The Carter Clan

Girls Camp-Call for Courage

2010-06-20T17:23:00.002-07:00

Another great year at camp! I just continue to love these girls more and more everytime I am with them. We had wind, we had sun, we had rain, we had snow and we definitely had FUN!!! Thank you to my amazing leaders and friends who made this such a memorable week. I did get 5 bad rope burns on my hands and a bad sore throat and cough but it was worth it!!!

LOVE YOU TO PIECES 9TH WARD!!! You are definitely courageous!!!

I LIVE IN THE GREATEST NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!

2010-05-30T21:24:00.004-07:00

Ok let's face it! I live in the greatest neightborhood and everyone that reads this is going to agree with me. WHY??? Because the only people that read my blog are my neighbors. We know how to have a good time and we all get along fantastically!!! Hillary and Kim threw a great party for all the kids!

Where else can you try to see how many kids you can fit on a trampoline?
Where else can you cheer on the kids in an exciting game of speed? (Courtnie you ROCKED!)
Where else can you play with 4 of your BFF's for 5 hours and not get sick of each other?
Where else can you have jumping contests with the neighborhood boys?

Where else can you eat smores, marshmallow cookies, brownies and cupcakes and your mom doesn't even tell you to STOP?

Where else can you slide on a huge slip-n-slide in the freezing weather but that doesn't bother you because you are still having the time of your life?
So really where can you do all these great things? I'll tell you...in my neighborhood and I LOVE IT!!! Thanks everyone (and you know who you are) for making this such a fun place. P.S. Can't wait for the food fight!

Happy 9th Birthday Courtnie!!

2010-04-03T16:18:00.002-07:00

This is a test and only a test! (I am trying to see if anyone really reads this blog. It has been months since I last blogged, 5 months to be exact.) So what better way to see if anyone even cares if the Carters blog is to give out a shout out to the cutest 9 year old in our family.

This is what she wanted for breakfast. Scrambled eggs with syrup poured all over them and oreo cookies. A breakfast of champions!

3rd grade simple machine leprechaun trap

Small little gathering, we made Hannah Montana bags, watched Princess and the Frog, ate pizza and played a game of hide and seek in the house.

I love you Courtnie!!

DISNEYLAND-The Happiest Place on Earth

2009-11-20T08:12:00.006-07:00

At least the Carters think this is the happiest place on earth. As many of you know we LOVE Disneyland, we have been going as a family since Chandler was 2. Sorry about all the pictures but when you have over 400 to sort through it gets a little difficult. But hopefully you can get a taste of what fun we had!

HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE????

This is how the Carters celebrated!

You can't have a party unless both sets of grandparents are there, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

...we celebrated by seeing Minnie and Mickey!

...we celebrated by overcoming our fear of Splash Mountain. Meagan before and after the big drop. Way to go Meagan!

...we celebrated by all of us being able to go on rides together. No one sitting out because they aren't tall enough or staying with the sleeping child in the stroller.

...we celebrated by going on "Screamin'" and definitely doing some screaming!

...we celebrated by wishing our little princess a Happy 5th Birthday! Girls only lunch at Ariel's Grotto. (a little on the pricey side but the little girls loved it and the big girls loved the idea of only girls allowed)

...we celebrated by getting pictures taken with some of our favorite characters! Chandler was a great sport even though he was "too cool" for character pictures he still managed a smile.

...

...we celebrated by going on all the rides even though they weren't our choice because we were too big and 13 year olds aren't supposed to enjoy the merry go round for the 5th time in a row.

...we celebrated by trying to have fun on rides just because we can't have the front every single time.

...we celebrated like a pirate!

...we celebrated with a yummy Sunday dinner with friends and a thrilling game of Settlers.(which I won BOTH times, but who is keeping track)

Wishing you an early Merry Christmas! (this may be the only greeting I send out this holiday season so you better enjoy!)

San Diego Get-Away

2009-10-18T19:04:00.007-07:00

My pictures are a little backwards because let's face it I still don't know what I am doing. So after our trip to San Diego we drove to Cedar Break. It is very pretty up there, we missed the leaves by a week or so but it was still fun to go up through the mountains. I love living here and being close to such amazing sites. If you couldn't tell it was very windy and chilly.

