The Carters

2011-03-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

Our New House!!!

I am going to need some advice on decorating and what to put where.

The kitchen has three light fixtures that confuse me on where to put the table.

We were kind of thinking this area would frame it nicely. and then maybe use the other space as a sitting area.

This is one of the kids rooms. Actually probably two of them will share until one moves to the downstairs room.

This is the main living room downstairs leading into Jared's office and the backyard.

This is our master bath and here is another place I want to spruce up to make it feel special. Any ideas?

This is the back of the house

and from the house looking out to the backyard. To bad it snowed that day cause you can't see the landscaping.

This is the storage area in the basement.

And the Garage!!! Love that.

We can't wait. We move in on March 25th and 26th. We are renting out our town home too. So if you know anyone in Provo who needs a place send them our way.

2011-02-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

Our Big Trip to Disneyland

(The day starts at the bottom)

The next night we stayed in a hotel close to the park so we could see the firework show from our room. We pulled the blankets off the beds and cuddled up together to watch.

They were happy all the way until the the end.

A great way to finish the day watching the light and water show. It was amazing!

We went on this ride three times and the third time I couldn't handle it again so I stood by and took pictures.

Now this was the face we where looking for that morning when we broke the news. But at least we got it from her later.

Thank goodness for Destiny to let us borrow her stroller.

Brooklyn driving in Toon Town.

The kids favorite ride where the Tea Cups.

By the time we were done eating the both had warmed up tho the characters and Brody was even flirting with Minnie.

We scheduled a Character breakfast in the park and the food was great but some of the characters took some getting use to. Captain Hook was the scariest and Brody and Brooklyn were both most scared of him.

We woke the kids up early to tell them the great news, "we are going to Disneyland today!!"

The response was a tired "yay" and half opened eyes. I bit of a let down compared to all those commercials when the parents record there kids hearing the great news and they went crazy with excitement. But they were tired and I don't think they totally understood how exciting it was since they hadn't been there before.

These are the outfits I made for the kids to have them guess where we were going that day. Brooklyn's is a little dress and Brody's is a shirt.

2010-11-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

As most of you may know we are expecting a new baby in June?

I made these shirts to tell Jared!

The kids are so excited! Brooklyn is always telling me to

"rest and take it easy, cause mom ... the baby."

I put this together for Halloween and wore it to the ward party.
I don't think very many people thought to look down cause I was surprised with how few comments I got with out pointing it out.

Brooklyn went as a Prima Ballerina but wanted to change about a week before.

I told her no way it took to much work to make your costume to switch now.

Jared and Brody went as Phinease and Ferb. (Our favorite show!!!) At our family party I was Dr. Doofinsmerks (I have no idea on how to spell that name) But had to change my costume cause They were pretty firm on no cross dressing at the ward party.

We already can't wait until next year and what we are all going dress up as.

2010-08-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Nicol Family Reunion

First day Deer Creek Reservoir

It was a very windy day, but we still got in to our waists evey though it was realy cold.

The kids had fun writting in the sand if you can call it that.

Brooklyn was so brave and rode the quad then ended up really liking it.

We got to see Case's hourses and feed them. Brody was so scared and he couldn't believe how many hourses there were. Everywhere we turned he would say, "There's another one!"

Brooklyn and her new best friend Jaycee.

We were so good at shooting.

Oh Yeah. Jared got all of his clay pigeons and I got two in a row.

We had a great time.

What a beautiful cabin and location. We had a great time

celebrating all the holidays!It's always fun when we get to know

our relatives better than before.

2010-08-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Our family camping trip.

Jared left me in charge of reserving the spot and I

found one that I thought was

close to the lake. It was about 5 min. from it

and practically a resort for RVers.

There was a swiming pool, showers, play ground

and a gift shop. And if we forgot anything we

only lived 5 min away.

Father and son fishing.

The kids loved all the games we played.

We made dotch oven dinner too.

Pizza!!!

It was great!

2010-06-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been put to work this summer painting our kitchen and bedroom.

