Ho Ho Ho!

Carson has been to see Santa twice this year and both times he jumped right up on his lap and started talking to him. (No, this doesn't surprise me!) The most recent visit was last weekend when Santa came to our Resident's Club. Carson had been practicing talking to Santa and asking for one train but when the time finally came he decided to go for broke and asked for "two trains"!

Now Carson Beck, as many of you know, has a totally different personality than Carson Winn, I think this photo of Carson and his 1 year old sister, Avery says it all. Merry Christmas!

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas...

This past weekend our home was featured in the Westhaven Holiday Home tour to benefit Mercy Children's Clinic. It was great to see so many of our neighbors and others come out for such a wonderful cause. Now for those of you who haven't ever opened your home for a home tour, it's kind of like having it on the market for sale where everything needed to be perfect. We only allowed people to walk through the first level of our home and tour the newly completed courtyard. I was thrilled when it was over so I could open my closets and let everything fall out :o) Here are a few pictures from the event.

Happy Fall!

With Halloween already come and gone, I thought I better post a few pictures for those of you who didn't get to see our cute little lion. Carson had a great time getting dressed up but really wasn't much on actually going "trick or treating." We went to 4 houses in our neighborhood and he was ready to go home. He did, however, enjoy giving out candy to all the other ghosts and goblins that stopped by our house.

Carson and Carson Beck were together for a Halloween party and they looked so cute. Carson Beck (or Beck as we now refer to him) was a monkey.

Our Vacation out West

It seems like we've just returned from a trip around the world when in reality we only went out west for a week. We started in Malibu, CA at my good friend Mark's beach house. It's an awesome place to relax!!! Carson loved standing on the deck watching the ocean and birds. There really aren't any other people there this time of year so you feel like you are all alone.

The birds and of course the "big sandbox" were the hit of our Malibu trip. It was even extra special that Uncle Teddy came out for a few days.


After our rest and relaxation, we headed to surprise my Aunt Jayne at her 80th surprise birthday party. We'd been in California for 3 days and it was so hard not to call her. She was really surprised to see Jason, Carson and me but she was also surprised to see Teddy too! It was a great day for a very special lady.


We spent a day and a half in San Diego and took Carson to the world famous San Diego Zoo. He loved the giraffe and will tell you all about it if he ever gets a chance!



And finally, the last part of our trip took us to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival. I was a little hesitant going into it because we've all seen a hot air balloon before, right? This my friends was absolutely amazing! There are more hot air balloons that you can count! The pictures don't do it justice but if you get a chance, you must go next year. The link to the festival is www.balloonfiesta.com. It was great fun because my aunt Jayne, uncle Edwin, cousin Mike and his wife Linda, and Dad and Brenda were all there!






The cool thing is that you are right in the middle of all the "action." They even let Jason, Carson, and me take a picture with a pilot just before a balloon was taking off.


Another very special part of the trip to Albuquerque was Carson getting to meet Brenda's Mom (Madeline or "Granny") and her sister Janie. They took great care of Carson one day and gave Jason and I a much need break! This is a picture of Madeline, Carson and Brenda. I failed to get a picture of Janie...next time, Janie.


For the most part Carson was a great traveler but we are glad to be home! The other big news is BB and Mac (Mom and Eddy) have moved to Nashville! They said they are here to be close to me and Teddy but we know the real reason for the move...CARSON!

Carson Turns Two!!!

September 29th was a great day for Carson because it was his second birthday AND because BB, Big, and Tine were all in town to help him celebrate. Uncle T came out and joined us all for dinner and even helped Carson blow out his candles....

The other birthday boy, Carson Beck (aka the "other" Carson) came over to play in the afternoon. The boys always have a great time when they are together. It's so much fun watching them grow up.


On Saturday the 30th Carson had his party with a few kids at our neighborhood clubhouse. The kids loved playing with the toys in the children's center and I loved the fact that there weren't a bunch of people in my house ;o) The big surprise was a visit from Elmo!!! The kids were so excited he was there but as he got closer they weren't so sure. Elmo was having his picture taken with me and Carson wasn't too happy about this so he said to Elmo, "don't touch my Mommy." Too cute. After Elmo's big arrival, he led the kids on a wagon ride around the block.





We are on vacation right now (October 8th) and will post vacation pictures when we return. So far we've been to Malibu, CA for a few days, to my Great Aunt's 80th birthday party and to the San Diego Zoo. We've had a blast so far and tomorrow we head to Albuquerque, NM for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Maggie Winn, Sept 29, 1994 - Sept 8, 2006

Today Maggie has left us to join others before her in doggie heaven. It was a very peaceful ending to such a full and joyous life. Maggie will be greatly missed! The picture below was from this morning, just before she passed on. We very much appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers as we struggle with this difficult time.


She was the central player in some of the happiest chapters of our lives. Chapters of young love and new beginnings, of new careers, many moves, and the birth of Carson. Maggie came into our lives just as we were trying to figure out what they would become. She became part of our melded fabric, a tightly woven and inseparable strand in the weave that was us. Just as we helped shape her into the family pet she would become, she helped to shape us, as well - as a couple, as parents, as animal lovers, and adults. Despite everything, Maggie had given us a gift which was priceless and free. She taught us the art of unconditional love. How to give it, how to receive it.

