Smith's

Shocking-- A new post!

2011-07-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

After taking a blog hiatus, OK laziness, I have some great exciting Smith events to blog about!!

Our baby turned 8! Boy, did she ever shine all dressed in white! Emily so so excited for this day to finally arrive.

Upon exiting the sacred ordinance, she said "I kinda thought Heavenly Father would make the water a little warmer for me" We just love this witty girl!

So thankful for the many family and friends that came to support her!

This cute girl turned 10!

The kids got a Valentine Dog- Pepper

I was called to be YW Camp director and got to go with my cute little girl.. cuz she is turning 12!

We had a ball together!

This guy turned 14!

He took 1st place in his weight at wrestling!

..and is starting High School this year!

Todd and Shayne went to see Jimmer play with all the Smith Boy's.. and they won, that round at least!

Mama starting bring home a paycheck.. working for a Dentist.. in Ahwatukee! I've realized me and rush hour are not a match made in heaven!

This handsome guy has survived a tailbone surgery, started a new job and became Mr. Mom in the mornings! Which is no easy feat considering he has 3 daughters to get out the door each morning!

So, as you can see, we are all alive and well and very busy!

Mom's Trip 2010

2010-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Todd's little brother Kevin is the last one in the family to reproduce. When we found out that he and his wife Laura were expecting, all the sister-in-laws starting planning a surprise trip back east! It seems like we'd been planning and thinking about this trip for forever! The weekend finally came....and it didn't disappoint!~

We flew into Baltimore and spend our first day touring our Nations capital in the cool rain.
We got to go hit all the sites. Washington really is an amazing place.

(Laurie, Stacy, Me, Lindsay, Janet)

The last and only other time that I've been to DC, was for Kevin's wedding and we had all the kids with us. We dragged them all around the National Mall but this experience was a bit different. No kids whining, no potty stops every 15 seconds, and no big crowds.

Thanks to the raining day, we even got tickets this time to go up top of the Washington Monument. Amazing views.

The real reason for the trip was to surprise Laura for her baby shower. With a lot of help from her hubby we pulled off a huge surprise!

(Lindsay, Me and Stacy)

(Lindsay and Laurie)

Us Smith girls have never taken an all mom trip before. We did some major bonding, a ton of laughing, great site seeing and of coarse some shopping!

Kevin and Laura live in Annapolis, MD. Home of the Navy campus, beautiful sail boats, gorgeous views, amazing crepes and a fun town feel. We toured the Navy campus which by itself is an amazing place!

Couldn't you just die for this view in your back window? My view at home is of Panda Express and a gas station, I think I'd rather see this view everyday hands down!!

This is memorial hall on the Navy campus. I had a bit of a moment in here. The photos on the wall, the stories of heroes, the feeling in that room was a strong spiritual moment. As I read and saw everything that this hall had to offer, my mind went back to my son who is now a teenager. In the not to near future he will be making some major life decision's that may lead him down the path to Navy. I'm just praying for BYU and and mission but I'll love and support him either way! War.....Mission..... hmmmm. I loved this plaque behind me "Don't give up the ship" that saying is profound!

Our trip was an amazing get away! I feel so much closer to all my sister~in~laws! Together we sure can have a ball!! Thank you all for an amazing trip, and mostly thank you Kev and Laura for giving us a great reason to come!!

Helmets, Pads and Cleats

2010-10-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally in the air and Saturdays at our house are
spent on the field(s) and court.

Shayne finally convinced me to let him play some "real" football. No more flag.

I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to stay put on the sidelines if he happened to take a hard hit... but as I've now learned... he is plenty big to take the hits and really good at giving the hits!

Emily starting playing soccer and loves every kick! She scored her first goal on Saturday and she was all smiles!! Our Emily has some serious soccer skills!

Megan is playing volleyball, finally a kid that loves a sport that I love to play! Lucky girl gets her mom to be her coach, some days she doesn't feel so lucky I'm sure! I've got to get a picture of her in action, she's really great! So until then, she is sure growing up fast!

Ashley is waiting for softball to come around! She can handle that a bat like no other! Action pictures of her coming soon too! Until then, she wins the prize for super supportive sister!

The back to school blues

2010-08-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Today was the start of a new school year!

The endless school supplies were bought, the backpacks were packed and the ever important first day of school outfit were layed out ready to go. Excitement and fear were in the air. We had a little laughing and a lot of nervous crying, but what girl doesn't do that right?
This is a big year for us!

Shayne is now big man on campus.. 8th grade!

Megan is big gal on her campus... 6th grade!

Ashley is headin to 4th grade!

and Emily is heading to the doctor!

Our poor little girl has strep.

What a way to start off 2nd grade!

I'm hoping and praying that this is NOT a sign of things to come!!

After school report: Everyone (minus Emily) had a great day! I love when that happens!!

Roadtrip

2010-07-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Every two years the Smith family has a big fat reunion. Every comes to a designated spot... this year Yellowstone!

We even "rented" another boy to tag along for Shayne's sake. 15 girls and 3 boys can sometimes be a bit much for a kid ya know!

We played in many rivers. We even tubed down a clean, non glass filled, non drunken river! You can't find that in Phoenix! The best was when we broke out the air mattresses and tubed down on those babies! The kids thought that was the best!!

Aunt Laura is adding to the girls in the family with a new baby in November. So the little girls had a surprise baby shower for her one night. They had each come with a little "offering" for the newest little cousin. Such a fun night!

Most of the grand kids at Mesa Falls.

Great Grandma Grace even joined us for this reunion! We had a great time getting to know her better and her knowing our kids better. She is a true trooper! For being 80 something she went everywhere with us!

Yes, Shayne is taller than me...

The stinky mud pots. Emily's face says it all!

We were in the typical bison traffic jam..

The red beauty is Kevin and Laura's car. We were right behind them. This bison wasn't so fond of Kevin's red car! He snorted and growled at the car for a good 15 minutes or so! We all wanted to have an up close view of a bison... I guess we got our wish, multiple times!

In one of our bison jams, Shayne spotted some bison fur on a near by tree. Lucky for us, he got out and grab some for a souvenir.

Old Faithful didn't disappoint. Funny, I thought it shot up higher when I was a kid! The wind was blowing so hard that the blast was more of a sideways blast instead of the straight up in the air kind of blast.

We made all the Utah stops..

This stop about gave a few dad's a heart attack!

BYU Idaho..

got to love the free magazines!

We had the BEST time!!

A boys dream come true

2010-07-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Shayne marked off one of his dreams this year as he got to attend a football camp at BYU that was lead by former BYU players. Since we were heading to a reunion anyway, we decided to leave a day early and let Shayne ooohhh and awwww at some of his football hero's!

Getting a pep talk from Max Hall.

Shayne and Dennis Pitta. Dennis was Shayne's coach all day! His team played against Johnny Harlings team and Shayne made an incredible diving catch. He got high-fived and patted on the booty after his catch, isn't that the right of passage in the football world?

Max Hall and Shayne
He had the time of his life! He got great tips and hints and some new found confidence that will last him a lifetime!

11

2010-07-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

Eleven short years ago, a little tiny girl entered into our family...

and just look at her now!!

Growing up with all brothers I never thought I'd have a little girl of my own. Megan is like the sister I never had. She loves to go anywhere and everywhere with me! She is my shopping buddy, my best helper and loves so many of the same things that I love!

She's a smarty pants that excels at school, and loves to read.

She's as witty as they come and the one liners she comes up with on the fly makes us smile.

She is an artist and a musician.

She loves to cook and bake and is learning how to sew.

She makes a mean batch of brownies and she creates some dang good stuff.

She's our responsible mind of reason and a great peacemaker.

She loves to play basketball and volleyball and is learning to hold her own in the wrestling department with her bother and sisters.

Happy Birthday to our one and only

Mag-mo

Megs

Maggy-pie

and

Megan

We love you!!

This little girl of mine

2010-04-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

is SEVEN!!

Its been a long standing tradition in our home that the week approaching any birthday is "birthday week". That week the birthday child get to pick all their favorite meals. Emily, lets say, has some very good taste buds!

On the menu this last week:

loaded baked potato soup

Mongolian shrimp and scallops over rice

jambalaya

ranch burgers

citrus pork chops

ultimate nachos

We love Emily's birthday week! We eat SO well!

Emi loves the camera

She loves to make us laugh

She almost always has a smile on her face

She loves adventure, getting dirty and all things scary

We've had 7 years with a funny little girl that comes up with one-liners like no other!

We love you Emily!!

Happy Birthday

spon·ta·ne·ous

2010-04-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

One thing that I love about Todd is that he is spontaneous. I tend to be more of the planner type but not him. He'd rather wake up and decide to go somewhere and off we'd go. Last weekend we had a bit of a spontaneous trip to our favorite place, Magic Mountain. We got season passes for the park for Christmas so we love to go anytime we're able. I always thought that the park was geared toward older kids. That is partly true, unless you have a bunch of daredevils for children! Check out this ride. The X2. Emily's favorite ride in all the park! Emily is only 6! You can only see her little toes sitting next to Todd!

I love this kind of thrill rides and I'm so glad our kids do too!

I'm not sure what got into our kids but we were all thrill rides all day long! No more waiting in lines for baby rides! Love it!

And in other exciting news... Megan got contacts! This trip was her first time without glasses and it sure made going on all the free falling-face-first-death defying-loop turning rides so much easier! And of coarse, NO trip to Cali would be complete without a stop at the beach.

Someday, somehow we will have a beach house! I could sit and watch the waves forever! It seems like no matter what is happening in life, the beach is always a place to go and get some perspective on life. The analogies are endless. All I can say is I'm thankful for spontaneous living!

A DVR kind of life

2010-04-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

I often wish that life was more like my DVR. Ya know, like wouldn’t it be great to rewind and relive certain parts of your life? And wouldn’t it be great to hit the pause button or the extreme slow motion button to hold on and cherish the moments that seem to be going by to fast? But then there is also the fast forward and extreme fast forward button. I admit there are many times I think I’d be likely to fast forward through the rough spots. I’ve been thinking about this DVR concept a lot lately. Kind of like the movie, Click.

This weekend I had a chance to meet up with an old buddy of mine from back in day, Bruce. Bruce and I were pals that did lots of stuff together with our group of friends. We chatted and I got to met his adorable family and go down memory lane with him for a bit. As I was driving home, I couldn’t help but think of all the fun we had and all the crazy things we did too. I’m not sure there was a resort in Scottsdale that we didn’t at one time or the other sneak into to go pool hopping. Oh the good old days. I got to thinking about this “rewind” concept. We chatted about people I hadn’t even thought of for 15 years! While most of the memories were great and I had fun reliving them, a few of the memories got me thinking about how I should have been better. I should have chosen better. I should have not treated others so poorly. I should have been a better example, darn it! Then my mind shifted to a talk I read a few months back by Elder Holland. Who in my opinion is a rock star among the apostles, is that bad to say? A talk given at BYU last year, called Remember Lot’s Wife. Love this talk! I started thinking, am I being like Lot’s wife. Am I longing to go back, relive, redo or stay in the past? Sometimes, yeah. I think Satan has a way of getting into our thoughts and glamorize the past. I don’t have a great memory AT ALL, but all my memories were great! How does that happen? Maybe it just happens to me.

I’m currently in need of the pause/slow motion button. Time is going by way to fast. I have a teenager and my baby, that is not so much a baby, turns 7 in a few weeks! This time in life is so fun. So busy, but so fun! I love having kids that are in a way, independent. We are officially out of “baby” mode and into a totally different phase in life. I love it. I really, really love it! But boy how I long to hold onto my kids at this stage for longer!

That fast forward button is a button that as of late, I think about to often. I keep thinking, if we could only get past this rough spot or that rough spot we’d be better, happier. But I then was reminded in this last Conference that we learn the most in these rough spots while we are waiting for them to pass. And let me tell you what, I’ve learned a lot. I’m actually becoming a little thankful for the rough spots in a weird way. I’m not at all the same person I was a few years ago. Hopefully, more patient, more understanding, more compassionate and less judgmental, to name a few.

