The Phillips Family

Hair Show!!!!

2011-10-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Cameo College of Essential Beauty (my hair school) had their 7th annual hair show competition this last weekend. All the students were split into 19 different groups then into 4 different categories. We had to choose a model, and do the haircut, hair color, nails, wardrobe, song to walk the runway too, and overall appearance of the model. We then had 4 judges, 2 from out of state and 2 from Utah. They judged us on everything. From the sectioning of our haircut to the color placement, the nail detail and fit of the wardrobe to our theme. The grand prize for "Best of Show" was an all expense paid trip for our team to California Sassoon Show.

Our model was amazing! She looked amazing. I can't put an after picture of my model yet, because I am entering her into another competition, but we won!!!!! We won 1st place in our category, AND we won "Best of Show" award for the overall show. It was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much!!! I will post her before and after picture in a few months after I enter her in another competition!!!!! (She is the one with the red hair)

Potty training!!

2011-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Before Carter turned 3, we were trying to potty train. His response would be..."When I turn 3 I will potty in the toilet." we were like ya right.

Well on his 3rd birthday in september, that was the last diaper. He put underwear on, and he was pretty much potty trained. He has had a few accidents but other then that, he is good!!!! That just goes to show...once you set your mind to something, anything can be accomplished.

2011-10-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Carter put my heels on the other day and said "Mom these shoes hurt"....yes!!!!! they do!!!!!

Playing with bugs....

Carter and cousin Ivy doing Yoga....

My sister Vanessa graduated from Hair school in Kansas, then passed her state boards with a 95%!!!!! Yay nessa, we am so proud of you!!!!

My favorite time of year

2011-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

We had 3 year pictures of Carter taken and they turned out great. Thanks Hilary.

I don't know where his personality comes from.....:)

Cheese....

But yet so innocent....

International Salon and Spa Expo...Long Beach California

2011-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

This last month, I entered into a contest for an Salon Expo in long beach California. It was a before and after cut and color competition. My model was amazing and let me do whatever I wanted to do.

Here is her before picture....

Looks like a mug shot kinda....

Are you ready to see the final picture???

Doesn't she look amazing? I think so!!! It was so much fun!!!

What does yellow mean?

2010-12-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

The other day we were driving in the car and I decided to teach Carter what the traffic lights in Utah meant.

Then I thought it would be fun to work on counting with him....

And spelling....

He still has some work to do, but hey he is only 2.

Its been a long time....

2010-12-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have decided today is the day to start my blog again. I know it has been a long time, but hey at least I am starting now.

We have been pretty busy with our new house, the holidays, and keeping up with this little 2 year old. I just cannot believe how fast these little kids grow up. He is talking pretty much in full sentences, he says bless you when you sneeze, please, thank you and your welcome, and he will get himself a napkin when needed. We are having a hard time with things to eat, but he is still growing up nice and healthy.

Here are a couple videos of him singing his ABC's and twinkle twinkle little star.

I have noticed that the reason I dread updating the blog, is because I feel the need to post huge things. So I am not going to. Just short and sweet. So enjoy these videos!

Well.... Its been awhile!!! But A LOT has been going on!!!

2010-06-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

A lot of things have happened in the past 6 months or so!!! We were living in Holladay and my nanny job was about to be up. So we had to make a decision whether to stay in our same apartment and pay a lot of money, move somewhere else where rent was cheaper, or buy a house.

I was looking on KSL in the house department, and kept seeing this one house. It was the only house for sale in our price range that was actually a house and not a condo or townhouse. But it was a bank owned property and the only picture it had was the front of the house, and it was pretty rough looking. So I called the realtor for the exact address so I could drive by and see it. So he gave me the address and the code for the lock box so I could see inside without having him meet me out there.

When I got to the house, it was pretty rough looking. I walked inside and I was afraid to touch anything. The pictures say enough....

The master bedroom (with beautiful sports wall paper)

Looking from the living room (with salmon pink paint and no carpet throughout the whole house)

The dining room (also with no flooring)

The Living room (the front window is cracked all the way down)

The Kitchen (the dark spot is mold. Ya the whole kitchen floor needed to be ripped out and replaced due to mold under the sink and all over the floor.)

The back yard- (for some reason I didn't take a picture of the front of the house)

The bathroom-( this was the nicest part of the whole house)

The other half of the back yard

The other bedroom up stairs- (more sports wall paper)

After seeing this house, I thought wow this sure is a fixer-upper, and I really wanted Devin to see it. It was a 3 bed 1 1/2 bath, 1 car garage with a dining room. It also had a fenced back yard and it wasn't a condo or town house, So I really wanted him to see it.

I called him as I was leaving and told him that I wanted him to see this house tonight, and I would get him from work. So we met our Realtor over there and to my surprise Devin didn't think it was too bad. I was so excited. Right away we started talking about carpet colors, paint, tile etc.

We had our Realtor put an offer down for us, which was a pretty reasonable offer and we waited. And waited and waited. The wait is what kills you.

Well we didn't hear anything. They never got back to us. So we decided to move on. We continued looking and found a few more townhouses that were short sales and we put offers down. I think we put 4 or 5 other offers on different places and we either never heard anything or they counter offered and we decided to not go with it.

Well while we were waiting to hear from one of them, our Realtor called us back and said that the first home we put an offer on, had just dropped the price to what we had offered about a month prior. We decided to offer the same thing and them pay closing.

Well with in 48 hours we got a letter saying they had accepted our offer and we were to close in about 4 weeks. We were so excited. Oh my goodness! So we started getting everything ready, doing inspections, meth tests, and getting bids for things we need to get done to make it live- able.

So we did. And we closed. And now we live there!!! and we LOVE it!!!! Here are some pictures of what it looks like now!!!

Our new House in West Jordan UT

The living room..New Paint and new carpet

This used to be the blue room.....Not any more!!!
The kitchen.... New tile and paint and appliances

Our new front window!!!

Used to be the red room....
My first flower garden!!!

There are still some things that we need to do, it is far from being done. But we love it. We have met our neighbors and we have a park right in the back yard just through the fence. And Carter LOVES that!!!!!!

Update...I know...Its been awhile

2010-04-14T12:34:00.001-07:00

Wow... time sure flies when you are busy and having fun. I have only 3 days left to nanny, and it is kind of bitter sweet. I know that Carter is going to miss being around this kids, and all that he has learned. And weird to say, so will I. It has been a wonderful experience for us all....

This is an example of the kids and how determined they are...

She really wanted to eat that yogurt!!!!

Maren will be 2 on May 1st and William her brother just turned 3 in Jan. They are very smart and fun kids, but need a lot of attention. They have taught Carter a lot of good things, and a lot of not so good things. Like how to feed himself, how to walk and talk, and scream and throw fits.

Carter is also growing so fast and learning so much. For example, when I am driving, and I start to yell at another car for cutting me off or something like that (which happens all the time), Carter will try and repeat EVERYTHING I say. Haha. Its kind of scary. But we love him anyway!!

He has also been sleeping through the night, (knock on wood) for the past 2 weeks now. From 8pm ish to 7:30 ish. Life is so much different when you have had sleep!!!!

HOW?????????????????

2010-03-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

To all you moms out there, how in the heck do you keep your house clean? It seems that no matter WHAT I do, I can never stay ahead. There are always toys everywhere!

Our trip to Cabot, Arkansas

2010-03-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago, Carter and I flew out to Cabot, Arkansas to visit a good friend of mine and her family. It was so great to see Jessie and her hubby John, and their four boys...Joseph, Hyum, Henry and Benson, and number 5 is on the way. Carter had so much fun playing with all the boys that were his same age. He didn't want to leave!!!!!

John is in the airforce, and we got to watch all the planes take off and land at the air force base.

Here is her car full of little handsome boys!!!!!! So much fun!

And here they were all getting ready to eat lunch! Thanks Jessie for having us over! It was so great to see you all. You are a wonderful mom!!!!!! I have learned a lot from you.
I had never been to arkansas so it was very interesting to visit. I took some very funny pictures, that I will post next.

Carters Partner in crime is finally born!!!

2010-03-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Luke Russell Havens was blessed this last weekend in Idaho, and Carter couldn't of been more excited. Our good friends Jesse and Emily were blessed with him 2 1/2 months ago. We can only imagine what these two will be into in the future.
Congrats you guys. He is so handsome!

When Devin and Jesse were growing up, they were into everything. We won't go into any details, but lets just say if we live anywhere near each other, the cops better be on the lookout!!!

For all you mothers out there....

2010-02-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

By Shannon Popkin
This little story is sooooo funny!!!!

"My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does
it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we are in the
library, the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often
comment on how clearly he speaks for a just-turned-3-year-old. And you
never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked.
There have been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning
of his words
would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I
wished this more than last week at
Costco.

Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with
me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom
that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second
to the last stall:

''Mommy, are you gonna go potty?

Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy?

Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now?

Mommy, what are you doing?

Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?''

At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the
bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full ... 4? 5? Maybe we
could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this
stall and reveal my identity.

Cade continued: ''Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you?

Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy!

Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty?

Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh ... Mommy!

I'm trying to see In dere.

Oh! I see dem.

Dat is a very good girl, Mommy.

You are gonna get some candy!''

I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of
me.

Where is a screaming new born when you need her? Good grief. This was
really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before
exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, ''Why don't you look in Mommy's
purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some!''

''No, I'm trying to see doze stinkies"

"Oh! Mommy!'' He started to gag at this point.

''Uh - oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up.

Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!!

Dat is so gross!!''

As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall.. I
quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the subject. I began to
reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four
flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this
embarrassing monologue will be long gone.

''Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going
stinkies! Get up! Get up!''

He grunted as he tried to pull me off Now I could hear full-blown
laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door. !

''Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy?

You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at? Mommy?

You wooking at the wady's feet?''

More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the
situation.

''Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now,
Mommy.''

He started pounding on the door. ''Mommy, don't you want to wash your
hands? I want to go out!!''

I saw that my wait 'em out' plan was unraveling.. I sheepishly opened
the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies
crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud. My first
thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, where's the fine
print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my
dignity and privacy? But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin
while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought,
I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little
fellow.

(Shannon Popkin is a freelance writer and mother of three She lives with
her family in Grand Rapids , Michigan , where she no longer uses public
restrooms)"

I would sign it all away again too!!!

Great story!

Sorry!!

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since my last post, but I really don't have anything to write about. We are still alive, and doing well. Here are some things going on:

Devin is getting ready to take the GMAT this Saturday, so he can get into Grad school at the University of Utah. He also has gotten a new office, and is no longer in a cubicle. We are so excited for him. He is moving up in the world. He has also been working his tail off to finish our ward picture roster. That is about 700 people that we need to get information from. But he is doing a very good job.

~We are excited for the super bowl this Sunday, I don't know why, just something to look forward too!

Carter is growing up faster and faster. It's amazing how fast they learn and grow.

We were going to do ear tubes about 2 weeks ago, but after talking to a few more people, we decided to wait. So far so good. (knock on wood) But he hasn't had an ear infection for the past 2 months. yay!!!! He is also eating better and learning to sleep better. ( still not all the way through, but only waking up twice its amazing!) He has learned to run and is pretty fast.

~We had to speak in Sunday a couple weeks ago, and I almost passed out. Devin gave a wonderful talk, and man I am glad it is over with.

~Our church has now changed to 1 o'clock, and that is a good thing and a bad thing. That is around Carters nap time, so He will fall asleep in the car, and I will hold him the rest of church and he will sleep till about 3:45. So really only 15 min he has to be in church. That is the good part. The bad part, well it starts at 1:00 so the whole day is used in getting ready...etc.

Other then that, nothing else has been going on. But if anything else happens, I will let you know.

Christmas Eve in Idaho

2010-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Grandma Phillips went winter shopping for all the grandkids. And doesn't he look so cute... He loved the snow and was so upset to have to go back inside. True Idaho boy!
They even got to go 4-Wheeling, and pet the horses.

2010-01-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Happenings...

2010-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas Break my sister Elli and her new hubby Matt were able to come from Florida and stay with us for a few days. It was so great to meet Matt and spend time with them. On the saturaday before Christmas, Elli, Matt, Carter and I all flew to Colorado to get ready for their reception. The picture of the flowers were her bridesmaids bouqets. I sadly didn't get any other pictures, but the flowers I thought turned out very pretty.
Also while we were home Santa came to my parents house and gave us all a treat.

For the past couple of months Carter has been dying to open up some of the presents that were under our tree. Well not open them, just tear them to shreds. Finally on Christmas morning, his wish came true.

Just being silly...

2010-01-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

2010-01-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

These are just some funny picture that we were taking...

15 Month Appt!

2009-12-09T07:19:00.001-08:00

We took Carter in for his 15 month Appointment on Monday and here are the specs
He weighs 24.5 pounds 45th percentile
He is 33.5 inches tall- 95th percentile- the pediatrician said that if he keeps growing like this, he will be at least 6'1''. So that was exciting.
Here are some new words he can say: cracker, mommy, daddy, turtle, Elmo's world, apple, banana, ball, car, tree, grandpa, ho ho ho, bath, Einstein, toast, snow, cold, brrrrr, night-night, bye-bye, hi, and he has a friend named Audrie, and he can say her name. It amazes me how fast they grow up and how much they can learn by just watching and listening.

He also knows what some animals say, we need to work more on it, but he knows what a horse, cow, dog, cat, snake, pig and duck all say. And he likes to sing whenever there is a pretty song on. (especially Christmas music). He also likes to direct the music with his hands, and also he has learned how to fold his arms and close his eyes to pray.

He loves to give kisses and hugs and waves bye-bye. and for the first time ever in his 15 months of life, he slept all through the night.

We are so happy and we love being parents.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving, I thought I would be fun to invite my family from Colorado and Boise to come to our apt for Thanksgiving. I didn't think they would go for it. I mean I wanted them to, but I didn't think they would. Anyway, they all thought it would be a fun idea, and then we could go see Temple Square and all the lights on Friday. So we started planning for just my family to come. That consisted of my mom and dad, my little sister Vanessa and my little brother Wesley all from Colorado, my older brother Russ and his wife Jade and their 3 kids from Boise. Then at the last min, my grandpa called and said they were going to come too from Colorado. So we were planning on 13 people in our two bedroom apt!!!!

Well...We had enough space....

Everyone had their own seat....

And we had way to much food!!!!

But we are so very thankful for all our family being willing to come to Utah!!!!

It looks crowded, but we had fun anyway.
My parents and Grand parents stayed in a hotel, and my brother and his wife and their kids stayed with us. I love having family over!! We did however, miss our other sister Elli and her husband Matt. But next year for sure we will all be together.

The day after Thanksgiving, we all decided to go down to Temple Square and look at the all the Christmas lights! There are over 100,000 strands of lights!!!! So beautiful!!!
It was a wonderful and very memorable Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for, and I am aware of it more and more everyday!

Trying to be crafty

2009-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to be more crafty. I found this wonderful store call "the Wood Connection Crafts" and it is an amazing store. Everything and anything that you could possibly want made out of wood and you make it how you want!!!!

This Snowman I thought was so adorable. So I tried to make one!!!!

This is another thing that I have seen made before and decided I wanted to make one of these too! I ended up giving it to my sister in law for christmas, but still. So much fun. I also made 4 vinyl boards for my family, but I forgot to get a picture of them. oh well. Next time.

Oh and I almost forgot, ever since Devin and I got married, I have been trying to get my bread maker to work, but it never would. So Grandma Henderson taught me a new way, and wow!!! look what happened?

FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS!!!!

2009-11-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

For those who are interested in FREE stuff, continue reading. my friend (thank you Jaclyn) found a website where you can get 50 free christmas cards. You just go pick out the design you want, upload a picture, and use a special coupon code. You don't have to pay for the cards or the shipping.( I actually had to pay for the shipping, Only $3 though. I got the 5 By 7 Cards) They are totally 100% free! How great it that?!?

Here's how to do it:

1.) Go to http://seehere.com and click on photo cards

2.) Choose your background

3.) Upload your picture

4.) Save it

5.) Check out and choose a quantity of 50

6.) Type in the code newbaby or freebies4mom-1109 (newbaby worked for me)

7.) Give them your billing address and complete the order.

(You don't even have to give them a cc #)

8.) Voila! In a week you will have 50 free christmas cards delivered to you doorstep! It doesn't get much better than this. AND, its so easy and fast. It took me 5 minutes!!! It was so awesome..Thanks again Jaclyn

Head First

2009-11-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Carter and I went to the Wet, snowy park today, and he decided to do the slide by himself.
The second time he went down, he flipped over and landed head first in the snow.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

We took Carter trick or treating around our neighborhood and he got a ton of candy for only going to about 7 houses...

Devin was Batman, I was batgirl, and Vanessa was a bumble bee...

I made her costume, thank you "make it and love it". Her wings are made of panty hose and wire hangers, and yellow pom poms and her tu-tu is made up of toule and elastic! And she bought her antennas and her earrings I made also. (I have never been crafty!!)

2009-11-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

This Halloween was so much fun! I absolutely love holidays. We started out by carving pumpkins, and we thought Carter would have fun gutting it, but we had left it outside so the insides were freezing! He didn't really want to touch it.

Then we went to our ward Halloween party on Wednesday, and got to go trick or treating, and Carter got to march in a parade with Devin.

He was Peter Pan!

Favorites Things....

2009-10-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

We had our first snow storm yesterday, and I thought Carter would like to meet the snow....

He sure did!!!!

2009-10-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Carters new favorite way of sleeping!!

He unloads all the drawers and tears up the foil!!!

Need I explain???

2009-10-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

I still haven't figured out how to post a bunch of pictures at once, so I just do separate posts....Anyway, these are carmel Apples dipped in pretzels,

And these are carmel marshmellows dipped in pretzels!!! I know what you are thinking, and yes they're delicious!!!

Carters favorite thing to eat!!!1 Blueberry yogurt!!!

2009-10-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Fall for sure is my favorite time of year....

Carter LOVES it too!!!

This is Andrei Kirilenko's House. He is on the Jazz Basketball team for those that are not aware!!! Ya, he is getting paid way too much!

2009-10-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, we went with Grandma and Grandpa Hendersen on a drive through Small Cottonwood canyon to look at the rocks where they cut out the slabs for the SLC temple. The trees were starting to change colors and it was beautiful.
Carter and Grandpa have sure become the best of friends!! As you can see...

Macy's is the perfect place to learn more than just shopping...

2009-10-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

See for yourself!!!! (sorry it is sideways, Devin took it on my phone!

Go Buddy!!!

They grow up wwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy to fast!!!!

YAY FOR Birthdays!!!

2009-10-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well today is my birthday, and I had told Devin that Carter will be walking by my birthday. This morning, I woke up to breakfast in bed, and while I was eating, Carter crawled into the living room, and stood up onto his feet by himself, and started walking. If he fell over, he would stand up again and try again!!!!!!!!! That is what I wanted for my birthday, and that is what I got. Thanks buddy. I am trying to get a video of it, but he won't do it when I have the camera.

we are sleeping better!!!!