Look who we saw that also took a little stop to Cedar Break. Kim forgot her camera so I snapped a quick family photo. (Lucy in the car asleep and Emily not excited about the detour.)

The views were AMAZING!!

Our first day in San Diego we went to Sea World. The last time we went was when Courtnie was 5 months old. It was a hot day but everyone loved it. Our favorite being of course seeing Shamu up close and personal.

Notice the different size animals that everyone got. Small, medium and LARGE!

The last ride of the day, Shipwreck Rapids. I knew that I would get soaked and I didn't want to do this at all. I was hoping Tyren or Dad would have gone with Chandler but they didn't want to and Chandler was very sad that he wouldn't be able to go on it. Well Courtnie and Mom stepped up to the challenge. The sacrifices we make for the ones we love.

Before the game we went on a tour of the USS Midway an air craft carrier that last sailed in 1991. It was way cool! These boats are HUGE! This is us standing way out over the boats edge where the planes take off. A little on the freaky side!

The cute little Faldmo family is so nice to always drive and meet us when we go and visit California. We always look forward to anytime that we can spend time with them.

Paul and Tyren were the most fascinated by all the planes and helicopters on top. Did I mention that this boat is HUGE!?

Inside Tyren, Colby and Courtnie sleep in the bunk beds. Very tight quarters, I don't know how anybody could live in such tight spaces.

Friday night we drove to the San Diego Temple. The kids LOVED this temple and its unique structure. It is beautiful at night.

Fall Break and an away BYU football game make for a perfect little family road trip.

We had a great trip and to top it off BYU won!!!!

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY TYREN!!!

2009-10-04T09:02:00.005-07:00

I love this kid!!

This is what happens when you have a 3 second down time between games that you are playing. I think the boys at Tyren's party would have just been happy with wrestling on my furniture all night long.

Tyren is a great big brother. He probably won't tell you but he really does love his sisters. Always willing to play a game with them, carry them on his back, and give them encouraging words.

Tyren LOVES to play football. His dream someday is to play football for BYU. He was going to sign up for tackle football this year but after trying on Chandler's helmet and getting a little claustrophobic he decided he would do one more year of flag football. I love to watch him play, he gets REALLY into it!

Tyren earned his Arrow of Light last week. WAY TO GO!!

I was reading in Tyren's baby book last night about how happy he always is, what a great sleeper he is and what a good natured baby he was. Well, in eleven years he is still that same sweet kid. Tyren I love you very much! Thanks for being such a great kid!

Random Happenings from Carters!

2009-09-20T17:32:00.005-07:00

For Labor Day we decided to go up to Park City and ride the Alpine Slide. Unfortunately for us everyone else had the same idea. We waited in line for 50 minutes for the Alpine Slide. Yuck!

But we waited in line for the coaster for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Yes, you read correctly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Was it worth it? No, but if you ask the kids they would do it again and again, with the wait!

Meagan off to her first day of preschool! My little buddy off to her adventures.

Happy 38th Birthday to Paul!

Happy 24th to Annie!

Happy 64th to Dad Carter!

38 Reasons I love Paul:

1. Are you kidding me? I have seen this done for people's birthdays, anniversaries etc. Don't get me wrong I love the idea, BUT I am a busy lady, it is a miracle I am blogging today. I just don't have the time to list 38 reasons, so just know that I love Paul very much and he is a great husband, father and friend!

Chandler's 8th Grade Football

He loves to play and has made many friends. What a great bunch of kids! They have only won one game but they sure give it their all.

FUN in the SUN!

2009-08-09T10:15:00.002-07:00

WOW what a fun vacation we had to Lake Powell! We were invinted again by the Brodericks and the Bently's and a couple of there friends Jessica, Jake, Allie, and Wesley. These were some of our pictures of what a great time we had at Powell.

Chandler and Allie hanging on for dear life and Tyren slipping of the back.
Tyren and Sarah taking a little swim behind the houseboat.
Meagan keeping her balance on the kneeboard.
Tyren showing off his skills on the tube.
All the teenagers trying to make a pyramid on one Tube.
Meagan and Tyren waiting to be pulled.

