Happy Birthday Ashlee!

Yesterday was my baby sister's 26th birthday! I can't believe she's 26! It absolutely blows my mind. She is such a beautiful person and I love her so very much. We had dinner at Brickhouse pizza and celebrated with an ice cream cake! Yum!

Things around our house have been going well. Carson isn't quite sleeping through the night yet, but we're going for about 3 hour stretches each night. And honestly, it's getting easier. He's such a sweet little guy, I'd go without sleep for a week straight for him if I had to. I'm just hoping it never comes to that! We actually just purchased something that I heard about on a website that I frequent for new mothers. It's called a SoundSpa Lullaby. It's made by Homemedics and not only does it play several sounds (you can choose between 7!), it also has a feature called picture projection. It comes with 3 disks and create images that are projected onto the ceiling or wall of you baby's room. It's a reallly neat product! I'm hoping that once Carson gets older, it'll be the thing that keeps him sleeping soundly at night!

Carson o'rama

My Boys

Oh, how I love the men in my life!

September 11

Today marks the 7 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the almost attack that ended in Pennsylvania. Today I can't help but feel love for our country and pride for all of the people who came together during that terrible time. I also feel a great amout of appriciation and gratitude toward our troops. I still remember exactly where I was as I watched the twin towers burn and come down on that day. I also remember the fear that I felt with millions of other Americans. I know I will never forget.

On a lighter note, today our son is one month old! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. Although he doesn't sleep through the night, he is getting better, and Brian and I are getting him more and more adjusted to a little bit of a routine. He is still as sweet as can be, and still melts his mama's heart with every little yawn, sneeze, smile, and tear!

One Down!

As the readers of our blog know, yesterday was mine and Brian's one year wedding anniversary. It turned out to be a wonderful day! First Brian's mom, Gwen came over to visit the kids and I. She came bearing gifts! Becuase she remembered that the gift for the one year anniversary is paper, she presented us with a beautiful tower of paper products. So very thoughtful and witty of her!! Gwen and my mom also gave us some money to help us celebrate! We're so lucky! For the celebration, Brian and I went to dinner and a movie. My sister came over to babysit for us, which was so very nice of her. As Brian and I were driving to the movie theatre I told Brian "Never in my life have I been so excited about seeing a movie and going to dinner!" It's just something we hadn't done, just us, in I don't know how long. Although we missed our little angels at home, it was so nice to be with the man I love, enjoying a night out. We saw the movie "Pineapple Express" which I have to say is one of the funniest movies I've seen in a LONG time. We both really enjoyed it. After the movie, Brian took me to dinner at one of my favorite resturants in town, Bonefish Grill. I couldn't have asked for a better date night with my sweetie!

When we got home, I'd hoped that we would both eat a peice of our wedding cake topper that has been in our freezer since our wedding. BUT, after my husband refused becuase he thought it would be gross to eat cake that was one year old, and I realized how tired I was....our cake is still whole. But, I will say that it was neat to see the cake and it's detail. I'd almost forgotten how gorgeous it was!

The first celebration of our marriage went wonderfully and we can't wait for many, many more!

One Year

One year ago today Brian and I were married and began our life together. It has been a wonderful ride so far. I am so thankful for my husband. He is strong in areas I am weak, and he shines in areas that I struggle. The peanut butter to my jelly, the bacon to my eggs. We truly balance and compliment eachother. Now, that's not to say that we don't ever come across any "bumps" in the road. We do. But I do feel that from every tribulation comes knowledge about eachother and our relationship. I'd like to list a few things now that I love about my husband.

1. He is hilarious

2. His family is very important to him

3. He is a wonderful father

4. He is very smart and knows more about U.S. history and politics than I do, and I'm the U.S. citizen in this relationship =)

5. He is so, so, so, so handsome

6. He's constantly thinking of projects and things he can do to make our home beautiful

7. He understands my shiftwork and does what he can to make graveyard easier on me

8. Did I mention he's really, really good looking?

I could go on forever. I feel truly blessed to have married Brian. As he was getting ready for work this morning, and I was feeding Carson, and we were both encouraging Tayler to finish her bath, he looked at me and said "Did you ever imagine a year ago that this is what we'd be doing on our one year anniversary?" And no, I couldn't have imagined that I would feel so wonderfully complete today.

Big Yawn

Carson's daddy took this picture of him while we were in the hospital. He thinks it's pretty darn hilarious, and in fact, wanted us to use it as the picture on our annoucement. I feel terrible for my son, who's father thinks it's funny to catch him on film, mid yawn! It's like those tabloids that post pictures of celebrities stuffing their faces, or picking their noses. It's just not fair. But, even though it's not the best "smile", I still think it's pretty dang cute. He always makes this face as he's starting to yawn. Just thinking about this face makes my heart melt. This guy just kills me!

First Day of Kindergarten

Yes folks, the day has finally come....our little Tater Tot has entered elementary school!!!! This week she started school at Wiley Elementary! Thus far, she's really enjoying herself. She was delighted to learn that there is a girl in her class from Gateway, so she already has a friend! She's getting to know several other kids and is really enjoying her teacher. We are so proud of her!!!
Although Carson didn't get to start school this week..he seems to enjoying walking (well, technically he rides) to pick his sister up every day. I had to post this picture of him that Brian took the other day...doesn't it look like he's just stressed from all of the pooping and eating he's been doing? He's been hard at work...keeping us hard at work. But, we wouldn't change a thing!