Emmett-isms

I was just changing Emmett's diaper so he could take a nap. He was chanting, "cutie, cutie." I asked him who was a cutie. His reply: "My buns!"

I guess he is listening when I tell him he has cute buns all the time.

He is a Child of God

Today was the primary program at church and I have to admit being a little bored with programs in the past, or even making fun of them a bit. So I was amazed at how differently I felt with one of my own up there. I apologize to all of those primary presidencies and parents that have known all along how special these programs are.


Just watching my son trying to perform I Am a Child of God in sign language was enough to bring tears to my eyes, as well as a little chuckle. Aaron & I couldn't believe that he seemed to know almost all the words to every song. And his little seven word part was memorized weeks ago and delivered just as speedily as could be - so that we were probably the only ones who knew he said, "I learn about prayer from the scriptures." Alden also gave a talk during sharing time about prayer and did a great job. He loves being up in front of everyone and talking in the microphone.

My Neighbors

We sure do love our neighbors, the Spencers. Lacey is wonderful with all my kids. Anytime Emmett sees her at church, he runs off to give her a big hug. And she's one of the few people Emmett will happily stay with when I need a babysitter. Thanks for watching my kids all the time, Lacey! Alden loves to play with Dillon & Mary Joe and yells at them over the fence just about every day. He stands on the swingset and yells, "Hi, my neighbors! It's Alden!" Just in case they thought it was someone else. Roland & Riley Spencer are as close as two 7 month old babies can be. They are less than 2 weeks apart. Here's a few shots of when they came to visit.

Happy Birthday, Big Daddy!

Let's not forget Aaron's birthday this year - which was back on Sept. 4th. I tried hard to make it a little special for him, which involved not blogging (much) all day and trying to get the house as clean as possible, especially our bedroom and bathroom. I also tried to get him everything on his list, even though half of it he already ordered for himself from Amazon. He got a new electric razor, 2 movies (Casino Royale & Sneakers), an ASU hat, a new black coat (Thanks, Mom!), a great ASU camping chair (Thanks, Bairns!), and an awesome ASU trashcan (Thanks, Will & Missy!) And after all that, my Mom watched the boys so we could go out to dinner at the Oasis Dining Room at SCC, which was pretty much paid for by the gift from Aaron's parents (Thanks, Bob & CJ!). Considering Aaron still had to work, I'd say it was a pretty good year for him. Feel free to leave your own comments, Aaron.

Oh, let's not forget that a couple days after his birthday we went to dinner with his friend, Arden, and wife Tanya. We had great Thai food and they generously paid. Thank you! Then we came back to our house to discuss baby stuff (Tanya is pregnant with their first) and have yummy cake. I did a fancy one for Aaron this year at his request, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. The recipe is from Gourmet Mom on-the-Go.

Four Years Old and Practically Grown!

On September 10, 2004 Aaron & I welcomed our first child - Alden Bryce Carpenter. It was a long-ish labor and we wanted him to be born before 9/11 and he finally made it with the help of forceps at 10:10pm. And today he is four years old! Here's my little tribute to my first (and always) baby. Happy Birthday, Alden-Bear!

More soon on all his four-year-old birthday fun!