Carter's Place

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T15:45:00.002-05:00

Hope your Thanksgiving was a great one!http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com//images/rsgallery/thumb/new-Harvest-Song.gif.jpg

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2011

2011-10-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

Cai in front of the largest pumpkin I've ever seen. Our neighbor
grew it, just right around the corner up from our place. 1723 pounds.

Fall "Spooky" hike up McHugh Creek Trail to the tops of the rocks for lunch. We kept hearing noises in the brush, like breaking branches and what not...saw a lot of moose droppings, but didn't run into any.

Pumpkin on a diet. He lost a lot of his stuffing at our ward's Fall Carnival that the YW and YM put on for the Primary children. Cai and I made up his costume, it was a lot of fun, but at the last minute, he wanted to be a dinosaur. Once we had him all dressed up, and brought him into the activity, he totally forgot about everything else. He loved the jumping castle, eating the donut off the stick, pinning the nose on the jack-o-lantern, coloring, duck hunting and fishing for candy. The best part was the "Haunted Maze" in the Primary room. Cai kept sneaking to the front of the line as soon as he came out to just go back in again, adults weren't aloud in b/c the kids had to crawl through the maze. Jarad finally caught him by his foot, after about his eighth time sneaking to the front of the line. He's fast!

Unidentifiable squash...the green thing...a zuchinni??

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Welcome Fall

2011-09-24T14:22:00.000-04:00

Hatcher's Pass family camp out, September 2011

Woke up with frost everywhere and happy as can be!

The Fireweed has turned brilliant red.

Harvest moon, it was as bright as bright could be in the middle of the night.

Off to hike up to Reed's Lakes, early in the morning

Fireweed

Starting the climb up the boulders

Cai crossing the river by jumping over the rocks

Gathered and ate lots of blueberries.

Cai and I lasted only six miles. He hiked four of them by himself.

We didn't make it all the way up to Reed's Lakes, but had a beautiful time trying.

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The End of Summer Fun

2011-09-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

In front of the Tlingit clan-house at the Alaskan Native Heritage Center

Jarad and Cai stretching out between two whale bones

Fun at the Alaska State Fair...Cai was so excited when he returned home, "I rode on a helicopter!"

785 pounds of pumpkin and our pie

Things grow, big, really big here with all the sunlight in the summer

Of course, Jarad took pictures of some of my favorite things to see...

Cai's favorite show at the State Fair- The Chinese Acrobats

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Summer Fun

2011-06-06T14:40:00.000-04:00

Lake Eklutna

sunny picnic and cool trees

musk ox

balancing act

winner creek, girdwood

lots of slippery snow

that melted by the time mom and dad returned home

hottie with his plane

"freight done right!"

inside of the B737

moving a car

"Cai's King Air." he tells us what he owns all the time

midnight hike

susitna, "sleeping lady"

Point Warenzoff

Jarad first purposed here

the ring didn't fit

so he

sized it,

purposed the second time

up in the Chugach mountains

on a hike

susitna

around 12:30a.m.

midnight sun

view from the cockpit

top of the world

barrow, alaska

around 3:00a.m.

alaska railroad

kenai mountains backdrop

Cai and I went birding at Potter's Marsh

he was more interested in the little spider's webs

hiking buddies

cai was also more interested in mowing the grass by hand

firecracker flowers

After birding, we visited the temple, talking and walking

around the sacred grounds

on June 4~ Flower Festival

southern view of anchorage

the temple's up the road,

but you can't see it from here

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Mom and Dad Gurr's Visit

2011-06-06T02:02:00.000-04:00

we decorated our little package

thunderbird falls

who made it to the bottom of the falls?

all of us!

i love this pic of mom and dad

great times together

cai has so much fun playing 'hike and seek'

kayaking at UAA

Sunday walk at UAA

our little Alaskan brown bear

thanks for watching cai so we could have a blast on the Coastal Trail

we biked from downtown and passed this baby moosey along the way

so fun to take Cai and Mom and Dad to the same place where Jarad

and I took pictures right after he proposed

yeah for frisbee golf champs...check out cai there

downtown anchorage

what more could we say,

complete serenity

more frisbee golf at Kincaid park

anchorage below

hiking blueberry hill

love ya mom and dad

more to come...another day

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Flattop and Blueberry Hill

2011-03-12T16:55:00.002-05:00

It's starting to warm up and the roads have melted enough for us to take our 2WD pickup truck up to the Flattop parking lot for a little hiking around Blueberry Hill. Cai really liked the hike and did the full loop by himself. We sledded down together. It was great. There were quite a few hikers all the way up on Flattop, but the Blueberry loop was enough to start with the little guy. Today we're going to blast down to McHugh Creek for a little spring hiking. It's unbelievable how little snow is left on that south facing slope along the arm. Here's a couple pics of our recent adventures...

Spring hiking

2011-03-09T01:21:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pics from our recent hiking outings. Cai really loves the mountains and hiking on the trails.

Chugach mountains near Flattop Mountain in Anchorage.

Cai hiked the entire loop here at Blueberry Hill all by himself. It's nearly a two mile loop and a few hundred feet elevation gain. Of course coming down we did get to sled a little. It was a blast!

Is anybody listening???

2011-02-07T00:21:00.001-05:00

I thought I might do a quick post to see if anyone still looks at this.

Jarad starts training tomorrow at his new job flying the Boeing 737 for Northern Air Cargo.

Jewelene accepted a calling to serve as the Laurels advisor in the Young Womens program at Church.

Cai is growing up and struggling to learn potty training. He loves Alaska, but he has asked me, "How does the snow go away?" and "When will it not be cold?" It is a bit different than Southern Virginia, but we're getting used to it. Now for the pics and video:

This is Cai walking across the frozen lake - Westchester Lagoon - on a sunny February afternoon.

Grandma & Grandpa surprise visit

2010-04-07T20:56:00.001-04:00

fter visiting Danielle and her new baby, grandpa and grandma couldn't get home on the standby tickets... so they hopped over to VA to visit us. Here's some pics from their visit:

View from observation tower at the Botanical Gardens.

Thanks for visiting us! We don't get too many visitors but we love it when they come.

Grandpa helping Cai do a little indoor gardening. They planted cilantro, lemon balm, and dill.

Cai likes to check up on the plants frequently throughout the day. He'll say, "Hi cilantro, we love you!"

Back to blogging...perhaps.

2010-03-26T10:23:00.005-04:00

I may get our family back into blogging, but without any guarantee for frequent updates or high quality posts. I know most blog readers are just looking at pics and because a picture = 1,000 words, you'll mostly be seeing photos with minimal comments while I'm the blog poster. --Jarad

Jewelene got our family a one year membership to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens so we'll be posting many pics throughout the year of the beautiful flowers, trees, wildlife, and of course ourselves in that setting.

Here's Cai enjoying a stroller ride just before falling asleep.

The world as Canon sees it. I'm pleased with our new camera, another Canon point and shoot. It seems to take some nice pics (or we seem to take some nice pics using it).

This type of flower (above) was actually in the tropical greenhouse garden.

This bald eagle shot I took through one of those viewing telescopes (thus the opaque quality).

This bird's nest (with brand new baby chicks) was just up on the other branch. The visitors center has a live web cam looking at the chicks in the nest.

Daddy and Cai. I had to tickle him to get a little smile. Lately he refuses to pose.

Just a little update on our family -

We moved back to Norfolk and we love it! Living out in the country (Franklin) was nice, but it sure is great to be close to work and close to a church, library, grocery store, beach, trails, etc.

We're enjoying serving in the Spanish branch in Virginia Beach and have had some great experiences with our hermanos there.

Jarad is still flying the friendly skies for Air Wisconsin Airlines (US Airways Express) and likes his career.

Jewelene will be having a baby girl sometime in the next 4 weeks (and she is feeling very ready). We're all excited for a new baby (just not looking forward to changing 2X diapers - Cai, get yourself potty trained please!).

Cai is learning and growing lots. He's so much fun and our life without him must have been extremely dull because now pretty much everything fun revolves around him.

We're also really enjoying apartment living again. I know everyone says owning a home is the American dream, but for us it was more of a nightmare (which still haunts us, and we don't plan on buying another house for a really long time). For those who didn't know it, our house in Franklin was basically destroyed by toxic mold (of the Aspergillus species) and we were forced to leave. We're still trying to sell the 2.6 acres of land with the moldy house and an old white barn if anyone is interested (the mold remediation and home repair could cost up to $40,000 so we don't plan on going back).

Check back for an update, but not TOO soon!

Courtland Heritage Fall Festival Days

2009-09-26T08:03:00.006-04:00

He had more fun sitting in it and being pulled than the other way around. He's such a great helper.

He was a little afraid of all the little donkeys, sheep, and goats...he wouldn't even sit on a Shetland Pony just his size. O'well.
This lady (you can only see half of her) sat for 40 miutes cranking that old metal thing atop the glass container (behind Lena's hands) until she had homemade butter. Lena loved trying and seeing all these new things. Cai and Lena were both fascinated with the corn husker tool--it even spit out the empty cob at the end.

Trying his first "Dum,Dum" lollipop--paper stick and all (we got it away from him before he finished that off too)! Back at home where the weather is beautiful and the leaves are starting to change to my favorite time of year around here.

