Family Reunion- Aspen Grove

Aspen Grove is a "Family Camp" owned by my and Scott's alma mater- Brigham Young University. It's just up the mountain from us by Sundance Ski Resort and we had our Carter Family reunion up there.

What a fantastic place! You are up in the gorgeous mountains surrounded by woods and staying in these cute cabins and kind of roughing it but everything is taken care of. Activities, all the food, bedding in your cabins. Everything.

The kids had their own groups with their own activities during part of the day so the adults could do stuff. And let me tell you, we did stuff- a crazy scary ropes course up in the sky (I both cried because I was terrified and so proud of myself), paint balling (a bucket-list item I've had for a while and can now cross off), rafting, ceramic-ing, hiking, family-vs-family softball, and the list goes on and on.

The kids had a blast with their cousins and got to meet a bunch of fun kids up there too. It was all centered around family fun. There was a "Frontier Night" where they had a little train, and face painting, and tomahock throwing, and snow cones, and again, I could go on and on.

We played games in our down time and mostly re-bonded as a family. We did miss one family that couldn't make it because they just had a lovely baby, my niece, and the 8th grand-kid Kate. Next time guys, we'll be a complete family!

Christmas Celebrations a la Carters

We have been busy, busy people with all manner of Christmas Time fun & I'm SO behind- I don't know how this keeps happening but here it is a nice little summery of all of our holiday season fun!

PICKED OUT A TREE: 

A TWO DAY EVENT OF DECORATING OUR TREE: 

 VISITED SANTA AT OUR GROCERY STORE: 

 KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM (Enjoy the video. Rob looked that bored/unsmiley through the whole thing & I still cried tears of joy):  

 SLEDDING & MAKING GINGERBREAD HOUSES:

It's been an awesome month with tons of family fun! I can not wait for Christmas- it's going to be a small one with just our family but with just the right amount of festivity & relaxing. I hope everyone else is rocking this Christmas season & since I've been doing everything in my power to keep our eyes on the important stuff this season here's a lovely link!

A long, picture heavy post for posterity

We had a lovely family trip to Newport Beach with Scott's family (last years trip here). They sure know how to pack adventures and fun into a week. It was a blast & there is nothing better than time with family- I wish beyond all wishing we lived closer to our families.

We enjoyed the beach- which was freezing but the kids played in the sand & even ventured into the icey water. They are so much braver than I am.

We also went to Disneyland which was so fun (last years trip here). I don't think I could ever get tired of that place. It helps that going the week after Thanksgiving means no lines- I think the longest we waited was 10 minutes. Most of the rides we walked right on. It was fantastic but no one else should do it so that it always stays just as empty for the Carter family.

We also did one of those Medieval Times dinners- oh man, the children went ga-ga for it- eating with your hands, pretty horses, yelling. I mean what's not to love. The yellow knight even threw Syd a carnation & she almost fainted. It was fantastic.

 There was also bowling on one of the rainy days with all of us in our matching family reunion shirts that I designed. Kristal procured the adult shirts & made the little kiddos shirts (aren't they fantastic!).

Hip-hip for re-bonding & familial love!

Sunday Family- October 14th

Happy 1/2 Way Through October (& I still haven't seen any scary movies yet)! 

We had a mad, crazy week! I mean, up to my eyeballs in madness but it was fun. To sum it up, I had a book signing, lunch with my Nana in from Colorado, a lovely dinner at an Indian restaurant with a lovely friend, and another friend in the hospital who I worried over all week, a short road trip, & a carnival. And, phew, I am tired.

Toward the end of the week the kids & I meet up with my dad in Boise (a 1/2 point for us) & had a whirlwind visit! The highlight was a visit to a corn maze & spending a lovely morning at the downtown farmers market. Mostly it was great to see family & get away for a bit.

To cap off the week we went to Scott's big work party. They had this over-the-top carnival & this huge crazy motor cross/motor rodeo/madness, and then, of course, some fireworks. So, yes it was fun. And yes we were pooped out afterward.

This next week is significantly less stressful aside from making Halloween costumes and general school/life stuff. And my house is in dire need of a deep clean.
What about you guys this week?
 Tell me about your adventures planned for this week so I can live vicariously while I am scrubbing floors & doing piles of laundry. 