Youth Conference LAKE POWELL

2009-07-24T08:47:00.006-07:00

LIKE A ROCK!!!!!

Thanks Garrit for the cool design on the shirts and thanks Aunt Cathy for printing them for us!

We were so LUCKY this year to be able to take our youth to Lake Powell. Thank you everyone that made it possible. We had such a great time! Minor bruises and sore muscles and minimal sunburns. All in all a huge success!

Me wake boarding for the first time. I wasn't up for very long but it sure was fun! I don't like crashing because you sure crash hard!

Heather and I taking our turn! We were just like the kids, always wanting to try everything. Never a dull moment. I love Heather and am so glad that I get to work with her. P.S. She also makes the long tiring ride home not so long and tiring. Thanks!

Chandler wake boarding for the first time. Getting up is the easy part it is the balance that he has a hard time with. Way to go Chan!!

Chandler and Shauna knee boarding!

It was so much fun to have Chandler there with me! Of course he got a really bad sunburn on his face, I should have been a little bit more attentive.

Hansen Happenings!!!

2009-07-19T17:21:00.003-07:00

Hello it's me!! Has anyone missed us? Lots of things going on so here are just a few:

When my brother and his family come into town it is 10 days of craziness, lots of activities and fun times together. Just a couple include...

LAGOON!!!

and BOONDOCKS!!

Trust me there were many, many more things we did!

Thanks mom for planning a great week to spend with each other. We were all exhausted but it was worth it to party hard.

A WEEK IN REVIEW!

2009-03-25T07:25:00.010-07:00

Lots of happenings at the Carters. This is just a brief look at some of the highlights!

Draper Temple Dedication-Chandler was a little sleepy due to the late night with Gramma. (need I say more) Tyren that it was really cool! I just enjoyed being there with my boys and experiencing this special event with them.

Cousins Erin and Lindsey were in town so Gramma Watters planned a little lunch gathering at her house. So fun to see everyone! (even though most of us live only 10 minutes away from each other)

GOODBYE to the Stanleys! Our good friends moved this week to Ohio, we will miss you terribly. Joni has been such a great friend, you will not find anyone more sincere, caring and loving than her. And I know that Paul is really going to miss BJ as his golfing partner. Of course plans are already being made to go and visit them and watch Tiger play in a golf tournament. Can't wait!

We went out to dinner on Monday with the whole Carter Clan. I haven't seen them forever so it was good to sit and chit chat. I just love this picture of Meagan and Beckett.

Chandler...I mean Elder Carter had missionary month this month. What a great experience for these kids to have. It is so fun to watch your kids grow up and do things that challenge them, especially when it is something that they can really learn from.

Thirty, flirty, thriving and fun!

2009-03-16T06:23:00.002-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRSTIN!

Just a shout out to a terrific 4th grade teacher and an amazing friend! This weekend was her big three - 0 and we celebrated in style by spending Friday night up in Park City. We watched girly movies until the wee hours of the morning, went shopping for a sexy pair of jeans, gave each other pedicures (which apparently my husband things is way bizarre, I don't care it was fun) and went for an awesome run in the morning. I would download the picture of us in our running gear with a beautiful blue sky and the sky resort in the background but each picture takes about 20 minutes to download (anyone know why?)

Love you much Kirstin!

FUN in the SUN!

2009-03-13T10:35:00.007-07:00

DISNEYWORLD FOR 4 DAYS! One of the greatest vacations...so far! I think what set this trip apart was we went with my brother and his cute family. My kids were so excited to spend time with their cousins that we usually only get to see once a year. Definite differences between Disneyland and Disneyworld but however you look at it it is still Disney and the Carters sure do love Disney!

The whole gang entering Magic Kingdom! This day was hot hot hot! My favorite thing was how cool everything was decorated.

Toy Story Mania-What a great ride, not only for kids but the adults love it also!

Animal Kingdom was our first stop, the kids loved this place especially Expedition Everest. Grandpa tried it once and vowed never to go again, the kids however couldn't get enough of it.

