My Life, My Heart

Monday, July 5, 2010

Kids in Cali summer 2010

The kids are having a great time in California as usual. This time the trip is a little bitter for me. Forrest will be staying out there with dad for the school year. It was VERY hard for me to let him go but I know he will thrive out there and do me proud. The kids were fortunate to be out there when their new baby brother Maximus Christian was born. They went to palm Springs for Vacation and are spending lots of time with cousins and family.

Forrest and Liam With new baby Brother

Mya is helping Marika with her two little brothers, I am so proud of her she is getting her mother spirit back.

Liam Holding Max

Maximus Christian Carter born 9lbs WOW!

Forrest and Max

Harmony with her cousin Mercedes

Harmony with her cousin Mekel

The kids with their older bro Travis at the beach

Harmony and Baby bro Mattias...he is so cute

Me and Harmony the day they left for Cali

Harmony and Mya

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Basketball...in black and white

Harmony made the 7th grade basketball team. The season is now over and it has been a fun ride. The team is coached by Teresa Clere. Harmony is such a girly girl so I was surprised when she said she wanted to go out for basketball. When we took her to try out week she felt a little unsure of herself because she never played before., however she did really well and told us the coaches seemed to like her. The day of tryout results we were nervous. Mya and I waited out in the car until she came out. When she got to the car she pretended she did not make the team, we said we were sorry then she yelled...SIKE! Then we screamed we were so happy for her. The season has been fun to watch her talent grow. She is not sure if she will go out again, I think the 6 day a week practices were a little much. We felt married to this sport. So many games and practices we were all worn out. Here are some highlights of the season.

Harmony and Skylar

Harmony and Aya and Macy

Valentines Day 2010

I took the twins to a pre-school valentine party at the church. They decorated bags, exchanged, treats and cards and played. This is Linnea decorating her bag.

Grandma Phyllis came over to watch the twins on Saturday the 13 so Chad and I could go out. The twins got Grandma twin frogs with candy Linnea fell asleep in the background. Chad and I went to Sahara Grill, then we went home early because we thought the roads might get back. It was just starting to snow as we were eating.

On Sunday The 14th we spent the day doing some fun valentine activities. This is a pic of Larissa and the Mellow watching TV I though this was funny. The cat just climbed up in the chair and watched Tv.

Making chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, clementines, and pretzels. This is our family Valentine tradition.

Two heart baskets full of home made Valentines the whole family made for each other. We gave these out the next day at family home evening, our topic was on how Jesus taught us to love.

Larissa LOVES chocolate. she just goes nuts for it. When she sees chocolate commercials she tries to grab the candy off the screen and even lick the Tv...I know I know...gross. Its true I have had to explain to her it is not really there. hahh

tasting their goodies

Licking a chocolate covered spoon

some of The finished yummys

These are the cards Chad and I exchanged. I love that kid he is awesome and soooo romantic. Another surprise is we are going away to see some art exhibits, just me and him for 3 days. YEA!!! I cannot wait. We have so much fun together. Just laughing, eating good food and taking in our mutual love of art. we are planing this for March 20...I'm counting down the days.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Decorating Diva

Just a reminder my Decorating business has a blog too...Check it out. there are coupons and fun decorating advice plus great shopping ideas.

http://www.thedivaway.blogspot.com/

Winter storm 2010

February came in with a snow storm. it started on Friday night and 16 inches or more later we were really covered in it. Friday night we took the twins out for fun in the snow. It was falling down hard yet it was not too cold for fun. The twins love the cold and are so happy to be in it. They could stay out forever. We tried to do what little we could in our small back yard. The next morning Chad, Mya, Forrest and Liam all went snowboarding. Yes those crazies went out in the midst of the storm and headed for the slopes. Thank goodness for 4x4, it just barrels through the snow. Left at home were Me, Harmony and the babies. So of course they wanted to go out for some fun in the snow too. Believe it or not 3 days later we got 8 more inches. It seems like just when we get shoveled out of our drive way it covers right back up. Its funny because at the beginning of winter I really wanted to get a snow blower, but Chad said no we do not need one we have 3 boys that can shovel. However when you are shoveling 16 inches of snow you think differently. I hope I can talk him into one.

