I blame our motherboard...

Our motherboard went bad a few weeks ago and I have been computerless, internetless, and blogless...I hate being without a computer. Not that I spend THAT much time on a computer but I like my daily cyber space time. We are really enjoying our Christmas over here. We try to drink hot chocolate as much as possible, we've seen some pretty lights, (hey we even hung some up this year) we got our real christmas tree, Christmas music is constantly on in the background, and so far we've seen Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and White Christmas. Oh yeah, and parts of Mixed Nuts. (mainly the dancing scene) Besides losing an entire week to trying to win some holiday cash on the radio, I've been playing with Jack, keeping my house clean, making jewelry here and there and yes, cooking! so, there you have it a random post about nothing, (as the Carter boys put blogging:) with a funny picture of Jake and Jack visiting Santa!

With Delilaaaah!

Yes it is November 5th, and yes KOSY 106.5 is already playing Christmas music!!! I think they started November 1st. Not sure though. Okay, let's just get this straight; I LOVE Christmas music, Brent too. We are big fans....but for crying out loud, what about Thanksgiving! Starting Christmas too early ruins it in my opinion. I remember being stunned last year at how early KOSY (and maybe others) were playing the warm and fuzzy music. So Monday night when Brent and I were driving around, we decided to check 106.5, and sure enough "Jingle Bell Rock" was playing. After finishing the song, (of course) we began to bash the radio station, and call others letting them know of the aberration! I have to admit that a part of me wants to get sucked in, but I just tell myself--hold out until the day after Thanksgiving and then you can cave. It's kind of like Soap Operas--you know they are ridiculous and you shouldn't watch them, but if you let yourself watch one you're hooked. So every day Brent asks me "did you listen to any Christmas music today?" I tell him "no" and he keeps drilling me " are you sure?" Don't worry though I have to check on him every now again too. He is just as susceptible to the lure of Christmas music as me... On another note, I can only stomach Delilah during the holidays. In fact I kind of enjoy her cheesy, cheerful, peppy, optimistic banter; but only during the end of November and and the month of December.

Flashback Friday...Halloween Style

This Halloween was back in 2004 when Brent and I were engaged. We were down in New Mexico and got to go to a party with some family and friends. We loved our costumes, Brent especially. Every year he wants to be Popeye again. I don't know if it was the pipe he was allowed to have for the night or the fake muscles, but something about it was magical for him. No, he really did look good. I loved our costumes too--I am just not as nostalgic as he and I like to tease him about it. We had a sweet little trio. Brent as Popeye, Sean as Bluto, and myself as Olive Oyl. I crack up seeing these pictures of Sean (Brent's bro) because he seriously had this look plastered on his face all night. They were totally in the zone. I have to mention my sister--Rosie the Riveter. She looked perfect! And the candy man himself--Willy Wonka er, Doug I hope more of you post Halloween pics...they are just so fun to look at.

The Lucky 7 tag...

