Have you hugged a tree lately?

The weekend before Christmas we went tree shopping in Washington Kansas. I know I was a little behind but their were acres of trees and we chose the best lookin' one. The boys had so much fun. I love the pic of them hugging their Christmas tree. The man who came down to chop the tree down had a real chuckle with Owen. He lifted the tree and was carrying it to his truck as Owen was saying "Wow, you have big muscles you are Strong!" He nearly dropped the tree b/c he was laughing so hard. It was very cute. I love the pic of the tree smashed in between the boys. They had so much fun. We will have to make this a tradition.

Cookie Time

I have been baking up a store this holiday season. I made 4 dozen for my Public Library as a fundraiser and 2 dozen for MOPS and another 2 dozen for my church. The boys loved helping me with these.

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year and my Grandparents from Stockton and my mother from Salina came down. After the turkey meal we made sugar cookies. Owen would only make a present and he always took the center of the dough.

Every year I normally make Santa cookies out of Nutter Butter's but this year I tried the mice! Aren't they the cutest!

My family is grateful for all the wonderful people in our lives

We would like to thank all of our family and friends for the food, prayers, gifts, and phone calls. We are so grateful to have such caring people in our lives. Without this support we wouldn't be as strong as we are.

We lost our baby on Monday. We were 19 weeks pregnant and very excited for this new baby to be in our lives. This is the second child we have lost and needless to say it doesn't get any easier. We are blessed to have two amazing little boys that are energetic and so lovable.

I will be taking a blog break and focusing on my family for awhile. I know you understand and I thank you for your patience.

Kids say the darnest things

Yesterday afternoon we needed to get out of the house. We went and did a drive by the zoo. The animals were really active due to the colder weather. Owen says,"Mom, dad, don't go closer the bear will turn you into poop!" We laughed so hard. But how true if the bear eats you he will turn you into poop. There you have it from a 4 year old perspective.

Owen's new thing...Cont.

For some reason the first video wouldn't play once I published it but was fine before hand. So we will try again. This is the 1st video where he is trying oh so hard to tuck that shirt in. You will laugh so hard! Don't forget to check the post below this one. So you get the full story! Enjoy!

Owen's new thing....

On Oct. 12th Owen's preschool class sang songs at church. I was so proud of Owen, he did great! He had been singing these songs all week at home. I couldn't wait to see him perform.

Owen's new thing is every shirt has to be tucked in no matter how short it is! In the first video you will see him doing just that. By the second video it is nicely tucked in and he can sing and do the actions. I just sat with daddy and Miles in the pew laughing so hard. But come on, that shirt is too short to be tucked in! :)
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We took Grandma JJ and Grand Dad E with all their grandboys to Browndale

Browndale farms is right outside of Clay Center and they have alot of outdoor activities. We spent the entire afternoon there. The boys played in the corn, ran through the corn maze, and played on the zip line. We also took a 30 min. hayride. All the boys had a great time and we look forward to going next year.

Mom tape us up and send us to Connor's House

While I was checking my email and looking at blogs I kept hearing the boys talking. I stopped for a second to listen and Owen was asking me to bring him the tape and send him to Connor's house.

Owen's best friend is Connor and he lives in St. Louis and they have known each other before they could hold their heads up. They are two peas in a pod. I laughed and of course called Melissa and told her the story and she wanted a pic of them in the box. How cute is this!

This is a HUGE sign that they need to come visit this month!! (hint)

Boys will be boys!

Wow! I am at a loss for what to do with this wrestling! My boys are rolling around and wrestling everywhere. It starts out really cute and funny and lots of laughs. Then it ends up with somebody hurt, crying, and whining. Aggh! I don't know what to do. I suppose you just let them be BOYS! How long does this phase last and when do they start playing pretend with each other?

Look at my growing baby!

Today I had my 15 week check-up and we had our first ultrasound. My little family was all there to see the baby which was fantastic. Owen really got excited! He was nose to the TV saying, "Oh, cute baby" Then the ultrasound tech would say, "spine looks good" and Owen would say, "oh, cute spine" It was so funny and precious.

