Mark and Beth Carter Family

Allen Family Update

2009-10-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Grandma and Carter clan! It's Frank and Courtney here together to give you a little update. (We wish we were there to give it to you in person.)

Howdy! It's nice to keep in touch this way. Thank you for starting this blog. I recently started working at a physical therapist clinic doing massage on injured clients. I am taking a bit of a breather from my busy last four years. It's nice to be home more and spend time with my family. I have been enjoying helping kids with homework, playing ball and wrestling with my boys and taking my little "tiger cub" to scouts every week. I got to meet Karen and Dan's baby Gus this past week and I'm very proud of all three of them. He is a sweetie. I am looking forward to seeing you all at the reunion next year or hopefully sooner if it works out. Frank

It's a beautiful season and thankfully the Lord is blessing us with some time to regroup and strengthen. This is the first year with our kiddos off to public school. It's been an adjustment, but has already proved to be the right step. I spend my days teaching classes, studying and keeping little brother out of trouble. I love the older kids daily return from school where I get plenty of hugs and all the "oh so big" updates on the day. The kids are all well and growing too fast. - Here is a fun picture after a yoga session with Susan, Karen, Katie, Carli and I. We thought it would be fun to fan out like flower petals, but had no idea how off we were. The camera man thought we "looked great" in our asymmetrical pattern. (We won't mention who that camera man was.) Courtney

Here is Frank at a party with the boys. They really know how to have a good time together.

We hope that this harvest season has been fruitful for you all. Hugs to you Grandma Beth!

Wishing you all peace in the love of our beautiful Saviour,

Frank and Courtney

P.S. Have a wonderful Halloween with all your kiddos!

Rylee kissing new baby sister, Sydnee!

2009-04-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sydnee Lynn Smith

2009-04-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Blessing of Pratt Cole Smith March 29/09

2009-03-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

After a long day- a few pictures of the handsome baby boy.

2009-03-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Darren and Candice with brand new baby daughter, Bentley Ava Christensen, born 10 March 2009 weighing 5 lbs. 10 oz., 16 1/2 inches.

2009-03-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Laurel, Elizabeth, Holly, and Pam cross-country skiied up Cub River 4 miles to the Boy Scout Lodge where we spent the night and then skiied out the next morning. Greg and their 4 children loaded up our packs and brought them in by snowmobile for us. The accommodations at the lodge were not quite like a hotel, but we had a great adventure. The cabin you see in the background was built by George Dominicus Carter and his brother, Warren, when they homesteaded this ranch and then lived there for several years. They sold the ranch to the Boy Scouts in 1916.

Baby Hayden D. Reutzel

2009-02-26T11:55:00.001-08:00

Hayden D. Reutzel was born to Jeremy and Christy on February 23, 2009, weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz. in American Fork, Utah.

Frank Allen N' Company

2009-02-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hello there Carter cousins, aunts and uncles. A special "HELLO" to Grandma Beth! Here we are, hoping to reunite with all you wonderful relatives. This is Frank's wife Courtney writing, and so you know, all thoughts, questions and feelings are from your sweet Frank too.

I can't tell you how excited we are to be here today with this opportunity before us to not only get to know you all, but to express our love for you. We are looking forward to the next reunion, where we will finally be able to embrace each one of you and share our life with you. We thank any of you that put your prayers up for us over the years. We needed them and can't tell you how much your love means to us. You are in our hearts.

Frank and I have shared the last fifteen years together and so you know, Frank is truly a remarkable husband and father. (I do have to say that the Carter genes are strong in him and he is quite known for his good looks.) Frank is working towards medical massage and hopefully will be finished with school this summer. We have already opened up shop in our home, in which Frank gives massages and does personal strength training. He is a wonderful provider so while he is building his practice, he earns a living as a painter (big homes) and works at a dental office. This keeps him busy. As for me, I have been home schooling our three children for the last four years which has been a wonderful experience for both Frank and I. I am a yoga instructor and not only do I love teaching it, but I love my clients who at this point are Susan, Aunt Karen and Cousin Katie. I can't tell you what a joy it is to have that time with them. Susan shows her love for you all and continues to share your beauty.

Carli Beth is our firstborn. Frank chose a good name and reminded me when he picked it that his grandma carries the name. Carli is eleven years old and a split 50-50 of Frank and I. She's a reader and a writer. She is good with children and wants to be a librarian when she grows up.

