Sarah's Favorite Project - Family

Christmas Memories of 2011

2011-12-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a fun month of Christmas parties, cards from friends & family as well, & way too much candy. Here's a few of our highlights.

Josh looking like a stud as a "Wise Man" in the Ward Party.

Jessi has got to be the "Star" of the show 2 years in a row. If you can't tell - Halle is an angel.

Janice Worton created an awesome Christmas party this year with a hilarious "12 Days of Christmas" song that helped us all get involved. My personal favorite was "5 old high priests!" (One of them was Grampa Dennis)

Dana & I took our girls to David Archuleta's Christmas concert. We were in row 5! Close enough that Jessi was just sure he looked right at her!

I got to go with Jessi on "The Nutcracker" ballet field trip. I just loved it, big shocker. Even Jessi was impressed with the costumes & dancing. Yahoo!

What do you do when it's too cold to ride the motorcycle? Go to Napa! All we have to say is, "Motorcycle" and Halle comes running. Great . . .

Quinn played her first hymn, "Away in a Manger" at her Christmas concert. She was amazing.

That same night Jessi had her first flute concert with the 5th Graders. She was wonderful too.

Shelby with her Kindergarten Program.

Josh is in the middle, I promise.

My kids (like everyone's) just love making sugar cookies. We even broke out the aprons - WOW!

Not sure how to flip this pix but Shelby begged to help mop the floor. So they jumped into their swimsuits, we poured some warm water on the floor, & they had a blast. My Mom use to let us do this when I was little & I still remember thinking she was just so cool!

On Monday most of the family went skiing at Pebble Canyon. It was Shelby's first time skiing & she just rocked. Her new name is "Turbo" because she beat Josh down the hill. As you can tell Halle really wants to be included next time.

Electronics are still a hit with my men.

Jessi got a color yourself bag that she's already finished. She can't wait to use it for school.

Quinn got a nice set of drawing pencils - her teammates teased her that she was the only 13yr old that still loved to color.

Shelby got a fun play dough cake maker - Halle loves it too.

Josh got a bow & arrow from Santa that he just loves.

All week we've used the crafts, games, & toys to keep busy. We've visited the library, Napa, & Pebble a few times since the kids don't have school. Ahh, I love vacation with no schedules. Merry Christmas everyone!

Halle's 2nd Birthday

2011-12-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

So I'm a little behind in my postings, that's normal right?!? Just thought I'd throw some cute pix out there of Halle's Birthday Bash on Dec. 8.

Play Dough has got to be Halle's all time favorite toy. Babies are sweet, stuffed animals are cute, but give this girl play dough & she's happy for at least an hour - that's impressive for a 2 year old.

I laid out a few pictures of cakes & she picked the puppy - so cute.

Who's the dweeb in the background? Has to be Uncle Kade always trying to make himself look more attractive.

Jessi learned "Happy Birthday" on her flute for Halle.

We had quite a group gathered again - what can I say, we love birthdays!

Jessi has such a special connection to our Halle. Halle's face just lights up when she comes home from school. Awww . . .

Haunted Halloween Bash

2011-11-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

This year's annual Halloween Party was a bit crazier than usual. What can you say when you get this many fun people together with guns, zip lines, & food? Party! Luckily Kade & Jesalee helped us plan again - so we could anticipate all the ways people could cheat (what can I say - they've got a gift)

Here's our "Blue Man Group" Kurtis & Deena, Brian & Jami, Hank & Ashlee, Todd & Deborah.

The "Red Devils" included Lane & Kim, Kirk & Robyn, Matt & Emily.

The "Green Eye'd Peas/Monsters" were Brian & Dana, John & Kyndra, Steve & Kayla.

As promised we had a very memorable ride from Lava Hot Springs to the Lava Zipline.

I can't figure out why everyone dressed so funny - I guess they wanted to. Alright, so I awarded points to those willing to embarrass themselves for our enjoyment. Don't they look fantastic? I especially loved Kirk's full head of hair.

We loved the Zipline Adventures - so worth the money & time! Below in the big hat is Milan (owner) who wasn't afraid to ham it up with us.