However, we do not know the sex yet b/c the baby was super shy. We will have a follow-up ultrasound later on so hopefully the baby will spill the beans! I really, really think it is a girl. Brian says it is a boy. We will see soon! :)

Everything looks great and I am hoping the nausea and sickness will go away soon.

Trick or Treat....

Halloween is just around the corner! I am looking forward to this year b/c the boys will really know what to do/say when they get to the doors. :)

Every month I have to submit a project for the design team I am on. This is the card that we will be creating in an upcoming Halloween class at my house. This set is too cute. We will also decorate a cappuccino bottle too.

Upcoming events: Scrapbooking 101 will be the second Monday of every month starting October 13th from 6-8pm. The Mommy and Me class will be Saturday October 18th at the library as well. Call me or the library to register for those events. You can find more information on my website. http://www.courtneycarpenter.stampinup.net/

We have ANTS!

Thank goodness they are protected behind glass! Great-grandma Parks bought this ant farm for Owen's birthday in July. We have been waiting for the weather to cool down so they could arrive. As you can see Owen was very curious as for the rest of my boys. We woke up this morning to find they had started their own tunnels. This ant farm is really neat and we all like watching the ants carry the green gel out of the tunnels. You could watch them all day! Fascinating. Thank you Grandma Parks!

Waiting for my hubby to return home

Brian is in Colorado until tomorrow or Thursday. He was able to drive up a mountain and call me yesterday afternoon. Oh and he has the camera! I told him to take lots of pics. So I will post Friday regarding a fun SU Halloween class. I can't wait for you to see what I have made, too cute!

I'm an aunt again!

My sister, Charlee had her baby. Her name is Stacy Lynn and I can't wait to hold and love on her! :) This is the second daughter for Charlee. Alexis is spending time with Nana this week so hopefully we will get to see her too.

Here is a picture of what I make/sell to family and friends. This is a boy diaper cake so it is not the one I made Charlee but she loved hers. I enjoy making these and stuffing them with goodies. (bibs, clippers, bows, teeethers, etc)

Owen's 1st Day of Preschool

Oh my goodness I can't believe my lil' dude is headed off to preschool. He is very excited as you can see. When I was taking the pics he was doing his goofy smile so I asked him, "Owen what are you excited about preschool?" He bowed his head and began to pray, " I am excited to learn my ABC's!, amen" A little background to the prayer thing is every night before bed we have been trying to get him to say his own prayer. We say, "Owen what made you happy today?" He normally says he is happy for whatever was for supper. He will pray, " I am happy for chicken nuggets, amen" Too cute!

Here is a pic of him showing off his backpack that mommy picked out for him. (Look this will be the only year I can get away with this so..... Yes, God made you special was the one!!) He will look back and LOVE this! :)

My camera is fixed, SU stamps are here, and my husband will be away! WARNING! Blogging will be EVERYDAY this next week!

A little bit of everything about all of us

I haven't been blogging b/c my camera is dead and my battery charger isn't charging. Ugh. That means a trip to Manhattan and another purchase.

I do have the cutest pics of Owen going to preschool!! He was so cute and he was the first Rising Star of his class! I am one proud mama :)

Miles on the other hand has taken a couple of steps backwards now that Owen isn't protecting him. The other day at Young mom's bible study he cried and was super sad b/c I was leaving him.

As for me I was able to hear the babies heartbeat today for the first time!! It is so emotional for me. I feel relieved but still scared. I pray for a healthy baby! I will be having an ultrasound next month so I look forward to seeing the baby.

Brian is getting excited about his vacation. Brian's father, uncle, and himself will be in Red Cliff Colorado for four days. Brian is most excited about driving his uncle's M715 up a mountain. (Say a prayer that he returns safely with all his limbs)

It's been a LONG time!!