While the thought of having a life DVR is exciting to me, I guess I can only try to hold onto the good, learn from the past, stay present and be hopeful for the future. My kids were watching Back to the future 3 the other day. According to that movie we should in the year 2015 be able to time hop with all the new technology. I guess in the end I might get my wish. I’ll only have to wait just few more years to go back, go forward or stay put according to Doc Brown and Marty McFly!

Sorry for my rant, but if you endured my soap box confessional at least now enjoy this new pictures~

The tunnel of death

2010-03-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I started having some wicked headaches.

I would categorize them in the I'd-rather-chop- my-head-off than have this headache category. I'd say we had a few stressful things happening around our little house about the same time, so my doc said its probably stress induced. Well when the scull-pounding-knive-seeking headaches didn't stop for weeks on end, the doc said lets send you do get an MRI, aka the tunnel of death. Have you ever had an MRI? he asked. Once, and I freaked out BIG time, I said. He thought I was kidding. Not so much kidding. I'm not one that is fond of small confined spaces. In fact, not only am I not fond of them, I HATE them. We had to get to the bottom of these headaches so I didn't have much choice but to face my fear of the "tunnel".

The appointment was made and the little "chill yourself out" pill was taken but then they came in to strap me down to the table, head, arm and legs! Oh boy, I did not like that. The test usually was to take about 45 mins. Mine 65. 65 minutes of praying and trying to find some sort of happy place.

A few days later the test results returned.

Cyst

Back of the scull

2.5 cm

Close to optical gland

covering the pineal gland. size of pineal gland 5-8 mm

Not what we were expecting.

The cyst was determined to be non cancerous but "of concern".

So for weeks and weeks I went to different doctors. I seriously felt like the doctors office was my second home. My mind usual goes to worst case scenario, death. My body tattoos on a smile and keeps movin cuz a pitty party for one is not much fun.

Solution: wait 6 months, redo the mri and see if there has been growth to the cyst.

Friday was my day. Once again into the tube. 6 months flew by.

This time I put on my big girl paints, brought a sleeping mask, took 2 "chill yourself out" pills and was slid in.

Then the waiting game. The stressed ~ out ~ waiting game.

After a long weekend of waiting and wondering, my doc called.

No growth

No change in position

Revisit the tunnel in 6 months. If no change, then it’s a monitoring process once a year.

Halleluiah

I get to keep my long hair. Vain, I know.

Life! I get to live without some risky surgery.

The headaches are still here. Not as often as they were, thank goodness.

But, I now have a whole lot of something to be happy about!

A whole lot of something to be positive about.

A whole lot of anwsers to some serious prayers.

A whole lots of thankfulness.

Spring Break Snow Day

2010-03-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

Spring Break in Az wouldn't be complete without a trip to the snow. Thankfully we've gotten snow to go to this year. It's been a nice change!

The Tifft cousins are always on board for our last minute snow outings!

A true AZ snowman!

We love the snow, but love it even more that we get to drive out of it and leave it all behind!

Nine

2010-03-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Someone around here has a very special birthday!

Ashley!!

Ashley has the biggest smile and most contagious laugh!
She loves to tell jokes and pull pranks on us unsuspecting people!

She loves to be outside

She is very easy going and can entertain herself well

She has a firey temper and throws a mean left hook

She has giggle attacks that can last for hours

(which is hularious unless it happens in church, then not so funny)

We love you Ashley!!

You keep us on our toes and make our home a happy place!

Happy 9th Birthday!!

Thirteen

2010-03-03T11:20:00.001-08:00

There is something about the age 13.

Somewhere between being a boy and a man is this little number 13.

13 years of laughter

13 years of fun

13 years of memories

second to none!

I've had stray tears all day thinking that my little 9 lb 13 oz first born is now 13!

From boy to man in a blink of an eye.

I couldn't have hand picked a more

kind

fun

thoughtful

gentle

athletic

giving

tough

smart

funny

adventures

spritual

bold

kind of son anywhere!

Happy 13 Shayne!!

Our family wouldn't be the same without YOU!!

Mile Marker 15

2010-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Todd and I met for the first time when we were 5.

We hated each other.

He annoyed me.

Annoyance grew to being tolerable.

Tolerable grew to friendship.

Friendship grew into dates.

Lots of dates.

Years of dates.

With a few years of NO dates.

Dates grew into LOVE.

LOVE grew into Eternity.

A few so~so years..

Lots of great years..

And many more fabulous years to come!

Love ya babe!

Thanks for the years of memories!

Editors note ***Yes, I know that we look like we are 12 in all the pictures except the above!

Crazy isn't it?

A Smith Family Tradition

2009-12-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays. I especially love Christmas time.

Every year we start out the Christmas season by

drawing family names on Thanksgiving day.

Megan usually makes up some fancy box and

writes all of our names down so that we

can draw each others names for a month

of service followed by the Christmas Eve gift exchange.

The kids love it. They try so hard to serve their particular person.

Another tradition that I love is doing secret service for another family. I love that the kids really get into it. They love to find the perfect gift for whichever family we've chosen. They wrap their hearts out and then drop off the gifts on some unsuspecting family doorstep. Some years we are better at getting this tradition done than other years, but its a tradition nonetheless.

But there is one tradition that each and every year we never miss... the flu.

The flu is a Christmas curse around here. It typically hits 2 days before school lets out for winter break. Each and every year one of our kids miss their holiday celebration that they look forward to every year. This year Emily was the unlucky girl. She wanted to be at her party more than anyone. As luck will have it, she missed the big party. In years past we usually are pushing our luck to have everyone healthy on Christmas day. We'll luck might be one our side this year! As of today everyone in the family has had their stint with the flu this last week. A whole 4 days before Christmas! This must be our lucky year! Although it didn't feel very lucky as I was taking my turn getting to know every crack and crevasse of the bathroom. So for another year, another tradition down. With any lucky this tradition will fade away in time....

Here's hoping this tradition doesn't catch on in your family!!

If you didn't get a card this year..

2009-12-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

your not the only one!

Maybe next year will be a card kind of year!

Merry Christmas to all!!

Smith's

All I want for Christmas

2009-12-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

is my two front teeth!
Emily
age 6

Oozing with pride

2009-11-22T16:48:00.001-08:00

to be his mom.

Shayne spoke in church today.

His first talk ever.

I think I was more nervous than he was.

He stood and spoke about honoring his priesthood.

A talk he wrote by himself.

He did amazing.

He was confident and poised.

I had a huge smile and my heart filled to the brim with pride.

And giant mascara tears rolling down my checks.

I'm thankful he's mine.

Halloween Oh-Nine

2009-11-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that Halloween is over already! It seems like for weeks we think and rethink costumes.This year we rediscovered the beauty of Halloween on a budget 101.

I love when the kids become creative and want to make or makeup a costume rather than just supporting our local party city.

This was their school costumes for the parade/party day. I don't let them take their full "real" costumes. Is that mean? I just hate it when then get ruined before that actual holiday!

The girls had an idea to be witches this year but they wanted me to make them witches skirts. We had a great time picking out fabric and then making the skirts together. Megan and Emily are matching witches and Ashley is a vampire baker.

Shayne was a last minute rodeo clown. He pulling this and that from random closets and came up with a costume 10 mins before he left with his friends.

My friend Stacy showed up with her girls to trick or treat with us in full Madonna style. So, like Shayne I threw together a crazy witch costume and called it good. Next year I'm borrowing that Madonna gear so I'm better prepared!

Good bye Halloween Oh-Nine hello Christmas!

My Five Minutes

2009-10-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was invited to take part in a little photo shoot for a local magazine called Go Gilbert a few weeks back. The magazine was doing an article call "The Real Housewives of Gilbert" about small in home businesses.

A few months back my friend Allison (far left) and I started a little company called Lily Lou's, an official name for our holiday "boutique" baking season. We've had a great time creating and baking.... lots of baking. The aprons pictured above are ours as well.

So five minutes is better than no minutes I figure! So if your looking for me...chances are I'm in the kitchen apron on, baking away!

We'll have our mini bundts as well as our aprons at several local boutiques over the next few months. Check our our Lily Lou's blog to see where and then stop by and see me!

(By the way, this photo will be in the November issue of Go Gilbert if you want to save your copy for an autograph :)

And now for a shamless plug..

2009-09-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was wondering "what will I ever do to fill my time now that my kids are in school?" Well, it didn't take me long to fill my days.

A few things..

I started selling these adorable aprons.. mom and child aprons, matching pot holds and towels available too! These are only a few of the selection. To see the complete selection visit here. It's been a fun business venture that I get to do with my great friend.

(if you see one you that must have I'd be happy to help you)

And my main job, my kinda hush hush secret job that I thing everyone found out about... Cupcakes! I bake and decorate for a little store called Poppy's. I've been at this one for quite sometime but thought I'd add a little plug in for them as well!

But that's not all...

I'm also helping out with this great new art gallery owned by our great friends.

Trotter Gallery

For all you locals, the gallery is formally known as Decor Unique. I've become their computer nerd which is kinda funny considering my computer background. (or lack of)

Everyone always told me that my days would fill fast and they weren't kidding! Its great to be busy and using my brain in a whole different way! So bottom line... I found plenty to do fill my days and sometimes nights!

BYU choked..

2009-09-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

but their fans were sure cute!

Megan, Ashley, Emily and cousin Halle

and just think.. we spent all morning making these shirts and the Cougs didn't show up to play!
At least we got the cute shirts!

Autumn

2009-09-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

autumn: n- the season between summer and winter; fall

In Arizona autumn is defined by a few things; more than 3 days under 100*, a "cool" scent in the air in the mornings, the smell of cows drifting in the air and... football!

Yesterday was Shayne's first game of the official season. He's playing 1st string QB. He loves football. He eats up everything and anything football.

This is the first time that Shayne has had to play against his friends. He's been on the same team with all the same guys for years. Now they are against each other. Todd didn't quite know what to do with himself not being the coach. He paced up and down that field the whole game! Ok, lets be honest, he was still coaching from the sideline and Shayne's coach and Todd are now on first name basis...already, but in a good way!
This time his team came ahead on top. 21-13 final

and no game would be complete without Shayne's official cheering section

hot and sweaty..

and a little grumpy..

but lovin every minute of it..

Ask and ye shall recieve

2009-09-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

Mr Monsoon,

Thank you! You sure made our family night an exciting night! We loved the light show and really enjoyed the rain. I'm sorry if I was a little pushy the other day trying to get you to come and all, but you didn't need to send a micro-burst to knock down our little tree!

Nevertheless, we still enjoyed your presence. Please come back often, but leave my other trees alone!

Dear Monsoon,

2009-08-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Why, why, why have you avoided us this year? Why have you not come to give us the excitement that we enjoy every summer? I am SO tired of all this freakin HEAT! I need some rain! I even have a small confession to make.. I am living in my swimsuit so much that I have worn holes in the rear end of every suit I own! My laundry has even quadrupled because of multiply showers each day and if I have to do another load of pool towels I'm going to scream! I need some excitement in my life that only you can provide. The only thing that makes living in the heat hole worth it is the awesome light show that you provide!

So please, please, please come to visit soon. I miss you dearly.

Love,

Mendy

Relief Society Therapy

2009-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

I recently was released from young women's after serving for 2 1/2 years with great friends and fabulous young women. Before then, I was in primary for a few years. I haven't been to RS for probably 5 years or more. Sunday toward the end of sunday school my felt my palms going a bit sweaty. As I made my way down the hall I could feel all the pressure building. I was feeling like an outsider. Was I going to be required to use a blanket in order to fit in? I didn't want a blanket! Women tend to sit in the same place by the same women. Would I be cramping someones style by taking their chair? I made eye contact with a neighbor and off I went to the chair. Thankfully they let me sit by them! Thanks ladies! One of my greatest friends was teaching the lesson that day so I was so excited to hear her teach. We had chatted about the topic and I had even read the talk she was teaching from. Then boom... pressure again. Do I comment on the lesson? and if I do, I'd better think though my comment really well because there are some stellar women in there that really know their stuff! I couldn't do it. Since when do I have trouble speaking? I'm usually the one that has something to say about everything! I really wanted to come through for my friend, she kept looking at me, but I had nothin! She did awesome even if I didn't come through for her! Why did I over think going to RS? It really wasn't that big of a deal! I saw plenty of smiling faces and got to chat with old friends. I didn't even have to use a blanket! So.. with one Sunday under my belt I'm thinking that next Sunday I won't feel so much like a sore thumb. I'll probably sit on the same side, in the same chair, next to the same friend... without the blanket!

