Top 12 for the end of 2008

• Making Grandma Carter's fudge with Camille

• Falling down the stairs= swollen ankle and sore tail bone. I hate being a klutz!

• Destruction-tearing out tile flooring at Yancey's and replacing it with laminate.

• New year's came while I was asleep!

• First lesson taught in young women's goes quite well, I think.
  

• No neighbor gifts or Christmas cards delivered this year, oops! We really do love all of you, but I have been a major slacker this year.
  

• Christmas Day spent with family, lots of fun!

• Christmas Eve family home evening with Williams family, love the nativity play.

• Let it snow! Playing in the snow and our first real snowman.

• Crazy Carter Christmas party brought to you by the second generation. Breakfast goes over well and the games were great!

• School Christmas sing, poor Addy was so sick she couldn't even enjoy herself, but she sure looked cute!

• And just in case you didn't hear we are going to add a new baby to our family in August!!!

Year End 2008

Christmas 2008

Wow, am I behind? I choose to blame my being behind on the fact that I left my camera at my parents on Christmas day and just got it back yesterday. I know, not a good excuse. We had a great Christmas! Santa was good to our girls, he brought them legos, tinker toys and lots of other cool stuff. Sydnee got a teddy bear and Addy asked for a baby doll, but instead got new clothes for the baby doll she has, but doesn't play with. We spent lots of time with both families and despite the stress of running around on Christmas day from house to house, it was a great day. The girls also got a surprise present from Ben and I. We gave them a bag full of baby bottles, binkies, and clothes and asked them who these things were for. They finally decided they were for their baby dolls. We announced to them that mommy will be having a new baby this summer and that they will have a new brother or sister. It took several days for this announcement to compute, but now they are very excited.
Ben has been on vacation for two weeks now, so we have had a long restful vacation at home. Which is good since I have had a lot of "morning" sickness. I don't know why they call it morning sickness, because it hits me any time of day and sometimes all day. I am just really grateful for the good days I have, and I am also grateful for Phenergan on the days that are really bad.

All Aboard

Last night we took a ride on the Polar Express. This was a wonderful family outing. We boarded the train in Heber and rode to the North pole where we were able to see Santa Clause. Along the way we enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies, a reading of the book The Polar Express, singing and entertainment by elves. When Santa boarded the train he gave each of the children a bell. This was one of the best Christmas activities we have ever done as a family. My girls loved the whole experience and had lots of fun. A huge THANK YOU!!!!! to Grandma and Grandpa for taking all of us on an unforgettable trip. We had lots of fun watching the kids along the way, we especially loved watching Evan show off his tummy and taking his own picture. The kids had a great time dancing with the elves, even Parker danced with them. After the train ride, we had some great Mexican food at Don Pedro's. Parker and Ben had a contest to see who could eat the most, Ben won, but don't tell Parker. Thanks again Mom and Dad for a wonderful night!!!

Twilight the Movie

I read all of the Twilight series this year, not knowing what I was getting into. I am not what you would call a twilighter, but I did enjoy the books. Last Saturday I went with some girl friends to see the movie. I was a little apprehensive about seeing the movie just because the Edward in my imagination was much better looking than the one in the movie. I went with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. It certainly wasn't as good as the book, but what movie is? I enjoyed the movie, there were scenes that made me laugh out loud and some that were kind of cheesy, but overall I am going to give it 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Company Christmas Party

Last night was Ben's company Christmas party. Since I really don't know the people he works with, it really isn't my favorite place to go. Ben and I have both been sick this week, Ben with a sinus infection and I have had a stomach bug. After a hike from the parking lot across the UVU campus to the party and some cold, bland food, we were able to stay for the best part of the party, heck any of the parties we have been to. They booked Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band to come and play. They are one of my favorite groups. It was awesome to see them so up close and personal. They played for an hour and a half. If you have ever seen them in concert you know how much fun they are to watch. Afterward Ben bought me their newest CD and I got it autographed by the whole band, I even got to hug Ryan Shupe! It was awesome! Although we didn't win any prizes this year, the concert was worth it.

