President's Faculty Research Award

One of the most fun things to get to do as a wife is to brag on the many excellencies of my husband. So let me do just that! Last night along with Jeff's parents, I was a very honored guest at a ceremony to see Jeff receive the 2016 President's Faculty Research award from the College of Engineering from the U. of Alabama. (there were 12 others from various colleges across the university who received awards in their areas). He received this award for his scholarly work in his study of software engineering and how people, not necessarily in the computer field, use and develop software. A committee from the Department of Research reviewed the work Jeff has done in his projects that have lead to countless publications, workshops and talks on the international level and his participation at the National Science Foundation and other groups he's involved in. All I can tell you as his wife, who doesn't grasp what he really does everyday, it's awesome to see him recognized for his hard work. It was a great joy to be there as his biggest fan along with his parents. Claire and Joel made cards for him and told everyone all day long about Daddy getting an award. Jeff hates the limelight!!! But it's so fun to brag on him! Congratulations sweetheart!! Below he is pictured with his Department head, Dr. David Cordes (bottom right) and with the President of UA, Dr. Stephen Bell (shaking hands).

March Photo Shoot

Many thanks to Kristie Allen for capturing some precious pictures of my sweet family.

2016 March Photo Shoot - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Joel Turns 3!!

Here we are - welcoming Joel into the world just 3 years ago! Wow! From 9# 2oz to now a solid 30# and now 3 feet tall! He can count to 30, say all his letters, sing countless hymns, do a forward roll and picked up bike riding pretty quick with training wheels. He loves pancakes for breakfast, spinach/cheese tortellini ("green pasta"), Moe's southwest, and goldfish to name a few favorites. He just broke into the "sweets" arena recently with now liking rice krispy treats...until then - no sweets entered his mouth. His best bud is Sam Breland and 2 girls vying for girlfriend status - Chandler and Mary Grace. He is a "leader" in gymnastics and loves to help blow the leaves off the driveway. He loves to read, do puzzles and he leans towards Bully vs. Mike the Tiger right now. His dimples melt you and his hugs make your heart swell. His giggles stop you in your tracks as he chases Claire around the house. They know how to aggravate each other and are learning to work it out (and make deals with each other). He is still doing well at Pioneer Playschool and watches for Claire to get off the bus everyday when she comes for "after school program." He's quite the joy!! We celebrated with a family party the Saturday before his birthday on Thursday. His theme was construction trucks and he had a cookie cake because he doesn't like cake or ice cream. What a fun time to celebrate with our family who have been so supportive of us and our kids. We have noticed a bit of an introverted streak coming out...when he's had enough he just takes his trucks in another room for a while. He'll be back especially if Claire's close by. During the week of his birthday he invited Mary Grace over for lunch and we got to later in the week have dinner with the Brelands...all special friends!! It takes a village... Thank you Lord for this incredibly special boy!

2016 Mar Joel bday - Kizoa Online Movie Maker

Feb Fun

Feb was cold at times and warm at times. Nice pace of fun activities and some quiet weekends at home. Gymnastics continues for both Claire and Joel and both got to go see the big girls at U. Alabama compete a couple of times. Big Daddy surprised them at one meet. Jeff and Claire had Daddy/Daughter Date night with a dinner together and fun night at our church. We also had fun at "Big Machines Day" at McWane Center. A few other giggles and random silliness thrown in. A little snippet to our daily life. These kids amaze me!

2016 Feb Fun - Kizoa Online Movie Maker

January Roundup

Here's come snapshots of day to day life of the Carvers...Everything from ringing in the new year, enjoying the blips of sunshine, a first trip to the Circus as a family of 4, play dates, and naps. We are blessed!

2016 Jan Roundup - Kizoa Online Movie Maker

One spectrum to another

well rounded girl...

well rounded boy...

Cousin Weekend in the Smokies!

Big Daddy sponsored a cousin weekend at Wilderness at the Smokies over MLK weekend or as we like to call it "birthday weekend" for me and Jeff. We share birthdays one day apart and are enjoying our "YOUNG forties" :) So much fun to enjoy the indoor water park, games, bowling, ropes course, rock wall and so many other things. Fun to watch the kids play and have some new experiences! Claire and Joel had never shared a room yet much less a bunk bed! Joel mastered that top bunk! Claire was not so fond of it! Claire enjoyed the water park, bowling and ropes course. Joel loved the "bouncy thing" (Daredevils Drop) and bowling. He took regular breaks from the stimulation. I flew down the big waterslide with Brodie and regained some youth! Very fun getaway and fun to be with family! Love y'all!

2016 Jan Cousin Weekend - Kizoa Online Movie Maker