Photography

As a baby gift, my fabulous friend- who is also a fabulous photographer, took these pictures of Carter and my boys. I have looked at them over and over and am so grateful to have this newborn phase frozen in time! You can see her work at: kristinmerwin.blogspot.com
Thanks again for this priceless gift!!!

 

Carter Paul Fillmore

I'm posting this specifically for Grandma & Grandpa Fillmore, (on a mission in Guatemala) who won't get to see me for a while. I was born on December 29, 2010. I weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz. and was 19.7 inches long. I am a calm and peaceful baby, and I get showered with affection from my 3 older brothers. Mom will be happy when I stay awake a little bit longer to eat, but she says I'm perfect and heaven sent. Dad is so proud of me. That pretty much sums up my first week on earth. Love, Carter

Summer 2010

I can't believe summer has passed us by again! I updated some of my favorite summer pics. in this slideshow. It's my bi-annual post :)

Carrying on Without the Glue

Grandma and Grandpa Fillmore left on their 18 month service mission to Guatemala, for the LDS Church, about 2 months ago. As easter rolled around we were unsure if we should or shouldn't have the Easter get together. Everyone was busy with different things, and we had a hard time picking a date. Parker and Lark were coming to town with kids, so we decided that would be the best date to hold it. As we were driving over Benjamin said, "This seems really weird holding this Easter Party without the glue there." It took us like 10 minutes to get started, we were all kind of waiting for someone to assume charge and say the prayer, etc... Anyways, we ended up having a great get together & even started a new tradition. A money hunt for the older kids. The Big $20 egg was at the bottom of the pool, so Ethan gallantly stripped down and jumped in the freezing water for his unknown prize.
Anyways, Paul & Joanne were greatly missed, but their "glue" kept the tradition alive- and I guess, that kind of makes it like they were there. Traditions make memories, and memories make a difference. I'll upload a slide show.

Cashing in My Mother's Day Present

So, while I was taking that coveted Mother's Day nap this year- Benjamin was hard at work creating a clever "witches" card that included 2 tickets to see "Wicked" (that meant he didn't have time to get to the dishes- maybe next year- wink, wink). So, we went on Friday & it was hilarious. There was a spectacular cast & the way they pulled everything into the Wizard of Oz & made all the loose ends tie so nicely at the end was perfect for me- I'm never happy unless it's a happy ending. Anyways, I'd put Wicked right up there with my favorite Broadways- of course, Les Miserables will always take the cake & I do love Phantom, but probably third. I forgot my camera, so here's our cell phone picture of us. *As a side note, I'm so glad Benjamin's so cultured & truly enjoys the Broadways with me. I had never seen, or really heard of a Broadway, until after we were married. He knows all the words to all the songs in Les Miserables- anyways, just a cute little trait I love about him.

My Projects

Sorry for this binge here- what am I thinking 4 posts IN 2 days!!! Carolyn- I hope you're happy :) I went to my friend/cousins' house to see these darling board projects- thanks Julie! Anyways, these are the little boards I've been working on in my spare (laugh, laugh) time. *The red pictures are my Grandmas & Grandpas- it was so fun getting all of these family pictures. This board's for my parents "new" living room.

The Zoo in July!

So a couple days ago- I woke up early and decided to take the boys to the zoo for the day. I packed our lunches- got the kids up and dressed. Who knew it was the first day this summer to hit 110! (Not the best planning there- I know!) We still had a lot of fun- thank goodness they have a little waterpark. If you're looking for a Zoo with no crowds- try our Zoo in July.

July 4th

These are our Pictures from the 4th of July! A little disappointing since we went up to the cabin with G& G Fillmore and there were some great "Kodak" moments with Grandpa & Grandma- Mom just didn't use her camera :( Anyways, weather was beautiful- but we had no fireworks- but we did have poppers & waterguns. We watched a pretty bad movie- I don't recommend you rent or watch "Bedtime Stories." We did find a really fun family game though- Mousetrap.

June's Cliff Notes

So, while Benjamin went to Scout camp- I took the boys to visit our family in New Mexico. We had a great visit there! It's pretty cool that all my sisters live there now- so I can see them all together. Anyways- as I was looking at a picture I colored in elementary school on my Mom's fridge- and a hamburger I made in 7th grade Art class hanging on the kitchen wall- and countless other kid projects from my Mom's 7 kids hung all around- I decided we needed an intervention :) Michelle, Rebe, Bryan & I (with Dad's consent, help & credit card :) took everything off the walls, refrigerators, counters & desks in the kitchen & living room. We painted- threw away almost everything- bought new towels, table runners, clocks, frames & some more decor. and did a makeover for my Mom- while she played with my boys (For 2 days! ) Anyways, this just shows a small portion- but it looked so good- and no, I didn't take a before picture- darn! We love you Mom- & we still know you love us without all out projects around :)

A high school friend get together. Erin, Kim, Misa & me. I hadn't seen Erin in 2 years, Kim in 5 & Misa in 10! Still we gabbed & gabbed like no time had passed.

Happy Father's Day! Benjamin is a FABULOUS Dad & we had a great day celebrating him. If I have time I'll post a hilarious father's day video by Jacob.

Family Night with Uncle Brian, cousin Cedric & Aunt Jill! So nice to have them here.

The honorary couple enjoying floats! I had to laugh at my Father-in-law's response to a question I asked them. "What's your favorite thing about each other?" Him "That she's a woman." When it comes right down to it- that's very true :)

Backyard BBQ's- A Family One to Celebrate G&G Fillmore's Anniversary (these are the cool older boy cousins) & a neighborhood one- I don't have any pics. of.

Playdates with Friends- they're playing "Family."

Quick View of May!

One morning before church we went to the temple & took some pics. The boys were actually really good photographers- they had some creative ideas. This was my favorite pic.

Tyler is the Star this month. He lost his front tooth- DURING Sacrament meeting at Church! Tyler's Piano Recital - Aunt Lisa is the BeSt Teacher!

Tyler had the biggest part of the whole Kindergarten program- The Three Bears!

Good Bye to Kindergarten and a truly amazing Kindergarten teacher- Mrs. Dyer - talk about starting out with a bang- I wish every teacher was as involved, wise, patient & loving.