P.S. You can buy Breaking Dawn shirts through my Etsy shop if you'd like they are up & ready!

On the Road

Welp, the Carter children & I are braving a brief adventure until the weekend. Wish me luck. Mama of 3, feeling a little sick, & not at all prepared.

And I want to apologize for not being the best blogger as of late. Every time I think I have a hold on life another crop of awesome but crazy stuff pops up to take up all my mental energy & life force.

 But before we leave I thought I would share this video for Scott, who we are leaving behind because he has to be responsible &, you know, work. Lame.

Love you, handsome! Have some much needed relax & bro time.

Family Hike

We went on a family hike a couple evenings ago & it just reaffirmed my love for autumn.

It was cool, the sun was setting earlier so we could enjoy it without getting back home too late for the kids to hop in bed, the colors were gorgeous, & sometimes, when I get a little tired of Utah, it's nice to remind myself how lovely it is here.

Happy autumn everyone!

Dating Your Spouse

I believe in date nights. Not just a little. Not just a tad. But a lot.

When Scott & I were engaged his roommate pulled Scott aside in a rare moment of un-guy-like emotional honesty & said, "Dude, promise me you guys will always go on dates." His parents had recently divorced after many, many years of marriage. "I think if they had gone on dates & reconnected all the time they wouldn't have gotten divorced."

Scott relayed the story to me & it stuck. It stuck hard. Scott & I have since made dates a priority. Even at our poorest moments, when going to dinner & a movie, let alone paying for a babysitter, wasn't possible, we conned a friend into babysitting & went to get $1 ice cream cones.

This week the kiddos were at "grandma camp" with Scott's parents. We still had Linc but we were determined to go on dates. We went to see Batman one night (note: this was accomplished by pushing back bedtime, tons of rocking, a snuggly blanket over his ears, & sheer luck) & the next night we went to a fancy "dressed-up" dinner (we simple took turns with Linc perched on our laps & indulging in calamari).

I guess what I'm getting at is changing the mindset of, "When our baby is old enough to be babysat." "When we have enough time to go." "When we have money." You just go. Whether it be a $1 ice cream cone, a walk, or even a fancy dinner with a baby in tow, get some uninterrupted time with your significant other. I promise, it will be worth it.

Masked Walk

Syd & Rob asked to wear masks on our evening walk last night. I've made a goal to pick my battles & creepy masks that make the neighbors talk about those "strange Carter people" was a battle I wasn't going to wage.

So, off we went into the sun set strange masks affixed tightly to the Carter children's heads . My favorite part of the whole evening though was Rob's new way of riding on this scooter. As if we didn't attract enough attention as it was.

All I've got to say is I sure love this family.

Nightly Walks

It's nice to use your body. Move the muscles & roll the joints. We have been taking nightly walks the past bit. Trying to reconnect with our bodies. Clear our minds. Poop the kiddlings out.

Tonight the clouds were rolling, roiling, gorgeous.
"It's going to rain," Scott declared pulling out our wagon. "We should make it short."
"Naw, it's far off still," I responded. Like I know what I'm talking about.
Welp, I was wrong. It poured on our little family. Only Linc came out undrentched, covered by the strollers shade.

Running in my slipping flip-flops, chasing my family through the much needed & prayed for rain, I felt grateful for my body. Thankful that it works. That I'm healthy.

I also felt a little bitter that I took the time blow dry my hair.

Tahoe Relay 2012

Yes, we survived & enjoyed yet another year of the Lake Tahoe Relay Race!

Scott's mom is the marvelous Race Director of this 7-person relay race around Lake Tahoe & we head out every year to help her out- timing legs, working traffic, running errands, & doing whatever needs to be done.

Scott was SUPER busy this year timing the last leg (so he was at the finish line a good chunk of the day) & the kids had a blast handing out awards & watching for runners.

It's always fun to hang out with our immediate & extended family and every year I feel inspired to run. Maybe next year will finally be my year to get a team together to run- anyone down?

P.S. Past years of fun- 2011, 2010, 2009, & 2008

Mother's Day Weekend!

Mother's Day weekend is upon us & we will be celebrating!
I refuse to feel guilty about my motherly failings, as I have in past years.
Instead I'm spending unlimited amounts of time with my handsome & my babies.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend- remember yo mamas!

