Just chilling

Here are a few pictures of my boys...

This kid loves to paint

See the paint on his hands?
Waking up from his 1 hour nap... sigh...
Maybe we can snuggle for a minute...
NOPE. See Mom come out and play
Hinks at teeball practice
Coming in from hitting a ball

School or BE schooled

Okay so this beautiful, handsome little boys is going to start kindergarden like in 5 short months. UGH. Can we say mixed emotions?! YES!

I never really understood why parents cried at the first day of school until I had my OWN child headed off to bully land. I always thought to myself what a wonderful opportunity for a child to grow and learn why would you hold them back? But my thoughts now turn to the fact that my sweet precious little naive boy will be going to school with 12 year olds! I am worried that he will get bullied. I am worried that he wont have friends! I worried he will have nobody to sit next to at lunch! I worried his teacher wont like him. NOW to add to my worries....

So the zoning here in New Mexico is like stupid. Why do they have a single wide trailers right next to $400,000 houses? I dont know. So Even though 75% of our area goes to the RIGHT school KGE (Katherine Galagos Elementary), the actual NICE homes go to the dumpy school (RGE) Raymond Gabaldon) that is further away that DIDN'T PASS the state standards! URGH! So since kindergarden registration is NEXT week I have been on the quest to get a school transfer. I have been to just about every building at the district and talked to a dozen people. Been to 3 different schools, filled out paperwork and blah blah blah. And we will not know if he is accepted to another school until right before school starts! I would love for him to go to KGE or better yet SUNDANCE. You know when you walk into an elementary school and it smells of sweaty kids? Well NOT at Sundance. Its beautiful and new.

PLUS I had a little run in with the secretary at RGE the school he is suppose to go to. What is it with people who are unpatriotic and rude?! Anyway... HERE is to hoping he gets into a better school!

Kissing my babes

One of my favorite things in the world is kissing my boys after they have gone to sleep. The only thing I would want more is to kiss my 3 boys after they have gone to sleep. OH I have sweet boys!

Just wanted to let you know

This post is going to be a bit of a vent. SO BEWARE! It is not intended to hurt anybodies feelings but this is an opportunity for me to share my heart about something dear to me. And you as somebody who knows me should know this about me.

(this was 4th of July a few years back with our friends doing sparklers)

I LOVE AMERICA! I love it. I LOVE AMERICA. I may not agree with all the policies, wars, leaders, etc. BUT I love America. Now do I think America is the only great country? NO! I just feel so much pride and happiness LIVING in America. I feel blessed to have the privilege of walking on sovereign ground. To worship how I please. To have clean water, a good sturdy roof over my head, paved streets, the use of technology, the ability to get from one point of the country all the way across the continent in 4 or 5 hours if I need to, to be able to pray or speak the way I want to. I love that I am able to walk hand in hand with my children down the street and my husband too! I love that my husband can walk side by side with me and not in front of me. I love that my children have a chance to go to public school and college. I love that we have job opportunities (even if they are scarce right now). I love that I have gas to drive my car on the road... Okay you get the idea right?

(Hinks looks so young in this picture, but it is one of my favorites!)

I love that we have men and women who are willing to sacrifice SO MUCH to be in harms way so we can live a relatively peaceful and happy life. I have a new found respect and love for those who have served in the past and present and those who will continue to serve in the future. I have met men and women who have lost body parts, eye sight, hearing, the ability to love all in the name sake of war. I have been humbled by these meetings. I thank my Father in Heaven for my blessings. I recently read an article on PTSD (if you dont know what it is look it up). My eyes were soared open to this horrible tragedy that people go through. IT IS REAL! These men and women who go over to the sandbox SEE HORRIBLE things. Some get to the point that their "natural" high can only be obtained in a war zone. Can you imagine going from getting a natural high by going out with your family to the movies VS getting your high shooting and killing somebody? Some can't even leave their own apartments out of FEAR! It is a horrible disease that is affecting our soldiers!

(this was when Troy came home from basic and AIT!)