Friday night when the storm started...Larissa taking a trip down our little hill.

Larissa showing me her snowy hands

This was so funny, Larissa lost her first hat in the snow so I went inside and got her this one. She looked so funny, and she was making a growing noise trying to scare me.

This is how the hat ended up a few minuted later...all twisted. hahahha

proof of the 16 inch depth...even deeper than this in some spots.

Harmony sunk down in the snow.

I love the way the snow looks on the trees.

Linnea's first snowboarding photo.

Trying to taste those yummy snow flakes.

I made a little bed for linnea.

These really are the best memories. I remember playing for hours in the snow and sledding, snowball fights, snowball forts, and even snow sundaes. we would take a bowl outside and fill it up with fresh fallen snow and then bring it inside and put milk, and sugar on it. yummy. so I am so glad the kids get to have the same cool memories.

Mya Carter

Singer, Poet, Friendly. Sensitive, Caring, good friend. She is the softness in our home. Mya is my little mother she helps so much with the babies. They love her like a second mom. I always call her my queen, and she reigns surpreme sometimes even with a little attitude. Her strength will carry through the temptations in this life. She is firm in her beliefs and I am so proud of her. I love her warm smile. She looks so much like her late Grandma Marsha, which is such a blessing. Now her dad can see his mom in his beautiful daughter.

Harmony Carter

Fashion designer, Trendsetter, Go getter. Loving, Huggable, smiley. She is the Light in our home. Harmony will go far in life she is determined and will work hard for her success. She is driven and studies hard in school. She likes things organized and neat. She is playful and sometimes has us laughing at her silliness. I am so grateful for her. I prayed for another girl when I was pregnant with her because I wanted Mya to have a sister. I hope she knows how special it is to be a sister and to be a good one. She radiates and we are blessed to have her.

Liam Carter

Artist, Writer, Comedian. Intelligent, thoughtful, cool. He is the truth in our home.Liam is starting at Canton Country Day School this year.We are so proud he was accepted in. He is a rare gem with great potential. He is our little einstein. When he was little he did not talk much he used to play thoughfully and examine things. he was always anxious to get bigger so he could do big things. I hope you never lose your fire to be big Liam. Liam collects build a bears. He also writes and illustrates hilarious comic books. As long as he keeps believing in Himself he will go far. He is ma-ma's heart.

Linnea Tsoufiou

Happy, loves books, Cautious, Girly, Passionate. She is our sweet angel.God bleesed Linnea with a twin now she will have alife long friend who will be so close to her heart. Linnea looks out for Larissa she tries to keep her out of trouble and leads her into trouble too. She moves non-stop when she is awake, and tires mommy out. She is going throught the taking off clothes and diaper phase. Does anyone know of any escape-proof clothes? I feel overwhelmed alot but alos overwhelmed with good feelings for my glorious blessings.

Summer News

The summer is here, and already going fast. Forrest, Mya, Harmony, and Liam are all in Reseda California (LA) Visiting with dad Travis, step mom Marika, and new baby brother Mattias. They are also spending time with cousins and uncles. They are having a great time. We all talk everyday. I miss them tons. I do not breathe the same because 4 pieces of my heart are missing. I am getting lots done here though and trying to use my extra time wisely.
My mom got us ALL a membership at the Massillon Recreation center. She is SO awesome. I honestly do not know how she keeps up with needs of all her children and grandchildren. THANKS MOM!! We have gone quite a bit. The babies are warming up to the water and starting to have lots of fun. I like summer but I do not love it. I prefer fall and winter but I plan to make this a great summer, I might even let myself get a tan. I usually hide from the sun…I don’t want any wrinkles!!!!