I have hired on the kids to help with the priming.
Brody found a secret place under the desk
and decided it would make a great little bed for him.

Some how he got paint on his back?

Here is our bedroom I am so excited to have finaly done this!

I have one feature wall with stripes. The lighting was a little weird but one color is

just a lighter and with a super glossey finish.

This is the ball of tape we made after we were done!

2010-06-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

We have been having a lot of fun with our Seven Peaks Passes.

They both love the water and I think we can all agree Brooklyn's tan is amazing!!

(double how tan she is in this picture and that is what she is now.)

We had fun when Sandra was in town and we went out to Midway and Heber.

This is for all of you who didn't get to come to that little mikeshake place with the trains.

(I can never remember the name and can't think right now)

"neener neener neener!"

We also played at the park across the street.

2010-05-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

So a lot has happened the last month or two. If you haven't heard already Jared was let go from his job at Symantic. Along with the rest of his department (40 People!). We were so upset and confused and distraught and nervous and the list could go on! But Jared got right to work the day he was sent home he was making calls and emailing and doing all he could for the time being. With all those people let go at the same time in the same field it was harder because they were all interviewing for the same jobs in the area. Jared was out of work on Tuesday, had three or four interviews in the first week and had a job by the next Wednesday (officially Thursday). I have to say, he is amazing. Such a hard worker and really worked hard to find a job. He was the first one to get hired!! It was crazy though, we went through so many emotions. It was a true testimony builder in faith, prayer, and always having a good amount in savings. We later found out Symantec let go about 400 more people company wide to make room for two companies they bought the following week. So no hurt feelings.

So the new job!!! It's with ITS they are partners with Symantec except Jared has an Inside sales and Outside sales position when before it was just an inside sales support role. By moving to this company he has jumped the job "latter" about 3 positions! So it payed off in the end. There are some good things and some harder things that come with the job. Jared gets to work at home!! But he has to work at the only desk we have so I'm never on the computer during the day. (it's ok though with the warm weather I'm outside anyway.) He gets to travel to some cool places but mostly without us and he doesn't have time to sight see. Last week he was in DC for three days. Jared has a very large territory to cover, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and now they added all of California, plus his government deals in DC! He gets to work close with the president of the company though so that will be a great support.

Through all this there is a lot to be thankful for in the end. It really comes down to what is important, we have our health and our family. And thanks to Symantec and our severance money we bought a new car for Jared. Since we were too nervous to drive his old car on the freeway and the seat belt broke.

Ta Da!

2006 Nissan 350 Z

Our splurge!!

Just a two seater but we figure, get it now while

the kids are young and we don't have to drive them around

to lessons or practices.
Of course with the custom BYU licence plate too.

2010-04-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

BYU Spring Preview

Brody was very cuddly
He kept telling Jared that he wanted to play football too.

We got to sit on the third row and watch.

We were really interested in the new quaterback for next season.

We also saw some past stars who went pro and Lavell was there too of course.

2010-04-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Our first sun burn of the Year!

Yes that is my arm.

Brody got it pretty bad too.

In my deffence we hadn't had a hot day yet this year.

I didn't even notice until about a half hour after coming inside.

Easter Sunday!

I loved Brody in this new linen suit.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for conference.

We had an easter egg hunt and decorated cookies.

Brody ate as we went of course.

2010-03-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Brody!

What a beautiful baby.

He got pooped out from playing and swimming.

But Brody loves his trains and so does Jared.

Brody got a little shy and wouldn't blow out the candles by himself.

Grandpa got a little tired (you old man!)

Brody and Brooklyn both laugh when they see this picture.

He wouldn't even open his own presents.

of course the birthday hat!

Brody doesn't really know what to think of Paisley yet.

My attempt at a tiered cake.

We could get Brody Balloons for his birthday and that would be enough!

I can't believe he is two!!!

2010-03-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

My newest project.

Before and after.

I love these pillow! Brooklyn helped pick out the material.

