Happy Halloween! 2011

We had a fun Halloween.  This Halloween was Evan's first time going trick-or-treating.  It was a little chilly, but it really could have been a lot colder.  It had at least warmed up from the chilly weekend.  Evan wasn't a big fan of ringing other people's door bells.  He did warm up to taking candy and 'booming' (throwing) in his treat bag.

I really like this picture.  Too bad it's blurry. 

Evan liked his glow sticks better than the candy

Going trick or treat...

Another Good picture... except Evan.

In front of a nicely decorated house.

Hanging with Auntie Sarah

Playing with his favorite puzzle!

Playing with his cool car track.

spending his morning playing with his new remote control car from Uncle Aaron.

Hershey, Pennsylvania and Trunk or Treat

Evan and Sarah, ready to go to Hershey.

Outside Hershey Chocolate World

The little cow on the ride.

I don't think Evan really cared for the ride.

Really concerned on the ride.

Evan more interested in Sarah's coat zipper than the candy surrounding him

The candy wall on the way off the ride.

One shot of us outside... no mom

Another pic... This time no Sarah.

Evan loving the sundae.

Going for the ice cream sundae himself.

I wasn't too impressed with Hershey.  Our original plan was to go to Hershey Park, but the hours in the fall open too late for a pregnant lady and a grumpy old poppa who doesn't like traffic too much.  So we decided to go up and just take in the town.  And, we were a little disappointed.  I thought it would have been more small town, or more of a cute little downtown area.  We went to the free tour that was like a Disneyland ride and bought a few souvenirs. 

We went to Red Robin for lunch after, and ate. The waiters and waitresses sang "Happy Birthday!" to Evan and he LOVED it.  He also really enjoyed the hot fudge sundae that they gave him.  Rick and I enjoyed eating it as well.  :)

Evan loved sitting on Nana's lap in order to watch cars go round and round on the track.

My cat/cheetah outfit. 

Sarah and the cute little dalmatian

When we got home, we started on defrosting meat so we could make chili for our ward's trunk or treat.  Evan just sat in my mom's lap and watched his cars go round and round on their little track.  We went to the trunk or treat and had a lot of fun seeing all of Evan's little friends dressed up.  And I loved his costume.  I am also thankful that his costume was fleece (nice and warm).  Some of the kids looked at me funny though because of my costume. 

Happy Birthday Evan!

Evan's 2nd birthday was on the 28th!  We celebrated by going to Hershey on his actual birthday. The day before we had cake and ice cream and opened gifts.  My parents even drove out all the way from California to spend time with us last weekend!

The remains of Evan's taco and beans on his face.

The big guy right after dinner.

Auntie Sarah and Evan

The dinosaur cake that we made and decorated for Evan's birthday.

Sarah and I with the cake.  I have a weird look on my face because I was wondering if I had something in my teeth right before my mom took it.

Birthday gift pile. 

A cool piano from Aunt Bethany, Uncle Russ, and cousins Casey and Oliver.

He really liked playing the pretty piano.

Evan and his castle and little people castle.

Evan and his Brobee Monster.  He was so happy. 

Opening up his big Geotrax car track from Nana and Poppa Carpenter

He loves this race track.

Singing Happy Birthday to the big boy. 

Blowing out the candles

Starting by eating the candies off his cake.

Stuffing it all in his mouth at the same time.

Poppa and Evan sitting together.

Auntie Sarah and Evan right before bed. 

Standing on Poppa's feet while watching his tv 

 We are so lucky to have family that shows Evan so much love!  And, I think we enjoyed the company from Nana, Poppa and Auntie Sarah's company all weekend long. 

30 Days of Thanks- Day 6

Day 6

I am thankful for callings in church.  I remember almost every calling that I have had to serve in church.  My first Relief Society calling was on the Enrichment committee my freshman year in college.  I was the refreshment specialist on the committee, and I basically made all the food for our activities and meetings.  BEST.   CALLING.  EVER. 

My calling right now is in the primary as the secretary.   This calling has been one of the hardest... along with when I was in Cub Scouts a few years ago.  Although this calling is challenging for me, I know that there is a reason why I am in the calling right now.  Our callings in church help us grow and learn in ways that we need to improve in our lives, and I am thankful for all the callings that I have had so far, and the ones that I will have in the future. 

30 Days of Thanks- Day 5

Day 5

I am very thankful for my body. I am thankful that I have an overall, very healthy body.  My legs are capable of walking and running after Evan.  My arms and hands can give hugs, cook meals for family, and touch my Evan's face.   My body is able to conceive, carry and give birth to children.  I am overall a healthy person.  I have had my share of colds, and illnesses.  My body is capable of many things.  Only after 3 months of moderate activity, I was able to jog my very first 5K, without hardly any walking. 

My whole life I have struggled with my weight.  When I was younger, I just played soccer all the time, so I never worried about eating well.  In high school and college, I started gaining more weight.  And after my first year of teaching, I haven't been able to stop putting it on.  But by realizing the blessing of my body, I have come to understand that I also have a responsibility to take care of my body as well.  I am looking forward to eating a lot healthier, and working out a lot more.  Thankfully, I know my body is healthy now, and I am capable of eating well, running longer, and sleeping more.  I hope that everybody, no matter their body shape, will realize that their bodies are blessings. 

30 Days of Thanks- Day 4

Day 4

I am so thankful for the military.  I never thought that the military would become such a close, personal part of my life when I married Rick.  We had no intentions at all of the joining the military.  Rick was finishing school right after we were married, and he graduated with his Bachelor's degree in February of 2009.  This was the same month that we found out that Evan was on his way.  Rick was unemployed from February through August, until he got a job as an internet support person for an internet company.  Rick hated the job, and the pay wasn't good enough so I could stop working as a teacher.

Rick applied to get into the Air Force Officer Training School, but there were only 70-80 selected on a board of more than 1100 applicants, and I don't think Rick had the experience that they were looking for.  All thoughts of military disappeared from our mind after that.  Then in December, both of us approached each other and said the same thing, "I've been having a thought---maybe we should enlist?".   We knew that it was the right thing for us to do.  And so, Rick has been in the Air Force since March 2010.  I am so proud of his sacrifice for our family.  Rick is one of the kindest, most gentle-hearted person I know, and well, the military isn't exactly known for being that type of organization.  Rick feels what he'd really like to do is to get into the OTS again, and feels he has a better shot at getting in this time, since he's enlisted instead of a civilian. 

I am grateful for the military, all of the benefits we have, the home we live in, our ward and the job that Rick has so he can support Evan and I while I stay at home with him and our next little guy.

30 Days of Thanks-Day 3

Day 3

I am so grateful for these two guys.

Rick and I have been married for 3 1/2 years.  I am so thankful for everything that he has done for me.  We have had our ups and downs, like everyone.  And we're pretty much dirt poor, but we have so much fun!  We are the best of friends and I am so thankful for him. 

I really wouldn't be the person I am today without Rick.  The other day I was having a conversation with someone about how her friend complained about how much she's changed.  Well, I am so glad that I've met Rick.  I have changed a lot... and it's all been for the best.  He makes me a better person and I am so glad that I have him in my life. 

Evan joined our family a little over 2 years ago.  Although life was hard to adjust to at first after he was born, he's definitely been worth all the trouble.  I am grateful that I have him in my life to love and care for.  And I am thankful for everything that he teachers me everyday. 

And I am thankful for our little boy (little brother) that will be joining us in March of next year.  I am looking forward to meeting him and I am looking forward to Evan getting to be a big brother!