Heartwarming Therapy

Lilly and Santa Claus

2011-12-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-07T10:41:00.002-07:00

Lilly was a devil/vampire. A little too cute if you ask me. This was the first year I can remember going trick or treating without a coat, gloves, hat, long underwear, face mask, and you get the idea. It was beautiful.

This year was another first, my girls actually got to wear their costumes for their parties at school. Since Boston started school 10 years ago, my kids have never gotten to wear their costumes. That was cool!

Mary thinks she is too old for costumes. She makes me laugh.

Now this picture, I can't even begin to tell you. Just go with it.

We are going to the Superbowl, Dolphin Style!

2011-11-07T10:36:00.002-07:00

Sophomore Fall Band Concert

2011-10-15T13:09:00.001-06:00

Vault

2011-10-15T13:01:00.001-06:00

Mary's 8.75 Vault

Kind of a fun way to look at it.

Lilly and Ann were being models for Adam

2011-09-12T18:02:00.001-06:00

Those eyes catch me every time.

2011-09-12T18:00:00.001-06:00

1st Meet 2011

2011-09-12T14:34:00.002-06:00

Mary's Highest score on Bars

She took 2nd

CRSG's Level 5 Team took 1st

We are ready some football!!

2011-09-12T14:19:00.000-06:00

Are you?

Dolphins Gold

2-0

My husband is so talented.

2011-09-12T14:00:00.001-06:00

First Day of School

2011-08-07T17:04:00.000-06:00

Mary is in 6th grade and Lilly is in 2nd grade.

I can't believe it.

My girls are growing up fast.

Douglas County Parade

2011-08-07T16:49:00.000-06:00

We love the parade. It is one of the benefits of living in such a wonderful small town.

Boston walked with his High School Marching Band. Miranda is in there also.

Zane and his friend held the sign for Mary's gymnastics group.

The girls looked so good in their bright tanks. They really stood out.

More Summer Fun at the pool with Friends

2011-08-07T16:22:00.000-06:00

And the Rains Came

2011-07-08T15:45:00.000-06:00

This was our house yesterday right before the rain started. Mary and I were driving back from Parker, and it was incredible to watch. We made it home just in time.

Now we are in for another round today.

Nurel and Jay's Visit in Pictures

2011-06-27T09:08:00.000-06:00

Pool Fun

2011-06-19T14:40:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Boston!!

2011-05-11T11:29:00.000-06:00

Boston received an Academic Letter for his Freshman Year!

We are so proud of him.

If you know Boston, you know that is a smirk. He was really enjoying himself, but couldn't let on.

As for the girl next to him, you have to smile.

She did it!

2011-05-02T14:35:00.000-06:00

She survived try outs and made the next level.

We are so proud of you!

Boston

2011-05-02T10:12:00.001-06:00

So handsome!!

Nothing more to be said.

Except, a thank you to a very talented husband.

Doors Open Denver

2011-04-18T11:13:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Architecture at the Water Management Offices.

Really cool bridge we have always wondered about from I-25.

Zane scoping out the football field where he is hoping one day to play. For some strange reason he doesn't want to play for us, but does want to play in that stadium someday. We had a hard time getting him to leave. He just sat and took it all in.

This is The Cable Center at DU. It was cool. We especially loved all the sets playing different channels.

What a fabulous family day and we were able to see so much of Denver we would never get to otherwise. We tried to go to a few other places, but downtown is such a mess with construction we couldn't find anywhere to park. It was crazy. There is always next year.

Spring is in the air.

2011-04-06T11:42:00.000-06:00

At least in the house.

Thanks Adam for the beautiful flowers and photo.

A little taste of Spring

2011-03-28T09:44:00.000-06:00

Butterfly Pavilion March 2011

Pictures thanks to Adam

Casa Bonita

2011-03-17T10:15:00.000-06:00

I am pretty sure it hasn't changed since 1965. That was the earliest date I found on Employee Recognition board. I am pretty sure the menu has also stayed the same.