2010-03-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Mitch's Birthday Dinner. We made him wear the HAT!!

We are all getting ready for church.

Brody in his professor doo.

How we start every morning.

Brooklyn at dance class preparing for her show in April.

Yeah!!! I finished Mitch's T-shirt blanket just a month late!

It turned out to be way bigger than I thought it was going to be.

He was pooped when we got home.Our First Snow Day in 2010!!!

Brody wasn't to happy cause he didn't want to wear his gloves.

We made a few snow men and they were about the same size as Jared!!

Then we tackled them!And Jared tackled the kids!

2009-12-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Sunday before Christmas in our matching Christmas outfits.

Don't they look So cute!
I was rushing to finish making our three outfits, Jared's

I found a tie and sweater to match and I

found plaid tights that were so perfect!

Brody wasn't too happy about seeing Santa at the Ward party.

Brooklyn made sure to tell him everything!

We had fun with Sandra here, and look forward to
having her back in January.

Brooklyn's Dance performance...

She was so proud that she knew all the moves.

She even had a special part to lead the class around the stage in a circle,

whether they followed that is another story.

She had two dances,

Baby Ballerinas and Santa Claus comes tonight.

Brody was pretty excited too

He posed too

My birthday landed on the same day as the BYU game

and the flight home from Washington. So we celebrated later.

I am now 25!!!!!!!

2009-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

We got our Christmas lights up with all our neighbors.

We got some of the Sisson's delicious Cinnamon rolls!

Now The BYU game was Amazing!!!!

We raided the field afterwards!

Go Cougars!!!

It was crazy, I thought I was going to fall and get trampled.

We have loved going to the games this year!
(as long as I'm bundled well enough)

My warmest coat was red and so I had to wear Jared's

sweatshirt over my coat for this game!!

2009-12-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Washington

The kids loved all the food!

Danielle was such a good sport to let Brooklyn and Lili do her hair all the time.

It was hard to get Brody and Landon to stay still for this picture with their new hats.

They have really warmed up to Roger and Sandra.

Lili and Brooklyn were instantly best friends!

Brody and Landon had a lot of fun too.

2009-12-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

So its been a while! This was last month at Jared's soccer game the kids were cheering him on!

Lindsay and Aaron had there baby! They named her Paisley Love Gosney. She feels so small, its hard to remember these too ever being small like that.

We stopped by Lindsay's on our way home from Idaho for our pre-Thanksgiving meal.

Of course after being at Grandma and Grandpa's for about an hour he falls and cracks his eye open. That'll leave a mark.

We had a lot of fun seeing everyone.

moma's boy!!!

2009-11-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!

Our ward Party pictures, Jared is such a good sport to dress up to match with us.

Brooklyn loved her wings but that was just about it. When it came time to getting into her costume she fought it and wanted to be bell. There is a hint for next year!

Brody Loved his hook and sword!

He surprisingly didn't mind his hat with all the hair.

The kids loved the pimpkins! Every time we went outside they would get so excited!

Brody dint' know what to do and started to eat what was inside.

Brooklyn couldn't stand touching what was inside.

I was lucky to get this picture.

Dad and Micheal came over to watch the game with Jared, while we carved the pumkins. We had fun frosting cookies and making plates to

bring to friends and neighbors. Brooklyn wanted a pink pumpkin cookie.

We ahev had a lot of fun this haloween season. Now it's time to hide the candy!!

2009-11-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn got a new apron to match mommy's and while I was taking a picture of her Brody was jealous and wanted his picture taken too. He even posed for me!! So cute!

So Brody had a little accident while at the grocery store twice! We decided he is just prone to injury. He was pretty sad that night. By the next day he didn't remember anything. It was so sad to see.

2009-09-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

We went camping for Labor Day weekend!! Of course it rained like it always does when we go camping, so it was cut short.

The kids loved roasting marshmellows and playing board games before bed time.

Brody's first Hair cut!!!!

He did so well, hardly even noticed what was happening.