Bradey James is our six year old. He carries the Allen genes and reminds people of his uncle Richard. He's tough, but affectionate.

Luke Thomas just turned three and is a spitting image of his daddy. I say he looks more like Frank then Frank. Everyone tells him often that he's a mini-Frank. He's got those Carter genes!

Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine's Day this year!

Love in Christ,

Frank, Courtney, Carli, Bradey and Luke

P.S. If any of you are on facebook, look me up. It's helped me connect better with my family and I'd love to do the same with you. (Courtney Nelson Allen)

Christmas Eve with Susan, Karen and Dan
Look closely and you can see Carli's little nose between Frank and Luke! She was being funny.

Left to right - Luke, Bradey and Carli

Pratt Cole Smith

2009-02-08T20:27:00.001-08:00

Blessing of Ella Beth Smith

2009-02-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Karen and family

2009-01-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

We are still living in Coeur d' Alene Idaho. Hannah is a Junior in High School and Katie is a freshman. Katie is going to begin Driver's Ed soon. Jonah is here with us and keeps us shoveled out. We've had the most snowfall and worst winter on record here. We have a pretty lively household with three teenagers coming and going, a dog and two cats, and of course a mom.
Wev'e enjoyed having Susan move back and spending time with her and also Frankie and Courtney. Rebecca and Emily live in Denver Co. and are both working and going to school. Happy New Year to everyone and look forward to seeing you all again at the next reunion if not sooner. Love, Karen

More Xmas Party Pictures

2009-01-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

♥ So Happy Together ♥

2009-01-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Carter Family! from Karen and Daniel Bell. If you're wondering where I come in, I'm Karen Allen Bell, Susan Carter Allen's daughter.

Daniel and I have been married for two years now since October 13th, 2006. It was so wonderful to have Grandma Beth and Aunt Laurel there for the sealing!

Daniel and I with Grandma Beth, Aunt Laurel and Aunt Karen.

Us on our Wedding Day outside the Spokane, WA Temple.

Daniel and I live in Moscow, Idaho and have been attending the University of Idaho. I just graduated with my Bachelor's in Dec. 08 in Clothing, Textiles and Design. Daniel has 3 more semesters before he graduates in Secondary Eduacation. He wants to teach Physics and Theater. He's so smart and talented!!! I'm so blessed to have him and I love him so much!!!!

Daniel and I met in Highschool, in Choir. The first thing he ever said to me was, "Hello Beautiful." He went on his mission to Suriname, South America: Dutch speaking. So after dating in High School, two years and lots of letters, and 5 months home off his mission we got married. Some things we enjoy together are camping, snowboarding, raquetball and singing together.

Love,

Karen & Daniel Bell ♥

Shannon and Michael

2009-01-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

Shannon & Mike, fall at University Arboretum

Sadie...peekaboo

Merlin...Grrrr

Merlin in his house...when he was a pup

Shannon, Sadie, & Merlin (Our Shibas)

Shannon - Mirror Lake, Canada

Shannon & Mike, Mt. Assiniboine, Canada

The Rusca's Update: Mike and I live in Moscow, Idaho. Mike works for University of Idaho, as a computer network analyst and keeps very busy. I just started teaching this fall at Washington State University, in Pullman, Washington, in the Human Development Department. I have the best of both worlds, working with 3 to 5 year olds in our preschool lab and teaching undergraduates child development. I am loving my new job!

In our spare time, Mike and I enjoy hiking and backpacking, so I've included some pictures of our last backpacking trip in Banff Canada (also because I don't have any more current ones...oh well). This year we hope to take the dogs out for a few overnight hiking trips...we'll see.

Wishing all a Wonderful and Happy New Year! Shannon

Having our family Home for Xmas

2009-01-04T19:03:00.001-08:00

Family Christmas Party

2009-01-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Camille and David Butler Family

2008-12-24T17:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Butlers. This year we have added two new grandsons to our family. Joy and Aaron welcomed Ian Lee Branham into their family and Wayne and Deena have a new little son named Jacob. Both of these little ones have laid back, calm temperments. Please see attached photos to see these new additions. Along with all of our other grandchildren, we love them dearly.