We warmed up with a tug of war to determine which group got to zipline first.

Then why they were getting their harnesses on we . . .

did a few "Minute to Win it" challenges. Dana & Brian doing a little "Hanky Panky" trying to empty a Kleenex box.

Kirk & Robyn doing my favorite challenge "Mad Dog." We attached 2 tic tac containers to paint sticks & they have to shake them all out.

Todd & Deborah got cold feet doing the "Hanky Panky" with everyone watching.

Matt & Emily attempting the "Nut Stacker."

Bonnie & Clyde (aka Kayla & Steve) were fierce competitors!

Here's Kyndra & John attempting the "Dizzy Mummy" where you wrap your partner in an entire roll of toilet paper without breaking it. I love Kyndra's die hard expression and Kurtis' shirt. Priceless.

Ok this was just plain mean but we gave bonus points to whoever would hold a night crawler in their mouth for 20 seconds. Then someone asked if they could have double the points if they swallowed it - sure! I have a great video but couldn't get it to load, sorry. Come over some time & you can laugh with me.

Here's Jami (I think) playing "Suck it up." Had to suck up an M&M with a straw & move it to another caldron.

Kyndra & John are looking pretty hot. We couldn't get John to take his teeth out all night, wait a minute - maybe those are his real teeth!

My favorite part about this years party? That we got to participate! We ziplined, visited, & laughed with everybody instead of just hearing about it after. Yahoo.

I'm not really sure who all of these people are but it was quite a rush. We each got to go 5 times trying to make whatever crazy pose we could. We even gave each player a water balloon & had them try to hit our life size Napa guy poster.

This last one was just for fun. Dana & I rode together. The guy who caught us at the end said, "This is the best part of my day. 2 gorgeous women coming at me at 30 mph." Was he working for a tip?

This was the hardest I laughed all night. Brian was pulling with all his might while John laughed like a girl (sorry man, but you did) and everyone behind just tried to lift their leg at the same time. Oh it was awesome.

Teams had to use their sharp shooting skills with their BB guns to destroy their team's clay pigeons.

Our finale was each team collecting items from each challenge to assemble a sling shot where they tested it out with eggs. The "Red Devils" dominated this one & were our amazing winners this year. We ended the night by soaking in the Lava Hot Springs - Ahhh. Thanks friends - it was great fun!

Get ready - teenager in the house!

2011-11-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

Although it was no surprise (she's been asking for a phone for months now) we finally granted her biggest wish and bought a cell phone for Quinn's 13th birthday (Oct. 17th). I thought she would be elated & maybe even weep for joy but no . . . instead she said, "Mom, this is like a cheap phone. I wanted one like yours." Joaquin & I laughed heartily and told her she starts with inexpensive (not cheap right?) and if she can prove she's trust worthy - then upgrade. Shockingly she's already "misplaced" it once in a friends car.

Quinn let me off the hook this year & just wanted to order her favorite kind of cake from Costco - Yahoo for me! The lady who took the order chuckled as she wrote down orange pumpkin balloons. Whatever makes my girl happy.

Jade & Shelby were all too happy to help unwrap presents.

Technically the Lankfords have been to enough of our birthday parties, vacations, & outings to be called family. But it's official now as Whitney suffered a "Whitney sandwich" by the Smith brothers.

Jessi has become our ham jumping in every pix lately, you can see the joy on Quinn's face can't you? Here was one of my favorite presents - the Scripture Hero Posters. I remember the "Mormon Ads" adorning my walls growing up & these are even better. Quinn has them up all over her room now as well. Awwww. . .

Happy 7th to Josh!

2011-10-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

So here is our cool cake this year. Isn't it awesome? Josh likes to dream big, what can I say?

We had a family party the night before his actual birthday where he opened a Napa remote control truck (shocker huh?)

He asked if I would pick him & some friends up in the motor home from school on his birthday. "Could we each have out own pop & eat chips too?" I love it when requests are that simple.

They loved 'surfing' & not having to wear seatbelts - I'm just cool like that.

We only had one boy fall in the fish pond (Spencer) and had to hold him back from trying to get back in to play with the fish, "I'm already wet."

