Happy Birthday Mitchell

Our Christmas baby turned one. One fast and furious year. Mitchie is...fun, loud, stubborn, the center of attention, busy, rough, a buddy to the brothers, and a show and tell for the sisters. What would we do without our little Mitch.

A Visit With Santa

So the boys and I went to the mall yesterday to visit Santa Claus and take the morning to be part of the Christmas hustle and bustle. We got an early start so the line would be bearable. Right when we got there Nate ran up to the little fence that encloses Santa and started calling his name and waving with a big grin and eyebrows raised like they are long lost friends. After waiting in the line it was finally the boy's turn to tell Santa their wishes. This Santa was a very cute Santa, he had a nice little visit with the boys asking them specific questions. He took the time to get out of his chair and walk over to Mitch and I and talk to Mitchell and hand him a coloring book. Then he had remembered Carter and Nathan's names and gave them a big hug.

Well, after the Santa experience was over, I couldn't resist walking into Willam Sanoma (risky with the little ones). We have wanted to get one of those fancy ice cream scoopers with the anti-freeze for a while. After several don't touch just look comments, we made it to the check out line with our scooper. While waiting in line, Nathan accidentally knocked over a display holding two big jars of scented oil. There was a loud crash, glass breaking and oil splattering all over a lady's nice dress pants. Nathan turned white and was apologizing to me as I was to the employee's. I purchased my item and couldn't get out of there fast enough. We were all quite embarrassed. As I was walking away, I knew I needed to go back and apologize specifically to the lady with the ruined pants. So we turned around and I had Carter and Nathan wait on a bench outside of the store while I went in real quick. I found the lady and told her how sorry I was. She was a bit irritated which is understandable and said that the store had offered to pay for the dry cleaning expenses. I offered my name and number and to replace her pants, but she declined and told me she understands. I started crying and told her that I really am sorry, she said she could tell and that she appreciated the apology and to enjoy Christmas with the children . As I was walking out of the store, an employee followed me and gave me a hug and told me not to let this ruin my day. I am so grateful for understanding, compassionate people and for my little people who keep me humble and on my toes :)

It wasn't until we were in the car on the way home (at least 30 min. later) that Nathan's chin started to quiver. I asked him what the matter was and he said he was sad because of the whole incident. I am always learning new things about my kids, and what I have learned about Nate, is that he doesn't ever want to show emotion in public. He kept that all inside of him until he was in a safe place. I love being a mom.

Monday Memory

Bratzlies are a Swiss cookie made from balls of dough pressed in a hot waffle-like iron. After they have been pressed, they are removed from the iron to cool on a rolling pin which give them a curved shape. The cookies are very thin and crunchy, almost like a chip.

Bratzlie making is a Carter family tradition at Christmas time. My father made these Christmas cookies with his grandmother and the tradition carries on with my family and the families of my married brother's and sister.

I loved making bratzlies with my Dad. My Mom rolled out long snake like pieces of dough which she then cut into individual balls to be pressed. My Dad's job was the pressing and my job was to place the dough on the iron. This is a job that cannot be accomplished without an occasional burn. My goal was to get the ball of dough in the exact spot so my Dad wouldn't adjust them with his wooden spatula. Even if I did get it right in the middle, it seems he always had to to a little adjusting.



The smell of bratzlies cooking bring feelings of warmth, family, Christmas, joy, and love. I am so grateful for this family tradition and find so much joy in continuing the tradition with my family.

:)

Last night as we were praying at the dinner table, I peeked (I get this from my Dad). What I saw was Nathan waving at Mr. Peeps up in our wreath with a cute smile on his face. Doug and I got a chuckle out of this. Christmas is magical at this age. Nathan is definitely our Christmas boy.

As Doug was tucking in Carter last night he asked him if the toothfairy had come the night before. Carter said that he had (in our house the fairy is a he). Carter continued to say, "Dad, I think that you are the toothfairy, and Santa Claus, and the Halloween Witch too." Doug dismissed the idea with a tickle, a hug and kiss. I think the tip off might have been the Halloween Witch candy that was left under his pillow!

Toothless

Thanks Grandpa for the help. Doug has been working on this tooth for the last week and when we were in Salt Lake my Dad sent him home with the perfect tooth extraction tool called "Dr. Slick". Needless to say, the toothfairy made a visit to our home last night.

Mr. Peeps Update:

This is our first year with Mr. Peeps. He didn't move last night because somebody touched him and his magic fades with each touching, but he is keeping a good eye on our behaviour. We like having him around :)

Mr. Peeps

Christmas is approaching, and this is the day,

Santa has sent Mr. Peeps to your house to stay.



He sends this small elf to your house and mine,

The day after Thanksgiving. He must be on time.



Mr. Peeps has a purpose. His purpose will be,

To whisper to Santa all the good that he sees.