Thanks Hansens for letting us tag along! We would love to come again! (if we didn't drive you too crazy)

Go Get 'Um Chan!

2009-02-09T08:04:00.003-07:00

Tonight is Chandler's Championship game for the 7th grade Bantam League. Good Luck Chandler I know that you can do it! Just hope that you don't have to guard this guy again! I will keep you posted on the results.

SHOUT OUT TO KIM!

2009-02-09T07:46:00.004-07:00

Most of you know and love her and if you don't know Kim then you have a friend like her. Fun to be with, easy to talk to, nice to EVERYONE, always positive and thinks of others first. She is having baby #5 today and I want to wish her good luck and tell her how much I adore her and am glad that she is my friend. (I think I pretty much speak for everybody!) Love ya!

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

2009-01-30T11:27:00.005-07:00

This hardly happens at our house!

I just love how Meagan is grabbing Chandler's face.

Tailgate-Kick Off Party!!

2009-01-30T10:27:00.007-07:00

Last week was our YW's New Beginnings. Heather and I

are a little freakish when it comes to sports so we did a

Kick Off Party! It was so much fun!

We had each "team" make a team flag with their motto on it and

then they each made up a team fight song using the theme of a primary song. The girls and parents really got into it and were definitely good sports.

Talk about good sports...we asked the bishopric to dress as the refs. These guys are so awesome and they are willing to do anything for us, even the silly stupid things. Thanks again you guys! Chris really got into it and threw a yellow flag at one of the girls. Jason said he felt a little naked in white pants. I think they all fit the part perfectly.

SCAR FACE

2009-01-22T07:37:00.006-07:00

I know drop over dead but I am finally blogging something AGAIN! Come on it has only been 2 months, nothing big really happens during these past months anyway. (Three kids birthdays, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, BB games, and parties) Ok so there may have been a few exciting things.

Last week my mom made an appointment for me to finally get this red spot checked on my cheek that I have had for 2 years. Yes, I know that is a long time! Come to find out it is a type of skin cancer called "Basalosquamous Cell Carcinoma". So they dug it out (the size of a quarter) last Thursday and I had to wear this lovely bandage for 2 days.

I know it is pretty gross looking! The doctor kept reassuring me that he would try and make the scar minimal. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Yesterday I got the stitches taken out and this is what it looks like. Ok, you can admit it it still looks gross. But as Paul put it, it is better than dying. True!

Thanks Mom for making the appointment and making me go see the doctor. I really appreciate your love and concern for me. (by the way my dad came in when they were sewing me up and started to cry) I am glad my parents still care so much about me!

Also just a friendly reminder to always cover up with sunscreen and keep yourself protected. I feel like I am too young to be getting stuff like this happening to me already so just be safe and don't wait 2 years to get something checked out!

DISCO FEVER

2008-11-21T09:29:00.005-07:00

We hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner (3 weeks ago, I know it was a while ago but I love the pictures so I need to post about it) and the theme was "Staying Alive". Apart from being with friends which is always fun we loved dressing up, acting goofy, and using funny accents. We had such a great time! Can you guess who the murderer is? Which one looks suspicious to you?

Disco Queen (I feel the fever, ok those pants are a little tight. I need some toning on those thighs) and Fletch is working Overtime

Mr. Artsy Fartsy (he did this a little too well if you know

what I mean) and Broadway Extradonaire

Martial Arts Pro (with a hilarious accent) and Miss Good Looking

(watch out she isn't what she appears to be)

Singing Sensation and Mr. I Think I Am Too Sexy

The whole gang: Smiths, Jensens, Carters, Rivers

TWILIGHT!!!

2008-11-21T09:11:00.002-07:00

Ok, I just have to make one thing clear I am not a "Twilight Freak", "Twilight Groupie", "Edward Nut" or anything else that you would call people that are totally obsessed with these books. HOWEVER, I did go to the midnight showing last night (I am going on 3 1/2 hours of sleep so I hope this entry makes sense) and even though I wasn't wearing my Twilight apparel, painted bite marks on my neck (people really did do this) or splash my face and hair with glitter I really liked this movie. Alright I think I can say I loved this movie!! I was not disappointed plenty of romance, action and entertainment! There is my little review take it for what it is. Enjoy!

