Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Morning Traps



It's an old memory - started when I was little. I'm sure because I wouldn't stay in bed Christmas Eve and was even more eager to get up way too early on Christmas Morning! The traps were always simple, sometimes not more than bread pans at the top of the stairs that made a ton of noise when you accidentally kicked them down the stairs. It didn't matter that it was carpet - dad's ears were tuned into little footsteps. He would always say in a gruff voice, "Get back into bed" - which we would all run back to bed, only to try again. Most times to sneak down the see what Santa had left us. It was a great tradition - one that we've carried on with our own kids. Although, we can't do anything simple - it must be complex, which describes exactly what our traps are. They usually include motion sensors, fishing string and bells. Last night, we out did ourselves. It started with PVC pipe, bells and a big roll of tape. I must say, we have as much fun as the kids do. I've included a few pictures - for everyone with those memories!!

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Robinson Crusoe Play




Thought I would share pictures of Jaxon, Gunnar and Jerrick in their big play debut. Jaxon had a few lines and remember everything! Jerrick and Gunnar were chameleons and Jaxon was Wild Boar Willy. He was the comic of the play! I played the piano music for it. It's quite the production - they start on Monday and then perform the play on Friday. It's amazing how fast things come together and how great everyone does. It's a group from Montana called the Missoulas Children's Theater. It's always great to be a part of the production - but I am very glad when it's over. Four hour rehersals during the early evening is killer on my time schedule!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Unofficial official dates

Rick said yesterday in our conversation that they will start deploying guys home the second week in February. wahoo!
In other good news I was hired on with Fetch! as a pet sitter and have already booked big jobs for Christmas and Thanksgiving..which unfortunately means I won't be coming home for either but we will both see everyone soon after.
Finally!

Oh Happy Veteran's day today!

Monday, October 20, 2008

2008 picture

We took this picture while Rick was home on leave for the Ashton family calender and thought ya'll would like to see it- complete with stupidly happy smiles and Colorado foliage.
We had a GREAT time with everyone while we were home in Logan and are so glad to hear about the safe arrival of our newest nephew into this world. Welcome Cannon! We hope all is well with Emily and crew.
Not much else in the way of news for us here...I've got a job interview with a pet-sitting business tomorrow so that may or may not fill up some time for me. I've been pretty lazy lately but I'm pulling myself out of it.
Rick had a safe flight home and is working boring hours again in Iraq. The latest word is he will be back mid-late January sometime now which is wonderful .

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Cannon's Arrived



We finally have a baby - he was born Saturday, October 4th at 1:15 a.m. and weighed 6.0 pounds and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Jerrick's staples . . .

Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have so many boys . . .



Okay, seriously, I love my boys - there are days, like today that I'm not sure why we decided to have another baby - oh, that's right, it was supposed to be a girl. The thought briefly occured that I could have another baby and try for a girl and then reality hit and I remember how much I hate being pregnant - what would I possible do if I had another little boy - we can't even think of a name for this one and it all goes downhill and I know I would be insane to try this again. So, I'll enjoy the 5 boys that I (almost) have and wonder how I will ever pay for all of the stitches, broken bones (none yet, but it will happen) and food. Perhaps debt for life isn't a bad thing!

We finally started our own little blog - enjoy the gross pictures of wounds and the ranting and raving of an insane pregnant woman. www.fivecarterboysandagirl.blogspot.com

Emily :)

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Charles Schultz Philosophy

Greetings from Logan!

This was sent to me by Dave Allart a STS. It rings true to my heart and I thought that everyone would enjoy it.

Love, Dad

=========
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.


How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish.. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.



Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia.' (Charles Schultz)

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

wow

Oh my gosh Emily I didn't even know that ya'll were expecting again. Are you going to let anyone else in the family have kids? *wink* Congrats.

Baili- Gage looks so big and handsome!

To everyone- I'm sure that you all have heard by now but Rick was promoted to Sergeant recently (finally) and is doing well with his new position and rank. but he's ready to come home..we still have 9 months to go but things are moving along well enough.
This deployment has been "easier" than the last considering we get to talk a lot more. All is well here...The cats and I are happy as can be.



I just got back from camping high in the mountains for a weekend (up near Hartzel- the reported heart of Colorado.) We took a day trip into South Park (ya it's a real place) becuase someone didn't bring enough "mountain money" a.k.a- toilet paper. It's a pretty little town though and it was really cold at night!!!! (I think I had just finished digging the fire pits behind me and someone snapped a pic)
The sun came out and we got out our archery stuff (I have a bow, arrows and a target) and I taught everyone how to shoot. Some did better than others but we had a great time. We even got snowed on. :P We tired ourselves out gathering firewood and chopping it and ended up with a pile of wood as tall as me. We had good food and day executions to the surrounding hill tops and creeks. It was a good time..we just have to remember to go a little later next year.
Hope all is well with everyone.

It's another boy!

We had the big official ultrasound yesterday and much to our surprise - IT'S A BOY! We are very excited, but some of us (especially me) were very, very sure this was a girl. So much for that gut instinct!!! So - any good boy names out there that you're willing to share???? I'm sure he'll be a carbon copy of the other boys - we'll know hopefully the middle of October, although official due date isn't until the 25th.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Gage




Gage is growing like a weed! He has mastered rolling around and is very animated in his emotions. He is very social and enjoys Emily's neighbor kids very much! They all call him Gagie and try to make him smile every chance that they get.

Monday, April 28, 2008

New Orleans

I just came back from New Orleans. Darryl is still in Florida for his Legal School and we decided to have a weekend in New Orleans so he could driver over and I would fly there. We ate a lot of Cajun food, hung out on Bourban Street and took a Cajun Cooking class at a local cooking school. It was a lot of fun. Below are our adventures from Saturday morning at the French Market in the French Quarter of New Orleans.



We had to buy Baili this "special" back scratcher that we found in the french market. Look closely and you can see that it is a real alligator paw. Gross! Darryl also found it useful as a nose picker...hence my reaction. ;) We also bougt a alligator head. You can see in the picture below that there were alot to choose from.



Thursday, April 10, 2008



More fun with the buggy

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Friday, April 4, 2008

Picture Time!

Darryl's new Command photo. Since he was promoted. I am so proud.


Also here is our engagement picture. Just wanted to share. Hope everyone is well!


Friday, March 28, 2008

Pritchett Canyon

Today we ran pritchett canyon. It is a popular "hard" trail in Moab. Things were going great until I got to an obstacle called rocker knocker and I broke a 35 spline cromoly stub shaft in the front axle. So we turned around and came back to the trail head. This is our last day in Moab and we will be heading home tomorrow. I sure miss the girls and I think that Dad is about girled out.














Area BFE

These are all from area BFE which is south of Moab and all private land. There are some of the hardest trails around. That morning we did trails called Upper Helldarado, Minor Threat, Green day, and Coyote Canyon.