I am Thankful

Thank goodness last week has passed. All went well this weekend with our extra child and today I am back to just my extra screaming baby who thankfully is asleep. Yea!!! We have talked about Thanksgiving at our house a lot the last few weeks, we have paper turkeys everywhere and we have played the glad game many times. Yesterday in church the relief society presidency spoke about gratitude. My mom did a wonderful job, as well as the others. The president, Sister Dibb talked about being thankful to parents for our lives. She said that her son sends her flowers on his birthday to thank her for giving him life. I thought this was very sweet, even Addy payed close attention to all of the talks. Just a few minutes ago Addy came and brought me a picture that she drew of the two of us on the first day of fall. Addy is just learning to read and spell, so in her best spelling she wrote on the back "Mom I luv you you doo a lot for me you doo a lot for r family love Addy." This brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet child. I am so grateful for my two girls. Some times I wake up and can't believe all the things that I am blessed with. I have a nice warm home, food to eat, a great husband and two wonderful kids. I am also grateful for flush toilets, hot showers, my washer and dryer even though I hate laundry. I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that I can repent when I screw up. I am grateful for my family and Ben's family. I am grateful for gluten-free pie, chocolate and egg nog. I am grateful for my health, my life and my freedom. I am thankful for my friends, I love all of you and I have learned many things from you. Thank You! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

SERENITY NOW

Warning:My blog is my journal and I am about to vent, so continue reading at your own discretion.
I wasn't a fan of Seinfeld until I married Ben. My favorite episode is the one where Mr. Costanza is diagnosed with high blood pressure and so he uses a relaxation tape to help him learn how to well, relax. The voice on the tape tells him to say "serenity now" whenever he is getting tense. Throughout the episode he gets stressed and starts yelling "Serenity Now", then his wife says to him,"I don't think you're supposed to yell it." I love this episode. "Serenity Now" has been my mantra for quite some time now. I even have a big sign by my bedroom that says serenity now. When I get stressed or frustrated I yell (not too loud) SERENITY NOW! Addy and Sydnee laugh at me when I do this which then helps me to laugh too.
Here comes the venting.
I watch a 6 month old baby in my home five days a week. I swear he is a devil child, all he does is scream all day long. The kid never sleeps, and unless I am holding him and playing with him, he screams. Serenity Now. In the last 11 days I have had close to 20 extra children in and out of my home while parents worked, played or what not. Granted I don't mind helping people out, but this is getting ridiculous. Yesterday I told Ben if I have to wipe one more bottom or nose that doesn't belong to me I'm gonna scream. I had to scrub urine out of my carpet yesterday and today vomit. I am getting frustrated because I haven't had time with my own children or even time to myself(what's that?) Today I had my two plus Addy's friend who is staying with us for a few days, devil child and an 11 month old. My house is suffering, my kids are suffering and well, I am suffering. Right now instead of doing my hair or putting my makeup on I am blogging and hoping that by venting I will feel better. Serenity now! I think I need to learn how to say "no". First I need some chocolate and maybe a nap. HaHa!

Picture Tag

I've been tagged!
Here are the instructions.
1.Go to your pictures
2.Upload the fourth picture in the fourth file.
3.Post
4. Tag 4 friends.

This is Addy hamming it up with her otter pop wrapper. During the summer Ben's dad inflates their big raft and fills it with water for the grandkids to swim in. Grandma always breaks out the otter pops for her girls.
I tag Lisa, Laura, Jamie and Kristie.

Family Home Evening

Last night for family home evening we talked about being thankful. We started with the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers and only one said "thank you". We talked about how we can say thank you to Heavenly Father and Jesus. After our lesson, we made turkeys out of paper and wrote some of the things we are grateful for on the feathers. Ben helped Sydnee glue her turkey together. After all of the feathers were glued on, Ben glued a piece of paper on to hold the feathers down. Ben told the girls that it was the turkeys hind end. Addy grabbed a pen and drew a line down the middle to make it look like a hind end. She is truly her father's daughter.

Buddies

Sydnee is my buddy. We spend lots of time together which I love. I had all of last week off from babysitting,so, Sydnee and I had lots of one on one time together which was great. On Wednesday we played in the snow after we dropped Addy off at school. We then had hot chocolate and curled our hair. Having two girls has certainly brought out my girlie side.

