So much to be thankful for.

It really has been a month since my last post.

I didn't think it was that long,

but hopefully these next photos will help everyone forget all about my generally incompetent blogging.

I am pleased to announce the arrival of our sweet grandson,

Cooper Matthew Carter.

 

He graced the world with his presence in the early morning of September 22nd.

He was (and still is) the epitome of perfection. 

He is such a good baby.

He hardly cries and sleeps very well. 

Here he is today.

2 months have flown by. 

Love isn't a big enough word to describe what we feel for him.

:)

With this being the month of Thanksgiving celebrations around the country, I have been pondering the many things that I am thankful for. I have made an extra effort lately to thank my Heavenly Father for all of my blessings.....those that I recognize and also those I  miss.

I am blessed with.....

 a wonderful family that just increased by one-

and that it is eternal.

a husband that loves and supports his family.

wonderful, smart, kind and  healthy children.

a job that lets me love other peoples children.

friends that give way more than they receive.

extended family that care for and love my children.

the knowledge I have of my Heavenly Father and my Savior.

our comfortable home.

my life.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

I

Wedding photos

We recently got the CD's with all the wedding pictures on them.

Luckily we have a wonderful photographer in the family. She is my youngest sister. She hooked us up with the "family discount" and told Makenzie and Kyle she would take their wedding photos as a gift to them. We are so grateful and she did an AMAZING job.

We are also grateful that she was patient with our crazy family and our inability to stop messing around in all the pictures. 

She took over 1,000 pictures so this is just a small sampling of them.

If you would like to go over to her blog, she has a link to her photography blog there, too.

She doesn't just do weddings, so of you live in Utah and need any kind of baby, graduation, missionary or family pictures taken, let her know! :)

Both sets of proud parents.....

 (Those are her REAL eyelashes, by the way....)

Mark and Makenzie. You don't know how many pictures I have with this same pose. :)

And, a couple of my favorite......

L-R-Craig, Kyle, Ragan, Makenzie, Mark, Me, Cameron and Crystal

My beautiful girls.....:)

Calling all turkeys!

Let me be clear....I am not calling any of you a turkey.

It's just that I love the whole "turkey" theme of Thanksgiving.

I love putting my turkey's out to display after storing away all the remnants of Halloween.

This little guy is one of my favorites.

And, this big fabric turkey makes me happy when I bring him out of the storage bin and sit him on the shelf. He is holding a rather large sign, but I think he's doing a great job at it.

I would like to believe that he is personally reminding us to remember to be thankful! :)

I love the turkey theme so much that I dedicate a whole preschool day to turkeys.

I call it.....(wait for it....) TURKEY DAY!

We make our own little turkey puppet to sing with one of my favorite Thanksgiving songs.

Albuquerque the Turkey

sung to "My Darlin, Clementine"

It goes a little something like this.....

Albuquerque, he's my turkey,

And he's feathered and he's fine.

And he wobbles and he gobbles,

And I'm awfully glad he's mine.

He's the best pet that you'll ever get,

Better than a dog or cat,

Albuquerque, he's my turkey,

And I'm awfully glad of that.

Albuquerque, he's my turkey,

He's so cozy in his bed,

Because for our Thanksgiving dinner,

We had scrambled eggs instead.

I know you will be singing this little ditty all day long now.

But.....just go with it.

 :):):)

a Wise Woman

I wanted to share with you some words of wisdom from the wife of our former prophet,

Gordon B. Hinckley. 

I loved these quotes and hope you do too.

No matter what your religion is, these profound words are applicable to all.

"If you don't think every day is a good day, try missing one."

"Be a Mother who is committed to loving her children into standing on higher ground than the environment surrounding them.