7 things that I can do: 1. I currently can only run three miles. I signed up for a half marathon in January and can't even scare myself into training! 2. I can surf the web with the best of em! 3. Recite Jack's favorite book "Zoo's who?" entirely from memory. "the elephant's trunk is her nose..." 4. Swear like a sailor. (I probably shouldn't admit that, sorry mom.) 5. I can watch seven seasons of Gilmore Girls in about three weeks. I swore off everything else. 6. I can sign, ASL. Not as well as I used to though. Boo. 7. well I can't tell you what Brent said I can do:) what? I needed some help coming up with things I can do. 7 things that I cannot do: 1. keep my kitchen clean (that's in response to Alicia not being able to NOT keep her kitchen clean--show off!) 2. close my eyes in the shower. The bad guys might get me! 3. kiss Jack enough. I just want to squeeze him! 4. do a backbend. That used to be my signature move and now, well maybe one day again. 5. Parallel park. I should be able to--my father is a master parker/backer upper. 6. iron, well maybe I CAN but I hate it, and I am not really good at it. Brent does all his own ironing. Don't feel too bad for him though, he usually rolls a wrinkly shirt AND I do all the laundry. 7. reach half the items in my kitchen. 7 things that attracted me to Brent: 1. Super supportive-- he always encouraged me to finish school, and I know that he has my back in ANYTHING I want to do. really. 2. His body. He is lean, muscly and no chicken legs. Just the way I like em. 3. Patient, patient, patient. 4. He would do anything for me. I know this one is a little cliche, but if I really wanted something he would do it. I never hear the word "no" and am spoiled because of it. 5. He is really outgoing, and not afraid to say what he's thinking. 6. He gave me the butterflies... 7. duh, his hair. 7 things I most often say: 1. too, too--like "not too, too bad." 2. Sam, Come! 3. I love you 4. I don't feel good. I must be a hypochondriac 5. I'm hungry motha, really I am. in a British accent 6. Really? 7. Dude,... 7 Celebrity admirations: 1. Ellen Degeneres. She is hilarious and just puts me in a good mood. 2. Shirley MacLain. ahhh, Ouiser from Steel Magnolias was the best and of course her performance in Terms of Endearment was awesome--she won best actress for that one. 3. The Beatles. yeah, yeah I know they are everyone's favorite, but seriously how amazing are they? They have remained one of the most beloved and influential bands today. 4. Edward Norton. I have this unexplained attraction to him 5. Ellen Page. I first saw her in the Sundance Film- Hard Candy. Crazy movie, great acting. Then we saw her in x-men and Juno. I loved loved loved Juno. "your baby wants to be borned!" 6. Steve Carell. another one that just makes me happy. I have loved his last three movies, and of course he is still making us laugh/feel awekward in The Office. 7. J.K. Rowling. wowsers! I think anyone who can write a book is brilliant but her imagination and her characters are just facinating. 7 Favorite foods: 1. Cereal, I eat it almost every night 2. Chips and salsa. It's sooo addicting 3. rice pudding 4. green chili--good in everything! 5. Oatmeal 6. veggie cream cheese 7. New Mexican food, I am a little biased but I swear it is the best stuff you will ever taste. 7 People I tag: 1. Becca Hensley 2. Teresa Ockey 3. Meshan Foutz 4. Veronica Morton 5. Melanie Chambers 6. Katie McPherson 7. Heather Keele

"Theres a little witch in Every Woman""

One of my favorite movies is Practical Magic, and of course I always watch it this time of year. I love it! I love the Aunts, I love the old house, I love the island where they live, I love the long hair, I love the sister bond, and of course I love the magic. I always joke about wanting to be a witch, and have seriously in the past grown my hair out in hopes of being more like Sally Owens. I love Sally Owens. If you haven't seen this movie, you should especially since it's October AND if like me, you have a secret desire of being a witch too! Remember, "theres no devil in the craft." Also, the soundtrack to this movie is awesome. It is one of the few that I actually own.

Little Starling Photography

Via Heather I was introduced to Lauriann Wakefield who shoots little people, and is amazing at it! The name of her company is Little Starling Photography, you should check it out if you are interested. Anyway, she took Jack's pictures a couple of weeks ago, and I just wanted to post them for all to see. I am SO pleased with these pictures so far and have more coming for me in a couple of days...

Just a reminder...

BirdsEye Jewelry Party I just wanted to remind everyone about my jewelry party this Tuesday from 7-9P.M. Everyone is invited!!!! Please come, it will be fun plus there will be a drawing for free jewelry. It's an open house, so come whenever. See you there!! By the way the party is at my house, so if anybody needs my address, email me:) markellec@gmail.com

Hobo Hands

I actually learned how to knit something other than scarfs...granted fingerless gloves are pretty easy and I had instruction but still I learned a lot! I took a class at Kamilles over at Gardner Village, which by that way they offer many other classes as well. I loved my instructor and she really taught me how to purl, use circular needles ( I love by the way) and read patterns. Yes the classes and even the yarn are a little pricey; but the service couldn't be better and the yarn is beautiful! My next knitting venture is going to be Christmas stockings...any one wanna join me?

Flipper race, anyone?