ST. GEORGE

2008-10-20T08:42:00.004-07:00

For UEA Break we headed down to St. George for a little fun in the sun. And man did we have fun and yes there was sun. Chandler and I joked that you could tell who lived in St. George because they were wearing pants and long sleeve shirts, visitors on the other hand were enjoying the weather with shorts and swimsuits.

We didn't know about this cool water feature/fountain they have by the tabernacle. Next time you go to St. George check it out because it is very fun!

One afternoon we dragged the kids to the dinosaur tracks (they were not excited to go at all), but they actually really enjoyed it. As we were leaving Courtnie said "That wasn't boring like I thought it was going to be!" I told her we were fun parents and wouldn't take them somewhere boring on vacation.

We hooked up with Zane and Zoey and went to the park and swimming one day. The kids had so much fun playing with them. It also is nice to see a friendly face when you are on away from home. (Just as a side note if Hillary asks you to go for a "walk" with her you better beware! JK Hillary I had such a great time with you and a nice time chit chatting)

My crazy May and Aunt Annie! Meagan was out of control in the water. She couldn't get enough of it and was jumping in and out of the water. (With no life jacket or floaties, we couldn't keep them on her) "I can do it myself!"

We found this new park down the street from the condos. It has more spinny, turny, bouncy toys than any other park. It doesn't have your usual playground toys. The kids thought it was AWESOME!

Lake Powell Again!!

2008-08-24T14:42:00.006-07:00

Here is Dad being a show off! FALL FALL FALL FALL!! There's Courtnie hanging on Camille.

Watch out Paul! I'm surving on the high way I'm surving on the high way.
Tyren and Jorden are just hanging . they don't even care what there doing.Jorden smiling like paul.
Tyren and Shauna waving to the crowd. Meagen's really scared. Camille stop laughing at Tyren and Shauna. Why is Courtnie staring at them.

Anyone feel like a run?

2008-06-23T20:31:00.003-07:00

We survived another year!

PASS THE BALM! You rock!!

This is such a fun race (really)! It is hard to imagine being in a car for over 24 hours and not eating, not sleeping and running in 95 degree weather but we had such a great time. It really is about being with your friends and supporting and cheering everybody to do their best.

BJ and Joni showing off their awesome shirts!

I did it...barely! This was the hardest leg of my life. I felt like I was going to die. I had a good little cry and then when I got it all out and had some time to calm down I was very excited to be done and was very happy in my accomplishment.

Paul did a great job! The race messed up his calves and shins and he is still walking a little sore. Please be sympathetic when you see him hobbling down the street.

Lake Powell

2008-06-11T21:39:00.006-07:00

After getting home Saturday night from Hilton Head we washed clothes and packed up again to head out the next morning for Lake Powell. We went with a bunch of people from Paul's work. The kids had such a great time, it has been 10 years since we have been to Lake Powell and Paul and I forgot how much we love it. Of course I now have the boating bug (I always have had it I just got it more) and really want to buy a boat.

*Meagan enjoyed the boat rides the best, Chandler called her a "movie star" with her hair flapping in the breeze. She just giggles and smiled the entire time and kept telling the driver to go faster.

*Courtnie made a new friend and the two of them did everything together. She loved riding the tubes.

*Tyren enjoyed the wave runners the best, the tubes made him a little nervous when they hit the waves.

*Chandler tried knee boarding for the first time, by the end of the week he was going in and out of the wake

HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA

2008-06-11T21:21:00.005-07:00

So I know that it has been forever since you have heard from the Carters, but hopefully the following entries will let you know what we have been up to. Paul and I kicked off the summer by heading to Hilton Head Island with our friends the Jensens. It was a long day of traveling but well worth it! It was such a fantastic trip to just relax and hang out with friends.

Our highlights included:

*Working out everyday (a run on the beach, a bike ride on the beach, heading to the gym)

*Playing tennis (this was a huge highlight for me, I have never had so much fun. I forgot how much I really love to play. Anyone out there that wants to hit around give me a call.)