Soon after he gets here, he moves only at night.

To high places, low places, he stays in plain sight.



In the kitchen, for instance, he sits high on a shelf.

Mr. Peeps can sit anywhere, for he is an elf.



He holds very still when he thinks you are watching.

His magic is precious, it fades with one touching.



He sits in the tree on Christmas Eve day.

He knows that Santa is soon on his way.



He waits and he waits without making a noise.

He waits until Santa arrives with the toys.



So you better be nice and mind what you say

because Mr. Peeps will tell Santa when he comes with his sleigh.



Once Christmas is here and Santa has come,

Mr. Peeps must leave, for his job is well done.



But, he will return next year on the very same day,

To watch your behavior as you work and you play.



-Sharon Reynolds

Dressed in White

We enjoyed a quick weekend trip to Salt Lake for Grace's Baptism. It was so neat to be able to have the baptism with her cousin and so many family members with us. It was an added gift to wake up to the ground covered in snow with big fluffy flakes falling throughout the day. What a special way to start out the month of December.

What a fun surprise to have girlfriends brave the storm to be with us. We love these girls and can't wait to get together soon. Thanks for coming :)

Monday Memory

Today, I am looking back to this time last year. I was big, uncomfortable, anxious, and excited to bring a new little spirit into our home. I was also totally prepared for Christmas. This time last year I was wrapped and ready to go; this year . . . I am just beginning. I never wanted to have a baby so close to Christmas, (Mitch was born on the 19th). It is such a busy time as it is, without adding to the chaos with a birthday, but I would have to say that last year Christmas was a sweet and memorable one for our entire family. The spirit that this new little baby brought into our home was so abundant. I am thankful to have been given this gift.

Christmas Eve

Chtistmas Morning

Monday Memory

Our first home. I loved this home and neighborhood. We have seven years of wonderful memories here, some of which include...

*first three babies born

*starting our own garden

*all kinds of painting projects

*Creative Memories business

*wonderful church callings

*friendships I will always cherish

*water fight in the kitchen

*fires in the winter

*trying to shove a huge Christmas tree through the door

*Empowering Youth

*jumping on the tramp with popsicles

*Broccoli and Jangles

*Buster Brown

*Crop 'til you drop

I have found that a house becomes a home with family, friends, love, and the gospel. I have been blessed to have come to love three homes in this way (the third is still a work in progress), and have had a hard time leaving each one behind to begin the next chapter of our life. I am grateful for the learning and life that happens inside the walls of our homes. I am truly blessed.

Monday Memory

There is something special about childhood friends. There is no explaining . . . they know you, love you, and somehow you can always pick up where you left off. I love my girlfriends.

Girls Trip!!

We enjoyed a fabulous girls trip to Arizona this last week. Some of the highlights:

*eating

*visiting into the wee hours of the morning

*shopping

*visiting my brother Joe's Mission Pres. and family

*massage

*warm weather

*being together

*shopping

*eating

*relaxing by the pool

*reading

Thanks Jay and Kathy for always being so generous with us. What fun memories and delightful company. Thanks to all the Dad's at home for holding down the fort while the Mom's were away.

Monday Memory

1988. Nineteen years ago, this is what my family looked like when we moved to Utah. Wow! Aren't we all just on a slippery slope?? As I was thinking about it, I realized that there were only three years all eight siblings lived under the same roof. In this picture, my youngest sister hadn't quite arrived. I loved growing up in a big family and am thankful for the relationships I have with each of my siblings. These were awesome years. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Help!!

Someone needs to take the candy away from the Halloween Witch : (

Happy Halloween!!!

It was a fun filled day for our family as we celebrated Halloween. It was different this year now that we are in a new place. The school here dosen't do a parade which I missed. I love seeing all the kids and the different clever costumes. We missed visiting grandparents; our anual pre-trick-or-treating dinner with all the cousins at O'ma and O'pa's. And, of course our visit to witch Faye's where we leave with terrified kids. This year we started off with trunk-or-treating at the ward house and then came back and the kids finished off around the neighborhood. Often times change is hard, but the kids don't complain and I seem to notice more that anyone else. And now? Candy up to our eyeballs! We decided to let the kids fill up a quart size zip-lock of all their favorites leaving the remainder on the front porch where the the Halloween witch comes by to pick up all the rest leaving in it's place a good book...ideally(the books ordered hadn't come yet)!

Family Pumpkin Carving

It's always a lot of fun for the kids to pick a pumpkin and carve it. I am always glad when the activity is over and we haven't lost any fingers and the mess is cleaned up! I know I don't sound like much fun, but I do enjoy myself and love seeing the creativity of my kids.

My little sister Lizzie was able to come visit over UEA and we have just loved having her! She is so cute with the kids and a great friend to me. We will miss her and look forward to the next visit.