2009-10-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone knows that Carter has had a very hard time sleeping for the past year. He was waking up about 5-6 times every night, and for a while there, would not go back to sleep for about an hour and a half. I was at the end of my rope, just barley hanging on to the knot. Anyway, I have been reading the book "What to Expect the First Year" which has every situation or question that someone might have about their baby. There was a question in there about helping your child sleep through the night without making them "cry it out". Which I have never liked that method. But a lot of people do, and it works great for them.

But I had to find something else. It suggests to lay them down while still awake, and leave. Come back in 5 min, just to lay them back down and give them kissies etc. and then leave again. Come back in 10 min, then 15, then 20, then start over at 5 again. It was a long process, especially doing it in the middle of the night. But Devin was a trooper and would help me and get up with him. Carter was used to us rocking him to sleep, so while we were doing this routine, we would put Carter on his tummy and he would tuck in his knees and rock and back and forth. For a couple days, to comfort him, we would keep our hand on his lower back so he would know we were there. He has a beany baby ducky that is about the same weight as our hand, so we would replace our hand with the ducky and leave. It worked wonderfully!

So, it took about a week, and we can now, even during nap time, just lay him down in his crib and he will rock himself back to sleep. We have also got him on a nap schedule, 2 naps a day for about 1 1/2 hours each. He was only taking one nap a day, for about an hour, but I was noticing how tired he was acting all the time. So he now goes to bed around 8 and wakes up around 12:00am but goes right back to sleep and sleeps till 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes!!! The past 3 mornings I have woke up at 6, and couldn't believe that I have been able to sleep straight for 6 HOURS! WOW Way to go Carter! He is much happier, and is learning and growing so fast.

He used to sleep like this with the bear and all. The bear made him think he was sleeping next to me, and helped him for a little while. But now he has a new crib and sleeps wonderfully! I think we have tried everything to help him learn. But I hope and pray that from now on, it will just continue to get better.

Here is also a little update on what else is going on in Carters little life. He can say bye bye, doggy, kitty and tries to immitate everything that we say. He can wave bye bye, and blow kisses, and he knows what a monkey says. He is trying so hard to walk and is getting better and better everyday. Eating is also getting better. He knows how to blow on his food to cool it off, and he is trying to use a spoon. For a while there, the would not let me feed him anything. He had to do it by himself. Which was very frustrating. But he is leaning how to try different things and let me feed him.

We are loving our new apartment and ward. The ward especially is awesome! They are very welcoming and we have already made some very good friends. Its too bad that houses are so expensive in this area, we will never be able to buy a house. Oh well, we can just rent the rest of our lives. Ha Ha. Nannying is going good, the kids are super cute, and Carter LOVES playing with them. Other then that, we are doing awesome!

Girls...a little motivation never hurt anyone...well most of the time.

2009-09-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks, Carter will walk back and forth to Devin and I, and only take a few steps. This last week, he has been getting more daring, and will let go of the couch and walk a few steps alone, then realize what he was doing, and sit down really fast. Kind of like, oh no don't let mom and dad see me. Well this last Sunday in relief society, we were sitting in the back row, and Maren, the 17 month old little girl that I nanny was sitting in front of us. Carter wanted down. So I set him standing up on the chair, and he turned around, saw Maren, WALKED over to her, about 9 steps, stood right by her, and then pusher her over, then he sat down. She was fine, but I couldn't believe it. I wanted to raise my hand and tell everyone my good news. He had never done that. Well, pushing Maren over, he has, but not walking! And it is just getting better and better. Way to go little Man!!!!

Dancing with Elmo

2009-09-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have started to Nanny some kids, and they have this Elmo that plays the guitar and sings. All the kids love it, and they dance to it. The first time Carter ever heard it, this is what he started to do...

(sorry its blurry, I took it with my phone)
They also have a tickle me Elmo, and another one that does the hokey pokey. They love Elmo, and Carter is starting to also. Carter is also learning many other things from these kids. For example, he won't let me feed him anymore with a spoon. He has to do it. So, he no longer likes baby food. He also tries to talk and make us understand. He can go up and down the stairs too fast, and loves to suck the dirt off of rocks. He likes to pull hair, especially girls, (sorry nat, we are trying to teach him so christmas won't be so bad), and he likes to tackle and beat up older boys. He is just learning so much, we may or may not be a good thing.

Carter's First Birthday!!!!

2009-09-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

For Carter's first birthday, we decided to go up to Idaho Falls, to Palisades Reservoir, and celebrate his birthday with Grandma and Grandpa Phillips, Aunt Hily and Uncle Adam, and the timing was perfect for my Grandma Jaynes and Aunt Nessa and Uncle Wesley to come out too. They were on their way to Rexburg, to drop Nessa off at school, and decided to make a camping trip out of it.

Well we spent his birthday 4wheeling, hiking, and then ended with presents and cake.

He loved all the presents that he recieved. The hardest part for him was having to open muliple presents and not get to play with them. The Cake on the other hand....well...

sad to say, he didn't really want much to do with. He just poked and grabbed it, and really only took 1 or 2 bites. But can I really complain? He would much rather have a bag of cheetos, and crackers, then a huge cupcake. Oh well. It was so much fun.

We came home from our camping trip on Sunday, a day early, and not because we were tired of camping, (in a motorhome, how can that be tiring), but Carter had not been sleeping well, so no body was sleeping well. So we decided to pack up and head back early.

Monday morning, we woke up and decided to all go to the Idaho State Fair. It was a beautiful day full of tiger claws, corn dogs and those potatoe twirly things. MMMMHMMMM!!!!!!

Monday evening, we invited some friends and family over for another birthday party for Carter. We were hoping to have some friends there for Carter to play with, but they were still "baking" (meaning there were 3 pregnant girls there) and they are due in the next few months. It was a great trip to Idaho, and Carter had a wonderful 1st birthday. Thank you for all who came.

One Year Pictures

2009-09-20T12:03:00.003-07:00

Yes...Can you believe that Carter is ONE????? I can't! Well we had a coupon for Jcpennys and we were able to get $140 worth of pictures for $40.
.

We are still Alive....

2009-09-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

We have finally gotten internet in our new apt. And what a busy/frustrating/wonderful last couple of months. But we are finally settled in, again, and I am now able to start keeping up the blog better. There have been some pretty big things happening that past 2 months.... But I'll start from the beginning...

About 3 months ago, we moved from a one bedroom at Brighton Place, to a 2 bedroom. It was very large, had new carpet, linoleum, and paint. Also they let us keep our new oven and the fridge was bigger. Needless to say, we were very excited for Carter to have his own room, and just a bigger place overall. We moved in July 3rd to this apartment, and then went to Idaho Falls for the 4th of July. When we returned home, we finished unpacking EVERYTHING! Pictures and everything. Well the first night we slept there it was fine, the next night...not so much. When Carter woke up, he had 60-70 bites all over his face and hands. We were really concerned and grossed out. But we thought it was a rash or something and just put some cream on it and blew it off. Well the next day, I noticed he had more bites and I had them on my feet. They were little red dots and itched like crazy.

After researching and talking to a lot of different people, we called Brighton place and told them we had a bed bug problem. They said they would call the "bug man" and get it taken care of that next friday. So we had to wait a week. Man I was dying knowing that my little baby was getting eaten by bugs. (He slept in our room after that). The bug man came and sprayed supposedly everywhere. The couches, mattresses, bed frames, chairs etc. We had to leave for 4 hours for it to air out. We washed and vacuumed everything also.

After we were back to normal, we called Brighton place and they said the "bug man" didn't see any signs of bed bugs anywhere. We thought "oh good." well a couple nights went by, and Carter was back in his room. The next morning, Carter had more bites on his face. and me on my feet. Ok we thought. There is still something wrong. And Devin hadn't gotten bitten once. So we called the managers again, and they sent the owner of the bug company to come and evaluate what was going on. Ok, so fyi, bed bugs, after they bite you, leave a blood trail. Little spots of blood as they run away. They are also microscopic, until they become adults, and they are still VERY hard to find and see. And they also shed skin and can live dormant without eating for 18 months. Ya gross.

Well....The "owner" of the bug company, came over and checked over Carters crib and said "I don't see any signs of bed bugs. It must be mosquitoes." Then I asked him about all the little brown spots all over Carters sheets. he said "thats not blood. Blood is bright red when it dries." YA RIGHT!!! ARE YOU STUPID???? Come on. UGH

So we just thought ok fine. There is nothing wrong. Well I had been looking online for some kind of nanny position, and this one came up. It said...Nanny Tenant sought for 2.5 days for 2 children..Apply here....So I applied and interviewed and got it. The deal is I babysit Wed. 12-3, Thurs. 7-2 and Friday 7-2 for 2 kids ages 16 months and 2.5 years and in turn we only have to pay $300 a month for rent, in a 1400 sq ft brand new apartment, in the Holladay area. We were so excited. Except that we have to move again...Just 4 weeks after moving to a 3rd floor apt. Ya Devin was not very happy. LoL.

We started packing again, and had not seen one bed bug or anything. On the last morning of living there, the day we had planned for moving the rest of our things, I saw a black spot in our room. I shook it off, and saw it run away. I ran and caught it in a jar, and showed Devin. IT WAS A BED BUG!!!!!! Ya. So We went and showed Brighton place, but since it was a saturday, the main manager wasn't there. We knew something was going on. We were both excited because we finally had proof, but not so much, because more then half of our stuff was already moved into this beautiful new apartment.

