La Familia Carver

Long time no blog...

2009-08-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

So it truly has been a long time since our pictures or news have posted on this blog. NOt sure if I'll keep posting as often but I will do what I can.

Dylan is already 7 months, Alex almost 3, PJ and I graduated, I did my first craft boutique, went to Cancun, had a blast, and now we're back home in Utah job hunting. We are ready for a change, a move, a new job, a new house, new car (engine emergency light keeps turning on in the accord...so annoying!), and new state even. Don't know where we'll end up but we are trying to find a job somewhere where winters are not as bad as here in Utah. That way PJ will not have to hear me complain about the cold & snow anymore. 15 years and I still can't get used to it! We're hoping to find a new job and be relocated by the end of the year, but we'll see...we might just end up moving back to Orem...who knows!

On a more positive note, my boys might get to meet the rest of their cousins, aunts & uncles in Ecuador at the end of the year. That's my goal anyway to try to spend Christmas down there and have sand covered shoes instead of snow on the 25th. Why can't airfare be cheaper?!! I guess I could always sell PJ's Xbox to come up with the rest of the $$...hmmm....

Here are some random pics...

Our Update

2009-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

PART I

So, it has been an eventful year already. First, I'll start with the oath ceremony. On March 18 of 2009 I became a naturalized U.S. citizen. It was such a memorable experience for me that I will never forget. Being in a room full of people that shared the same struggles, hopes, and dreams made me realize that this is the place where I'm supposed to be. This IS the land of freedom and opportunities; I believe in that so strongly! And I'm grateful to have gone through what I did as an immigrant, because it has made me a better person, and it has taught me to appreciate what I have. Thanks to my parents' sacrifice 15 years ago, I can enjoy of the many opportunities this beautiful country has to offer. Hooray for the U.S.! Here are some pictures of the oath ceremony.

Judge Samuel Alba presided the oath ceremony. He is an amazing speaker. I love listening to inspirational talks and judge Alba's was probably one of the best I have ever listened to. He is originally from Mexico and he came to the U.S. as a young boy with his father to work at the farms harvesting crops. He was still in high school when he came to work, and he said he is very grateful to the man that owned the farm at that time, because this man forced judge Alba's father to have the the boy go to school and only work when school was not in session. By working and going to school at the same time, he learned the importance of getting an education regardless of the circumstances. Judge Alba was the first in a family of ten to go to college, the first to graduate from college, and the first to graduate from law school. Listening to the judge talk made me cry because he is the perfect example of hard work and dedication; it just gave me inspiration to work harder in every aspect of life.

Oath of Citizenship

My parents. I'm so grateful for their love and sacrifice. I owe them so much!

My sister Carolina and her little girl 'Nani'. My sister became a U.S. citizen four years ago. She's also an amazing example to me.

Mom and Dad Carver. So glad they were able to come and be there with me on such special day.

My Certificate of Naturalization. Look at PJ's face. He was dead tired of chasing after Alex during the entire ceremony.

Little Dylan smiling and cooing for Grandma Carver during the ceremony

Little Dylan napping on Grandma's lap

PART II

This is the second part of this post....My Alex and My baby Dylan. I have been trying to take as many pictures of them as possible, but I just realized I haven't been doing a good job. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Alex is already getting ready for his first tricycle and Dylan is my little baby that I'm sure I'll wake up one day to see a toddler jumping on his crib. :( I love my boys so much!!! Aunt Mari, hope you like the pics!

Alex - 2 1/2 years old. Alex and Daddy test-driving the new ride

PJ trying to show Alex how to pedal

Dylan - 2 1/2 months. Bad hair day Dylan?? I actually did that to his hair on purpose...it's supposed to be a Mohawk, alright?! Amms, you might need to show me how to style boys' hair. :)

'The Daze'. I'm really tired and I'm trying to close my eyes but I refuse!

'The Daze' again. Do his eyes look hazel?

My Chubby boy

Not so happy about the scratch on my cheek that bled for days.

Dad, quit scaring me! Check out the double chin people!

Alex and Dylan trying to play together. Not sure how Dylan feels about it.

Run over by cars. Poor Dylan.

Meet Carrot...

Meet the rest of Alex's potato head collection.

