Swing, Batter, Swing!

The updates may be a bit scatter-brained and less in quantity until the summer. We've got a lot going on--between the book I'm working on and wrapping up the school year, things are getting a bit crazy.
Anyway--I wanted to record this momentous occasion, as Carter made contact with the ball today! We "play baseball" sometimes, but it usually results in a lot of chasing after the ball. Tonight, Carter had his Tigers bat out ready to play. I counted "1, 2, swing!" and he hit the ball! Not just once, but several times. It was like something just clicked. I'm so proud! :)

Quote of the Day

This one is for our folks...
While eating dinner/hanging out, Carter randomly said, "My grandparents are special." We agree! We love you!

Carnton Plantation

Well, it's been a busy week...which you could probably tell be the lack of posts. :)
Anyway, Scott's cousin Sarah is in town this weekend so today we decided to go out to tour Carnton Plantation, which became a make-shift hospital during the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin . Carter made it through about the first two rooms of the tour before it became necessary to head back outside. Oh well, at least I know how the story ends...there was tremendous bloodshed and the North won. Maybe Scott can fill me in on the rest being the history buff that he is (and the lack of history stored in my own brain!).
Here are some pics from our "tour."

Our Little Rock Star

Enjoy! :)

CROP Walked!

Well,  I completed my 5K on Sunday (although I think I actually walked 5 miles...long story, I can fill you in if you actually want the details).    As it turns out, this was only the sixth annual CROP walk here; however, they take place all over the country.

I just wanted to let you know that with your help, I was able to raise $225 in just 7 days!  WOW!  Thank you so much for your help and support.  I'm hoping to participate again next year, but would love to have a big group walking with me. :)

In the meantime...check out coolpeoplecare.org for ideas every day on how you can help out in the community.  Thanks again for your support!

BEE Movie

If you didn't see "Bee Movie," you should.  It's a hoot!

With it being yet another rainy, yucky day, we had decided to rent a movie we could watch with Carter.  When the one we wanted wasn't in, I opted to check out "Bee Movie" which turned out to be an excellent choice.  It's one of those that the kiddos can enjoy, but there are plenty of jokes for the parents too.  (Just FYI, it is rated PG.)

Carter looked like such a big boy as he sat in his big blue chair with his bowl of popcorn and cup of juice watching in amazement and laughing at the silly bees!  Afterward, he started running around, flapping his "wings" and buzzing like a bee, asking to watch the bees again.  :)  I'm up for it! :)

What's CROP?

Just a quick FYI for any curious minds regarding the walk this weekend!

"CROP" stands for "Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty."

There is so much to be done globally to fight poverty, but I am grateful for the opportunity to also participate in something that helps those in need locally.

Thanks again for all of your support...I've almost met my goal!  Only $50 away...hooray! :)

Here are a few quick facts from Second Harvest to help put in perspective just how truly helpful your support has been...

Did you know that $5 will buy 15 pounds of food? 

Did you know that Tennessee ranks the 7th highest state in food insecurity in the nation?

Did you know that in Tennessee, more than 21% of children live in food insecure homes?

Did you know that 605,830 people were served throughout TN last year through feeding programs?

Did you know that $1 equals 4 meals through Second Harvest? Amazing!

One last thing...

Next week, April 10, Second Harvest is having "Skip Lunch, Feed a Bunch."  You can participate by skipping lunch and sending them the money you would have spent...or you can participate in spirit and still send a donation.  For more info, visit secondharvestnashville.org

CROP Walk Update

I'm truly excited about this weekend's walk to help those in need.  First, I want to say a HUGE thank you to those who have shown your support both financially and through prayer.  I have already been blessed in anticipation of this event, though that may sound silly to you.  It is amazing to have others' support for this walk and for the fight against hunger.

I invite you to pause a moment and consider our blessings...

