THE CARTER FAMILY HAPPENINGS

Family Pictures

2012-01-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Family pictures drive me crazy!! I am always stressed out! My kids I'm sure think I turn into Psycho Mom, when I announce we are getting family pictures. I stress over what to wear... I never want to buy new outfits. I stress the week before the someone is going to fall on their bikes and end up with a huge mark on their face, or bruised or swollen lip. I stress that someone is going to be in a grouchy mood... and not want to smile or participate in the pictures. Yet... I subject my family to this ritual!

So... here are the 2011 Family pictures! Our photographer, Kate, did an AMAZING job! She took us Old Sac, and was SOOO patient! Way to go Kate... I think you ROCK!

(Blogger won't upload photos.... I'll have to post pictures later.)

My camera is back!

2012-01-02T14:57:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to have my camera back!!! I lost my camera at one of the last of Michael's football games. I have NO IDEA how!!! I think it may have dropped in the parking lot as I was walking out to the car. However, I didn't realize it was missing until the next day. So, I called the Jr. League. I called the school, where we had played. I prayed really hard... and cried alot! I was so MAD at myself for losing a very nice camera. Almost a month later, an email came from the board of the football league asking if anyone with a football player #24 (that's Michael's number) had lost a camera... because one had been found, and the board had been contacted. I immediately emailed the league and told them I had lost mine, and described it. A board member contacted me, and said that In-N-Out burger had contacted them, and said that a camera had been turned in to them and it had alot of pictures of a Jr Wildcat player with the #24... but no other i.d.... so they sent it to their corporate office down in San Diego... who had contacted our board. Shane went in to the local In-n-Out and talked to the manager, who had found the camera... it was found in their parking lot?!? How... I have NO IDEA! But, he recognized Shane from pictures on the camera. So, sure enough, the camera was mine... and they mailed it back to me. So, I again prayed... and was so thankful for my camera being returned to me!!! Little miracles! I was so excited, I was taking pictures of everything!

Christmas with Family

2012-01-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

Noah and Mitchell opening up Mitchell's new remote control stunt car.
Justin playing with baby Brady.

Mitchell and Cal.

Mike and Brooke and baby Brady.

We had a great time Christmas Eve at my sister's house (Monique's) to celebrate Christmas with the Rogers' side of the family. We sang songs and some of the family performed. We of course ate yummy food... (What would a Rogers gathering be without good food?) Grandma Searson bought the kids new pajamas, which the kids all put on! :) ( A tradition!!) I am so grateful for family. We are so blessed to have family live so close, and be able to spend time with our family.

Visit from Santa

2012-01-02T14:19:00.001-08:00

I love this Santa!!! He is the best!

It's Football Time!!!

2011-09-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Of course... we LOVE football! I can't wait for the season to begin! It has been a rather hot beginning. Mike's first few games have been pushing 100 degrees... as he plays on Saturday afternoon's at 3. He is wearing #24... my Dad's number! He plays slot receiver on the offense and tight end on the defense. He is a strong player this year... and is enjoying football.

Justin is #66. He plays for the Varsity team. He starts as right guard on Offense... and gets in some playing time on Defense at middle Linebacker. He is really fun to watch... and it's very exciting to watch the speed that the Varsity plays at!

Summer Time Fun!

2011-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

She's 8!!

2011-08-29T15:05:00.001-07:00

The Day Finally Arrived! She couldn't wait! She counted down the days to her baptism! She picked the speakers all by herself (Aunt Shannon and Courtney Davis), she led the music herself, she asked the men that stood in the circle to confirm her, she giggled with pure joy after she left the baptismal font! She was so excited to watch the video slide show put together of pictures of her eight years of life. She loved spending the day afterwards, swimming with her cousins. It was such a special day. Thank you to all of the family and friends who came to be with us! We love you! Megan loves you!

A quick weekend getaway

2011-01-24T20:03:00.001-08:00

I've been feeling a little stir crazy lately! So, for Shane's birthday, I surprised him with a weekend away in Tahoe. We are so lucky to have his step-mom, who lives in Kings Beach! She was away for the weekend... and opened up her beautiful home to us! Thank you! Then, my mother-in-law came to stay Friday and Saturday night with our 5! Yipee!!! What a nice break! I actually slept through the night... without being woken up by a child needing something! What an amazing feeling that is! The weather was beautiful! We enjoyed the beauty of the snow... and went and visited the temple grounds of the Reno Temple. It was a quick 48 hours... but such a nice break! Happy Birthday, honey!

Play dates are the best!

2011-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

Meg has a friend, that is 7 months older than her, that has Down Syndrome, too. She loves for her to come over. They have a great time together. They had a dance party. Made cookies, played Red Rover, and Memory. The other kids had a great time playing with Sarah, too!

Only 7 months apart... but Meg is such a little peanut!

Some additional Christmas fun

2011-01-23T18:34:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve with my family. We had a great dinner at my parents home. All my siblings and their spouses' and kids were able to join us. We played a great game and had a great time hanging out as a family.

Mike and Pompy

Maddie and her Great Grandma

Me and Santa

I saw Mommy kissing Santa!

Isn't she the cutest?

2011-01-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

Yep... she's posing in her Santa hat! Such a funny kid! Merry Christmas from Meg!

All she asked for this year was "Dog and a Bone" which was a Red Rover game and lots of iCarly stuff... which she got!

Girls Camp... 2010

2010-08-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp @ Camp Bountiful

Family Reunions are the Best!!

2010-08-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in July attending our family reunion with the Carter's. The Carter's also included Shane's Aunt and Uncle and their children and spouse's and children, and Shane's 4 step siblings and their families! Whew! All together we number around 75! We all went to Yosemite and stayed in Curry Village in the tent cabins. We had a great time hiking, swimming, visiting and playing. Megan and Mitchell were SO EXCITED about camping! They had a great time climbing on rocks... and Mitchell thought the best part was, that he didn't have to take a shower for 4 days!!! Thank goodness for a dip in the lake to get a little of the grime off! :)

Pictured below are the brave ones that took on half dome! Thank you Uncle Scott for bring Michael home!

Maddie and Mike hanging out!

Meg w/ cousin McKayla

View of half dome from Glacier Point! The boys point out that they were on the top!
Mirror Lake time!

4th of July Tradition... Breakfast @ IHOP!

2010-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's tradition... the 4th of July we spend the morning at IHOP. This 4th, the 4th fell on a Sunday... so we went on the 3rd! We were missing Maddie, who was spending some time with Shane's step mom on a cousin trip. The kids love this tradition. We don't get to eat out very often... and especially not breakfast!

Too many things!

2010-07-03T20:29:00.001-07:00

June is over... and I don't know where the last few months have gone. We have been busy with so many things, it's hard to know where to start! Mike promoted from Foulks Ranch Elementary! Way to go Mike! He is on to middle school! WE spend lots of days at the community garden we are participating in! We love it! We have learned alot, and are now harvesting a lot! We do have a web site specifically for the garden, if you want to check out the link on the side of my page. We are all loving our puppy... who is now 5 months old! Diesel is a great dog, and is loved by all! Justin went to EFY a couple weeks ago, and had a great time! My parents drove him to and from Utah... and had a vacation camping in Mt. Timpanogas. Thanks Mom and Dad!! We spend lots of days and evenings in the pool... and that's about it!

Mike's promotion day...doesn't he look so sharp in his tie!

Harvesting time at the Garden!!

Diesel and Mitchell... all tuckered out after a long day!

Justin @ EFY

New babies everywhere!