Alex 'El Bandido' translation: mischievous

I love to tease my cousin Noelani. Hmm...let me guess where Alex gets the teasing part from...

PART III

THE JAZZ/LAKERS PLAYOFF GAME

Time to Hit the Gym

2009-02-17T13:10:00.000-08:00

So PJ is starting to get in shape and all toned-up really fast. He goes to the gym five times a week...in other words he's become a gym junkie. JK! It's actually making me jealous because I haven't been able to work out for quite sometime now (maybe a year), and after having a baby it feels like there is some serious work to do. With that said, I am committing myself to get in shape in the next couple of months with the help of my husband who will probably become my personal trainer. Of course, I'll have to wait until my doctor releases me after my postpartum checkup, but I'd like have a workout plan ready. I would also like help from family & friends...any input in regards to work-out tips, routines, etc (like a 10 min. ab workout or whatever). I've started reading several articles on msn about effective workout routines but I'd like to hear what works for people. I cannot wait to get back in shape so I can actually enjoy my summer and not feel like an old woman that can't bend down to put her own socks on...okay so that was part of being pregnant but still..it's definitely time to hit the gym!

Baby Dylan

2009-02-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

Finally we get a chance to post some pictures of our baby boy Dylan. He was born February 1, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. and even though he was born a week early, everything went smoothly with the delivery and little Dylan is healthy and eating lots already. So far, our baby boy is a breeze which we are SO happy for. He only wakes up once during the night to eat and then goes right back to sleep. We'll see how it goes in the next few weeks but we're crossing our fingers that things don't change too drastically. In the meanwhile, Alex is adjusting to having a baby in the house. He is already being Mr. helpful...he sings to his little brother and brings me a diaper when I need to change Dylan. Here are a few pictures we've taken so far...and yes, I'll try to take some with me in them next time. PJ was the only one looking photogenic on that day :)

Did Anyone Say Skillz??

2009-01-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

I don't get to brag about PJ's skills very often so I figured this is the perfect occasion for me to do it. We moved about two months ago and have been getting our new place painted, decorated, etc. Here are a few pictures of PJ's amazing skills with the kids' bedrooms. He worked really hard doing the prep-work with the color, taping, paint mixing, and pattern design and it certainly paid off. Check out these pics..

This is Dylan's Room. (Colors matched exactly to his bedding)We were so glad we got to finish painting it before the new baby comes. PJ used a lot of math and creativity to create this pattern on the walls...kind of cool huh?

Alex likes to play with basketballs, baseballs, footballs, etc. so we thought a sports theme would be perfect for his room. I seriously don't think he slept the first night he was there because he was so excited about it.

The numbers are my favorite part of this room.

Holiday Pics.

2009-01-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

Just wanted share some of the pictures we took over the Christmas holiday. We had a TON of fun with everyone. We were tired when the festivities were over, but it was all worth it! My sister and her family were down here from Vernal for almost two weeks and we had a blast every single day they were here. The kids played a lot, cried a lot, laughed a lot, and the adults ate a lot and enjoyed of Mami Yoly's food every day. On the 23, we also got to go to the movies with mom & dad Carver, Crystal & the kids, and reenacted the Nativity scene later that evening. Then, on the 24, we got everything ready for the traditional Christmas eve party, and celebrated Andrew's birthday. We ate, played games, and even got to dance a little bit (it reminded me so much of Christmas in Ecuador). The kids opened presents from the family later that night, and they also opened presents from Santa on the morning of the 25. PJ and I loved, loved hosting our first holiday at our home. We love entertaining and having family and friends over and look forward to doing it a lot more this year.

Heeello Snow!

2008-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

With the first snow storm of the season, we finally had a chance to take Alex outside to play in the snow for the very first time! He was like a kid in a candy store...he couldn't get enough! His mom made sure to put on about 8 layers of clothes to keep him warm and he ended up looking kinda like the kid from the "Christmas Story". Here are some fun pics of Alex playing around:

View of the mountains from our house...bbrrr...just a little chilly.

Alex putting on his best frozen-face cheezer.

Alex having his first bite of snow...mmmm, yummy!

Alex helping daddy shovel the snow...don't worry, I only had him do his half of the walkway and I did mine...its never too early to put the kids to work.