Chapter 3

2009-08-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Today we began a new chapter in our lives.

The home alone chapter.. the all the kids in school chapter.

This morning I sent Shayne off to be fed to the wolves of Jr High.

Most of last night I layed awake raking my brain asking have we taught him enough? Have we gave him the confidence to make the right choices and to resist the temptation that will surround him? I think we have. He's a pretty easy going kid that tends to make good choices but I found myself second guessing myself. This morning I walked him to the corner where he continued on to the bus stop the next block up. He said "see ya mom love you" I stood in shock walking him walk away. Then the tears started to flow. Where did all those years go? He walked away from me to be greeted by many friends where they stood and waited. I couldn't make myself walk away until he was loaded onto the bus. Off on his next adventure in life... Jr High.

Megan was all smiles with a little bit of fear this morning as we walked to the 5th grade line.

She was welcomed by a friend and all her fear melted away.

She was ready. My beautiful 5th grade little girl!

Ashley was the first one up this morning with a big grin on her face!
3rd grade was going to be no big deal for her!

She was so excited to get going. I hope that lasts all year but I'm not going to hold my breath!

She left full of confidence ready to conquer the grade!

Emily was so excited she didn't fall asleep until almost midnight!

She was up ready to go a 6 am with a big smile on her face.

I on the other hand, was struck with the realization that my baby.. is no longer a baby!

She got to her line having a bit of nervous energy. She walked away with a huge smile and a wave. Why'd she have to go get all grown up on me?

So alone I am.

Time to figure out what I'm going to do with myself!

For the last 12 years I've done pretty much nothing but kids.. now....

So today I guess this is the first day of the new chapter in my life.

The ME chapter.

(now if I only knew what to write in this chapter!)

I must be doing something right

2009-08-01T01:39:00.000-07:00

Toward the end of our Utah trip this last month I got a horrible ear infection. Have you ever had an ear infection as an adult? Oh my gosh... all I can say is the next time my kids tell me their ears hurt I'm not waiting to take them to the doc! I was in a ton of pain and of coarse my lack of good medical insurance made it impossible to go get the needed medical attention in Utah! And of coarse my husband wasn't along on this trip to give me a needed blessing! Luckily my mom was around to help me with the kids because the last two days of the trip are a bit of a blur.

About the same time as I got sick my vehicle started acting a bit strange as well. It pretty much made me feel like Daisy Duke driving the General Lee if you know what I mean. My steering wheel was movin all over the place and the car was pulling hard to the left. Tire problems right? Todd told me what to look for and we (my mom and I) did are tire inspection before heading home. I thought maybe it was just those worn out Utah roads so we headed for home anyway. I think my pain was mostly driving this decision. Since my mom isn't a big fan of driving my Denali I drugged myself up and off we headed for a good long drive home. About the Gap, just outside of Page AZ we came across a roll over accident of a gas semi that had just accrued. The tires were still spinning and the poor man was thankfully stumbling out bleeding but alive. It took me back to 2 years ago. We had a similar accident of our own in WA where we took a flip and a roll down a hill. Again, blood but all were alive.

Well as we returned home after further tire inspection we found a 3 inch bulge in the inside our our drivers side tire that should have split our tire causing a similar scene. I'm pretty sure the only way we made it home from Utah without incident was the will of the Lord.

I'm thankful beyond words for tender mercy's.

FYI- my ear infection has been with me for over a week and I have zero and I mean zero hearing in my right ear. So looking back I should have taken my crappy health insurance a sought medical attention a little earlier.... Learn from my mistakes!

An opportunity to good to pass up

2009-07-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Shayne was invited to tag along with some friends for a month long parade tour this summer. We weren't sure if we'd be able to survive without him for a whole month! It was a chance of a lifetime that he was so excited to go on and we knew he have experiences like no other time so off he went. I dropped him off at 3 am and he along with the H family and 8 beautiful shires were on the road. The first stop was in Provo, UT for the 4th of July parade.

After spending a week in Utah they started heading cross country to Wisconsin to participate in the Circus parade in downtown Milwaukee. They pulled a newly restored circus cart that was huge and beautiful. The hat that Shayne is wearing above was part of the circus uniform.

The whole H family plus Shayne in full uniform

After this parade he spent time all over the mid west. He slept under the stars and rode and cleaned horses and who knows what else. He has so many great stories to tell. He spent all of July riding and living a dream life. He worked harder than he's ever worked and did things that he never thought he'd do but he LOVED every minute of it.

They headed back to Utah for the big pioneer parade in SLC on the 24th so we decided to go and watch him firsthand.

My mom, the girls and I scored great seats for the parade. I made a great deal with the people camping out next to us... I told them I'd bring them a dozen donuts in the morning if they watched our chairs overnight. It worked like a charm. Perfect seats. Now if only the weather was perfect! It was a bit warm, to say the least, but we loved being so close to the parade action!

Shayne doing his thing. Isn't he so cute?? (don't tell him I said that!)
Their horses where the most beautiful by far. They are huge!

And the little cowboy.. well... too cute!

Did I mention that he grew an inch while he was gone?

He's now taller than his mom! He must have been fed well to grow that much! This trip we stayed at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. I loved that little place. We'd been there once before but staying there we got to explore so much more of it. Its a fun place to hang out.. or to be locked up in this case! And what would a trip to Utah be without all of our favorite stops as well? We got our fill of Training Table, Temple square, Provo Canyon and of coarse BYU.
We had a great time and were so happy to see Shayne!

He's already gearing up for next summer!

One year older and wiser too

2009-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to YOU!!

Ten years ago I thought for sure that I was having another boy. Todd and I liked the surprise of not knowing what we where having, call us old fashion if you will. I mean I have no sisters, Todd has only one sister and both of our mothers are the only girls of their families.. so surly we'd also have a house full of boys. Well after several hours of labor and while my husband and the Doc where watching the baseball all star game (yeah... really) the doctor put this little 8 lbs 6 oz little girl on my stomach. I froze. I didn't see this one coming! I didn't know anything about little girls!! The sweet nurse grabbed my hand and said "touch your daughter" I said "what? my what?" Well little did I know how much joy this little girl would bring into our family!

She's a ball full of energy.. until about 9pm then the first one asleep.

She loves to go anywhere with me.

She loves to cook.

She is my little helper with everything.

She has her mother's quick wit...

for example..

the other day Meg, Ash and I were going somewhere and I said to Megan jokingly....

"your funny..... funny lookin that is" to which she reply without a second to think... "well I am your daughter and do look just like you" I love it!!

Ten more things we love about Megan

She is a very talent artist

She is a closet singer and a good one too

She scares very easily..much to her brothers delight!

She is a great story teller

She has a heart of gold

She is a peacemaker in our home

She is always willing to help

She loves all things girly

She is kind even when others aren't

Her smile melt our hearts

Happy Birthday Megan! We love you!!

Cowgirl envy

2009-07-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated the 4th in Prescott at the rodeo.

I think I was suppose to be born a cowgirl

cuz I love rodeo's!

I love everything about them. Once upon a time I tried be a cowgirl. I went to all the country dances. I could line dance with the best of them. I owned my own wranglers and boots. I love country music. I drove a truck for heavens sake! Something just went terrible wrong and it just didn't stick. Maybe it was that one dance when my friend was twirling me around and flipping me over his head and then dropped me! Well, no I still went back. Even in my wedding announcement's I was wearing wranglers, boots and a vest!

Well, this weekend I just couldn't get enough of all those cowboys and cowgirls! I love the attitude that comes along with cowgirl. I love how they walk tall in their boots and tight jeans with such attitude. I think I could pull it off! The attittude that is.. maybe not the tight jeans.

Okay, lets be honest.

Some women just don't look good in tight wranglers and sparkly tops or daisy dukes and boots! We saw plenty of those types but other than that... I was having some major cowgirl envy!

I'm hoping my girls soak up some cowgirl style because I think my son is on his way to full blown cowboy!

The girls with the Teen rodeo princess

If I would have know that we were going to meet royalty I would have bought the girls those pink cowgirls hats! Darn it!!

Future cowgirls ..
Wanna be and EmilyStill wanna be but with Ashley Me and Megan
(the man of the house aka Todd has requested to not be talked about or photographed for my shameless blog so that will explain all the "me" pictures)

Creativity at its BEST

2009-07-06T13:52:00.001-07:00

From box to barbie house in 24 hours

The girls designed this house complete with a roof top swimming pool

and a choice of stairs or a slide! I want the girls to design our next house!

I love when creativity conquers boredom.

At the top of the stairs..

2009-07-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

sits an empty room.

Shayne is off on an adventure of a lifetime. The month of July he is traveling with his friend, friend's dad, a big huge horse trailer, 8 shires, 1 bag of clothes, 1 pair of boots, 1 cowboy hat and a giant smile.

My lucky boy was in the Provo 4th of July parade and is now headed across the USA to Milwaukee for another parade then back to Utah for the parade in SLC on the 24th.

Thank goodness for cell phones and unlimited texting!

Home just isn't the same without him!

Momma's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys..

2009-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

The boots.... the hat... the belt.... the buckle..

that's our Shayne!

Shayne has found a new passion this summer... horses

Shayne's buddy Keaton is from a cowboy family. Not one of those families that just like to wear the boots and hats for no good reason type of families. This family is a true blue cowboy family. Shayne has spent many days this summer helping out and learning the ropes (no pun intended) of all things horses. He's gotten to go on several overnight rides with them.

He came home from a 4 day ride lookin like a full blown cowboy..

and he loves it!

Just like a true cowboy he rode and slept in these clothes all four days. He says that's just what you do when your will the boys.

We hosed him down and then hugged him for hours. We missed our cowboy!

He leaves again in a few weeks to go to Milwaukee for 2 weeks! He'll be helping out with the horses in a parade. Lucky boy...make that... lucky cowboy!

Memorial Weekend Goodbye

2009-05-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our summer started out with a final goodbye to Todd's Grandma Bertha.

We were thankful to be able to go to Preston Idaho for her funeral.

This was our kids first funeral that they attended of a close family member. I am so thankful for the answers that the gospel of Jesus Christ holds. Our sweet kids had so many question that gave us some very tender moments with our children.

Emily was probably the most curious. I hadn't decided if I wanted the kids to go into the viewing or not, for obvious reasons. All the grandchildren and their spouses sang at the funeral so while we were practicing our songs all the little cousins were wondering around. Little did I know that Emily and Ashley had wondered into the casket room. Emily came and got me and wanted to "show" me Grandma Bertha. I was a little shocked. Emily with all the tenderness that only a 6 year old could have, took me by the hand and we sat with Grandma. She was enthralled with her body. We got the chance to sit in silence and partake of the amazing spirit that was there. After a few moments, Emily began to explain to me that Grandma's spirit was already in Heaven and that only her body would go into the ground. I can't even express how thankful I am for her sweet, simple testimony of the plan of salvation. She knew it. She knew that Grandma's flesh was all that was left. She couldn't stop talking about the smile on Grandmas face. She said over and over again, "she must be really happy to be in Heaven".

A few years back a talk was given at General Conference called The Tender Mercies of the Lord by Elder Bednar. This talk rang through my head the whole time. I think often times, some of the Lord's most tender mercies come to those in times of grieving over death. I know that we had some very tender mercies given unto us through the conversations with our children.

I will always be thankful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father will never leave us alone in our times of need. Never. So thankful.
The kids with Grandma Smith

Each grandchild and great grandchildren got to take a few flowers home.