Taxpayers March on DC 912

2009-09-12T21:57:00.003-04:00

What a nice day it turned out to be for a march on Capitol Hill. Overcast skies that never let out any rain and temperatures in the low 70's made the freedom march very enjoyable (along with the company of hundreds of thousands of fellow patriots).

Here's a few pics from the day:

I really liked this - as we passed down Pennsylvania Avenue with our signs and sounds we took notice of our right to do so emboldened on this building wall >

"CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR OF THE PRESS OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE ADN TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES"

I liked that sign that reminds me why our Nation became great.

Introduction to America

2009-09-10T19:43:00.003-04:00

After we picked up Lena we wanted to show her a little bit of what America is like before school started. So we had a backyard barbeque.

And a fun day at the beach!

Cai loves his truck and at the beach he learned a little about four wheeling his truck in the sand and water. It was so much fun.

This is the best time of year to go to the beach since the sun isn't so hot and the water is warm.

This is Lena, our exchange daughter from Mongolia. It was her first time to ever see an ocean or beach. She'll be a part of our family until the school year is over in June.

The End of All in a Day's Work

2009-08-20T08:25:00.002-04:00

Luckily, this was yesterday and not the same day as the 18th, but as you can see (it's very faint), I went to "touch-up" work around the kitchen. After the paint dried, I realized it wasn't the plain white color it should have been. I looked at the can again, whoops, "off white." We repainted the whole kitchen since I had done this over large surfaces and it was easily noticeable.

As you can see, that fridge is covering a bedroom door. This house is cute, but they didn't create a place for the fridge to go, so we are. Yes, I've been working on it every day--dry walling, sanding, dry walling, sanding, and hopefully I'll prime it today for painting. Off white on kitchen side and plain white on the living room side.

Jarad built the wall. I am so impressed. He did a great job.

All in a Day's Work

2009-08-20T07:54:00.006-04:00

I don't know who got more wet, Cai or I? He was insistent on holding the hose and washing the dog carrier by himself. He's so helpful.

When I was growing up, I loved reading the comics in the Reader's Digest at my Grandma's house while all the adults talked and laughed. (I wish I would have paid more attention to their stories now because that would have been great family history I could have passed on), but o'well, I remember reading out of the section titled, "All in a Day's Work." Yesterday, I had to take some pictures to put on Craigslist, where we put Kenai up for adoption and a nice K-9 Cop got him two days later. Well, when I was downloading these pictures, I looked at all we did that day and you know, sometimes I'm amazed at what we did in one day...and how fun it was to accomplish. Here's just a few:

(The top one): I'm not crazy about mowing our grass, which takes up to two hours on this thing, but I tell you what, I had so much fun today and the neighbors must have thought I was crazy. Jarad learned, from a book, about how to properly mow your fields (it was from the guy who is the head lawn mower at Wrigley Field). So, Jarad told me we should go opposing ways every other time we mow. This time, I decided to do circles. I started out really big, until I was turning a very small circumfrance around in tiny circles, on full speed.

We took all the dead grass back to the woods, where, while I was dumping it. Cai climbed down from the seat and literally flung himself into the massive pile of clippings. I will never forget the look of complete joy as he smiled up at me...and then began to spit out grass. It was so cute.

Cai loves to pick the tomatoes with worms in them. He takes them right to Roo, the Rooster, to feed him. Cai knows to move away fast as soon as he puts it to him, but sometimes he doesn't move his fingers fast enough away sometimes and Roo nips at him.

An oddity? Our pumpkins are ready. It's August 18th. Should we celebrate Halloween early this year?

Harvesting Sunflower seeds. You know Cai was putting those unroasted and unsalted into his little mouth and saying, "MMMM." He loved seeing me pull them out one by one. He would pick it up and put it back into the flower. Reminds me of the grass we had to pick up, from the circles in the field story, well, I would put it in the trailor and you know little mister would climb up in the trailor and throw it back out to me.

Breaking Free

2009-08-12T20:37:00.005-04:00

I'm feeling the need to write. Okay, let's start with Kenai.

Should I stop there? I've got a ton to say about him, but I know you don't care to read any of this. I'm writing more for my sanity and trying to figure this day out than anything. HE's been breaking free for the past week. He broke the chain at the collar. Showed up on the neighbor's doorstep at, what time was it...six or seven in the morning. Barking. I've lost track of how many times he's ended up on their doorstep now--even with his chain dangling from his collor. (And yes, we've gone through multiple varieties of chains).

They have a girl dog. Hmmm...puppies? Neutering was in the works, but now he's going away tomorrow. Virignia Beach. That should be far enough that he won't make it back home, end up on the neighbor's doorstep. I'll miss him.

Barking. Then again, maybe I won't miss him too much.

He's a cutie.

Cai. Cai, oh boy oh boy. He figured out how to break free from his crib.

Three times today.

Pounding on the door, "Jelene! Jelene!"

Yes, he's resorted to calling me by my first name when he's frustrated.

Pounding.

I climbed into his crib after the third time of returning him to his rightful, cozy napping spot and find myself peeking out of one eye...wondering..."How does he escape?"

He does a pull-up, kicks on foot up on the bar and then catapults himself into his crib.

I've got an Olympic gymnist for a son.

Tapping on my head, "Jelene! Jelene! Eyes! Eyes!" His little fingers are poking into my tightly closed eyelids.

Driving home from a Church meeting. The kid unbuckles his car seat. I'm driving on the highway, reviewing my craziness with Kenai breaking loose...

I see out of the corner of my eye, a flash of red.

I think, "Cai's wearing red shorts." I give a quick turn to see what it was. I do a double take right as Cai's about to pull the handle on the car door. My heart is in my throat. I'm not sure if I looked out the rear-view or how I got off that busy highway, moving along at 60mph, but everything happened so quickly and gratefully, so safely.

Maybe your car has one of those start your engine and doors automatically lock features.

That's nice.

I learned my lesson.

What's up with this?

Cai had half his buckle off as I pulled in tonight.

Kenai's back on his good chain. For the night. Que le vaya bien Kenai.

Another Fabulous Family Reunion

2009-07-30T12:07:00.002-04:00

July 18th, Hiked Lone Peak with Jarad.
It was a gorgeous, kinda hot day, but we had a great time.
Thanks to Chelsy, Mica and Keebs for watching little Cai.
Our second time leaving him with friends, which says a lot.

John, Jarad and Phil We found a tree with our initials carved, “JJ”-Sweet
July 20th, Monday The Classic Cheese shot. Lucky his mouth wasn’t full of food like other times when I’ve been sprayed. Guess who else was at the Wilk that day? But one of my great missionary comps, Hermana Norman!
Try this for funny—so we bought a book for Jana, really for Mark since he collects books written by apostles and prophets. It was inscribed to “Jan” (1968), so we added an “a.” and made Elana and Jana a cake (which really did taste good, but was super ugly). Elana’s first question, “Ooo, Jana, did you make the cake?”

July 21st, Hiked Mt. Nebo. It was so beautiful, with tons of wildflowers. We went as a family, with Elana, Pam and Travis. It was so fun. As you can see, Elana and Pam were great entertainment for all of us—they kept us laughin. Jarad carried Cai all the way up, other than twice when we let Cai hike up and then down. Elana and Pam Jarad near the top, it was steep, but slowly and steadily, we made it.

July 24th, The Pioneer Parade (really they call it Fiesta Days, I don’t know why, but it’s our first time going there and it was fun to introduce Cai to a Clown. Later, we went up the Canyon to a family picnic. It was so much fun! Everyone participated in a Talent Show and we had a BBQ.
Saturday, July 25th Flag Raising Ceremony, honoring our Nation’s Freedom and Family Service Project, tidied up around the Church yard. Of course, we did the Slippn’ Side at Rock Canyon Park along with fun water games, but Cai played on the playground the whole time. It was a great Parkinson&Carter Family Reunion.

Family Reunion July 2009

2009-07-11T12:31:00.016-04:00

THE FAMILY IS OF GOD

Gurr Family Reunion, July 3-4. Met up at Oquirrh Mountain Temple in Utah.

Family Service Project, Friday July 3rd~ Spanish Fork Canyon

We built Initiative Games like the Mine Field and sanded down the wood, built a firepit and laid the volleyball poles in cement.

Saturday, July 4th consisted of fun with fireworks after a Pizza picnic, with the Freedom Parade in the morning and playing Rook late into the night.

After all was said and done, there was still more fun to come...we went to the waterpark after hiking Ensign Peak on Monday, July 7th

On Tuesday, July 8th, we visited the sights in downtown Salt Lake--

That evening, we drove with the Milletts on to Nebraska. We saw Interstate 80 for a long time...ask Marshelle about Wendy's.

On Friday, July 10th, we visited the Doorly Zoo before flying home. It was so fun to be with everyone.

We made a little video of all the fun times with family. Love you all!

Fun with the Bradley Family

2009-06-30T15:52:00.003-04:00

A little summer fun with the Bradley family. It was the best--we loved taking pictures of the kids. Oh man, they all were such a mess after the ice cream cones, but it was definately fun. We went to Virginia Beach and then to colonial Williamsburg http://www.history.org/ for information about this place), where people dress up in Colonial dress and talk to you about the history of Williamsburg...for like 40 bucks a person. So, we just did the fun free things, walking together, trying free samples in the Peanut Shoppe, looking at old-style English looking gardens and carriages and stocks. I love ya guys! It's so fun to have family here.