I have something to eat anytime my stomach growls. I don't worry about whether or not the food I eat is contaminated in any way, nor do I worry about whether or not there will be a next meal.  In fact, both at home and out to eat there is often excess on my plate.  Without feeling a true hunger pain, the majority of the time I know I fail to truly appreciate the blessing of having such nourishment.  While we bless the food and thank the Lord for it, I know I still take my full pantry for granted.  I hope that through this walk and future participation with Second Harvest that I may in some small way help make a difference in the lives of others...and that I may not take what I have for granted.  

Finally...I want to let you know that I am only $85 away from reaching my goal for the weekend! Thank you for your support and prayers!  It means more than you know!

Later, Home Slice!

Our nephew Braxton and niece Adaline love to teach Carter new "tricks" (as does his Uncle Ross :)..but I won't detail that one!).

Anyway, today after school, Carter and I went to their house to hang out/play for a little while.  In the past, the kids have taught Carter to say things like, "Peace dude!"  So tonight, I was quite amused as they tried to teach him to say, "Later, home slice!" 

Carter didn't have a clue what it meant, so instead of repeating them he came up with his own couple of phrases..."Later, cheese slice!" and "Later, apple slice!"  

For the grandparents, the translation is "Bye!"  :)

CROP Hunger Walk

I have decided to participate in the CROP Hunger Walk that takes place Sunday, April 6.  This walk benefits organizations that fight hunger on a local and global scale.  Specifically, it benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank, Nashville's Table, Luke 14:12, and MANNA.  To find out more,or if you would like to join me for the walk, visit nashvillecropwalk.org.

If you would like to make a financial donation, you can do so by going to the website and clicking on "Sponsor Participant" on the left side of the web page.  Enter my name, and it will take you to my donation page where you can directly contribute online.  My goal is $250 by next Sunday.

Even if you can't contribute financially, your prayer support for the walk and these organizations is greatly appreciated!

I'll keep you posted on my efforts! :)

Egg Hunt!

I promise to add pictures to this post tonight or tomorrow...

Carter got to have an egg hunt at his school yesterday.  I was so proud of him because instead of staying right by me the whole time, he took off and started grabbing eggs!  

Afterward, I stuck around to help his class dye eggs...that was something I just HAD to see!  No pictures of that one, though...but you can probably imagine the chaos...

12 toddlers diving toward an open container of  hard-boiled eggs, then tossing them into cups full of colored water, most of which ended up on the table or their clothes rather than actually sticking to the eggs themselves.  

If you ask Carter about how we dyed eggs, his own words describe it perfectly, "We splish, splashed!"  :)

Some moms may be out shopping for new Easter outfits tomorrow!

The "Rooster" Bunny

nxjankajxkaJXJA  (That's Carter's message...below is the translation.)  :)

I was talking to Carter on Saturday, and he started saying that the "Rooster Bunny" was coming.  Here are a few pics of him playing the part!  Enjoy! :)  

Quote of the Day

It was raining this morning, and when I asked Carter if he heard it he said, "It's raining and raining because the sun won't get up!"  :)  Pretty good thought process, I think! 

I promise to blog more throughout the week, but in the meantime click on the link to Angeline's blog and see Rosa Grace's message to Carter (dated March 13).  The other day when he asked to see her picture, Carter said, "There's Rosie Grace.  She's beautiful."  He also says she's his best friend.  On Angeline's blog you can read and watch Rosie's "Thank you."  Too sweet!

We're goin' DANCIN', baby!

That's right...our Belmont Bruins made it to the big dance!  Tonight, Belmont won the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament beating Jacksonville 79 to 61 (part of a 13 game winning streak, by the way and one of only 4 teams in the country on that roll right now!).  To celebrate the win, Carter and I did our own dance in front of the TV.  He likes to "cha-cha," and it's a site to see! :)  To support the team, he's also got his Belmont jersey on over his PJs...not the best fashion move, but pretty cute!  I'm sure it'll be washed and worn many times throughout March Madness.