We moved the rest of our stuff in, and we were putting Carters crib together, and his bedding back on, when 4 bed bugs fell off the bedding and off the crib. We caught them, and then starting worrying. because once they are in your house, they are VERY hard to get rid of. And they are hitch hikers, mostly from beds though. So we hurry and threw Carters Brand new crib and mattress away, and sadly went upstairs and tell our new managers that we have bug infested their brand new apt. How embarrassing. So $600 later, we are bug free. Haha ya that makes us feel better.

First Introduction to Dirt...

2009-07-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we stayed a couple nights at Grandma and Grandpa Hendersons house and had so much fun. Carter especially. Other then chasing Prissy, or banging the glass turtles around on the coffee table, or "playing" the piano, he really loved the dirt and rocks. (He is such a boy). He had a little sand pail, and was putting dirt into it, and then taking it out little by little. As you can see in these pictures, he got very dirty.

I thought I would mind him getting really dirty, but after seeing how much fun he was having, I figured I had better get used to the idea. He is Devins son...

Good Times and Watermelon

2009-07-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Elli, my sister on the right... Just got engaged and moved to Florida. Congrats Elli... We are so happy for you. On her way to Florida, she came and stayed a week with Devin, Carter and I. Vanessa, the one in the middle, came down from Idaho and stayed with us also. It was so fun having all three of us girls together one last time before Elli moved.

For an enrichment activity, I volunteered to make a watermelon bowl.

I had never done one before, but I didn't think they would be that hard.

The first we tried, Devin wanted to do to. He tried and split the whole thing in half.

Then I tried it, being more careful, and WA la.... It turned out.

Landon and Carter

2009-07-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Our friends from Idaho Jake and Melissa came to see us in Utah. It was so fun to see Landon and how big he had gotten. Melissa was due the day after me, so Aug 26 and Landon was born on the 19. Carter wasn't born till Sept. 6th. a little later...

Lazy little man.... But so stinkin cute.

Aren't they so cute???

They are going to one soon... Sad.

Helping mom... I can do chores too...

2009-07-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

The past couple weeks Carter has been trying to help me with daily chores around the house...

He was helping clean the sink and decided he wanted to sit in it instead... Diaper and all...

He was helping me clean out drawers and well... he hasn't learned how to put stuff back...

I was trying to get him out, but he was having to much fun.

Helping mom do dishes...He climbed up here all by himself...

Now every time he sees the dishwasher door open, he comes crawling...

and he was trying to help clean the toilet, but got a bit distracted...

Watch his weight...

2009-06-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

This past sunday Devin and I got out our dominos and played Mexican Train (thank you Jesse and Emily for teaching us that game). Well Carter wanted to play too. So we took all the dominos and put them into carters onesie, and he actually tried to crawl with all of them in his shirt. It was pretty funny.

Mom... What are you doing to me?

OH that is what is in my shirt...

Playing with Daddy... He LOVES daddy...

It is so sweet to listen to babies trying to talk like we do...

Growing Up

2009-06-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I was just reading my friend Brooke's Blog and read that she uses her blog like a journal. Great Idea. So I am going to do the same. Thank you brooke for the idea.

Crawling...
Well Carter is growing up so fast. He is crawling all over the place. Our apartment is small so we take him to places like RC willey and let him down. He puts his head down to focus and takes off. He goes so fast. Then he stops, sits up and looks around to see how far he had gone. His little knees, toes and hands get so dirty. He will also play with us. We go and hide around a corner and he will slowly come and peek around the corner at us then get way excited and back up and do it all over again. He is pulling himself up on everything also. The past couple days he has been smashed by a mirror, (it didn't break thank goodness), a dvd rack (and all the dvds), a big picture and a vaccuum. He has had a hard week. But we are learning very quickly how to baby proof EVERYTHING!!!

Eating...
Carter loves eating!!! Everything we eat, he wants a bite. He loves chicken and beef with gravy, green beans, peas, squash, bread, tortillas, cheerios, veggie cheetos, gold fish, crackers, multi grain baby cereal, carrots, pears, mostly all vegatables, ice cream and otter pops. (don's ask)

He's not to fond of: peaches, apples, grapes, applesauce, any kind of juice, rice cereal with apples, and mango. So he really likes his veggies but not his fruit. I can't complain...

He has 6 teeth now, and I know, from the past few sleepless nights, that there are more coming.

Fun Times...
Things are so much fun when you have a little one to enjoy them with. Who knew that swimming every single day could be so much fun. Or swinging in a tree swing, or reading silly kiddy books, or trying different kinds of food for the first time. Life is so much fun through little eyes.
They learn so fast and so much... it is hard to grasp. I hope he knows how much I love him and how proud I am of him and all that he has learned how to do. He is such a happy baby and he is loved by so many people.

My Only 2 Cousins... and Yes they are girls...:-( But they are beautiful

2009-06-16T07:56:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we were able to go to Idaho to see Devins Sisters, Hilary and Nat and Nats 2 little girls... Sophie and Ivy. It was the first time we got to meet Ivy and man was she cute. Carter was twice her size... as you can tell. But that is because he is a Man.

We were trying to get a picture of all of them together looking at the camera, but like most men, Carter got distracted...

So we just stuck with the girls... they like the camera...

It was so great being able to be with all of Devins family this weekend. It will be so fun when Sophie, Carter and Ivy all grow up and be around the same age. Family reunions won't be so boring for them now.

Big Bath and LIttle Bath Time

2009-06-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

At Our apartment complex we have a very nice clean pool. And Carter loves it. Grandma and Grandpa Hendersen bought this little blow up car for him to swim in and he loves it. He kicks his feet and splashes his arms and is just in heaven.

As for his little baths... He cries when ever we take him out. And He no longer likes his toys, but this pumpkin flavored shampoo is now his favorite.

I am not sure how sanitary bath water is, but compared to the other things that he has eaten, well...this is definitely not bad.

The mom Song

2009-06-10T05:51:00.001-07:00

This is to all the moms... Our job is never done...

Our 3 Week Trip to Colorado

2009-05-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize for not posting anything for about 3 weeks. Carter and I were in Colorado visiting my family... and my parents only have dial-up and it is slower then frozen molasses. Anyway, I will catch everyone up in what has been going on.

Vanessa's High School Graduation...

The main reason at first for our trip to Colorado was my little sisters high school graduation. It was great seeing all our extended family and to watch Nessa finally graduate. She is now on her way to BYU-Idaho which will start this next week. We are so proud of her for finally graduating and can't wait for her to start a new chapter in her life. We love you Ness.

Graduating Class of 2009

Congrats Nessa

The weather was beautiful until right after graduation... it then poured....and poured.

Oh and fyi... Carter and I flew out earlier then expected and were planning on staying a total of 3 weeks. However, I convined Devin to drive out to Colorado and then we would leave with him. So he came out on Friday and surprised Carter and I. It was so cute. Carter knew him right way and gave him a big hug. He had been scooting all over the place like an inch worm, but after Devin arrived we brought Carter inside and put him on the ground... He crawled his first four steps ever. He was just waiting for Daddy to see him.

Nessa is also the 3rd girl in our family to be in the Encore show choir. We have added it up and my parents have spent over $3,600 on show choir dresses for us girls. Thank you mom and dad!

Well, we got to go and hear her last choir concert. It was sad to see it end, but way exciting for what will happen next.

Here is her pretty dress that she dances and sings in.

She also wrote a song about getting speeding tickets. That also runs in our family.... Anyway, she wrote this song and got to sing it for her last choir concert. I didn't get to video tape it at the concert, but one morning she did it for me. (don't mind her hair... It was very hot and you can't do much with short hair!)

"Blinking lights"

Written by Vanessa Jaynes

Wasn't it so good?

Our 4 generations photo....

Yes that is my little Brother... I know doesn't look like a boy... but we promise he is!

My mom's parents, were visitng too... They live in Arizona and were so excited to be able to spend time with us and get to know Carter.

Another reason that Carter and I decided to go earlier to Colorado, was my friend Jesse and her 4 boys were in town from Texas. I have not seen her in about a year, and so I was very excited to see her. I moved my plane ticket 2 weeks earlier, and it was actually cheaper then before. So it went from $49 TO $39. Ya. way nice. So this sweet little boy up top is her youngest son Benson, and he is a month older then Carter.

And this is carter. The hat they are wearing use to be a ball... Well now it is great looking hat.

Carter absolutely LOVED my moms dogs. Especially Andy.

And Andy was a very very good baby sitter... He would watch out for him...

He would let him take out his frustrations on his face...
And even let him pull and poke his eyes, nose and mouth... (watch out Lou Bell) But not once did Andy bite, or growl at him. If Carter was sitting on the floor crying, Andy would come and cuddle up to him and try to get him to stop crying. What a sweet dog.

and even after all that, He still let Carter suck on his ball. (gross)It was a wonderful trip as you can tell. Carter is getting so big.. He weighs 21.6 pounds, and I am not sure how long he is. He also has 5 teeth, with a ton more coming in.

But after the whole trip, they still wished they had stayed at home with their hubby and dad! (Devin speaking...)

Flying and Scooting

2009-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

There is a little boy that was born on the same day as Carter and he comes over with his parents to play. Well... We put them both down on the floor to play, far enough apart that they couldn't touch each other. Well Carter really wanted to get him, so he learned how to get what he wants... (sorry it is blurry... I took it with my phone camera...)

Scooting...

Carter has started this new thing when Devin holds him. He LOVES being held like this and kicking and flinging his arms everywhere. It is so funny, so we decided to show everyone...

Flying

Little Man Update

2009-04-27T07:47:00.001-07:00

Carter will be 8 months next week, so I decided to do an update...

