Decorating Day

Dear Carter,

Well, it's finally done! It feels like I've been working on your tree forever, and now it's finally done. I don't think that it could be more perfect! Of course, I'm only going to give the tiny sneak peek above for now. Pictures just do not do it justice, and I don't want to ruin the moment for anyone who plans to see the tree in person. I promise to post tons of pictures this weekend.

It was certainly an amazing experience. There were several people there creating trees in memory of their loved ones, and to have that many people decorating these trees with so much love was an overwhelming feeling. We had a lot of our family and friends there helping, and it was so, SO much fun. Thank you to everyone who took the trip down there with us. We appreciate you!

Thank you also to everyone who contributed something to this tree. I really do think that we've made Carter proud. As we were putting the finishing touches on it including putting his picture under it, I felt that enormous sense of pride again. Carter, you were loved so very much!

For anyone who is interested in going down to the event, it is at the South Towne Expo Center. You can start attending on Wednesday, December 1st through Saturday December 4th from 10:00 to 10:00. The tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children, but they only take cash or check (there are ATMs down there). Carter's tree is in the Small Tree section, and almost directly under the Small Trees sign. It is the most adorable one there just like Carter ha!

Team Carter will be attending on Friday at about 6:00. We would love it if anybody would like to join us. We hope to see you there!

And The Winner Is.....

Thank you so much for all of your votes. This one was the clear winner! I remember the day I took this picture. He was wearing an outfit that my friend April had made for him. He fell asleep a few minutes after this picture was taken. What a cutie! I love that little cleft!

Decorating day is around the corner. If anyone would like to meet us down at the Festival Of Trees, we are going to be there on December 3rd...probably around 6:00 or so. I'll post more details when it gets a little closer.

Thank you also to everyone who has helped us with this tree. It is so neat to see all of the different ornaments, and to know that each one was picked out by someone who wants to show support for Carter. It warms our hearts, and we greatly appreciate it.

What do you think?

We need your help deciding on which picture to use for Carter's tree. We can have a 5x7 sitting next to it, and we've narrowed it down to the following options. If you could just take a moment and leave your vote by either leaving a comment on the blog, on Facebook, or sending me an email at teamcarterjay@gmail.com . I can't wait to see what you all think!

Here is choice #1

Choice #2

Choice #3 and Choice #4

Thanks for your help!!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Dear Carter,

Sometimes it's funny how you can watch a movie one million times, but it only takes one time for it to stay with you forever. Does that make any sense? Let me give you an example. I've seen the movie Fried Green Tomatoes many, many, many times over my lifetime. Pretty much any time that I see it's on TV, I'll watch it. I think it's a great movie, but not for any specific reason. Well, yesterday it happened to be on TV, so I of course started watching. After a few minutes Mrs. Threadgood began telling her new friend about her son. I hadn't even remembered this part of the movie, and when it was over it left me in tears. Here is the transcript:

I didn't know you had a child.

Yes, I did. Albert. When he was born, the doctor said it would be best if I didn't see him. He said his mind wouldn't develop past the age of five, and I should put him in an institution. Because the burden of raisin' a child like that would be too great.

Well, I thought about Ruth. She always said....there was a separate god for children. So I smiled at him and I asked for the baby. Why, from the minute he was born, Albert was the joy of my life. The Lord's greatest gift. I don't believe there was a purer soul on this earth. I had him with me til' he was 30. Then he went to sleep and he didn't wake up. Sometimes I can't wait to get to Heaven to see him again.

I believe this was just like you Carter. You were the greatest gift, and there wasn't a purer soul on this Earth. Once again, I feel lucky.

Oh Christmas Tree

Dear Carter,
Oh, the tree is almost complete, and decorating day is almost here! It's starting to feel very real now! I'm thrilled with the way it's coming together, and I hope that we make you proud.

The kids had their school pictures taken, and it was time to put their new ones in the frames. I decided that every time I change out their pictures, I'm going to change yours too. It's always nice to see new pictures of you...especially when I find ones that I had forgotten about. This is the new one I chose. I LOVE it!

I am missing you a lot today. I just wish that you could be laying on your blanket staring at the lights on your tree. It was your absolute favorite thing to do this time last year, and I keep remembering it. I'm sure that your whole world is filled with brightly colored Christmas trees! I love you my little sweetie.