Just the kids being silly playing at home!

We went to the Dinosaur Museum a few weeks ago.

Brody wasn't as interested in it as I thought he would be. Brooklyn just wanted to play with her friend who we went with, she didn't care where we were.

2009-08-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun at BYU's fall sports kick off! We got to meet the players and hear from the coach. They had a live band and all kinds of fun!

These cheerleaders wanted Brooklyn's picture but she was too nervous so I stood with her.

The kids loved being outside and dancing to the music.

We got a few pictures with the star players. I can't remember who this one is.

Brooklyn was very excited about their pom poms!

We went to Thanksgiving Point Farm.

Brody was fine as long as the animals were behind the fence.

Brody didn't know what to think of these animals eating out of your hands.

Brooklyn loved feeding the goats with her friend Jordyn.

Brooklyn changed her mind about riding at the last minute. Brody was pretty scared of riding but once we started going he was OK, holding on tight to me.

Brooklyn's hair is getting so long and she let me put it in hot curlers for church!

We took the kids to a dollar movie!

Brooklyn couldn't even take her eyes off the screen during the adds at the beginning.

Brody loved the movie for the first 20 minutes!

We saw Monsters v.s. Aliens.

Jared had a meeting before church so we were waiting outside for him to pick us up!

I love to see Brody in a tie! What a little man.

2009-08-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

We went and visited Great Grandma. She is so on top of things, and so alert!

Grandma was playing piano with the kids. They really liked her. Brody even cuddled up to her.

We partied hard at the reunion!

We did Karaoke and sang "I want to talk about ME" by Tobey Keith

Our family number was dedicated to our dear friend, Micheal Jackson. We sang "Thriller".

We all had a great time!!

We had to sit tight on the boat with Brooklyn she was really scared of the boat ride. Brody loved the wind in his face!

Brody was so brave getting on the jet ski with Dad and I.

We had a ward activity and they had Brody's favorite, Watermelon!

Daddy looks so cool in his new sunglasses and hat!

We celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Gephart's 50th wedding anniversary!

Brody got his first bike!!

2009-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

We had fun celebrating Jared's birthday! We made a Crispy Cream cake!Brody and Brooklyn trying to keep cool before the dance recital later that night. On the way to the show! What a Diva!
Brooklyn in her first costume.

Brooklyn in her second costume, she always looks away at the last minute.

2009-06-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

So things have finaly settled down!! Lindsay is married and the wedding shower Destiny and I put on is done!! Destiny came for the wedding and stayed with us for a little while and she took some really cute pitures of the kids. She studied photography and I keep telling her to start something up. So we tried to start a little portfolio with these. These are some fruit tarts we made for the wedding shower!

Brody and Brooklyn helped in the kitchen too. Brody sampled everything he could get his hands on and Brooklyn liked to roll out the dough!

We were visiting my parents and the kids love there new kitty.

Isn't she so good! Real profesional!

This is Brooklyn's best friend if you haven't heard already her name is Sophie

We had a little hawiian theme party for Brooklyn's Joyschool friends!

We went for a fun family picnic I think I need to get more pictures with Jared in them too huh? Jared and I have been working out with this P90X video its a killer, but We have seen a lot of improvement already!