We haven't even mentioned how hard it is on when a soldier deploys! Do we even need to go there? Have I ever told you that no matter how tired I am I can not go to bed until after 10pm? You would probably be surprised to know the answer. If your soldier is killed in action they can not knock on your door to tell you after 10pm. NOW I KNOW TROY IS COMING HOME. NO DOUBT IN MY MIND. But it is psychological thing. My 4 year old wakes up in the middle of the night crying for his daddy. He asks me usually about once a day if his daddy is coming home safe. Even though I reassure him about ten times a day. Can you imagine the stress and anxiety this 4 year old has been through? Do I even need to say that my almost 18 month will not even know his daddy when he comes home? So much he has missed out on. Hinckleys first day of SCHOOL, Chandlers first words... Okay enough!

Why am I venting about this? Well, because I want you to know I AM PROUD TO BE AMERICAN. If you aren't then get the heck out of America. Don't criticize or ridicule people who love America. Majority of them have a reason to be proud. If somebody wants to color their house like the flag WHO CARES! If somebody wants to name their daughter Liberty because they feel it is an important part of who they are WHO CARES!

(Troy and the daddy bear the Hinckley has to sleep with EVERY NIGHT!)

I have 3 friends who have lost their loved ones to war. 1 a finance, 1 a spouse, and 1 a son. These are dear and good friends who I LOVE. So what if they plaster all of their mini-van in remembrance of so and so. Or have a big sign in their front yard that reads, "Are you thankful for your freedom? THANK YOUR MILITARY!" Don't you think we should have enough respect to not be judgmental of people who love America? You never know what trials or things they have been through. Maybe they are a refuge from Colombia who lived through drug wars, or a 63 year old man who lost his wife in the Vietnam war, or maybe just an average joe thankful to be American.

(A goodbye that would last 8 months!)

We are alive

So like I said in a previous post I have some pictures I want to share but cant because my dang droid is stupid.

But a few weeks ago we had the privilege to go see the play OKLAHOMA. We got in free through the hearts apart program. Hinckley LOVED IT! It wasn't really age appropriate but man he LOVED IT! We are so doing more plays in the future!

We've done a lot of babysitting lately for people who are in our ward who are struggling. It has truly been a blessing to do this service. You would think watching 6 extra kids would be great birth control but it was anything but!

We have all been sick. Like I have been dead dog sick. You know the aches, sinus, cough, BLAH kind of sick. So have both of my boys! We stayed in all last week.

I had an MRI on my knee this week, I am very anxious to hear the results. I MISS MY RUNNING. Like its a missing piece of me.

I am no longer going to girls camp for our ward because I will not have a babysitter for the boys. I am a bit sad about it. BUT I really think it was a blessing. I can't share much about it on here but I am still thankful I am in YW's.

I LOVE MY GIRLS! I have been able to do some one on one time with some of the girls and it has been a treasure for me. We had a fashion show last week too and the girls had SO MUCH FUN! I am truly blessed to be apart of this organization.

SO how are you guys doing? Are you all surviving? I can't even remember the last time I checked my blogs I like to read. Hmmm.... I kind of miss that!

will you marry me?

So I know I have like a million updates but tonight I have to tell you the sweetest thing. We had our neighbor over tonight Sam she is 12 and her niece Lexie who is the same exact age as Chandler. Hinckley goes up to Sam and says, "Sam when I get to be a big, strong man, will you marry me?" Oh it warmed my heart. Oh man I needed that tender mercy today. Love my boys! I LOVE MY BOYS!

Speaking of boys.... we have an official release date for R&R, ITS GOING TO EPIC! I TELL YOU EPIC!

A much needed visit

My brother Rob and his wife Julia and their 5 kids came for a visit this past weekend. We had a lot of fun. I love their kick back attitude and easy going style. Hinckley LOVED playing with all his cousins. He thought it was just great to play all day with play mates. My nieces retaught me how to make key chains with gimp. We really enjoyed the weekend and I guess that is why I do not have a ton of pictures.

This is at our favorite place Explora!

We built the St. Louis arch, literally a second after I snapped this picture it fell.

I have other pictures on my phone but I can't upload them on here. GRRR!!!!! I HATE ANYTHING NOT APPLE. Like HATE my droid with a every fiber of my being!

Pet Peeves

So I just want to vent for a minute.

1. I can not stand when I see people on motorcycles with NO HELMETS. Even more peeved when I see a guy with a girl on the back with no helmet. If you are stupid enough to get on a motorcycle be safe for goodness sake!

