It's just bird poop

My mom and Mamaw took my Papaw out for a bit of fresh air today, as he is usually cooped up in the house all day, especially with the recent hospitalization and illness abundance. My Papaw insisted on going to see his head stone today. (yes, it sounds morbid) However, while there, he noticed some bird poop on the head stone, which is outside and is going to get pooped on. He insisted that my Mamaw get out some WetOnes and clean the poop off of his headstone. I found this hilarious, especially given my Papaw's personality and how he has never been a big clean freak. Just thought I would share, although it may not seem too funny to others. I just love my Papaw's little quirks.

Happy Birthday Rylan!

Happy 1st Birthday Rylan!
This is a picture of his individual cake (Cookie Monster with a Cookie in its mouth). Rylan immediately grabbed for the cookie and pulled it out. He made an absolute mess with the icing and cake but was too cute for words. He got so many sweet gifts and lots of love. It was very nice getting to spend time with my sister, as well. I am so proud of the responsibility that she is taking and person she is becoming. The party was a very memorable first birthday and I hope that he has many more wonderful birthdays ahead of him.

It's a Miracle

Sweet Pea came down with a stomach virus yesterday evening. She felt horrible and was vomiting everything she attempted to keep on her stomach. She stayed home with her daddy this morning, while I went to work for a few hours. Matt tried his best to keep her contained but any mom can tell you that children go through spells when they are sick. They will feel better for a little bit and be very hyper and then crash again. Sweet Pea was in one of the hyper stages and wanted to play with every toy she owns and Matt explained that she had germs on her hands so playing with all of the toys would keep the germs around, continuing to make her sick (he did pick out several for her to play with that could be easily cleaned). Sweet Pea took off upstairs and Matt soon followed. She then came out with her winter gloves on and expressed that it was a MIRACLE; her toys could be protected from the germs and she could play with everything now. Daddy did explain that it did not work that way but she sure seemed to put some thought into it.

A Busy Weekend

Me and my Best Friend from college












Wow! We stayed on the go this weekend. We started out Friday night with Pumpkin Pie's orientation for school, ice cream at Bruster's, and visiting with some close friends and letting the kids play together. Saturday morning, we had the pleasure of celebrating Beans birthday and getting to see all of her family, especially the other special guests that came in from Wisconsin (Lindsay and Eric) to celebrate the special day. Unfortunately, due to my poor planning, we had to leave early to get Pumpkin Pie's hair trimmed (as she really wanted this done before school started). By the time we were done there, the party was wrapping up. Saturday evening, we attempted a trip to Dollywood with my mom. It was soooo crowded! In the two hours we were there, the kids rode two rides so we decided to go shopping instead. We ate dinner at Cracker Barrel and headed back home.
Sunday, we skipped out on church. I know it is a horrible thing and I really do feel guilty about it. However, we were able to visit with some very dear friends of ours that we do not get to visit with that often. We went to Dollywood (again) and spent the day with my best friend from college and her family. Her and her husband actually introduced me to my husband because they just knew we would be perfect for each other. I am very thankful to have a few smart friends! (just joking to the others, and if you had to wonder if you are the non-smart one, you probably are) It was an absolutely wonderful trip, wonderful company, no crowds, and nice weather. Plus, I had two large cups of Frozen Cherry Lemonade (one of God's greatest gifts). I did, of course, have to share it with the girls because they also love it. The girls were absolutely worn out by the time we traveled home and were barely able to play when we got home. That was relaxing for me, at least!
So starts another week. My husband often comments that I pack our weekends full of things to do and on the weekends that I don't, something always comes up that we get to do. Poor thing never gets any rest. This weekend is going to be an adventure as well. We will be shampooing my Mamaw's carpet for her and celebrating my baby nephew's very first birthday! I guess Matt will have to wait for his relaxing weekend of doing nothing (unless I plan stuff on that weekend too).

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Beans! Today is your special day- celebrate and have fun! I have been so blessed to have had the opportunity to share special memories with you over the past year and to be friends with your parents.
Shout out to Mrs.B, you are in our prayers and we hope for a speedy recovery and that the pain will become more bearable. We are here, if you need anything at all.

M&M's

These pictures are something that I did accomplish this weekend. The canvas' is still a work in progress. Both of these pictures were magazine ads that I acid proofed and framed. I thought they added a nice little touch to the childish kitchen that I have.

money

We went to visit my grandparents today. My grandmother's birthday is the 18th so we celebrated with her today. My grandparents have to be the worst people in the world to try to get gifts for because they have absolutely everything they need. This year, we bought Mamaw a new laundry basket (because she refuses to buy one until hers no longer carries laundry, even if she is holding it together around the laundry) and we gave her money. I know it seems thoughtless but...anyways. The Carpenter family has long been known in their small town and surrounding areas as being "tight" with their money. It comes from having big families growing up and making everything last as long as it could. It has obviously been passed down to Sweet Pea. She attempted to con my Mamaw into giving her the birthday money. She tried the whole looking sweet as she politely took the money from her and said "thank you." She tried asking nicely for the money. She tried running off with it (and was corrected for this one). My Mamaw is a sucker. She ended up giving Sweet Pea and Pumpkin Pie $5 each. Sweet Pea is saving her money for a swimming baby doll and Pumpkin Pie is saving her money for clothes (as if she does not have enough). It was a good day visiting with my family and Sweet Pea has proven once again that genetics outweigh environment.

several short funnies

I have several short funny stories to share today, along with some good news.
My Papaw was able to return home this weekend. He is still not fully recovered but please keep praying that he will do well. Matt and I have been visiting local churches for what seems like forever, trying to find one that we really felt at home in and wanted to raise our girls in. Well, it seems that we finally found one that has potential and plan to keep attending there and praying. We will see what happens.

Now for the funnies:
I have a friend that is teaching her preschooler nursery rhymes. As much as she has tried, he has fought her on one particular song and the wording. His version is: "...Jack fell down and broke his crayon." Too cute!

We made a quick run to Target yesterday to get a couple of items. While the girls were riding in the buggy, Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Pea were conversing, being sweet to each other, etc. While getting the stuff out of the buggy at the checkout, Sweet Pea stands up and starts speaking loudly: "I've gotta crap, I've gotta crap." Pumpkin Pie starts giggling and says, "Cramp, I said Cramp." I continued checking out and pretended that the children were on loan. Just joking, but I did correct Sweet Pea and went on about checking out.

Pumpkin Pie is often not the funny child. She is usually more serious about EVERYTHING. On her way home with daddy one day this week, she asks, "why do people not dress up to commit crimes anymore?" Yes, this question was out of the blue so Matt asks what she is talking about. She responds with, "the bad guys on Scooby Doo always dress up as monsters or ghosts. How come people don't do that anymore?" Matt had to explain that Scooby Doo is made up and people do things differently in real life.

I hope everyone has a great week and to all of our close friends, we miss you and hope to see or hear from you soon!