Carly Nicole is 10!

For reals. Not like the past three months that she's been telling everyone she's ten. But now she actually IS ten.  On Friday (the day before her birthday) we had a Branch Beach Blitz, so we let her invite her friend Marin. I brought cupcakes to share with everyone. It was nice to be able celebrate with some friends from the branch since they are our family here. Afterward, Marin came to our house, and Carly had her first late-night (our version of a sleep-over). They played M*A*S*H, ate candy and watched a movie until 10 and then Marin's Dad came to pick her up.  

On Saturday (her actual birthday) we picked up her friend Kelsea and brought her to our house for a special birthday lunch - mac and cheese and a birthday ice cream cake.

 Then we headed over to Get Fired Up for the girls to paint and decorate their own plates. They had a great time doing that!

I found a list that Carly made a while ago (I think she may have made this list with Kaylie). It really describes the type of person Carly is. Not because she's perfect at all of these things, but because she really has a strong desire to be good and choose the right. 

Sledding in Arlington, Mass. This is the park we play at when we go to the Temple. There is a beautiful view of Boston from this hill. 

 Carly got glasses in January. She was so amazed at the details she can now see.

 Aubree and I take playing house pretty seriously. I had a baby this day. I've never had such an easy (and short) pregnancy and delivery. Aubree is such a proud big sister.

Aubree is famous now. She was in the newspaper a few weeks ago. (Story time at the library)

Ellie was baptized by Aaron on March 1st. It was a beautiful service. There were several people from our little branch there and several friends and neighbors who aren't LDS. We were especially grateful that Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Leon, and Nanny Nette and Grandpa could be there.

This is the only picture I have of Leon and Kathy here with us. So sad! Aaron and Kathy are doing family history and Leon is reading scriptures (pretty typical).

 Also while the grandparents were here we went to Newport, RI to the National Museum of American Illustrators. We love Newport! My parents stayed in a hotel while Aaron's parents were here, so the girls got to spend a couple nights at the hotel and go swimming. After Aaron's parents left my parents moved in with us for the next week and a half. They cooked, cleaned, fixed up, did laundry, entertained and spent quality time with the girls.

We also went to Haverhill, Mass to see the statue of Hannah Dustin (my 11th great grandma on my Dad's side). I wrote a post about her here. We also got a little pamphlet that told us her story and also included a letter she wrote to her church when she was much older. It was so cool because she included some of her favorite scriptures in it, and specifically which scripture she had in her mind during her captivity - Psalm 43 and Psalm 118:7. She said, "… I am Thankful for my Captivity, twas the Comfortablest time that ever I had; In my Affliction God made his Word Comfortable to me…" We had a family home evening lesson a couple days after visiting her statue about how trials can bring us closer to Heavenly Father and he can comfort us during hard times.

One morning Grandpa saw Aubree sitting on this bench and she explained to him that she was in timeout. So Grandpa held her on his lap and told her about a time when he was a little boy and tried to carve something and ended up cutting his hand. He also told her about how life was sometimes hard for him too when he was a little boy and how he liked to have his Mom hold him close and she would bounce him on her leg. (Now I know why my Dad likes to bounce his grandkids on his lap.) It was so sweet to see my Dad hold her close and show her such love and sympathy.

The picture hanging above my Dad is a puzzle that Ellie sent to Nanny Nette and Grandpa for Christmas. After they put it all together, my Dad "engineered" it into about 8 pieces, plus edges, and sent it back to us to put together and keep. (They have no where to put it now that they're homeless.) So, we put it together and then I glued it and framed it for Ellie's birthday.


We LOVED having family here - we are so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents for our kids!

Nine Years

Nine years ago I became a Mom. Even though it's full of frustrations and craziness and half the time I have no clue what I'm doing, it truly is my dream come true - I've ALWAYS wanted to be a Mom! When Carly was born I had no idea how quickly and how deeply I could love a little person, and I love her even more now! Unfortunately, I sometimes forget that I am living my dream. (I think I maybe pictured it with less yelling and drama.) :) But it's also better and more rewarding than I could imagine (and when I have perspective, even the frustrating moments are pretty funny). I really am so lucky to have three healthy, cute, smart, funny, sweet, full-of-personality little girls! I love this part of President Uchtdorf's talk from the October 2012 Conference: 

Doesn’t it seem foolish to spoil sweet and joyful experiences because we are constantly anticipating the moment when they will end? We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.”... There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.

