Today's Prayer

I began this blog to share my own thoughts throughout the journey, and it quickly became a place for posting pictures of Carter and sharing what was going on in our world. While that's all good, there are also moments I want/need to share what's going on inside..."behind the mask."
My world has seemingly crumbled to pieces in the days since my last post...hence, the lack of words and pictures over the last several weeks. So many loving friends and family members have reached out to us in the midst of this storm, and for that I am truly grateful. You have carried me through the last several weeks through your loving support and prayers...As such, I decided to share my own prayer for today...(As you read it, can you tell I've been reading a lot of Psalms lately???)

O God, hear my cries for help.
My soul is desperate for a touch from you.
My heart is broken and trampled on--
There seems to be no real source of hope...
And yet I know you are near-
Nearer, perhaps, than ever before.
Enfold me in your lovingkindness,
Wrap me in your healing arms,
Embrace me with your peace that
passes all understanding.
Reset my feet on solid ground,
And do not let the storm and waves of destruction
overwhelm me.
Hold my hand--
Lift me up.
Turn my face to you--
Shine your light into my darkened world
and let my pain be no more.
I trust in You alone---
My Rock, My Redeemer,
My Healer, My Source of Strength,
My Loving Savior, My Lord,
The Lover of my Soul.

Thank you all for your love & prayers...there is a long road ahead...

Pictures Paint a Thousand Words

AARRRGGGG....Shiver me timbers!

On guard!
My boys and their new toys...foam swords.
(Check out Carter's homemade shield!)

Swimming with Rosa Grace yesterday

All smiles :)

Carter at school...I mean "summer camp!" :)

Adaline & Carter (check out those blue teeth!)
We LOVE Nucci's! If you're a local, check it out!!

At Nucci's on Wed. with Don-Don, Mimi, Brax (look closely at his face--he gets this from his Dad--ha, ha!), Allyson, Adaline, and Carter

C went to the Nashville Zoo with Mommy on Wed.

Do you see that "magrilla?"

Taking a spin on the carousel

Can giraffes climb fences?? :)

Cutie pa-tootie

Golfing with Don-Don at Ravenwood on Monday

Hitting golf balls into the lake

Check out that swing!

Our own little Tiger

Lining it up

Beach Bums

We headed down to Seagrove Beach in Florida (one of our FAVORITE vaca spots!) June 20-27 with Scott's parents and sister. Instead of recapping the whole trip, here are a few pics to let you in on our fun! :)

At the Seaside Concert with Papa, Nana, & Susan

After a LOT of running around, it was time for a rest!

Trying on crazy hats at Seagrove Village Market

Splish, Splash...running from the waves

Our precious Beach Bum...
he took to this lifestyle rather quickly! :)

Building sandcastles with Daddy

Rainy Days

Well, we can't complain about the rain because we've certainly had summers where we've gone without, but it does require mommy to become a little more creative for our summer fun! We've got a bucket of activities for these stormy days, and this week we've enjoyed a couple...

McDonald's Playplace with Buddy Ben
(No, we didn't plan their matching outfits, but
aren't they cute??)

Today, we went bowling! Go Carter!

The roll....

The celebration!
(dancing and saying "Woo-hoo!")

The Past Week...

Running the bases at Greer Stadium last night! :)

Lots has been happening for us in the past week! Carter and I have been to Chicago and back and Scott comes home today (Hooray!). We had lots of summer fun...here's a peek at what we've been up to! Enjoy! (Sorry they're so out of order!)

Carter & Mommy
Cheering on the Sounds to an 11-3 victory last night!

Ready to catch a foul ball

Carter & Ozzie

Swimming at Aunt Ally's (with Cousin Brax's goggles) :)

Kung Fu Carter

First time in a tie
(He made it until the organ played for the couple to walk down the aisle!)

Go Cubbies!!!
Sadly, this is all we got to see of Wrigley Field this trip, but C was happy!

Daddy & Mommy at Cousin Laura's wedding in Chicago

Important reading material on the plane :)

We put Carter's name on the wall at Gino's East in Chicago

C's first act of vandalism, okay...so they permit it, but I
still got a kick out of him actually painting on the wall!

Waiting (and waiting) for pizza with "Bruce" the shark
C got him at Shedd Aquarium last Friday.

"Riding" a sea turtle at Shedd Aquarium

Carter's first plane ride (Thursday, June 4 to Chicago)
His favorite part was taking off!

More pics to come as the fun continues...
Love you all!

Happy Anniversary, Mimi & Don-Don!

Today marks my parents' 41st wedding anniversary. We want to wish Mimi & Don-Don a very happy anniversary with the hopes of many more years of blissful marriage to come! :) We love you!!!!

Dancing Machine

We went to Chicago this past weekend for Laura's wedding (Scott's cousin). We crammed in as much as we could, and I do plan to post pics from the trip. In the meantime, here's a look at our little life of the party. I especially love the clap and point...watch for it! :)

Baseball, baseball, and more baseball!

C got his face painted at the Farmer's Market today...
To no surprise, he wanted a baseball.

Carter LOVES sports...he just can't get enough. Is that just an innate quality of the male species??? We may have mounting evidence! :)
While Carter loves basketball, he's quickly become one of the "boys of summer" wanting to wear baseball shirts, his "batting sleeves" (wristbands with baseballs on them), and playing baseball every chance he gets.
This week, he gave me a lesson playing catch. It was too cute receiving instruction through Carter that obviously had come from Daddy originally! :)
Here are some pics of our fun the last few days...

Playing ball with Daddy

Playing catch with Mommy
(note the "batting sleeves")

Can we say "Defense?"
C was practicing his moves on Isaac at our community group picnic.