Old Family Photos

My Grandparents










Old photo of my Dad and his bother and sisters.


My Dad and Amy

Allie & Jake

Some of Allies gymnastics pics













Here's Allie balancing on her friend Taylor










Here's a pic of Allie & Jake


Karate pic of Jake

Glamour Shots

A picture company came to Chloe's preschool and took "glamour shots" of the kids. Here are a few of hers. They are not super clear because we didn't get them on disk. Oh, well. We'll make it work!

I Heart Christmas Time!

As our teens say, I heart Christmas time! I love all the things that the Christmas season represents. Of course, I love that there is a whole season celebrated for the birth of our Savior and all that His birth represents. But I also love the cookie baking, spicy smells, shopping, gift giving, family tradition, etc. This has also been a great season for teaching Chloe to be selfless. It's amazing that no one has to teach how to be selfish, but it takes discipline and hard work to be selfless. We took Chloe shopping to buy gifts for all her friends but she didn't get anything for herself. What a HUGE learning lesson. She is so use to getting toys for herself. Today her friends Halle & Arria were over and before they left Chloe gave them their gifts. Their eyes lit up when they received their gifts and Chloe had the biggest smile because she made her friends happy. We have been teaching Chloe about the real meaning of Christmas. For only being 2, she is starting to get it. In her words, Christmas is Jesus' birthday and we get gifts because it's His birthday party. Hey, it's a start and she's only 2! I also love the family activities that take place over the holidays! It's so much fun to decorate the tree and the house as a family. OK, I have to be completely honest here. I am pretty particular about "my" tree. It has to have tons of lights and the decorations have to be perfectly spaced, the lights can't have holes- they have to be even all around the tree, everything has to be uniform. That's why we also have a family tree!! The family tree is a hodge podge of ornaments and decorations. Oh... and the cookie baking. Everyone gets cookies!!!! And I love that people are always over at our house, drinking hot chocolate (Geoff)! How sad would our world be if there was no Christmas!

So Proud

Chloe has been doing very well in preschool! Before she started school, she could count to 10 on her own, say her ABCs and identify colors (primarily pink!!). Pretty smart for a 2 year old! Yesterday when I picked her up from school, I was reading through her daily activity page. She is learning a LOT of Spanish! I knew she could count to 10 in Spanish, but now they are learning other words. This month they are learning different foods. Preschool sure has changed over the years! I remember coloring and building houses out of foam bricks or gluing macaroni to construction paper. I was so proud how smart my Chloe is when she started singing me a song entirely in Spanish. Then while we were decorating her Christmas tree, she started reciting the Pledge of Alligence and Bible verses. The intelligence of children is far underrated by adults!! I might be bias because she is mine, as I am sure most parents are, but I have seen other 2 & 3 year olds that don't seem to be as advanced as Chloe. You may laugh at me when I say she is a genius, but you have to admit she is one smart cookie!!!!

And how could I talk about being proud without bragging about my husband!!! I hope all wives are as in love and in awe of their husbands as I am. Jeremy was a great speaker when we were in Bible college, but he has advanced so much! I love listening to him teach. He has developed his own style and personality that is just amazing- and captivating! It's incredible to watch him hold the attention of Jr. Highers and High Schoolers for an entire service while bringing real truth, Word, depth, life principles and fun! It's easy to just entertain, but to really change people's lives is completely different. I think because we've worked with teens for so long and I've taught in services quite a bit, I can truly appreciate the talent, skill and annointing that it takes to reach today's youth. Most people think it would be the easiest, funnest job you could have but I think it takes the most work, the most drive & determination and the most criticism of all professions! Honey, I am so very proud of everything you are doing and I am so honored to serve with you!!! I love you!

Chloe & Paige

This is Chloe with her friend, Paige. As you can see from Paige's uniform, she is here to support her basketball-playing sister. And of course, Chloe is our mini-cheerleader! They get to play together at basketball games and Paige is in Chloe's preschool class a few days a week. My little one really is a little one! Paige is about 4-5 months older but quite a bit taller.