Crystal's New Church Calling

Yesterday I was called to be the first counselor in the young women's presidency. I am so excited to be back in young women's again. I have had the opportunity to be the assistant camp director for the past 2 years. I am thrilled that I get to work with the young women every week now!
I am so grateful for the previous leaders, I have learned many things from them, and I am so excited to learn from the new presidency.

Look Dignified

Ben and I were a little punch drunk after our big date on Friday. Ben's sister had brought us a bag of hand-me-down clothes for Sydnee. We have to inspect and sort through the clothes first to avoid modesty issues. Ben and I sorted through the clothes after the kids were in bed. Here are some pictures of the clothes that were discarded. Ben kept telling me to look dignified, but it's really hard to when you're wearing a skort on your head.
P.S. I know we're dorks, but we had fun!

Playing in the Leaves

My mom invited the girls to come over and play in the leaves Saturday. They had lots of fun even though the leaves were wet.

Halloween 2008

I really don't like Halloween that much. I was always sick as a kid and had to miss out on the trick-or-treating. Now that I have kids, I figure I will have to at least have some fun with this crazy holiday. This year I decided that since I missed out on lots of Halloween costumes during my childhood, I would dress up. My kids thought this was great. We actually strayed from our usual princess theme this year. Addy wanted to be Snoopy. I realize most kids her age don't even know who Snoopy is, but Ben and Addy love to watch Charlie Brown movies together. Ben wanted to dress up this year too. He dressed up as Charlie Brown. He and Snoopy looked great! Sydnee changed her mind every hour, but finally dressed as Tinkerbell. We started our day by going to the grade school for their Halloween parade. After school, it was time for our annual trip to Ben's office for lots of candy and spooky cubicles. The kids love to go to dad's office and get candy. I hope they continue to like it because that means fewer houses to go to. The girls had lots of fun walking through the haunted conference rooms and the fun house. We stopped at Aunt Camille's house and made trips to both of the grandparent's houses. After the paying of parent taxes, we had pizza for dinner and Addy had lots of fun handing out the candy. I have to admit that I enjoyed Halloween a lot more this year. If you are wondering what costume I wore, well, I went as my alter ego, a witch.

A day late and a dollar short

I'm always behind these days. I can't seem to get my laundry done or balance my checkbook. So, here are just a few of the things that have happened in our family lately.
My nephew Tyson was baptized!
Addy is learning how to read
We carve pumpkins with power tools.
Halloween...Candy and costumes, thank goodness it's over
More home improvement projects completed, only 5 more to go, hehe.
Ben and I go on a date, alone. This is the first time in months!
Fun with hand-me-down clothes.
Ben and I both join Facebook, what a time waster, but it's fun.
I'm getting a new church calling (more details to come)
Girls night out with Aunt Camille. Fabric stores and Thai food, yum!
Finally got my housework done for the week, we won't discuss the laundry though.

Road Trip Part 2: Musical Beds

Ben thought I should add this. He thought it was funny.After reading this you will understand why I don't allow my children to sleep with me at home. While on our road trip, the girls were too excited to sleep. First we started with the bedtime routine. I even let the kids stay up and watch a Halloween cartoon before bed. At 9:00 it was lights out. Addy and I were in one bed and Sydnee and Camille were in the other. The beds were terribly uncomfortable. Addy kept cuddling up to me, except she would climb up on me. I like my personal space. Sydnee kept putting her feet on Camille. Both girls were giggling and being very silly. Sydnee came over to my bed and laid down with me and Addy. Then Addy got up and climbed in bed with Camille. Next thing I know, Addy is making herself a bed on the floor,Sydnee follows and does the same. Addy then climbs back in with me and Sydnee takes over Addy's floor bed. Sydnee got back in bed with Camille. Sydnee wanted more pillows and Camille told her she could only have one. A minute later Sydnee started to cry. She came to me and told me she wanted more pillows. At this point both girls are exhausted. I rock Sydnee and she rubs her woobie until she falls asleep. I then place Sydnee in bed with me. At 3:30 a.m. I woke up and couldn't find Sydnee, she had gotten back in bed with Camille. I couldn't go back to sleep. At 5:30 Sydnee climbed back in bed with me and Addy. Addy then tells me she's hungry. I tell her it's too early,go back to sleep. I now get shoved to the edge of the bed, the bed is so broken down that it slopes. To keep myself from falling off the edge, I have to put one leg down and brace myself against the nightstand with a pillow. Finally, I have to get up and go to the bathroom. I lost my spot. I finally give up and lay across the foot of the bed. I get kicked and squished. Then Addy snuggles up again. By now it's 7:30 a.m. and time to get going. I have decided that the next time I travel with the girls, I am going to give them Benadryl and I am going to get a roll away bed just for me, the girls can fight over the big bed.

