We biked nearly 13 miles today.  It was a great day making memories and sharing

the adventure with family.  

Making Memories....

“Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moment we get memories that last a life time...”

Happy Father's Day Daddy.

Happy Father's Day Daddy. 

This song every time I hear it reminds me of Andrew and with all the stories family have shared this song sounds so much like him

and daily I see our boys more and more like their Daddy.  

Brad Paisley - Anything Like Me - American Saturday Night (2009) - Video & Lyrics - By Alexandre CWB®




I remember sayin I dont care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy Im ok
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said Ya see that thing right there well ya know what that means

And I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if hes anything like me
Hell probably climb a tree to tall and ride hes bike to fast
End up every summer wearin something in a cast
Hes gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street
Hes gonna get in trouble oh hes gonna get in fights
Im gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It safe to say that im gonna get my pay back if hes anything like me

I can see him right now knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass tryin to melt the Tonka truck
Wont he be a sight with his football helmet on
Thatll be his first love til his first love comes along
Hell get his heart broke by the time hes in his teens
And heaven help him if hes anything like me

Hell probably stay out to late and drive his car to fast
Get a speeding ticket hell pay for mowing grass
Hes gonna get caught skippin class and be ground for a week
Hes gonna get in trouble were gonna get in fights
Im gonna lose my temper and some sleep
Its safe to say that im gonna get my pay back if hes anything like me

Hes gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by I already dread the day
Hes gonna hug hes momma hes gonna shake my hand
Hes gonna act like he cant wait to leave
But as he drives out hell cry hes eyes out
If hes anything like me there's worse folks to be like
Aw hell be alright if hes anything like me

Summer Fun 2011: Columbus Zoo

Carter turns 1

Not sure about everyone singing to him. 

Tired baby + attention = tears

Brothers helping open gifts

Thank everyone for making our little guys day perfect. 

We love you. 

Happy Birthday Carter!

Dear Carter,

You are now one! Where has the time gone?  Everyday I am reminded that I can't keep you and your brothers little forever.

Giving birth to you, in many ways felt like a battle. I fought against myself and for myself. Against you and for you. and look back on it now, I realize that it was so physical, so emotional, so painful and pure because in those hours, days  I was fighting for a healthy baby and a determined to make sure Mommy was here to be with you and your brothers.

This is our anniversary, Carter Michael. Your first year of life. Twelve months of giving us laughter and love and sleepless nights and proud milestones.  My first full year as this better woman, a Mommy of 3 God-given gifts. I made mistakes but learned what you needed and when you needed it and how to rock you just right and what to say to get you to smile and a thousand other little things along the way.

Your Daddy, Jacob, Owen and I have loved every single second that has passed sinced your birth. We marvel in the joy that is you daily. Your are baby. Our sweet Carter-bean. The one who we never thought we would have!

Happy first birthday Carter!

Love,
Mommy

Let Me Hold You Longer.....

Long ago you came to me,

a miracle of firsts,

First smiles and teeth and baby steps

a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away

and leave to me your past

And I will be left thinking of

a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time that I held a bottle
to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you
and held you on my hip.
The last night when you woke up crying,
needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket
wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,
still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you’d marry
me when you grew old.

Precious, simple moments and
bright flashes from your past-
Would I have held on longer if
I’d known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,
your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite
faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,
those last few days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League,
last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all
your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow-
will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog
in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot
across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images
will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures,
never quite sure of your lasts…

The last time that I comb your hair
or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you
and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle
with a book, just me and you
The last time you jump in our bed
and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,
last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school,
last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days
that haven’t come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss
today’s sweet, precious lasts…

The last time that I help you with
a math or spelling test.
The last time when I shout that yes,
your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for
a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night
with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster,
stealing precious days that pass,
I want to hold on longer-
want to recognize your lasts…

The last time that you need my help
with details of a dance.
The last time that you ask me for
advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me
about your hopes and dreams.
The last time that you wear a jersey
for your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed
seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,
I’d hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,
you’ll be going far away.
College life will beckon
in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last good-bye,
one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand
just how much you’ll be missed.

I’ll watch you leave and think how fast
our time together passed.
Let me hold on longer,
God,to every precious last.

Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."NLT