Fun in the Sun

Wow, have we been loving this weather! It's no secret that I hate being hot, and I usually dread summertime in NC. But this year we have had an extended spring time and although temps have been in the 80s, it hasn't been overly humid yet. We have been taking advantage of the seasonal days to play! 

The kids love when Uncle Kenny comes over to throw them around:

The dogs have loved the weather too - they've been hanging outside with us daily:

A typical pose for Piper - all of her favorite balls collected and piled at someone's feet, hoping for a throw:

Playing with bubbles (don't miss the token toe point):

Check out his spikes!

Eden asks to go to the beach at least once a day, so I decided to help her make a countdown chain for our June trip. She loves projects!

We've spent some time with our neighbors too - having coffee, playing outside, and Harry making himself at home on their couch:

Wind in his hair:

And a few snips for summer haircuts!

So far, the summer has been good! :) 

Mother's Day 2013

I know I'm a little behind with this post, but better late than never! I had a very sweet, laid back mother's day this year. We got up and went to church and I got to play the offertory with my flute ensemble. After church, we headed over to Grammy's for lunch with G&G, Sarabeth and Kellan. We had yummy tacos! I was really sad not to be able to see my own mom this year, but we were able to talk on the phone and I get to see her in a few weeks!

 We were able to snap a few family pics too:

My sweet Edie Rose:

 My laughing boy:

 And my Shmoopy!

I'm not very eloquent, but I would be remiss not to try and put words to the way being a mother has impacted me. We tried for two years before we got pregnant with Eden. She is so special! She was surrounded in prayer and love before she was ever even conceived. After her arrival and 6 months of sheer baby bliss, we decided to go ahead and try for another, in case it took us a while again. Turns out that the second time was faster! Harrison was born 16 months after Eden, and my cup just ran over with blessings. 

These babies are so precious to me - having them has brought a joy that I didn't even know about. I get to stay home with them every day and watch them grow and learn. What a privilege! I thank God for allowing me to be Eden and Harry's mommy, and I am so grateful to Jason for working hard so I can stay home with them. There are certainly days that are hard and filled with frustration, but that just gives me more reason to lean on God and His strength. Having children has allowed me to know God on a deeper level, to understand His love for me better. And for that, I am thankful to be a mommy. 

Caranci Kids Lately

This is a slightly random post, but to start, here's a few pics of our precious kiddos. :) 

They are loving playing outside now that it's nice weather. They especially love going to Grammy and Grumps' house, since they have a nice big yard to play in!

Watching Daddy mow the lawn:

They both love to get in small places too - here's Eden in a basket at Grammy's house:

As a little side note, this is what I made for Grammy for her birthday:

She loves anything patriotic and I saw this idea in a Lowes Creative Ideas magazine and knew she would love it! It isn't perfect but that's part of the charm. I bought a plastic shutter from the local Re-Store (for only $5!), taped off the stripes and pattern with Frog Tape, and got to spray painting. She liked it! I believe she is planning to put it out at their beach house. 

Lastly, here's a little video of our sweetie singing "Jesus Loves Me." She has become quite the little singer recently, and this is her current fave song. :) 

(turn the volume up, she's being shy)

Charleston, SC

I'm still here!!! Sorry for the long break in between posts, but I lost my camera (in Charleston!) and just recently got it back. 

So about three weeks ago Jason and I were able to go to Charleston, SC to visit some friends who recently moved there, Dustin and Jennie. I've known Dustin since we were high school age, and met his lovely wife about 4 years ago. She and I were fast friends, and our guys got along well too! Something that doesn't happen very often - we both enjoy getting together with the same couple! 

We were sad to see them leave and move, but excited about getting the chance to visit them. We drove down on Saturday morning and had a wonderful time over the next day or so. 

They live very near the beach, so we stopped to take some scenic shots on the way to dinner Saturday night. 

Downtown Charleston was so beautiful!

I love this picture of the guys, so macho!

We ate dinner at a place called Hominy Grill - it was delish!

I love this picture too, Dustin looks like he might mug me for taking his picture, haha. 

Jason ordered a Pine Bark Stew, which doesn't look like much here, but boy, it was amazing!

Dustin was the only one who ate boiled peanuts (yuck!)...

My dinner - shrimp and grits!

After dinner, we went to some docks nearby a movie theater where we were going to catch a movie. 

Jennie is pregnant with their first baby, Jamison. She is absolutely glowing! The picture of a happy mommy. 

I didn't take many pics after our first night, but we had an amazing time with our sweet friends! Just hanging out, eating, seeing a movie, going to church, etc. It was a great time for Jason and me too, getting some time together without the kiddos (they were happily hanging out at home with Holley, their fave babysitter, Poppie and Sarabeth). 

Thank you, Jennie and Dustin for hosting us! We love this sweet couple and were so grateful for the time with them!