Carter now can...

Scoot on his tummy...

Sit up from his tummy all alone

pull himself up on almost anything

Sit forward in the car...

eat real baby food instead of milk all the time

clap his hands

wave bye bye

give kissies... even though they are very very wet slobbery ones

give hugs

and he has 6 teeth... ya they are popping up everywhere.

we cannot believe how fast these kids grow up. It is crazy...

Growing up SO fast...

2009-04-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

Carter has decided to skip crawling and go straight to walking. He pulls himself up on everything. We can also hold his fingers and he will put one foot in front of the other. Great. I thought crawling would be bad... But walking... Wow.

Even in the bath, he looks for our fingers and grabs them and pulls up.

He is also becoming quite the little eater. He absolutly loves oatmeal and pears and doesn't mind eating green beans, peas, squash and carrots. Pretty much anything I make him he will eat. And he drinks out of a straw now too. A straw, a sippy cup or even a big persons cup. He loves it all.

First trip to the Park...

2009-04-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

For some reason my picasa won't post straight to my blog, and I am not sure how to turn this picture around, but you get the idea.

The weather has been so beautiful so we decided to go to the park. Carter wasn't so sure about the slides. He did however love to eat the grass.

See he is very focused.

He was crossing the bridge at this point and was very much enjoying himself. If you can't tell.

It is so amazing how much you can love someone. We love this little boy so much and We hope he knows that. He is growing up so fast and he is getting so big. He is so sweet and such a doll.

Easter

2009-04-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Easter was great this year. Our ward had an Easter Dinner and an Easter Egg hunt for the little ones. (Carter got to go and get a couple of eggs, with our help of course) Carter and Devin got a new Easter outfit and I got some new Easter shoes. And the Easter bunny came saturday night and left baskets for all of us. Fun. ( his head is not really this big, it is from the camera angle.)

Here is our first Easter Family picture. The trees are beautiful down here.

Saturday night before Easter Sunday, Devin and I stayed up till 1am, dying Easter eggs and trying to make cut out sugar cookies. well the sugar cookie recipe that we used (thanks Nat) was WAY to soft to use cutouts, so we only did a few shapes and then the rest were either M&Ms or eggs. haha

Grandma Phillips brought Carter a big Easter basket full of bugs and candy. Here he is eating a big spider that he got. Yum... Well I guess it will be sooner or later that he starts eating bugs.

Carter playing with all his candy and bugs.

Realizing the Hand of the Lord

2009-04-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Andrea asked me to write this one because she claimed I remembered the details more clearly. From the very beginning, we have always felt the hand of the Lord in our lives. I believe that every person feels this at one point or another in their life and when and if we take the time to reflect, the incredible amount of simple yet profound blessings will become apparent and the result will be a deep sense of gratitude. For us during the past year, these blessings have become more apparent as we have sought his help and guidance. And I apologize before hand for the length of this post.

As many might know, we have been on the internship/job hunt for what has felt like forever. The fact that I have never really known what exactly I want to do hasn't helped much either. During the summer semester of 2008, I was applying for internships and seeking anything that would qualify me to graduate. I was working for Melaleuca at the time and had interviewed for an internship with them for the fall semester. As I have learned, companies tend to take their time at making any decisions and Melaleuca was no exception. While I was waiting to hear back from them, we thought it would be smart to continue to get my applications out there. I came across one that was available for the Church and would start in the fall. I emailed the contact my resume and asked if it was still available. She responded very quickly and informed me that they had already began their second round of interviews, but that I could apply again in the fall during their next recruiting.

The internship with Melalecua was eventually offered and I started the Wednesday after Carter was born. It worked out perfectly because I still had two other classes I needed to finish prior to graduating. We moved to Idaho Falls and I would travel to Rexburg twice a week to attend my classes. Upon taking the internship, I had several people tell me that if I worked hard, Melaleuca would usually offer a full-time position immediately after. But, as many know, the economic circumstances of last fall has been felt world wide. Though Melalecua wouldn't cut jobs, they also wouldn't replace any that became available either. So, the job search began once again!

One company that I applied with was Northwest Farm Credit Services. They were hiring for an appraising position within the Southeastern Idaho Region. We both felt that this was the ideal job. As many know, my mother and father are in the appraising business and have been for over 15 years. I have always had an interest in doing that, but because the real estate market is worthless at the moment, the family business couldn't afford to take me on as an apprentice. This position with Northwest would have been ideal because they would have done all of the training and more. They came to BYU-Idaho and I interviewed with them a week before Thanksgiving. I felt that it had gone well and looked forward to hearing back.

Time was beginning to run short and so I felt impressed to fast and pray about our situation. On the day I decided to do this, I received a phone call from Chante Wouden from the HR department of the Church. She had left a message indicating that they were currently recruiting and wanted to know if I was still interested. I had completely forgotten about sending her my resume. I called her back and let her know that I was interested. Because it was such short notice, she decided to setup a video conference at BYU-Idaho. According to her, this had never been done before. After the video conference, we decided to head to Colorado for Thanksgiving. While driving down, I received a phone call from Northwest Farm Credit and they wanted to fly me to their corporate office in Spokane, Washington after we return from Colorado. It felt too good to be true. This basically set the tone for the rest of our Thanksgiving with Andrea's family.

While returning home I decided to call Chante and to see what they had decided. She said she was just about to call me and let me know that they would like to offer me the internship. I explained to her about my future interview with Northwest and asked for a week to decided. She agreed that a position at Northwest would be more beneficial because it offered benefits and was a full-time position.

I flew to Spokane interviewed and returned home all in the same day. The interview felt good and I let them know regarding the offer with the Church. I also asked if I could know within a couple of days because I needed to make a decision. Well, on the day I agreed to let Chante know about my decision, Northwest called me and let me know that I they were going to go with other candidates. This really got to me because I felt fully qualified for this particular position. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why they made that decision. After that phone call, I immediately called Chante and let her know that we would take it. This position would only last up to 1000 hours. This converts into 40 hours a week for six months. They wanted me to be there starting Jan 5th. Though I was disappointed that it was another internship, we felt very fortunate to have work for another six months. It was after this, that pegs began to fall in place for our quick move to UT.

My cousin, Eric Jackson, was going to school in Rexburg at the time. He had some job offers in Idaho Falls and was planning on moving at the first of the year. He knew that we were also moving, though we didn't know where or when and was considering moving into our apartment. Not ten min after I got off the phone call with Chante, Eric called me to see if we had heard anything. I let him know that we were moving at the end of the year and that our apartment would be available. A week later, they had signed a contract to move in Jan 1st. I'm sure this was a blessing for them as well as us! This got us out of our contract and we were able to receive a full deposit back.

The weekend before Christmas, we planned our apartment hunt in Salt Lake. We had left with a prayer that we would find something suitable. All day on Friday we looked and never really found anything we liked. Another reason for our trip to Salt Lake was to sign any necessary paperwork for my new position. Chante let me know that the Church had formally issued a hiring freeze on all new positions and that there was great urgency in getting my paperwork in. This came as another disappointment. We had hoped that my position here could have evolved into something full-time. It just began to seem that any road we took became a dead end. Though we never lost hope that something would happen, we couldn't help but feel frustrated.

Come Saturday morning, we were burnt out at looking for apartments. But, we decided that we would search on KSL.com and Craigslist one last time to see if anything new had been posted. We came across an apartment that was cheaper and nicer than any other one viewed. The reason it was renting for less was because the building it was in had caught fire a few months earlier and construction was going on all around it. We thought it might be worth a look. On the way there, the complex called me and informed me that someone else had already put a deposit down on the unit, but the manager would be willing to offer the same discount on a similar apartment, different building, if we signed that day. We looked at one and decided that it would work for us and signed! It felt like it had fallen right into our laps. Everything about it felt good and right.

During out time down there, we have found ample opportunities to help and serve within the community and ward. I have a calling to serve in the YM and Andrea has two callings to serve within the YW and Relief Society. We have been taught by our parents and grandparents that wherever it is that we end up, we can always find ways to be serviceable. We feel that we cannot hope that the Lord will help us if we ourselves are not willing to help others of God's children. And that through helping others, we essecially help ourselves.

A month after moving down there, I began the job search once again. I must have submitted 50-60 applications within the first couple of months. But I soon realized that I was only one of many seeking employment. At work, I would often search the Church's job board because though the hiring freeze was in place, if there was dire need they could seek First Presidency Approval. I found one posting, a month ago, for a position within the Missionary Dept. I submitted my application and then sent the contact another email with my attached resume. I heard back within a few days that they had received over 150 applications and they were busy reviewing and screening. He said it was good that I had followed up and that he would forward my resume on to help it receive a second look. After this email, I didn't have much hope of interviewing, but I kept the job in the back of my mind.

A week later, to our surprise, I received a call to interview the next day. In the interview, they told me that out of the 150 applicants, they were only interviewing with 15 people and then congratulated me on making the first major cut. Once again. after the interview, I felt good about it. They were going to let me know within the next couple of weeks. A week later, I received a phone call from the gentleman who interviewed me and he asked if he could contact my supervisor. I gladly gave him her phone number. He said he would be in touch and hung up. Chante Wouden is my supervisor. I immediately let her know of the situation. Later that afternoon, she emailed me to let me know that she had given me a positive 100% recommendation. Could this be really happening? Against all odds and in the current economic state, could I really receive a full-time position with the Church? All of these questions took over my mind over Easter weekend. What I had thought was going to be another dead end, had suddenly been reconstructed. We couldn't help but feel the hand of the Lord in our lives!