Go Belmont!  B-E-L-M-O-N-T...GRRRR!

Let it Snow!

Last night, we got the most snow we've had in 5 years!  (Which is pretty crazy considering that just last weekend I was in short sleeves w/ the windows open!)

This was Carter's first chance to experience playing in the snow.  We really talked up the fact that we'd be able to build a snowman, but as it turned out the snow was too powdery to really pack together.  But that didn't stop Carter from having a blast!  We made a "snow-mound" instead of a snowman, chased each other through the snow, made a snow angel, and even tasted a little snow.  When we came inside to warm up, we enjoyed hot chocolate...well, I did anyway.  I think Carter enjoyed the marshmallows more than the cocoa!  Here are a few pics from our adventures this morning...enjoy!

Feeling Better

Quick update on Carter...He is officially no longer contagious, but will remain on an antibiotic for 5 more days.  He is more himself today than he has been in weeks!  It is so good to finally see him running around, shooting hoops, laughing, playing, and talking up a storm.  

He's been saying plenty of funny things lately, but last night was especially so.  We were all at the dinner table, and as soon as Carter finished drinking his milk he looked at me with a sly look and lift in his voice as he said, "Mommy--I've got a present for you."  

For my fellow mommies of toddlers, no need to explain what the "present" was and what made his comment so funny...for anyone else who hasn't figured it out, there was a "present" waiting in his diaper!  Too funny!  I secretly wonder if Daddy has taught him to say that!  Boys will be boys!  :)

Flu Be GONE!

For the last 48-72 hours, I've been disinfecting our house from top to bottom.  Carter officially has the flu and on top of the flu he has "H-flu" (a separate bacterial infection).   I've even disinfected the mattresses!  Thanks to the warm weather today, I was also able to air out the house by opening the windows.  Amazing how much better just that can make you feel!

Last night, in his now usual fashion, Carter came into the room in the middle of the night so I said, "Carter, it's the middle of the night.  You need to go back to sleep."  His usual response is, Okay," then we head to his room to put him back in bed.  But last night he said "I know, Mommy, but I'm just sick."  Pitiful thing!  

For those of you that pray, please pray for our sweet boy to get well soon.  He has been sick for three weeks now.   Please also pray that Scott and I will stay well.  Doc's already got me on Tamiflu just as a safeguard since I've had constant close contact with Carter.  We'll keep you posted!

Love to all~ Sarah

Benefit Concerts

Just an FYI...

Our church, Fellowship Bible Church, will be hosting two concerts.  One this Sunday, March 2, and one next Sunday, March 9.  Each will benefit victims of the recent Tennessee tornadoes.  Check out the church's site for more info (click on the question mark above this message).  Artists include Michael W. Smith, Christy Nockels, Bebo Norman, Jaci Velasquez, and more...

Thanks...

I think it's time to add to my resume, "experience as a nurse."  Carter continues to be sick.  He's had the stomach bug, followed immediately by bronchiolitis, has remained congested, and this weekend has had fevers in excess of 104 degrees.  He's so pitiful, and it's hard as a mommy to feel like there's nothing you can do...

Anyway, while this happened a couple of weeks ago, I just wanted to share what a precious heart our son has...While he was suffering from the stomach bug, I was up with Carter throughout the night.  At one point, I changed his diaper 4 times in less than 45 minutes.  We were up and down, up and down. 

The last time in that series of diaper changes just as I was trying to summon the energy to lift Carter out of the bed, he said to me, "I'm sorry mommy."  My heart broke...of course, I told him he had no reason to be sorry and that mommy wanted to take care of him and do whatever he needed.  Once his diaper was changed and we settled back into the bed, Carter said, "Thank you very much."  A tear began to roll down my cheek, and those 4 words had made every minute of lost sleep more than worth it.

Rock Star

Check out our little rock star...his hair was like this when he pulled off his hat.  It was probably a result of static electricity, but I think he can really pull this look off! :)