On our way back to our hotel in Logan, we had to stop at one of the most amazing temples.
The Logan Temple. Todd's parents were married here. It's just beautiful! Almost like the Arizona temple.. except this temple is set on a hill and overlooks the city and is green and has real flowers and plants and trees... so I guess the only thing similar is that they're both temples.

Ok...so we had to have a little bit of fun...

and blow off some steam..
and boys will be boys...

Good bye school....hello summer

2009-05-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

WOW! Where did this year go? It seems to me that the older I get, the faster the years fly by.

We were SO lucky this year to have extraordinary teachers.

Shayne with Mrs Bray.

He was lucky to have her 2 years in a row.. she loved her 5th grade class so much she moved up with them! How lucky are we?? Love, love, love her!

Emily had the BEST kindergarten teacher EVER! Not only is she my neighbor but she is the most amazing Kindergarten teacher. Love, love, love her too!

Emily with Mrs Monseuger and Mrs D

Megan and Mrs Mathews

Meg had her on and off for the year. She is the most soft spoken kindest teacher you'll ever find. Poor lady was on bed rest for 7 months! She is just the best!

Ashley and Ms Fischer

We took our chances on this new teacher at the school this last year, and we NEVER regretted it! Talk about a fun teacher! Instead of chairs the kids got to sit on Yoga balls all year long. She worked their minds and their ab's! Love it!

This is ended an era in the Smith family. Our children will never again all be in the same school. Shayne along with all the big 6th graders did a finally "walk out" of elementary school. Jr High here they come!

I just can't believe it! My son is not only as tall as me, has bigger feet and hands than me but he's also in 7th grade.....Jr High!!! YIKES
Next year will be a whole new adventure for us.

All my kids will be in school all day

We get to juggle two different school schedules

I'm home all alone..

Oh boy, I've never had a house all to myself all day...

I guess it's time to get workin on a hobby!
Thanks for an awesome year!

Move over girls

2009-05-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

the Princess has arrived!

Emily celebrated her 6th birthday in style! She has the most darling group of little friends.

G & G Bentz treated Em to this custom built doll bunkbed
isn't it to die for??

(I wish G &G would have made something like this for their ONLY daughter!)
Grandpa built the whole thing and then Grandma made the bedding to match her room!

We all you Emily!!

Happy Birthday to our baby girl!!

Six Years and counting

2009-04-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today Emily arrived

and our family has never been the same since!

This little girl has the distinct title of "baby" of the family
She is rough and tough and has the scraps, scars and bruises to prove it! She is 100% personality 100% of the time!

SIX more things we LOVE about Emily..

1. She loves everyone

2. She is witty as can be

3. She has the best imagination

4. She can wrestle outside with Shayne one minute

and the next minute she'll be dressed in princess attire

5. She loves to dance and sing along with her ipod... everywhere

6. She loves to quote movie or tv show lines. Her memory is amazing!

We are SO glad that Emily is ours! We love you Em!

Happy Birthday!!

That Waskly Wabbit

2009-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday our family took a trip up north to Pine AZ for a little hike. We were asked to "preview" the hike that our girls will be doing this year at Lo Mia for girls camp. We had a blast. We took off thru the brush and fallen trees until we reached our final destination. The way back was a bit of another story. Lets just say.... we got a little off track. I like to think of it as being adventures, spontaneous if you will. My kids would say.. we were lost.

We couldn't call this trip a "true" Smith trip without some sort of adventure!

After hiking for several hours and a quick stop at Tom's for a bit to eat we headed back down the hill to the heat. The kids were busy watching a movie and my co-pilot, aka Todd, and I where jammin out to some cool hits from the 80's when out of nowhere I see a little something in the road. Is it a box? Perhaps someone tossed out their fast food wrappers?

We heard two thumps... both tires...

Poor waskly wabbit.

At least I can drive in a really straight line!

I then dry heaved for the next few miles.

We drove straight through the car wash on the way home.

I think that rabbit is out to get me. He is now haunting my dreams!

I need some therapy!

Ashley's Baptism

2009-04-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

What a super special day we had! Yesterday Ashley was baptized.

She had a smile that went from ear to ear.

She looked so beautiful!

She could hardly wait for this day to come!

We are so happy to have you as our daughter Ash!

Life just wouldn't be the same without you!

We are so proud of you!

Haircuts anyone?

2009-04-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

White-Trash Cuts...by Emily

Anyone in need of a haircut? Why use a conventional salon?

Why not try the all new white-trash backyard salon? For a limited time only you too can have your head buzzed by a very amateur 5 year old!

She'll cut with care and has a gentle touch..

You will have her complete attention... no need to worry about uncomfortable small talk

Have you had trouble in the past getting exactly what you asked for?

No worries here... she doesn't ask... you get what you get!

With a traditional cut your neck is gently brushed off....here you get a full power blow

Hair still sticking to your neck? We can turn up the power to full speed, upon request.

Don't wait!
Call now..

appointments are available from 3:40 - 6:00 pm

**we can not be responsible for cuts, bruises, crying, fits, hair in the mouth, length of time you'll be standing, unwanted style or anything else. Call at your own risk**
Payment can be made in cash, chocolate, gum or donuts.

Spring Break Recap

2009-03-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

Spring break...

The week every child looks forward to. No schedule, limited rules, lots of friends, come and go as they please and most of all, lots of fun!

What would spring break be without jumping into the freezing pool? They grabbed a few friends and headed out back. 85 F outside ... 60 F water temp. Brrrrr We headed up north to Prescott for a few days of R and R at the cabin. We had a blast! The kids spent hours in the creek. The weather was awesome and we enjoyed all day outside.

Shayne and Emily

My stream busters

Lots of time on the golf cart. Shayne even learned to drive! Shhhhh... Don't tell Grandpa!

The girls made it across the stream.

Me and Emily took several hikes

Megan learned to shoot the BB gun. Don't mess with her..she's got a great shot!

Emily lead the effort to get dad wet.. and succeeded!

I love spring break! What a fun filled week with the family!!

Grandma Date

2009-03-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

My mom started this great tradition for all her grandchildren that I absolutely love. She takes each grandchild out on a secret date for their 8th birthday. Ashley has been waiting and dreaming of her Grandma date for several years now. Her date finally came! Grandma picked her up and took her to paint pottery and then out for lunch. Ashley had a ball. She said "it was the best date ever! Way better than Megan's."

Thanks for the BEST date ever Grandma!
(The finished masterpiece will be posted when the baking process is complete)

Birthday Girl Ashley

2009-03-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ashley turns the BIG 8 today! She'll have to wait until next month to be baptized...we missed those darn stake baptisms by 2 days!! She was very sad that she couldn't be baptized right away. She can hardly wait!

Ashley loves an adventure. She is the first one to explore or will try almost everything at least once.

Look at that face.... she keeps us in stitches!

Eight more things we love about our Ashley..

1. She has the sweetest heart

2. She loves the outdoors. She spends more time on her bike than anyone.

3. She loves to get down and dirty. Digging for worms is a favorite pastime.

4. She has a fiery temper that can put shivers down any ones spine.

5. She loves to do secret acts of service for others.

6. She will eat anything. No picky girl here!

7. She doesn't have to be entertained by others. She's perfectly happy entertaining herself.

8. Her desire to do whats right.

Happy Birthday sweet girl! We love you!!

Once in a lifetime

2009-03-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was a special day around our house.

Shayne received the Priesthood.

I can barely put into words the pure joy that this brought to me. My only son, a once in a lifetime experience, a profound gift, a special moment. Wow. Just wow! I am so thankful that Shayne has prepared himself and had such a great desire to receive the Priesthood.

Me, Shayne and Todd

Todd and Shayne

The Priesthood being past down from one generation to the next.

Grandpa Smith, Todd and ShayneThe family
Grandpa Bentz and Shayne (Grandma was out of town) It was a wonderful experience to be sitting among my family. How did I get so lucky to be able to be this boys mom? I learn so much from my sweet boy. I'm glad that our family was blessed with one Prince amongst all our Princesses! We are so proud of you Shayne!

Note to self...

2009-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Stop blinking.<

I blinked and now my little boy is 12! Where did all those years go? Wasn't it just yesterday that I felt like I was going to die giving birth to this 10lb baby?

What an excited age.

Twelve.

It holds so much meaning.

The priesthood, passing the sacrament, mutual, scout camp and Jr High to name a few. Oh man, I'm not ready for any of this! But he is.

So in honor of this special day, 12 things we love about Shayne

1. He makes everyone feel like a special friend.

2. He is respectful and kind.

3. He is so tenderhearted to his sisters.

4. His had big dreams. (BYU quarterback followed by Denver Bronco NFL star)

5. His laugh is contagious.

6. He is always more concerned about others than about himself.

7. He's a sports nut.

8. He plays with so much heart and intensity

9. He's thoughtful.

10. He'll take his sister's on bike rides or play games or read books just because.

11. He has a strong desire to choose the right even when others aren't.

12. He is 100% boy.. 100% of the time.

From boy to man in a blink of a eye. We love everything about you Shayne!

Happy Birthday buddy!

Weekend Fun

2009-02-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we made a last minute trip up to Prescott. Much to our unprepared surprise, we found about a foot of snow on the ground. We knew that we'd find some snow, but we weren't prepared to dig our way to the cabin door! A few of my favorite pictures from the weekend..

Shayne and Ashley hiking the creek

Megan and Emily right before pelting their mom in the face with snow

My Cuties

Megan loved those icicles!

The kids loved finding long icicles. A new find for them!

We had a great time hangin out. We ended up taking a back road drive and got a stuck in the snow for a few hours...but even that was pretty fun! Luckily, with a short hike we found cell reception and called for help. It just wouldn't be a true Smith vacation without a little unplanned fun!

The real difference..

2009-02-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

between a boys view of Valentine's Day...

and a girls view of Valentine's Day...

is all in the design of the box!

Seriously how cute is that? Shayne created the ultimate Valentine football box, complete with bleachers, players and the best possible outcome of a game. Sorry Packer fans, but in Shayne's world..the Bronco's can't be beat!

Then Megan...our creative girly girl. Pink rules on Valentine's Day for our little Princess!

I'm Lovin It!

Life Lessons On Field trips?

2009-02-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

February must be the month for fieldtrips. Emily got to go on her first ever offical fieldtrip! She was so excited. After her stitches incident, she was worried that she wouldn't be able to go and she was crushed. She was feeling fine that morning so off we went to the Suffington Bear factory. Its kinda like the trailer park version of Build a bear. She loved it. Even got to make a blue bear!

Emily and Me

As you can probably tell from the picture Emily got an infection in the stitches and swelled up pretty good. She was very self conscious of people looking at her head, poor girl. I had a heartbreaking experience at the factory that made me cry in the middle of this place surrounded by 80 kindergartners.

When Emily took her bear over to the workers to get the bear sewn up, the ladies wouldn't take her bear. They just stared at her. I was on the other side of the room when I noticed that something was happening. I saw Emily standing at the sewing table, bear on table in front of 5 grown adults staring at her. No one would take the bear. I quickly went over to find my little Emily with tears welling up in her eyes. She threw her arms around me. At that moment I was a ragging maniac and one pissed off puppy. I looked at these women with disgust. Shouldn't they know better? Didn't their mothers teach them not to stare? Shes 5 for heavens sake! I said take the dang bear and sew it up or I'll do it myself! (ok this was the nice G rated version but you get the picture) My heart broke. Emily being the innocent and forgiving girl that she is, bounced back and went on her way bear in hand.

Two lessons I was reminded of from this experience:

*Don't ever make others feel inferior because for their differences, somethings are out of their control

*Forgiveness is a Christ-like trait that children are blessed with, and that adults need to strive for. Forgive and forget...plain and simple

Field trip #2

Two days later I was back on the big yellow bus headed to see Mr Slimbody. Basically its a 70 year old guy dressed in a bodysuit with body parts all over. Do you envy me? It actually was one of the most entertaining field trips ever. Ashley has been learning about the human body and knows many more fact then I do. This guy was the prize at the end of the body unit. We learned a few new songs and learned about everything our amazing bodies can do!
Me and Ashley

I love to go on field trips with my kids. I love to see them interact with their friends and have a good time. I guess my kids are quit to the age when mom is so not cool. I dread that day. I hope I can stay cool for a long time because I love to be with my awesome kids!