2008-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

Cole, JaCee, & Bailey Smith

We are doing well! Cole will begin the last semester of his MBA in January at Utah State. We are anxiously awaiting our baby boy due the first week of February.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Dear family,

It is so delightful to hear from you and see the fun pictures you have posted!
Hoping for wonderful holidays and new year for each of you.
In November, I moved back to Post Falls, Idaho. It feels good to be near my family here. It is unusually snowy and cold right now, and also very beautiful.
I have some ideas and plans for the new year. I'll let you know later how they come out. It was so good to visit with you at the reunion this summer. Take very good care of yourselves and each other!

Love, Susan

An American Hero

2008-12-21T19:10:00.001-08:00

AN AMERICAN HERO

It was a gray, cold day in December
The desperate phone call from Taylor:
"Dad, you need to come home..."

I sensed what had happened...
Noble Naval Officers at our door,
The dreaded encounter--the nightmare come true.

My little boy--bruised with violence,
He won't come home again.
But, his mission is completed.

Deep and penetrating pain,
Confusion, desolation, and loneliness...
My son--bruised with violence,
He lies cold and still,
Not to come home again.

In the darkness
A calm and sweet assurance:
"All is well with Mark."
A comfort and peace beyond understanding,
Externally delivered to my aching heart.
Strength to move forward.

In the hours and days that followed...
Kind words from friends,
Tender embraces of family,
Honored reminiscences from brothers in arms,
A universal tribute to a fallen soldier.

We came to know again our Mark,
He was the best there is,
Noble in excellence, courage, and commitment;
He died with honor and glory,
An American hero.

But I remembered my son
As the sweet, kind, and good boy;
Tender and caring;
The sensitive glance and ready smile;
The eyes blue and penetrating;
The firm expression of his countenance.

Memores of childhood pranks,
Wrestles and outings into the wilderness;
"I'm so buff it hurts."
Boyhood dreams of action and honor.
True and loyal to his family and friends.

Mark had a dream.
He brought his dream to reality
And lived it to its fullest.
No small accomplishment.

He was the best of the best.
Proud we are of our son...brother,
Proud am I of my boy
My little boy who tugged at my knees
And who is now
My American hero.

Christensen family

2008-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

It is so fun to read everyones posts and see how everyone is doing. We are all doing really good. They boys are now 9 and 10 and they are so excited for Christmas. Dylan is really into sports and Denver loves to skateboard. They are excited to be big brothers to their little sister (due in March). Candice is anxiously awaiting her arrival and staying busy keeping up with the boys. Darren is doing well, he has been fortunate to still be very busy at his job. We are living in American Fork Utah and we really like it here. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Love you all!

2008-12-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is a letter that Grandpa wrote in 1988 which is very appropriate for this Christmas.

Dear Family,

We have three red candles in our front room window. Holly and I cut two

fir trees some time ago from the ranch in Soda Springs; one small one Holly has in her room, and the other one she has decorated with tiny twinkling lights which shelter a pile of presents beneath. Altogether, there is a feeling of peace, goodwill and joy which brings back memories of past Christmases.

When the older children were small, they used to hang their stockings by the big stone fireplace. We had a little musical Christmas tree which turned around as it chimed. Jim was always trying to catch an elf by turning his head quickly. The snow deep and the weather cold as we bundled everyone up and went down to the old country church for the school Christmas program. For years we cut Christmas trees for many of our friends in Bozeman.

What a wonderful time it has been to have shared so many good times with all of you.

Your mother and I are now reliving those joyous times as we see you providing the same opportunities for your children (our grandchildren). Grandchildren are such a blessing as we see them growing up, each with endowments unique to himself.

Mother, Holly and I are well and happy. We are looking forward to being with Pam and Ray and family at Christmas time.

We wish distance didn't separate us so much, but we will be thinking of each one of you.

We love you for just being you and the good you have brought into our lives.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 1988

Dad and Mom.

These are pictures taken from Paul's house on the San Juan Island in September of 2007.

In January of 2008 I flew to the island of Molokai in Hawaii for a three week stay with my brother Gerald. We checked his cornfields in the mornings and went sight-seeing in the afternoons.

This past year has been a happy one for me; I am in good health and doing well thanks to the suppport of good neighbors and family. I think of all of you often and wish you the happiest of Christmasses and the new year.