2. I think it is freaky when people put HUGE GIGANTIC flowers on their baby girls head. I think it looks weird. Maybe that will change if I have a girl of my own but I just do not see putting a flower bigger than Texas on a babys head.

3. Why can't Jimmer just be dead on like all the time? Why is he hot, hot, hot one night and the next a let down? URGH! Come on BYU basketball!

Okay the end for now.

What did you do on St. Patties day?

I love St. Patrick's Day! I love almost all holidays! The leprechaun came in the night and left her mark just like last year! See the results!

The loot she left!

The note and green stuff she left in Hinks room
Oh man did she leave a mark! He kept moving his head....
She got chandler too
He thought he was funny by climbing up a ladder
Lucky charms for breakfast with green milk!

I took my girls out for a picnic and some play time at the park for spring break!

Playing in PJ's

We are LOVING THE NICE WARM ALMOST 80 degree weather! The boys play outside a lot and so does momma. If you know me I love to be comfortable. So I wear comfy pants all the time that could include stretchy pants or PJ's. Yes I am still fat and I still wear stretchy pants...

OH this picture of Hinckley takes my breath away. He is so handsome!

Troy sent the boys this rocket thing and Chandler LOVES IT!
See he knows how to do it
stomp!
And again!
And again
and again
yes I am wearing my PJ's a riding a wiggly car
CHEESE!

Best Grandmas in the world!

I have to say my kids are so blessed. Grandma Carter sent a very nice surprise to Hinckley. He loves it!

This kid LOVES LOVES LOVES packages!

He was so giddy
YAHOO!
SCORE!
This awesome train! THANKS GRANDMA!

Busy days ahead

Well, I really do have so many things to be thankful for! I am busy with my family and my calling. I LOVE Los Lunas. I LOVE IT here. I have found true and good friends.

Tomorrow is gonna be busy:

Ward Council

Church

I teach the YW again this Sunday

Class Presidency Meeting

BYC

AND VT

PHEW! I am just tired thinking about it. So off to bed I go. It is technically 10pm thanks to day light savings.

Just doesn't make sense

So I guess I should clarify my statement do I think war is worth the cost. In some aspects I do. Do I believe in this Iraq war, NO! I think it is time for us to get out. Do I think it is worth all the lives lost on both sides? NO! DO I think we need to meddle in everyones business? NO!

But I do have to say it is worth it for me right now that we will be completely debt free and a nice savings account. And that my family has health insurance. And I get to be a stay at home mom.

Okay now that I have clarified that a bit on to my rant...

It's been no secret that Troy (and myself) have struggled with weight. The only difference is my job doesn't depend on it. Troys job does! Let me explain, according to the army Troy is suppose to weigh 211 pounds. Well, if you know my husband well that will NEVER HAPPEN. He has way too much muscle to weigh 211 pounds. Did you see my video of him pulling the MRAP? Since he is over that weight he is flagged. Meaning he can not receive promotions, ribbons, etc. He is up for promotion and some awards too but will not receive them because of his flag. I do not agree with that because I feel that if you earned the dang award or promotion you deserve it.

NOW. HERE IS THE KICKER. What really REALLY REALLY pisses me off and yes I am using that strong of a word is this. Now I can understand the not passing weight, really I can. But if a solider can PASS the PT test there should be NO question on whether or not they should be allowed in the army. Now I am not talking just passing the PT test I mean PASSING IT WITH FLYING COLORS. He has NEVER NOT passed the PT test.

So a few things have come out this week from the head retards there. And yes if this all happens we are going to every news network and talk show that will take us and it will be a good story that will get a lot of attention.

1. That if the soldiers are not within height/weight measurements by the time they get back to Idaho this fall those soldiers will be DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED. Do you know what it means to be dishonorably discharged? Well, let me tell you. You will never be able to work for the government and every application or job you apply for anywhere you have to say you were discharged and of course there is no explanation so for all they know you could have been given to boot because you killed somebody. So there goes just about every job.

2. You have to pay back any or all bonus you received. Ummm... NO. Troy earned that. You are NOT going to take that away.