This post is totally random and super old, but I finally figured out how to get videos on my blog. (well okay I finally bugged Brent enough and he did it) Anyhoo, these videos are of the Carter boys arranging a little flipper race on the beach in California. It was hilarious, and more than just our crowd enjoyed it. Other people were sitting around watching too. Seriously, it's a pretty good laugh, so enjoy! Race #1 Doug vs. Blaine Race #2 Brent vs. Sean ...and the Championship Brent vs. Blaine good bye summer--hello FALL!!

lots of changes

It is amazing how fast babies turn into little people...I know everyone says that but it's just so true! I feel like I just had Jack, and yet he is so different seven months later. With my sister-in-law having her little guy, and seeing how small he is makes me wonder how Jack was ever that small too. As of late, Jack has now mastered sitting up and crawling. He was scootin around long before he had the desire to sit still long enough to learn how to balance himself. In the last couple weeks he has graduated from the "inch worm" to a real all four crawl. It has been a blast seeing him learn new tricks. Now he is pulling himself up onto everything, stable or not. Any way, none of this is new to a lot you; I am just a first time mom blabbing. Thanks for listening, and enjoy the footage of Jack crawling. My sister with her gentle persuasions coaxed me into making a little video.

A few of MY favorite things...

One of my most favorite posts was when Stephanie shared with us all some of her favorite items/beauty secrets. Because of her I went out and bought Blofoam by Rusk--and love it! Being on such a hair high, I decided to do as she asked and share some of my own fav items. So here ya go...and thanks again Steph! Essential Oils: lavender ahhh, lavender. Even the thought of it soothes me. There are many ways to diffuse the scent of an essential oil--you can add some drops to water in a bottle and spray it around your house, you can can add it to your bath, you can directly apply it to your temples, neck, feet, or below your nose, or use it with a base oil for a massage. Seriously there are a ton more ways of using essential oils. My absolute favorite oil is lavender. For many reasons; it smells wonderful, it was my first essential oil, and it is one of the staples when referring to essential oils. (Kind of like the wheat of your food storage) It relaxes, it's a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and antidepressant. I mainly use it for my headaches. oh, and it's not one of the ridiculously expensive oils:) Primavera is the brand that I use. Perfume: Chance Chanel Before I was not a huge perfume connoisseur, but since last Christmas I don't think a day has gone by that I wasn't wearing Chance. I have other perfumes, but I just can't bring myself not to spray old faithful...I think it's wonderful. Lippey: C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine I am sure a lot of you have heard about this lip gloss, and probably already have it; but for the few who don't--go get some! You can buy it at Bath and Body Works. It's a minty lip gloss that comes in shear and several subtle colors. There are different "mint" flavors--my favorite is the cinnamint. The best part is that it also serves as a breath freshner! Candles: Mia Bella My mother-in-law gave me one of these candles and it was amazing. The scent was lime and ginger and smelled awesome. Chris(mom-in-law) has several scents and I really like them all. The candles are soy based (not exactly sure what that means) and are lead and toxin free. They burn evenly too, all the way down until there is nothing left. That's not really what sells me though, its the strong and nummy scents. Unfortunately I don't know where you can purchase them. I get mine from Chris down in New Mexico, but I am sure you could order them online somewhere. I really want the "holiday memories" and "orange and clove"

"Only the good die young..."

Today is Anne-Marie Jean Valencia's birthday, she would have been 24. Unfortunately Anne-Marie never made it past 20--she died in a car accident in 2004. Anne-Marie was and I suppose still is my best friend...isn't she beautiful? This is the best picture I have of her on my computer. I have so many prints of her but very few digital ones.

Anne-Marie and I go way back, clear to our dancing days when we were toddlers, then on to the soccer field as team mates. She had a crush on my brother and he happened to coach our team one year. He was her inspiration to finish the runs we had to do at the end of each practice:) Even though we knew each other way back when, we didn't really become bosome buddies till high school. It's funny because as I sit here typing so many memories are flooding my mind--that is why I am posting about her, because I don't want to ever forget anything! AND I know she would want me to talk and laugh often of her. I know her well enough that she would never want to be forgotten.

Just to tell you a little bit about her: she loved garage sale-ing, shoes, music, hanging out with friends, sushi, whitening her teeth, hot pickles (yep the ones in the bags), the playstation 2, driving in her Jeep with the top off, and afrin. She was obsessed with eyelash curlers, (I think her mom counted 12? when cleaning out her pantry) washing her face, and vaseline. She always had money and chapstick coming out of her pant pockets and was extremely disorganized. some how in her madness she was able to get the job done and well. Above all else she was so fun to be around and her energy was addicting. Anne-Marie was just hilarious!