Summer Fun

2009-06-16T17:25:00.004-04:00

Everything grows so incredibly fast here...Cai, the grass, the weeds, a few flowers (our Morning Glory's finally opened up!)
With everything warming up here, Cai decided to go and get a black eye, o boy, o boy. We're loving this crazy weather, warm then not so warm, then really hot and humid and then not so hot and humid. The adventures of our first Franklin summer await us...

Baby Chicks

2009-06-01T22:11:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, Cai and I had so so fun! (He's just super tired and sicky with summer cold in this picture)...We hung out with our friends, rode bikes, at breakfast and lunch, played games like Hide 'n Seek, and watched Bolt. Also, we took our baby Guinea's ...the boys loved them!

and the chicks?

(are still alive!)

Gyoza Bash

2009-06-01T21:52:00.003-04:00

A lot of time,

was enjoyed,

with Cai as I taught him how

to prepare Gyoza. (He couldn't resist the green onion... and I didn't try to stop him:-)

I love you Buddy! Thanks for helping me! On the 28th, we did an awesome Enrichment Activity with my Relief Society, with a fabulous lesson given by my friend, about Balancing our Lives, 1984 Elder Ballard.

What is Relief Society?

The main organization for women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, founded in 1842. Today it is among the largest and oldest women’s organizations in the world with a membership of nearly 4 million.

I love being a member of the largest and oldest women's organization in the world. We are a powerful source for good, we are here to bless, strengthen families and homes.

Visitors--friends and neighbors are always invited to join in with us!

Memoriable Weekend

2009-06-01T21:33:00.005-04:00

The High Altar in the National Cathedral

The stained glass in the center is 6 feet tall. There were three of these windows, symbolizing The Creation, The Judgement and I can't remember the other.

The architecture was amazing, the Bishop's Garden was even more enjoyable because the roses were in full bloom.

We had just come from the Washington D.C. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where a husband and a wife are bound in marriage for Eternity, not just this life. I'm so grateful to God for the light, love and joy that comes in serving Him there. No other place like it on Earth. Well, okay, there are there are 129 Temples in operation, 9 temples under construction, and an additional 8 temples announced for construction in the near future. These figures give a grand total of 146 Temples that will be or are in operation in the near future. Feel free to visit a Visitor's Center or an Open House~you'll feel the Spirit of God.

The Hauley's Visit

2009-06-01T21:17:00.003-04:00

We had fun-- talked, ate good food, went strawberry picking, ate some more good food and Strawberry Short-Cake made by Jarad.

and then watched "Bedtime Stories." It's always great to have good friends come visit!

The Adventures of a Pilot

2009-05-14T21:27:00.001-04:00

Overnight in Buffalo, NY--Jarad took the pics on his cell phone and emailed them to me.

2009-05-13T13:37:00.004-04:00

Spring is so great here in Virginia! Everything grows and blossoms so beautifully! Things we didn't even expect, just started popping open.

A couple weeks ago, we visited the Misfit Farm, to buy some chickens. It was so fun!

Cai loved seeing the blind horse, the goose with the tweaked bill, and other such animals.

His favorite, was holding hands with his friend--

It's great to have awesome neighbors and new experiences here!

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

2009-04-22T11:31:00.006-04:00

Joshyboy and Cai Grandma and Granpa with Jarad and Cai.

Family at the Italian Gardens, Maymont Park. Mom and Dad Carter at the Oriental Gardens. The weather was perfect!

On April 19th, Sunday, after Church we drove to Richmond to meet up with Mom and Dad Carter and the Bradley's. It was so much fun to see them. We walked around Maymont Park, which is even more beautiful in the Spring than the Fall! Monday, we hung out and talked. In the afternoon, we went to a Pharmacy down the street for burgers and shakes. It was okay, not like the Maltshoppe in Provo though. We enjoyed pushing Cai in the swings, reading to him in the library. I loved watching Mom play peek-a-boo with him under one of the kiddie tables at the library. On Tuesday, we worked together on the Thuja "Green Giants." Jarad and Dad cut and tacked down fabric protector (to kill the weeds growing in on the Thuja's). Mom pulled the trees up through the holes and drove Cai and I around in the tractor to deliver the big bags of mulch to the guys. Wednesday, about 3:50a.m. everyone left, now they're off to Cinncinati to see yet another loved grandbaby in the East (sort of East, I guess).

I love how Cai says, "cheese!" Thanks for coming! We love you! By the way, we found some interesting information about Canola Oil--there's always two sides to every story (some say it's harmful and of course all the Canola websites that use the product proport its goodness), but basically, it's derived from rapeseed, from the Mustard family of plants. Two Canadian scientist created their own type of plant, and called it Can (for Canadian) and ola (for oil) because Canadians were tired of importing their cooking oil. Now they export this stuff out and it's found in many products. Also found out that Magnolia tree should blossom mid-June...I'll be posting pictures if it really does!

Baby Shower, The Beach and Burying Cai

2009-04-22T10:55:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, April 18th, we had a baby shower for my friend, Cheryl. Laura, Laura and I hosted it--with fun games, fabulous yummy food and not to mention, cute decorations (provided by me). It was so fun to be together, see all the cute baby girl outfits and gifts and just talk. I love those girls! I loved how many friends were close to my age and stage in life, giving me help, friendship and continual advice to this day; they teach me not only to be a better person, but help me to be a better mom. We had to show Cai the ocean before leaving. It was kinda windy and still a little cold, but Cai loved it! We buried him in the hole. If you can see, he's got a sand goatee going on. He got a mouthful of it!

General Conference

2009-04-06T20:26:00.004-04:00

WATCHING CONFERENCE April 4-5, 2009

I believe in Christ. I know He's the Redeemer, the Savior and our Friend.

Today's April 6th. I love this day because it's a day I remember as His birth and that His Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was officially reorganized on this day. It's so wonderful to be a member. Today, we read from President Gordon B. Hinckley's little book, Stand a Little Taller, "April 6th GENERAL CONFERENCE "I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in teh assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." Psalm 111:1 General Conferences are held to strengthen our testimonies of this work, to fortify against tempations and sin, to lift our sights, to receive instruction concerning the programs of the Church and the pattern of our lives."

My favorite talk was given by Elder Holland. I learn so much about the Atonement and feel so much more deeply blessed by His gift when Elder Holland speaks of Christ. My favorite book is one he's written, Trusting Jesus. I felt the Spirit testify to me that President Monson is Christ's prophet during the closing song and video, "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet."

For Conference this year, we were with family. I couldn't have asked for a better place to be than with the Bradley's. I love that family. Every time I am with them, I learn a little more about how to be a happy mother and kind nurturer and better cook and friendly hostess. I'm so grateful for family.

It's amazing for me, sometimes, to think I have my own kid. Before we did, everyone said, "Church (and Conference) will be different when they come along, you won't be able to hear or learn or participate quiet like you did before..." It's true, it's different, but in so many good ways!

I loved watching General Conference with family, especially with Cai being a little older, sitting and listening...for a few minutes.

Tonight, for family home evening, Jarad shared what he learned from Priesthood meeting. While he was sharing, I was letting Cai watch his weekend with the volume turned down on the computer. Not 'til I put him to sleep, did I turn up the volume to make this video. If you'll listen closely, you'll hear Conference in the background! Even though I realize we were playing while taking these clips (not just the kids)--It's a two two-hour sessions each day for two days and I know the kids were watching and hearing glimpses and phrases of it, especially as Katie is so good at teaching, "There's the prophet" or "Were listening to the apostle"--the kids would stop and listen. I knew they were learning. Take time throughout the next six months to stop and listen www.lds.org. We'll be amazed at what we hear, see, and learn as we study, ponder and read/see the talks again, individually--it will all seem familiar, yet maybe a little new as the Spirit teaches you something you might have missed the first time --

Oh, you got me!

2009-04-01T21:21:00.005-04:00

"My mommy was playing April Fools on you!"

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It was so funny. Thanks for the comments. I was laughing so hard...

So, it's Spring here. I love it. We planted tulip bulbs from Cornell University when we visited Ithaca. I love Ithaca. I could live there. We planted three bulbs, all the same color, but Kenai attacked one. It's dead. Not so Spring-like of him. We all went to the park, had a picnic. It was Cai's first time down a slide by himself. He did great! His favorite was the little merry-go-round in the backgroud. He didn't want to get off that thing. The bars were just the right size for him. After praying over the lunch, Cai astounded Jarad and I by saying, "Amen," as clearly as any preacher. Kenai always jumps on Cai, so I taught him to say, "Down!" Everytime we walk out the front door, even if we aren't close to Kenai...the first words out of Cai's mouth, "Down!" So, today, I'm cleaning up from lunch, it's super quiet in the back room, which isn't always a good thing. I say, "Cai, where are you buddy? What are you up to?" From the kitchen, I see him super speed crawl, like this kid was hauling it to hide himself. I say, "Cai, what are you doing?" dropping my stuff and walking quickly to catch him. He turns, firmly holds up his hand, and says, "Down!" I had to walk away, I was laughing so hard. It was a pen. He got into his Daddy's books, sorry Jarad--they don't look as bad as your computer. What about the Harry Potter marks, you ask? Well, for starters, yes, that really is my leg color after a long winter. And it's poison ivy. For Cai, hmmm....lesson one in my "Super Silly Things my Mom Did," book. I walked into a pine tree. Cai was on my shoulders. His poor face looked just like mine after a cross country skiing class in college. I was at the back of the line, the instructor was yelling out something. Come to find out too late, they were the telemark instructions before going down a big slope. I was the only one who didn't dodge the baby pine. Skiied right over the dang tree. He's lucky to have only one needle reminder of the accidental meeting. Sorry buddy!