Josh did invite a few girls but I don't think Ally will come next year . . .

Spencer was trying to save her, not help. It's no wonder why Josh gets into trouble for teasing his sisters so much, he learns from the master.

This last pix was of Shelby in front of her "alphabet art." Every day for the first 26 days she gets to do an art project for a, b, c. etc. We've been taping them to her door & wall when it was full. On her 26th day she was so excited to put up Z & I promised to take this pix since Halle loves to pull them off as fast as I put them up.

In case you missed Josh's "Harry Potter spaghetti arm"

2011-09-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

We love soccer right?!?

Here's a pix before soccer. See Josh? Surrounded by beautiful girls, smiling, strong unbroken bones.

Here is Josh after soccer - OUCH! He had just scored the winning goal when out of no where a giant of a boy (I think he had facial hair) came and kicked his arm while wearing cleats! Ok, ok so maybe that's not exactly how it happened. But it makes a much better story right? Actually he had just finished playing his first soccer game and fell off the monkey bars at the park, bummer right?

He's a trooper though. He broke both bones in his lower arm (as you can tell). Everyone told him he looked just like Harry Potter when the bones in his arm were zapped away. The ER staff tried to "set" it at the hospital that night but couldn't get it just right.

So 2 days later we went into surgery where they sedated him to set it correctly & put a pin in it, poor kid. He still loves soccer (thanks a lot Ross - I'm blaming the whole Showalter clan you know) and hasn't let his cast stop him from anything yet.

Family Camping to Scout Mountain

2011-09-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

Joaquin has been bugging me lately to go on "one last" camping trip in RV. So this last weekend I finally caved. I don't mean to be a stick in the mud but camping (from a mom's perspective) is just plain hard work. You pack food, clothing, cooking utensils, bikes, flashlights, sleeping bags, camp chef, propane, need I go on? Then when you get home it feels like an infinite amount of laundry.

But having said that - I'm glad I relented. It was was beautiful place and we enjoyed being together. Scout Mountain is only about 45 min. away so the kids were pretty mellow for the trip. It helped that we stopped in Poky to buy a few last supplies & treated the kids to "Five Guys." Great way to start a trip by the way - on a full stomach.

I know this pix is in front of our house but I wanted to show you the "new to us" toy (thanks to my sister Amy). It's a little bike that attaches to one of ours. Shelby thinks it rocks and we used it many times up and around Scout Mnt.

The kids loved picking lots of flowers & taking walks.

Jessi was my "poser" this trip, always asking me to take pix of her.

Quinn is taking a photography class this trimester & snapped a few of us with the sunset.

Man, I still look hot without make up or a shower don't I?

Josh's bike is too hard to shift gears with his cast but he didn't want to miss out on the biking. He swallowed his pride & rode Shelby's so he could cross the water.

Finally I capture Quinn in a pix.

Shelby posing with her bouquet & her dreamy expression.

Jessi loved this pix, we just finished eating smores and it looks like she has blood trickling down her chin (it's really chocolate - she went around pretending to bite our necks). Great trip and still loving the big blue beast of an RV!

Quick question

2011-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ok friends - I posted this on facebook but wondered if lots of you were like me and check your blog more than FB. So here's my question.

I've been doing this crazy Halloween Party for the last few years & need your opinion. I'm planning the party for Friday, Oct. 21st @6pm in Lava. We'll zipline, chase clues, soak in the hot pools & end at a hotel.

Joaquin thinks we should do the hotel on Friday night but do the party on Saturday around 2pm so we can have longer to zipline, chase clues, etc. then go home late Saturday -

Which would you prefer?

I think people will ditch the hotel & just show up on Saturday @2. What do you think? Should I just cut out the hotel all together & plan a longer party on Saturday? It would be cheaper. Thanks -

Back to School 2011

2011-09-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well this summer has been loads of fun but I'm so grateful that all my kids wanted to go back to school. I was ready too. I snapped a few fun close ups of them before church & of course on the first day of school. As a side note - we sold our rental!!! We are so happy with our new neighbors & it went so well. It cost a whopping $13 to record the deed of ownership transfer, wow and we are done!

