Marching To The Beat Of Our Own Drum

Believe it or not, with how karaoke went at the library- we were still invited to attend the "Drum Circle" night sponsored by the local library to celebrate the soon to be open new library. We met up with our new friends here, Shauna and her kids Hudson and Harper. They are also new to town and the kids are within months of Tyler and Carson's age. Shauna's husband also works at Western Carolina as the girls soccer coach- so we are fortunate to have a lot in common. Shauna is also going to be Tyler's preschool teacher (I know, small town). Not knowing what to expect, we fought the pouring rain to have a really great night. Turns out that "Drum Circle" is a big group of families sitting in a giant circle and a class lead by Ms. Mary (who is a musical therapist for Alzheimer's and dementia patients/social worker). Mary got her Masters degree studying different types of drums and where they originated from and how they had an impact on that particular culture. She had no less than 70 instruments laid out on a table and basically we all played music for 90 minutes. No rules- just learned about drums and then all grabbed a noise maker and went wild. Kids danced, adults yelled- it sounds crazy but it was really fun. Tyler had a blast and actually really listened to her explaining about the different instruments. Carson stood almost the entire time dancing around and sucking his thumb. Turns out they are having this event every fourth Saturday right down the street from us. I might be investing in some earplugs, but we will be there to join in the noise!

Becoming One With Nature

Ok, the title of the blog might be a little much- but we are spending a lot of time beautifying the outside of our home. Being surrounded my mountains and woods has made us realize that we needed to make the space more inviting for wildlife (I will be eating my words at the first sign of a skunk or opossum on the porch- we are more into "controlled" wildlife). After a few trips to Lowes, we stocked up on a few necessities like a bird house, squirrel log and feeders. And no porch would be complete without hanging baskets to attract hummingbirds (which we have already been visited by several since having them up).

Tommy hanging the bracket for the bird feeder while his helper holds the ladder. After I looked at this picture, I asked Tyler what he was looking at on the ground to which he replied "I was watching a nest of bees". That will be a project to take care of another day.

Our new cedar bird box perfectly placed high in the tree so that we can enjoy watching from the porch. Tommy let me know that this was not exactly the easiest spot to reach from his ladder.

Our hanging baskets- they also wrap around the other side of the porch. Notice Tyler's scooter- apparently this is now the perfect place to ride when it is raining.

Karaoke Gone Bad

This morning I took Tyler to the much anticipated "Karaoke Day" at the local library. This day was combining two of Tyler's favorite activities: being the center of attention and singing. I thought the morning could not go wrong. How wrong I turning out to be. The event started off positive enough with Tyler volunteering to go first with song renditions of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and innocent enough "Old McDonald". Everyone clapped, I cheered and took pictures. Here is where it started to go downhill...it became someone else's turn. Tyler had problems sharing the stage and literally turning over the mic. Here is where it went from bad to couldn't possibly get worst. After the teacher made comments that Tyler had sang a lot of songs and the floor was open to other kids- Tyler stayed up to sing along with the other groups. I hustled to the front to herd Tyler back to the audience and he had the meltdown of all meltdowns with no warning. Now I know when I type this, readers are going to think "Surely, she has seen this type of behavior before". I promise you (and why would I lie, I did not have to even post this event) that this was the first time Tyler has ever acted this way....The following events are what took place after I tried to direct Tyler to the back of the room. First he yells, "Stop it! I don't want to be touched!" Then he swung his casted arm to get away- hitting the librarian and that little girl in the purple leotard. Followed by lots of gasps and silence. I snatched Tyler and said we were leaving. Parents were helping me to try to find his shoes so I could exit. By the time I made it to the car, I was broken out in hives and had a headache from sudden spike in blood pressure (which is still with me almost 7 hours later). Oh, and to top it all off- Tyler's new preschool teacher and two of our neighbors were in the audience to witness this scene from hell.

All I will leave you with is that we have all gone to the library to apologize extensively and I will never be taking him to a karaoke bar in the future. Parenthood is very humbling.

29 Weeks And Growing!

Before time got away from me, I also wanted to document the latest picture of me! If I look tired in this picture, it is because I am. The days are starting to feel longer- and I am starting to feel really nesty. Cooking and keeping a really clean house seem to be my vices...enjoy it while it lasts Tommy! I feel good and am so excited to soon be hitting the 30 week range. We feel like we are approaching the less scary side of pregnancy and with two premature deliveries- we do not take any week for granted that she is still in me growing strong. I was curious to see this picture after it was taken to see if I looked as big as I felt, and unfortunately the answer is yes. I am not sure why I get so big with pregnancy-but now I get why people have been asking if I am carrying twins. I will try to post at least a few more pictures of my expanding waistline before she arrives- wish me luck with keeping her in for as long as possible!