2009-05-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

So Brody developed a rash about 2 weeks ago and I thought it was just from playing on the grass so the nurse told me to just give him benadryl and watch it well the next day it looked worse and there were bruising all over, including the back of his knees and there is no way he could fall and bruise there. So when Jared got home I showed him and he was very concerned and had an idea and mentioned leukemia and I told him he was over reacting and not to every mention that again!! We got an after hours appointment and went in around 7:30 pm and when the doctor came into the room he said it could be one of two things, leukemia or ITP. We silently paniced but tried to stay calm. When the doctor said to go to the hospital and get some blood work done to figure out which it was we were even more nervous! On the way out to the car Jared and I both Broke down and Brooklyn was so sweet she was really upset too. We all prayed as we drove to the hospital. The out patient lab was closed and we begged to let us in to get the blood drawn and tested. They were very understanding and help us out. Then we went home and waited. Jared and our friend Chris came over and gave Brody a blessing. Jared and I both felt much better that with either outcome we would be able to handle it. We put the kids to bed and continued to pray. Around 11:30 we heard back from the doctor that it was ITP, the other thing!!! Thank Heaven! We were so glad. ITP can be serious if not taken care of too. It has to do with his blood platelets. He had a virus and his antibodies match some of the virus cells so they started fighting off its self. His blood was thinning and that is what the rash was... it was blood that was so thin it was rising to the surface. The bruising is from the thinning blood too. So for the last two weeks we have had to be really careful that Brody doesn't fall down too much or else he could bruise or get cut and won't stop bleeding for a while. Which was hard to do since he has learned to walk. He has been taking Steroids and some things to help with the side affects of the steroids. The rash is almost gone and the bruising has lightened up. He will continue with this for about 3 more weeks and then he should be done. We are so grateful that he is doing well and that there is something we could do. Though all this Brody hasn't minded. He is still the sweet little boy.

We love him to death and couldn't think of life without him. He is such a blessing in our lives.

2009-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

The kids had fun on Easter looking for some eggs!!

We got to go to Krispy Cream Donuts with Brooklyn's Joy school class and watch how they make the donuts then we got to try some!

Brooklyn had a accident in march and had to get stiches!!! Ouch! She was so brave and got to pick out any treats she wanted at the store. She chose cookies, soda, and ice cream!!!

Then he figured it out little by little!

Bordy got to eat his own cake and didn't know what to think of it.

Happy 1st Birthday To Brody!!!!!!

Here he is bottle in bed (instead of breakfast in bed.)

Brody and Brooklyn

2009-02-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

At only ten months, Brody has learned how to throw a ball in the air and catch it before it hits the ground. He's also learned how to throw the ball over hand and bounce the ball in front of him. Dad couldn't be any prouder. :-)

Brooklyn is our little BYU cheerleader. She loves dancing to the BYU fight song and will even sing it to herself when she is dancing. She has a lot of fun and is very active. She has great memory. We will read her a book at bed time at she will read it back to us sometimes almost word for word.

2009-01-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

Here are the Princess dresses and tutus I make. I have had a lot of fun doing this with Brooklyn.

Cinderella,

Snow White,

Little Mermaid,

Sleeping Beauty,

Tinkerbell,

and Beauty and The Beast (Bell)

I also make ballerina tutus.

I sell the dresses for $40 and two for $70. The tutus are $25 and come in many colors.

2009-01-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn had a princess party and Jared and I even dressed up! He was the king and I was the queen.

Brody thought he was so funny and was making Brooklyn and I laugh so hard.

The kids favorite games at the arcaid

Brookyln's Birthday!

Christmas morning!

The helmet was Jared's Christmas present!

We had fun with Roger and Sandra here to visit.

Brooklyn makes her daddy proud with her BYU shirt on!!! GOOOO Cougars!

Well a lot has happened. We have been so busy these past few months with christmas, birthdays and everything else. Brody got his helmet in November and has already made a lot of improvment. He doesn't seem to mind wearing it either. Brooklyn turned 3 in December and I turned 24 in November. I have been selling Princess dresses and tutus to make some extra money for christmas and did really well so I may be starting a website. Here are some pictures from the the past couple of months.

July

2008-08-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated this so here is what has been going on...

Here is the garden I'm so proud of since this picture the tomato plants on the right have grown up past Brooklyn's head. we love picking them escecialy Brooklyn she loves tomatoes.

We went boating with my family and this was just about the only time Brooklyn was smiling on the boat. She was so scared! She still brings it up and tells me, "no go on boat, it's scary."

Destiny came down and we celebrated the 24th of July. We accidentally got a big box of poppers and no fireworks so Dallen and Jared had to go get some.

Brooklyn loves hagging out with Brody they are both so cuddly together.

