“The Spill Way”

 

So my friend Nelly & I have babies two weeks apart. So its easy for them to play together because they are basically on the same level. We decided that we were going to take them down to Laurel Lake. There’s a spot that’s kind of what you would call a country beach. Its not exactly Miami beach. But hey, we live in Kentucky!

 

I thought this was hysterical and I couldn’t believe there was this sign here. Definitely appropriate for the town we live in.

Check it out.

The sign is totally legit & the floatation device wouldn’t save a fish from drowning.

I hope everyone has had a pleasant Tuesday. God Bless you all.

Jessie Carte, xoxoxo

One day, one day!

Mommy Mondays!

 

I learned something new today.

That my baby could probably live on a house boat.

Some dear friends of our own a house boat that is docked in Holly Bay Marina. Its right in the heart of Laurel Lake, in good ol’ South Eastern Kentucky!

Unfortunately I didn't take any photos because I was too worried about Channing falling in the water.

He absolutely loved the water, cold and all! He road the jet ski, he floated around in the water. He peed on the back deck by accident when I took his swimmies of …:) Sorry Tina!

It was a super fun day. He wore me out, and I think the sun wore him out.

He’s sleeping sound tucked away in his bed at this very moment.

If it were for Channing my life wouldn’t be complete. I don’t know what I would do without him.

Andrew & Mary’s Engagement

 

These two are such an incredibly beautiful couple. They exceed expectations of younger couples. They love each other, and soon with bond their love with the commitment of marriage. Andrew and Mary Mills met when Mary was only in the 6th grade, at Flat Creek Baptist Church in Rockholds, Kentucky. They met along the same path a few years later and have since been inseparable. A love like this only comes once in a lifetime. They both have beautiful talents. Andrew is extremely musically inclined. He plays numerous instruments, and Mary has the most incredible voice. When these to perform in church, you can truly feel God in the room. Mary is particularly important to me, because she has been like a sister to me since I came to Kentucky. I love her family, like my own. I am so, so very honored to be able to capture their Wedding day, by being their photographer. Gods Blessing too the two of you. I pray for the best for both of you and I know that you will live a happy life.

-Jessie Carte

Xoxo

One day, one day!

     

Fun Fact Friday

Ok so a long time ago on a field trip to Washing D.C. I learned about something called Daguerreotype. It was developed by a man by the name of Louis Daguerre. He actually stumbled upon it by accident in 1835. (lucky for is right??). The rights were bought by the French government in 1839. After the process was fixed in 1837.

 

So the first successful form of Photographic processing was discovered by accident.

Crazy. Or at least I think so. I mean I guess that is how most things happen. But I’m super stoked that Louis D. did.

The subject of this process had to stay still for up to 20 minutes.

Can you imagine trying to get a kid to stay still that long….

 

I don’t think so!

But thank goodness for all of the super cool people who created, improved, and created again. Or else, we photographers and artist wouldn’t be able to process the world the way that we most times do. Also looking through a view finder with the rule of thirds(even when there is no camera in hand)

 

TGIF!

One day, one day.

Jessie Carte xox

Something new!

Ok, so I am definitely going to start something to add more fun to my blog. I feel as if its lacking a little luster. I need a little swag, a little sommin’ sommin’.

I wont over do it with something for each individual day. That would be to crazy.

 

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Mondays are now going to be “Mommy Mondays”. Whether or not it will be something about my Mommy, or my experience as one will just come as my fingers start the flowing.

Thursdays will now be “Thankful Thursday”. I need to get it out there. I need to let everyone know what it is that I am thankful for. Whether or not anyone cares is totally up to the reader. Maybe it will help others realize things. I don’t know maybe I'm just a big dreamer. I want the world to be a better place. I want love, peace, & happiness. I want to see people grow veggies in their garden. Things like that. Ok now back to reality!

And for the grand finale…..

Friday will be…..

FUN Fact Friday! Holla!! Totally dorky. But hey its education. In some form or another!

 

I hope that people will enjoy these things.

I know that I will.

 

One day, one day.

Jessie Carte xox

Thankful

I was sitting down reading the bible with my husband the other night. I just couldnt believe how caught up in the ways of.. I dont know being "human" that we can get. God has given so much to us. Jesus tells us things in Matthew chapter 5 that we should read every day so we do not forget his words. We need to live by them.

"YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IT WAS SAID 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' BUT I TELL YOU NOT TO RESIST AN EVIL PERSON. BUT WHOEVER SLAPS YOU ON YOUR RIGHT CHEEK, TURN THE OTHER TO HIM ALSO"


You can take it as you want. But Jesus said it plan & simple, and there should be no curruption of his words.

I am thankful for being saved.
For my family.
My happy life.
My husband,
My sweet, sweet baby.
My home(both-my house & church)
My crazy dog.
My Mama & my Daddy.


Dear dear God, thankyou for all that you have done for me.
I hope to set a good example as a Christian  to lead more people towards you.

