Attention any members of the Carver and Tomsik family clans!
I am very happy to announce that Katie and I are giving away two FREE trips to our home here in New York. These two lucky winners will get free, round-trip airfare, lodging, food, and other expenses paid for during their trip. They will have ulimited use of our amazing, 6-speaker CD stereo, power window and door, leather seated Honda Odyssey van and a GPS that will allow them to go whereever their desire leads them.
There is only one catch...we need you to watch our kids.
Katie and I are heading to Tahiti (yeah, I know life is rough) for about 10 days. Caleb and Caitlyn are in school and really can't leave home to go anywhere, so we need to have people come to our house if at all possible.
We will be leaving on Saturday, November 3rd and will be back home Monday, November 12th. I know it is a long time...but we need some help if possible. I mean, take a look at the picture below, how could you pass up an opportunity like this?
Please call Katie or I if you are interested... :-)
Once again you all have to suffer through my ranting, however tonight I actually have some news of note. As all of you know, I hope everyone knows, that we are expecting a new addition to our family. I am not sure how many of the details everyone has heard so I'll just recap the adventures up to this point ( I know that the wives like to know all the details).
The official due date is Dec. 17th, yes I know that December is going to be even more expensive now with 3 birthdays (Jacob, New Baby, and Dale). As many of you also know, we got a little scare a few weeks ago when the doctor called to let us know that Jen's blood work came back positive for "downs".
Well, today we went to get her ultrasound and they did what is known as a level 2 ultrasound. This scan lets them check not only the sex of the baby, but they also look at the anatomy of the baby. They check to see if the organs are developing correctly; heart chambers and valves, brain size, bone growth, kidney function, etc. During this ultrasound they also check for what are called "soft markers" which can start to give an indication of whether or not the child could have "downs". Well I am happy to say that they were unable to find any of the soft markers that usually accompany a child that has "downs". Nothing is definitive until the baby is born, but at this point there is no real concern on the doctor's part about the health of the baby.
Now, for the part that everyone cares about...the sex of the next member of our clan. I am happy to annouce that the "stache" will live on!!! The males have now taken control of the house 3 to 2. I have included pictures as proof of what I say is true. And for those of you novices, I included a red arrow to illustrate the "boys" in the second picture.
So I am now going to supercede the topic of the day tomorrow and as for votes on some of the names that we are thinking of our baby boy. So please check you emails and feel free to include names that aren't mentioned.
Ok, I am really tired...it is 3am and I just finished uploaded a bunch of pictures and video to my other blog...so, please look at all of them there!
Now, because I know some of you may be too lazy to actually click on a link to see them, let me give you a preview of what you will find to entice you to check them out.
Alright folks there are a few thing that I need to get off my mind now that my Econ class is over! On a side note though if anyone is looking for some great reading material that is guaranteed to make you smarter faster, i.e. fall asleep faster, I am willing to part ways with my econ books. I do this as a favor to all of you on a quest for knowledge and for a small fee for myself of course, nothing outrageous, just 50% of what I paid making it a bargain at $150 for any of you! Now no one can say I never sacraficed for the family!
Anyway, back to the topic at hand. First, enough of this Harry Potter mumbo jumbo, I mean a wizard is a wizard, right? PJ you should ask for some royalties or something, and according to Cim's last email, there is a chance that Mr. Weasly used to drive a UPS truck before becoming a wizard.
Sorry there I go again, really people there is only one movie we should be discussing at this point.
I took a much needed break last week and saw Transformers and not having seen Harry Potter, of which I am a fan, there is no way it is as good as Transformers. Case in piont, in only its second week Harry and the gang were replaced by "I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry" (another on my list to see). Transformers although in 4th place this week is awesome! If you haven't seen it you must. If you have seen it and liked it, see it again. And if you saw it and weren't impressed, see it again!
As an expert in all things movie (I own about 200+ dvd's, thus I'm an expert), I feel it necessary to appreciate Harry and the crew and there trickery (Spoiler Alert!! They're not real wizards!), but to annoint Transformers (Spoiler Alert!! They're real cars!!) the best movie of the summer. That is until I see any other movie this summer.