I came into work Monday and almost immediately received a phone call from David Musser (one of the gentlemen who interviewed me). They wanted to talk to me again that afternoon. First of all, I said of course! Second of all, how could they do that? Call me at 8:30 in the morning, schedule me an appointment at 3:00 in the afternoon and then expect me to work efficiently all day? How rude! I somehow made it through the day. I had a second interview with both gentleman again, and then interviewed with their boss, Brother Swensen. He has been working in the Missionary Dept for 37 years. When he was hired, he was in a similar situation as me. I left the interview feeling really good about the whole situation. Tuesday afternoon came around. I wasn’t anticipating hearing back so soon, but kept my phone on me at all times. I eventually received a phone call that afternoon with the job offer. I gratefully took it! What an amazing journey! There is no other way to explain the turn of events than to notice the hand of the Lord in it all!

I know this was an extremely long blog, and there was so much more to include that I reluctantly left out. But I wanted you to see this chain of events that began by a simple email nearly a year ago. Having read 1 Nephi hundreds of times (mostly because I would make a goal to read the Book of Mormon, make it through part way and then for one reason or another, stop... I'm sure that many of you can relate!) there is one common element that sets the theme for the entire book. It is this: "And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper..." 1 Nephi 2:20. Prosper can mean a number of different things for different people. For us, it is simply to have what we need to survive and live happily. We can't help but feel immense gratitude for all the prayers offered up in our behalf. I think the Lord had no choice but to answer them! After reflecting on all of this, we can't help but wonder what else is in store for us in the future...

Trip to Temple Square

2009-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Since Devin works in the church office building, Carter and I have the opportunity to be on Temple Square a lot. At least once a week we take the bus or the trax and meet Devin for lunch. We usually stick around and walk around down town, or go shopping at the Gateway mall. I have always loved Temple Square and it is such a blessing to be able to be around it all the time.

Such a Mamas Boy....

The flowers are beautiful and are already in full bloom.

See what I mean? B E A utiful

Bath Time

2009-04-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Every night during Carters bath, he has squirt toys that got for christmas. There is this one squirt toy that is his absolute favorite.

It is a bright green pokey blow fish.

And the other one is a bright orange star fish.

Here is the blow fish...

And there on the left is the star fish.

two teeth plus 2 more = four

2009-04-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here are Carters two bottom teeth and he is getting two more on top...

"I am going to break hearts.... See I already am so cool"

and we thought this was a way cool binky... looks like mator

Best of Friends, now best of Fathers...

2009-04-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

The last two weekends in a row, we have been up in Idaho Falls. First was for my family... Vanessa got excepted to BYU-Idaho so my mom and her came up and we met them there. We were getting Ness ready for school...and Debbie (devin's Mom) had a birthday... (we won't mention how young she turned...) so we were there for her party. It was quite the party... Hily and Adam, Devin, me and Carter, Grandma and Grandpa Henderson, and Grandpa and Grandpa Pack were all there. Pretty fun. However, there was a down fall of the weekend... Hily was sick and unfortunately we all caught it. Even my mom and sister. But they are better, and Devin and I are getting better. Carter got it pretty bad... He had a fever on and off all week and was pretty fussy and didn't sleep... So we took him to the doctor, and he had an ear infection... Not a great week... But this last weekend... we still went.

We went back up to Idaho Falls, because Steve and Rachel, Devins friends from High school, were in town from California to bless their, new baby... Jacob Steven Knowles. We came up, and got to see almost everyone... and it is so funny because all of these guys were friends in High School, and now they are fathers at the same time to all BOYS. It was pretty cute.

So here is the run down... clockwise
Hunter Anderson 8 Months old...

Mac Thompson- One month Old
Jacob Knowles- 2 months old

Carter Phillips- 6 months old

Here are all the dads holding their boys...

and here are the moms holding their boys...
Carter ended getting very sick the next day... He broke out in a rash, called Roseola (which explains the fever that he had a few days before). He was very fussy all day when he was awake which was not very often, and he slept most of the day. We finally decided to take him to the doctors again. It turned out, he had 2 ear aches, one had ruptured, roseola, and his top 2 teeth coming in. Poor little guy, but we got through it. We had planned on sat, going to visit all of our other friends which also had babies, but we didn't want them to get what Carter had. He is doing better now, other then his teeth coming in.

First Time Meeting Grass

2009-03-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Carter and I took the trax downtown to Devin's work to eat lunch and hang out. After lunch, Carter and I walked around temple square. It was a beautiful day outside, so I let Carter play in the grass. He loved it. He kept getting mad bacause he would pull it out, but there would still be more. He would grunt and "punch" it. He would then try and put it in his mouth... He thought he had a piece in his hand and was trying to show me... see???

"See Mom?

"Can I eat It?"

"this is so much fun..."

"hmmm.... those colors look yummy..."

"come here and let me eat you"

Teefees....

2009-03-13T09:47:00.001-07:00

Carter has been so slobbery and fussy and irritable that we knew something was bothering him. We hadn't really seen any signs of teeth and couldn't figure out what was wrong... However, this morning I woke up and rubbed Carters gums, and OH MY GOODNESS... I can feel a tooth... just the top and it is just one for now, but he is going to look so cute with one little tooth sticking up. Now we know what was bothering him.

Green Beans

2009-03-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

We started Carter on green beans a couple days ago and he still does not like them.., Just watch these videos...

Devin and I LOVE green beans. (Jk) So I can see why Carter does too...

Trip To Twin Falls/Burley Idaho

2009-03-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we went on a mini vacation. We drove up to Twin falls and Burley Idaho. Devin had a job interview in Northwest Farm Credit in Burley Idaho. Burley Idaho? With a population of 9000 it was a nice little town. Carter and I decided to go with him. We got a hotel room in Twin Falls on Sunday night and just had a blast. We took Carter swimming for the first time, and he was unsure. The water was freezing.... but the hot tub was nice. we put Carter in waste deep and Devin jumped in and splashed Carter and he got kind of upset. So we took him into the hot tub. And he liked that. It was like a giant bath to him.
This picture is kind of blurry, but you get the idea. It was from our cell phone because the camera was dead. Carter looked so cute in his swim trunks with his little rolls... We will get a close up of him and put it on here.
Carter also slept in his own queen size bed and actually slept good. I love staying in Hotels. We don't know anything about the job yet, but we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Wow I am now 6 Months old

2009-03-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

"When I went to the doctor, they told me I was 18 pounds 13.5 ounces, and that I was 28 inches long. So I am in the 90percentile for height and 70percentile for weight. He said I was very healthy and very smart for how young I was. He told mom that she better baby proof the house because I will be crawling here very soon. I can't wait to start getting into all of moms things... I can sit up now all day long if I wanted too. I like to sit up. But I also like rolling over and trying to scoot. Oh I tasted green beans yesterday and oh my... those were the most disgusting things I have ever tasted. I almost threw up. Every bite mommy gave me made me gag. I hope I never have to eat those again. I am trying to talk, I talk all day, but mom and dad don't listen to me... One day.... I will be able to talk to them. I love hanging out at home with mommy, but when daddy comes home, life gets so much better. I love going on walks to different places and I even like car rides now. Well it is almost time for my nap, so I better go, but I just wanted to fill all of you in on how I am doing and how big I am getting.
I love you all." Love Carter

Pay it Forward Exchange

2009-03-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

This is how it works:
Pay It Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie "Pay it forward". I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join the PIF exchange. All the gifts will be made and posted out 'sometime within the next year'. How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive! What you need to do in return, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. This Exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THIS SAME 'PAY IT FORWARD' MESSAGE ONTO YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG. I'd love for you to join me! Will you? Other comments are welcome, but only the first three will be my Pay It Forward recipients. Come and join me who doesn't love a gift or giving gifts???

Enjoying the Moment

2009-03-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

I got this quote off of my sister-in-laws blog, and I think it is a great reminder to all of us mothers. When we are woken up 7 times a night every night for a week, we need to remember that they are only going to be like this for a little while. I know it is hard, Carter is up a lot at night, but I have come to enjoy those quite moments with him.

“The biggest mistake I made as a parent is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of my three children sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.” (As quoted by Elder M. Russell Ballard in his talk, "Daughters of God.")

my new trick,,,and I am a big boy

2009-03-03T08:57:00.002-08:00

His new trick is clapping his hands together, but doesn't know to turn his hand over and make them meet. Oh well its cute. And if you notice when he falls over he doesn't cry just gets big eyes and gets right back up. For sure he is a boy. And you can see how soaked his white onesie is... ya he is teething... but nothing yet.... Oh and this is right before bed.. when he is supposed to be winding down to go to sleep. Ha

talking up a storm

2009-03-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Since Carter has been born, he has always been a talker. Now it almost sounds like he is saying words instead of just baby talk. These high pitched squeals are just him exploring his new found way to talk. He kind of sounds like Skuttle... from little mermaid... When he hits the back of his hands together, he is trying to clap his hands. Everytime we clap our hands, he does it back to us... so we think that is what he is doing.

First time eating Big people food...

2009-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

We finally decided to give Carter some rice cereal... And he likes it. However we don't think he knows when he is full. He will eat a lot of rice cereal, then he will want to nurse just like he didn't eat anything. A couple of nights ago, We gave him rice cereal and then he nursed a whole bunch. He didn't sleep at all that night, and I think it was because he was too full. So we only feed it to him for lunch now. But he does like to be big and eat with us now.

This wood high chair we found on craigslist for $50. WE were so excited... Because it matches our table and it is in really good condition.

my first JAZZ game...