It is always an experience. We realized Lilly had never gone, so we went.

It was a great family night.

Basketball Season 2011

2011-03-17T10:04:00.000-06:00

Zane has decided that basketball will help him prepare for his very busy football season.

I am so proud of him for planning ahead.

Lilly, the Scientist

2011-02-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Lilly's homework this week was to complete a simple science experiment.

She was so excited.

Our fizzy mixture.

I love the look of excitement on her face.

I hope the experiment is as successful when she shows them at school.

And, yes it is February. She and Adam are determined if they ignore the cold and dress and act like it is spring, it will come much quicker. I hate to spoil there excitement.

16 Years

2011-02-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

16 Years ago I married my soul mate.

We celebrated in Chicago this year.

It's been an amazing 16 years.

We met a man at the airport who had been married for 45 years. I will be so fun to be able to say that in a few years. Okay, a few more than a few, but how awesome is that?

There is nothing like a PUG!

2011-02-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

m cided go sledding. hill next door to our house. Hour before the Super Bowl the kids decided to go sledding.

Sometimes there is a real advantage to have an empty lot next door.

Adam lost his mind today, and we ran with it...

2011-01-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

4 kids + 3 dogs +1 cat = absolute chaos

Yes, we are crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Meet Sophie.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2011-01-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Lilly was fascinated with the bugs.

Heading to Space.

Boston and Miranda

the rest of the kids in front

Beautiful Downtown Denver

It is the best location to take a picture of downtown. It was such a beautiful day.

Not sure about this one, but it is kind of silly.

Mary's new boyfriend.

Such a handsome fella.

Not sure about the eye patch though.

Fun day as a family at the museum.

Thanks Nana and Papa for the wonderful gift.

It finally got above 20 degrees today...

2011-01-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

Lilly was convinced tat was warm enough for sledding.

Not me.

I stayed inside and took the pictures from my back door.

My Best Friend

2011-01-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Someday I will tell you the whole story, but for now suffice it to say, I have never had a friendship like ours.

We don't get to meet up very often. For some reason we are meant to live far apart for now.

Her handsome son. He has grown up so much.

He and Boston were always together when they were little.

Now they are competing for height and talking about girlfriends.

Lilly wasn't even born when we lived close together, but she fit right in.

Zane was still picking on the girls and stealing Bryson's hat

He was the brother that wasn't thrilled when sisters were added to the mix.

These 3 girls were the ones that were meant to be born together and were meant to always be friends.

They reconnected after not seeing each other in years, like it was just yesterday they were together.

It was a fabulous day. We need to do that more often.

Adam's New Hobby

2011-01-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Check out Adam's new hobby. I love the pictures he is taking.

Now to cover my house with them.

http://www.adamcartwright.com/Blogs/2011/Adams-2011-Photo-Blog/15264551_G5hoj#1147826458_gk9NA

Highlights from Mary's Gymnastics Season

2011-01-09T19:16:00.001-07:00

Christmas 2010

2011-01-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

We decided to be different this year.

Lilly's I can't believe it face.

Mary has her own computer finally.

No more bugging the boys.

Sisterly love.

My boys have really grown up.

Izzy protecting her present.

Boston's Winter Performance

2011-01-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

This is Boston's love.

Especially percussion.

Although he needs taller trash cans.

Christmas Card 2010

2011-01-09T18:00:00.001-07:00

My Cowgirl

2010-10-14T19:10:00.001-06:00

Way to go Zane!

2010-10-09T19:02:00.003-06:00

44 - 0

Dolphin Gold

(Can you find Zane?)

Mary's Loveland Meet

2010-09-29T20:12:00.003-06:00

Mary's winning floor routine.

She took 1st place in the senior division.

I wish you could have seen it in AcTiOn!

It was beautiful.

(which is a spelling word this week)

I love her coach's face during her vault.

I love that they get so excited for their girls.

1st Place All-Around!

As many of you know, Mary works extremely hard, but says she enjoys it just as much.