Channing first Zoo Trip

Things have been so hectic and crazy.
Ralphies has been wanting to take us to the Zoo for a little while now, and things slowed down just enough for us to go. Praise God!

When we first got there we stumbled upon Camel rides. As cruel as it was, we did take them. By the way, I did ask if they hated to do it. And the man informed me that they would get jealous of one another if they weren't the ones giving the rides. So it made me feel a little bit better. Channing liked it, he didn't look to thrilled. But he was. He just didnt show it. I was fairly disappointed with how small the Zoo in Knoxville was. Its nothing like the Baltimore Zoo. I shouldnt have expect it to be. They did have this neat little thing that I didnt photographically document. Due to the fact that I was being way to cool, chillin' in the giant sandbox! By the way, I totally tried to make a sculpture of a turtle but it didnt work out because there was a pretty little girl that was having a blast shoveling it! Which I was definately alright with. She actually thought it was hysterical. 

 

Ok well, I've definately drifted from my subject. So back to the zoo and out of the sandbox. It was an overall great day. Although it was tiring, Channing loved it. He loves animals. He just looked around and listening. Hes always so gentle with animals. It makes me wonder if he profession one day with be involved with them. My husband would probably be alright with that, even though his dreams are for him to play for the Pittsburg Steelers. So well see...

Nicaraguan Mission Trip

I was so excited when I found out that I was going to be able to go to Nicaragua for a Mission Trip. It was such hard work, but totally worth it. Not to mention this is where I met my husband Ralphie. When you look around at all of the people who dont even have the bare necessities and they are happy it makes you wonder whats wrong with us. us being Americans. We take our freedom for granted. Our jobs. Our homes. Our food. Our family. We dont understand that there are people out there in the world.  You would work like a dog all day long just to provide their family with a simple meal. The average income for a Nicaraguan family, is mear pocket change for you and I. One thing they do have it love for the Lord. When we went there we intended on building a school onto a church that previous Missionarys build the prior year. When you go some where like this you think that you are the one that is going to be helping other and that its going to make you feel better about yourself. But by the time that you leave, they are the ones who have helped you. I cant even understand Spanish fluently, and I left with a greater appreciation for life. I saw a respect for other people that I hadnt witnessed here in the United States. Its almost like you wish you can hold onto that feeling longer than any other. At least I do anyway.




We went Ziplining!



Being Silly!



I fell so in love with her....







The brave ones :) !!!




Cindy & I before the skit







At the only school.




Nicaragua!






Such a cutie!




He had candy too!






Such Clowns :)





Needless to say we got dirty.




Making concrete



 

Its hard manual labor, but its worth every minute. And the day my husband can afford to go back, and Channing is old enough to be left with Pop-paw there isnt a doubt in my mind that well be with the Missionarys back on the plane to Nicaragua

USA




Trying to help prep for the floor!



Maybe I snuck away to play...a time or two









I had lolli pops :)

My sister Chelsea


 



She loves being an Aunt..



Understanding that there are completely different ends of having C.P. I can see why some think its not that bad. Some have CP as slight as a limp, others are completely crippled up. I've grown up with my little sister being extremely sick. Sometimes not being about to cope with it. More often then not, I choose to ignore it. I choose to act as if everything is alright. But I will always know that she will never be out of pain until the minute she passes away and goes to heaven to be with God. I don't know which part is harder. Knowing someone so close to me is sick, living every minute of thier life in pain. Or the fact that she will never get to know what it feels like to have someone love her. That she will never get married, grow old, or have children. Granted I will never be sure what tomorrow holds. I may die before her, many many years before her. I will always have to know that she never got to experience going out with friends. Going to parties. Ever experiencing the real world. When I think about all of that, sometimes its bittersweet because she wont be hurt. She wont ever get robbed, ripped off, trick, or manipulated. My sister is only 18 years old, she turned 18 in August. Shes one of my best friends that I have in this world. I try to stay positive because its not me who has CP, its her. It can be hard to put yourself in the situation of trying to "let" it be okay.

I should probably tell you a little bit about Chelsea so you can see where im coming from. Shes 18 years old. Shes full of life, and has the most wonderful heart. Shes a good christian girl and loves being and Aunty to my little man Channing. She was just fine until about the age of 13, thats when she started having most of her problems. She was put into John Hopkins University Hospital for over three months. She had a total of 13 surgeries that summer. She almost didnt make it out...God was and is watching over her. Her body started tightening up more and more every single year. Now her legs are stuck together, criss crossed. Her arms are bent over making them into and L shape. The say she not only has scoliosis she has lordosis. Her body is said to be shaping into that of a Sea horse. She cannot lay on her back, her legs wont go straight at all. I try and image the pain she is in. One day I even tightened up all of the muscles in my body and held them there all crippled up. It is not comfortable. Can you image what that would feel like if it were doing it naturally? My poor booboo. Although her body is contourted. Her brain seems to be quite normal. She can play on the internet, on her DS, she likes to draw, write little short stories.