Love, Mom

Jim & Kari

2008-12-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Las Vegas,

As I am sitting here writing this I can look out the window and it is actually snowing - big flakes and melting as soon as it hits the ground!

Kari and I went out with a friend and walked through a Christmas lighted desert. All the cactus, desert trees and shrubs. It was a beautiful sight.

We are doing well. It's hard to believe that we've been here for three years. We've made some good friends and have good neighbors.

May the peace of Christ be with you and yours through this new year.

Love,

Jim & Kari

2008-12-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Our new home in Dayton, Idaho

2008-12-14T20:22:00.000-08:00

Zach holding baby Ella right after she was born.

.

Shane and Elizabeth went on a cruise to Alaska.

Shane caught a 15 lb salmon

Sol, Liz, Shane at family christmas party.

We Love Being Grandparents

2008-12-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

Luke, Gabhriel, Elizabeth, Carter and Kendrick Lungren
Happy Holidays! We have had a busy year. The farm planted corn, barley and new alfalfa seed in 2008. Luke chopped the corn himself and put in a new water line for the feedlot. Gahhriel has been active keeping the lawn green and tending to a garden. Elizabeth started kindergarten this fall. She enjoys school. She loves to play on the monkey bars and put together animal blocks. She also likes to draw and paste. Carter is 3 and loves to chase his brother around the house. He enjoys tying his rope to all the furniture. Carter also loves to go with Grandpa in the truck. Kendrick is 19 months old. He follows his big brother everwhere. He can say, "Mom' and "DaDa" and makes a pretty good attempt to say, "Trick or Treat". He loves to play with minature horses and tractors. We enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion this summer. We spent a lot of time on the mountaincamping, hiking and riding around in the Rhino. Like made a back seat for the ATV so the whole family is able to go together. We wish everyone a great holiday season and a happy new year. Love Luke and Gabhriel

Laurel and Ross

2008-12-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Jasmine and Laurel

the beginnings of our new home

Markell

Gavin and Lyndy and Drew

Marie, Brandon, Alex and Cy

Laurel with grandsons

Merry Christmas to all. Ross and I are busy and excited building our new home in Mink Creek. Everyone is well. I love seeing everyone's picture's. I love you all. Laurel

2008-12-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!!!

Love Shane, Jamie & Rylee Smith

2008-12-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Cutting our Christmas tree in Star Valley
Merry Christmas to everyone. We miss
those of you far away. We send lots of love.
Love, The Comptons

Connor's first time
up on waterskiis

Dylan, Tyson, Sparky
& Connor

Tyson & Kaitlin on
TicTac

Dylan playing
Lacrosse

Dylan, Tyson & Greg

backpacking

Message from Ray and Pam Reutzel Family

2008-11-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

Dear family,

Another year rolls around to find us still living in Nibley and with much to be thankful for.

On September 13, Lincoln and Brighton Reutzel were born to Cody and Holly who are presently living in Lincoln, Montana. The boys are finally starting to get a little chubby from all the care they have gotten from Holly, Cody, and Cambree. Quite a little family.

Jeremy and Christy are still in Lehi raising their two little boys, Braxton and Jack. Another precious little boy is expected on March 1. The boys really enjoy their fenced back yard and golden retriever puppy, Harley.

Candice and Darren are expecting a little girl on March 22 as a little sister to Dylan and Denver who are both growing up. They got a piano and both boys are taking lessons as well as playing on all the athletic teams they can.

Chris and Kristi live about 5 minutes away from us which has really been nice after having them in Texas for 5 years. Carter and Tyler love bugs and have several collections. They know more about them than I do. Mason just turned 1 and loves to charm people.

Austin has graduated from high school and is finishing up fall semester at Utah State. In August, Chris, Austin and I rode our horses into the Wind Rivers in Wyoming for a few days--a breathtaking experience. It reminded me of when we used to go with Dad and Mom up to Lake Solitude. We have also ridden some trails up into the mountains around Cache Valley this fall.

I have spent the last six weeks substitute teaching 4th grade for a teacher on maternity leave. Next fall Ray and I plan to go to Mississippi for 9 months for Ray's sabbatical leave from Utah State.

It was great to see my brothers and sisters and their families at the reunion last August. I think of you often and send my love to you. I am so grateful for the family I grew up in. I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Love you all, Pam