The above was adapted from "Marly & Me" by John Grogan. When I read this book it reminded me so much of how we felt about Maggie.

First Day of School

Our little boy is growing up...
This week he moved into a new class at Primrose and it's much more like a kindergarten classroom. He was so cute in his little backpack that I just had to share it with you all.

Neighborhood Car

We made the front page of the Williamson AM (our county secion of the Nashville paper) today with an article about neighborhood vehicles. There is an interview with Jason and a picture of me, Carson, and Maggie.

Click here for the full story and picture.

He is too young to be conniving???

Last night Carson Beck and Carson went swimming and came back to the house for a "coo coo" or cookie for those of you not in the know. It's funny because even Beck is calling it a coo coo now.

Anyway, the boys are sitting on the floor each with a paper plate with three cookie pieces on it. Jen and I are talking and not paying much attention to the two of them but notice Winn go into the pantry with an empty plate saying "Beck all gone" and throws Beck's plate away. We then look to see that Winn has taken all of Beck's cookies and put them on his own plate and thrown Beck's plate away indicating Beck was finished eating....pretty sneaky or would you say conniving? If conniving, I'm afraid Jason and I are in for many years of this sort of thing.

My little chatterbox

Carson is really talking more and more lately and is starting to put words together to form longer sentences or statements. I just have to get some of these cute things down before I forget them.

• When he gets up in the morning he wants a "mussin" or a muffin.
• When he is in the car, the stroller, or his highchair he's all about "unbuckle" and "buckle." The way it says it is so cute, I'll try and get it on video.
• If he has a boo boo or even hits any part of his body on something, he wants you to "kess it" and then he says "all better."
• Last weekend Carson's favorite person in the world, BB, came for a visit. If you ask him anything the answer is always BB. Carson, guess where we are going today? BB! Carson, guess who's coming to see you? BB! Carson, guess what we are having for dinner? BB! Anyway, you get the idea. On Sunday BB left while Carson was napping and when he woke up he started calling for BB. On Monday he still hadn't figured out she was gone and I said "do you miss BB" to which he relied "miss BB." He's still saying it...
• Yesterday we were headed to school and we passed a parking garage in downtown Franklin which isn't the way we usually travel. Carson noticed the cars on different levels of the parking garage and was very puzzled by this. He kept saying "car, up, inside" over and over again with a confused expression on his face. It took me a few seconds to figure out what he was talking about but once I did it was so cute that he knew cars weren't usually up.

Williamson County Fair

On Saturday Carson went to his first County Fair with his mommy and BB. He had a great time riding rides with Carson Beck and eating corn dogs and funnel cakes.
Perhaps the cutest part of the fair was the "Little Ones Farm" exhibit where the kids become a farmer for a short time, planting seeds, milking a cow, harvesting their crop, and selling the goods at market. They even "earn" money at market which they spend on a snack in the general store. Carson loved feeding the chickens and milking the cow but as usually the snack at the end was the biggest hit.

Finally...pictures of our neighborhood pools!

I hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as we are. For those of you who have asked, here are some pictures of our newly opened neighborhood pools. Pictures just doesn't do it justice, so come visit!

The "adult" only pool complete which is filled with salt water.

The resort style pool with a lazy river, waterslide, and beach entry.

It's hard to tell in the photos above but the brightly colored things in the middle are butterflies and flowers in the "spray" garden...here is an action shot so you can get a better idea of what it's like. The kids LOVE it!

And finally, the clubhouse is still under construction but here is an in-progress shot.

No Photo but a Cute Saying...

I just had to to get this down before I forget it. Carson is doing GREAT with his words and will pretty much attempt to say anything. He's especially good with saying "peez" and using the sign when he wants something. Last night we had friends over to play and the adults were eating ice cream and of course Carson wanted some "ice." Anyway, I was planning to give him a few bites of mine but wanted him to say "peez" first. Our exchange went something like this:

CBW: "Ice"?
Me: "What do you say"?
CBW: "Ice"?
Me: "What do you say"?
CBW: "Ice"? A little more emphatic this time!
Me: "What do you say when you want something"?
CBW: "I want something"

He never did say "peez."

Happy 4th of July!!!

The summer is flying by and we are enjoying every minute with Carson. Here is a picture of Carson with his best friend Carson on the 4th! It's so fun to watch these two little guys as they really begin to interact with each other. Thanks to the Beck's for hosting us on the 4th.


The lake seems to be taking up most of our weekends but that was before the opening of the Westhaven pool...it's going to be very hard to get away now that the pool is open. I hope you will all be able to see it soon, it's truly spectacular, something you'd see at a Disney resort. While at the lake, Carson enjoys "driving" the boat. He's a great co-captain.

Other lake news, although lake, it's still news...on Memorial Day, we took my Grandaddy for a boat ride. Grandaddy hadn't been on a boat in years. This picture is of my cousin Julie, me, and Grandaddy.