Adjusting

We're adjusting over here in the Carter household- just the growing pains that come along with adding a new Carter to an already Crazy Carter Clan.

Rob & I are probably the slowest at adjusting. Rob is just big for his age & is stronger than he realizes. He's also super sensitive & something about that combination, plus a new baby, is not sitting well at the cusp of turning 5.

I'm getting over my first ever bout of mastitis & can't seem to slow down to catch up on my sleep. Help is starting to ebb & I can't get a hold of time (not that I ever excelled at it to begin with) & how long everything takes now adding a newborn to the mix.

The thing that makes everyone universally happy, even the slower to adjust members of the family, is Linc. He is the light of the Carter Casa. Seriously, this little guy brings us so much joy. Nothing, and I mean, nothing can chill out a restless family like a smiling-while-sleeping baby.

So, for those who have asked, we're good. Really good. Adjusting. Balancing. Rearranging. But happy as clams.

The birth of a Lincoln

While not ideal, my amniotic fluid levels kept dropping & the doctor really felt like I should be induced early. After talking to Scott & praying about it, the concerns of waiting any longer outweighed my desire to let my body go into labor on its own.

7:40 AM
My lovely sister-in-law, Kristal, comes over to watch the kiddos. They send us off in a flurry of hugs and kisses. I adore those kids of mine. I can't wait to add another to the family.

8:00 AM
Show up at the hospital, hop into a lovely gown, get checked (2 cm), & start the IV of petocin. I'm feeling good at this point. Nervous, bored, tired, but good.

10:00 AM
We bust out Hulu to pass the time. Watch a bunch of random shows. Incrementally they continue to turn up the petocin. Begin feeling contractions.

12:00 PM
We opt for a nap. Neither of us slept well the night before. We stayed up too late cleaning and getting ready, then once we hopped in bed we were both too excited to sleep & ended up talking/planning late into the night.

1:00 PM
Pitocin is turned all the way up sometime during my nap. I'm feeling the contractions now & they are coming about 2 minutes apart.

1:30 PM
The lovely Esther comes to the rescue & brings Scott some food. The boy refused to leave me even to go feed himself at the cafeteria just down the hall. She not only brings him food, but stays to rub my back & encourages me along.

2:00 PM
Contractions are getting strong. I like sitting on the doctors swively stool or standing up rather than laying in bed. Laying in bed sucks. Still two minutes apart.

3:00 PM
The doctor comes & breaks my water. There is a trickle, supporting our intuition not wait & get induced.

3:30 PM
They can check me (4 cm) suddenly my blood pressure drops extremely low. They give me something in my IV to bring it back up. Baby is suddenly having long dips to its heart rate.

4:00 PM
Put in an internal monitor on the baby because its heart rate is slowing down & not picking back up. I'm really starting to worry which is making me feel the pain way more than I was before. Scott, my rock, holds my hand.

4:30 PM
I'm a basket-case about my blood pressure & hearing the babies heart rate keep dipping & the stress is making the hold I had on the pain unbearable. I decide to get the epidural.

4:40 PM
The anesthesiologist comes. I'm skeptical of his greasy hair & pooka shell necklace but decide to let him poke a hole in my spine anyway. It's a perfect epidural, just enough to help with the pain but not so much that I can't move my legs & still feel the contractions.

5:30 PM
I'm fully dilated, fully effaced but it's right when the doctors and the nurses shift changes. The nurse lays me on my side and jokingly says "Don't sneeze or the doctor won't get here in time". I laugh knowing she's teasing but I hold my breath anyway. They get the whole room ready, just waiting for the doctor.

6:00 PM
The doctor comes & finishes prepping, getting me ready, chatting with Scott & I. It's good he took a while to get there, I think the babies head had time to descend to a point where I didn't need to push for long.

6:20 PM
I start pushing. 3 sets of 3 pushes and the baby is ready to come out. The doc says, "Come over here daddy so you can announce what the baby is!"

6:29 PM
It's a boy! 7 lbs 8 oz of baby boy! The nurses "oooo" and "ahhh" over his big feet and his pretty blonde hair. I get to hold him & I am immediately struck by the knowledge that he's supposed to be in our specific family at this exact time.

7:30 PM
Syd & Rob meet their baby brother. Having them there with Scott & I and this new baby, life is complete.

And so begins my journey as of a mother of 3.