Cai is learning...

2009-03-28T21:34:00.002-04:00

2009-03-28T20:47:00.003-04:00

Cai took his first steps by himself on The First Day of Spring, March 20th, last Friday. It was so fun! He says “Cheese,” it’s so cute and loves waving at people. It’s so funny, he usually waves at people who aren’t even looking at him and says, “Hi!”

We had the best trip up to D.C. for Jarad’s birthday. It was so fun! We went to the Smithsonian for Aviation and Space Flight at Dulles Airport. They have the Enterprise spaceship there. It was so cool! Cai loved looking at all the planes and helicopters. The best part was the guided tour, wow, it’s amazing how many stories that tour guide had to tell! It was fascinating! We went to the Lincoln Memorial and taught Cai how to throw rocks in the Potomac River.

We went to the Temple, which is always fabulous. We also went to Banjara Cuisine (Indian food), it was soo good! This year, we had two weird birthday cakes for Jarad—one was a jello jiggler in the bowl and another was some type of fruit rice cake at the Cuisine (I should have had the waiters take the picture of the three of usJ).

Guess what we found…an R-2 D-2 mailbox! Remember my scavenger hunt for Mailboxes? Fun!

Spilled Milk

2009-03-21T11:24:00.005-04:00

Cai drinks from a sippy cup. I hand him the cup while I begin doing the dishes. I’ve been listening to China Road, on CD, it’s a great book by Ron Gifford…all about…China. I am way into it, not really worrying about Cai, when all the sudden, I hear the funniest laugh….coming from his direction. I look over and he’s smashing the top of his sippy cup against the dinning room table!

The biggest puddle of white stuff is all over the table! At first thought, I wanted to say, “Cai, stop.” Which, he’s amazingly good at stopping whatever he’s doing when I say that… But then, I swear I heard my mom’s voice saying, “No use crying over spilled milk! It’s funny Jewelene…laugh!” I exploded with laughter. It sort of surprised Cai, but then he laughed some more. I ran for the camera…enjoy the film!

He loved playing with it, using his hand to create artwork all over the wall, floor—not only the tabletop. My favorite part is when I say, “uh, oh,” picks up his soggy sandwich and plops it back into the milk…and when he looks at his hands like, “What is all this stuff doing on my hands?”

He's growing up so fast! He took his own steps yesterday...to me!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-15T21:30:00.004-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! No, I don't feed Cai green food all the time...only on special occasions. We tried to make a shamrock necklace, but were lacking some essential things, macaroni noodles being one. So, we glued it on the black sheet. Cai had fun, his writing is on the back side. He's learning. He climbed up next to me while we made cookies, yes, it's the neon food coloring again. We ate potato soup in honor of the Irish...Some of you may be surprised to discover that potato is a root! We went to a cool nusery yesterday, bought these potato starters. See the cool "eyes" on the potato. That is where little potato sprouts will begin to grow. We're so excited for the garden, for the rain to stop and the frost to go away so we can plant and watch 'em grow.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

2009-03-02T21:09:00.005-05:00

So glad it was Dr. Seuss' birthday. What else do you do when we're both too sick to play out in the snow? Color a little Cat in the Hat...Make our own Hat...

Eat Green Eggs 'n Ham. Well, okay, it was bacon, but close enough.

We read, "Oh, The Places You'll Go..." I love ya Cai! Thanks for a great day! Always remember...

Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.And will you succeed?Yes! You will, indeed!(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!So...be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Brayor Morde CAI Ali Van Allen O'CARTER,you're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!

Decorated a little cat in the hat.

Winter Weather~

2009-03-02T12:17:00.005-05:00

It snowed!

Just last night, my sister in law, Shelly and I were talking. Our conversation went like this, "So, has the snow melted out there?"

"Snow? We don't get snow out here. It was like 70 degrees on Christmas day," I say.

What a surprise to wake up to this! (Sorry, there's no sound, just hum your favorite Christmas song)...or whatever song you want. Cai and I are listening to Christmas music, we're going to have a Birthday Party for Dr. Seuss's birthday today, complete with a Green Eggs and Ham dinner tonight....I wish we were both feeling better to go build a Frosty the Snowman. That would be the perfect touch to this beautiful day outside! Here's a good website for some fun Dr. Seuss activties- http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/dr__seuss.html.

Have a great day!

A Place for Kenai

2009-02-16T11:05:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Cai!

His puppy Kenai.

Leila, Cai and I walked down to visit him; they let us take him home!

He was sad and missed his family.

Cai loves him so much.

We made him a little place.

"You're in the doghouse now..." Cai was scared to get in!

We worked on it as a family. It took a week.

We got up in the rafters where there was old wood and nails.

Jarad got to use his saw I got for Christmas though!

Building Kenai's house was no easy feat. We gave up once, opting to buy a pre-built home, but I'm so glad we stuck it out and stayed with the project. We had no idea what we were doing. It made a lot of great memories!

Cai and Kenai. Like I said, Cai gave Kenai a hug as soon as we took him out of his stroller.

His way of welcoming him home on February 15th. He's 8 weeks old.

Valentines Day

2009-02-16T10:37:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, February 14th, we went out to the Beach to pick up Leila for the President's weekend/early Birthday fun! Before we went to the airport, Jarad was so sweet to take me down to Oceanside, to walk on the beach. I miss it. It was super windy though, so we opted for the Duck pond. It was so awesome to be together again! Jarad took us all out for a Valentine's Dinner at the Virginia Diner in Wakefield, VA. My Dad's going to love it. Everything is peanuty. They even have free peanut samples. (Dad, I got teary eyed thinking of you--I love you!) I even ordered their famous peanut pie in your honor. It was totally weird! I think you'll love it a lot. Just for you, Dad, Jarad had the country-fried steak, Leila had the pulled BBQ pork, and I had the famous Smithfield ham biscuit. Jarad and Leila had spoonbread, which I had never tried, it was so tasty! It was cute, they lit a candle at our table for the "romantic" atmosphere. Cai ate my food, but really loved Jarad's yams. It was so nice! Thank you again Jarad. I love you. He hung up Valentines all over the house for me, cleaned up the whole house and just played with Cai and I. We love the warmer weather, it's so lovely out there!

Fun Cleaning the Yard

2009-01-29T09:57:00.003-05:00

It's a lot of work, but it sure is fun when we're out there working together. Especially rewarding at the end of the day, with a beautiful sunset like this one. We're so happy out here in Franklin, it's nice to be outside (so we're excited for the weather to warm up around here! Cai's especially excited to take his bike outside...I make him ride around the house, where it's warm!)

Kentucky Family Fun~Happy Birthday Leila!

2009-01-20T14:47:00.008-05:00

The fun times happened last weekend at the Millers-- We visited Opryland (Cai loved the waterfalls), played lots of fun games, fed the horses, went to Oliver, and enjoyed Leila's birthday celebration with the family.

On Sunday, January 18th, we celebrated Leila's birthday! It was so much fun...we had Charlotte's amazing home-made Chocolate Moose Cake before a fabulous Gyoza dinner. I like it that way--dessert first, just in case there isn't room for it later!

Gyoza making is intense, as you can see everyone's in deep concentration--you should try it.

Of course, where's Cai through it all? Hiding. He loved playing under the Kitchen counter...and with Toby and Stewart (the dogs) and Buddy (the rat) and Ty and Ryan (the brothers). What a blast!

p.s. Leila's got some great shots on her Blog too!

Special Recipe - Hometeacher Brownies

2009-01-11T22:11:00.003-05:00

Hometeacher Brownies (Based on a true story)

Ingredients: Preparation time: 20 – 30 days

1 package of milk chocolate chips

25 large marshmallows

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of butter

Walnuts or pecans as desired

2 eggs

1 ½ cup of flour

1 pinch of salt

1 sprinkle of powdered sugar

Melt the chocolate chips, sugar, and marshmallows in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well. Pour into a greased baking dish and decorate with nuts as desired. Place in refrigerator overnight to allow the mixture to set up like fudge.

The next day, you will find the mixture hasn’t set up because you forgot the butter. Scrape mixture back into the saucepan, place over medium heat and mix in the butter. This time it should work for sure. Pour the new and improved mixture into a greased baking dish – you may use the same one as before, just be sure to re-grease it. Place in refrigerator for 48 hours just to be sure it sets up like fudge. (You may want to begin this recipe by December 20 if you plan on serving the fudge on Christmas Day.)

After the mixture has taken up your fridge space for two nights, pull it out. It may not have set completely, but may have taken on a sugary texture. Perhaps it needs to reach a higher temperature – pour the mixture back into the saucepan and bring it to a soft-boil, stirring constantly. Now that it has reached a high temperature, it may set up in the fridge after an additional 24 hours.

The next day (Christmas Eve) you will pull the mixture out of the fridge to find it is still more of a liquid than a solid. To test this, attempt to cut it into squares. If the cut lines merge together and disappear within 3 minutes, it may still be considered a liquid. At this point, get it out of the fridge. It’s not worth the space any longer. Place 80% of the mixture in a large Ziploc baggie. The other 20% should fit in a glass jar and may be used as an ice cream topping. (Results not guaranteed.)