What do you get..

2009-01-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

when you combine Emily's forehead..

with Shayne's front tooth...

and one trampoline?

1. trip to the new Phoenix Children's East valley ER and 7 stitches - $500

1 visit to Dr Crockett and a new front tooth -$500

2 kids tough as nails ....priceless

My Shooting Star

2009-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Megan has been involved in a pre show performance with her cousin Lauren that warmed up the audience before the Fiddler on the roof play for the last few months. My mom and I went to see her yesterday and man she hammed it up! I love it! We weren't sure if she spotted us from the stage but thought from the twinkle in her eye that she must know where we were sitting. Sure enough.. after the show we asked and she said "I could see Grandma's bright pink shirt and could hear mom screaming for me". That about sums it up. I just can't control myself! I get so giddy watching my kids.
Megan and Lauren

Look at my girl stike that pose

The girls after the show.

She did an awesome job! I love to watch my kids preform. I beam with pride and joy to see my kids having fun. Way to go MEGAN!! You stold the show!

Speechless

2009-01-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

WOW...Just wow. Tonight Todd and Shayne left for the 6th grade oceanography trip. 48 hours of non stop fun in San Diego. I guess he thought that he was going to lose his mind...so why not his hair too! Funny...just plain funny. Man I love this bald guy!!

The Straw

2009-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Ya know that old saying.. "it was the straw that broke the camel's back"?

These past several, well 8 months, have been filled with stress, tears, fear, hope, joy, tender mercies and just about every other type of emotion. I've always been a big believer that the Lord will never give us more than we can handle. So why is it that I keep thinking...really??? YOU think I can handle this too??? and then in the same breath, I'm so happy that I only have to handle my own trials and not the trials of those that surround me. To often I get to consumed with myself to recognize how good I really have it. I'm so thankful, really I am.

But yesterday just about sent me over the edge. I got home later than the rest of my family from church because of a meeting that I attended. I walked in to find my dear, stress out husband in a way that I'd never seen him. The next few hours are a big fast blur. I found myself surrounded by family, friends, neighbors and medics. As I looked a Todd who had no clue what was happening being carried off on a stretcher, I felt that dang piece of straw. It wasn't until I looked into the eyes of a scared 11 boy that had been so strong for me, that I thought..what else...seriously what else. What am I suppose to learn from this trial? I wish my thick head would learn it fast so that we can move on...

Todd is fine. He came home a few hours after arriving in the ER. He had a reaction to a pain med that he was taking for his kidney stone that he is still trying to pass. Yet another tender mercy, it could have been so much worse. I got him home and settled and left the girls with my mom who drove over to be with us, and meet up with Shayne for his Priesthood preview night. Talk about extremes. I sat with him and was reminded of the power of the priesthood. As shaky as I was from the vast range of emotions that I'd just encountered, I could feel of the peace, the power and love that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Surrounded by friends and my one and only son learning about the power that is the priesthood.

I'm more convinced today, than ever before, that the Lord is aware of me and my family. And even though I feel like I've been beaten up, put through the ringer and hung out to dry, I see first hand the Lord's tender mercies. I can see the "light" at the end of our "tunnel". I just wish I had a faster car to get me to the end.

Out of my bag of tricks

2009-01-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

My inner "Molly Mormon" is coming out in me. I'm not sure if its the need to learn something new or pinching every penny that is bring out this new found hobby of mine. First the quilts now this!

The older my girls get, especially Megan, the harder they are to impress. So I've been trying to think of what I can pull out of my "bag" next to oooo and aaahhhh my girls. My SIL Stacy and family were in town for Christmas and she gave me a quick "how to make a skirt in one day" tutorial. With her help, we whipped out this little baby...

BUT, I can't have one new skirt for three girls...you can imagine the drama that would bring. So off to my new favorite craft spot to pick up some more fabric. Emily was easy to please. Megan took a bit longer. In the end we came home and made these..

I'm really diggin this sewing thing! Who knows what will come next!

FOUR

2008-12-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

They know me in a way

no one else ever has.

They open me to things

I never knew existed.

They drive me to insanity

and push me to my depths.

They are the beat of my heart,

the pulse in my veins,

and the energy in my soul.

They are

my kids.

I marvel at the four miracles that are mine.

Quilts 101

2008-12-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

In about October I came up with a brilliant idea to make quilts for my girls for Christmas. I thought.. I've got some time on my hands and a few months to get them done, why not. So off to fabric store I went. Mind you, I have NEVER made a quilt before but thought it couldn't be that hard! We'll I did it. I finished the girls and then didn't want Shayne to be left out so...

All four in their new quilts.

Megan and Emily share a room so naturally...matching was a must!

Ashley

Emily

Megan

Shayne

So, I guess I really did learn something from my Grandma! Grandma Emma is the real seamstress in the family...but someday with LOTS of practice, I hope to catch some of her talent! The kids have overlooked my little "oops" in each quilt. I prefer to call it quilts with character!

My young prodigies

2008-12-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

Shayne, Megan, Emily and Ashley

Following in their mother's footsteps....my children LOVE to cook! YEAH!! Tonight they cooked for us one of Todd's favorite desserts....hot chocolate pudding with mint ice cream. Todd grew up eating this yummy favorite and he is SO happy that his kids can now make it for him! Good stuff!

Way to go Shayne..

2008-12-21T19:16:00.001-08:00

We finished up with the last band concert of the year. Shayne is playing the trumpet again this year. He's following in Todd's footsteps except I don't think he'll play the trumpet into his high school years.

Todd's brother Kevin and his wife Laura were in town so they along with Grandpa and Grandma Smith came for the show.

We are so proud of Shayne for sticking with the trumpet...even though it is NOT his favorite thing!

Christmas or Fall?

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

A typical December day in Arizona..... a pile of fallen leaves with Christmas decorations. Got to love Arizona!

Seeing Red and Green

2008-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas time. I love everything about it...the lights, the smells, the cheer, the colors, the giving, the reflection. I'm pretty one sided with my holiday loves. Christmas is far and away my favorite. From the time our tree goes up until the sad day when it comes down, I love it!

Our Tree..

the staircase (with Ashley)

We have a tradition, I guess, in our home that I hang the lights outside and inside for that matter. Todd has few things in life that he hates. Hanging Christmas lights and Disneyland top his lists of "things I hope to never do in my lifetime" with not many other things below them. Sad huh? I mean WHO doesn't like those two things?? I actually don't mind. I get out the ladder and get to it. Because we have to have Christmas lights! My neighbors aren't quit sure how he "trained' me to do this. I've only almost fell off the roof 1 year. 1 out of 6 years..that's not to bad if you ask me!

So for the rest of the month I'm counting on the smells, sights and sounds that only happen at this time of year!

Love Letters and Glasses

2008-11-22T10:31:00.001-08:00

So apparently something strange happens when kids are about the reach that magical age of 12. In our case, two things. First, Shayne got glasses. He'd been having headaches for weeks and wouldn't ya know it.. the Dr said my boy was having trouble relaxing the eyes. Todd was the one who took him to the Dr so he and Shayne picked out his first pair on Nike eye wear. Ya can't go wrong with a boy if it has the label Nike right? He's lookin good.

The next big change that has taken place about made me fall off my chair. We got doorbell ditched one night, which has been happening a lot lately, and we found a vase of freshly yard picked flowers and a note..... to SHAYNE! He would seriously die if he knew I was blogging about this so lets just keep it one of those blogger secrets ok? Girls...... for real??? My friends have always told me that in 6th grade everything starts to change. But for my 24 /7 sports minded little boy!! It was a cute little note that turned his face about 10 shades of red. I guess he has a mystery admirer out there somewhere. Am I really that old that this could be happening to my first born? Oh boy.... I'm starting to hold on to my hat. With three girls waiting in the wings... I'm so not ready for any of this!!

November 4th

2008-11-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

Never would I have imagined that would be explaining to my young kids why God created Adam and Eve....not Adam and Steve. I feel like I've robbed them of some of their innocence. We've had the sign in our yard for several weeks now and had the basic conversation, but last night for family night we got into it a little deeper. On one hand it angers me beyond words that my kids at their tender ages have been exposed to such a prevalent issue in today's world. On the other hand it brings me so much joy to be able to share my testimony with my kids on why marriage has been ordained to be between one man and one women since the beginning of time. I'm so thankful for the knowledge that we as members of Heavenly Fathers church about His great plan. Sometimes "unpopular" issues are hard to talk about with kids and are avoided at all costs. I knew that today at school our kids were going to be talking about the election and different issues that are being voted on. We wanted to "arm" our kids with as much knowledge as possible. We had a great conversation that led into many other issues that are being discussed this election. I'm so glad that we have scriptures and a living Prophet that have armed us with the knowledge that we needed to teach our kids.

While I feel so bad that kids these days can't be the innocence kids of yesterday, knowledge is power. I hope that in the long run, my kids will always remember to stand up and be counted and not be afraid to voice their opinion. Because there is nothing worse than people who complain about issues that they had the power to change, and instead choose not to.

Halloween Time

2008-10-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

We went to our ward party last night and a great time was had by all. I love when our ward party is before Halloween so we can have a "dry run" of costumes. Besides, the kids want to get as much time in costumes as possible. I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween to be honest. I guess maybe its because I seem to have people that LOVE to scare the crap out of me every year! ! And yes, I am a big ol wimp with scary stuff! But besides my own personal fears....costumes in general are getting more skimpy, scary, gory and just cost to darn much! This year I told the kids to hone their inner creative being and dumped out the dress-up box. I think they did a pretty great job! It also doesn't hurt to have cousins and friends that are willing to lend out costumes. I'm preparing myself now for a weekend full of sugar rushes and crashes!

Hats

2008-10-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

These past few months have caused a great deal of reflection for me. I've been a bit overloaded with stress, to say the least.

I was feeling the weight of all the "hats" that as mothers in Zion we wear. Most of the "hats" I've brought upon myself, thanks to the gene inherited from my mother. That gene that makes me say yes to everything and everyone. Not that I think that's a bad thing. Lets see... YW 2nd counselor, Ptso president, wife, mom, room mom for 2 of my kids classes and then I feel so bad that I didn't volunteer for the other 2 classes that I go help as much as humanly possible and the list goes on. I know that really compared to so many others around me, my list is nothing. I don't know how some people do it and make it all look so easy!

I've learned so much from having this gene. These "hats" that I wear have given me something else to think about, worry about and do something about when other things are out of my control. My mom is the best example to me. She is always out and about doing service for someone in her ward. There is hardly ever a time that I call that she is not "on her way out" or "just got back" from helping someone. I hope to someday be like that! What are we always told? Lose ourselves in service. So simple, yet so life changing.

I guess as I've been "sifting" thru my "hats". I really had to refocus my priorities to what matters the most, and they all sit around my dinner table every night. I really wish that I would put all the time and energy that I spend on "perfecting" everything else into becoming a kinder more thoughtful, funner mom. These past few months we've all, and I mean all, have been home a lot more. While I'm not going to lie and say that having an unemployed husband for the last 6 months has been a party, I've noticed so many little changes in our family. We've had to become more creative with fun activities, we've had to change to way we see things, we've had to teach and reteach the differences between wants and needs. I also been able to see and be apart of so many "tender mercies" and countless blessings and little acts of thoughtful service.

I'm so, so grateful.

It seems to me that when everything around is spinning out of control, the only thing that is in perfect view is family. And while I love to help at the school and love to be that mom that teachers know they can count on, and while I try to do "extras" for my friends, family and neighbors, it has all taken a back seat this year. This year, for a short amount of time, its all about those people who sit around my dinner table that mean the most to me. That "hat" is the most precious of all "hats" to me. The hat of mother and wife.