This is their serious face!















And of course, no photo session is complete without silly faces!!!!

Happy Birthday!!

This is just a quick note to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOFFREY RYAN!

Today is our friend's 25th birthday! Birthdays are the greatest holidays ever because once a year everyone gets to celebrate YOU!!! Geoff- just want you to know that we are blessed to have you as our friend. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, loyalty and movies!

Almost...

It's almost CHRISTMAS!!!!!! I love, love, love this time of year! People are more courteous, lots of parties to go to/host, my annual Christmas Cookie Baking Day with all the girls, LIGHTS everywhere, Christmas songs.... I just love all things Christmas! Jeremy and I can be such kids when it comes to holidays like this. But having Chloe is the biggest joy of all. She has been such a blessing in our lives. My heart melts when I get to see things through her eyes. Who knew that snowmen would be so wonderful? Or that snowflakes are so thrilling? Or that 2 year olds know that words to Frosty the Snowman? Her eyes light up when houses are decorated with lights and santas and all things tacky! When Jeremy & I are out shopping, we find so many things that we "just have to get for Chloe." Seeing a little kid get really excited because you bought her a new pencil makes you want to buy her the world.

And my wonderful husband... I don't even know where to start! He is a giant kid! He loves getting presents just as much as Chloe does. But the most beautiful thing about my husband is that he would sacrifice and give anything to see that Chloe and I are happy. While he is getting an amazing Christmas gift (and it is REALLY good ~ he's going to be so surprised!) he is more concerned that Chloe and I get everything we want for Christmas, even if it means that all he gets is socks and underwear (which he isn't). He is so giving and selfless. I am so happy being married to him- he truly is the love of my life. Around the holidays, people give the typical answer of what they are thankful for- their family. But I truly am thankful that I am married to a loving, giving, wonderful man of God and that we have a beautiful, vibrant daughter. I thank God all the time that I got the "best." At least to me, I got the best!!!

Two Peas in a Pod

While rumaging through some old photos, we came across some of my baby pictures and were shocked!!! It was Chloe!!! It wasn't until then that I really saw how much Chloe and I look alike~ she has my face, my nose, my eyes, my stance! Some of the faces I was making look just like the ones Chloe makes (and I usually blame them on Jeremy's side!).

Chloe's New Bed

Sometimes it seems like Chloe just grows overnight. We were putting Chloe to bed a few nights ago and realized that her little bed was getting a too small. Yesterday she got a "big" bed. We put the twin bed from the other bedroom into her room and went shopping for special sheets. After her cold booty night, I though she would appreciate some flannel sheets. She absolutely loves Hello Kitty and has been wanting the bedding for a while. Well... I found Hello Kitty flannel sheets! We had bought her a warm fuzzy Hello Kitty blanket that we were going to save for Christmas, but after finding the sheets I just couldn't help myself! And it was worth it!!! She so loves her "new" bed. Last night was her first night with all her new stuff and I think she likes it~ she drags her new blanket all over the house. She would have taken it to church if we had let her. I am excited about her new bedding because it is pink AND PURPLE. Sometimes I wish she wasn't so darn cute- I just want to give her everything her little heart could possibly desire. Even though I said I wouldn't spoil her, I just can't help myself!

Guess What I Did Tonight!!?!!

Tonight, we were all snuggled in our townhouse, watching a movie and sipping hot cocoa as the long-awaited snow fell into a beautiful white blanket outside our window.

IT SNOWED!!!!!! I'm so excited that after all the talk about snow it finally happened. Even though I've been in Seattle for quite a while, I still get shocked at people's reaction to just the slightest bit of snow. I would put pictures up right now, but my camera is broken. I will take pictures tomorrow with Jeremy's and try to get them up.