Anne-Marie was such a good friend to me. She was loyal and super thoughtful. She was always thinking of me and helping with anything. Because of her today I try to be a better friend. We were going to live together when we were old and gray...in a house full of turtles, not cats. We wanted to be the creepy old turtle ladies that the neighbor kids were afraid of. I am so lucky that I knew her and so well. Some of my best memories are with her and it pains me that they have stopped, I miss her a lot and not one day goes by that I don't think of her. That is the best way I can think of honoring her. I seriously LOVE this girl...

oh, some of her former alias' include Henry, Rosa, and Annie

I'm a loser BABY, so why don't you kill me...

As if the title to my post doesn't clarify my point further. I finally left the confines of my home today; for about 15 minutes while I ran to Wal-Mart to pick up some pictures of Jack. It was right back home for me, I wouldn't want to throw off my routine entirely. Seriously though I have been engrossed in Breaking Dawn. I am sure there are many of you who will relate, but now I am done and I have no life...I guess back to blogging. I know, I know I have been a humongous slacker about blogging and intend on doing better. What can I say about the the last book of the Twilight series...that I caved and became giddy like a school girl--again? that I am a loser because now I really want to be a vampire? that Alice is still my favorite character or that now I am depressed because the "saga" has ended and I have nothing more to look forward as far as the Cullens are concerned. (now I really feel like a loser getting this all down in writing.) I thoroughly enjoyed the book and still love Edward. (even though he wears collared cut off sleeved and unbuttoned shirts) Who am I kidding of course I am a Twilight fan--I am still the same cheesy, easily suckered chick who loves reading about true love. And when I start to feel self conscious about the series being for teens I think of my grandma standing in line for the newest 'Twilight' book and know that she too is fantasizing about Edward. Now I know this isn't the real cover for the book, but I like it better plus I am lazy and didn't want to hunt for the stupid chess pieced cover. One last thing...would anyone judge me if I told you that I have already read Twilight again?

There is a first for everything

Jack has recently had a lot of new experiences...a few weeks ago, he received his first tooth/teeth? I don't know, there were two of them. Of course the bottom two. I am a little leery of future teeth and nursing occurrences. Yikes! He also had his first Fourth of July, and if I had been prepared I would've had a fully charged camera via pictures of Jack with his cousins at the Foutz partay. It truly was an extravaganza AND perhaps if Jack was a little older he would've appreciated the face painters, balloon shape makers, cotton candy, snow cones, blown up jumpin room, swimming pool, and massive amounts of fireworks a little more. (seriously, thousands of dollars worth of pretty noise makers) It was nuts! Here too are a couple of other firsts, but with pictures: First airplane ride...don't be fooled by the smiles First time at the beach...HATED the water. (maybe I'll get around to posting the live footage of his encounter with the water.) Most importantly his very first pair of ears...well Mickey's that is.

I did it...

Here is my favorite picture this week. I finally took him outside to play, and I realized the lighting was so good, I took a bajillion pictures. He HATED the sun in his eyes, so I had to strategically shade his face, take pictures, and hold him upright all with Samson laying in my lap.

We went camping this weekend in Moab; it was Jack's first camping trip, so we were a little nervous. He did really well though, with a couple of hang ups-- nothing big though. We took the Land Cruiser down and learned how badly our AC actually works. It was miserable coming back home. Poor Blaine and Alicia rode with us, but were extremely good sports about the heat. They only complained once! No, they were awesome, and helped a ton with Jack. It was a short trip, but was a lot of fun, especially because I was warm at night this time. The bad part about the trip was that I only had two smores, I had great plans for me and my smores.

Oh yeah, as we were headed up the mountain to Warner's Lake, a buddy following behind our car had us pull over only to find out that the rag that Brent had stuffed in the gas hole (I don't know what it's called.) was leaking like crazy. When Brent got out he said gas was just pouring out of the tank. You see about a week ago Brent was filling up at the gas station, and drove off without putting the cap back on, we never got around to buying another one and figured the rag was doing just fine. We had to drive back into Moab to a Checker Auto and buy a new gas cap. It all worked out though, I just wonder how much gas we lost through the whole trip. The funny part is when we realized we were leaking gas, Alicia said "I thought I smelt something", and I agreed. Neither one of us said anything--lot of help we were! Here are the few pics that I took of our trip.