2010-03-28T18:57:00.001-07:00

New babies everywhere this spring! We have a new nephew! My brother and his wife, just had a sweet baby boy! We had so much fun visiting him a few days after he came home from the hospital! And we just brought home our new baby today... His name is Diesel!

Mike, Meg and Baby Carson

Baseball Fever

2010-03-28T18:52:00.001-07:00

Yes, we were sucked in to baseball fever! Justin decided to try out baseball this year at Franklin High... and I thought T ball would be fun for Mitchell. "Is 4 too young?" I asked Shane. "YES!!" He said. I said, "I don't think so..." and signed him up. For future reference... it is too young for his attention span. But he is definately a natural! He's got a great arm and can hit without the T. So it begins! :)

Stop throwing me curve balls!

2010-01-30T11:31:00.001-08:00

Why does it seem like when it rains... it pours! Everything is breaking around me! Washing machine... paid umpteen bajillion dollars to have it fixed this year! I never new that the Washing Machine has a filter that you are suppose to clean regularly!? Dishwasher... had to replace all of the wheels... $120 for stinkin' wheels!! My husband just came in to the house to tell me he ran in to the garage door. He was loading up all 5 kids to take them to a basketball game... got distracted, and before the door could open fully... he backed out. Now the garage door is off the track, bent and out of whack.

Why is it when you feel like you are pushed to the end of your rope... one more thing gets thrown in on top of your shoulders?

Life... you got to love it!

Waiting for Mom to come Home

2010-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Megan was no where to be found the other day. It had become very quiet... and everyone was on a search. She had been waiting at the laundry room door for Mom to come home from work. I guess she got tired of waiting.... literally!

Eclipse Countdown

2010-01-26T18:48:00.001-08:00

Can she make it for 18 months?

2009-12-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Courtney,

How will Megan survive for 18 months without you? We all know you will do a wonderful job serving our Heavenly Father on your mission! We will write lots! And send lots of pictures! Megan will miss you so much!

Love,
The Carter's

You're 4 now... so stop crying like a baby!

2009-12-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

Mitchell turned 4 on the 1st of December. He had a cooking party! His cousins and a few friends came over to share in the cookie decorating, fruit kabobing good time! Santa even made a visit. Mitchell is the funniest, little kid... except for when he doesn't get exactly his way... then he is the most miserable kid! So, since he turned 4, every day I have to remind him that being 4 means that you can't cry when you don't get your way... you HAVE to use your words. Although... I can't say that I blame him. Some days, I feel like crying because I can't have my way!

Mitchell with his cousin Rynn and Meg

Mitchell and his bud Luke

Mitchell's friends David and Anna

Mitchell and his friend Chiara

Thanksgiving at Mam's and Pompy's

2009-11-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009. Dinner was great! Food... amazing! Mom & Dad made such a delicious turkey! Lots of sides... thank you everyone! I am so grateful for my family... my wonderful parents, and siblings, my in-laws and my kids and hubby!

Dad carving the bird

Mitch and cousin Josh

Mitch and Great Grandma

Mike and Noah

J w/ Uncle Marc and Pompy

My siblings and parents

I am Thankful

2009-11-27T13:05:00.001-08:00

.... that sometimes I get to glimpse this sweet, love that these two have for one another. Usually they are screaming at one another, however, once in a while I am allowed to see the love... and it makes me happy!

What will he do with his free time?

2009-11-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

He has one more game as a Freshman Football player for Franklin High. He said to me the other day, "Mom... I only have 3 more seasons of football!" And then for good measure, he repeated himself... to make sure the weight of what he said was heard. I acknowledged what he said, and then told him he could maybe play in college... like his Uncle Marc. He reminded me that he was only 5'8''. I reminded him that he was only 14... and just a year ago was a good 4 inches shorter than he is now. With only one more game looming next Thursday he said... "What will I do with my free time? I don't like the sound of that!" I am so proud of him. He has had a GREAT season... he played 1st string Offensive Tackle and 1st string Defensive End... he even played Nose guard for a couple games... and did an awesome job! He had quite a few amazing tackles and sacks! I still am amazed that this 14 year old boy is my son!

Heading off the field at half time talking plays over with Coach Fong.

Celebrating a great victory against Elk Grove!

Protecting the Quarterback #15 against the Sheldon Huskies.

Bringing down an Elk Grove offensive player!

He has his "Angry eyes" in!

Just a little bit of scary...

2009-11-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween. We carved pumpkins earlier in the day... and went to my Mom and Dad's for trick-or-treating and soup and bread. Megan had so much fun handing out candy.... I think more than she had collecting candy. She didn't want to give the candy to anyone who was scary. She would ask her Mams to give the candy away. Then she would tell me, "he was just a little bit of scary"

My Dad with the Nacho Libre mask and Mike as a biker.

Maddy the tiger

All five smile big!

Meg and her cute cousin Ryn!

Super tough power ranger!

Meg wanted her picture taken with my Grandma!

Scooping out the ooey gooey guts... as Mitchell likes to call it!

Yep... a little relaxation is good!

2009-10-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

5 Nights and 6 days of relaxation aboard the beautiful Radiance of the Seas... just what the Dr ordered! Or maybe not the Dr... but the stress of life, can't really be any more stressful than they are, and we just decided we needed to get away. So, we took a few days out! Thank you Mom and Dad and our friend Kayla, for watching the kids for us. It was such a nice break to relax!

Our 1 formal night

We spent the day in Cabo San Lucas on Lovers Beach, snorkeling and relaxing in the sand. It was so warm!

My husband LOVES wild animals... especially cats like tigers, lions and jaguars... we got to cuddle with a cute little 2 mos old baby lion and a 5 week old jaguar cub! A dream come true!

After spending the day in Cabo.... back on the ship looking back on the beach we had been on earlier that day. This is also known as "lands end" where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet.

The waiters sang "Happy Birthday" to me and put a candle in my brownie! Yum! I definately did WAY too much eating. It was a great way to spend my Bday!!

She can hang with the boys!

2009-10-18T16:08:00.001-07:00

Yep! She finally got her way! Here she is in all her cute, pink glory! She LOVED playing with the boys.... and was even quite proud of the welts that were left. She was quick to show them off to her brothers... when they started comparing battle wounds. And.... SHE DIDN'T CRY! Nope! Proved wrong once again! She is a Carter through and through!

Mike's 11th Birthday party! They invited the Dad's to join... and they had as much fun as the boys! Maddi was in on the action, too!

Mike hiding behind a bunker!

She cried because she didn't get to play

2009-10-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter cried today at the paintball field. She cried because she was too young to play with the boys! She begged her father to let her play! She asked me 100 times throughout the day as we sat and watched the boys. When a game was over and they needed to clean up the reballs... she was the first one in to clean them up. Then upon completing her task she would look at me and ask, "Please... can I play this round?"

Seriously.... I never thought my daughter would want to shoot people or be shot at, for that matter! A week back, her dad let her shoot at him, with the reballs, as he tried to dodge her shots on the trampolines. She tagged him at least a half - dozen times. I think this experience is what had her so excited to play. However, she has NEVER had anyone shoot at her. The boys were proud of the small welts, where some of the shots had found their mark, a little too well... this didn't even phase her.

So... when she finally gets the chance to play, I wonder if she will cry again... but this time because she finally got to play... and she realizes that it sometimes hurts to play!

Go Rivercats!