Poor Chloe, she HATES the snow and cold. Every day as we leave for school, she pulls her hat down over her face so that the cold doesn't get her. And Heaven forbid we go anywhere without her gloves!!! My daughter was meant to live in tropical weather! This morning I woke to her yelling, "Help me! I'm stuck! Mommy, help. I'm stuck." When I went to "help" her, she was sitting up, curled in a ball on top of her pillow. "Mommy, I'm stuck on my Hello Kitty (her pillow). My booty is cold. I can't get on my bed." She was "stuck" on her pillow because her bed was cold and she didn't want to touch it! So, there she sat with her blanket wrapped around her waiting for someone to help her off her pillow! I guess it's time to crank up the heat.

Those Special Moments

There are precious moments that you will always remember because they made you laugh, they made you cry, they made you angry. Chloe was in the bathtub playing, being so content to play by herself. She was doing all the cute kid things that you love to hear: she was singing to herself, playing nicely (no yelling, sliding around the tub :) while Jeremy and I were in the other room. Don't freak out- we check on her frequently! But the final time I went to check on her I was quite startled at what I found. [Chloe has these little color tablets that turn her bathwater colors. Tonight happened to be blue.] Our bathroom floor was covered with an inch of blue water! My initial reaction was anger/irritation. But as Jeremy and I were mopping up the floor it started to become humorous. I told Chloe it was time to wash her hair and be done with her bath. I soaped up her hair and reached for the cup to rinse the soap out. But, the cup was nowhere to be found. "Chloe, where is your cup?" With a straight face, sincere answer she says, "It's in the toilet." Just like that. It's in the toilet. As if to say, duh, where else would it be? I lifted up the toilet lid and inside my now blue toilet there was Chloe's pink cup. Apparently she tried to fill the toilet with blue water. I really tried to retain my stern demeanor but eventually we were laughing at how ridiculous the whole situation was.

A True Carpenter

I am amazed at how much my daughter is like her father. It must be in the genes: show no sign of pain! Chloe was getting out of the car this evening and bent over to pick up her book at the same time. She ended up falling head first out of the car, right onto the pavement. It was loud enough that I heard her hit. It really freaked her out more than anything. She only cried for a second. I took her into the house to look at it and put ice on it. In the short distance from the car to the house, she had developed a good bump. We prayed for it and then I went to get the ice pack. She said, "No, Mommy. I don't want ice on my head. I'm all better now. See? I'm happy (insert fake smile)." She fought so hard against putting the ice on her head. Fortunately I prevailed! I did have to agree to put a pink ribbon in her hair to hold it in place. :)

It's A Seattle Winter

Let it snow





Let it snow





Let it snow






Yeah right!~


If only it would snow!!!! It is another Seattle winter- butt-chillin' cold but no snow. There is plenty of rain, which freezes at night. But yet still no snow. I would really like to curl up in front of our fireplace, drink hot chocolate with Jeremy and Chloe and watch the snow fall. There is just something magical about having the full winter effect. Maybe when we go to Missouri we will get some snow.

Gotta Love the Apple Store!

The youth pastors were hard at work this day!!!

I've Lost My Mind

After everyone left on Thanksgiving, we packed up and headed to Jeremy's parents for the night. The plan was to relax and do some shopping damage in the morning. Chloe was so happy being out there. She played with Leonard (the cat- Chloe loves animals) and watched a movie. Jeremy's mom, Deena, was planning on being out the door by 5:30am. 5:30 AM!!!!! That's insane!!!!! I didn't know if the "sales" would actually be worth it. But this would be my first year being "one of those." I was really proud of myself for being up, dressed and done with my coffee by 5:40am. Deena and I made a plan: we had our list of people to buy for, what we wanted to buy them and what stores we needed to hit. We went through all the ads the night before, which was really helpful. We hit all the stores (and a few extra) and had the car COMPLETELY loaded by 11:30am. I have a newfound respect for "power shoppers" and those that have to get up that early on a regular basis. But my Christmas shopping is 85% finished. That makes me happy!