She should be very proud of herself.

We definitely are as parents!

Mary at practice today

2010-09-25T19:02:00.013-06:00

Homecoming Performance

2010-09-17T09:37:00.002-06:00

Boston is loving his band courses this year.

He not only does plays in the symphonic band, but also the Pep Band and the Marching Band Percussion Group. He refused the regular marching band due to the very "fun" outfits they wear, but I haven't mentioned to him that this is really the marching band too. I will keep that to myself. They performed last night at our HS Homecoming game.

We won by the way.

Congratulations!

We might need to raise his trashcan. He looks too tall to play it comfortably.

This kids just keeps growing.

Evergreen 2010

2010-09-12T20:37:00.002-06:00

What a fabulous start to Mary competition season

She is qualified for state and came in 4th all around.

Way to go baby!

I would be scared if he came running at me!

2010-09-12T17:51:00.003-06:00

I have to keep reminding him that I am still meaner. :)

Zane

Football 2010

Mary Practicing

2010-09-09T11:30:00.003-06:00

Mary's 1st meet of this season is on Saturday.

* Good Luck Mary *

Zane's 1st Football Game

2010-09-05T08:18:00.002-06:00

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-09T11:15:00.002-06:00

We are looking forward to a fabulous year.

Lilly

1st Grade

*Likes*

friends

being in charge

edamame

so far, school

Finally sleeping in her own bed all night!

Mary

5th Grade

*Likes*

anything gymnastics

friends

sewing

music

Zane

7th Grade

*Likes*

girls/friends

playing football

WOW

Boston

9th Grade

*Likes*

Playing his trombone

hiking/camping

programming

being annoyed by his siblings

Why we love Colorado!

2010-07-23T10:54:00.001-06:00

See the heart?

We have the most beautiful sky!

Scout Camp 2010

2010-07-16T21:28:00.002-06:00

He loved it. He wants to go up as a volunteer next year.

How about that tan?

Chuck E Cheese Birthday

2010-07-11T10:32:00.002-06:00

All of Lilly's friends and Chuck E Cheese.

The excitement totally shows on here face.

She has always had family parties and this year we added in the friends.

You can see the excitement on her face.

Happy Birthday Lilly!

Lilly turns 6!

2010-07-11T10:27:00.004-06:00

Lilly's Birthday List

Makeup
Clothes
Jewelry

(I had to remind her that she was only 6! She forgets sometimes.)

Dinner at Red Robin. Her favorite.

I can't believe my baby is 6.

I keep having to reminder her that when she is 20 she will still be my baby.

Mary's 10th Birthday Party

2010-07-03T13:53:00.002-06:00

I am running a month behind, but we finally got her party in.

The weather was questionable, but it all worked out. We had beautiful weather just as the party started, and the pool wasn't crowded.

Mary's friends from gymnastics. They make the cutest group.

Notice the look in the background? Girls can cause so much drama.

SeRiOuSlY!

Happy Birthday Mary!

Flying

2010-07-03T13:51:00.002-06:00

Our Friend is an an instructor and pilot at for the Air Force.

What an amazing experience to go and see what he does.

We watched men go out on their first flight, gliders coming down, an intense storm move in, and men studying in the classrooms.

Mary was fascinated.

This is when Lilly learned that to be an astronaut that she had to learn to fly.

She gave it some thought, as you can see, and decided it was okay.

She needs to go up and take pictures of the planets.

The boys really did have a good time. BUT, they absolutely refused to smile.

Air Force Academy

2010-07-03T13:20:00.002-06:00

We spent the day at the Air Force Academy yesterday.

What an amazing place.

We have some fabulous friends that we spent the day with and taught us so much.

The Chapel

We also went bowling while we were there.

This was Mary's way of getting a good score. Meditate while the ball goes down the lane.

It actually worked pretty good for her, but I am sure the bumpers might have also.

The importance of this picture is the scores.

They are hard to see, but it goes like this.