*Kayaking tour with Sandy (after I got over the initial fear that an alligator was not going to attack my boat I really enjoyed it)

*Golfing (this was a huge highlight for Paul, the last day there we all went golfing together and we had a great time. Once again I wouldn't go near the water for fear that an alligator would come and attack me. Have you seen Lake Placid?)

*Playing card games into the wee hours of the morning (and yes the boys won, but the girls gave them a run for the money. Trust me you don't want to see Nate get mad)

*Reading and relaxing (I finished four books!)

As you can tell we had a great time! Thanks Sandy and Nate for inviting us you were fabulous company!!

Is it almost SUMMER?

2008-05-18T15:12:00.004-07:00

I love this time of year when friends and neighbors all come out and play. It is time to stock up on fruit snacks, capri suns and otter pops but I wouldn't want it any other way!

Happy Late Mother's Day!

2008-05-18T14:58:00.003-07:00

I know I am a week late on posting about Mother's Day but I want everyone, especially my kids to know how much I love being a mom. They keep me hopping with all the things they do, I love each of their different personalities and I love the quiet moments (though they are few) that I get to spend with each of them.

*Chandler is growing up so fast and is learning to be very responsible. He is a big help around the house.

*Tyren is my peacemaker and is very content to just chill. He makes us laugh everyday with his constant bizarre statements.

*Courtnie is our "Little Miss Social" she needs to always be going, doing and playing. Life is

always better when you are doing it with a friend.

*Meagan is my little buddy. I cart her around from place to place, meeting to meeting and she is so good. She always tells me from the back seat that I am her best Mom!

Happy Mother's Day also to the two best GRAMMAS in the world! We love you!

Playtime with Meagan

2008-05-04T15:02:00.003-07:00

Every week this year Meagan and I have participated in a playtime group at the PG rec center. On Monday was our last day and we took a field trip to Thanksgiving Point Barn. This is the first time we have done the barn thing and Meagan was in heaven and she didn't want to leave. I have loved doing this class because it has been so fun to just spend some fun time together.

Congrats Dave and Annie!

2008-05-04T14:40:00.004-07:00

We are so proud of Dave (Paul's younger brother) who graduated from BYU last week with his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. Also a shout out to Annie (Paul's little sister) who graduated from UVU last week with a degree in Elementary Ed. I am very excited because she will be teaching 3rd grade at Lindon Elementary. Unfortunately none of my kids are in 3rd but how cool it will be to have their aunt at their school. We love you guys and are very happy for you!!

Soccer Season 2008

2008-04-27T15:07:00.005-07:00

The season is finally over...no wait now we have tournaments. Will it ever end?! Actually I really love and enjoy watching my kids play soccer, the bad thing is that 3 of them play and it gets a little crazy trying to get to all their games, practices etc. This spring season we have probably had one nice day of weather, most games are played in winds of 30 mph (that's what it feels like), rain and just last week some snow. Yikes!

Pictures of Atlanta

2008-04-27T14:50:00.002-07:00

Our Crazy Fun Trip with the Hansens

2008-04-27T14:33:00.003-07:00

It was Chandler's and my turn to go out to Atlanta to visit the Hansens. Unfortunately Kate was in the hospital for most of our visit, fortunately we were able to stay an extra 2 days (thanks Paul) so that we could get a little more playtime in when Kate came home from the hospital.

Highlights for Chandler:

Andretti's Race Place

Bowling-3 strikes baby (no bumpers)

Chuck E. Cheese-beating Jason in basketball

Highlights for Shauna:

Getting to stay up late and talk to Jason and Carolyn

Finishing 3 books and relaxing

Playing 3 way soccer in the backyard

Spending some time with Chandler

Thanks Jason and Carolyn for showing us such a great time! Of course we can't wait to come and visit again.

My First Post!!!

2008-04-17T14:09:00.002-07:00

After a lengthy process of trying to remember my password, username and google account information, I am finally up and running! The format is rough as I am in Atlanta and just wanted to get it started since I had Carolyn's help. I have hopes of jazzing it up when I get back home and have more time (ha-ha).