Pic of the week

I decided it would be fun to post my favorite picture of Jackson once a week...we'll see how well i actually do. My parents got Jack a bumbo and we tried putting him in it. Once he holds himself up better this little chair will come in quite handy. Anyway we got a few shots of him in it, I think he looks so big!

Jackson is starting to suck/chew on his thumb a lot. I don't know if this habit will stick but he has finally figured out how to get that darn thumb in. He really is such a good baby, he sleeps through the night, takes good naps, eats really well, but he won't go to sleep in my arms or if there is ANYTHING to look at...This makes church and other places where I don't have a crib extra hard to get his much needed naps in. There could be worse things, but I am currently trying to figure out how to relieve myself of this problem. I haven't consulted the "baby whisperer" (my sister Meshan) yet, but I am sure she will have some sort of solution. Even my mother in law witnessed first hand how Jack simply will not sleep in your arms. It was pretty funny, her and grandpa couldn't get Jack to sleep, and kept laughing about how as long as you weren't trying to get him to sleep he was happy, but the second you put him in a position to sleep, he just wouldn't have it. He wants to see everything that is going on! He also loves like most babies I am sure, to look in the mirror. Last night I layed him down by one and I stood behind him making faces and dancing around. He would look at me through the mirror and then hurry and turn his head to look at me standing there. It was this back and forth motion, like yep she's here...and there! He is getting SO fun.

A whole lotta nothin!

Not that I have ever thrilled anyone with my blog, I have to forewarn you all that this post is like I said--a whole lotta nothin! I have just been in a blah mood lately. So here is everything in a nut shell: I have been battling a migraine for about a week, I find myself wanting new everything (a camera, vacuum, treadmill, a craft desk, carpet, a garden, house decor, and of course clothes! oh yeah a phone:) I may be going to California this weekend (who knows?!) Brent is going to be out of town so I might as well, I feel like I have no money, oh wait I don't! I have been watching so many Arrested Development shows lately I fee like my life is one big sitcom, All I want to do is make jewelry, but I need to clean. You see? There is the reason I haven't posted--I am totally out of sorts. All week I have felt like I just came out of a nap gone wrong. You know the kind where you wake up wondering what you are doing with your life? That is why Brent doesn't take naps, I on the other hand like to take my chances. Well anyway, you can't say I didn't warn you. However I do feel a little better putting my thoughts in writing. Thanks blogger, your the best!

Swim Suit Shoot

We are going to Newport Beach in June, yay!!! The Carters rented a beach house right on the sand and I cannot wait. I am proud to gain the title of becoming a beach bum, for a whole week; too bad not longer. Well my best friend Katie sent Jack some of the cutest little trunks, I just had to take pictures and post them. They got me so excited for our upcoming vacation...thank you so much Katie, you are so thoughtful! I love you-- even Brent adores you:) Oh by the way Jack rolled over today!

Baby Jack

I was talking to my sister on the phone and she said that I needed to post more pictures of Jack. I thought “what—you don’t like hearing me blog about my life?” Apparently she is more interested in her ever growing nephew. Then I realized that pretty much was my sole purpose of making a blog; to keep my family posted on Jack. If I had a blog, I could just post pictures and not have to try and remember who I emailed the latest pic to. They would have the ability to get on my blog and see for themselves! So here you go sis and everyone else who is more interested in Jack than me. (I don’t blame you, he is much cooler.)

Flashback Friday

So looking at this picture you think--lame! But there is so much more behind it. Brent took this picture of me on our first date with his phone. I know, weird!

Brent and I met on a blind date set up by my wonderful aunt Vicki. I had just moved home from college and Vicki ran into the Carters, so she gave Brent my phone number and told him, or should I say made him call me. I think my aunt was nervous I would be mad so she decided to test the waters by getting my mom to tell me that my aunt wanted to give this boy my number. Well when my mom told me this, I was like "No! I don't want to go on a date." You see I had a missionary and was simply not interested. So later that day my mom kinda changed her tune a little and said "well Markelle I think your aunt Vicki already gave him your number." I just thought, whatever! Seriously like an hour later the phone rang and it was Brent. We actually hit it off well and talked for an hour. We had made plans to go to dinner and a movie--that way if Brent didn't like me we wouldn't have to talk because we would be watching a movie. Yeah he really said that, it was funny though.