Boston 59

Lilly 74

Morgan 56

There was major competition between Lilly and Morgan. Let me just point out that Lilly is 5 and Morgan is 13. She beat him both games. It got quite intense.

Boston in Moab

2010-07-01T11:45:00.003-06:00

Boston and his church group went to Moab this summer. What a fabulous experience.

He was the youngest one there, but they but found he fit right in.

They hiked, had many firesides, water rafted, ate "yummy" food, and had a fabulous time.

I remember doing activities like this as a youth and the memories are priceless.

I am thankful he is being able to make these memories also.

No better place to be and to enjoy than God's Country.

What a blessing it is.

Mary's Gym Sleepover

2010-06-28T15:58:00.002-06:00

55 girls

a whole gym

13 Hours

What a night!

(More for my memory than anything else I am listing each rotation they took.)

One of our fabulous gym moms put together the most amazing activity.

The Amazing Race

Gymnastics Style

Each team of 3 had to carry a ridiculous item the whole game. Mary's team had a pumpkin bucket, but they ranged from big wheels to 4x4x4, rocking chair, baby carrier, and exercise ball. They were not allowed to ever set it down or let it touch the ground.
They ran an obstacle course in the gym.
Dug through containers of ketchup and applesauce to find the red starlight mint in amongst several green ones. AND then they had to eat it and eat it before all the other teams. (Gross)
Searched through 200 Easter eggs for the one that had their team # in it. Plus loosing points if they dropped the eggs back in the grass without closing them.
Let's just say, WaTeR and CuPs and LoTs of WeT GiRlS (and not one of Colorado's warmest nights at all)
Gymnastics Quiz
Chicken Broth Popsicles (licking until finding the prize inside) (Again, can we say gross?)
Group Puzzle Making
Lots of climbing and hunting in the gym for envelopes filled with extra points.
Handstands across the floor to pick up their new pillowcases and carry them back the same way while carrying them in their mouth. That was a fun sight.
We ended with autographing each others pillowcases.

What a night!

Then the night finished out with karaoke, movies, loud music, bouncing and flipping, food, and very little sleep.

I was very glad to leave at 2. The girls were still wide awake, and Lilly was still going strong.

What a fabulous night, but I am not cut out for all nighters anymore.

Age caught up with me.

Thanks girls for a fabulous night!

Mary had a good night too. She was ready with me to leave at 2. We were tired.

What Lilly did during the Gym Sleepover

2010-06-28T15:54:00.002-06:00

Made lots or friends and bounced until 2 in the morning.

Zane's 6th Grade Graduation

2010-06-22T16:23:00.002-06:00

Zane walked in with his class looking very embarrassed. I think it had something to do with wearing dress pants and a tie to school. He was not excited.

He looked so handsome though.

We are so happy to be finished with 6th grade. It has been a good year of learning for all of us.

Zane learned so much in 6th grade. So much of it was life skills and social skills. I am sure he learned plenty of academics, but this is what stands out to me the most.

He has changed so much and turned into a teenager on me.

He keeps life interesting and so much fun!

He is very much like his dad!

Lilly's done with Kindergarten!

2010-06-22T16:22:00.002-06:00

I am so proud of Lilly!

What a year. In the beginning she wanted nothing to do with school. NOTHING! So it took us all year to convince her that school is fun and will be her job for many years to come.

She had a fabulous teacher, who was very kind and had incredible patience with her.

She has given us many priceless memories this year.

Some of them could have been considered a little bit snotty, but when not with Lilly we can giggle at them, as they are usually hilarious.

Funny things Lilly told her teacher and us.

"You can do it for me."
"I am too tired."
"I don't know how."
"I will do it when I get home."
"No school tomorrow. YES! I can sleep in."
"It is too early. Just one more minute."
"I am not going to school. I don't want to."
"It's so BORING!"
"The boys like me."
OMG! There are so many more!

Now she will sing, participate, read, play with her friend, ask questions, and still cling to mom.

But we made so much headway!

1st Grade, here we come!