Beauty rest in progress

2008-10-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a hoot? I was going around doing my last check on all the kids before I climbed into my own bed, and this is how I found Emily. She was out cold, mask and all! The sun wasn't going to wake her up!! When I went in this morning to wake her up, she pulled the mask off and said "oooh..it's so bright in here." Oh boy.. 5 going on 15!

Update..

2008-09-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

I guess we didn't know how popular Betty-Sue was going to become! She's going on the Oprah show! Yeah for her but she is taping the show on the same day as the event at Poppy's. So the date has changed if you want to go. October 2nd, Thursday, at noon and 7 pm she will be doing her thing at Poppy's. If you want to join me, call Poppy's to get your tickets 480-325-4900. Its going to be a fun time! Hope to see you there.

Attention AZ Friends

2008-09-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Remember that post of mine a few weeks back about Betty-Sue from The Biggest Loser?? Well I wanted to pass along some info on an event she's doing at my friends store..Poppy's. She is going to do a be your best self workshop on Sept 30th at noon and again at 7pm. Tickets are $10

and that includes lunch!

So any of you that want to join me for lunch and laughs let me know. The store is in Mesa not to far from my house and that day only you can get 15% off all home decor stuff, and she's doing a sneak peek of her Christmas decor. Join me one and all it's going to be so much fun!

What will she say next?

2008-09-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Emily is 100% all personality! The things that come out of her mouth amaze me. For instance..

The girls and I were all shopping the other day at the mall. Emily was in a VERY goofy mood!

E- Hiiiii

Strange lady- Oh well Hi to you.

E- what ya doing?

SL- shopping for my daughter. What are you doing.

E- buying me a bra.. (..she's 5 and no we were not shopping for a bra)

Of coarse, Megan and Ashley couldn't contain their laughter and neither could I!

and then same shopping trip..

E- (talking to a passing stranger)- Hi beautiful..can I buy you a soda?

SL- What?

E- Laughing..that's what my friend Hannah says (as in Hannah Montana)

E to every mirror we passed- Hi beautiful..can I buy you a soda?

I guess she really has no problems talking to herself or others! I just hope that her and the mirror don't become to good of friends!

different trip

We were checking out and behind the counter were two cashiers. One young, one a little older.

E- Whats your name

C- Jennifer. Whats your name?

E- Emily. What's your grandmas name? (pointing to the other cashier)

C- Oh, that's not my grandma, she works here.

E- Oh, I thought she was an old grandma

YIKES!

and then just today I was picking her up at school for a Dr apt when the her Librarian stop me to tell me what Emily said to her!

L- I'm going to read to you this wonderful book, please wait until the end for question.

E- in the middle of the story...hand raised not making a peep

L-Yes Emily

E-Your beautiful.

L-Well Emily you are now my new favorite student.

She's really liking her new found word...beautiful.

Its a darn good thing that I think she is beautiful and I can hardly wait to hear what she'll come up with next.

Look who I met

2008-09-07T18:01:00.001-07:00

For any of you that watched last years Biggest Loser you know this is Betty Sue..team pink! Her daughter Ali is the one who won it all. Betty Sue was nice enough to come speak to all the YW in our ward. She was awesome! She had us laughing and crying all at the same time. You know she's a great speaker when you have a group of 50 young girls and they are completely intrigued by every word she said. If any of you are looking for a great activity that will inspire and fully entertain all who are in attendance, you've got to call her. She wants to go on tour to talk to all the women and young women in the church. I have her contact info if your interested. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, the girls or the leaders!

Since several of my friends have requested the info on Betty-Sue, I'll post it here.

You can email her at linktopink@gmail.com. She lives in Mesa and is in the Las Sendas Stake. She is a hoot to talk to. Also check out her website http://goteampink.blogspot.com If you have any questions about what we had her talk about let me know. Tell her I sent you!!

Girl overload..

2008-08-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

This last week has been a fun filled week. All of Todd's brothers were in town. We had a mini reunion last weekend up in Prescott with everyone. Talk about girl overload. Poor Shayne only has 2 boy cousins on the Smith side and they are much younger, but he takes it in stride and loves to play with them. We starting the weekend at Links Lake. All the kids went fishing. Emily gets the prize for most improved. By the end of the day she was no longer casting her line hooking Todd's arm or hat or face!
Megan and her cousin Tessa were two peas in a pod.

Shayne took full enjoyment grossing out his sisters and myself putting on these worms! Todd dared him to eat one.. I guess the price wasn't high enough!

Ashley was actually the best fisherman! I don't know how I didn't get a picture. She could cast her line farther than just about anyone!

We rented this little boats to mess around in. The peddle boat made for some great laughs. Todd and Mike peddling against the wind for a good 30 mins was pure joy! Doug opted for the power boat with all the girls, I don't know which one was smarter!

Me and Laura had our turn luggin the girls around... not quite as much joy! Of coarse the wind picked up when it was our turn!

We had a great time everyone in town! The noise level has gone down a bit. 28 people in one confined space makes for some loud but great memories! Thanks Laurie for planning the whole sha-bang!

Emily

2008-08-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

How do you know your baby is growing up?? She starts doing her own hair! Today, Emily came downstairs all ready for school...outfit and hair created by her.

Notice the twist curl on the side of her head

Her version of Princess Leah without ever seeing the movie!

She even figured out how to use a crocodile clip!

Man I love this girl!

Are you smarter than a kindergartener?

2008-08-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Todd is the CTR 5 teacher... 7 kindergartners all to himself. Todd is such a great interactive teacher. The kids love him. Our Emily is one of the kids in the class so it makes it so much fun for Todd to be in there with her. If you know Todd, you know he is the king of bribery. Each week he has some sort of snack for those little ones. Yesterday the lesson was on following the Holy Ghost's promptings. He took each of the kids and blindfolded them and had another kid whisper into their ear to guide them around the room. Well after all the kids had a turn, Todd decided to blindfold himself and have the kids lead him around. After several minutes of vague directions and a bit of sideline whispering, he took off the blindfold. All the kids were laughing. He looked around to see what was so funny to discover the bag of candy he had brought for the kids was empty! Those sneaky little kids! While his eyes were covered our angel Emily, aka the ringleader, when and unzipped Todd's bag, took the candy and passed it out to all the kids. Todd discovered candy in every ones pockets and of course their mouths were stuffed full!! Too funny. Todd was offically outsmarted by a band of 5 year olds! I love it!!

It's whats for dinner tonight

2008-08-14T18:14:00.001-07:00

So all that know me know that I love to cook and bake. Not only do I love to be in my kitchen, I love to create or warp recipes into my own little creations. I am so inspired by all those food blogs out there. I have my favorites that I visit on a daily basis to help me create my next recipe. Sometimes when I'm looking for dinner ideas, I'm like huh.. I don't have any of those fancy ingredients! So I've learned how to "dumb" down the recipe to work with my pantry. I really have a secret desire to be in a cooking contest or try to make it on that food channel, maybe someday.

My family loves all things Italian.. pizza, pasta, lasagna, spaghetti, you name it, we love it. I have perfected (in my eyes) my homemade pizza, even sold a few to some willing friends, and have many go to recipes that we love. So I thought it would be fun to post a tried and true recipes my family loves. Its a "go to" on nights like tonight when we had football, scouts, meetings and had to be done before the Olympics started! So I decided to start little. This is a family favorite.. a simple staple.. it's whats for dinner tonight!

Meatball Subs

1 1/2 lbs hamburger
1 pkg onion soup mix
salt and pepper to taste
1 clove garlic
1 pkg sub rolls (I get the fresh ones at WalMart)
2 C Italian sauce (I dress up the traditional prego brand with a little sugar, cider vinegar, fresh basil and garlic)
Fresh Mozzarella cheese

Combine the hamburger with the dry soup mix, garlic and salt and pepper. Roll into balls. Cook in a 2 in frying pan until brown. Remove from pan and set aside. Pour Italian sauce to pan to pick up drippings. Dress up the sauce with any extras (see above) if you desire. Add meatballs back to pan and let simmer for 20 mins. Slice sub rolls (careful not to cut all the way thru) and lightly butter them and sprinkle with garlic powder. Place rolls under the broiler until bread is slightly browned. Remove from oven and place meatballs onto the garlic bread rolls. Add fresh mozzarella and return to broiler until cheese is melted.

Whip these up next time you don't have much time! My family LOVES them. I'd love to hear some new idea's from all my blog friends. What's on your table tonight?

Four in One

2008-08-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

The day has come... all four of my kids are in school! Not to mention the same school. For one year only, they will all attend the same school. I feel like this is my last year of really knowing what is going on. Next year its like feeding my son to the sharks. Junior high, are you kidding me.. but for now, Shayne is big man on campus and I'm so glad to have one more year of innocence with him. So since all of my kids are at the school, I guess I lost my mind and decided to be PTSO president! Yikes! Being president does have its perks though. Like my choice of classroom placement for my children, getting my two cents worth (or more) with the Principal, getting any and all info that happens on campus (although most of it I'd rather not know of) and I've got to meet so many great people that I would have otherwise never met. We'll see, I may be a one term president, only time will tell!

So I sit here, in the dead silence. Emily just left for her 1st day of Kindergarten and the others have been gone since 7:30 this morning. I have so many mixed emotions! I have loved having my whole family home all summer. We even got to have Todd home since he's in between jobs. We've been spoiled rotten having him around so much. Now what? After the cleaning is done and laundry is put away I'm not really sure if I'm going to like this silence! Okay, well for the next week or two I'm not going to complain too much, but for the rest of the year!! I'm finding myself in the next "stage" of life and I'm not sure that I'm ready. Sure this year will be filled with YW stuff and PTSO stuff and really Emily is only gone half of the day, but.... time flys by so fast!

I was telling Todd that I guess I have to figure out what exactly I want to do with the rest of my life. I've never really thought about it. It's always been my kids, now the scary thing is.. its all me. So I'm trying to figure out.... me... maybe I'll enter a weight lifting contest (totally kidding), or maybe I'll starting playing tennis more, or I've always wanted to go to pastry school, or maybe I'll go back to college, or ... My SIL Carrie, just started cosmetology school, same "new" stage as me, but she was so sure of what she wanted! I just don't know.. Thankfully I have one more year to figure out my future! Good thing, I'm going to need all that the time.

So here's to the first day of my "new" stage in life and my new found silence!

NINE

2008-07-13T13:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday MEGAN!

I can't believe she's 9! Boy how time flys. This girl of mine is just the right combination of sweet and sassy! She has a smile to melt your heart, a quick wit to make ya say "huh?", a heart that is almost to big for her little body, the stubbornness of a mule (like her mom), the compassion of angels and the biggest desire to do whats right. We love you!

Bedtime...

2008-07-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp

2008-07-13T13:38:00.001-07:00

I just got back from girls camp with this great bunch of girls and leaders. We had a great the best time. These girls are so amazing. We had some late nights, not much sleep, a few bug bits, great stories, lots of laughs and pulled off some sneaky pranks! Who doesn't love girls camp?? I became a big kid up there. Thankfully so did all the other leaders! Now if I can just get those darn camp songs out of my head!!

The wait is over...

2008-07-03T14:09:00.001-07:00

Shayne got himself a new job around the house......FINALLY!!

Give me a B...Give me a Y... Give me a U...

2008-06-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

What's that spell? A fun week at BYU! No, I was never a cheerleader but aren't you impressed with my cheering skills? Last week we took Shayne up to a football camp at BYU. He went with his friend Samuel but ended up knowing several boys from his spring football team. They all stayed in Heritage Halls for the week. I couldn't believe that I was dropping off my son for a week to fend for himself. I have to admit that I got a little choked up when I drove away from the dorms that day. It turns out he had the best time ever and can't wait to go back next year.