So, I've been praying and trying to recognize my blessings and my happiness in the moment and I think I'm getting better at it. :)

For Carly's birthday this year she had a late-night movie party. Unfortunately it didn't quite turn out as she had planned which is kind of hard for someone who is a meticulous planner and perfectionist. And on top of that, there was one major party pooper (a girl who moped around and caused drama throughout the whole party). I wish I wouldn't have forgotten to take pictures of the party and decorations! :( But here are some recent pictures of Carly:

 Carly and her BFF - we are so glad that she and Carly are friends. They are only 4 days apart, but notice the height difference!

 Carly only asks me to do her hair about 3 times a year, so of course I had to take a picture. 

Opening some birthday presents before school.

Miss Carly the Writer

I found Carly writing these notes (happy-grams) to each of her classmates the other day.

She has also been reading her scriptures each night before bed. I can really tell that she is trying to do what's right - it's not easy, but she is definitely always trying to be better.

Carly is so good at creative writing. Here's an example of what I found on our whiteboard one day:

                              Ellie
This is Ellie. With all her heart, she loves to do art.
This is Ellie. Her skin is peach, she lives near the beach.
This is Ellie. Her hair is blond, she likes to visit the pond.
This is Ellie. Her eyes are blue, nothing new.
This is Ellie. She thinks school is cool.
This is Ellie. She is cute, unlike an ugly root.
This is Ellie. She always reads. She likes to play with beads.
This is Ellie. She has lots of friends, Ellie never ends.
This was Ellie.

by Carly Parson

The Important Thing About the Garden

This is a poem Carly wrote in school completely by herself - I was so impressed! (I did correct the spelling from the original.) There is an outdoor classroom/garden at her school that they get to spend some time at when it is nice weather, and that is what her poem is about.

The Important Thing About the Garden
by Carly Parson

The important thing about the garden is that is has VERY beautiful nature and all the things in the garden are beautiful.

All the butterflies' wings flap gently against the wind
as their colors shine brightly in the sun..

The shimmering water of the stream flows gently 
and the beautiful song of the wind chime sings softly in the wind.

The birdhouses hang high above the earth 
and the delicate, smooth petals of the flowers 
hang from their stems coming out of the earth.

But, the important thing about the garden is it has VERY beautiful nature and all the things in the garden are beautiful.

Carly's 8th Birthday and Baptism

Carly's first birthday surprise was the arrival of Nanny Nette and Grandpa, three days before her birthday. Nanny Nette and I made this cake for her. We got the recipe from the friend magazine - it was a cake that President Monson's mother would make for his birthday (which is also in August). It was really yummy and really easy to make too (of course Nanny Nette did most of it though).

 For her birthday she got a new outfit, a couple kickboards for the beach, some American Girl books, craft stuff, and money. Her biggest present (aside from having N. Nette and G'pa there) is gymnastic lessons for this next year. She is so talented when it comes to gymnastics (and a lot of other things too). She got a really sweet birthday present from her cousin Kali. Kali put together a slideshow with music and quotes about baptism and pictures of Carly from when she was a toddler to now. She sent the DVD of it with Nanny Nette and Grandpa. It was so awesome and so thoughtful - brought tears to my eyes!

The baptism was really small, just us and about a dozen other people, but it was still wonderful. We gave her a set of scriptures on her baptism day. Aaron and I also got a set of scriptures when we turned eight. I used my 8-yr-old scriptures until Aaron and I got married and he got me a set with my new last name on them. I'm sad that this is the only baptism picture I have! So many reasons (excuses) as to why this is the only one. But, anyway, isn't she cute?! We LOVE you Carly!!!

Hogle Zoo Field Trip

Today I went to the Hogle Zoo with Carly and her class. To be honest, I really don't like zoos - I feel bad for the animals and it's kind of stressful to keep track of the kids (whether they be my own or someone elses). But, it was good to be with Carly and she LOVES it when I volunteer for school things (and that makes me feel good). It's always fun to see my girls interact with their peers. Carly has such a magnetic personality - I was constantly hearing, "Carly, look at this...", "Carly, come with me", "Carly, listen to this...", etc. I could tell that her classmates really like her and that she's a good friend. 

Our group: Carly, Katrina, Kyra, Charly, and Abby



We tried to get a picture with some of their boy friends (not boyfriends), but one of the boys backed out at the last second. The boy Carly is standing next to is her favorite - Tate. He gave Carly the flower she's holding in her hand. :)

Carly's Art (age 7)

Some day I'm going to be really organized. And I'm going to have a box or file folder or something for my girls to keep all their favorite artwork in and then at the end of the year they can choose a few favorites to keep forever. As it is, most of their artwork mysteriously finds its way to the trash (much to the girls dismay). But I did take these pictures:

One day the girls were fighting more than usual and Carly was sent to her room.
When I came in later to check on her I found these "nice charts" on the walls.