This is a terrible pictures, but if notice the child in red with his fingers behind Lilly's head, you will see why. We were laughing while taking.

Fly Free Butterflies!

2010-06-22T16:16:00.002-06:00

This is the last things the kids did today on their way out of kindergarten.

They were so excited for these butterflies they have grown!

One even climbed on Lilly's finger and decided to stay.

She was very excited!

Field Day

2010-06-14T19:35:00.003-06:00

First Grade Field Day

It was a beautiful day. It wasn't near as hot as they said it would be and the sky was beautiful.

Perfect Field Day

Lilly loved most of it. She refused to act like an animal and jump rope.

She willingly loved everything else.

Tug-of-War

was her favorite activity. She loved when the students went up against the teachers.

Gotta love the sunglasses.

Ready! Set! Go!

Obstacle Course

What a fun day and she came home exhausted.

The other kids had Field Day also, but I only made it to the morning session. I am going to have to make it up to the other 2.

Almost ready for 1st Grade

2010-06-14T19:21:00.002-06:00

So these pictures were taken after field day at her school. Se is very tired. That is the reason for the glazed look. But she spent all week learning about eating lunch in the cafeteria.

She loved it. I think she will be my child that needs to take her own lunch from home. She just is too picky of an eater right now. Maybe in the future

She is currently going around singing that she gets to start 1st grade.

I can't believe all my kids are going to be in school full-time.

What am I going to do with myself?

I am pretty sure I won't have any problems finding something to do.

Boston's Braces

2010-06-03T06:55:00.002-06:00

Boston
(approx. 6 months before getting his braces)

On our way to the dentist.

Boston 2 1/2 years later.

His teeth are beautiful.

Mary turns 10

2010-05-23T20:11:00.002-06:00

I can't believe she is 10 already.

She is our only child that was born during our adventure to North Idaho.

I will never forget when I told Adam that we needed to move to Idaho and have a baby girl.

It all worked out so quick.

I love it when that happens.

What a beautiful gift we received. What a beautiful, special, talented daughter.

Mary is always so happy, thoughtful, and kind.

I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to be her mother.

Happy Birthday Miss Mary!

We love you!

Everyone needs a little bit of crazy pug in their lives.

2010-05-21T20:38:00.001-06:00

Trust me.

Great Friends...

2010-05-21T20:35:00.003-06:00

Cool horses...

Fabulous Leos...

We had a great night!

A dog and her toy...

2010-05-21T20:32:00.002-06:00

My dogs are just like my children.

Adam bought her this toy. It weighs like 5 lbs. She absolutely loves it.

It also makes a great pillow.

Mary lives for gymnstics.

2010-05-21T20:30:00.002-06:00

She and Lilly had a good time taking pictures.

Just for fun...

2010-05-21T20:29:00.005-06:00

My 5 year old...

2010-05-21T20:26:00.002-06:00

who thinks she is 16.

There is no rush, she is the baby.

Boston's Haircut

2010-04-21T15:48:00.003-06:00

You would not believe all the hair that he left on the floor. That kid has some hair.

It was completely his choice and he is really happy with it.

AND his braces come off in 6 weeks. It has been a long 2 1/2 years for him. But they look fabulous!

Pop Rocks

2010-04-15T09:11:00.002-06:00

Lilly had her first experience with Pop Rocks the other day.

(don't look at what terrible things it is doing to her teeth)

It was priceless.

Mary's Poetry

2010-04-05T10:46:00.002-06:00

M arvelously beautiful all the time
A lways very excited
R ockin awesome everyday
Y et I love gymnastics

C reative all the time
A lways eating out of the pantry
R ockin on my Zune all the time
T otally delighted to help
W ill always be there for you
R est most of the time during free time
I interested in interesting stuff
G ive love and respect
H ave a best friend a girl should have
T he last thing of all is family

How cute it she? I sure love and adore her.

This is how Mary watches TV

2010-03-25T09:19:00.001-06:00

And what we get to look at while trying to watch tv.