We went to watch him do drills everyday for a little bit. It was so fun to see him out there showing off his "stuff." He loves football! One of his coaches was the BYU center last year. He also got to meet Bronco Mendenhall, who went over plays and videos with the boys everyday. This was like a dream for him! Hopefully this put a little fire in him to become a better student so that one day he can actually play football at the Y, his BIGGEST dream of all! While Shayne had fun on campus and on the field, the girls and I, including my mom had some fun of our own. Thanks to my mom for tagging along while Todd was at home putting a new business plan together! Most of our activities revolved around water (the river) or shopping.. surprise, surprise!

The river is just one of the best places in Provo. The water was icy cold, but the girls didn't care one bit.
The last day we were in Utah, after picking up Shayne, we headed back up to Bridal Veil Falls. Shayne, Ashley and Samuel hiked up the falls to the top. It took them about an hour to do but it was a great accomplishment. What a great place that holds great memories for me!
I'm glad my kids enjoyed this beautiful place as much as I do.

The Lake

2008-06-20T16:34:00.001-07:00

We love the lake. A day on the water is high on our list of things we love to do. Now that Todd is home during the day, we took advantage of the middle of the week lull at the lake. Our kids love to get out and do the tube.

Until..... they took a nose dive!

He feels a need to showboat every time I drive!

The girls don't feel the need for speed like Shayne does, but they had no choice on this ride. We were trying to see which one of our girls could scream the loudest. To tell the truth, they were all screaming and Todd and I were laughing so hard it was too hard to pick a winner. Not nice, I know.

Shayne and I both learned to wakeboard this trip. Sorry no pictures to prove it. The photographer was either in the water or driving the boat. But our arms are sore today as proof! We had so much fun and can't wait to get out and do it all over again!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2008-06-15T15:39:00.001-07:00

Oh, how we love dad!

He sure puts up with a lot around our house! Never in a million years would I have guessed that he'd become a pro at wiping tears, calming drama, dressing Polly's, doing the girls hair (ok well he's not quit at pro at this one, but he does try) playing catch while at the same time having a girl on each leg, watching repeated spontaneous "dance" shows, how he takes to time to teach Shayne the finer points of all sports, the encouragement he gives to Shayne to get moving with his scout advancements (that's a big one) and the list could go on...

He's always considered himself, a man's man, a sports nut, a tough talking dude.. but we all know and love the part of him that is a sucker for anything Emily asks for, the never-ending piggy back carrier down the stairs each morning, the big giant hugs that he gives each night, the guy who always tries to fix whats broken (before calling Grandpa to see how to really fix it), how much he loves to spend time with the kids, the fact that when I'm not looking he lets the kids have ice cream for breakfast (just as he did as a kid), the stomach he has for putting up with all my new "experimental" recipes and he eats with a smile! What a great guy!

We love EVERYTHING about Dad! So here's to you....

Ashley made this life size portrait of Todd. She spend hours working on this and was so excited to present it on father's day. Her hard work payed off... Todd loved it!

YIKES

2008-06-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Fast forward a few years (many years) The girls came downstairs tonight dressed in play wedding dresses! It kinda scared me silly! Yeah and Ashley's dress is a bit short! Todd said it's a good thing he's prepaying for the reception hall.... ya know tithing. His theory is he's been paying tithing, so a culture hall reception should do. Too bad for him that he's out numbered and the girls will get to choose! Seriously...enough of that talk!

SUMMER!

2008-06-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last week we headed back up to Prescott with my friend Allison and her kids for a few days.

As always the bikes were in big demand. Not much beats the freedom of the woods on a bike. Megan and her friend Grace explored all over.

How cool do these two 11 year old boys look? I guess when there's only girl bikes to choose from.... they had these two little girl bikes doing power-slides and jumps and even took them down the side of the mountain. Only boys! The best story though.. the boys decided to go for a ride and after 45 mins or so we decided that they must be lost. So Allison and I took off in the golf cart and car trying to track them down. I came across a women who was hiking and asked "if she'd seen two boys on girl bikes riding around?" She asked how old the boys were. When I said 11, she wasn't sure if she should laugh about boys that age on girl bikes or be really concerned that they might be lost. No worries though.. we found them a few minutes later ride along a dirt road heading back to the cabin. They were quit the sight!

Glow sticks! Who doesn't love those??

Now this is the life! Emily sitting outside with her gameboy

It's always fun to go with great friends!

Oh how we love the pines...

2008-05-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

I love the mountains... It's hard to beat the smell of fresh pines! This weekend we headed north to Prescott for a long weekend. Todd's family has a cabin outside of Prescott that our kids love to go to. It has a little steam, (that actually had water in it this time) that the kids love to play in.
I had so much fun watching the kids play in their "fort" that is right across from the cabin, connected to the stream. They love to play in there and spend most of their time hidden away having fun. As much as I love the mountains, I love even more that all of our attention is focused on playing outdoors.
The girls loved playing badminton. Most of our time was spent playing baseball, seeing who could hit ball the farthest down the road. Megan became quit the baseball player.

Shayne kept busy, using his Scouting skills. We brought him a new knife from Italy that he put to good use. He whittled his way thru several branches! We keep our golf-cart at the cabin so the kids love to take rides.. this weekend we wish we had warmer clothes with us! We had soooo much fun, frozen fingers and all!!

Schools out for the summer....

2008-05-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it's summer time! Typically when we think of an Arizona summer, we think of sunny & hot. Well, mother nature treated us to a great first day of summer break! RAIN and WIND! So what do you do when it's raining outside??

Soccer at the park with friends

Rain clothes??? What's that?

Who needs a slip-n-slide when we have a tramp out back?

And the winner for being the most soaked goes to.....

EMILY (surprise surprise)

You'll notice that Ashley isn't in around for any pictures.. she spent her first day of break at a friends house, far away from the rain. Soon the rain will be gone and the heat will rule, but for now we are livin it up while we can!

Just say it isn't so...

2008-05-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today was a bitter sweet day, my little Emily is officially done with preschool. (She's here with her bestest friend, Audrey) That means I'm done with yet another stage of life. Where does the time go?? I can remember like it was yesterday, wishing my kids would just sleep thru the night, then it was if they would just entertain themselves for a few minutes. Now...I sit here in the silence hearing in the distance my children just doing those things that I once wished for. I just want to halt the growth, freeze the time, beg for another day of them needing me...

I remember holding Emily as a newborn, both of us crying for hours on end. I wanted so badly for it to end. I wanted her to get bigger and stop crying. I remember my Grandma telling me "just try to enjoy it, this time will end too soon." I thought yeah right! Now look, she was right. I wish I would have sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the ride a little more instead of wish for the next stage in life. I guess the saying is true...Time is slow when living in it, but way to fast when looking back upon it.

So today a bid farewell to preschool forever... another one of my babies, spreading her wings, ready to fly.

The Amazing Race..

2008-05-11T14:24:00.001-07:00

So we made it home a day late...but I'll get there in a second!

The final day of our trip was filled with gondola rides, walking tours, spaghetti, and shopping.

A few facts we learned about Venice..

1. Lot's of people in a very small confined space
2. Over priced.
3. Everyone smokes
4. Fish and pasta are more abundant than pizza. (southern Italy where Todd served his mission was filled with pizza shops, not the case here)
5. Water and Coke are not easy to find
6. Internet? They haven't quit got to that yet
7. The sunset is the best, seen from the Grand Canal

Seeing as though it was our last day, we spend time getting "stuff" for the kids. That night when we finally got to call home (the 9 hour time difference really messes everything up) we heard that my poor mom, our babysitter Jessi and my friend Allison were all dealing with throw-up..from 3 of my 4 children!! They got sick Tuesday night and it continued on and off all week. My heart sunk and I wanted to get home, especially after hearing my kids on the phone, sad voices and tears. We felt horrible for all parties involved. First, Jessi is a BYU student, no kids, and she had to clean up so much puke I felt horrible. Then Allison, has 5 kids of her own and then was picking my sick kids up from school and trying to keep Emily (the only one healthy) so that she didn't get sick, oh my gosh I felt bad. Finally my mom, well she's a grandma I knew she could handle it, but then I heard that Shayne had a band concert that she took the kids to, thinking all was well, and Ashley got sick in the middle of the concert and almost made it to the bathroom. Yikes!! I owe so many people, so much!

So we asked for a wake-up call bright and early (5 am)along with a water taxi to take us to the train station to start our journey home. Well, 5:45 I heard a banging on our door. I stumbled to the door, thinking the place was on fire, and an angry Italian man stood at the door yelling at me, in broken English, that he'd been calling us for 45 mins and we never answered the phone (among other things that I couldn't understand) and that our taxi was waiting for us. Luckily we had packed the night before, so we threw on some clothes and headed downstairs to the awaiting water taxi. Our train didn't leave until 6:30 so we were still doing ok, late wake up and all. Upon arriving at the train station, we realized that we'd forgotten our backpack that had our passports in it!

An so our Amazing Race began...

Todd ran back to the taxi and asked if he'd take him back to the hotel quickly. Well in Italy, nothing is quick! I stood at the train station with all our bags waiting for Todd, not knowing when he'd get back. We missed the first train...missed the second train.... we had one train left that would give us enough time to still make our other connections. (we were taking a train to Milan, flying to London and then home all in the same day) Then our world came to a HALT! THe Italian transportation industry went on STRIKE! Yeah that's right, no taxis, no trains, no planes, no NOTHING! A 4 hour strike.

I consider myself to be an avid watcher of the Amazing Race, I know the tricks they use to get on planes, trains etc... well I've decided that people are much nicer if they have a camera crew filming their every move, because they could care less that we HAD to get home and would not put us on another train!!

As to not drag this out any further....hours later we caught a train (we had to kinda sneak on, that's another story) we're yelled at by every Italian British Airline member that could find us, and finally got a flight to London late Friday night (the same time we should have been flying over the Atlantic) We stayed the night in a little, and I mean little hotel, no bigger than my bathroom Friday night and hoped to get on a flight the next day.

So after 8 days of galabanting and 2 days of trying to get home, we made it home Saturday night. The flight was no piece of cake. 10 hours of flying.. 2 1/2 of those hours with with planes air conditioning out, and all 10 hours with Todd being air sick, and he was in the middle seat. I knew it was bad when he jumped up and when he finally returned to his seat, he was holding a bag, a coke, some rolls and had sweat all over him. Lucky guy sitting with us right???

But we're HOME!!

Venice..

2008-05-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

We survived our long 7 hour train ride from Vennia, it actually wasn't bad at all. The train wasn't full so we didn't have anyone even sitting around us until one of the last stops. Between the beautiful Swiss Alps to view, a nap and books to trip was a piece of cake.

We arrived in Venice and found an Italian holding a sign reading SMITH so we approached her and found out see was our ride to the hotel. Looks like our travel agent thought we should arrive in Venice in style, so she arranged for a private water taxi. We had the boat to ourselves, with our own guide and the Grand Canal all around us.

Our hotel sits just off of St. Marks square. I remember seeing pictures of people wih pigeons all around at this square. The pigeons were not in shortage!

We Kiss Vienna Goodbye..

2008-05-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Our final day in Vienna was fun! We didn't take a bike tour (Todd's back and the European bed aren't agreeing) but we did take the last of our bus tour. We got to drive over the Danube River

and found another ferris wheel, there is NO way I was going on this creaking old thing!

We also went to a great palace, Belvedere.
We saw orignal paintings of Monet and Von Gogt while escaping the rain. 3 floors of paintings! I guess I've never really appreicated fine art before, I may need to attend a few art masterpiece classes with my kids next year! It was fun though.
The gardens were perfectly manicured. We had a beautiful view of Vienna from the palace. We didn't want to wait for our tour bus to come back so we thought we'd take a walk back to the city center, it didn't look very far. Well, it's a good thing that we were both wearing our walking shoes! We had NO idea where we were! Good thing that I had 2 maps and a map reader with me!!! 2 1/2 hours later, we found a familiar street. Mr. Map Man, doesn't need directions ya know. Needless to say...our feet hurt! We did see some streets and little old markets that we would have never seen otherwise, thanks Todd!!
Our last stop in Vienna was at a gelato shop. We thought we'd better see which Country has the best gelato. London was good...but Vienna puts London to shame! I will never bother going to a gelato shop at home ever again! The gelato at home tastes like dirt compared to here, and we haven't even gotten to Italy yet! We'll cast our final vote after the trip is over.
Tomorrow we leave bright and early to catch our 7 hour train ride to Venice. I can hardly wait to hear Todd talk to all the Italians! We will finally be able to find a bathroom!!