May 22, first day at the beach

May 22 - our first day at the beach and as expected, Carson has NO fear...he ran right out in the water like a little fish. The problem is, he can't swim. He really enjoyed sitting in the sand (yes, Jen, the sand) and feeling the water wash over his feet and legs. When we wanted to go for a walk up and down the beach, Carson just wanted to sit, so sit we did ;o) I have a feeling this is going to be a much different vacation than what we are used to...

On Ashea and Jason's recommendation (they were just here), we ate dinner at Steamer's Seafood. The owner is from Kentucky and the restaurant is decorated in all things KY. We had a great dinner complete with birthday cake ice cream (it's ice cream that tastes like birthday cake...weird!) and key lime pie. Carson blew everyone in the restaurant a kiss...he's such a ham! I had a great 37th birthday today!

May 21 - Jason surprised me with a birthday trip to Hilton Head Island...wow, was I surprised. He gave me the airline tickets on May 20 at the lake and we didn't get home to pack until May 21, 11:00 am. Our plane left at 6:30 pm. But it all worked out, we are here save and sound and Maggie is at the kennel for the first time in 7 years.

Here are is Carson hanging out in the Delta Crown Room at the Atlanta airport...this boy already knows how to travel. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Today I spent the day with my two favorite boys and best girl...of course I'm talking about Jason, Carson and Maggie. Wow, what a great Mother's Day! After feeling a little under the weather all weekend I awoke today ready to go...hmm, must have been because it was MY day.

Carson woke me this morning with two cards - one from him and one from daddy and he presented me with a special flower he made at school. What a great kid, he even wore is I love Mom PJs.
We ate breakfast and headed to church. After church is was lunch at home and then nap time for all of us...see what I mean about it being a great day? What's better than a nap on a Sunday?

And finally, after a long nap, we were able to take my Mother's Day gift out for a little spin. I've wanted a bike for a long time and now we can all ride together. Carson fights us a bit when we put his helmet on but after we get going he's all smiles.

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mother, Step-Mother, Mother-in-Law, Aunts, Jason's Grandmother Ward and Winn, and all my friends who are Mothers. I love you!!!

And finally, this isn't Mother's Day related, but we still aren't doing too well with a spoon. Hands are just so much easier and obviously more fun! We have had an explosion of words lately. Today he busted out with "Amen" after our prayer and "help please." He's been using the sign for help for a while but just now is able to use the words together!

This is now a MONTHLY blog

This is turning out to be a monthly blog rather than my much anticipated weekly blog. Let's see,

where do I begin. We've been at the lake every spare moment we
have and it's really starting to shape up. This past weekend we
had several trees removed to improve our already awesome view!
For those of you who have been anxiously awaiting all the before and after pictures, you view them all here. We are still waiting on a few pieces of furniture for the basement so that room is a work in progress and therefore isn't in these pictures.

The other news from the Winn's World has been Maggie. As I mentioned on a previous blog, she has epilepsy and had a very serious seizure, or serious of seizures, last Thursday night. I was home with Carson and Maggie by myself and just before dinner, Maggie had one seizure. Naturally I thought this would be the end of it because she's only ever had one. We went for a walk after dinner and she had another. We got home and she had three more. I called the vet who suggested I rush her to the emergency pet clinic and it was there that they told me Maggie wasn't reacting to the medicine they'd given her to stop the seizures which most likely meant she had a brain tumor. As you can imagine, I was a total wreck! Jason was on his way home, Carson was with a neighbor, and I was with another neighbor sitting in the emergency clinic listening to them tell me I had to put Maggie to sleep. I told them to keep doing what they could to get the seizures under control and Jason would be by in a few hours. When Jason finally arrived, the seizures were much better and she was resting comfortably. She made it through the night and went to her regular vet on Friday where she rested all day although she continued to have mini, facial seizures. She must have heard the emergency vet say she might have to be put to sleep because she rallied and was a "new" dog by late Friday afternoon when I picked her up. She has to be on a very strict dose of medication twice each day to keep the seizures under control. We are so thankful to have our little Maggie home. Here's a picture after she arrived home...she still has her catheter in her front leg but other than that, she looks pretty good for almost 12 or almost 84!
Here are a few other pictures for your viewing pleasure ;o)
Although you can't tell it in these pictures, Carson's favorite thing to do everyday when we get home is to take a ride in his wagon. He loves to take a snack and water along and watch all the big kids on their bikes and skateboards. If we let him get out of the wagon at the fountain, it's hard to get him back in because then he wants to push the wagon himself. He's so independent these days!
Easter Weekend was a wonderful weekend spent at the lake - it was Uncle Teddy's fist visit and also the fist time we put the NEW boat in the water. Carson isn't sure he really likes his new life jacket.
The weekend before Easter, Jason, Ashlea, and Emily Parks came for an Easter Egg hunt (among other things). The weather was a little cooler than we anticipated but Carson loved the bunny and enjoyed playing with Emily.


And finally, it wouldn't be a blog posting without a picture of the Carson's together ;o) Can you guess which one will always be the one getting the other in trouble? Hmmm?