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!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 2

I am thankful for the temple. 

This is the temple that Rick and I were married in.  We are sealed together for eternity--so even though we'll both die, we'll still be married to each other.  Our children are also sealed to us.  I don't have to worry about Evan and the new baby behind when we leave this earth... they will join our family in due time. 

 This is the Los Angeles California temple.  My parents were married and sealed to each other in this temple 39 years ago.  I am so happy that my family will be eternal.

One of my favorite songs is: "Families Can Be Together Forever".  I will always be thankful that our family can be together forever, and that is only through Jesus and the true gospel.