2009-09-16T19:27:00.001-07:00

What do you do in September in Sacramento? Go to the Rivercats playoff games, of course! My mom and I took my five, and my nephew to one of the playoff games last Saturday. It was so much fun! The kids had a blast.... even the youngest two. The excitement was fun... and live baseball games are so much more exciting than watching them on t.v.

Go Cats!

Why are all my posts about Megan?

2009-09-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Really... I do have 4 other children, but she is the only one that I can get to pose for pictures! (Not really.... but none the less... she is a cutie!)

Megan turned 6 on the 12 of August! Yes, ladies and gentlemen... she lived to be six! :) She is such a little trouble maker that I am quite impressed! She is in 1st grade, and loves it! She has a great full-time aid, whom we all love, and a great teacher! She lost her top tooth right before her birthday, and then about 2 weeks after, I pulled the second top tooth... so here she is in all her toothless glory! She is so fun to pull teeth out of... it doesn't even seem to phase her. Maybe it's her high pain threshold, who knows, but she doesn't even flinch! She continues to amaze and test my patience every day... and I love her!!

On her 6th Bday!

Megan sings!

2009-08-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

Megan sings!!! She sings all the time! She sings at the top of her lungs... whether she knows the words or not. She loves to sing in church! See if you can guess these primary songs! It's a fun game that we play! :)

Because they are just soo cute!

2009-08-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for a pool! We love to swim... every day, during the summer! Mitchell has mastered the swimming skills, without floaties.... Meg is still working on it. One thing Megan has mastered is looking the diva swim girl role! Matching sunglasses with swim suits and all! Definately a nice way to spend the later evening, after work and homework are done!

Justin is 14!

2009-08-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

Justin turned 14 on the 28th of July. I'm such a lame mom... and had agreed to a cubscout BBQ and swim party at my house... so he really didn't get a whole lot of celebration! Oh well... he was a good sport... and I hope forgives me! We did have the Rogers' side of the family over the Sunday before, for cake and and icecream. Monique's 2nd oldest, Jake has a birthday on the 23rd... he turned 13, so we did a combined Happy Birthday!

I can't believe he is growing up so quickly... the kids is already 3 or 4 inches taller than me! What a cute kid!

Jake in front of his huge cake Monique made for him! She is the cake master!

Blowing out the candles!

King's Beach in Northshore Tahoe!

2009-08-01T08:41:00.001-07:00

The Carter side of the family went up to Judy's house in Tahoe for a quick Saturday FHE. Shane had to work, so I piled the kids in the car and headed up to Tahoe to join his siblings and their families. Grandma Judy lives just a few minutes from King's Beach, and we spent the day in the sun and water. The kids loved playing on Grandma Judy's waverunner. Mitchell and Megan didn't know what to think about the moving water and sand. Once they got used to it... the LOVED it! It was a fun day relaxing with cousins and hanging out!

Megan really didn't know what to think of the sand!

Maddy and Madison building their own lake!

Baby Kennedy enjoying the beach with her mom, Kendra.

Megan made a new friend at the beach... and helped herself to his beach toys! Thank you to the very nice stranger, who let her play all day with their stuff!

Girl's camp

2009-07-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Me and my assistant, Erin Johnson @ Girls Camp!!!

My sister, Monique... the Head Cook! :)

I love Girl's Camp!!! It is such a fun adventure. The past 4 years I have served as the Stake Camp Assistant Director. This year, I was called to serve as the Stake Camp Director. We had about 115 girls. We also found out that this will probably be our last year at Fulda Flats. This was very sad news to many of us. I have been going to this camp since I was a girl. I have such fond memories of my youth as a girl, and now as an adult, having had the opportunity to go as a leader for many years. I will miss the beauty of Emigrant Gap... but I am looking forward to another great adventure at another camp! :) This year the theme was S.O.S... Fulda Flats. We were on a cruise!!! :) The S.O.S. stood for Seek our Savior. We had a great time!

Playing outdoors

2009-07-20T16:32:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about summer is being outside, swimming and enjoying a yummy S'more afterwards! A couple weeks ago my brother, Mike and his wife, Brooke came over with their two kids, Maryn and Blake and we swam and then roasted marshmallows to make a yummy treat! The kids loved it!!!

Blake enjoying his S'more!

Mitchell thought it was the greatest treat!

Perfectly roasted marshmallows!!

Maddy loved the pink marshmallows the best!

The choices...

Mike and Mitchell hanging out!

Summer Fun!

2009-07-20T16:30:00.001-07:00

In June, my sister, Monique and I went to see Wicked! It was fabulous!! I loved it... and was so excited to finally get to see it. My hubby bought me two tickets for Mother's Day. Monique and I went in to San Francisco on the Bart. Super fun Day!

It seems like it was me... just yesterday!!!

2009-06-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wasn't it just yesterday... that I was leaving 8th grade, promoting to Highschool? On Wednesday we attended the promotion ceremony for our oldest, Justin. He now stands 3 or 4 inches taller than me, and when I hear his voice in the other room... I have to remind myself that it's just my son... not some strange man. How does this happen?

Congratulations Justin! What an amazing young man you are! Thank you for reminding me what being a parent means. I continue to be impressed with the person you are becoming... although it seems like it was just yesterday that you were a chubby little 2 year old, with an amazing ability to memorize everything... and make me laugh everyday!

Justin with my parents... Pompy and Mams

Isn't he handsome!! :)

Thanks Aunt Stacy for joining us!! You rock!

Disneyland in May!

2009-06-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to my favorite place.... Disneyland!!! It was a fast weekend, but we had a great time!! Mitchell and Megan were SO excited to go.... they were asking me everyday... a couple times a day if it was Disneyland yet. So... in an effort to help, I created a count down chain. They had so much fun removing a link and counting down the days to go.

Here's Megan counting the days left.....

Finally the day arrived! We loaded the kids up and started the drive on a Thursday after school. Megan and Mitchell were not very happy when we arrived at a hotel at 10 oclock at night, and they were told that we weren't really going to Disneyland until tomorrow! Mitchell was quite upset... but thought it was going to be fun to sleep in a bedroom with 3 of his other siblings. The morning of... we all put on our Bright Orange Tshirts and headed for Disneyland! I did pick orange on purpose... and it totally worked! I didn't lose a single child the whole trip!!!

After entering the park... we were lucky to find Mickey waiting to give Megan and Mitchell a big hug!!

Dad and Megan on splash mountain!!! She LOVED it!!!

All five smiling with our favorite character... Mickey!!

And below... our crazy nuts! :)

While the big kids went on Soaring with Dad... we hung out with Lightning McQueen and Mater. We didn't realize the kids were going to be less than a 1/2 an inch to small to ride quite a few rides... what a bummer! Luckily we didn't realize they were too short and we got on Splash Mountain, because it truly was Megan's favorite!

In Bugs Land

My brother Marc and his wife Stacy and their cute Montana, joined us for the day on Saturday! My mom and Dad were also there at the same time, and it was fun seeing them for a few hours on both days! Just looking at the pictures makes me want to go back!!! I love Disneyland!

Pledging to change

2009-03-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Maryn and Meg... best buddies!

I do try to avoid being up on my soapbox... BUT... I feel this is worthy of a post! Those of you that know me have probably heard me once or twice cringe and grimace at the use of the word "retard" in an offensive manner. So here it is... an opportunity to be made aware! Why don't we stop and think before we speak? Wouldn't our world be a little nicer, if we thought about how our words and actions would affect others before we decide to speak?