Vienna...

2008-05-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a cloudy, rainy day. We got to do quit a bit in between rain showers. Emily wanted us to take pictures of what we ate while we were gone..so this post is for you Emily!
Daddy ordered a Frankfurter for dinner, thinking it would be a great sausage..it came in a pot of boiling water, with a round bun and a cup of horseradish, for dipping. Not exactly what he imagined! I told him it looked like an expensive Oscar Myer Weiner to me!
For breakfast we found a little cafe and each had the best apple strudel that we've ever had. We got to eat outside at a little picnic area. We were the only ones not drinking beer or smoking. While the rain was coming down, we took shelter in a small cafe for a snack. Dad had a chocolate filled crosissant, I had a regular one. A funny thing happened to us there... We asked to use the bathroom, although they don't call it that, so dad went first. He came to 2 different doors. One labled with a D, the other with a H. He wasn't sure which to go into so he guessed that maybe D stood for "dude". When he came back he told me which door he went into. I then left and thought I'd better go into the other door. Well turns out that D doesn't stand for "dude" after all. I went thru the door marked H and found a free standing urinal, and that's it! Thankfully nobody was in there, so I quickly went into the other door. I returned to the table to let dad know that d definatly does not stand for "dude" and he's lucky that no damsel walked in on him!
Back to the food.. You'll never guess what restaurant we found..TGIFridays!
It just wasn't he same Megan. The honey mustard was horrible.

We did do some other things today like..Sat with some pigeons..
found a fake well..
Posed by an awesome fountain (yeah I'm not sure why I was getting so comforable there)...

and took a bus tour to avoid the rain. (sorry, too rainy to get the camera back out!)

Tomorrow, depending on the weather, we are doing a bike tour...stay tuned!

(ok, so spell check doesn't work here, its late and my personal spell checker is asleep, so sorry to you English majors)

(P.S.- mom, I can recieve your emails but it won't let me respond...but thanks for your notes!)

Top 5 Things I Miss....

2008-05-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

1. My kids (man I miss them bad!)

2. Ice/Cold water (everything is either room temp or served with 1 piece of ice)

3. Dr. Pepper

4. Fresh air (smoke free)

5. People who like Americans

So we made it to Vienna. We had a very warm welcome into the country by a nice taxi counter worker....when after ordering our taxi in more sign language than words, she told me in a very direct way, that maybe I should learn the language if I wanted to come to her country. Very kind!

After our first European rain storm, while driving to our hotel, we found that we may not all speak the same, but we all can communicate with the universal "bird". Our taxi driver loved to exercise this right!

Tonight we wondered down a few blocks to Stephansplatz. I think all the hustle and bustle of Vienna must happen here. We watch several street performers. Break dancing must still be cool.

We also found a one man band that would make the guy on Mary Poppins proud. Todd thought he'd tip the guy..too bad he didn't convert his currency fast enough..the guy was good, but not as good as Todd tipped him!

London Day Two

2008-05-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

We had a bit of a late start to our Saturday. Today we were going to catch a train to Manchester, to see a football match. We found out late last night that the our plan wasn’t going to work out. The train that would take us there would leave early, no big, but it would be a 4 ½ hour ride. That would have been bearable, but the returning train left before the match would be over, leaving us without our prepaid hotel in London. SO… plan B. I guess you could say that we sleep in a little. 11:30am London time, but really our bodies are still in AZ so it was only 3:30am there! We got woken up by housekeeping trying to get into our flat to clean it. Turns out, that we woke up just in time to watch the Manchester match on TV. We both wish we were there, I guess we’ll have to come back!
Today we took a double decker tour bus. We went all over London. This is the London Bridge..

London Eye.. we went on this yesterday!

This is me and the Queen in front of Kensington Palace. Princess Diana lived here.

For lunch we found this little place that was kinda like the UK version of In & Out. The little ketchup dispensers cracked us up. They look like something from Emily’s play food!

Tomorrow we are headed to Austria! A new adventure awaits!

Hello London

2008-05-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hello from London! After a long 10 hour flight, having our bags come off last on the round and a crazy taxi ride, we made it to our hotel. Our hotel overlooks the river Thames. We are directly across from the London Eye, the very large ferris wheel. I faced my fear of the horrifying ferris wheel today and took a ride on the Eye. It’s about a 30 min ride all the way around with a top height of 420 ft. The view was incredible!

Tonight we walked all around the city and ended up in a side alley and found this “hole” pizza joint. Yummy is about all I can say. I know that we were suppose to wait until we got to Italy for pizza but…. we were really hungry! Tomorrow we will hunt down some fish and chips.
We’ve been planning to go to the Manchester United match tomorrow but we are being told that it a 4 hour train ride and that trip would eat up our last day in London. We may still go, we’re working out the details with the concierge.
This jet lag is really messing with our bodies. We tried to sleep most of the time on the plane but that’s always hard. Right now it’s already 11:00 pm and my kids aren’t even out of school yet! It’s crazy that losing 8 hours makes that much of a difference. We are having a great time exploring this awesome city. I’ve never seen so many people smoke and drink on such narrow streets in my life. Todd said, “just wait for Italy”.
I know that we had only been gone for 24 hours but we really miss you Shayne, Megan, Ashley and Emily!! Be good. Love you!

Happy Birthday Emily

2008-04-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Where did the time go? Our little baby is now 5! It seems like just yesterday that she was trying to enter this life, arm first! I can't believe that next year she will be in kindergarten. It seems like when you have a house full of babies, we're ready for them to hurry up and grow...now I wish I could pause time and live in this moment for just a little longer.
Emily and I got to spend her birthday with Grandma Bentz today. It's always a treat when Grandma comes. We got to go eat a Emily's favorite lunch spot...Chick-Fil-A and then went to pick out her birthday cupcakes for preschool. If only everyday was so laid back!

I love that my kids get to see their Grandparents so often and know them. I never had that, we saw my Grandparents maybe once a year. We are so lucky to live within driving distance!
It has been such a great day. Happy Birthday Emily! You will always be my baby! Also a special shout- out to my brother Jason who Emily shares this special day with...Happy Birthday Bro!

S Is For Strawberry...

2008-04-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today I dug deep and found my inner "Molly Homemaker"... We started our mission yesterday with a trip to the store and found our family fav.. strawberries were on sale! In our house that means only one thing... homemade JAM! Emily decided that since she was the only one home with me, she would get to be my helper. Emily had a great time helping me get our jars ready for canning, and by that I mean, splashing hot, boiling water on my foot. Yeah ouch! Then her next task, that she loved was mashing up all of the cut berries. She did a great job keeping most of the berry juice in the bowl. I love that she loves to help me!

So after several hours we now get to enjoy the fruits (no pun intended)of our labor for the next few months. Yummy! The rest of our family will be very happy in the morning, because nothing is better than fresh jam! Well unless you have homemade bread...maybe tomorrow :)

Long Sundays...

2008-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know about your house, but at our house Sunday is a LONG day! Yeah, its suppose to be the day of rest, and yeah we could go for long drives or walks or even better, play board games all day long but on our Sunday.. when boredom has set in..
It's time for some good old fashion dress up! The
girls had so much fun with their bucket of dress up, courtesy of Grandma Bentz. You'll notice that Shayne and Todd are no where to be found...must have been nap time or a good soccer game on! What do you do at your house to fight off the Sunday humdrum??

Sometimes things don't always go as planned..

2008-04-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a fun filled weekend with lots of Diamondback action. We had tickets to both Friday and Saturday's games. Fun right? Well, when Todd bought the tickets he was thinking that he and Shayne and some buddies would have a great time all weekend. Well... sometimes things don't work out just right for him. The girls had other plans for their dad.

The Daddy/Daughter dance at school....

Yes, that's right, Todd was the lucky dad who got to take all 3 girls to a dance instead of going to the game. They had a good time shakin their stuff and Todd was glad the dance was only an hour. He's not a big dancer ya know. Nevertheless, he went like a good dad because his girls were sooooo excited!

So I got to go to the D-Backs game on Friday night with Shayne and two of his friends. We had a great time and even got on to the new HD big screen! The boys went wild, waving their shirts and going crazy because they are now famous!!! All three boys are huge Eric Byrnes fan's. They yelled, they screamed, they chanted, they went wild everytime he did anything note worthy. They were cracking me up! They knew every stat of every player, they tryed to predict what every batter would do, they even tryed to "distract" the first baseman so that he'd drop the ball. Boys and baseball... two peas in a pod!

Now remember those Saturday tickets??? Well as luck would have it, the game was the Fox game of the week and ended up being a day game. It just so happened that Shayne's football game, that Todd coaches, started at the same time. Bummer for him again! So this time, I got to take Megan, Ashley and her friend McKinley with me. As luck would have it, we made it on the big screen again. Megan proclaimed "This is my dream come true! I alway's wanted to be famous." Our seats were directly in the sun, so it was fun until the ice cream was gone and then so were we.

It's funny the difference between the girls and Shayne. Shayne would stay until the bitter end, sunburned and all and then would want to stay until he got to see Eric Byrnes drive away, hoping for an autograph. The girls, wanted the free give away, ice cream, a visit to the team shop and then they were done.

I had so much fun going to two games, back to back! Who doesn't love the sights, sounds and smells of the ballpark? Got to love it! Go D-Backs!

A Sad Day

2008-04-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ashley experienced he first heartbreak. Her hamster "Princess" died. After Ashley left for school today I was doing my normal rounds in the kids room when I smelt something gross. Upon closer inspection, I found the poor little thing. I have to admit that I was never a big fan of small creeping animals, still not a big fan, but my heart broke that Ashley's little pet that she spent her Christmas money on, was now no longer. After a quick call to Todd, I had to leave the room. So tonight I took the kids out for ice cream while Todd had the unenviable job of "burying" Princess. When we returned home Todd broke the news to her. She sobbed and it killed me to watch her. We tried to assure her that Princess is in great hands in "hamster heaven" but for now that wasn't enough. We carried her sad body up the stairs where she found her other hamster "Puff" running on the wheel, happy and healthy. Thankfully she and Todd had decided to buy 2 hamsters at the same time so that they could play while she was at school. Good thinking Todd!

This is our second attempted at having a pet. Our first pet was Shayne's. A beautiful white Lab named Bronco. He was a very over active puppy. Shayne and Emily and I loved him but the other girls wouldn't go outside with him out there. So we had the heart wrenching decision to have a dog or let the girls have their backyard back. Needless to say, the humans won. We found a great home for him where I'm sure he is running happy. That was our first experience with pet heartache, it wasn't any easier today watching Ashley.

Thank goodness we can ask for comfort for all things in our lives, no matter how large or small.

Tennis anyone?

2008-04-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

I love tennis. I love the feel of returning a serve right down the line hit with full power. I love to run after a base line shot to lob it over my head and still getting it in. I love to have dirty tennis ball hands (and I hate to be dirty). I love to play with great friends. I love the tennis "trash talk" that would only happen on the court. I love to frustrated my opponent with a good shot. I love the sound the ball makes when it hits the "sweet" spot of my raquet. I love to have fun and of course, I love to win.

Today I got to play with my friend JoAnna. We haven't played together for maybe a year or more. We had so much fun. Today we got a good lesson is sportsmanship, of lack of, from our opponents. We had the F bomb dropped our way (not by us, thank you), we had a raquet thrown our way and to top it off, I had a ball hit directly at my face after the point was over. Luckily I got part of my raquet up and the brim of my vissor deflected the ball enough that I didn't have a "Marsha Marsha Marsha" moment! But in the end, none of it really matters because we had fun, neither one of us broke anything, and the icing on the cake..... we won.

Ya got to love a good game of tennis!