Congratulations on getting through this entry, I really didn't have any thing important to talk about and I still need a cable to upload my videos so I just wanted to ramble for a bit.
Stay tuned, up next will be my revealing look at the most storied basketball team in NBA history, no PJ not the Spazz, the LAKERS!!
Okay, I realize I might be a tad over zealous about Harry Potter, but when in the history of BOOKS has anything even compared to this!!! I decided to venture out for the release of the final book in the most popular book series to date. I discovered that I am NOT alone in my enthusiasim for all things Harry Potter! While you all were probably sleeping soundly in your beds, I was bravely the mile-long lines to purchase our copies of Deathly Hallows. Im exhausted and am not allowed to read the lovely book until I finish the one I'm currently on...I suddenly curse all the nights I've spent sleeping this week... Here are some pictures of our adventures last night, I wish you all could have seen it in person!!
During the Harry Potter weekend a rumor began to spread---was PJ adopted from the Weasley family? Are PJ and Ron secretly twin brothers? Who's to know? You be the judge. Compare the pictures below to see which family PJ truly belongs to---you may be surprised!
Mom....Dad....is there something you aren't telling me?
Well, as you can see my kids are of two different opinions about Chile. I thought it would be funny to let them tell you how they feel in their own words. I will just type exactly as dictated too, the bold font is their answers. Hopefully you like the interviews! Jack. How do you like Chile?.......Like forty half..... What does that mean?.......It means that I am not bigger yet. Oh, do you mean 40.5 inches, how tall you are? .....yes, for Disneyland. But what about Chile?....I want to go home to Utah, member what daddy said, we get to go home in July..... Jack it is July- no July only is in Utah...... How come you miss Utah...Because I never went there, I mean, I never wanted to come to Chile. I don't like Emma (neighbor). Do you miss Grandpa?.........Is he coming to Disney land? No.......Grandma? No........Only us? Maybe Aunt Mari.......YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Emma not coming?...........No shes not. Utah? .... I miss my Blue house, cause blue is my color..... blue house, blue house.... What about Justin? He gets to wash the car with Grandpa...(crying)....I miss Grandma.....She loves me, huh? Yes. Everybody loves me?.....Yeah they do, but Justin always hits me.......... Justin is just playing, right?........Yea he plays with toys, but I say No to HIDE and SEEK, I don't like it. Do you want to say anything else?......I miss uncle Spike....and....I want to play with baby Joshua, and I miss my best Friend Justin- He is my Brother...... I just don't like Chile, and everyone is Spanish........I want Utah!!!!! Kailah. How do you like Chile?..Really, really good. What do you like about it? Because it has lots of parks, and new friends, big buildings, and I like church and nursery, and because I like the restaurant California Creations..(yep- the one she puked in!) Is there something you like the best? There are a lot of things I like best....pizza, friends, and I like the computer games. Tell me about your new friends. They are really, really, nice-they play games, Emma and Kate. Sometimes we go to their house. We go to the park. Are you learning to speak Spanish? yea, Un Poquito. What is different here? Different food, and everybody speaks Spanish, our house looks different, there are lots of elevators, lots more buildings, lots of people, lots of cars- just everything, that's cause it's a Big City. Do you miss Utah? Yes. Do you miss your cousins? Yes. I love Aubrie. What about your house and bedroom? I miss them lots, I had a pink room. Do you want to say any thing else?....Don't worry family I will be back in Sept. I love you, I miss grandma and miss grandpa, and miss Aubrie, and Aunt crystal....I love everybody. Are you Happy? Yea. Should we move to Chile? Sometimes yes, but I will miss Aubrie, so- I don't know.... Utah ishome.
Okay everyone I am here alone in Seattle and I am in need of my family to help me make some serious decisions. Jen has been gone in Idaho now for about 5 days and in that time I have struggled with this issue. I hope that you can help me out.
I am trying to increase my credibility with the doctors that I visit for work. Currently they view me as a nice guy who is some what entertaining, and well I want to change that image. I want them to think of me as the serious, hard core sales guy that I am!!