Almost 17 Months

I feel like lately I am running out of time and energy to document all milestones, and I cannot believe how long it has been since updating Carson's! Tommy and I have determined he is going to be the "talker" of the family- and if you know me or Tyler very well then you realize how scary that statement is. He babbles nonstop and uses his finger to give directions. He loves to laugh and has a fiery temper (your guess as to which one he inherited that little trait from). His eyebrows tell stories before he even opens his mouth and his favorite animal impersonation is to howl at the moon. Silly, sweet, full of expression, and the best snuggler all in one- we love you Carson! You are the best little brother and will also be an incredible big brother soon!

Carson loves to check himself out in our full sized mirror- one would not believe how long he can entertain himself by just making silly faces.

We are so curious to see what his hair is going to look like- most days it looks like it is getting blonder and curler!

Desserts Anonymous Is Calling

I hope baking is just a form of nesting, because the symptoms are getting worst. Especially concerning blueberries. Ever since visiting Thomas Berry Farm, I have been trying to think of recipes and new ways to devour these blue dots of heaven. While at my grandmother's house last week I pillaged through her "Country Woman" magazines and stumbled across a recipe for a lemon tart (pictured on the right). On the left is my ol' trusty cobbler- a sure bet to fill you up and add pounds. I am just hoping I will get sick of blueberries very soon or run out of ingredients. Anyone want to come over for dessert tonight?

Churchgoers

I am fully aware that it is no excuse, but with having moved six times in five years- we have not exactly had the best opportunity to consistently go to church as a family. When we moved to North Carolina, Tommy and I decided that finding a place to attend was a priority. So for the last month we have been visiting churches and Tyler even attended Vacation Bible School. While we are thrilled to be finally attending church, we still have some kinks to iron out in the type of service we are looking for and the best time to attend (the service we want to go to is later in the morning but conflicts with Carson's nap). It will all work out and we feel good about just being on the right path for us as to what we feel like our family is in need of. Not necessarily the best picture (thank you local barber shop for Ty's gaped hairdo), but wanted to at least document one Sunday morning of getting ready.

Recent conversations with Tyler to confirm the need to start going to church:

Me: Tyler, where does God live?
Tyler: In a van in Knoxville.

Me: Tyler, I think God lives in your heart.
Tyler: God does not listen to your heart! He is not a doctor!

Cooking With The Boys

Tyler and I hit the kitchen tonight to prepare dinner. The menu: sausage biscuits, sliced tomato, peaches, squash casserole, and rice krispies for dessert. I figured with such an unorganized array of food, that there would be something to please everyone.

Tyler above is stirring the marshmallow and butter for the dessert. Note the homemade apron that Mrs. Jamie (one of his teachers from Knoxville) made him for his birthday. Also notice how a "real" chef does not need two functioning arms in the kitchen to get the job done.

Carson plundered through the lower drawers the entire time trying on oven mits. A 16 months old contribution...

Pure Comfort

Carson and Ma

Meeting Up With Good Friends

On the way home from Nashville we were able to meet up with our dear friends that lived across the street from us in Spring Hill. In case you are unfamiliar with the story, Brooks is the one who scaled my fence in the pouring rain during Hurricane Dennis to unlock my door and bring my hospital bag to me when my water broke - not the type of friend you meet every day. We always have the best time when we get together, even though it is never often enough to suit me. The best part of the trip was watching our kids interact. Brooks and I were pregnant with our last children together and are sharing a pregnancy again. So naturally, it is always fun to get together to compare stories and laughs, but this time Tyler and Gavin (who is 6) really hit it off. All of the kids had a great time and played all over Logan's restaurant. I took 1,000 pictures, but decided to skip the slideshow and only display a few. Brooks, Chris, Gavin, Taylor Marie, Gracelynn Lee- and baby #4 we love you so much and miss you!

Brooks and I saddled up to the table ready to eat.

Tommy entertaining the troops with Taylor Marie's hair bow. He was not too thrilled when he spotted the flash of my camera.

Gavin, Tyler and Taylor Marie

Carson admiring Gracelynn Lee and her doll

Not Exactly The Summer Break I Was Looking Forward To

Over the weekend we took a trip to Nashville to visit Tommy's parents. We were not there two hours before Tyler fell and injured his wrist. He also was unable to put any weight on his left leg. After about five hours in the Emergency Room and several x-rays later...the doctor informed us Tyler had a broken wrist. He also splinted his leg, since the x-ray was showing clear but there were concerns about him not being able to walk. We called our doctor on Sunday and were told to call the office first thing Monday to try to schedule an appointment with an orthopedist. Lucky for us, after hauling it back to Knoxville on Sunday- we were able to get an appointed to be casted today. We were relieved to find out that Tyler's leg appeared to only be really sore and that he would only have to be in the cast for four weeks.

Tyler in the ER waiting to go for x-rays late Friday night.

After the splints.

Passed out on the way back to North Carolina tonight after getting the cast. He was exhausted after nights of restless sleep!