Thanksgiving

Another successful Thanksgiving @ the Carpenter residence. Last year we had a cajun deep-fried turkey, this year I took a more traditional route. I was really excited about my turkey this year- I made my own brine and baste! I know I sound like a big nerd, but I live to host meals/parties! We had the typical Thanksgiving food- Turkey, ham from Honeybaked Ham Co, stuffing, garlic-herb mashed potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, candied yams- and the "people's food"- kelaguin, red rice but no lumpia this year (just didn't have the time). And of course there was dessert- homemade pumpkin pie and cheesecake I spent days cooking and baking and was in heaven! New this year, I made homemade cinnamon rolls. I figured out the secret to perfect cinnamon rolls! They were so yummy!!! We have an open house on Thanksgiving and invite anyone that wants to come and those that have family too far to visit. Breakfast began at 9am and we finally wrapped dinner up by 7pm. Of course we ate ALL day long. This was one of the best holidays we have had in a long time, I just wish I had more family around here.

God

Jeremy and I have been working with Chloe on sharing, especially when it comes to money. Even though she's only 2, she loves money and has a hard time sharing it. So we have been teaching her about giving to God and to other people. We give her some money "for God" and some "for Chloe." Today I gave her money for the offering. After church, we aked her if she gave her offering. Her reply was, "Where's my God, my God is in my pocket." Instead of money for God, she's been calling it her God. Needless to say, we are now also working on distinguishing between money for God and money being God!

I was going through some older photos and found this one- which I love!!! This is was the night of the 25/50 Banquet durning '05 Vision Conference. It was such a wonderful evening, getting dressed up, going to a nice banquet, etc. My mom was in town so there was no fuss with a babysitter, but in usual "Salas Time," I was late getting there. All in all, it was a wonderful outing with my favorite husband!

Chloe's "Horns"

We took Chloe to a Corn Maze/Pumpkin Patch and they were selling these headbands with butterflies, bees, aliens and devil horns that lit up. Of course, Chloe wanted the pink butterflies. We stood in line- forever- and when we finally got to the front of the line, they were sold out of everything but the devil horns!!! Fortunately, she was just excited to have a toy that lights up!

Jeremy Is Great

We were in Chloe's room playing with her when she got out the Sock 'em Boppers. I tried to get a picture of her playing, but everytime I would get ready to take it, she would stop and pose (like this picture).

I am so grateful that I have a husband who is involved in our lives. Even with so much going on in the Youth ministry, Chloe and I always know that we are top priority to him. I pray that one day Chloe finds a husband that is as loving, caring, giving, fun and Christ-like as her father.


Honey, you are my all-time favorite husband!!! I love you bunches!

Chicken Noodle

We took Chloe to see Chicken Little today. It was quite the experience! We wanted to make sure that her first trip to the theater was a great one. We bought her popcorn, gummi worms and she even got a sip of Jeremy's pop! Thank goodness there were many other kids and parents in the theater- Chloe talked nonstop. And if you know Chloe, she is not quiet by any means!!!! She kept anouncing to everyone that she was "watching Chicken Noodle." And of course, about 40 minutes into the movie we all heard, "I have to go potty!" She had a great time and wanted to see it again. Imagine that! At least we don't have to watch it 10 times this week! At the end of the movie, right after the credits, Chicken Little waves to everyone. Most of the theater had cleared out so it made her sound so much louder, but she started waving saying, "Bye, Chicken Noodle. Bye!"

Tayten

This is my awesome nephew, Tayten. Don't let his size fool you. He is only 9 months old in this picture! But yes, he is just a little smaller than my 2 1/2 year old! Chloe was so excited to have "her Tayten" here. She had so much to tell him and show him. This picture was taken at the Aquarium. Chloe is so set on having a brother that she made Tayten be her "brother" while he was out here.

Tayten wasn't quite sure what to make of Chloe in the beginning!

But she didn't care, she was just happy to see him!

Sisters

They just don't get much cuter than this!







Ok, well maybe...