Mother's are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley





"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"The family is eternal. Love must be nurtured. It must be spoken. We must put away our pride, our haughtiness, our shyness, our misunderstandings, and with humility say, "I love you. Is there something I can do to help you?" You can never be completely happy under any other circumstances."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley
 
 
 



"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

 "Think about your particular assignment at this time in your life. It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children, it may be to be a grandparent, it may be to care for an relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own. Our assignments are varied and they change from time to time. Don't take them lightly. Give them your full heart and energy. Do them with enthusiasm. Do whatever you have to do this week with your whole heart and soul. To do less than this will leave you with an empty feeling."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley
 
 
 
 
"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead"


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"We are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young, and hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old...We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other. These friendships are a necessary source of sustenance. We need to renew our faith every day. We need to lock arms and help build the kingdom so that it will roll forth and fill the whole earth."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley
 
 
 
 
 
"I know it is hard for you young mothers to believe that almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with your husband. You had better be sure you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley





"As we got closer to marriage, I felt completely confident that Gordon loved me. But I also knew somehow that I would never come first with him. I knew I was going to be second in his life and that the Lord was going to be first. And that was okay. It seemed to me that if you understood the gospel and the purpose of our being here, you would want a husband who put the Lord first."


-Marjorie Hinckley
 
 
 
 
"The grand and the simple. They are equally wonderful."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley
 
 



"The thing about growing old is that when you wake up with a new pain, you can just about count on it becoming a permanent part of your life!"

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley


 
 



"There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again. But even these years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley




"With intellectual curiosity the world will always be full of magic and wonder."
-Marjorie Pay Hinckley



"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.


I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.


I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.


I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someones garden.


I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.


I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley



Take care, my blog friends.
Have a wonderful day! :)

Happy Easter Morning

Jesus has risen,

Jesus, our friend.

Joy fills our hearts;

He lives again.

Praises we sing to him, This Easter time.

Jesus has risen,

Savior, divine.

Jesus has risen,

Savior divine!

I woke up this morning with these words going through my mind. The words are from a song that I learned in junior Sunday School many, many years ago.

The words touched my heart as I sang this little song in my mind.

I am so very grateful for a Savior who was willing to die for me so that I have the opportunity to live again.

I am thankful that he took upon himself all the sins of the world that I could have the opportunity to repent and be forgiven.

Happy day!

With a Thankful Heart

I tend to be an early riser most days. As I lay in bed this morning, I pondered over the many, many things that I am thankful for. As I thought of one thing, another thing immediately popped into my head. While I try to live a thankful life and truly recognize my blessings, I was still overwhelmed by the number of things that so easily came to mind. With a thankful heart, I jotted down this short list.... My family, which is eternal. My siblings, all of whom I miss very much. My parents, who love and support. My children, who are so good and kind and true. My husband, who loves me despite all my imperfections. Missionaries and their willingness to serve. My Savior and his atoning sacrifice for me. My Heavenly Father, who continues to give me trials so that I can grow. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, that allows me to know where I came from, why I am here and where I am going. The peace I receive from this knowledge. Everyday that I have in this life to learn and grow. The written word of the prophets that guides me everyday. Friends, old and new. Our sweet animals that teach us of unconditional love. The perfect knowledge I have of our Heavenly Fathers love for us. My ability to do so many things and recognize where that comes from. Health of body and mind. The example of others, both good and bad. Our comfortable home. Employment, and the fact that I really want for nothing. Opposition, that I may appreciate and recognize the "good things" when they happen. My free agency. The Freedom of living in a country that I can live/worship how I please. The people who fought for those freedoms, in the past, today and in the future. ***************************************************************************** My list is endless, but today this is what is foremost in my mind. May all who read this know how thankful I am for you. Enjoy your day with family and friends. Be thankful--- Jo-Anne

A day in the life.....