My Megan has truly taught me to be aware of others around me. She may not be able to speak as clear as your 6 year old... but she can sure try! As parents, we also have an opportunity to teach our children about the harmful affects of our words. Sometimes we are not even aware of the things our kids say... so, ask them what they know... you may be surprised. I don't think "kids are just mean" I think they just haven't been educated! Be a part of the moving force... click on the pledge button on the right and sign your name... pledge to change... or just to make others aware.

I Love you LOTS!!!

2009-02-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day... a day of Love! I love thinking about past Valentine's Days! When I was little my mom always made heart shaped, pink pancakes. My parent's had a small gift for us to open. I remember one year, my Dad creating a scavanger hunt around the house with small gifts for my Mom. I was so excited about helping set the clues... and her finding them. I am so grateful for the great example of sharing and kindness my parent's set for me. I love having traditions to pass on to my own kids. So... I still make pink, heart shaped pancakes. This year, with Shane's crazy work schedule, we actually went out to Brunch with some friends at Boulevard Bistro in town! LOVE this place! And brunch was AWESOME!!! So yummy! So, for dinner, I set the table, used our "finer" table settings and made a yummy dinner of steak, baked potatoes, home made rolls, and green beans. I cut out heart shaped brownies for dessert. Then I wrote little love notes on hearts for all of the kids and placed them all around the table. It was a fun night. Shane even managed to come home long enough to have dinner with us. It was a memory that I hope my kids will remember... just like all of the fun memories I have from my parents!

Mike with his heart shaped brownie and ice cream

My cute Maddy Boo

Justin! Is this teenager really mine?

Shane and I enjoying brunch at Boulevard Bistro! YUMMO!!!

Our friends, the Leger's enjoying brunch with us!

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-02-24T21:25:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday... so long ago! I'm just getting around posting pics of the day. We had dinner and had a few friends over. The guys watched the game. The girls played a board game. The kids had the best time with each other. It was a fun evening in enjoying time with family and friends!

What are these 3 up to? Who knows! But they were having so much fun!

Yep... Commercial time... Got to love those 3-D commercials!

Did I tell you...

2009-02-13T21:10:00.001-08:00

We are OPEN!!!!!

I know this may be a little self - indulgent, but we are so excited to have the doors of Dream Xtreme be open to the public! We have been running adds on the radio (heard one myself today), at the movie theatres, and even had a few spots on tv (Fox 40) and coming soon... Channel 10 and Channel 31. The kids, of course, are loving it! Justin loves to work to earn a chance to surf! Shane LIVES down at Dream Xtreme. I leave for work at 7:45... he leaves shortly after... and then makes it home around 11:30 - 12 every night after it closes at 11. He works alot of hours... and is excited to see the Dream become a reality.

Here are a few pics of the kids trying it out... before it opened to the public on friends and family day!
Megan may look a little fearful... but don't let it full you.. she was actually in the middle of yelling out a "whoo... hoo!" check her out in her very own you tube video... "Flowrider is for everyone"

Mike has since mastered a head stand on the body board... while in motion... just like his Dad, this one is!

Maddy is all smiles on the body board!

Justin has quickly picked up the Flowboarder skills.

Is there anything blog-worthy?

2009-01-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

I'm sure there is plenty! But of course... I am entering the world of tax season, and seem to be busy these days... just like everyone else. But we are still alive. We just celebrated Shane's bday a few days ago. We went out to our favorite place to eat for dinner... Bandera's. My mom and dad joined us for the celebration. We are waiting patiently for the opening of Dream Xtreme... o.k. who am I kidding... not so patiently. We are hoping to be open by next week. It has been a process... as you all know, but we are excited that it is almost here!

Here we are passing the evening away... playing

I just love those little cheeks!

Ringing in the New Year 2009

2009-01-03T15:05:00.001-08:00

Happy 2009! Another year to try to be a little better, be a little kinder, be a little more patient, try to share a little more with others! My goals in a nut shell... there I said them out loud, now I really mean it! :)

Mitchell and Megan ringing in the New Year... a few hours early!

We had a few friends over for the New Years Celebration. Thanks for coming... it really was a fun night!

The Urban's

The Mangelson's

The George's

The Leger's

Shane and Me!

What does 15 years look like?

2008-12-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Shane proposes to Marlo July 10, 1993

Engagement pic

Newlyweds in Utah... Shane bungee jumping.

Our first cruise, 1997.... so begins the addiction of cruising!

Hawaii 2001

Jamaican jungles, October 2006

Walt Disney World trip, Oct 2005 (pic got out of order)... pregnant w/ Mitchell on this trip... so I guess it wasn't just us! :)

May 2008... Disneyland trip

Lake Tahoe, Dec 2008

Celebrating 15 years

2008-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

We celebrated 15 years this weekend. My parents took our children for the weekend, and we headed to Lake Tahoe. We spent our honeymoon in Tahoe, as well as our 5 year reunion... so it was so fun to return back to beautiful Lake Tahoe. We had such a great time together. We stayed in a beautiful room in the Fantasy Inn. We went snowmobiling and watched the sunset at 9,000 feet! It was absolutely breathtaking. Thank you honey for the nice get away... I enjoyed the time being with you!

Beautiful dozen roses that were awaiting our arrival... from my sweetie!

A view of our room

Heavenly Village in Lake Tahoe

The sunset peak on our snowmobile adventure!

Christmas is Here!

2008-12-28T18:24:00.001-08:00

What would Christmas be without Christmas PJ's at Mam's and Pompys? My grandma always gives the grandkids Christmas PJ's to open on Christmas eve. After having a very yummy dinner of PrimeRib and potatoes at my Mom and Dad's house, the kids put on their Pj's. We missed Meg's kids in the pic.

My sis and I at dinner
After dinner, we went to Monique's house for dessert, games, a program and more unwrapping of Christmas gifts! Every year we give my parents a gift of service, for someone else. It was so fun to share with them what we had been able to do... in their name. The cousins all exchange names and gave each other their gifts.

Here is Mam's with three grandsons!

Christmas morning was quiet. Mitchell slept until 7... when the other 4 decided that 7 was quite late for a Christmas morning. Everyone enjoyed opening their gifts... and then I made a big breakfast... my favorite french toast casserole with apple cider syrup.... yum!

Mitchell opening his stocking!

Mitchell on his new bike!

Decorating Gingerbread houses

2008-12-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas tradition... that I hope never ends... is decorating Gingerbread houses! Thanks Merrily for all of your hard work... so my kids could have some fun! The kids love doing this... I'm not sure if they like making or eating the gingerbread houses the best! This is such a great Christmas memory for me...

Justin and Maddy... Justin can't even wait to get it assembled before he's eating it!

Mike and my niece, Nicole

Mitchell stuck with Gingerbread men... he quickly ate them after decorating!

A new tradition

2008-12-28T18:11:00.001-08:00

This year we went to Donner Lake the weekend before Christmas. It was so much fun... I hope this becomes a new tradition! We stayed in a cabin right by Donner Lake. My parents and Monique's family joined us for a weekend in the snow... away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. We had such a great time warming by the fire, playing games, playing in the snow, drinking hot cocoa. The only sad part was the wipe - out my mom took... and hurt her ribs! Ouch! We loved the time we spent with our family... and the kids LOVED playing in the snow. For those of you who live in snow... you might not get it. Our kids rarely see the stuff... in fact, I think this might have been Mitchell's first experience. He loved playing in it. Even when it was cold and windy and snowing... he didn't want to come in!

Dad, Mitchell and Meg, enjoying the fire... watching a Christmas movie!