Cooking Preparations

2010-03-25T09:18:00.003-06:00

I keep forgetting to take a picture of this apron when we have it on.

Isn't it the cutest thing?

Now even if the food is questionable, we are very stylish while making it.

For the love snow and spring in Colorado.

2010-03-24T13:34:00.002-06:00

Lulu did not appreciate it as much as the other two.

What do you do at 7 am when the power is out and there is a foot of snow?

2010-03-24T13:33:00.003-06:00

Teenagers

2010-03-24T13:32:00.002-06:00

We headed to the orthodontist yesterday and this is what Boston did the whole time. He does this every time we go. Why talk to mom when you can snooze. It takes about 25 minutes to get there and he took advantage of the time.

He is completely mortified that I am posting these, but that is what you get when you fall asleep in the car and mom has a camera available.

What about that hair?

Maggie fits perfectly.

2010-03-24T13:31:00.002-06:00

She has been the most wonderful addition to our family. Such a sweet, loving, kind dog.

And the perfect fit for Lulu.

I believe that she feels it is her right to lay on the big dogs and snuggle.

Being Little

2010-03-24T13:30:00.002-06:00

Why lay on the chair when you can lay on the back of the chair?

The benefits of being little.

Now if we could just convince the BIG black dog that she isn't little and shouldn't sit there.

Lilly again...

2010-03-15T10:06:00.002-06:00

And...

the second bottom tooth came out just a few days later. She tells me she was so worried about it, but so excited when she came home from school with her tooth in a little tooth necklace. No more loose teeth at the moment, but as you can tell from the picture, there will be braces in her future. Her bite is totally off. 2 sets of braces paid off, 2 more to go.

This second picture needs an explanation. I needed this picture for proof. Lilly is my little rebel. She is stubborn and strong willed. So school has been a little bit of a challenge this year. She doesn't feel like she should do more than what she wants to do. She has all these excuses she uses with her teacher to get out of doing what she doesn't want to.

"I will do it when I get home."

"I don't know how."

"I will do it later."

She cracks me up. It is so frustrating sometimes though. So this is Wednesday and Thursday nights homework that we were doing at 10 p.m. on Sunday. It was the first time I was able to get her to focus. She is such a night owl, that she was plenty awake to do it. So we will get it turned in, late, but done. I figured out while she was off track that she knows most all the Kindergarten skills needed, she just refuses to share them with her teacher. Our next goal is to convince her she isn't in charge and she does have to go to school and share what she has learned. The little stinker...

Lilly and her tooth...

2010-03-11T13:36:00.003-07:00

Lilly lost her first tooth. My baby lost her first tooth. These are the firsts of many lasts until the grand kids are around. I am a little sad. But as every good mom of 4 kids, I hadn't even considered her loosing teeth until this one would go around in circles, it was so loose. She was very nervous, but it came out while eating a bagel. No pain or anything else. It was ready.

Now for the Tooth Fairy. Assuming she comes sooner rather than later, Lilly decided to wait until her dad gets back in town to see her tooth. So we sent a memo to the fairies and they are on delay. Hopefully just a 24 hour delay, not a week like they have a history of.

Congratulations Lilly!

Beautiful bedding...

2010-03-04T09:14:00.004-07:00

Here are the pictures of that darling bedding I talked about last week.

I have 2 exact sets

twin quilt with matching sham

matching twin bedding

fitted, flat, and pillowcase

It is almost brand new.

The only flaw is a very small black dot made by a sharpie on one of the quilts. I tried to get it in the picture. (Lilly seemed to have missed the memo on no sharpies in our house. It freaks out their dad!)

If you are interested in them or have questions let me know.

Thanks.

Izzy

2010-03-01T15:37:00.001-07:00

We woke up this morning and found Izzy's tail like this. Went out about 4 inches and then drooped straight down. It seriously looked broken. As a lab, her tail is always up and wagging and knocking things over. So we knew there was something definitely wrong. Besides just look at it. So unnatural.