2009-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Devin and I took Carter to see the Joseph Smith movie on temple square, and he enjoyed it for the first 10 minutes or so. Then he lost interest. But that was his first movie in a big theater...

Then Devin and I wanted to go walk around downtown for family night, so we got on the trax and went down to the mall which happens to be right next to the Jazz arena. We asked a guy selling tickets how much they were and he said $10. So we bought 2 of them, and it turns out that the first 10,000 people that came to that game got free Jazz Umbrellas. So we lucked out. Our tickets were almost to the top, but at half time we moved way down. Carter seemed to enjoy it. Every time people would start cheering, he would get really big eyes and we would cover his ears. Devin's old mission companion came also, and bought Carter a Jazz t-shirt. We decided to start him at an early age to like the Jazz and Basketball. Just like Grandpa Phillips :-) (We missed you Grandpa, but the game was SO much fun.)

Thank you

2009-02-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to thank all of you who have blogs and the way you keep them updated. I know you don't do it for me, but being here in Utah far away from everyone is really depressing. But being able to read everyones blog makes me feel like I still have a life. So Thank you so much... All of your blogs are so cute and your families are so cute too.

Sitting Up... So big.. DId he say DADA???

2009-02-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

Carter is sitting up all by himself too. And it is getting better everyday. He is also trying to scoot. They grow so fast.

We have been having beautiful weather here, so Carter and I decided to go for a walk to the park. We were walking down state street on the sidewalk and came to a stop light intersection. The sign said not to walk, but no cars were coming, so I was going to go anyway. Well I had a feeling not to, and it is a good thing I didn't. The light on state street turned red, and the light at 6100 s. turned green. So the car on 6100 S started to go. But a huge moving truck on state st must not of seen the light turn red. He came flying through the intersection and smashed right into the car that was going at the green light. The moving truck hit the car so hard that the car flew over to where we were standing. THE CAR ALMOST TOOK US OUT!!!! oh my goodness. I was shaking so bad. I didn't know what to do. The cops came in like 2 seconds, but I just left because I was shaking so bad. Good thing I didn't go. Goodness... Utah Drivers....

But I almost think that if I would of went, it would of made that other car wait and it would avoided the accident altogether. But who knows. That was the first time I have ever been that close to an accident.

Determination Part 2

2009-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is the video of Carter rolling over... I thought it was already posted but it was not... Enjoy

Determination is Key to Success

2009-02-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

Carter has been very deteremined lately and does not want our help. He gets very frustrated if he can't get something himself and tries all the different ways he knows how. And we finally got a video of him rolling over.

Valentines Day

2009-02-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

For Valentines Day, Devin got me some hot pink roses, and Carter got a big pink and red Lion that growls. (He is unsure about the growling part), and a stuff monkey and a new chew toy. We then walked over the Panda Express and ate dinner and shopped around and then came home. It was a great day. And I love my family so much.

50's Dance

2009-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

For Valentines Day, our Stake held a 50's Dance. Devin and Carter were my dates. I tried to get my hair to look like theirs did in the 50's but I could not quite do it. We had a lot of fun though. Even Carter got to dance with me.

Cousin Ivy's Blessing

2009-02-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Ivy, Nat and Steves little girl, had her blessing day this last Sunday. We really wish we could of been there. She looks so cute. And Sophie has gotten so big. Congrats guys. We love you.

Whats been happening...

2009-02-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Rolls and More Rolls... But these are sweet....

We have been doing better about putting Carter on tummy time and he likes it for a little bit. He will push his toys far away and then try and get them. So scooting is looking more promising. He is also a drool machine. As you can see in the video.... He is SO slobbery.

Trying to grow up WAY to fast.. Forget a bottle give me a big man cup..

Going for a ride... Well Driving Actually...

2009-02-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Grandma Jaynes came up for a visit and we went for a long walk. Carter stole these from grandma and put them on. Well he missed and put them in his mouth but we helped him put them where it is supposed to go.

We went to the mall on our walk and carter got tired of sitting like a baby. He wanted to drive... So we let him.
It was so fun to have grandma jaynes come and visit. We love grandma jaynes and will miss her now that she is gone. But she is coming back in about 6 weeks.

We are all doing good. The weather has been so nice lately... So that makes it easier to not have any friends... Oh and Devin got a calling.. He is the first counselor in the young mens. Well actually the young man. WE only have one young man in the ward. So Devin is working with him. So that is great.

So big...

2009-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

Carter has become so observant, it is getting hard to feed him. If I am feeding him, and Devin walks in and says something to him, he will let go and look right at him. And it takes forever for him to eat again. But its cute. This is him watching Scooby Doo. He really likes cartoons, but if I say something to him, sometimes he ignores me, other times he will look right at me. He is just like his daddy.

Carter is also learing how to sit up. He pulls himself forward so far that his face is touching his toes. So if we help him from not falling over then he really likes to sit up. He no longer likes to lay down.

This toy was a present that Santa brought him. It is an excersaucer. He LOVES it. As you can tell. He can stand in it and play with his toys and look around. I would suggest getting one of these for everyone.

ALthough he looks happy in these pictures, he has been pretty fussy lately. He arches his back like something on or in his back is hurting him. He can't sleep on his back either. We can't seem to find out what is wrong... If anyone has any suggestions, please leave a comment. :-)

Well we are getting used to this Utah thing. We are starting to drive more crazily and I have started the Utah poof. (Ok maybe not the poof, but still). The Salt Lake Valley is going through this thing called Inversion, where there is so much pollution in the air that you can't see the valley if you went up to the mountains. The news has warned everyone to not play sports outside, or take little babies or the elderly. So that means that Carter and I have to stay inside till a storm comes and takes the pollution away. Grandpa Hendersen said last year they had 72 Days of Inversion straight. I think I will go crazy. Other then that, we are doing good.

Supposed to be sleeping?

2009-01-11T21:12:00.001-08:00

Here are just some cute pictures we have taken lately... Late last night, We had given Carter a bath, and I was putting him to sleep, but he had something to say before he dozed off. Like I mentioned earlier, I have woken up to him talking, but now he is talking himself to sleep. Devin got a video of it. You cannot see anything, but just listen. We kind of egged it on to get him to talk some more, but just listen. It is so dang cute.

Carter

2009-01-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well Carter is growing so fast, I cannot even stand it. I have woken up the past few mornings to him laying in his crib just talking away. It is so dang cute. And he is sitting up by himself, and rolling over. And goodness. before long he will be walking and talking. Wow. Well as soon as we find the camera, I will post some videos of how he is growing.

Our Wonderful move to Uah

2009-01-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

So we made it... We are finally moved into our Apartment. And everything went pretty smoothly. Devin had knee surgery again, so he couldn't really do anything except tell the movers where to put stuff, and Devin's dad could not do it all, and even though I can carry Carter AND his seat, (that is about 27 pounds now total.) I was not much help either. Devins grandpa, however had some people come over and help us. we were very grateful for their help.

So we got to our new place, and I have been unpacking which takes a lot longer with a baby. ANd our apartment is smaller, so it takes longer to find places for everything, but I am managing. Compared to our basement apartment, this one is big. Anyway for the 5 days that we have been here, I have not seen one white person in our 350 unit complex. And every store that Carter and I have walked to, everyone speaks spanish and they look at you weird for speaking English. the town we live in is Called Midvale, and is about 10min outside of SLC. Right off of State Street. So it has a great location, but still. (ill post pictures as soon as I get the apartment together and we find the camera)

Devin likes his new job. He gets a lot of attention because he is on crutches, but other than that its good. He works with all girls that are not married, and are returned missionaries. The drive to work in the mornings are not bad, but after work. Holy cow. His first day on the job, coming home took him an hour and a half to make it 10 miles. Ya so now he leaves at 7 so he can come home at 4 and beat the rush hour.

4month Appointment

2009-01-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Just so everyone knows, we are still aiive and just got the internet hooked up yesterday, so I can blog again. But before we left, Carter had his 4 month Check up. And he weighs... 16 pounds 8.5 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches long. SO he is in the 95percitile for weight and height. So he is in proportion. The Doctor asked if he has always been big, and we said yes and he said well then he looks great. Good Job. So that always makes you feel beter when the doctor tells you nice job.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dinner... YUMMY. But I always seem to eat WAY too much.

Carter was so excited to open presents on christmas, he was up all night waiting to open his stocking. SInce he didn't sleep hardly at all, this is how he was in the afternoon with his dad.

On Christmas eve, we came to grandma phillips house and made skookie pizzas and watched Relections of Christ. Very good film.

This was a wonderful christmas. Carter wanted to say thank you for all of the things that he got from his grandmas. It was sure fun to have a baby on Christmas. It was a totally different experience watching childrens eyes light up. I am sure it is only going to get better. So I hope you all had a merry christmas and a happy new year. We are moving in a week and so I may not have time to post anything, but know that I am thinking of all of you.

A tribute to my long lost friend...

2008-12-23T09:39:00.001-08:00

This has been one of the saddest days of my life... I have lost a very very good friend. He has always been there for me. For the past seven years he has been by side through everything. My lonely trips Home to Colorado- he made them more interesting. My move from apartment to apartment... he was there by myside. When I was married, he was the first to congradulate me. When I had Carter, he was my number one fan. Though I have not always treated him as my best friend, he never thought twice. He loved me for who I am. I hope he knows how much I appreciate all he has done for me. And now that he is in heaven, He can smile down on us. I love you Hercules. Some may know him as Tyler. For those of you that don't know... He was my little Goldfish.
Here is the story of how we met...