Before bath tonight he insisted on us signing his new green cast. In two weeks we will return the the doctor's office for him to get a shorted one that will stop right below the elbow.

Who Am I?

After a rousing game of Candy Land, Tyler and I decided to play the game "Who Am I?" For those never introduced to the game- player one gives clues to describe an animal or object while the other participants try to guess the thing described. So after Tyler went through his favorites (coyote, horse, pudding pop), he says:

"I have a lot of hair. I have two eyes, a nose and a mouth. I have a baby in my belly and am yawning...who am I?"

Any guesses as to who he was describing?

Carson's First Phrase

Tommy was pinning Carson down on the bed tickling his belly just 30 seconds ago. All of a sudden, Carson got this frustrated look on his face and said clear as day "Let me go!"

Tommy and I both witnessed it and sit here in shock. I have heard a slurred version of "Here you go" when handing me a toy, but by far this was the plainest and most direct phrase. Wow.

Blueberry Breakfast

Even though we were all still a little full from last nights blueberry cobbler, troopers do not complain. We all slept in a little and waddled to the table this morning where Tommy had prepared a feast of blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon. Tyler insisted that he needed even more berry's to compliment his meal and poured them on top as well. In this month before Tommy has to start work, we are loving him perfecting his culinary skills on the willing. Berry good, berry good indeed.

Ty

Thomas Berry Farm

Today was a great day. My Aunt Linda, Uncle Bob and their kids Daniel and Samantha came for a visit. The day got kicked off at about 10am with a tour of our home (which lasted until approximately 10:02am). Then they all went down to the Dillsboro Rafting Company to hit the river. I stayed home with Carson- first requirement is kids have to be 4 yrs old or 40 lbs, I also could not imagine the looks of a pregnant woman in her third trimester fighting the rapids downstream. After rafting for almost 6 miles- the weary crew came back for lunch and downtime. After a short nap, we all loaded up to go to Thomas Berry Farm in Cullowhee NC. Mr. Thomas had planted over 900 blueberry bushes! We fought heat and gnats, but won a total of just over 11 lbs of blueberry's. What an incredible day- and about to be incredible night...the kids are getting a bath as I blog and my blueberry cobbler will be ready in about 15 minutes!

Tyler, Samantha and Daniel starting the pick.

I took this picture at the top of the hill overlooking some of the berry farm- keep in mind there were several rows behind and to the sides of me.

Tommy trying to fill his bucket with a 30 pound taste tester riding behind.

Daniel and Tyler inspecting the berries.

Ladies Man

Ok, this gives new meaning to the term. Tyler was able to reach one of my sundresses that was drying in the laundry room and helped himself to a personal fitting. The funniest part of this picture was Carson's confused expression while watching Tyler model the new outfit. I guess Tommy needs to leave more ties laying around the house for when Tyler has an urge to play dress up.

G-Ma and Carson

I simply love this picture. Of all of the shots taken at Tyler's birthday party, I keep looking at this one. My mom and Carson had just come down the giant side at a pretty impressive speed. My camera did not go off when I had wanted it to, but this super close up one was even better.

Happy 4th Birthday Tyler!!!!

Although we have celebrated for over a week now, today is Tyler's actual birthday. In awe of how big he has gotten- both in size and capabilities, we could not be more proud of Tyler. This picture was taken a few hours ago by the river where he and Tommy went tubing. Requirements for the adventure: 4 years old or 40 lbs. Both met! Happy Birthday Tyler, you are so loved!!!

Birthday With A Little Bounce

Thursday we went to Knoxville to celebrate Tyler's 4th birthday at Bounce USA. He turns 4 on July 12th-but it worked out perfectly to celebrate a few days earlier with all of his friends and family. Tyler had the most amazing time and Tommy and I were overwhelmed with the turn out. We are so appreciative for our circle of friends and incredible family for helping to make this birthday extra special. I know that Tyler will not forget the night he had and it was so wonderful to see everyone before heading back to North Carolina. We will be in the area often and cannot wait to get together soon.

New Home, Part II

And the tour continues... This is a view from our side porch- to the left of the table and chairs are the doors that open from the eat in kitchen. The porch wraps around the house, but this is the best side to view the mountains.

Another picture of the kitchen and eat in- you can see the doors leading to the porch. Again to the left of the eat in is the dining room.

This room serves many purposes. For now it is the guest/nursery. On the other side of the bed is Carson's crib. In about 6 months, Carson will share a room with Ty and this will be guest/girls nursery.

And the boys bathroom! I didn't get a picture of the best part- you will have to use your imagination... On the other side of the wall beside the shower is the toilet with a glow in the dark solar system hanging from the ceiling (compliments of G-Ma). Makes for a real interesting bathroom experience.

Besides our master and the boys rooms, a reading nook, mudroom and hallways- you have been given the official tour. I doubt I will post exterior pictures for a while since it will be a while before we landscape...but if you are dying to see more- COME VISIT US!!!!