Christmas Morning: Let the fun begin!

Christmas 2007!

It's interesting that it takes months to prepare for Christmas and yet only minutes for it to be over. We were lucky enough this day to make the Christmas morning excitement last for two hours! What FUN, what AVARICE, what unbridled JOY! Gathered in this picture while the anticipation of Christmas morning was high and just before we dug into the gifts are Paul & Gale, Jenny, Corby & Hayden, Mike and Jason. The only ones missing were Kitch, Angela & Jaxon. We surely missed them, but had a wonderful holiday just the same. The only sad part was how quickly the holidays flew by and how I much miss the noise, clutter and fun when my children visit. Merry Christmas to one and all, and may the new year be all that we dream and hope for!

Family home for Thanksgiving

What a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday we all enjoyed this year. As Kitch and Angela were getting on coats to leave, Jenny and Corby arrived. We managed to snap this treasure during the few minutes that overlapped when everyone was here. Mom and Jasper always make it feel like a holiday and Jason added his big heart to the festivities. Poor Mike had to work but just like the independant soldier he is, he cooked his own Thanksgiving dinner in Rexburg and managed not to burn ANYTHING! He said it was actually GOOD but missed celebrating the big TURKEY day with us! Jaxon and Hayden added the wonder and excitement that can only come from small children. It was a holiday to remember. Now with Christmas offically upon us, let me wish one and all the love and magic of the season!!!!

Halloween Fun at Grandma's House

It just doesn't get any better than this! Snuggling with a tigger! Corby, Jenny and Hayden came up last Thursday so Corby could go hunting with Dad, Jason and Mike. They left VERY early Friday morning and didn't return until Saturday evening. They said they had a great time, but unfortunately did not connect with any elk. Jenny, Hayden and I also had a great time here at home. The highlight was dressing up for the Fall Festival at the Osmond ward building. Here I am as the "Good GRANDMA Witch of the West" with my best buddy, Hayden the "Tigger"!

Hippi's and Tiger's

Jenny was a real hit at our ward's "Fall Festival". She was asked if she was wearing something that I had worn in the sixties!!! SAY WHAT??? I was just a baby in the sixties! Jenny reassured them that it was not one of my old dresses...whew! But she did look fantastic. I was SO PROUD to show her and Hayden off!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Grandma's little TIGGER, Hayden T. Carter

Oct. 17th: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Kitch! We LOVE you!

Dearest Son,
Just wanted to take a moment to tell the world what an absolutely precious baby you were and what a fine young man you have grown up to be. There's something kinda wonderful about being the mother of a son. And you have made being a mother just that much MORE wonderful. Happy birthday sweetheart. You have lived your life and conducted yourself in such a way that you have brought nothing but honor to the name you bear. We couldn't be more proud of you. I hope today is a great day for you and that you are surrounded by good family, good friends and good fun. Know that we will be thinking of you today.
Always, mom and dad.

All because two people fell in love!

TOGETHER AT LAST!

Just a KISS before I go!

Angela had only a second to reach out to Kitch at mile 24 before she sped by on her way to finishing the St. George marathon.

Family Gathering in Saint George

Getting together with our children in Saint George was the most heartwarming gathering for our family. With Mike finally home from Iraq, Jason back from Alaska, and Jaxon & Hayden here, we all came together in Saint George to support Angela in her first attempt at a twenty-six mile marathon. It was unseasonably COLD, which was actually great for the more than 6500 runners, but pretty brisk for the thousands of bystanders cheering them on. Paul, and I, Jenny, Corby & Hayden, Mike, Jason, Kitch & Jaxon, and Angela's mom, Jonnie staked out mile 24 to wait for Angela to come by. As she approached we all started waving and cheering wildly. She didn't pause in her running, but reached out to her husband and had just a moment to press a sweet little kiss, and then she was past us. She left with a big smile on her face. It was an incredibly difficult challenge, but Angela was MORE THAN successful crossing the finish line under her goal of six hours, at 5 hours and 33 minutes!
That evening, our family soaked in a hot tub, then piled into one motel room, ate pizza and watched a movie till late. The next morning we ran out to some red rock formations and tried to get a few family pictures. They didn't turn out really great, but the moment has been preserved!

HEAD-lines with Paul & Gale

Welcome to our world!