Or maybe not...






Oh, they definately do!!!!

I had such a great time with my sister. Even though she comes to visit every couple of months, it just doesn't seem like it's enough.

This Week

For Halloween, we decorated our house and had some high schoolers over. I think becuase of our location we didn't get very many trick or treaters. Actually, we had a total of 5 and they all came together. But boy did they hit the jackpot at our house! We dressed Chloe up and the high schoolers were going to take her around to trick or treat, but she really wasn't interested in going out in the rain (she's very girly and doesn't like to get her hair or "make-up" messed up!). We played trick or treat at our house, though. We had her go outside and knock on the door. Then when we answered she would say, "Twick or Tweat!" It only took a couple pieces of candy in her bucket to get the idea! She did love decorating the house. She loved the purple lights, the spider webs, the strobe light, the pumpkins and of course the candy! We had a pumpkin pinata that she was fascinated by. The high schoolers were hitting the pinata and she stood on the couch, pointed her finger and yelled, "Play nice with the punkin!"

Today is the beginning of our Celebrate! Women's Conference at church. I am really excited about it, I LOVE the speakers. And my girls are performing tonight!!! They have a really awesome dance with so much energy. We actually get to be the opener for the conference!

Fall Fun Party

We had our Fall Fun Party at church last night. It was great to see so many people come- there was several hundred just at the North church! Jeremy was the MC, the cheerleaders ran the concessions and performed and Chloe played for hours! There were so many game booths and inflatable toys to play on. She spent 3 hours playing games and collecting candy. Because so many people know her and love her, instead of giving her the standard 2-3 pieces per game, the people at the booths were dumping handfuls into her bucket! But, like I've said before, she's a genius! I told her she could only eat a couple pieces of candy and preferably only Tootsie Rolls or Smarties. People would dump handfuls of candy in her bucket but she would give it back. Then she would look through the box of candy and pick out 4-5 Tootsie Rolls and Smarties. We probably would have made out with more candy if she hadn't given most of it back! Even after my cheerleaders devoured half of her candy, she still brought home 2 full bucket loads. My cheerleaders took turns taking her around to the games- they had as much fun as she did. All the cheerleaders were 70's Roller Derby Girls and of course Chloe had her Princess roller skates- still a little shakey, though.

Field Trip

Chloe went on her first field trip last week. Remlinger Farm was the perfect place for preschoolers! They had a hay jump (where Chloe is playing in this picture) and a hay maze, a mini train, a puppet show, farm animal petting zoo and a pumpkin patch. I am so appreciative of my flexible job- I love being able to work from home so that I can be a part of days like this! It was really neat to see how Chloe interacts with her Teacher and other classmates.

She tried really hard to climb the wall, but eventually got frustrated and just walked away.

This is the maze they played in. There were tunnels to crawl through, a slide and of course hay bales to climb over!

Fun Facts

Here are just a few pictures of our gorgeous daughter, Chloe. If you know her at all, you know she is so full of life!! Besides keeping us on our toes, she keeps us full of laughter- she is such a joy to have. I'm sure all parents think this about their children, but ours really is a joy! Although she is only 2, she has quite an imagination! She loves to tell stories- she talks nonstop- and sing. She is in preschool, which is perfect for her since she is such a people person. I could go on and on about how great I think she is, but she has some amazing qualities for such a young age. The quick rundown- She is: compassionate towards others, loving, giving, passionate, sensitive to others and her surrounding atmosphere, energetic (aren't most 2 year olds?!), silly, creative, confident, strong-willed (we like that in her most of the time) and just plain adorable!!!! She is one of the girliest girls I have ever met. Everything has to be pink. I tried forever to put her in purple but she insists on pink. We have pink clothes, shoes, nail polish, hair ribbons/barretts, bedding, toys, kid furniture, backpack and the list goes on. She already loves make-up and having her hair fixed, she has purses that she carries around. And it just wouldn't be right if her purse didn't have money in it!