Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I have been a BAAAAD blogger!

I have completly neglected my blog. I have missed all of you and can't wait to get caught up on all of my favorite blogs!!! I don't want to give myself too much credit, but some of you may have been wondering where I have been lately. Things at the Carter house have been a little busy. As most of you know, Craig is pretty much always gone this time of year. The indoor track season just came to an end and he is beginning the outdoor season. Makenzie recently told us she would like to go back to Utah and spend a few months. Of course Ragan wanted in on that plan so we worked on arranging a trip for her since she was about to have her spring break. Then, with both of the girls in Utah, Craig decided that I needed to go with him to the indoor championship meet in Texas. He just booked the ticket and told me I was leaving.....bless his heart. He knows me too well. He knows that if given the choice, I would have found several excuses NOT to go. But, trip was appealing to me as my little brother, Jay lives in Texas and we have not seen him and his family for a few years. So begins my catch up post....if you are not up for a photo laden post, it might be best to turn away now....:) We recently got a little package from Mark. He has not been able to email any pictures because the internet system is very primitive where he is at. So he sent us a disk with over 400 pictures and videos on it. We were thrilled to see them!! Here are just a few.... He and his companion, Elder McRae, have had many adventures together.... Aren't these kids the most adorable things you have ever seen???? Here is a shot of his shoes, before and after his walking 20 miles a day.... Mark is saying goodbye to his MTC companion. While we were in Texas, we were able to spend a couple of days with my brother and his family. I think his kids are about the cutest there is. This is little Luke (age 3). Our hotel had a nice indoor pool and hot tub. Since the weather was very cold and rainy, no one, except us, felt like swimming! They had never been to Pei Wei so we took them.... While at the indoor championship track meet, we caught up with one of Craigs former throwers. She threw for Craig at Utah State University and now is married and lives in Texas. She is from Denmark and holds a few of the school records at USU. She married one of the other coaches there who is now the head track coach at Sam Houston State. They have two beautiful boys HEre is Craig with a couple of his athletes..... Zack took 3rd place and is ranked 4th in the world. He is a great big boy (6'4" and 330lbs.). He makes Craig look like a bitty little thing. He also coaches Megan who is pretty "big" in her own right. She is over 6 ft. tall, too! Zacks wife, Nicole also competed in the track meet. We celebrated Mark and Makenzies birthday at Pei Wei this year. It was hard not having Mark there, especially for Makenzie. It was the first time she celebrated her birthday without her twin. At Pei Wei, they have a great big bowl full of fortune cookies. Craig grabbed a big handful and to our surprise, we found a package with TWO cookies in it! We laughed about it, saying it was Mark and Makenzie! We saved it and sent it to Mark in a package! (**This is not how we looked when we found out we were having twins! haha!) Well, I am off to prepare for preschool. I hope all is well with all of you!

14 comments:

Janene said...

Jo-Anne~So glad that you are back posting again!
It sounds like everyone is very busy!
Your family is so great!

Branden and Melissa said...

I LOVE those pics of Mark and the children, they are so precious! Tell him I said Hi! I'm glad you are all doing good. I wish I was in Utah to hang out with Makenzie!

Julie said...

Hi Jo-Anne---love the photos of Mark. If only those shoes could talk. So glad you could get-away with your hubby. Hope you're having a great day. Julie

Jalene said...

Oh my gosh!!!! Those pictures of Mark are amazing. I almost started to cry. He looks like he's doing so well. I'm so proud of my nephew! And I'm hoping to see Makenzie tonight up in Logan. Love you guys!

Thimbleanna said...

Glad you're checking in. Love the pictures of Mark -- looks like he's having a wonderful mission!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

How sweet to get that photo laden disc! It must have been wonderful.

What a neat trip to go on to spend time with Craig in Texas. Glad you are back now - we missed you!

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

Wow Jo-Anne! You have been wayyyyyy busy! Life huh. Love the Pictures of Elder Carter. Missions are Amazing! :-) And what every moms of a missionary wants, a disc packed full of pictures of her missionary child!!!!! Yeah! Wahoo!!! Oh Ya...umhum umhum!! What a coolie gift to get in the mail! I'm going with my DH in may for a week to a work related training, can't wait!!!! Glad you got ot go to Texas. Wise husband to just get the tickets! LOL. And to visit a brother and his family? Good times for sure! HAPPY SPRING!!♥

Andrea said...

Those pictures of Mark and the native children are priceless. It brought back fond memories of all the little Korean kiddos that would hang all over me. Sigh...
Glad you were able to join Craig on his trip. Getting away together is such a great thing! : )

Makenzie said...

mommy dearest...
I have to correct you on something..
You, Ragan & I went to Chilies for my birthday. The pei wei one was for Dad's bday. you silly goose! haha
Miss you.. hope all is well in TUC-SON!

Jo-Anne said...

Wow....I am really losing my ever loving mind! It was Craigs birthday, not M&M's. I don't know what I was thinking! Sorry Mak...

familywithfivekids said...

So great to read this post! I've missed your posts. You have been so busy - it seems with all good things! Fabulous photos of Mark's mission - wow! Such wonderful things he is doing. I also love the picture of you and Craig - very cute couple!

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

I've missed you JoAnn!

Love the pictures of Mark. He looks so happy! I can't believe he walks 20 miles a day! Whew!

Have a great weekend!

Tammy

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

you are NOT a bad blogger! from what I see and am currently experiencin, quite a few people out here in blogland aretaking 'breaks'. it is a busy time and most of us have many things on our minds. I must admit though--I love seeing Mark's pictures and knowing he is well and looking happy. The birthdays pictures are super and I know Mark will be thrilled to get the twin cookie.
I love the handstitch works you are teasing with. I have alot of ideas but I'm working furiously to finish this lap quilt that I plan to hand quilt. I don't know what I'll use for a frame but I'll figure out something!
Enjoy this time with Craig.
Always thinking of you and yours.....

TrishAnderson said...

Mark is already not a huge guy. I wonder what he will look like at walking 20 miles a day. I don't think I have ever seen him look so happy! Hope TX was good to you. I agree with others that you were definitely in need of a big break. Way to go Craig on just scheduling the flight!