Mitchell playing in the snow

Miss Maddy

We took the kids to the Emigrant Trail museum. We watched a film on the Donner Party that traveled through the Donner Pass Road, during the gold rush era. It was a great experience for the family.

All geared up... getting ready to come out in the snow!

A Busy December

2008-12-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

We have had such a busy December... the month has passed us by so quickly. I love December! I love Christmas... here are a few of the events that have happened over the last month!

First, we went and watched Maddy in her 3rd grade play. She had one of the lead roles as Rapunzel. She did a great job and knew all of her lines! She truely was a star! Below is a picture of Maddy and her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Lowe. Teachers are amazing! They put so much work into there jobs... and we are so appreciative of all of our kids teachers!

As the ward activities chairperson... I decided to do Night in Bethlehem for our ward party. It turned out so great! It was beautiful, and I had some wonderful people that helped me decorate all day long! I bbqed 35 lbs of chicken. We had pita bread sandwiches with chicken, greek salad, crackers, fruit platters, desserts, etc. The kids made some ornaments, and we had a short program. I was really happy with the big turnout... and how nice it looked. Shane even made a well for me, and we set it up in the middle of the cultural hall.

He's Three

2008-11-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, Mitchell joined our family! The first picture of Mitchell is indicitive of his whole life here on the earth so far.... screaming all the way! Not just mad screams... he screams for joy, he screams with excitement, he screams when someone takes something away from him. He screams at 6 am in the morning when he announces that he has successfully been dry in his unders all night! He just likes to scream! And we love him! The fifth in the family can't be an easy spot. He came in to this world, already having to share... everything. And yet, he shares his huge personality with all of us... and makes us smile every day! We love you, Mitchell! Happy Birthday!

Seconds after birth...

Getting ready to leave the hospital

3 months old

Enjoying the pool... 6 months old

Mitchell... 10 months

Mitchell... 18 months

Easter, 2007 (2 years)

Summer... 2008

Fall.... 2008

He's 3!

Bowling Frenzy

2008-11-30T16:31:00.001-08:00

Bowling in style has finally come to Elk Grove! We were so excited to check out Strikes this weekend. With the excuse of Mitchell's birthday, we invited all our friends and family and hit the lanes. We were able to get 5 of the private lanes and enjoyed the relaxed, cushy seating and bowled like crazy for an hour! It was actually great fun... even the little ones enjoyed pushing the balls down the lane. The teens opted for bumper bowling... and it resembled pinball rather than bowling... but a fun time was had by all! Thanks for all who joined us... we enjoyed it!

Mitchell using the ramp to bowl!

Checking out the scores on the board! Meg and Mitchell with Mams.
Ashley smiling for the camera

Maddy and Molly the bowling queens!

Ahh... my sister Monique and her hubby, Marc.

Three times the trouble!

Don't let their cool faces fool you... they had fun too!

Just Doing our Part

2008-11-16T14:08:00.001-08:00

So, I generally try to keep my writing on my blog to a minimum.... but, I am going to climb up on my soapbox for a few moments...

Those of you that live in California know what the aftermath of Prop 8 has been like. Those of you that live elsewhere, may have seen the pictures of the temples (LA and Oakland) being marched at, etc. Yesterday, I went downtown for lunch and shopping with a girlfriend of mine. We decided to eat lunch at a cute little restaurant on K street and 9th. At the precise time that we sat down, a parade of angry protestors began marching by the window. Holding their No on 8 signs and yelling angry words, they marched down the street headed for the Capitol Building (2 blocks from where we were eating). Many of them carried signs with vulgar language spewed upon them. Various individuals held signs stating Stop the H8! While others stooped to the level of stating that "Jesus would have voted No on 8!" (Seriously... have they read the scriptures?) All of them shouted with loud voices for the hate to end. Many in the restaurant began discussing to other tables about the display outside. Some said, "why are they doing this now? Why didn't they do that before the vote?" While others said, "We voted... they lost... they should go home." The overall general concensus in the restaurant was that it had been voted on, and it should be over with.

As we were discussing the effects of prop 8, the restaurant owner mentioned to us that he felt bad for individuals who had supported prop 8, monetarily wise. (For those of you who don't know, lists of people who donated over $100 were published and posted.) The owner stated, "I feel bad for the owners of Leatherby's, who is now being boycotted because of his choice to donate to a political cause."

How sad that people that exercise their right to vote are then persecuted. So, that's where I draw the line! Nobody boycott's my favorite place to eat ice cream in Sacramento! I love Leatherby's!!! I have spent many a fun evening with family or friends enjoying the delicious flavors of Leatherby's ice cream and toppings.

So, we decided to "take one for the team" so to speak. We loaded the kids up after dinner and headed to Leatherby's. We all enjoyed our ice cream very much... and just so you know... the place was still hopping on a Saturday night at 7pm. :)

Here are pictures of us "just doing our part!"

Shane getting a taste of Maddy's sherbert freeze!

Mitchell loving his ice cream cone!

Megan posing with her clown ice cream sundae... her favorite!

Mike and the Brownie fudge sundae!

Maddy-Boo!

J... and his cookie dough ice cream

There is a nice restaurant in town

2008-11-09T19:05:00.001-08:00

Who would have thought that such a fancy restaurant exists in our little town! We went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday with my mom and dad. This little restaurant had the best food! Beautifully plated and very delicious! Those of you that know me... know I LOVE FILET!!! I truly think about eating a filet and my mouth starts to water... not matter the time of day. This was such a yummy filet! Great dinner and great company! Thanks Mom and Dad for a fun evening!

It's Over!

2008-11-09T18:57:00.001-08:00

It's Over! Football season is officially over! Saturday evening we went to playoffs in Shingle Springs. It poured rain! The wind blew! The 50 degree chill felt like 40 degree chill. Justin ran up and down the field. They tried their hardest! We lost. It was such a sad defeat. As Justin climbed into the car, after being peeled of all muddy gear, frozen, he let out a sigh of defeat. I can't believe he has played for 7 years! He's only 13!! We all enjoy the football season... and next year, it will be on the Highschool playing field that will will root on our son! Highscool here we come! Go Wildcats!

Here's Maddy wet and cold rooting on Justin!

Mike and Meg! Shane was doing chains... totally drenched too!

Halloween Spooks

2008-11-01T14:37:00.001-07:00

Trick-or-Treat is not trick-or-treat without yummy soup and chili at my mom and dad's house to start the night off! We had a great time eating yummy soup and homemade bread. The kids enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather... although it did start to rain just a little at the end of the night. Definately a fun night for everyone!

My little kitty!

Mike as Jack Sparrow
Mike and Mitchell.... Red Power Ranger

He's so tough! :)

Maddy the Tiger, Meg the Leopard

Pompy and Mams and a few of the grandkids

Shane enjoying his chicken chowder!

Mike, Me and our Mom and Dad

Birthday Celebration

2008-11-01T14:28:00.001-07:00

It's is that time of year again, when you are officially the next year older in your life. A time to reflect on everything that you have learned. I have learned that no matter how much I clean my house, it still gets messy. No matter how much I stress about things... life still happens. We celebrated very low key this year. Shane took me out to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Bandera's, my mom offered to watch the kids. While we were out, she made a cake for me. The kids and Shane and my mom sang me "Happy Birthday!" Thanks Mom for the yummy cake!

Me and Doody!