After a minimum of 20 days (and removal of the Christmas tree), take the mixture out of the freezer in a last-ditch effort to make something yummy for your friends and families.

After warming the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute, it should regain it’s completely liquid form. Add the 2 eggs and stir well. Sift a pinch of salt with the flour and add to the mixture. Stir completely and pour into a greased baking dish or cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes in oven set to the standard 350˚ F.

After the hometeacher brownies cool, you may top with sprinkle of powdered sugar. Another really nice touch is to add some powdered sugar to the pseudo-ice cream topping that you saved from the original mixture (just use whatever’s left), and spread it on top of the brownies as a frosting.

Your hometeaching families will feel very special knowing that you prepared them a treat that took more than one month from start to finish. (Results may vary – be tactful when offering them this recipe.)

Playing in downtown Franklin

2009-01-10T10:22:00.002-05:00

So, even though we've all been a little sick, we went out the first Saturday of the New Year, January 3rd to visit downtown Franklin before they take down the Christmas decorations.

It was nice to get out for a little bit--it's kind of hard being couped up all sick with colds!

I love this picture, with the American Flag, the red berries and bows! I'm going to miss this season and all its beautiful decorations!

Cai is just getting so big! He's close to walking, but not quite there yet. He much prefers pushing his own stroller rather than being pushed in it! We love this kid!

Little bit of Franklin history--notice the date of the fire that destroyed our downtown...what else firelicious happens on the 26th? Need I turn into Elana and remind you someone's 30th birthday is coming!!

The New Year

2009-01-08T16:01:00.003-05:00

Jarad flew out to Utah for Becky's wedding--visited family and Frosty, but

he brought home germs! He was sick for a week and now, Cai and I have it. It's no fun being sick, but I can't complain...it'll go away, plus we've been reading lots of awesome books, Jarad finished 1000 piece puzzle in a day, and we've had plenty of fun playing with Cai's Christmas toys!

A Christmas Card to You!

2008-12-21T18:34:00.004-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! Are you and your elves busy getting ready for the holidays? My family sure is! This is Cai, by the way…I have been learning so much this year! Even though I was born on Leap Day; I don’t know how to leap yet. I’ve learned how to crawl. Now, I am standing, while I hold onto furniture. My mommy says I look like a “monkey” walking around. I try to walk to Mommy and Daddy, but get a little scared and my knees buckle.

I love living in Franklin, Virginia. I especially love sitting on my Daddy’s lap while he drives his lawnmower. I’ve learned to eat big people food. My Mommy and Daddy love playing games with me. They turn off all the lights, except for the Christmas Tree-- while my Daddy holds a small flashlight up to his hand, I chase my shadow around and around in circles trying to catch it! It’s really funny and makes us all laugh. Well, I’m going to take a nap, but I love you!

Merry Christmas! Jarad and Jewels are writing to say THANK YOU. We were reading about the Ten Lepers with Jesus Christ; there was one who went back to thank Him for all He had done. We’re here to thank you for all you have done and do. WE are so thankful for great family and friends-- For the way you have live your lives so we know Christ by knowing you. We are thankful for this special season, Cai’s first Christmas and ours, as parents. It’s worth every minute of it!

Jarad is working on his Thesis right now. He’s getting his Masters in Aviation Science from Everglades University.

Jewels is working on her Thesis. She’s getting her Masters in Motherhood : ) . Jarad is the 12-18 yr olds Sunday school teacher. Jewels is the 2nd Counselor in Primary at Church.

We love living in Franklin, Virginia, having our own four walls and some dirt for the first time in our lives. We have been very blessed. We’re working on “reclaiming” our land - we have about 2 acres that we are cleaning up, pruning, and burning the dead wood and weeds. There’s lots of it. We dug 600 sq ft for a planting garden this spring and just put the fence around it. We’re just happy as wannabe farm folk can be. It’s a beautiful time of year to clean out the old and begin a new year.

We recognize the Lord and His love in all things. We are grateful for our blessings and weaknesses that bring us closer to Him, relying and trusting Him more and more. Give Him your heart, might, mind and strength. “Christmas means giving. The Father gave His Son, and the Son gave His life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, without sacrifice there is no true worship…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift 2 Corinthians 9:15.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller

We love you very much! Have a very merry Christmas!

Jarad, Jewelene and little Cai

p.s. It’s hard to get Cai to look at the camera!

FIRST THANKSGIVING

2008-12-02T11:37:00.003-05:00

The Canal Riverwalk in Richmond is one of the most beautiful riverwalks we've done. We went after Thanksgiving lunch at the Convention Centre in downtown Richmond.

I always love how Jarad stops to smell the roses. He seriously does...even when we are running for exercise! He's teaching Cai early.

James River in November, on a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. November 27, 2008

The bridges were burnt from 1865, where the Confederates had left Richmond they burnt the city and bridges so the Union was at a loss.

Cai is such a trooper! I love the kid! He's so good and fun. Jarad once said, so excitedly, "Jewels, he loves the same things we do!"

FIRST THANKSGIVING

2008-12-02T11:21:00.002-05:00

Cai had so much fun playing with Bailey and Joshy! He learned so much from them, once he warmed up! He started crawling on his hands and knees after seeing Bailey walk around every where! He had to keep up with her.

Okay, it was cold our "Thanksgiving" day, Jarad and Tucker left early on Saturday, the 22nd, to help clean up the yard at the Church. Then, they came home and cleaned up some more!

We had fun roasting some marshmallows after lunch, burning leaves, and taking Josh and Cai in the tractor for a ride around the yard. It was a great day~ especially that evening, mmmm...Katie's rolls and pies! Scrumptuous. My favorite part was everyone lying around the Christmas Tree afterwards while listening to the Utah vs. BYU football game. Just being with family is the best!

FIRST THANKSGIVING

2008-12-02T11:04:00.002-05:00

Friday, November 21, 2008 The Bradley's Arrived!

"Who are these people my size?" At first, when my cousins arrived, I was a little nervous...I mean, there's a little girl smaller than I who walks up to me and touches my face?!

"Yes! I'm cute, I walk, and pick up pumpkins all at the same time!"

Joshyboy, he's so fun! I love this kid! He brought out this toy and asked, "What does it do?" I said, "I'm not sure!" His response, "Hmmm." We're putting batteries into it for Christmas and giving it to Cai to find out what happens when you turn it on."

Trying to get pictures of the kids under the tree. Ha ha! Cai kept running off and wouldn't look at my camera! Makes for fun memories!

Getting ready for Two Thanksgivings and A Christmas!

2008-11-28T21:48:00.003-05:00

On Friday, the 21st, Tucker and Katie came for our family Thanksgiving. We love family! I took this picture of Cai as he was helping me clean up for their coming. Wow, I really piled it on. He loves to hear the car noises as I push him around. I am just so thankful for being a mother, taking care of Cai. He's the greatest gift. He laughs so much. But, I think he makes us laugh more than we make him laugh. He's got his top tooth coming in and he learned how to crawl after seeing Bailey walk. My camera...hmmmm....where is it? Maybe a cute pilot hefted it after we visited him in Richmond for Thanksgiving. O'well, I'll post some fun pictures later--Happy Thanksgiving to all! Our little tree is about the only thing we have in our living room.

Maymont Park- Richmond

2008-11-15T07:26:00.002-05:00

Maymont~Italian Gardens and Children's Farm. November 13, 2008

From 1893 to 1925 Maymont was the home of the railroad tycoon James and Sallie Dooley. It's been preserved as a historic landmark with more than 100 acres. There's even a nature center, outdoor wildlife exhibits (bears and bird of prey were our favorites). It's open year round, so we'll be exploring there again on Thanksgiving!

Thankful for Fall

2008-11-11T13:33:00.002-05:00

We're so thankful for Fall

for long walks and picnics in the park...

and Sunday drives in the countryside.

Thankful to Vote

2008-11-06T12:32:00.005-05:00

Cai, Jarad and I went down to vote in this historic election. We're so glad we enjoy that priviledge and exercise our rights.

We're thankful for America! We're grateful for our freedom, liberty and this beautiful land God has given us!

We kept our little sticker for such a memorable Election year.

Happy First Halloween!

2008-11-06T12:26:00.003-05:00

We carved a Cai pumpkin. See it's front two teeth on the bottom--that's Cai!

HAAPPY HALLOWEEN! We stayed home to pass out candy--only one trick or treater came! It was Daddy! Dressed up as a pilot! (Actually he just got off work!)

THE DISNEYLAND OF ALL ZOOS

2008-11-05T22:06:00.004-05:00

On the day before we left Marshelle's, she took all of us to the Omaha Zoo. It is amazing! It's the best I've been to. There is a Desert Dome, complete with animals and fauna from a wide variety of deserts across the world. I loved going in there to warm up, it's cold in Nebraska. The place looks like the Bio-sphere. The most amazing exhibit is "Creatures of the Night"--crocs, beavers, alligators. Here were my two other favorite exhibits:

Jarad and Cai.

Shark attack--Aquarium had a glass tunnell, the fish were flying over us!

Antarctic--penguinos

Fontenelle Forest Omaha, NB

2008-11-04T16:59:00.002-05:00

Adventuring down where Lewis and Clark explored along the Missouri River.

