10 + 1= CARTER

Carter as a baby with a big smile

Carter and Sperry with the rope tow at the beach

Carter on the Rock Wall...that he loves

Carter is now 11 years old. This morning he woke me up to remind me I agreed to giving him breakfast in bed. Then, he promptly went back to bed and patiently waited for chocolate chip pancakes.  A big tradition in our family is homemade cards. This is one of my favorite things to make and to see the kids excited to make something for each other.
Here's my top 11 things I love about this boy, Carter

1. He is very friendly. Carter is a kind and thoughtful person who likes to laugh and have fun. He's always one to quickly make friends.
2. Carter has freedom of expression. Whenever I hear a "whoo hoo!!" I know exactly who it is. You don't have to guess if he is excited or loves something, it's evident in what he says and does. This morning I said, "Carter its about 5 am. You want me to start on breakfast now?"  He said, "Mom, start on breakfast. I can't help it...I'm so excited. It's like I have new blood in me."
3. This boy loves video games, ripsticks, and bike riding. He loves to be doing something fun.
4. Carter is a great student who has grown a lot in the past year learning about how hard work in studying can pay off.
5. He's an 11 years old SCOUT. And he has achieved his Arrow of Light, this is something I'm very happy he earned. Keep on trucking!!
6. This is something that might embarrass him, but Carter is a great cook! He loves trying new things and last night for his birthday dinner we went for sushi.  Of course I was happy to share several rolls with him. He doesn't like cooked fish much, but he loved the sushi.
7. Creative mind and great ear for music. Carter is great at thinking outside the box. He sees, says, and thinks very creatively.
8. Is very happy.  This boy was born with a happy heart, excited for the world.
9. He's a hard worker and is goal oriented. When he puts a goal on it, he will get 'er done.  Awesome job being on the honor roll!
10. "Car-tear", Car Cars...no matter what we call him, he gives the best hugs. Girls, don't remember this one. I like his hugs to myself!
11. He is excited about life and is one tough cookie. He loves exploring, camping, nature, skiing, the beach, mountains, science, new computers and gadgets.  He's growing up into a very nice, sweet and responsible boy who knows about having fun and making people feel welcomed and comfortable. Happy birthday! We love LOVE you!

Carter opening his lego gift using the "fake box" trick of lasagna

Carter's new wii game from Jacob and Sperry

Boy scout shirt...and sister with bag over her head

Jacob and Carter reading checking out the game

Miss Comedian "bag lady"

Call for Mooosic

Music is always on background for me. During housework, writing on the blog, and I'm the one playing "name that tune" in restaurants and stores to the elevator music. So I thought to write you a little review of some of my current favorites of new albums or new groups I've just found (well, they are new to me).
Many of these songs I've included on the background music to this blog.
-Of Monsters and Men. This group's latest album is all great and it's an itunes bargain for $7.  If you are just joining us as a groupie, try the "little talk" or "lakehouse" song. It will give you a good flavor for this band.
-He is We. This new little group is squeeky clean (even their videos) and all about the feeling and innocence of love. They will be coming to Denver and since they appeal to the younger side of me, their concerts are about $12. How refreshing, I just pay by being the oldest there.  Check out "All about us" for a song sample.
-Jason Mraz. I wanna see him in Red Rocks and he's a little more expensive than the previous band mentioned, but you pay bucks for your own age group. His latest one I've found is "I wont give up on us". And of course he's got "lucky" and "beautiful mess" for me to enjoy.
-Brandon Flowers/Killers. Welcome to some good music here. He is an example that even us mormon's can rock it! Try: "all these things that I've done" and "crossfire".  His voice is going to get you moving, so wear your sweats and crank it.
It's not easy finding good songs with good words. Let me know if you have some keepers for me to venture a listen!!

Glowing and Growing

I've forgotten the feeling of being happily settled. Our life continues to move into a normal mode and I've missed it.  Hello, normal...my old friend. Please take a seat and stay a while.  I'm looking forward to spring, real spring. I'm not used to the temp gage jumping back and forth from the 80 degrees to major lightning and hail.  My mom keeps reminding me that this is what spring is, this weather is normal.  Ok, it's gonna be an adjustment but we are happy here.

Carter is ready to turn 11. Can you believe this wonder-boy is going to be 11?? He has so much potential and growing up. He is inviting some new friends for his "retro video game" party.  Some friends down the street have a flashback video game room in their basement and they are sooo nice to have a bunch of 11 years old boys be in heaven for a little while.

Sperry taught me yesterday about "growing and glowing".  This is what her wonderful teacher Mrs Thompson taught about how to respond to other's 2nd grade writings. "Growing" means to have some thoughts about ideas that someone will be able to grow from into a better writer. "Glowing" means to have some positive reviews and talk of the things you liked that they did. What type of a mother would I be to take this to heart and put the words growing and glowing into my mommy vocabulary.  Sperry continues to chase after that black and white ball in her favorite sport called soccer. It's so much fun to watch her on and off the field, making friends all the time.

Another new things is that we are settling into healthcare stuff.  I've found a fibro specialist that can help me achieve my new state of stable and normal. During our intro appt, I told him that I'd like to have the energy and strength to be more involved. He said something that really clicked with me, "It's great that you are willing to reach for more."  He understands the strength it takes to reach for more and be grateful for what you have.

Scott's job is going great! He is up for another patent and is sooo busy and loving it. This job has been something of a blessing that has helped our whole family leave our comfort levels and quickly fall in love with a new area, new friends...adding to those who will always be in our hearts.

Jacob is a calm collected middle schooler. He's enjoying the trumpet and is patiently waiting to get back on the football field. This will be the summer of flashy teeth because we are adding braces into his sweet smile. Watch out girls...this boy is not on the market yet. (till his mom says so).

Eggs, grammy's and baseball

Oh, did Easter come quickly at our house.  We were happy to have Scott's mom out "grammy sue" to join us for the festivities.  A few weeks earlier, my mom came out with her hubby Larry and had a great time.  We had a big softball game where my mom hit a home run...in usual "marci" fashion, I thought I was taping it with the camcorder...and found out I wasnt. So I wanted you to enjoy a few pictures of the times we shared with both grammy's. They are so special and I love seeing the light in my children's eyes when they get to party with their grandma's.  Out here, grandma is the boss and can help the kids get their wish list: treats, staying up late, special priviledges.  It's good to have a grandma out!!

coloring Easter eggs with Grammy Sue

Sperry's special message to her mom

and here's where I'm asking you to visualize the baseball game with grammy Karen.

Sperry's big DAY

Here's some pictures of Sperry's beautiful baptism day.

Sperry and her dad ready in white for this special ordinance

Sperry and Scott in front of the Baptismal Font

their Silly side

more silly sides

somewhat serious side

Adam, Dane and Sperry all got baptized on the same day

The family at her baptism