Her mind went a little bit sour since this past November. She has a seizure on the morning of Thanksgivings. I was in visiting from Kentucky. She was so out of it she was in a coma for over three days straight. She couldnt talk, she couldnt hardly even look at you. I thought she was going to be out of it for the rest of her life. Luckily she has regain most of the use of her brain, and is doing much much better. She is improving every day. Whether its a good thing that she is aware of what is going on or not, I cant answer. But I do know she isnt living in a vegitative state and gets to enjoy some of the simple things in life.

Research can help you in understanding what its like. Its even better to have someone you know that is going through a similar situation. 

If any one needs any help in coping with this disease I urge you to look up or even write to me. Im more than willing to lend a open ear.

Hello Gatlinburg, Tn!

My husband and I went to Gatlingburg, TN. for our honeymoon. It was my first time. Its beautiful! Its magical. Its a must see! There are many things to do. Of course im sure you've all heard of Ms. Dolly Parton. Pigeon Forge is her home town. So obviously there is DollyWood, and the famous attraction the Dixey Stampeed. Which is a great show for a family.
In Gatlingburg which is about thirty minutes past Pigeon Forge you can get a hotel and walk to all of the places and shops.
If your looking for a nice, clean, pet friendly place to lodge that you arent going to have to pay a lot of money for I highly recommend, the Microtel. DON'T stay at the Family Inns and Suites. They are dirty, dirty, dirty.
Some things you may want to go and look at is the Mirror Maze that is by Ripley, its extremely fun! As is the aquarium.
We went down past pigeon forge and went white water rafting which is definately worth it.
Hmm lets see. Some other things you have to try is going on the ski lift that takes you up to the top of the moutain, you can see all of Gatlinburg below you and can see the Smokies for miles and miles. Its a truely beautiful site.
There also is the Cherokees, where you can go to the indian reservation.
You can go to the Smokies Moutain State Park, its just gorgeous.
Theres is so much to see and I highly recommend!
This is a must see for moutain lovers, & explorers.

Our Honeymoon!

Budget Friendly

I am a stay at home Mom, with the exception of being a photographer on the side. Alot of people dont understand how it is that I am able to stay at home in such a bad ecomony. Budgeting aint' easy, but it works! I clip coupons, we pay off all of our debt ( highest interest rate first) and we save. You would think with us having a house, two cars, a baby, and a dog. That both of us would have to work. But fortunately my father in law got my husband Ralphie reading a book by Dave Ramsey "Total Money Makeover" it really works. The envelope system seems silly but its legit! My husband & I some how managed to stick to this simple system which seemed so crazy at the time. We only owe roughly $13,000 on our house. We will soon only have one car payment (due to the fact that we are buying a new one) and no credit card debt as soon as we recieve our tax refund. Seems impossible but its the truth. In approximately two years every single cent of our lives should be debt free. With the eception of a little bit of student loads. We should have a pretty good saving account in about five years. You have to set a goal. You have to want to do it! You have to strive to do it! You have to be patient. You cannot over spend. Alot of the people that we know indulge in alot of "toys".  We dont. We do not have four wheelers, and boats, he does have a jon boat but nothing is owed on it. We are able to do things occassionally like take of to Gatlinburg for the weekend. Unlike alot of other people that we know. Mainly becuase we save every penny we have. I dont care if we have $100,000.oo in the bank. We will always live off of a budget. We want to be able to provide for our family, and to have them learn at a young age about saving. You know how they say 'You cannot have anything if you dont work for it', well you cannot have anything if you dont save for it either.  I highly recommend reading Dave Ramseys books. They will make a world of a difference in the way you look at spending, and saving.
Theres a great site that you can go to that helps find the latest deals & steals of the stores like Walmart, Rite-aid, Target, Krogers. It helps you match up coupons, with in store sales. I recommend checking it out! Good luck!
http://www.couponmom.com/
And here is  a link to Dave Ramseys Book!!!

Avery the Farmer!

This child is definately going to be doing some time on the big green tracker. Probably before he is even aloud to drive the thing! He is such a doll, and loved trying out his modeling shoes! I had such a blast and had look forward to taking his pictures before he was even born. So I felt so honored when his Mommy Cindy had me do his pictures. He has such a beautiful name, Joshua Avery. I know isnt it adorable!?! I have to say, I have a boy myself and love to dress him up. So I am so jealous of his John Deer outfit. He has Carhart bib overhauls, and the trucker John Deer hat. I told you hes going to be a farmer!

Little Ezra

 

So he has got to be one of the most well behaved babies I've had the pleasure of being around. I know his parents have played such a huge part in this because they are patient, and so sweet. His mommy Janelle is such a good mother and it shows through him. I not only had the pleasure of photographing him, but her as well. Due to the fact that she was pregnant! I cannot wait until I am able to do her pregnancy pictures when shes just about to pop! Shes such a beautiful pregnant women. You can see the happiness she gets when thinking about having Ezra and her second boy being the best of friends.