Road Trip

Road Trip

Our family is known for taking interesting road trips, like the time we went to Mt. Topaz to look for Topaz, or the trip to who knows where to find obsidian so dad could make arrowheads, and the list continues. This road trip can be added to the list. Don't get me wrong it was a lot of fun, but our purpose for the trip was not that normal. My sister Camille, was given a very old watch that belonged to one of our ancestors. Camille researched and found that she was buried in the Wilford cemetery in St. Anthony, Idaho. UEA finally came and we set off on our cemetery tour. We first stopped in Ogden at the Ogden city cemetery to find some of our ancestors, then it was off to Brigham City cemetery for some more searching. Thank goodness for the Sexton's of these cemeteries or we might still be looking. After searching we found a park that looked like a great place for a picnic. We fueled up on lunch and hit the playground. The girls were able to get some of their wiggles out. Back on the road again, we took our time making many rest stops along the way. We finally arrived in Rexburg and our hotel. After a short rest we went back out for a tour of the town and lots of reminiscing by Camille. She went to Rick's college, just a few years ago;) We drove up to the temple and walked around. It is a beautiful temple. It was really cold, so we didn't spend too much time on the temple grounds.
The next morning we headed to St. Anthony to find the Wilford Cemetery. It was out in the middle of nowhere, but it was gorgeous. This well kept, very small cemetery sat in the middle of several fields. You could see the Teton mountains in the distance. After searching some more, we finally found the headstones we were looking for. Yea!! It was neat to learn more about my ancestors and to go pay respect to them. They were awesome people and I am grateful to them for their sacrifices.
While driving through St. Anthony on our way back to Rexburg, we saw a park that looked really old and cool. We stopped for a snack and some fun. We played on the playground for a long time. We all had lots of fun on the merry-go-round. Then it was off to Bear World. Bear world was lots of fun. We drove through the park and saw elk, deer and buffalo. We then entered the bear part of the park. It was amazing. We drove in and instantly there were bears everywhere. I could have reached out the car window and touched them, but I didn't. We were behind the tour truck for a little while and could watch people feeding the bears. Wow! It was awesome! After snapping lots of pictures of bears, we headed to the petting zoo, where we all petted and fed deer. After washing our hands, we went to the kiddie rides. Sydnee and Addy had a blast riding all of the rides. We finished up by walking around the gift shop and then having a picnic lunch. Then it was back on the road to go home. We drove and drove for what seemed like forever. We made frequent stops for the kiddos to get out and run around. The girls did really well,thank goodness for portable DVD players. We finally made it home just in time for the girls to go to bed. Ben was waiting for us when we got home (he was in Alabama on business all week). We had a great time, but we were all very glad to be home.

Top Ten for the week of October 13th-18th

1. Happy Birthday Mom and Tyson! We celebrated with a family dinner on Sunday.
2. My sister Camille won a major award the ACTE teacher of the year award! Congratulations sis.!
3. Addy fell on the playground and got a huge fat lip. She put her teeth through her lip in two places. Hey, I didn't say all of these things were good, just the ten things from last week:)
4. I won a major award too. I received a 10 year service award from the ambulance. Too bad it came after I quit.
5. I am now babysitting again. I watch a little boy named Alexander who is 6 months old and cute as can be.
6. Ben went to Huntsville, Alabama for business. He was able to visit the space museum while he was there and said it was awesome.
7. Road trip with Aunt Camille!
8. Visited the Rexburg, Idaho temple. It is gorgeous.
9. Bear World
10. Friday night, we're all back home together again.