Blowing out the candles.... luckily their was only 6 on that thing! :)

Rebels with a cause

2008-10-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

Our cause... Halloween. But in truth, the real cause... because it is SO NOT US! I laughed so hard picking these Halloween costumes out! This is so not us... won't people think it's so funny if we come to a party dressed like Biker Dudes with tatoos and piercings. I tried to keep up the tougher biker exterior most of the night, but really... let's get real... I don't think we look even the slightest bit scary! Oh well! Not scary... but we definately had a fun night at our friend's party! Happy Halloween!

Electric Personality

2008-10-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

Megan has a very "electric" personality! She thought it was SO FUNNY that her hair could stand on end! She some times makes us stand on end... but we love her SO!

Maddy's Baptism

2008-10-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend! Maddy's baptism was on Saturday. Shane's brother, Scott and his wife MaryKay, and their children came from Las Vegas. My sister, Meggin came from Tulare with her girls. We are so grateful that we have SO MUCH family so close by! We had a full house at the baptism.... it was so great! Thank you all for setting time aside on Saturday for us! Mike gave a great talk. McKayla also gave a wonderful talk as well. They did such a great job. I was very impressed at these two great kids... and their strength and knowledge.

Miss Maddy dressed in white.

Maddy-Boo

Me and My little Boo

Maddy and her Dad

Birthday Party Bash

2008-10-18T09:30:00.001-07:00

Can you say CHAOS!!! I guess that's what happens when you invite 22 8-11 year olds to your house for a birthday bash! Maddy turned 8 on Wednesday. Mike turned 10 yesterday, and we decided to have a combined birthday Halloween party! We had stations set up for Halloween games, they made their own pizzas, decorated cookies, ate doughnuts off of a string, went on a candy hunt in the back yard, jumped on the trampoline, played guitar hero, and did a lot of screaming and laughing. THANK YOU MOM FOR COMING TO THE RESCUE. I was obviously just a little overwhelmed with so many kids... when my mom offered to help, I was rescued. It was a fun night! Happy Birthday Mike and Maddy! I love you both so much!!

Maddy's Party

Some of Mike's gang
Eating doughnuts from strings!
Decorating cookies, and eating their pizzas.
Noah.... the Mummy returns!

The Carter's ROCK!!!

2008-10-18T09:20:00.001-07:00

We have a new family past time.... ROCK BAND! Justin used his birthday money to buy the PS2 game, Rock band. It's a great family activity. We all have a fun time rotating on the different parts. Justin is definately, by far the PRO at drums. Let's hope those drum lessons paid off for something! (Ha Ha) Mike has mastered the guitar, Shane plays bass, and Meg and I take turns singing. Maddy likes playing guitar as well... although she wasn't in the "Rock Band" mood this evening. The best thing is, we spend the evening as a family... usually laughing at ourselves. If I'm playing an instrument, usually someone has to save me, because I will fail on almost every song. Oh well... better stick with singing... that I can do. (At least in Rock Band style! :))

Megan's First Field Trip

2008-10-18T09:14:00.001-07:00

Just like a million other blogs you've read... here we are at the Pumpkin Patch! This was Megan's first field trip in school. I decided I better attend to make sure that she didn't run crazy through the Pumpkin Patch. The kids went to Fog Willow in Wilton. They teach them to milk cows, and make hay bales. The kids also got to pet goats, Llamas (sp?) and see some other large farm animals. Megan also pet a 1 week old baby bunny. VERY CUTE!!! We went on a hay ride and climbed on a hay pyramid. It was a fun day at the Pumpkin Patch.

Megan's kindergarten class. Mr Shadbourne is her teacher. He is wonderful!
Megan choosing her pumpkin.
Climbing the pyramid.

"Special Kids"

2008-10-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

Every year non profit organizations in the Sacramento area sponsor an event for kids with special needs. Fairytale town across from the Sacramento Zoo is closed down for the day for families with kids of special needs. Carnival type games are set up. A great BBQ of hamburgers and hot dogs are served. As well as a magician and motivational speakers. Our family had a great time on Saturday participating in this event. The weather forecast said wet... but as you can see from the pictures, it was a beautiful day. We even saw a friend of Megan's from her preschool, Courtney! Megan had a great time... as well as the rest of our family.

Megan and the Big Red Dog, Clifford

Megan sat very still to get her face painted!
Pretending on the Pumpkin coach.
Sitting in Robin Hoods chairs in Sherwood Forest.
3 Billy Goats and 3 Little Pigs!

Mom's Bday!

2008-09-29T16:04:00.001-07:00

My young mother had a birthday on Friday the 26th and the girls all celebrated! It was fun to go out all together. We missed my sister, Meggin. Even grandma came out for dinner and a movie. We all enjoyed Bj's good food. It was mixed reviews on the movie "Road to Rodanthe".... but I just enjoyed being out with my mom, grandma and sisters. Thanks for the fun night everyone!

Does Football Season have to be so HOT?!

2008-09-28T14:01:00.001-07:00

It is game number four. Justin's team is 3-1 with a close loss last week against Rosemont (7-6). And it is still so HOT!!! I love Football! I love the game! I love the atmosphere... and I usually love the weather. We have been blessed with some warm weather, and 4 oclock games on Saturday have remained a toasty 90+ degrees. This week Shane was gone, so loaded the 4 kids up and headed to Justin's game. We had a great time... and Justin's team was successful with another shut out game. Way to go J!!!

Justin is number 68
Mike... So COOL!
The girls... enjoying snacks!
Mitchell actually slept in a stroller most of the game... but woke up long enough to enjoy a snack and smile at the camera!

Going to the Circus... Over the Top

2008-09-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

The circus came to town this weekend, and thanks to our friends... Tiff and Rocki, our family got to enjoy them from a suite at Arco Arena. The kids had a great time going down to the floor during the Pre-show. Megan and Mitchell were a little nervous, but they enjoyed participating in holding rings for dogs to jump through and a massive game of tug-o-war against some clowns. I think they enjoyed sitting in the box and eating free popcorn and sodas, just as much as the circus, though! It was a fun Saturday morning event for the Carter Family!

Maddy, being the guest announcer, announcing the next act!
Megan, Maddy and Mitchell give mom all smiles!
Mitchell and Mom in the suite.
Justin and Mitchell enjoying the day!

Still building!

2008-09-09T21:16:00.001-07:00

Well... we are still building our dream! Dream Xtreme that is! Construction is well underway at the new Elk Grove Sports Complex that will soon be home to Strikes Bowling Alley, California FAmily Fitness, California Sun, and us.... Dream Xtreme. For those of you who haven't heard (which can't be very many of you) we have undertaken yet another exciting challenge. Dream Xtreme will include a double flowrider (not sure what that is? Google Flowrider), rock climbing, a dodge ball trampoline arena, lighted and covered paint ball arena. WE are hoping to be open the beginning of November.

This first picture is looking down the hallway to the entrance of Dream Xtreme. (The big open door way at the back of the hall)

Here she is... the big pit that will soon hold our massive double flowrider.
Shane pointing out the skylights in the roof... that will be very handy for good ventilation.
Looking over the plans for the whole project.
Here he is... happy that his Dream is coming true!

Child Labor Laws on Labor Day?

2008-09-02T20:22:00.001-07:00

Who says Labor Day should be a day away from labor? I say.... put the little ones to work! At 7:30 am we had them outside, beginning the outdoor labor. Justin mowed, and the others picked up trimmings. I began on the inside... making lists of chores. It was so chilly... the little ones doned hats and coats.

Here is Mitchell cleaning up clippings.