It was sooo weird going on a blind date, and of course guess who shows up at my house about the same time Brent is supposed to pick me up? yup my aunt Vic! Anyway we ate at Chili's and this is where the infamous picture was taken. Brent goes "lets just get a pic to send to my brothers" as he holds up his phone. I was seriously weirded out and about to protest but he already had the camera up so I smiled. This was my first experience witnessing the closeness of the Carter boys! Brent couldn't even go on a date without sharing it with his bros. Little did I know I was going to have to win over the hearts of the whole fam not just Brent.(To be honest though that wasn't what I was trying to to. Remember? I had a missionary-- I was focused.)

Well you all know the rest and trust me my aunt Vicki relishes in the fact that she set us up...she is our little matchmaker:)

Late Birthday!

Yesterday, the 13th was my dad's birthday! I meant to make this post yesterday, but didn't get a chance. I basically wanted to brag and give a shout out to my favorite father:) My dad is the hardest working man that I have ever met--really, he gets stuff done! I wish that I had more of this quality. My dad gets up at the butt crack of dawn and sometimes works until dark. Then if that is not enough, he comes home takes care of his lawn/garden and finishes up any other projects he's got going. Yes my dad works for a construction business but he has a sensitive side too! He grows a garden and even helps out decorating the house. (his two favorite stores to shop at when he visits me is Rodworks and Cabelas) The last thing I want to mention is his generosity. If my dad has seen some success in his own life, he is so quick to share that with his family. Actually both my parents are very generous--they gave Brent and I a car! Thank you again! I just wanted my dad to know how much his family loves and appreciates him! We love you!

Oh and when you hear people say "my dad can kick your dad's @*%!" well, mine really can--he used to be a police officer:)

What a hike...

Brent and I have just been waiting for a nice weekend so we could get out of the house and go on a nice out-and-back hike. We were hoping for two weekends ago, but that was a bust; so when we found out this last Saturday was supposed to be nice, we started planning our hike. It took most of Saturday morning getting our bag packed. Brent acted like we were going to be stranded out there for days. He packed everything from waterproof matches to thermal blankets. (like I said we have been very anxious to get outside) After taking quite a bit of stuff out of the bag we loaded dog, child, bag and were on our way to the A.F. Canyon.

It was such a nice day, we had our windows down, shades on, and Brent even had shorts on. When we first arrived it seemed nice enough, but as we drove deeper into the canyon, we were surprised to see so much snow on the ground... still, we kept driving to our destination. When we got to Tibble Fork Reservoir the road leading to where we needed to go was closed, and there was quite a bit more snow. In fact other families that were there were getting out their sleds, and walking towards some hills. We even saw a trailer full of snow mobiles! I don't know what we were thinking--we thought it would be a little chilly but snowmobiles! It's Spring! This is precisely why I hate Spring!

We ended up driving back down the canyon where there wasn't as much snow and found this dinky little trail--we didn't even need to carry our back pack full of "important supplies". We were determined to do something though and still had fun; however I think Sam had the most fun! The scenery was really pretty so we took some shots. I am hoping come May we will be able to go on the hike we have been planning forever!

Jack's Blessing Day

Here are some pictures from the blessing down in NM. I finally got them off our camcorder.

This is my father holding Jack

This is Nona and Grandpa Steve. (Brent's Parents) The Carters don't make anything but boys...Chris(Nona) has four boys of her own, now a grandson and another grandson on the way! Maybe one day Chris will get her a girl!

Here is Grandpa Dewey and Grandma Cindy. Jack makes their fourth grandchild!

Here is Grandma and Grandpa Ulibarri. I believe Jack is their 12th great grandchild? Having my grandparents at the blessing was important to me, because I am so close to them and they were unable to attend my wedding. They were serving a mission in Bolivia at the time...it was weird not having them there. So sharing Jack's blessing with them was really special for me. Aren't they Cute?!

One more--A full body shot of the carefully picked outfit, complete with booties, blankets and all! My friend Carol actually made the afghan; she is extremely talented and can crochet/knit anything! It's amazing, she even crocheted Jack some cowboy boots!