We headed to the vet. X-rays, current immunization because we were there and they were due, temperature taken it was determined that it wasn't broken. I don't know how it couldn't be, but I saw the pictures. She has just damaged it. It was almost like it was slammed in a door or something. But when I went to bed last night she was fine. It happened during the night. So now for very cute wrapping that matches her collar and pain medication, she is doing much better.

We took all of her toys away for a day or two to help make her rest, but how do you do that? She is so bored. So we are off to take her for a walk.

Recently...

2010-02-26T20:43:00.002-07:00

Middle School Band Concert

My son with his crazy but awesome long hair.

My cute Maggie

Every once and a wild we catch our teenager in rare form.

I hope we always remember these times.

15 Years Today

2010-02-16T11:24:00.002-07:00

the way he makes me feel when he holds my hand
forever companionship
9 moves
4 children
our many trips to Disneyland and how he is more excited than the kids
his patience for me and my pets
our religious and political talks (I am constantly learning from him)
his dedication to our family
how hard he works
his patience with me
his knowledge of everything (even weird stuff that it makes no sense for him to know)
his testimony
the strength he gives me
his desire to volunteer and be of service
he LOVES me

Happy Anniversary Adam

I love you

Boston Found Style

2010-02-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Warmth

2010-01-24T15:18:00.002-07:00

What do you do when you find a warm, sleeping body?

DU vs. BYU and Central Michigan

2010-01-24T14:55:00.003-07:00

We attended a gymnastics meet this weekend at University of Denver.

What a fabulous opportunity for Mary.

Adam and I were just amazed how even at their level they were just little girls doing amazing tricks, falling off the beam, hugging their coaches when they succeed and looking for praise.

We were cheering for BYU and DU, but ultimately DU won.

They had an awesome night.

My Zane turned 12

2010-01-10T19:44:00.002-07:00

My Zane turned 12 on Dec. 27th. I can't believe he is that old already. It seems like just yesterday he was an infant in my arms and a spitting image of his Dad.

He is such an amazing kid. He has such a zest for life. There isn't anything he isn't willing to try and sometimes we have to take it into our own hands to decide how much he can do. He would figure out how to do it all if he could. He is very social, has lots of friends (girls), and loves playing football.

He got a new suit for his birthday. He is prepared now to pass the sacrament in church. I am so proud of how he has taken on his responsibilities.

Most of these pictures were taken by him. I get my camera for pictures and this is what I find. He has taken a dozen or so pictures of himself. I think he is trying to find one that he feels is acceptable to put on Facebook. They crack me up though.

We love you Zane!

Happy Birthday!

Mary's Fun Meet

2010-01-10T19:23:00.002-07:00

A couple of times a year Mary's gym does a Fun Meet, which is just like a recital for all the levels to show what they are learning. It is low stress and so fun for the girls.

Mary threw in a few tricks from the level she is working towards. It was fun to see them in their own gym where they are comfortable. It was great to see what she is working on and how she is progressing.

Her competition season is over until next fall.

At the end of most meets we have been to they do a handstand contest. It is always a good time, and the coaches usually join in. Mary won the contest this time. She is amazing although she spends most of her time upside down.

She is such a beautiful girl, and I am so proud of her.

She loves to clean! It is awesome.

2010-01-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Buddies

2010-01-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday after Christmas

2010-01-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

How cute are they?

Our new baby...

2009-12-31T21:23:00.002-07:00

When you have 4 kids and 2 dogs, what is one more?

Just more love to go around. This is Maggie. We just adore her. She is a 4 year old lab that is just fitting right in. Lulu barks at her all the time trying to convince her that as the little dog she is still in charge. Maggie isn't buying it. Maggie and Izzy just have to convince each other to share and stop thieving from each other. Other than that, we are good. Lots of jeep rides, trips to the dog park, balls to chase and kids to love.

Who could ask for more?

