Long time no blog...

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

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

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

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 :)