"Carly my master Peace"
If you notice there is two of each flower - a mom and a baby.
And each one has a name - "the baby daisie, the purple daisie, the baby,
the bluebell, the shineing rose, the queen tulip, the prinses tulip"

Self-portrait

birthday list (she made this in March and her birthday is in August)
I love that she included a clean house on her list :)

This goes with the picture above.
"I onec [once] saw color wonder and coloring books at walmart" - LOL!!

She made this cool fan at a friend's house

Isn't she talented?! I think so!

Bedtime stories

The girls love to have Daddy tell them bedtime stories. Some he makes up and others are from books or movies he already knows that he'll make into a story for the girls. Well, a few nights ago he started telling them the story of Lord of the Rings. After the 3rd night of Lord of the Ring bedtime stories Carly was having a hard time sleeping peacefully. She finally came into our room and stood by my side. "Mom, I can't sleep".

I ask, "Why? Are you scared?"

"Yeah"

Then the fateful question, "Have you been thinking of Lord of the Rings?"

I have never seen Carly move so fast! She scurried into our bed and into the covers between us faster than I could say Gollum!

She started whimpering and said, "Mom! Don't say that!" (just the mention of it scared the "living daily wicks"* out of her).

So, we have decided to re-introduce the story when they're a little older.


* "living daily wicks" is Carly's version of "Living daylights" :)




Another Favorite Bedtime story


Carly LOVES Calvin and Hobbes. She usually just reads it to herself, but sometimes Daddy reads it to her. Ellie and Aubree enjoy listening in occasionally.

Don't we all feel this way sometimes?

(I guess Carly was feeling kind of picked on.)

Visiting the Wakefields

It was so fun to visit the Wakefields at their home in St. George - they are such awesome friends. We go back a long way - Shawna and I since we were 5, and Aaron and Curt since Jr. High. With them, we can always pick up where we left off - it's great! We arrived Thursday night and pretty much just went to bed. Then...


Friday, Aaron was nice enough to watch all 7 of the kids in the afternoon while Shawna and I went shopping. We made sure to stop by Sweet tooth Fairy for a treat too. I discovered the yummiest way to eat a tortilla while there - grill the cheese on both sides of one tortilla, then fill it up with fresh tomatoes, lettuce and ranch dressing - YUM!!! Shawna insisted Aaron bring his guitar (reminiscent of the good ol' college days.) Curt had to drive Aaron to the store to buy a new string so we could hear him play. His hands were sore because he hadn't played in awhile and then he played a lot while he was there.
For dinner we had some yummy BBQ beef...
Here we are having a little picnic in the backyard.

(these pics are out of chronological order) The last night there we watched the replay of the BYU game - they lost.

We went on a double date to the Tuacan theater where we watched Grease. It is an awesome outdoor theater. Curt is a seminary teacher at the high school at Tuacan, so we got free tickets. It was so fun to be there.


We went on a hike on Saturday by Tuacan High School/Theater. St. George is so beautiful!! I love the red hills, and also the background of "regular" mountains - so so pretty!

Adults and kids alike had a great time at the playground we went to on Friday night. Although, Shawna and I both left with injuries - I seriously thought I broke my knee cap.

The kids all got along really well too. Heidi and Carly left with promises to be pen pals.

As a side note, Heidi said something very profound and true after we left their house. Carly and Heidi did something they weren't supposed to do (I don't remember what). After we left, Shawna talked to Heidi about it and told her that she should have let Carly know that they weren't supposed to do whatever it was. Heidi replied: "Carly's not really the type of girl you tell what to do."

More Fridge Quotes

April 20, 2011
Carly had a friend over (Hariet). Carly asked her, "Do you bite your fingernails?" Hariet answered, "Um, not really". Then Carly admitted, "I do, and I bite my toe nails and I pick my nose."

May 2011
While driving in the car as a family one Sunday Carly said, "I feel so sorry for Mommy. Soon Aubree will be at school and me and Ellie. And Daddy will have to go to work. Mommy will be home all alone." (Aaron and I exchange a knowing look.) Then trying to sound more upbeat Carly says, "She'll have a mommy relationship with Mom. She can go grocery shopping." And then it was as if a light bulb lit up in her head. She continued, "We'll come home and there'll be chocolate smeared all over her face, laundry not done, and she'll be drinking a soda."

