Proud moments...

There's nothing quite like the pure joy and pride you feel when your kid does something outstanding. Take for instance this fine moment I had while exiting my second home, Target.

As we're walking out the door, Mason sees one of these and loudly screams out "CROTCH rocket! It's a CROTCH rocket! Look mom, a CROTCH rocket!"

I wouldn't have thought anything about this normally, but about a week ago he said 'crotch rocket' and Chad mentioned that he probably shouldn't be calling it that. What? I thought that's what they were called? Is it a nasty slang phrase then? The more I think about it, it probably isn't something a 4-yr. old should be shouting out. A rocket in your crotch - yeah, it is a little inappropriate. Now I'm paranoid that other's think so too, which is why I was mortified while leaving Target and he screams it out not once, not twice, but THREE times.

Anyone know what they're really called?

Mason-isms

Mason picked these sandals out. He really wanted the flip-flop kind of sandals like I wear, which I think is odd because they're hard for him to run in, but whatever. He put them on as soon as we got into the car after leaving the store and told me that the fire on them was "creepy". The next day he wanted to wear them to school. While we were pulling out of the driveway, he informed me that he was turning them off so that they wouldn't fire-up the car. They can fire-up the world. Gosh...scary.

And here's a picture of the art Mason made for me in school on Friday. He then tried to take it with him to camp later that day to give to Grandpa Mark. Well - Happy Mother's Day, Grandpa Mark.

I love this picture...

It's one of my favorites. I love candid photos where people aren't posed and smiling at the camera...I always try to shoot pictures like that. This picture was taken back in February at my sister's house in Florida. I love those chubby cheeks!

I have nothing interesting to say...

So I'm adding more pictures. Enjoy!
(As with all of the pictures here, just click on them to make them bigger)

Pictures!

Here are a few (too many) recent pictures...

Auntie Bri's house in FL (Feb '08)

March went out like a lion...and a snowman was born!

Baths in the sink while the bathroom is being remodeled

Went to see Ann Coulter at NMU while I was staying in Michigan - fun time!

Apparently someone forgot to tell my son that winter is over. Here he is on a warm 65-degree day. Maybe it's time to pack the gloves away...





And one of the girl ripping up our mail.

How do I love thee?

Like crack to an addict, so are my mornings with coffee.

Coffee was a must this morning. Little girl was up a lot last night. Thank you, husband, for taking a turn with her. Did you notice that you were the one with the magic touch? No? Well, I'll be sure to remind you of that special gift the next time she wakes up in the middle of the night. I love you!

Imaginary friends...

I'm writing to inform you all that our happy family of four just grew by two! Cousin & Joy have now joined our brood. What, you say? Who are they? Nope, not kittens or puppies ( I haven't gone crazy, promise!). They happen to be people of the imaginary form. They've been hanging around my house all day - napping, eating, riding a bike, hunting in the backyard, swinging from our trees. Cousin is Mason's cousin and he's 5-yrs. old. No, he doesn't have a name...it's just 'cousin' according to Mason. Joy is his brother and he's 3-months old. Mason 'carries' Joy around in his cupped hands.

Oh, yes - this is all very hilarious! Had to get it down so I remember to tease him about it in 10 years.

Mason pushing Joy in the swing:

I tried to sneak this picture out the kitchen window, but he spotted me.

Old Mother Hubbard

Hi, and welcome to the Carter's - we hope you enjoy your pickles and milk...would you like ketchup or ranch with that?

So, how are the kids?

This blog is supposed to be a way for me to keep track of my kids and their happenings since I've been so terrible at keeping up with their baby books. The girl doesn't even have one. Haven't done that yet, so I guess I'd better get to it!

Mason

1. Learned how to ride his bike without training wheels last week. I'm actually really impressed with how quickly he caught on, a trait I'll proudly claim. Seriously, this kid's been practicing nearly every day and rides like a pro.

2. Doesn't listen to his mom...at all. What's the going rate for 4-yr. olds these days? Can I get him back in oh, let's see - when he starts kindergarten?

3. Is funny! Really, really funny. But, hey - I'm his mom so I'm biased.

Natalie (NattyKat)

1. Finally got the hang of crawling around the end of March. Previously, she had used rolling as her preferred means of movement.

2. Shortly after mastering the art of crawling she started pulling up on furniture and 'cruising' in the beginning of April. A few bumps on the noggin later and she's become quite sure-footed. Here she is at Glama's house...

3. She's signing! I love watching her connecting the dots. They're such sponges at this age. More & milk are the signs she does right now and I'm working on all done, mom, dad, & a few others.

4. Has 5 1/4 teeth! Major teething going on in the Carter home...many night wakings have been part of this process. We're back to normal...for now! Mason never showed any signs of teething - no excessive drool, no whining, no sleep issues. We've got 'em all with our girl!

So, the kids are good!