Here is my wife showing Alex how to make the perfect snowball...not bad eh?

Alex and dad having a snowball eating contest...I only got a few licks because I think my snowball was yellow-ish...and it wasn't lemonade.

Alex seems to have perfected the snowball making skills...soon he'll be chucking these at innocent pedestrians and passing cars---just like daddy! jk

Lorena and I gettin' snuggly trying to stay warm...Lorena looking gorgeous of course...if you can't see me clearly, its because my white skin blends in with the snow.

And one last bite of snow before he goes inside...man that stuff is good!

Alex digging for hidden "treasures" in the snow...lets hope he doesn't find any

Stay tuned because in the next couple of weeks we are going to hit the slopes for Alex's first sledding experience! Nothing better than cold hands, cold feet, and frozen snot on your face while riding a piece of plastic down a hill!

Temple Square

2008-12-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, after our crazy holiday move, we went to see the lights at Temple Square with family that was still in town from the Thanksgiving holiday. We were so glad to be able to come along and be able to spend some time together in such a special place. I couldn't take many pictures of the whole gang because my hands were numb from the freezing weather, but here are a few we took with our camera.

Alex and Kayla --we miss you K.K.--

~Chocolate Face~

2008-12-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since we've posted on our blog so here are a few pictures with proof that I DO let my son get messy sometimes -just as long as he goes straight to the sink to get washed- Ha ha! PJ was so proud of me that day! Alex loves brownies especially the miniature kind that fit perfectly in his mouth. PJ and I were cracking up just watching him enjoy his mini-brownies. Hope you like the pictures. :)

Chic by Loren at Trendy Tots

2008-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share some exciting news! Just recently I signed a contract with Trendy Tots down at the Riverwoods Shops in Provo, UT. This boutique sells the cutest stuff for babies and toddlers and now they're selling my hats there! Everything happened so fast and it's been keeping me really busy but I love it! These are some of the designs I made for their winter collection.

America's Next Top Male Model

2008-11-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing America is missing, its an amazingly versatile male model...with the ability to captivate the hearts of all and bring everyone together...well, you don't have to wait any longer...He is here...

Celebrating Hispanic Traditions - Dia de los Difuntos

2008-11-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dia de los Difuntos is a holiday celebrated in areas such as Central and South America and since I have family visiting from Ecuador we decided to celebrate it. (Any excuse to get together and have a party. Right?)November 2 is the official date for Day of the Dead, although it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2. In Ecuador is a tradition to make home-made bread in the shape of dolls and a yummy berry drink called "colada morada" that can be served hot or cold. My aunt Lucy brought some of the spices to make the drink all the way from Ecuador, and she made it this past weekend for us and it was really tasty. PJ loved it! I don't have pictures of him drinking it to prove it but you'll just have to take my word for it. PJ hopes that one day I become a great cook just like all the women in my family. I'm really trying...I promise. :)

My Aunt Lucy visiting from Ecuador

The Final Product!

Bye-Bye Halloween

2008-11-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of our busy Halloween day yesterday. Alex got lots of candy on his first time trick-or-treating. The candy is actually almost gone thanks to his dad who so kindly is trying to help him eat it before it goes bad.

I took Alex to PJ's work in the morning and later we took him to the mall. He loved it because he was the only Handy Manny there. Later, we went to Grandma's where he got to eat some of his candy with his cousins Caleb, Kaitlyn, Joshua and Eli.

Alex...he's officially a 2 year-old terror!

2008-10-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Our little Alex turned 2 yesterday and yes, as Mom Carver said..."he's officially a 2 year-old terror" or as my side of the family would call him, a little Tsunami.
I can't believe how fast time has gone by. All day yesterday I was thinking of the morning at the hospital when they handed me this little boy wrapped up in a blanket, and I could not believe I was the mother. While the thought was a little overwhelming at that time, I couldn't stop crying because it truly was the most amazing feeling to experience.
During stressful times while going to school and working, this little boy has brought us so much joy. He makes our day with his cute smile and sweetness. We love you Alex!!