About 5 years ago, my Friend Gretchen and her roommates all bought the 13 cent goldfish from wal-mart, and had a competition to see who could keep theirs alive the longest. Well all of Gretch's roommates fish died within the week. But as you can see, Gretchens didn't. He lived for a long while afterward. And so Gretchen gave him to me, and I have had him ever since.

He has gone through so much. He used to be gold, but when I went to Russia, my mom was fish sitting, and out a little to much water cleaner in it, and when I came home, He was White. wow. And I thought maybe he died and they bought me another one. But they told me they didn't.

He has been frozen in his water, and has gone about 6 weeks without food. And he survived. Hince the name Hercules. I don't have a picture of him, but he was a wonderful fish and friend.

Trying so Hard...

2008-12-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

This last weekend we went down to Salt Lake City to do some apartment hunting. Man, you can only really take so much of that before you are ready to settle for the dumpster. But after scanning through hundreds of rental postings on ksl.com and craigslist.com and actually viewing over 20 units we FINALLY found one. It is pretty nice for the price. And they gave us a very good deal. The deposit was only $23. THis is because they were doing a special that whatever the tempature was the morning they come to work, that is how much the deposit will be. Pretty crazy but nice for us. So we are moving from our Apartment on the 31st and can't move into there until the 2nd.

And as an early christmas present for both of us, We bought a new couch and love seat from Rc Willey. I am so so excited. It is tan with brown and dark brown weaved throughout. And then throw pillows are tan, brown, and red. So pretty.

Well, It is so hard to believe how fast babies grow. They try to be all grown up so fast it makes me sad. Well Carter is trying to talk and he is able to carry on a conversation now. It is so fun them growing up, but kind of sad because they are not in that little stage anymore.

Nobody Asked me

2008-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is what Carter thinks about moving to Utah. Well it is true. Devin got offered a job in the Church office building as a budget man for the audio visual department. So we will be moving to SLC at the end of this month. Sad I know buddy, I feel the same way. So we are searching for somewhere to live. Usually I like moving, just like my mom. Ha ha. But I love Idaho Falls- Our Family and friends are here, and I love our apartment. But I will be a good wife and go where I need to.

Oh and some other good news... Haha Devin had unexpected Knee surgery this last saturday and will now be on crutches for six weeks. So It will be Carter and I doing the moving... Ya...

Carter may be sad to move, but he is way excited for Christmas. He knows that Santa is coming... And he has already came to our house and put presents under the tree. :-)

chillin' at Big Lots

2008-12-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

I have lived in Idaho for 5 years now, and have always thought that BIg Lots was a hardware store. Boy was I worng. I love this store. It is like a Ross, but with furntiure, christmas stuff, outdoor store etc. So we were there the other day, and there was this chair that was perfect for Carter. ANd he is just getting so big. See how he is just lounging around on this chair?

Bath TIME

2008-12-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

So we were debating whether or not to put this on the blog because he is naked and that might break some rules, but it is so dang cute. SO if you don't want to see a naked baby boy kicking in tbe bath tub, don't press play. However if you do, then it is so funny.

I used to give Carter bathes in the sink, but he found out that if you splash water it makes noise. So he started splashing and kicking in the sink, which does not have much room. So I decided to try the bath tub. and oh my goodness. He LOVES it. As you can see in the video, this is the highlight of his day.

2008-12-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

I found this and thought it was really cute and if you are a mom you will understand.

Thirty-two things that change when you have a baby....
1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.
2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.
3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.
4. You respect your body... finally.
5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.
6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.
7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.
8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have been banished years ago.
9. Your heart breaks much more easily.
10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.
11. Every day is a surprise.
12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Horray for poop!)
13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
14. You become a morning person.
15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.
16. You discover how much there is say about one tooth.
17. You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth.
18. You now know where the sun comes from.
19. You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shows you've been dying to have.
20. You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers.
21. You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night.
22. Silence? What's that?
23. You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having.
24. You discover an inner strength you never thought you had.
25. You no longer rely on a clock - your baby now sets your schedule.
26. You can give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one.
27. Your dog - who used to be your 'baby' - becomes just a dog.
28. You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late.
29. You learn that taking a shower is a luxury.
30. You realize that you can love a complete stranger.
31. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place.
32. If you didn't believe in love a first sight before, now you do

So Many things to be thankful for...

2008-12-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

There are many things that I have to be thankful for this year. I am not sure where to even start. So I will just make a list...

My Family

The Gospel in my Life

My wonderful hard working husband

Carter and his sweet love that he brings to our lives

My Parents and Brothers and Sisters

My testimony

My Husbands testimony

Devin's Job

Our roof over our head

The food on the table

and all my friends.
There is plenty more that I am thankful for, but those are big ones. For this thanksgiving the plan was to stay in Idaho and have dinner at Devin's parents. However, Devin's sister Nat, had her baby 2 weeks early and they wanted to go and be with her. Which is totally understandable. So they decided to go to california, Hily and Adam went to Boise and we thought, well lets drive to Colorado and surprise my family. So in one hour all of us who were supposed to stay here and have thanksgiving together, had plans to go to all different states. Pretty funny. So we decided to go. We left wednesday morning and drove all day. I talk to my mom probably every day, and so it was very hard to keep lying to her about what I was doing and what Devin was doing. But I have gotten to be a pretty good liar, (which is not a good thing) So it worked out pretty good. So we got to my parents house at 8:30pm, parked down the street and walked. The plan was to put Carter in his Car seat on the front porch and ring the door bell and run. And we were going to video tape the whole thing. So that is what we did. We rang the door bell and ran and left Carter on the door step. Wesley, my little brother came to the door, and said "there is a baby on the porch", then my sister vanessa said "no way", then she came to the door and said "there is a baby on the porch." Then my dad came and said" No way". He really thought someone wanted him to raise their baby. And dad, if I wanted someone to raise Carter, it would be you. :-) Anyway, they saw us, and told us that my mom wasn't home, and that she went to the store. So we found out what store, and went to that store. I walked up to her and said "excuse me, do you know where the cereal is?" She looked at me and the look on her face was priceless. Oh my goodness. we have it video taped, and I will post the whole thing once I find out how to edit it. It was so wonderful and it made my whole year. Thanksgiving was wonderful at Aunt Rhondas and it was great seeing everyone.
Great Grandma and Grandpa Great Grandma and Grandpa

Happy lil' man

2008-11-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

I love saturdays.

"I'm So cute"

Our First family picture. I know sad, because he has gotten so big.

So I was watching Oprah the other day, and they were trying to help teach everyone how to organize their houses. So they were offering a free gift, where you can go online to snapfish.com and create a custom cover photo book for free. (I guess to help organize all the pictures you have in boxes that are not organized.) So I went online to make my free book, and could not decide how I wanted to do it. So, there is a book called I love you through and through, it is a little kids book, and Carter loves reading it. So I kind of copied the story line, and put my own pictures in it. These two pictures of him smiling were taken this morning, when we were trying to get some other pictures of him. But we will take a smile any day. And he is looking at the camera. Which is a shock, because he will be smiling all day long, and then as soon as he sees that camera, his little face goes blank. Ha ha. So melissa I know what you were talking about. They don't like those cameras. Or they are just wondering what it is. :-) But as soon as I put the camera away, he is all smiles. Oh well, the ones we do get make my day.

Yes... Carter does have a mom

2008-11-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

Devin has been nagging me to include a picture of me on one of my posts. So here it is...

Tribute to Moms

2008-11-18T20:42:00.001-08:00

Before I was a mom.... I never learned the words to a lullaby. I never thought about immunizations, I have never been puked on, pooped on, drooled on, chewed on or peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept at night. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got glorius happy over a simple little grin. I never sat up for hours watching a baby sleep. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a mom...I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. To all you moms reading this, thank you for all you do, and all you have done. You are amazing. (and I know we don't hear that often enough.)

Man Hands

2008-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

So we went to the dentist a couple weeks ago to get an imprint of Carters hand. Well... this is what turned out. So Cute. IT shoes every detail. His nails, wrinkles, and rolls. They compared it to another little persons who is only a week younger, and Carters was about twice the size. We think he is going to play basketball. He could probably palm a baby basketball right now if he knew how. Anyway, it is very nice of this dentist to do it for free. and we will have it forever.

Visting Daddy's Work

2008-11-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Carter and I brought daddy some lunch at the cube farm (finance division at Melaleuca...). He usually won't smile when we are taking pictures of him, but I don't think he has realized that our cell phones can take pictures. So that is how we have been taking pictures lately. :-) (don't you love his double chin)

Just a picture of father and son. Carter is the one with the old man hair line. As for Devin, it's only a matter of time!
<
Just another cute smile.

Going For A Ride

2008-11-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

We have been having some pretty nice weather. So Carter and I have been taking our lexus stroller for walks whenever we can. We got him this hat so he can look around while we are strollin'. Sometimes we walk all the way to daddy's work. (It is about 3 miles) and then daddy gives us a ride home. Its pretty fun.

Oh and just so everyone knows, Carter slept im his crib last night by himself, almost all night. He only woke up once. I had to check on him to make sure he was still alive. That is horrible to say, but the past couple of nights, he has woken up every two hours on the dot. So it was a change. But he did so good. We have been getting on a schedule of this...
We wake up around 7, and Carter kicks for about an hour and then he is ready to take a nap. So we both go and take naps for about another 1-2 hours. It is so nice. And then he helps me cook, and clean and shopping and whatever else we need to do.

Carter

2008-11-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

Just some cute pictures that I took with my phone.

2008-11-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

We took this video today before going to the dentist to get an imprint of Carters hand, and this is just to show you how happy he is almost all the time.