We went out to Heber for the Big Duke reunion and Brooklyn loved seeing Micheal and Zach.

Here is Jared on his birthday. He turned 30 this year it was pretty tough now he's an old man!

Brody loves his saucer chair now with all the fin toys that wont fall off the tray. He is such a happy baby!

Jared and I love to play with Brody's cheeks and he laughs and squeels. It's so fun! We just started him on baby food this week and he loves it. He had been watching us eat at the table and we could tell he wanted some too.

Brooklyn loves to help me make pizza dough she always tries to sneak some to eat I tell her it doesn't taste good yet but she likes it. She also likes to make snakes out of the dough.

So Jared has been wanting me to post these pictures here since the day we went last Thursday! He is a HUGE BYU fan! We went to the big fall sports kick off and got some guys to sign Brooklyn's T-shirt.

We caught Harvey Unga ( no idea about this spelling) on the way to the signing table.

Brody had a lot of fun too. He might have just loved being outside people watching.

The last picture but the most important with Max Hall the quarterback.

It has really fun this summer and we can't wait for the the next couple of weeks cause Jared's brother Mitch is back from his mission and is coming down here to start school soon so we'll get to see him in person! We are still learning to manage 2 kids, it's been harder lately. Brooklyn is testing the waters with everything it seems. If anyone has advice let me know.

By the way I know when this is posted it will be in a wierd order and I would fix it but Brody is fussing and needs me and I'm getting a little frazzled so I hope you can read it.

Brody's Blessing

2008-06-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

We blessed Brody on June 1. It was so special having a lot of our family there, even though he cried through the whole blessing. He has started to smile so now we remember why we had another baby after all. No, he is a very sweet baby and we love having him in our family.

My mom made his blessing outfit and bought this cute hat and shoes to match. He looked like a little "newsie". She had to make it to fit a 9 month old cause he is huge. We went in for his check up and he ways 17 pounds now and is 24 inches. He is at the top of the scales. Brooklyn was the same way, I guess we are just bound to have big kids. Here we are as a pround family all together in our entry way. Brooklyn wanted to be big and stand all by herself.

Brooklyn and brody looked so cute together while waiting for Jared and I to get ready for church one Sunday morning.

Brooklyn loves talking on the phone anyone who will answer she will talk to. There comes a time almost every day where we go through my phone book and call people for her to talk to. Brody has always been very expresive with his face I thought this look was a "what is she talking about?" look. He puts up with a lot. Brooklyn loves him so much and shows it all the time. Potty training has been a success!!! Only about a week and a half and she's got it! Now there is only one set of diapers to change Yea!! (never thought I'd be celebrating changing any diapers.)

2008-05-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well, this is our first posting and we are so excited to share or family life with our friends and family. We have been real busy this past year.We bought a home in Provo Utah and enjoy being close to BYU because Jared is such a Fanatic he is turning Brooklyn into to one too,she already knows part of the fight song. We just had our baby and now Jared will be starting his new job working for Symantec (they do anti-virus software). The home loan business with WAMU got to stressful with all the changes in the company. Here are pictures from what has been going on in our lives.

Here is my belly on Easter Sunday at the Easter egg hunt.

Brooklyn looked so cute for church in her Easter dress.

Brody Roger Carter born March 27, 2008.

The labor was very fast, we got to the hospital at 5 pm and had him at 7:45 pm. I was ready for a break by the end!

A proud Daddy for the second time!

Big sister Brooklyn was very excited to see mommy and daddy after being away staying at my parents.

Brooklyn loves having a real baby in the house to play with and read stories to. She is mommy's big helper, always there to give Brody his "pacies" whenever he is sad whether he likes it or not.

Brooklyn has also started potty training. Here she is with her chart, she is so proud to tell me when she needs to go and what she did! Then she gets a princess sticker to go with her Royal Throne Potty chart. We are very proud of her. We can't wait to only have to be changing one set of diapers.

We are so Happy with where we are at, we hope all of you are doing well also.