Marshelle and Hyrum

Fall, my favorite time of year. When the wind blew, Matt yelled out, "Catch a leaf! Catch a leaf!" It was so fun. I don't know why, but I'd never tried to do that before. Ya gotta have skill. Manning caught one. He looked up at me, holding his leaf proudly, and said, "See. It's easy."

Twins.

You can't get any better than the 2007 Halloween Eve story. Marshelle accidentally got locked, with the boys, in her bedroom for hours. They broke out the food storage, starting munching on that while Matt (who wasn't there), was chowing on a really nice meal.

Creating Millett Memories

2008-11-04T12:20:00.004-05:00

My nephew, Manning, is so fun! He's hilarious. My favorite was playing Hide n Seek with him. (Cause he always hid in the same spot)!

Cai loves people... and hiking. He was all geared up to visit Fontenelle Forest. It's so fun to see him interact with his cousins.

As soon as Marshelle picked us up from the airport, she took us out to the Children's Museum! What a blast! Cai loved playing there. Even though he couldn't keep up with Manning and Hyrum, he just watched and walked around (with me holding his fingers for balance-he's still wobbly). HYRUM

Little Evan and Marshelle.

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-31T11:03:00.003-04:00

On October 22nd, Cai and I flew to Phoenix. Sherri picked us up at the airport. We had a blast! It was so fun to surprise Nate when we picked him up from pre-school. We played through the afternoon with Grace and Nate, then surprised Kevan when he came home from work. It was so fun! Kevan walked in and said, "Hey, Spence...whoah, Jewelene...what? You're here?!"

Sherri planned a fabulous dinner for Kris. We tried to surprise him too, but a little bird had accidentally told him. He surprised me! I was trying to hide, but when he pulled up in the truck, he said, "Hey Jewelene!" as soon as he got out. It was funny!

Kevan gave Cai his berry smoothie--he loved it!

Farm Friends

2008-10-10T05:07:00.002-04:00

We went on an evening drive around our neighborhood...these are what our friends do. Cai loves playing outside, watching our neighbor drive back and forth on his tractor.
The fields are beautiful this time of year! It's one of my favorite times...I'm so excited to see all those green leaves turn brilliant Fall colors.
Cotton.
Our friends from the ward, the Kriigels, lent us their vacuum. Cai loved sucking on it...I'm still trying to get a good picture of that little tooth popping up! He's growning so fast. Enjoy life!

First Days on the Farm

2008-10-10T04:55:00.003-04:00

The mornings are crisp and clear. We love it here. It's so fun to have our own home! It's a lot of work too! (No, we don't sleep in our tent in the barn, by the way).
Wow, moving in. What can we say. It's a mess! Especially when all we're doing is painting and painting and painting. Jarad and I took turns taking care of Cai--then, as soon as he was asleep, we'd get back to painting.
Peek-a-boy, yeesh, the biggest carrot! We hope to grow carrots this big next Summer.
Hey, look, there's a kitchen after all! WE finished painting on October 6th (except for the bathroom).
Cai and I love gardening in the afternoons, we were pruning the wild tomato plants behind him.

Finishing the Scavenger Hunt~

2008-09-18T15:10:00.005-04:00

Remember what's left on the list? One motorcylce, five Blue Mailboxes, three bikers, and a new friend.

Okay, here it goes Jo, on September 13th, when we were driving down to Outer Banks, we found this...so, motorcyle check. I'd like to introduce to you, mailbox #2. Found not long after a short pit-stop to Food Lion (that's the weird name of the place where our food comes from out here). That very night, in camp, two biker ladies pulled in. I ran over, introduing myself of course and told them off the Scavenger Hunt. They were glad to pose for a pic! They're from Pennsylvania.
Two in one! On September 14th, we met another biker! That's three...check. She's been biking for three days with her husband. We were kinda confused with her story, maybe she was dehydrated, but we couldn't tell if she was saying she biked over from Charlotte, NC or up from Emerald Isle. Any who, here's our new friend. We'd like to introduce Krammer. He's a cutie who's 13 years old! Check.

September 17th~ out on a walk around Norfolk. We found this...Blue mailbox #3. and this...ha, thought we could trick you?
Cai thinks I'm funny.
Mailbox #4...and the double wide counts for #5 and 6!

WE had so much fun, thanks to your creative mind.

(okay, so we gave in and drove to the Post Office down the street).

Outer Banks, NC~ Family Trip

2008-09-16T17:20:00.014-04:00

WELCOME TO OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA.

A family excursion to Jockey Ridge State Park to hike the Sand Dunes.

Mmmm steaks and rutabaga on the grill...camping in the woods, mosquitos all around, the ocean down the street, sand dunes and lighthouses. Outer Banks, North Carolina. Can you get any better than being together with family and friends in such a sweet place?
Our campground, Adventure Bound Campground, had many great features like running water, horseshoes and Peacocks. Random? Yes, there were three males (the pretty ones) and one female. They make the weirdest caw noises.

Orange you happy to be in our family?
Ummmm...let me think about that....

YES, I AM!!!
Bodie Island Lighthouse. It's so beautiful. That's all I can say, I love Jarad and Baby Cai. You guys are the best! At Currituck Lighthouse, we found a baby Aligator Turtle. Cai loved it! In fact, he wanted to eat him! He wants to eat everything!

Hiking along the marshes at Heritage Park. See...there's Cai, eating his shoes. Isn't he so funny...I snapped this just at the right time! Two seconds before, he was sucking on his toes and I popped them out of his mouth. He just laughed and laughed.
I asked Jarad what his favorite part of the trip was, he said, "Playing on the beach and boogy boarding with the Asay's family." I said, "No way! That was mine!" We love you guys! It was so good to see our friends, Hailey and Savannah, who Jarad and I taught in Valiants class in primary in our Sand Lake Ward, Alaska. They've grown up so much, they're 14 now going to seminary, dances, and EFY. It's so awesome to see them!

KITTY HAWK, North Carolina ~Kill Devil Hills, where the first powered aircraft took off from here!

WE LOVE OUR PILOT! Thanks Daddy for working so hard getting people places where they need to be all around the East. You're so awesome. Genius.

This granite monunment was built in 1933 to commemorate 30 years of flight. It's in the shape and form of the racing pylons that pilots used to fly around.

We hiked the 70 skinny steps to the top. The Ranger gave Cai a "Jr. Ranger" badge. He loved it!
A little known, but true history fact:

Orville Wright and Cai and I helped pushed off the right wing as Wilbur and Jarad took off into the air! The fourth flight measured 852 feet over the ground; the time in the air was 59 seconds.

Thanks Jarad for making history so fabulous, fun!

Jojo's Scavenger Hunt is on!

2008-09-09T12:39:00.002-04:00

Jo sent us a letter to find the following. Cai's given himself til September 17th. Here's the list"

1 Golden Leaf, A motorcycle, 3 Bikers, 6 Blue Mailboxes, 2 birds, A Bird's Nest, and a new Friend One BLUE mailbox...check
A bird's nest...check and cross off the list

One golden leaf...check and cross of the list. (Cai's a sicky boy with yucky cold...as you can see)
Two birds...check and cross of the list! These are our adoptive birds. We fed them when they were little yellow duckies (whoops!) Now they follow us everywhere on our walks around the lake! Cai loves them, but not when they get too close. They'll eat right out of our hands (not anymore...we've stopped feeding them). Thanks for the fun Jo! We'll keep you posted!

Home

2008-09-08T13:49:00.004-04:00

The best part of waking up! Don't mind if I do post this...so, how did the conversation start when we began kicking around the idea of buying the place? ..."I want to come home to paradise, you know, a little place of our own with lots of land..." Jarad then grabs his lap-top to let me experience my first virtual tour. Since then...we've been out to the "Franklin Farm" for a home inspection, appraisal and septic tank inspection. This might just be our first home hopefully. There's a barn, growing apple orchard and lots of trees...just what we love.

September 6th--We got to hang out with the Bradley's over the weekend! We love you guys so much! It's so nice to have family... Katie taught me how to sew and to create Kitchen recipe board. We had so much fun. My favorite day was going to the Temple with Jarad, just being with him there, holding hands, watching Joshyboy and Bailey, and driving home in a tropical storm. It was a great weekend. Thanks guys!
Here's the boppy pillow cover that Katie taught me how to sew. The recipe board is a hilarious story because I'm not super crafty knowing how to make this even with Katie's clarifications...we were laughing so hard!

Family Fun

2008-08-25T21:12:00.003-04:00

We went outside in our backyard and took some family portraits today. These are the best two when Cai actually looked at the camera instead of the geese walking by.

Cai's Cousin Camping Trip

2008-08-19T08:25:00.005-04:00

We love camping! Even more, we love camping with the Bradleys! We all met on August 11th at Lake Sherando to roast marshmellows and watch a meteorite shower!

We had so much fun with the babies, they both were great! Cai only cried once during the night, but it was a perfect wake -up call to catch the most beautiful shooting stars at 2 am! Good morning Happy Bailey! She's a doll!

Does Cai look like he's dressed for Alaska? We're prepping him. Yeesh, it was only about 59 at night, but I had him bundled up...maybe a bit too much.

In the morning, after a nice warm, no cold breakfast of cold cereal, provided by the Carter's (tee hee), we went hiking! It was a gorgeous morning as we talked and walked around the lake!

It's fun to go out camping, sleeping in the outdoors, but even better to be home sweet home! How could we not love our little Lake Smith! It's just as beautiful view out our window.