Christmas

2009-12-31T20:49:00.002-07:00

What can we say except that it was a wonderful day. We have learned a lot from previous Christmas and I think we finally got it right. The kids were happy, we were happy, and it was a peaceful, beautiful day.

We kept the reason for the season in our hearts and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day.

Lilly asked if Santa could come again in 2 weeks.

Christmas Eve Dinner and Program

2009-12-31T20:15:00.002-07:00

In Cartwright tradition, we spend the even together as a family have a yummy dinner of appetizers and then doing a family program. We have been doing this program for as long as I can remember. I even remember one from before we got married.

Each year we all participate by sharing our own talent, singing, or such. This year Boston taught us a game where you write Christmas words with your "butt" and then everyone else tries to guess what it is. It is very out of character for Boston to do something like this, but it was so fun. Zane played his trombone for us and then the boys played together. Mary played the piano. I have to get her lessons caught up now that her gymnastics is slowing down for a few months. Lilly had us sing some songs with her. I always read The Night Before Christmas, and Adam did a beautiful talk about Christ. It was a beautiful evening. Our friend Dave joined us also.

Then off to bed. It is always a very long wait for the children to go to sleep. Santa has to put off coming to our house. But, he was finally able to make it thanks to some snoring in our house.

Mary's State Meet

2009-12-13T17:24:00.002-07:00

Mary did fabulous at her State Meet. We are so proud of her.

Check here for more pictures and videos.

Salute!

Zane and Mary's Christmas Program

2009-12-13T16:55:00.001-07:00

Zane and Mary are in their school Bell Choir and regular choir. They had their program this last week and it was so enjoyable. It really puts you in the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed the Bell Choir. I hope they continue with that especially. It is just the start of many holiday spirit building activities.

Zane

2009-12-13T16:02:00.002-07:00

How handsome is he! All his freckles and those big green eyes. Besides he is a spitting image of his father. Coudln't get more handsome than that.

Heartwarming Therapy

Lilly and Santa Claus

Halloween 2011

We are going to the Superbowl, Dolphin Style!

Sophomore Fall Band Concert

Vault

Lilly and Ann were being models for Adam

Those eyes catch me every time.

1st Meet 2011

We are ready some football!!

My husband is so talented.

First Day of School

Douglas County Parade

More Summer Fun at the pool with Friends

And the Rains Came

Nurel and Jay's Visit in Pictures

Pool Fun

Congratulations Boston!!

She did it!

Boston

Doors Open Denver

Spring is in the air.

A little taste of Spring

Casa Bonita

Basketball Season 2011

Lilly, the Scientist

16 Years

There is nothing like a PUG!

Super Bowl Sunday

Adam lost his mind today, and we ran with it...

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

It finally got above 20 degrees today...

My Best Friend

Adam's New Hobby

Highlights from Mary's Gymnastics Season

Christmas 2010

Boston's Winter Performance

Christmas Card 2010

My Cowgirl

Way to go Zane!

Mary's Loveland Meet

Mary at practice today

Homecoming Performance

Evergreen 2010

I would be scared if he came running at me!

Mary Practicing

Zane's 1st Football Game

First Day of School *2010*

Why we love Colorado!

Scout Camp 2010

Chuck E Cheese Birthday

Lilly turns 6!

Mary's 10th Birthday Party

Flying

Air Force Academy

Boston in Moab

Mary's Gym Sleepover

What Lilly did during the Gym Sleepover

Zane's 6th Grade Graduation

Lilly's done with Kindergarten!

Fly Free Butterflies!

Field Day

Almost ready for 1st Grade

Boston's Braces

Mary turns 10

Everyone needs a little bit of crazy pug in their lives.

Great Friends...

A dog and her toy...

Mary lives for gymnstics.

Just for fun...

My 5 year old...

Boston's Haircut

Pop Rocks

Mary's Poetry

This is how Mary watches TV

Cooking Preparations

For the love snow and spring in Colorado.

What do you do at 7 am when the power is out and there is a foot of snow?

Teenagers

Maggie fits perfectly.

First Day of School 2010