3. Even though my husband will have spent 16 months away from his family in a country that HATES Americans, putting his life on the line every FREAKING DAY he will receive no awards or ribbons. It will be like he never even served overseas. Now majority of the guys who are over there with Troy never leave the wire. Troy and a a few other guys do often. They go in unsafe territory a lot. HE deserves every award and ribbon he earns there.

So let me put his perspective. Out of 12 guys in Troys section only 2 passed the last PT test. Troy and this kid Brighton. 2/12 but guess who will receive their promotions and awards? THE KIDS WHO DIDN'T PASS THE FREAKING PT BUT WHO LOOK THE PART. Not my husband who ran a 5K in 23 minutes. Or who can bench press 350 pounds... Its the kid who if in a real situation had to run a mile with a 180 pound injured kid on his back would have to take a cigarette break and fall out 50 feet into it.

I think if a kid can't pass PT then kick them out after a certain time. But if they are passing the PT and passing it well. LEAVE THEM ALONE and their family!

So we may have a huge fight ahead of us. But I believe we will cause some waves. I just do not understand it. I am just thankful I have my best friend next to me to go through it together.

Guess who is coming home?!

So in approximately 3.5 weeks my handsome and amazing hero will steps off an airplane and into my arms! I am so excited I can hardly wait. I do not think I have ever been so excited in my life. I have butterflies like I have never had before. It is going to be epic! In all honesty I wish I could just whisk him away for the 2 weeks and go into hiding... BUT we will be like normal human beings and do some pretty fun stuff. There are a lot of protocols when it comes to the military and homecomings and such. We are going to break a few of them... Not that we want to or that we think it will be better but we are going to make some lasting memories together.

So Mr. Troy Carter you have just spent 8 months away from your family what are you going to do next?!

GO TO DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR 3 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are taking some great parentals with us too...

I love this picture because it shows their true heart... They like to laugh!

My boys wanna do this.....

Yes... Camping. Do I like to camp? HECK NO! But as long as I am with my babies I dont care! Plus I need some practice because I am going camping with my girls this summer.

We plan to read, jump, dance, cry, laugh, play until our bodies literally force us to go to bed. It's going to be the best 2 weeks of our lives... hold your horses people because its going to be one amazing ride! I CAN'T WAIT!

On a side note... Have you seen this TV show? We haven't had TV in 4 years but since I am living with momma poppa we get TV. And I am enjoying like a few shows... But this show is absolutely AMAZING! LIKE AMAZING! You must see it. Oh and bring your tissues too. CLICK THE LINK BELOW!

http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/coming-home/video/previews/coming-home-preview

A look back in time

So I thought I lost all the photos on my computer. I was DEVASTATED!!!!!!!!! Thank goodness I found them. And as I was looking through them I found some oldies but goodies. Hinks saw this picture and said, Oh look mom Chandler.... NOPE its him! The only difference is the hair color!

ready, ready, ready, ready, ready to RUN!

So I went for another run today. I was pleasantly surprised that my knee didn't give out. I still had pain but thank goodness I made it all the way through it. I am a bit depressed on my time and that I only did 2 miles. BUT that is 2 miles more than yesterday. I love running. I love it, I love it, I love it. I think I have made this special connection with it because it is my time to run my mind out. Literally I process so much stuff while I run. And now that I am in charge of a special group of 12 & 13 year olds who are absolutely AMAZING I have so much more on my mind. I have a million things running in my head all at once.

I was happy when I got on the scale before my run that I haven't gained any weight in the last 6 weeks. That makes me happy. So tomorrow its time to hit the pavement again. I have a feeling my knee is going to struggle but we will see! WISH ME LUCK!

Things that I love to do

I love, LOVE, LOVE hanging out with my kids. One of our favorite things is to play outside. I think sometimes we are out there so long we forget we are outside! My parents have a perfect backyard to play in. A ton of concrete which is fabulous for riding bikes, scooters, and practicing playing ball. They have bit of gravel so the boys can dig and bury things and play construction. We have a good old time outside. And I am SO GLAD its nice outside so we can play. I hear that NM has a windy season coming up so we will enjoy it while we can!

He was standing on a rock. He loves standing on things to be taller!

See the rock?!
Hinckley was practicing his motorcycle skills
Hi, MOM!
See his skills?
The other one has skills too
vroom, vroom!
CRASH! BOOM!
Hello handsome!
My boys are buddies