Firsts

2008-08-13T17:09:00.009-04:00

Welcome to Virginia Beach!
I love watermelon now!
I got my first pair of shoes today, August 15th.
I love to walk with Mommy!

I got my first high chair, sippy cup and sunglasses.

Okay, so I have some things to learn, like how to use this sippy cup....

I just want to say, "I love you all! Have a great day!"

2008-08-13T16:47:00.005-04:00

More of my most favorite times from the Reunion, swimming at the Clarks. It's just so fun that Cai has so many fun guy cousins and uncles to play with him. I love teaching Cai how to swim.

Our family service project, July 24th. Even Cai came out to help! Heather and Shelly sanding the bottom while Shawn and Mom went to town on the top. It's so fun to work with family. They're the best.

2008-08-13T16:33:00.005-04:00

Danilee, Jacob and Luci

July 21--First day of Big Fat Bunch Reunion.

Can you not get any cuter than Afton and Matthew?! All of the newbies are cuties, but I love these pictures. We had the best family reunion, thanks Brooke and Shawn & Danilee and Jacob! The theme was relying on the Lord. We had sort of a faith hike, where some of us were blind-folded or had some other type of struggle. I drew "hard of hearing" and well, in went the ear plugs. Honestly, Dad came right up to my face and yelled, "Jewels! You stepped right in it!" ...um doggie doodo on the shoe...you thought I was missing my eyesight. It was nice to "get my hearing back," shortly after that. Although, everyone wished their sense of smell was taken away.

Jarad and Shawn belayed everyone rock climbing. It was so fun!

Whose Grandma does this?

The Big Fat Bunch Reunion July 2008

2008-08-10T11:04:00.004-04:00

Happy Graduation Elana, 2008!

2008-07-30T17:16:00.004-04:00

Janell and I got together. I love that lady! She's so much fun. She let us stay at her beautiful home in Rexburg!

It was so fun going on a walk, staying up talking and playing with Serendipity (Sere for short), her cat.

The next day, Friday, July 17th was Elana's graduation! Yeah! Congratulations to ya! Awesome accomplishment! Cai and I were invited to go hear the convocation talks by the president of BYU-I and Julie Beck. The experience brought back my best times I had on Ricks College campus--the devotionals and firesides! This picture was taken at her 2008 Graduation Party in Rexburg, check out the moon. It was a beautiful night, filled with fun, family and friends.

4th of July

2008-07-28T13:07:00.005-04:00

The best part about the 4th of July--my whole family was together. This was the first time that most of my family met Cai. Spencer loved holding him. Cai loves people and isn't afraid to be held, so everyone loves him. He's a cute kid. We had a family devotional, went to the parade, played football, had a picnic (complete with Rhubarb pie and Ice Cream bought by mom and pops--thanks again!) and watched the fire-works!

Oh, yeah, I ran a 10K and my greatest fans came to watch. It was a beautiful, early-morning run along the Upper Animas.

My two older sisters and I were all pregnant at the same time--here are the three handsome products of our labor--Cai, Evan and Matthew.

Nater Termater

Best sisters--Jo and Gracey

Uncle Tom's Cabin

2008-07-28T13:02:00.005-04:00

On July 3rd, Jarad, Cai and I were in Durango, Colorado staying with Jason and Rachel. It was so much fun to go up to Uncle Tom and Aunt Anita's cabin, where we all talked, hiked, rode 4-wheelers and played. The best part of being up there is it's where family is, surrounded by beautiful mountains and the rushing upper Animas river. Cai had fun just sitting on the 4-wheelers, he has yet to experience a fun ride.

Generations

2008-07-28T12:35:00.004-04:00

Cai's great-grandfather, Tom and great-grandmother, Helen Gurr, along with his Granpa and Grandma Gurr. We had so much fun visiting them on Friday nights, eating dinners together and playing our favorite family game, Rook.

Arizona Family Fun Time

2008-07-28T08:58:00.004-04:00

Flew into Skyharbor in Arizona on Saturday, June 28. Mom picked us up and we spent fun days with them before flying up to Durango, Colorado. This is the first time for Cai to meet Uncle Kris. Dad, or Grandpa Gurr, was in Utah with Uncle Kevan. So, our great friends, Gene and Joan met Cai the day after we arrived, Sunday, June 29th.

First Air Show--Langley AFB

2008-06-23T14:22:00.005-04:00

Langley AFB held the coolest Air Show! It's been a long time since I've been to one, but I loved it! The F-18's were so loud. They really scared me, well, I got kind of nervous for little Cai's ears, so I call it "The ear (com) plane Show!" Fun memories! Check out Joshy's ear plugs hanging out!
The Royal Air Force from England performed a fabulous show! I especially loved when the jets flew with the F22.

They had sky divers jump out and dive with the American Flag--I felt so proud of our Beautiful Flag waving in the sky. I love our country.

Two F22's--including a model for the future generation's eye level!

Katie and Bailey Joshy and Jarad
Heather flew in from Utah to be with Katie for a week and with us for another one! What a great way to start out the week! We love ya guys!

HAPPY FIRST FATHERS DAY!

2008-06-23T14:20:00.002-04:00

JUNE 16th

two handsome men at the Virginia Air and Space NASA Museum. Cai and I took Daddy here for Father's Day. We loved the Blue Planet IMAX--check it out if you can!

Cai's in deep thought...mmm...I'm ready to sleep!

We took a picture under JJ the jetfighter...not quite like JJ the jetplane (the Piper Cherokee we had up in Alaska).

Fun at the Beach!

2008-06-23T14:13:00.002-04:00

June 11, 2008 Cai and my first playgroup with our friends--Jamie brought us to Chick's Beach, where we met up with all our friends. Chancy and her little beauty--Audrina, (down below) with Aiden and Parker playing in the sand. Jamie is the best because she loves people-- laughing and playing with us! I love how she gets right down with the kids and plays. Life's so fun with good friends.

Fun with Michelle Bingham!

2008-06-23T11:27:00.002-04:00

June 2,3 and 4th--Michelle Bingham came down to visit us! It was so much fun to be together--talk, explore First Landing State Park with all the Bald Cypress trees and...can you find the frog in the swamp picture?

Most of all, we loved making Cai laugh and smile. He had his first "toe-in-the-ocean" experience. The waves were big and it was a little windy, but the best part is just being together. We love ya Michelle! Thanks so much for coming!

Fun at Katie's Place

2008-06-09T15:13:00.005-04:00

Hi! We're going on vacation...again?! Mommy and Daddy take me on all types of crazy adventures! This time, we were in the car for about 5 hours, going to the Washington DC Temple and then over to my Auntie Katie's.

Cai's eyes are so big that the middles are usually red...um, that's why I colored in his pupil with black ink! Now, it looks really funny!

Katie is so fabulous! She planned the coolest graduation party for Aunt Cheryl! We had so much fun! We had the Valedictorian, Jarad Carter, give a speech and special certificate. It was so fun to play Speed Scrabble and a Jr. "Have You Seen It" (I think that's what it was called) game. Playing with Tucker and Cheryl is so fun because they're competitive with each other.

Tucker and Katie took us to The Virginia State Arboretum. It was so beautiful! We all loved watching Joshy pick the little white Daisey's and give one to Katie, Cheryl and I. Katie got these "Born in the USA" matching T-shirts for Cai and Bailey. We had fun trying to get the both of them to smile for a picture! Bailey is so adorable! (So is Cai!) WE love family!

When you serve others...You Serve God.

2008-05-28T21:06:00.007-04:00

My friend Jamie came over on Thursday, May 22nd. She brought a"Mary Poppins" bag full of surprises. She made me "Cliff's Chicken" --it was delicious. As you can see, she surprised me not only with lunch, but held Cai. It was so nice to eat a hot meal, with both hands too! Usually, when Jarad's at work, I eat left-overs cold with Cai on my lap. What an unexpected treat! She knows me well! She brought a blender, pots and pans to cook me lunch...ha ha ha! (I don't have a lot of cooking things that are usually found in a kitchen). Thanks Jamie! I love ya! Memorial Day 2008. Cai, Jarad and I playing after a nice rib BBQ. Jarad made them for us--super tasty for his first time!

One of my favorite little bibs for Cai. I love the interaction--the laughter, the mimicing my facial expressions... He loves "talking" to us. He's so sweet.

First Mother's Day 2008!!!!

2008-05-12T14:52:00.006-04:00

Happy Mother's Day! Jarad and Cai were so sweet to plan a wonderful day. Jarad spoke in church and we really enjoyed listening to him. One thing he said, I'll never forget. He said, "My mother was never too busy to play with her children. She was her children's best friend."

So amazing that almost three months ago this little guy was even littler. He's been growing so much lately. He's reading the Book of Mormon now, even in Chinese. On the side, he enjoys studying Physics and learning all about electricity. As well as taking baths and playing Hide 'n Seek!

Jarad and I are so happy together. After a nice mother's day meal on Saturday night, which we got to enjoy all over again on Sunday night, we just looked at each other, hugged, and at the same time said, "I'm just so happy!" I love you guys! Thanks for a fabulous Mother's Day!

Day Four of Family Trip--hasta la vista!

2008-05-04T08:17:00.001-04:00

The final day of our Family Trip. By far our most favorite day. We had 600 miles left to drive, 9 miles to hike, and a rainy/windy day ahead of us. So, with all the odds against us, we pulled into the parking lot just wondering if we should even get out. We looked at each other and said, "Let's just go on a little walk together and see how it is." That is the greatest part of being a family.