Thanks for all your patience. I have had a lot of people email to see if everything was okay and I appreciate those emails. I have been really tired but everyday it gets better and better. I feel like this could be a productive week. :) If you could only see my laundry piles!! Eeek!

Here is the newest addition to our home. Her name is Molly and she is 5 1/2 months old. She is teething now so everything is getting slobbered on. We love her and can't wait for the puppy stage to end. Isn't she a cutie!!

Sorry, I am sooo tired!

Yes, I am back from Convention and it was amazing! I had a great time and am trying to get caught back up on sleep. I'm so tired that I can't get motivated. Next week I will be looking at the calendar and hosting an Open House so you all can see the NEW CATALOG!! I will update more this weekend. Hang tight!

POSITIVE RESULTS!

It is official we will be adding a new addition to our family! We have known for a little bit but confirmed it today. We will be due at the beginning of March. I have felt a little more tired but feel great otherwise. We are very excited. Please pray for me and the new baby. We have a Dr. here in Clay Center and are going to try to keep this as normal as possible. I have been high risk with the boys b/c of Graycee. I will update you throughout the pregnancy.

Convention is just around the corner!!

So I am leaving early on Monday morning and headed to Salt Lake City Utah. I am very excited, nervous, and anxious. I have only left my children one other time for two days with Grandma JJ and now they will have them until the following Sunday. Daddy is looking forward to catching up on his movies and sleep :)

Here is the card that I created for swapping with other demonstrators. I have 96 of these completed and tonight I will be creating 10 2-page layout boy themed scrapbook pages. I will probably not be able to post anything from Convention either b/c I will be too busy or not have computer access.

I will probably be at Convention when my blog hits a whopping 1,000 views!! Thanks to all you viewers! So for that I will also be picking up some blog candy as a thank you. So to enter the blog candy giveaway tell me what your favorite family tradition is... (hence I am trying to find one for my lil family!) I look forward to reading your traditions.

Okay, Okay family pics!

So I have had some people request to see my lil guys! So here is a few of them. I went downstairs the other day b/c the boys were being WAY TO QUIET!! Then I saw the shredded paper everywhere.

Owen finished his season running the bases, FINALLY! He loved it so much and every time we drive by he says, "Mom that is my baseball game"

Miles is getting so big and really has an attitude. He knows how to push buttons and has a short fuse. (I have NO idea where that comes from)

*On a SU note* Convention is 2 weeks away!! I will be creating 150 cards, 25 clear envelope brag books, and 25 pieces of cake. If you are not planning on doing anything NEXT Wed. and want to stamp, eat, and chat come over and help me out! We will start the party at 7pm. I have 2 gals coming so far!! Thanks ladies!

I've been Tagged...

I have been tagged by a friend from UDI. Her name is Carol and she is a very creative lady.

Here are 7 random/weird facts about me...

1. I have to have some sort of chocolate EVERYDAY!!

2. I am a night owl and go to sleep around 12:30.

3. I LOVE being a stay at home mom, no really I could listen to the screaming and fighting forever! I know it is weird! :)

4. James Patterson is one of my favorite authors.

5. I love the summer b/c I save money on hair highlights! The sun does a GREAT job!

6. I drive a mini van and LOVE it!

7. Last but not least, I would really like to do ONE night of stand up comedy to see if I really am funny! :)

I will choose 7 people on Wed. to be tagged!

Come one Come All! Fun Pun Class

OH my goodness this was exciting to create! You will make 4 birthday cards that all coordinate and they all have unique ways to open them. I love the arrows!

I will be extending the deadline!! You have until Friday July 4th to sign up. The class fee is $20. If you are unable to attend but want a kit just email me at court_carpenter@hotmail.com or call me at 785-632-6799. If the kit is being mailed add $5 for shipping cost. For more details visit my website at http://www.courtneycarpenter.stampinup.net/.

Class is July 13th from 2-4:30pm See you then!