Maddy was so fond of her little "rolly"... of course a pill bug.
Our nephew, Trent spent the weekend with us, while his mom and dad were out of town... he even got roped into "Labor Day"
Here's Mike... he got the dirty job... Turtle Pooper Scooper! :)

A Day in Elk Grove Park

2008-08-23T09:08:00.001-07:00

I love Elk Grove Park. We don't go often... but the kids sure thought it was fun. Last Saturday was pictures in the park for football. We went and hung out... waiting for Justin's pics to be done. The kids decided to take their uneaten hotdog buns over to the ducks. Megan and Mitchell thought it was the best thing in the world. I think we'll have to go back. I love the picture of Maddy with her green shirt... and the tree in the back.

Don't blame it on football!

2008-08-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Justin plays football. He gets hit all the time. This is not new. What stinks is when you get a concussion. I know what your thinking... that's football for you. But, this was not a football injury. It was 13 year old nonsense... playing in the pool, and diving into 3 1/2 feet of water, head first. He somehow stumbled out of the pool... and his little sister was smart enough to get Mom. When he couldn't remember what just happened, his vision was impaired and was screaming that everything was dizzy... I assumed he probably had hit his head hard enough for a concussion. We took him to the chiropractor he thought he probably didn't do major damage to his spinal cord... but did knock things "out of whack". And definately sustained a moderate concussion. So, no hitting at football for a week! Justin is SO dissapointed. What do you expect? Haven't I told you not to do stupid things in the pool? HELLO!!! When do kids learn they are not invincible? Luckily it's the beginning of the season. So, he does have a concussion.... but don't blame it on football!

Look how she's grown!

2008-08-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing how quickly time flies. Here is Megan just minutes old!

She completely surprised everyone. We thought she was going to need surgery to repair enlarged ventricles in her brain and wholes in her heart... but with an apgar score of 7... for a low tone Down Syndrome baby, everyone was amazed that she wouldn't need surgery... in fact, she didn't even need to go to the NICU. Shane and my mom were able to hold her within minutes after the delivery.
Here we are in the operating room. I'm still strapped to the table. What a miracle she was!
Megan at 1 years old!
Uh - oh! Here starts the trouble!

She's 5!!

2008-08-13T16:07:00.001-07:00

I can't believe she is 5 years old!!! This has been the hardest 5 years of my life... but so worth it! Megan had a swim party with some of her cousins for her birthday. She loved blowing the candle out! At school she was so excited to take snacks to share with her new friends.

Megan and cousin Ashley!
Megan and her Mams

Obsessed?

2008-08-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yes... a little obsessed! Friday night, My sister, Monique, and my sister-in-law, Brooke and I went to a Breaking Dawn party at Border's to get our books! We waited until midnight with all the other crazy Stephenie Meyer fans. We had wrist bands, that I had gotten at 9:30 am that morning, so we only waited until about 12:15. I finished reading last night at midnight! The book was a great ending to a wonderful story! Very creative!

Carter Look-alike Meter

2008-08-03T16:44:00.001-07:00

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Swimming in the Pool!

2008-07-31T16:33:00.001-07:00

The best thing about summer is swimming! The kids swim almost everyday. Shane and I wondered if we would get our money out of putting a pool in... just the amount of summer fun alone has made it worth it. We also have been able to enjoy the pool with lots of family and friends. The kids are tan and a little water logged... but they love it! I don't ever take pictures of just playing in the pool.. because they swim so often... but I thought it would be fun to post some cute pics.

Below is Mitchell holding his breath and blowing bubbles... he will definately be all over the place without the floaties by next summer!

Megan getting ready to jump in!
Mitchell playing in the waterfall with the new pool toys from SuperGran (Shane's mom).
Megan and Justin... such a good big brother!
Little fish!
Crazy boy!
Mike chillin'
Justin and Meg

Is it Me?

2008-07-23T20:31:00.001-07:00

So, I just got my hair cut... and as you can tell darkened. The kids responses were mixed. Justin said, "Uh... it's different." Megan said, "Oh Wow, I love you hair!" Mitchell said, "Mom has pretty hair!" Maddy thought it was cute... and Michael didn't voice his opinion either way. Shane hasn't come home yet to voice his opinion... but he really doesn't like me in short hair... so we'll see how that goes! I like it. A little shorter than I expected... but great for summer... and it was time for a change! What do you think?

Girls Camp 2008

2008-07-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Below is a picture of me and Montana, my next door neighbor's daughter, who was up at camp with me.

I just got back from another year at Girls Camp. It was such a great week. I have been priveleged to be the Assistant Camp Director for our Stake for the last 4 years, and have really enjoyed getting to know so many people, and spending time with the Young Women. This year we were 5 miles from the American River Complex Fire. We were carefully monitored by the Forest Service, and updated daily on the fire containment. We had a great opportunity to go on a "field trip" and tour the Type I command center, only a few miles from the camp. This mini city housed the fire personell and staff that were set up to monitor and control the fire. We also got to go to a heli-base where the large choppers flew out and carried huge buckets to carry water to the fires. It was a great chance for the girls to see the hard work or firemen and fire women are doing!

School Days!!!

2008-07-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

Yeah!!! School has begun! Yesterday was the first day of the new year. Maddy started 3rd grade, with Mrs. Lowe, Michael started 5th grade with Mr. Popham and Megan started kindergarten with Mr. Shadbourne. Megan also has an amazing aide named Karen. Megan was SOOOO excited to be going to kindergarten! She had a great first day and was so excited this morning to head out to school again!

Way to go kids!!!

Carter Look-alike Meter

2008-07-13T12:48:00.001-07:00

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Carter Look-alike Meter

2008-07-13T12:43:00.001-07:00

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Another Fun 4th of July!!

2008-07-05T13:39:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July at my parent's house! I love the 4th! This year was one of the first that I can remember not dying of heat! We all swam and enjoyed the warm pool. Mams and Pompy bought some new things to enjoy in the pool... the kids loved the slide! Mitchell especially enjoyed the icecream cone!

Here he is... enjoying every bite of his icecream cone... he even helped Megan finish hers off!

This was a favorite for Megan too!
Mike swam ALL day long... he was the last one in!

Mom and Meg saying "Cheese!"
WE have a tradition of going out to breakfast on the 4th of July! I love eating breakfast out, and we never do... so once a year we enjoy this tradition. This year the kids let Mom have her way, and we went to Mimi's! YUMMY! The kids prefer IHOP... but I love Mimi's yummy omlets and muffins!
DAd and Meg!
He is such a cute boy! :)

More swimming pics! Here is Mike and Noah enjoying the pool!

Maddy and Mitchell played together quite a bit. She is such a great big sister.
Mams and Megan.
Mike on the Sea Saw.
My favorite pic of the day.... Can you just see the pure love that Megan has for water. It really is her favorite thing. I just wish she would learn to swim. She wants to be in the water ALL the time... to the point that we watch her like a hawk anytime she is around water. She is very confident in floaties and swims all over the pool. However, she doesn't have enough muscle strength to kick herself out of the water on her own. I'm sure she will some day! For now, it's just fun to see the love that she has for swimming!
Thanks for the fun day everyone!!! I loved the yummy dutch oven cobbler that Monique made for dessert. The fireworks were great... and the time being together was the best!

The Eating Machine

2008-06-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Mitchell loves to eat! The kid enjoys food like I do! It is so fun to see him enjoy something so much. Here he is attacking a fruit roll up. He didn't want any help getting the roll off the plastic... so he did it all himself! Mitchell makes us all laugh.

Here is Mitchell enjoying some watermelon. This pic reminds me so much of Justin when he was this age!