Wow. Sometimes that's the only word to describe life. I have been pondering a lot about life lately. Where I am, where I've been and where I need to be...spiritually, emotionally, physically. I have been, without a doubt, so very blessed. I really have a great life. My husband is great. Sometimes I find myself a bit taken aback when I realize just how much he loves me. Especially when our lives could have ended up decidedly different. When we were much younger, there were about a hundred times that I was mad at him and told him to "get out!". I am so thankful he just squared his shoulders and told me he wasn't going anywhere. My kids are so amazing. I know....everyone thinks that about their kids. But seriously, they have turned out so fabulously. I would love to take all the credit, but it is definitely not mine. Craig and I were very young when we had our kids. Neither of us had any business trying to raise a child, let alone several of them. However, both of us loved them all fiercely and always tried to make sure they knew it. The rest of the credit goes to my Heavenly Father, who I am quite positive, heard every single one of the millions of prayers that were (and still are) offered up in their behalf. It's quite a curious thing the way life evolves. One minute the storms are raging, and the next minute, we are basking in the sun. I do try to be forever thankful, but I don't think I can ever be thankful enough.

I Will Be Staying INSIDE Until Further Notice!

I am beginning to think that I live on the surface of the sun. It is HOT here. And I mean HOT! Today at 7AM it was already 91*F. The high for today is expected to be 107*F. I want to go and hug my AC unit and beg it to hang in there for me....but it's outside....and I just can't bring myself to venture out. I remember practically worshipping the sun when we lived in Utah. Especially after a long, cold and dreary winter. But, not anymore. It is the source of torture for me. All I do is sweat, sweat, sweat. However, I do remember to be very thankful when I get to look outside at night and see this......

Have a blessed day, everyone.

Color me thankful....

We are counting our blessings here at the Carter home. ......humble yourselves even unto the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye may live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you. (Alma 34:38) I have been pondering on the many, many blessings that I receive daily. Sometimes, when life gets difficult, it is easy to only notice the hard things. I keep a journal that I write down things that I am blessed with so that I can go back and read them when I feel like things aren't going my way. I also try to write down where I have seen the Lord's hand in my life. These are a few things that I have been thinking about lately............... It's been raining here in AZ the last couple of days. The smell of the rain in the desert is something amazing. It smells so wonderful. The weather is a little cooler and it feels fabulous! Cleetus has left me....and he took his kooky son, Billy Bob with him....... Craig is back with beautiful new teeth. Billy Bob has promised to visit, but Cleetus says he is never coming back. My Craig is such a wonderful man. I love him for all that he is. He works so hard to provide for his family. He totally cracks me up. He has little nick-names for me (and everyone else, for that matter...). My favorite..."Yerma". It's short for "your my wife".

My children never cease to amaze me. They inspire me to be a better person. They absolutely bring so much joy to my life. Their personalities are all so different and unique. I am eternally grateful for each one of them. My life is richly blessed because of them.

Even though they do naughty things when I am not here......

Like this magic marker fight that Mark and Ragan got into one day. Each one declared themselves the "winner".

I am very thankful for our home. It is comfortable with plenty of room for all of us, plus more. It makes me feel so good when it is packed with family and friends.

We had a small group for dinner yesterday. Justin was here with us. His family went out of town. We also had the missionaries here. Elder Horrocks is still here after 6 months. We are glad because he is so fun. We have a new missionary...Elder VanWagoner. He has only been out for 3 weeks. We were supposed to have some other people on our guest list but when they found out the missionaries were going to be here, they decided not to come. It made me feel so bad. These young men are away from their families. Sometimes very far away. Please, if you ever see a missionary...say hello. Don't be afraid of them. All they are doing is sharing the sweet message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They love to talk to everyone and anyone.

Here are all the kids playing a game.....

Elder VanWagoner played the piano for hours. Since we are more of the singing variety in this house, it was a nice change to hear beautiful music coming from our piano. We are what I call "plunkers" when it comes to piano playing. :)

In preschool, Our little Thanksgiving feast went off without a hitch. Most of the kids liked the food. Of course there are some that don't like to eat much, but I have come to expect that. On the menu we had,

Chicken legs (our turkey)

corn (Squanto taught the pilgrims how to plant corn)

corn muffins with butter

dried fruit (we talked about how the pilgrims did not have refrigerators and they had to have a way to make their food last through the winter)

and of course, pumpkin pie.