June 17, 2011
We were watching Oliver and Co." as a family and we watched the part where the little girl is practicing the piano. After the song was over Carly said matter-of-factly, "I don't think she needs to practice!"

Sometimes I wish we lived in a bubble

Carly and Ellie were playing Barbie's with one of their friends (who is a little more educated then they are). This was the conversation I overheard:

friend: "...and you stole my boyfriend that I was going to marry..."
Carly: "okay, I married him"
friend: "and then I whisper 'she cheated on you' "
Carly: [a little confused] "I never cheat when I play games!"
At this point I jump in: "How about you pretend that your barbies are all friends and that they went to a circus together."

They're only 5! Is anyone else a little nervous about the sophistication of little kids these days? I love Carly's response - I just wish I could keep her innocent forever!

Happy 5th Birthday Carly Nicole!!!

Flashback to 5 years ago....

It was 16 days before the due date and I went in to my regular doctor's appointment. We were living in Rexburg at the time and I wanted to go to Utah for a family reunion with my siblings that weekend. Well, the doctor told me I wouldn't be going to Utah, but instead I would be going to the hospital (I was dilated to a 6 and didn't even know I was in labor). Ha ha!!

Well, NINE, exchrutiatingly painful hours later (with pitocin and without an epidural!) Carly Nicole was born. I never knew that I could fall in love with someone so fast - truly love at first sight!!! She was 6 lb 12oz and perfectly healthy. We had a hard time naming her. We couldn't decide between Nicole or Carly so we made Nicole her middle name. (We also liked the names Kelly and Aubree.)

I wish I had some baby pictures of her on our computer...maybe next year. But, here are some recent pictures of the little cutie.

For her birthday this year my parents came and took us to Lagoon. The girls of course LOVED it!

Even though Carly is barely old enough to go to kindergarten we decided (a long time ago) that we would hold her back. This way she won't be the shortest of the shortest when she starts school - she'll just be average-short :). And her and Ellie will only be a year apart in school which will be nice for them I think.

Today she woke up so excited that it was her birthday. She was sure that because she turned 5 she would finally be able to read. So, she picks up one of her books and starts reading it (the story line was right, but the words weren't exact) :). She is getting really close to reading on her own though. She knows all the letters' sounds and can sound out short phonetic words. She loves to write things with my help and just loves to learn in general. Aaron and I seriously think she's a genius (it's her birthday, so it's okay if I brag, right?).

She is the most amazing little singer - memorizes songs SO easily and has perfect pitch! The primary presidency is always commenting on how well she sings and they asked if she would sing a solo for the primary program this year.

Well, I could just go on and on about how smart and cute and wonderful Carly is, but I need to get ready for church. And chances are some of you are getting bored with this already (could it be possible?).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLY!

Quotes from the Fridge (VII)

(I keep a piece of paper on the fridge for the purpose of writing down the funny/cute things the girls say.)

-A few days ago I was in the bathroom with Ellie as she was going potty. I heard quite the explosion and asked her if she needed some privacy. "Yeah," she grunted, "I'm doing a balleriah".

-Carly and Ellie were watching "The Restoration" movie (First Vision/Joseph Smith Story) last night. At one point in the movie Joseph asks his father, "How does a person know if they are saved?" Carly quickly answered for him, "Well, if you just fall off a cliff and someone catches you then you'll know you're saved." (What a little smarty :))

An Entertaining Story...

At preschool today Carly and Gabe took turns making up this story:

"Once upon a time there lived some humans and they were not poor. One day a horrible snow monster came and threw snowballs at the humans. The humans got some hot chocolate and poured it on the terrible snow monster. The snow monster died. The humans went to bed. The next morning the humans got married and then they had children. Then they ate a giant computer and lived happily ever after (but they got sick from the computer)."

The End

An illustration by Carly

(The human is throwing a snowball back at the snow monster)

My friend, Sara, was the teacher today - Thanks Sara!

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The other day Ellie had me come in their room with my eyes closed. The suprise is that Carly was all dressed up and ready to dance. She loves to dance and she really feels the music!

Of course Ellie had to have a turn too.

Carly

Playing catch with her Care Bear - I love her genuine smile!

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After Aunt Angela painted her face to look like a princess - she was so excited!

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She loves to hug her new baby sister. This is after she just gave my tummy a zerbert.

(Another "real" smile that I just love)

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So, the other day I was cleaning the toilet and Carly came in and asked what I was doing. I told her I was cleaning the toilet and she looked at me and said, "You're brave Mom."



(I think so too.)