As a result I have decided to change my look, but I can't decide on what is best so please help a brother out!!
As you can see from the cut marks on my face and the little drops of blood, this is real facial hair, no airbrushing required. I only regret that I have only had 7 days to grow it out, I wish that I had another week or so to give you all the full ZZ-top experience.
I know that some people will be able to offer better advice than others. Dad and Ammon carry more weight than Cim or PJ, due to the fact that Cim and Pj can't grow facial hair and as a result they have facial hair envy (this is a real condition, I swear). As for Chris, Carlo, and Patrick I am not familiar with their beard growing potential. Having said that I value all opinions.
Hello from Santiago! Well as we have not had the opportunity to share any photos from Chile yet- I thought I would try this BLOG thing. All of these photos are from our 1st weekend here. We went "down town" so to speak and saw this independence statue. Then we went to the Dinosaur exhibit. It was a lot of fun. The kids are in the photo with Emma, the daughter of our new neighbors the Gibsons. We play almost everyday. Anyway sorry if this looks funny- I am just getting the hang of this and Patrick is asleep. Anyway I hope you all enjoy the pictures. I will try to put more up soon.
Well, I hope you enjoyed a few pictures of the Family- more to come I promise!! We miss you all and hope everyone is doing well. Love you- THE "Santiago" CLAN.
Hi guys! Well Cim didn't post all of the pictures, and I thought some of these were really good, so I am just continuing his post about the little Utah get together! It still freaks me out how big all the kids are getting and how old my siblings are (there was more sitting on the couch this time than I can ever remember!). But its really great, the kids are smart and adorable as always and everyone is just as funny as ever! It was a much needed trip home, I get pretty homesick so being back was just what the doctor ordered. But I have to say this blog really helps.(I know Im a wuss, I get home sick okay!) Anyway enough of the cheese!!
I couldn't resist the temptation to post this picture of me and this handsome devil on the subway. He was snoring so loudly that most of the people started moving to other cars! One of the many beautiful benefits of being a new yorker! Check out that belly!!
Okay, I am just barely figuring out this blog stuff and I have this vacation in Utah with the family, so I decide to take pictures like crazy so that I have something fun to put on the blog....but CIM decided to pirate everyones pics and post them all on the blog! Leaving me with not much left to post. I know that you all secretly feel bad for me. :-) This is a picture of Me, Carlo, Mari, and Crystal on our way to Harry Potter! And I couldnt resist taking a picture of the beautiful mountains while back home in Utah. They just don't compare on the east coast. It was really great being home.
As I have been observing the blog updates from the other half of the world down here in Santiago, I have seen some great contributions from everyone sharing family events and personal experiences. Now, I feel it is my duty as the favorite brother-in-law (no offense Chris, I cannot help my extremely charming and loveable nature) to help everyone get back on the right track.
Let's step aside for a moment from the family bonding, water fights, games and Carlo's huge guns to get back to the important things in life--the discussion as to whether Severus Snape is a friend or foe--
As the final installment of Harry Potter will arrive this Saturday around the globe, I'd like to take my formal position now: Severus Snape is a good guy. Yes, yes, many will disagree and say that Dumbledore was wrong about him and that Dumbledore rarely makes a mistake but when he does they're "catastrophic;" however, the greatest wizard in the world (who was able to handle Voldemort with little effort) allowed himself to be taken over by a unskilled student (Malfoy) and then killed by someone of obvious lesser skill. And I'm not buying the "he didn't have his wand" excuse.
Although there are many things that have led me to take this position, my foundation lies in two points. As Harry tries to take down Snape at the end of the last book, Snape says two important things. First, after knocking Harry down he tells (teaches) Harry he will never succeed unless he learns to do his spells silently. Next, after being called a coward, Snape in a very offended way, says, "How dare you call me a coward!", (in my opinion) referring to the very, very difficult choice he just had to make regarding Dumbledore.