The children came dressed as a Pilgrim or an Indian.

The children set their own place at the table.

It was so fun. I am grateful that these little children are in my life. They bring me so much happiness. They each have fantastic parents that I proudly call my friends.

I am also thankful for all the friends that I have made here in Blogland. Thank you for "visiting" me and saying such kind things. It has really restored my faith in human nature!

And, you should all be happy to know that our $20 washing machine is working famously. It actually spins the clothes so well that the drying time is so much less than before!

I am so thankful that the price of gas has gone down. I can't believe how much! Here the cheapest I have seen is $1.79/gallon. Now I can finally fill the suburban for less than $100! It hasn't had a full tank in I don't know how long!

Of course there are many more countless things that I am thankful for. I hope I will always be worthy of my blessings.

Have a fantastic day!

Daughters

(Makenzie age 3) "Mommy, when are you gonna get my sister?" (Me) "When Heavenly Father decides to send us a baby." (Makenzie) "I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father for a sister." (Me) "Well, Heavenly Father just might send a baby brother." (Makenzie) "Nope. It's a sister." At the time of this conversation, Craig and I had just recently discussed having another baby. It went something like this... (Me) "You know, if we are going to have another baby, we should probably start thinking about it. The twins are potty trained, we've been sleeping all night for some time now....it's all getting too easy. (Craig) "Are you serious? You're thinking we need another baby?" Then Makenzie helped us make the decision. Ragan was born 2 months before Mark and Makenzie turned 5. After Ragan was born, Makenzie made this comment, "Heavenly Father must be a really good listener. I asked Him for a sister and he sent one." I am grateful for my sweet daughters. As I watch them grow into young women, I am amazed at their inner beauty. I see their desires to do good and their limitless ability to be kind to others. When they struggle with life and the trials it brings, my heart aches for them. As I try to help them pick up the pieces, I want them to understand that these struggles will make them grow and become stronger.

I enjoy their company and their friendship.

They make me laugh.....

They make me proud.

"Mommy loves you....All her heart"

God Paints

This is what I see from our front room window every evening. The sunsets here are breathtaking. I am so thankful to be able to see this.

And even more for a son that also sees the beauty of the earth and captures it with his camera.

*pictures courtesy of Mark Carter

Unconditional Love

Did you know that animals do not have the capability of holding a grudge or harboring resentment? Did you know that having an animal can help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure? Animals have the ability to give love unconditionally. No matter what your mood is, they always love you. Meet Rusty. Rusty is also known as Fatty McFat Cat. He is the softest and most gentle cat you will ever meet. Always quick to offer his tummy for a rub, Rusty loves everyone. And I mean everyone. This is Maggie. Maggie is the sweetest dog. Never a harsh bark comes out of her mouth. She always has a kiss for you. She is a brilliant dog, with a large repertoire of tricks.

Meet Macy, daughter of Maggie. She is a beauty. A bit on the nervous side, but quick to warm up to you....especially if you give her a treat. And if you ever need a cuddle, she's your gal.

This is Sunshine, the mother of Rusty. Little miss Sunshine is very shy. We believe it is a result of her losing her way home after a long walk-about. She was gone for two and a half years before finding her way back to us. We are thankful she did. Makenzie prayed every night for her to come home.....you can't tell me that prayers aren't answered.

And, last but not least, this is Rudy. Despite his Halloween costume, this old boy is no angel. In fact, when you're not looking, he goes straight for the garbage can. He has, however been able to squeeze a lot of love for us into his almost 14 years. And, in turn, we have given it back to him. He also loves everybody. Just sit by him on the couch and you'll see...he will lay his head on your lap and let you stroke his ears.

I am so thankful for their example of unconditional love. It helps me better understand the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for us.

Now, if I could only think of a way to harness the energy of dog poop.......

:)