Alex's birthday cake

Birthday presents from mommy and daddy and family members

Alex looks so grown up in this picture :(

Alex and his favorite buddy

Blowing his birthday candle...he actually did it without any help

Talking Farm birthday present from Grandma Carver

Pumpkin Fest

2008-10-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

I think some of you would agree when I say that kids make the holidays even more exciting. Last year PJ and I didn't even carve a pumpkin because we were so busy, but now that Alex is a little older he's making sure we are more festive around this time of the year. Here are some pictures of our decorated funkins at home, and our real pumpkins we carved with my sister, her husband Andrew and her kids while they were visiting this past weekend. We all had a chance to go to a pumpkin patch and it was a TON of fun! I've never been to one before so it was my first time to go pick pumpkins to carve and go through the corn maze.

Happy Fall Everyone!!

My little niece Noelani and her cute chubby cheeks

My sister, my mom and I

My three scarecrows

Alex in pumpkinland looking for the perfect pumpkin

Alex found his perfect pumpkin and he's not letting go as you can see

Our little family...Alex looks dead tired towards the end

Alex saying goodbye to the pumpkin patch

My brother-in-law Andrew..."the artist"...

Liah's bat

My ghost (with a lot of help from Andrew)

Andrew's pirate ship (my favorite)

Hogle Zoo

2008-10-10T20:25:00.001-07:00

So we've been dying to take Alex to the zoo and we finally came through on that promise a few weeks ago. Alex loves 'anmals' -as he calls them- so you can just imagine how much fun he had watching the real thing instead of just the T.V. animations of bears, elephants, and monkeys. We took our stroller with us but we decided to just let Alex walk around and we were amazed by how well he did by staying by mommy and daddy. The park wasn't full either so we felt comfortable by letting him explore a little more. Alex loved watching all the animals but he really enjoyed watching this cute little squirrel the most. That squirrel moved so quick from one side of the glass room to the other, and Alex was just fascinated by it. I think the squirrel reminded of him because he does the exact same thing at home, run from one room to another like someone is chasing him. I've learned it's the way a 2 year-old moves around. I don't have pictures of the squirrel but I did take a picture of this white alligator that was visiting Hogle Zoo during the summer. Apparently this blue-eyed white alligator is a leucistic animal (not albino) that can sunburn and that's why they kept him away from sun-light. Here are a few pictures of our little trip to the zoo.

We're having another boy!

2008-09-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

When Alex was first born PJ and I couldn't make up our minds on what to name our kid and for the first day at the hospital our baby's name tag showed "Boy Carver". We felt like horrible parents so this time we've decided to at least have a first name for the little one on the way. We've chosen Dylan but now our dilemma is finding a middle name that flows well. We're not the most decisive people in the world therefore we would love to hear any suggestions. So please! give us your input.

Dylan _____ Carver

The Carver Update

2008-08-15T20:57:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

We created this blog (and this time I translated it to English) so that we can keep in touch with friends and family here and in South America. And, as you all know, our family is growing so there will be numerous changes in our lives with the new baby, school, etc. We would love for everyone to get updates from us once in a while. :)

As far as the pregnancy is concerned, it truly has been semi-easy for me. Right now I'm just making the mental change to have another little one to take care of, but Alex has definitely tested my patience in the past 2 years so I'm sure I can be ready for anything now. Little Alex keeps getting taller and taller. So far, it looks like his mother's short gene hasn't been passed down to him...thank goodness! He's such a funny kid and we love every minute of the curious stage he's in right now. He's also talking a lot. He's communicating in both, English and Spanish, and he loves to talk about Elmo and the playhouse Disney characters.

PJ and I are on our last two semesters at school and we are both planning on graduating in April 2009. It's been a long road but we are excited that we are finally getting there. However, PJ will only take a break of a few months as he prepares to go to graduate school hopefully in the fall of 2009.

Anyway, here are some recent pictures of us. We hope you like them and stay tuned for more postings of PJ's remodeling projects and my craft creations.

Love and miss you all!

PJ, Lorena and Alex

Family Pictures 2008

Alex in his blue stripe hat made by his mother of course...

Alex sharing his juice with daddy

PJ feeding a goat at Farm Country in Thanksgiving Point

Alex at the arcade and showing off his lips

PJ's company summer party

Summer day at the pool. Temperature reached 110 degrees that day.