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2008-06-20T17:03:00.001-07:00

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Here's to Dad's

2008-06-16T20:04:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful for Dad's. I have so many fond memories of my own Dad. I love remembering Disneyland trips, snowskiing trips, church history sites throughout Utah, summer vacations. In adulthood I have appreciated my dad's kind words, and understanding heart. He has been a listening ear and a teacher and friend. Thanks Dad for loving me and loving my kids!

Dad and baby Mitchell... only a few hours old. December, 2005

Dad and Megan at Six Flags, May 2006.

Dad, Megan, and Mitchell - Easter 2007

Dad and Me, Father's Day June 2008

Dad, Me and Marc.

My father-in-law passed away 8 years ago this coming September. He was a kind man. He loved his grand kids and loved his kids. I think about him and remember the fun times we had. I think of my 3 youngest children, who never had the opportunity to know their Grandpa Carter. He is missed and loved everyday.

My husband is a great Dad. I love watching my husband play with our children. Thanks for being a great Dad and a wonderful husband!

Justin and Shane on the Quad - Summer 2004

Fourth of July, 2001 - Shane and Maddy
The beginning - December 1993

At Justin's blessing (two weeks old) - August, 1995

Michael's Birth - October 1998
Megan's Birth - August 2003
Shane and His little Angel - July 2005
Dad and Michael, Marc and Maddy, Shane and Megan @ Disneyland, Dec. 2003

If you Build it... they will come!

2008-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know... we are once again jumping into the world of owning another business. This business is truly on the "passion" side of Shane's love for all things extreme! The company is called Dream Xtreme. We are putting in an extreme sports facility here in Elk Grove. The old JVC center on Laguna Blvd. has stood vacant for quite a few years. An investment group recently acquired the building and has decided to make it a sports complex. There will be a 50 lane Strikes bowling alley and Coach's restaurant, a new California Family Fitness Center, a Champions center (batting cages, specialty training for golf, etc.) and our place.... DREAM XTREME. Our facility will occupy 15,000 square feet of space. Ever wanted to try to surf... now you will be able to... in Elk Grove, indoors. We will also have lighted paintball fields, rock climbing, large trampolines for dodge ball games, as well as a retail area for all the latest wakeboarders, surfers, etc. We are very excited about this new business endeavor, so we thought we would share it with you.

This picture is the exterior of the JVC center, beginning the general construction, outside.
This is the flowrider being built, at a facility in Lindsay, CA that we visited last week.
This is the finished jproduct on the back of Royal Caribbean's "Freedom of the Seas".

We are anticipating opening in mid October - November, of 2008!

She Graduates... From Preschool

2008-06-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Megan graduated from her preschool program today!! Ready or not... Kindergarten here she comes!!!

Here she is accepting the award. She was quite proud of herself!
Here is Megan, her special ed teacher, Miss Jan (in the front) and paraeds.. Miss Melanie and Miss Terri.
Megan gives her best friend, Courtney, a hug good-bye. She will miss her!
Megan and Courtney say "Cheese" to the camera. Courtney is about 7 months older than Megan, but look how much taller. Megan really is a little shrimp (even on the down syndrome scale!)

We are very proud of Megan. She can recognize her name as well as quite a few letters, numbers, colors and shapes. I can't believe she will be 5 next month! :)

Disneyland Magic

2008-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

Disneyland is always fun... even if you are a grown up! We left the kids for a quick weekend away and had a BLAST! Thanks Mom and Dad for taking our kids!!! We went with our friends Rob and Lisa... and had so much fun. We stayed up late and went to Fantasmic! We watched the awesome fireworks show. Here we are below at my favorite restaurant Blue Bayou!

Below is Shane and I taking the famous front of Disneyland picture!
Definately a highlight of the trip was meeting Brooke White from this recent season of American Idol!!! She was so nice!
Of course... bug eyes! At "It's tough to be a Bug"

Megan's Glasses

2008-06-03T07:21:00.001-07:00

I love Megan in her glasses! These little beauties have allready endured quite a bit of bending, scratching, and breaking. She wears them at school, most of the time... but on rare occasions, she will wear them at home. Is she not the cutest!

Memorial Day Fun!

2008-06-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Memorial Day with a BBQ and swim party this year! It wasn't as warm as it normally is, but the kids had fun anyway. It is always fun to relax and visit with good friends!

Look at these three cuties!!! I love Owen's cheeks!

Food is always important... Becky likes to mix her treats with her hotdogs! :)

Russell and Dave.... I'm not sure what was wrong with Russell?!

Mother's Day

2008-05-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

So, you probably have all seen these pics if you have visited my sister's blogs... oh well... here they are again. We celebrated Mother's Day at my parents.

This first pic is 4 generations of women in the Roger's family.

Me and My two sisters, Monique and Meg (Do we look related? :)
Me and my girls... you can tell that they didn't really care about the whole picture thing!

Name That Tune

2008-04-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Megan loves to sing! We love to hear her sing. Here is a fun game we play all the time at our house... I thought some of you might want to play too!
(Press pause on the music on the side to hear)

Just in case you were wondering the answers:

Song 1: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Song 2: Once there was a snowman
Song 3: Do as I'm Doing
Song 4: Farmer in the Dell

Time With the Girls

2008-04-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

My husband was a sweetie and gave me a weekend off!!! After a very busy tax season, it was so nice to have a whole weekend to myself! A few of my girl friends and I headed up to Lake Tahoe for some sunshine and relaxation. We went out to the movies, we went for a walk, we went shopping, we ate a ton of junk food, we laughed and laughed and laughed. It was such a nice break. Thanks girls for the memories! I am so glad my friend Heidi came from Utah! It would not have been the same without you! :)

On a walk in the Glenbrooke subdivision. We were just a little chilly!
Shopping in the boutiques in Tahoe near Heavenly.

Eating dinner!

A few more Easter Pics

2008-04-21T21:02:00.001-07:00

Megan finding Eggs!

Megan and Mams

Montana and Mitchell sharing "Easter loot"

Easter Time

2008-04-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

I realize it is a little late to post Easter pictures... but with tax season and all... I have neglected my Blog. So, please allow some back dated pictures! :)

Mitchell home from preschool with homemade ears and everything!

Coloring Eggs and Aunt Monique's house.

Our tricky little Easter Bunny!

Playing at the Park

2008-03-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the kids to the park on Saturday. IT was such a nice day outside, it was hard to resist! Megan LOVES the swings... although several people took her out, when she ran in front of them.

These seats are crazy... they spin and spin... Maddy always comes home from the park just a little queazy!

Check out Mitchell's shiner from the park. He slipped walking up the stairs to the slide. He had a swollen, black and purple bruise that lasted a good week!

Is Spring really here?

2008-03-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

Megan and Mitchell were thrilled at all of the "Popcorn" on the trees outside. We took the kids for some fun at the park. They had a blast! Much better than our last park excursion, where Mitchell got a huge black eye, and Megan was taken out twice by running in front of people on the swings.

Chicken Pox still exist!

2008-02-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

Justin was running a high fever all weekend long. It carried into Monday. This morning when he woke up the fever was gone... but something was left in its place.... CHICKEN POX! "Oh, that's right... he's the only one who didn't have the Varicella vaccine!" Yikes!!! They just keep coming! Poor kid! I had to call my mom to ask what chicken pox looked like.. because I had never seen them before (that I could remember). Soo... here are the pics... post Calamine rub down from Mom!

The front view

Close up of the chest!

The back is UGLY!

He's still a cute kid... even covered in "Pox"!