Four miles later, at the top of Mt. Rogers in the Grayson Highlands State Park. The wild ponies that roam up there are so amazing. They are not shy and let us approach them. The weather turned sunny and gorgeous. And the 600 mile drive home went great! With a stop at our romantic Little restaurant, where we first ate the day Jarad and I met. Wendy's-Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe never tasted so good.

Day Three of the Family Trip

2008-05-04T07:48:00.000-04:00

April 25th- Whitewater Falls, in Southwest North Carolina. One of the largest waterfalls East of the Mississippi River.
View from the falls. We really lucked out on beautiful weather the whole trip. From there, the drive to Georgia was really short and we were hoping to hike Brasstown Bald--the clouds were moving in and the park was closed because the Tour de Georgia bike race was being held the next morning. They had to truck in all the Johnny on the Spots...and didn't want people in the way. There was a nice forest ranger who told us we could go and showed us where the trailhead was. It was a good 6 mile hike. Compared to out West, these mountains...well, they probably wouldn't call them that in the first place, but when you've been out at sea level, living on a beach, it sure is a good exercise.

After the hike, we drove a little ways up to the Great Smokey National Park. It was so so beautiful! There were tons of professional photographers, with all their nice gear, taking shots. We feel pretty lucky with our little camera that we could catch the breathtaking sunset as we said goodnight to another great day. We see why they call them the "smokies" ...these clouds move in fast. At the top of Clingman's Dome, it was windy and a little chilly. Cai and I bundled up (you can see the sockies on his hands) to get a better look at the sunset, by the time we got to the top, it was completely clouded in.

Day Two of The First Family Trip

2008-05-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, right outside of Little Switzerland...North Carolina. We were trying to find Mt. Mitchell State Park. We got a little lost, but, hey, at least we found Switzerland along the way~it was a beautiful drive. I love this shot of Cai and Jarad, best little buddies. Especially hiking buddies... Jarad carried him up and down the mountains. What great guys they are!
Hiking Mt. Mitchell--it was steep, but the views were worth it! Family trips are definately worth the time, effort, planning and money. Jarad and I always thought, "We couldn't do that if we had kids..." Well, for now, with one, we found out we can and it's totally better having him along with us!

First Family Trip

2008-05-01T07:16:00.000-04:00

Jewel's favorite color~ purple combined with Jarad's~green! What a beautiful comination.

Wednesday, April 23rd, Duke University's Botanical Gardens.

The Chapel at Duke, with beautiful stone work, stained glass windows and a humongous organ.

We enjoyed a picnic at the Terrace Gardens. Cai does love the outdoors. His best night yet, waking up the most happy we have ever seen yet, was that night's first family camping trip at Lake Norman State Park, NC.

2008-04-19T09:47:00.001-04:00

Playing Hide 'n Seek while doing laundry...boy, he's the cutest outfits...in fact, this one, "Dressed for Success," is from our Young Women in Boulder City~they also signed the cutest baby blanket for him. Thanks El Dorado Valley Young Women!

2008-04-19T09:40:00.000-04:00

2008-04-16T16:41:00.001-04:00

Brent, Kelly, and Benson Clark came down from Ohio. We had the best time with everyone~Kelly, Jarad, Cheryl, and Katie (four out of the eight Carter kids).

Cai's ready for our hike up to the high points in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Beautiful Cheryl.I'm so glad she's out here! Joshy is hilarious-full of fun!

2008-04-14T10:12:00.000-04:00

General Conference weekend at it's best, The Bradley Bed and Breakfast. What a blast! Jarad had work off, so we traveled out to Stephens City to be with Katie, Kelly and Cheryl.

Cute cousins! Bailey Bradley and Cai Carter. Bailey's as a adorable as can be and beautiful as a porcelain doll.

Can't imagine having twins!

2008-04-12T16:51:00.000-04:00

Friday, March 28, 2008 Atlantic Ocean Adventure...brrrr...the water is still cold, but bearable (up to the knees). We also went to First Landing State Park where Mom, Dad and Jarad enjoyed hiking Broad Bay. From there, we went out to Bruester's, our favorite little ice cream place. It's better than Cold Stone, in our opinion.

The rest of the visit, we enjoyed relaxing, talking, walking the McArthur Center, watching National Treasurer II, and resting.

Monday, March 31st, we toured Colonial Williamsburg. I always wanted to meet Jefferson...that's the best part of living on the East Coast, you get to learn, see, and experience the amazing and wonderful history of this great Nation!

Thanks for visiting Ma and Pops! Come again soon!

2008-04-10T11:02:00.000-04:00

Cai's all dressed up for his "first date!" On Monday, March 25, 2008, he came out with Jarad and I to the great seafood restaurant, Harpoon Larry's, off the Atlantic Boardwalk. We had a great date, as it was our first time trying oysters, scallops, and clams! He fell fast asleep on his first date! Comment on the red and white checked "boppy" pillow-my sister, Jana, made it! His cute little bear outfit was a gift from my sister, Marshelle! Thanks my friends! Grandma and Grandpa Carter came to visit on March 27-April 1st! We had a wonderful visit with them!

2008-04-09T16:28:00.000-04:00

Daddy and Baby Cai on March 23, 2008. Cai was blessed on Easter Sunday at the Bayside Ward Chapel; Norfolk, Virginia. What a special experience to be blessed by Daddy with his friends, Paul Batty, Daryl Harding, Jeff Allen, and Bishop Maynard. Cai was very quiet and calm during his blessing. Afterwards, when Daddy held him up, he yawned so big for everyone!

After Church, we enjoyed a Happy Birthday Celebration for Jarad! It was so much as we had a Hawaiin (and Chinese) party...complete with Chinese Chicken Salad and Hawaiin Cake. As he opened presents, we sang, and set off the fire alarm from all the candles. Just joking.
"This is what being 32 looks like!"

2008-03-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

Our great friend, Leila Miller, came to visit last weekend. We had a wonderful time! We went on our first outing, with Cai in the carrier, to the Atlantic Ocean and First Landing State Park. Thank you for coming to be with us!

Grandma Gurr came March 4 through 12th! You're an angel Mom! We really appreciate you and all you do for your kids!

The star of the show and all of our attention goes to holding, hugging and loving Baby Cai. He's such a cutie! Mom and Leila were great to us! Thank you! We love you!

Cai's Birthday Video

2008-03-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

IT'S A BOY!!

2008-03-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

Cai Carter was born Leap Year Day 2008 at 5:55 PM in Norfolk, VA.

He weighed 7 lbs 7 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Jewelene handled the labor and delivery very well. In fact, at 1:00 PM we finished up a 5 mile long walk along the beach.

We are very excited and proud parents. Everyone is doing well. Thanks for your love and prayers on our behalf.

2008

2008-02-09T19:06:00.000-05:00

The Carter Family ~happy memories
Outside our little house

Beautiful, happy times in Virginia Beach!

Hiking in First Landing State Park, February 4th.

We love you all!

Christmas in Eden

2007-12-30T21:17:00.001-05:00

This was a wonderful Christmas of dreams coming true. I was also able to visit Leila Miller, we've been friends since we were 12. I love being with the Millers because I feel as if I was with my family. I felt right at home for the holidays. They live in "Eden"--exactly true to the name--Gracey, Kentucky. It's so beautiful and peaceful here. Ryan (at the top) is great with the horses and takes care of the stables. Brother Miller taking in Blue (I think) from the pasture for the night.

Sister Miller is amazing! She works so hard with the horses and taught me a lot about living your dreams!
I love how work brings a family together, in so many wonderful ways. I loved being a part of their daily work, talking and walking, watching "National Treasurer" as a family, shopping and playing games.

Ty is an awesome helper with the horses. He works hard!

This is the same pink bike that Leila would ride around Belleville and Scott Air Force Base in Illinois when we were 12. Awesome, she still has it! Okay, any woman who can shovel manure in flip-flops and clean up this good as quick as she does; she is amazing because she not only has talents, she knows what do to with them and does it!
Ecclesiasticus 6:14:
A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.

Christmas

Christmas 2007

2007-12-30T20:40:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve 2007! We opened our presents (from our storage unit...since our move in May 2007 we haven't seen our stuff because we wrapped it and put it under the tree)! So much fun! Jarad kept saying, "The only present I want to open and really need is the can opener!" We opened all the presents and still didn't find it! Who knows where that box of stuff went?!
In the afternoon, we went geo-caching and found two treasures...first, a tree swing and second, a Virginia magnet for our fridge of states we've lived in collection. Sweet!

A dream comes true! Jarad flew me to New York for Christmas (he was working)! It was my first flight with him flying a jet. I've flown with him in lots of other littler planes, but this, this was so so cool because it was my husband flying the jet. I've flown on lots of US Airways planes lately, but to know that Jarad was flying it was so exciting! I wanted to turn to the other passengers and say, "This is my husband flying!" I restrained myself and sat smiling quietly to myself. It's so wonderful to see people accomplish their dreams and to be a part of it! My dream was to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights, trees and windows in New York. We took a train to Grand Central Station, went to Rockefeller Square, Central Park and saw the window displays in Macy's. It was a blast!

I love this picture, because it looks like the M&M's are little thought bubbles popping up to the one big thought, "Be happy!"