Monday Memory

Any skeletons in your closet??? Doug and I went all out for a halloween party with some friends several years ago. I am not one who loves to dress up for halloween, but every once in a while I can be talked into it. This was a fun costume, I remember my baby being afraid of me. Can't say I blame her :).

Goodmorning Grace :)

One of the many indearing things we love about Gracie is her morning hair. There are many mornings she brings a smile and a chuckle to Doug and I. Lately though, she has become a bit sensative about this. The last picture I took, she said I could only take it if I didn't put it on the blog. So, after putting this threesome together I was given permission after some thought and a little persuasion. Thanks Grace, for bringing a smile to our faces.

Beautiful Fall Morning

This is the view from my front porch this morning. Sure miss those spectacular mountains, but I have sure been enjoying some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Gingersnaps with Grammy

"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give undonditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies."

I am so thankful for grandparents in my kids' lives. They are able to do for them what I can't always do. This was a special and fun day for Grace and a memory I am sure she will always have with her Grammy.

Grace is Eight

What a darling birthday girl she is! Happy Birthday Grace.

Birthday Duo

My little birthday partner and I celebrated another wonderful year! It was a beautiful day, cool but pleasant. The boys and I picked up Wendys and went to the park before the Kindergarten bus came. In the later afternoon it started to rain; I love the rain. We all enjoyed a family birthday dinner of chicken pillows, rice and corn; a popular birthday choice around here, complete with dirt cake for desert. Carter went on a little treasure hunt for his present. I had sketched little pictures of where to find his next clue. His gift ended up being in our shower (a skateboard). He was thrilled. Doug surprised me with studio lighting for my photography hobby! I am excited but intimidated with this next learning curve. We ended the evening with a slumber party and movie upstairs. I had planned on sleeping up there with all the kids, but when "That Darn Cat" was over, I couldn't resist climbing into my own cozy bed. I am so thankful for my sweet family, and to get to share a birthday with Carter is an added joy.

Mitchell . . . Mitch . . . Mitchie . . .Twitch

Latest of our little guy. Nine months old, where does the time go? What fun he is in our home. It has been so much fun to see how much the older kids adore him - they are crazy for their baby.

Police Visit

Yes! It has happened again. Yesterday evening we had our quarterly police visit. Our backyard backs up to a canal, and our iron fence is missing a bar where the boys like to squeeze through. I had a very nice neighbor come over and tell me the police had been called because my little boys were out by the (dry) canal. I called the boys in and reminded them of our rule of not going out by the canal. I told them the police were coming because some worried people called them to talk to us about it. Nathan asked me if the police would shoot him. I told him no, but that they would not be happy to have to come to our house and talk to them about the rules they already know. Several minutes later, we were having a nice little visit with the officer. She told them that they should never go back there because little kids get hurt in canal's every year. It was a good lesson for all of us ( including me ). I am so thankful for all the eyes watching out for my kids - I just need to do a better job.

Meet 'n' Greet

I can't believe it is already that time of year again. On Thursday, the Elementary school held a meet 'n' greet, where you bring your school supplies and come meet your teacher. I couldn't help but miss all the familiar faces and comfortable surroundings of Quail Hollow. I also couldn't believe the list of school supplies we needed to get. We spent $75 on supplies for two kids!! I guess I am just use to having the kids show up with a back pack on the first day. We are planning on a great year. The kids are excited to get started, although Carter did say he misses Utah, I asked him what he misses about Utah - he told me he misses all his friends as he blinked back the tears. We do miss our friends, but we are excited to get involved and meet some great people here.

Birthday on the Islands

Coi Feeding

At the Marriott in Lihui there is a big Coi pond. Coi are very valuable, beautiful fish that come from China and can live for 100 years. Every morning at 9am, the fish are fed. It is really neat to be there for the feeding frenzy.

Kipu Falls

The Garden Island

We recently returned home from a family vacation to Kauai with Doug's side of the family. We ended up taking our three oldest kids and had a blast! The kids loved spending time with their cousins, and I loved being able to spend time with family. The island is gorgeous and the weather was perfect even with the threat of a tropical storm headed our way. It was especially nice to have Doug all to ourselves for a whole week as he has been super busy with work. My favorite day of the vacation was the day we went to Kipu falls - a secluded water fall and rope swing. It was fun to watch everyone swing from the rope and jump from the water fall. Later that day a lot of us played in the waves together where we shared a lot of laughs as we got tumbled around a bt. A perfect vacation, although I was anxious to get home to my little boys.

10 Years Old!!!

Happy Birthday Abby! You are growing right before my very eyes. The scarry thing is, is that the next ten years will probably fly by even faster. What would I do without you? You are such a great example for your siblings, and such a help to me. I love you.