Also, let's also go back to book five, who was it that sent the "Order" to rescue Harry and the others in the Ministry? Also, we can all remember the "Unbreakable Vow" Snape had to give to Malfoy's mother in the beginning of book six in order to not compromise his position with the Death Eaters. As for the intense disdain Snape has for Harry, this can be easily attributed to Snape's relationship with Harry's father.
Regarding Dumbledore's willingness to die, that is easily seen in his constant protection of Harry and recognition that Harry must be the one to take out Voldemort.
These are just a couple of reasons I have taken this side of the debate and I welcome the rebuttals to come. For those surprised that I even care, I will admit that I have even surprised myself with the fact that I am quite anxious to find out how the story ends...
Well, we had a fun couple of days back at home. It was nice to have so many of us back together again and to have fun together. There are a lot of pictures, so I won't waste a lot of time typing anything. We missed those of you who couldn't be here and look forward to seeing you in August for Caleb's baptism and for Christmas!
Mari was the first one to arrive. They had a lot of fun putting pictures in photo albums for each of Mom's kids. She has had a lot of picutres scattered in a variety of places so it is good to have them together and they are a lot of fun to look through
Here is Mom with baby Logan. This is a great picture.
Here is baby Alex. He is a big boy and really a good looking kid, even though PJ is his dad.
Another great picture. Alex is looking a little concerned, I think it is because PJ had gas.
Mari doesn't like this picture, but I think it is a great picture, the lighting is nice.
Here is baby Logan again, very cute!
Here I am arriving at the airport with the kids. I have found that sitting Joshua on my rollerbag and dragging him around is the best way to move with him at the airport.
Here is PJ on hole number 6 at Hobble Creek. It is probably the most beautiful hole on the course. In case you were wondering, I did par this one.
Here is PJ on hole 12 at Hobble Creek. Great view of the landscape that makes it such a fun place to play.
Dad putting on hole 12 at Hobble Creek.
PJ is a wizard with his short irons...
Here is a little video I shot of us driving off the tee on hole number 5 at Hobble Creek. As you can tell from the video, we are VERY serious golfers.
While we were golfing, everybody else went to the park. Here is Joshua trying to help Logan.
Here are the girls, Caitlyn and Aubrey. This is a great picture.
Joshua playing at the park. He really looks like a Carver in this picture.
Here is Carlo and Justin. Carlo was the kids favorite this trip.
Here is Ammon with his mohawk....I think he is the only one who could pull this off.
Here is Caitlyn at the park, she really had a good time playing with her cousins.
Before heading to the Harry Potter premier, the adults went to Mi Ranchito for some great Mexican food. Of course, this made the following 5 hours we spent together even more interesting (Mari was peeling the paint off the place).
Mari and Crystal at Mi Ranchito
PJ and Alex looking good!
Here I am with Dad...I am not sure what is going on with Dad's face, but I have a feeling it may have something to do with the refried beans.
Crystal and Ammon at Mi Ranchito.
So, after Mi Ranchito, we came home to put kids in bed. Everybody ended up hanging out in the front yard for a bit and we snapped a few more pictures. Here is Carlo and Joshua.
PJ, Lorena, and Alex.
Mom and Mari getting ready to head to Jordan Commons for the Harry Potter premier!
Mari and Ammon about ready to load up to go to the movie!
Mari and I...I am so hot.
We arrived just a smidge early for the movie (about 2 hours), so we spent some time playing in the arcade. Mari beat everybody at air hockey!
The crew waiting to get into the movie!
Did I mention we waited for a couple of hours to get into the movie? Apparently it had an adverse affect on Dad and Crystal.
Here we are in the theater. It was a 3-D IMAX movie, so we got these amazingly cool glasses.
The following day, Grandma and Grandpa Carver came over. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take this generational photo. Four generations of Carvers!
As we are spread far and wide, it is more important than ever for us to stay in contact with each other! Come back to this blog frequently to check out what is going on with everyone and to post some pictures as well as some stories of what is going on in your life. It is simple!
1. Log in using the account I setup for you and emailed you 2. Click on New Post 3. Write an update an upload your pictures!
.jpg)
