Middle School Girls

I have to say that I absolutely love middle school girls. They're awkward, silly, self-conscious and super sweet! I used to teach middle school. We're in the last week of six weeks of camp and I'm constantly surrounded by middle school girls. They're always asking if they can hold Ezra. Middle school was not a happy time for me. I was moody, I had braces and a bad perm and I was about 5'11" and weighed 110lbs (maybe). I also wore a size 11 shoe. I looked hilarious. I was super self conscious and so concerned about what everyone thought. However, I was EXTREMELY impressionable during this season of my life. I was teachable and eager to learn. And there was still a little bit of me that wanted to please adults and especially my teachers. I began my relationship with Christ in middle school. For this reason I think it's so important that we not forget the middle school girls (and boys). I just contacted the student pastor at my church to see if there was a need for a mentor in this area. Just like the rest of my friends my age, I'm super busy with family, job, house, etc., but I just don't think I can miss out on this opportunity. I've been blessed to have so many people pour into my life through the years and I think it's my honor to pour back. Besides, one of these days, these middle school girls will be babysitting my boys, teaching my boys and yes . . .even marrying my boys!! So, here's to the middle school girls!!

Am I a camper???

I've never considered myself a camper. . . in fact, I don't really like things like the woods or being outdoors unless the conditions are perfect or there's a pool, lake or beach involded. I hate bugs, spiders and all other creepy-crawly things!
However, in looking back at my life over the last 10 years or so, one would think I love camping. My husband (and now boys) and I spend anywhere b/t six and 10 weeks every summer at camps. Of course, we're not sleeping in a tent and hiking a lot but there are bugs involved. There are also sweaty middle school boys, scary laundromats and lots of cafeteria food!! I know it sounds crazy but I LOVE IT!! Every year I look forward to our "camp season". I think that this year I'm especially fond of it b/c I have two boys of my own and know that one day they will be campers somewhere. It makes me tear up just thinking about it!! I really want to invest all I can into the students we come in contact with this summer b/c I know someday people will be investing in my boys!! Every "camper" is someone's son or daughter who is, just like me, in desperate need of a savior! Since we get to lead worship for these student camps, often times we're able to catch a glimpse of that connection b/t camper and Savior and it's the most amamzing thing I've ever seen. I'm honored to be a part and believe it one of the biggest blessings I've ever had!!
Enough for now, I have to go pack for camp!

My sweet baby Boy

Ok - before I post these adorable pics, I have to confess that I might be the worst "blogger" of all times. I have great intentions, but the busyness of the "urgent" just creeps in!! Anyway, enough is enough! It's time I share this sweet boy with the rest of the world!! Ezra Stone Cartee was born on April 17th 10:51am and weighed 8lbs. 8oz. He's doing really well and only woke up ONE TIME to feed last night!! (Praise God for four straight hours of sleep!!). I have many fun stories to share and will try and post them over the next several days. Until then, feast your eyes on one of my greatest accomplishemnts (equal to my two year old and second only to marrying the greatest man in the whole world!)

Snow Day!!

Today was Oak's first official "Snow Day". We awoke to 4 inches of snow - which is a lot for where we live. We immediately bundled up and went out to play. Since we don't normally get snow that amounts to anything, we don't own any snow gear. So in keeping with a childhood tradition my family established, we bundled Oak up and put grocery bags on top of his tennis shoes. It really works great - you should try it sometime! We had a great time, although I must admit I was wiped out when we finished! I guess I'm finally feeling pregnant!

It's a . . . . . .

We went to have an ultrasound last week to find out the sex of our new baby due in April. Well, to keep you in suspense, i must first tell you that this one was a fabulous experience. With Oak, the ultrasound tech (I'm sure there's a more "official" name for that but I don't know it) was very rude. Carl and I decided that she must be in the witness protection program! Anyway, this woman was great! So kind and she even took the time to take a few extra pics of the babies head and had the radiologists examine it for same problems that Oak had. We're happy to say that the head looks great!! We're also happy to say that Oak is excited to welcome his baby brother to the world this April! (Mom and Dad are excited too - no new clothes :-)!!

My WONDERFUL husband!!

I just felt like writing tonight about my wonderful husband! Here are just a FEW things that make him the best!

* He halves the load, sometimes taking on more than his half!!
* He's not afraid of a poopy diaper
* He knows how to clean a kitchen!
* He NEVER fusses when I spend money
* He always supports me when I work and am away
* He spends every Tues. night with Oak - it's boys night out!
* He recently surprised me for our 9 year anniversary with a 7 day cruise!! (see above photo!)

I could go on forever and ever, but I just felt it necessary to write about my wonderful man!! I love him so much and I'm so grateful that God gave him to me as my mate!

Thanksgiving Miracle Breakfast!

About nine years ago, Carl and I started a tradition we now refer to as "Thanksgiving Miracle Breakfast". When we lived in NC, the breakfast was for those students who were "stuck" at Gardner-Webb University with no family. We served a big breakfast and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It was great! When we moved to Nashville, we conitnued the tradition, only now, it's people who live too far away to travel home for the holiday. Yesterday, we had 30 plus people at our house enjoying our Thanksgiving Miracle Breakfast. Carl and I were re-capping yesterday's events and realizing that we have so much to be thankful for - especially the wonderful people God has put in our lives. What a blessing to have such good friends!! My cup runneth over!!!
(P.S. as a side note, the name "Miracle breakfast" comes from the fact that our good friend Trish Murray from NC would not come to our b-fast after several years of being invited. One year she FINALLY decided to show up and when she walked in the door, Carl yelled "It's a Thanksgiving Miracle"!) And so begins our legend . . .