Stamp-A-Stack of Cards

was so much fun today! We had a great time creating 10 different hand-stamped cards. I was able to get a few shots of the gals while they were in their zone. All the cards were different and had several sentiments (birthday, thanks, baby, etc) I love having cards on hand for those last second needs! Enjoy the pics!

Thanks ladies for a GREAT time!

Tuggen at my heart strings!!!

Oh, boy does my little Owen know how to pull on my heart strings! It is past his bedtime and he is playing quietly with his farm animal toys and whispers, "Mommy, I love you in the whole wide world!!! " I hugged and kissed him and said, "You make my heart happy, I love you too!"

How can I NOT let him stay up and play a little longer!!!!??? What's a mom to do! :)

Goodnight friends!

For a Dear Friend

I made these cards for a good friend in St. Louis. She is on strict bed rest at the hospital for possibly the next 5 weeks before she can deliver her precious daughter. M's amniotic fluids are low. I will be sending her a care package this week with these cards. The inside of the cards say, Thanks. Please send a prayer up for her and her daughter.

I miss you and am praying for you M! Love ya!

Stampin' Up! project

Happy Monday! Here is one of the projects I have created. This book is called a clear envelope brag book. When you open the inside up you can put pictures of loved ones in there. You place your pictures inside of the envelopes. How cool is that? I can't wait to make more of these. In fact, when I attend convention next month I plan on making 25 3-d items and this might be what I am bringing. Thanks for looking!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

Happy Father's Day Daddy! He's the best daddy ever! We had a productive day of yard work. Brian was suppose to go fishing with his father but he over slept. I made this card for Brian about a month ago and Owen said the cutest thing. He said, " Hey is that my daddy?" I smiled and said yes as I was coloring his hair orange. Then he said, "My daddy is my best friend in the whole world!!" Oh it melted my heart, he is such a sweet little guy just like his dad! Here is the card, my ott-lite is here FINALLY!!

Don't give up on me!

Don't give up on me! I will be posting pics soon but my ott-lite is still on back order. :( I have created some great things and look forward to sharing them with you. Tomorrow is Owen's
t-ball game and he did better last Wed. so I am looking forward to tomorrow.

How is your garden?? Mine is not so hot and looking a little sad. I believe we will have cucumbers but not very many tomatoes. Brian is sad and discouraged and ready to give up on the whole garden thing. Oh, and every year he says "Well I was rushed and didn't do a good job it will be better next year" My response is maybe you should water it"! Oh the fun of gardening!

Stay tuned!

1st T-ball game

Owen had his first t-ball game on Wed. We were excited and nervous b/c we haven't been working with him. Brian was out in the outfield with our son trying to convince him to stand up and stop playing in the dirt.

He of course is the smallest dude on his team and the helmet didn't fit his little head so Brian would wrap his hands around the bat and swing for him not realizing that he couldn't see a thing and then would carry him to first base.

We had Nana, Grandma JJ, and Grand-dad-E watching and supporting him. Miles who is our sports boy was clinging to the fence saying, "Daddy my turn?!" Ohhh it was so sad, he really wanted to play! We have another game this coming Wed. so you can bet on seeing our little family practicing this weekend at the ball fields. I hope to have pics for you next week.

Circus Clowns

We took the boys to the Clay Center circus last night. It was interesting to say the least. I enjoyed seeing the little gal with 52 hula hoops around her teeny tiny waist. I kept thinking to myself, "Oh BC, I had that waist line, hip movement, and energy!" :) The best part of the night for me was when Brian, Owen, and Miles took a pic with the snake. This is too cute!

We are off for a long weekend at Grandma JJ's and Grand Dad E's house for camping and smores. Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Weekend. See you next week.

I'm blogging, FINALLY!

I created this blog so family and friends could stay in touch b/c you all know how bad I am about letting you know what is going on in our daily lives. Yes, this will be a smorgasbord of postings about family and of course, Stampin' Up! Please leave feedback anytime!

On another note I would like to thank Tiffany W. for creating my blog header. Great job!