Shelby (5)

Jessi (10)

Quinn (12)

Halle (1)

Josh (6)

Here's the whole beautiful (and handsome Josh) crew.

Shelby was still asleep (I love afternoon kindergarten) or she would be in the pix too.

Just look at that smile - she picked out this sparkly dress/long shirt outfit and couldn't wait to wear it.

She begged to ride her bike to school the first day, until about half way when she cried & told me it took too long.

Isn't that just a great shot of Quinn? We went as a family to cheer for her first away game in Marsh Valley last night. They won all 4 games and she even made points on a few of her serves, what a woman! Note to the wise, never bring the little siblings to "cheer" for older ones for 2 hours - it got boring & even ugly for a while. It always sounds good in my head . . .

Anyone interested in our Rental?

2011-07-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

We are hoping to Sell (or Rent) our house on 193 Howard St. If you know anyone who is interested would you let me know? Here are some pix with the basic info. Thanks everyone!

View from the back

View from just inside the front door. The entire house has been repainted inside (thank you Donna!)

This is a full bath (I just couldn't squeeze it in the picture)

One of the 2 bedrooms on the main floor. Both bedrooms have new paint & new carpet

The other room on the main floor

The finished room in the basement (wasn't as clean as I'd hoped but I didn't give them any warning before I showed up to take pix!)

The unfinished basement where the washer & drier are. There is also a little food storage room & an unfinished bedroom on the right hand side.

View of the kitchen coming up from the basement.

Another view of the kitchen.

View from off the front porch. We are asking $114,900 - or if someone would like to rent we are asking $650 + utilities. Just thought I'd put the word out to my friends! Thanks you guys.

Just a whole bunch of fun

2011-05-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

These pix are a little out of order but hey, you get the idea right?!? Easter went by in a flash.

For Spring Break my friend Tiffani & I drove with our kids (8 in all) up to Washington to visit our sisters. We loved it! Here's Shelby & Noah loving each other.

Jayda & Jessi being soooo cool.

Ian & Josh playing whatever electronic games they could.

Quinn & Lexi even went to a Zumba exercise class with us at the YMCA.

For a quick little weekend away - Amanda, Jesalee, & I went to Vegas. We treated ourselves to the Bellagio (just gorgeous) and Cirque de Sol "O." It was amazing!

Its become a tradition that Joaquin takes Josh to the Monster Truck Show at the Holt Arena. This year Shelby & I went too. She was ready to go home after about an hour but the concessions saved her.

Joaquin even splurged & we all got to ride in this Monster Truck for about 60 seconds. Woo hoo!

Women's Conference down in Provo was short but sweet this year. My friends Deena & Shy came with me from Am. Falls and we met Dana, Mom, Mindy, Lisa, & Amy there.

Quinn is in an "I hate pictures" mood lately so this is the only one I could snap of her at her piano recital this year.

These are my so wish it was summer kids. I think the temp was around 60 degrees this day but they were determined to soak up the sun (in the driveway.)

Jessi had her Gymnastic Program that she absolutely loved! She got a medal & a trophy.

Jessi also performed a dance solo at her school talent show. She rocked at the dance she choreographed herself. She had cartwheels, walk overs, splits - it made me tired just watching.

For Mother's Day Weekend we took our "new to us" Motor Home on its maiden voyage to Glenns Ferry. Jesalee & Kade rode with us so we had cousins & friends to visit with the whole way. I can't remember the last time I sat on the floor with my kids for 2 & 1/2 hours reading books, building with legos, & talking. Its definitely good for me, next time I'm thinking I'll drive and make it "good for Joaquin."

Glenns Ferry was pretty cold & rainy so everyone crammed in the hot tub to get warm & have fun.

Jesalee, Donna, Quinn, Jessi, & I met up with family & friends in Boise to see the musical "Wicked." I thought it was just fabulous. The sets, costumes, and of course the music was amazing. Can you tell Emily & I try to use any excuse possible to hang out more often?

Shelby & Jade had Pre School Graduation this last Saturday. It was pretty painful for lots of us. They sang 14 songs (Shelby was yawning by the 5th or 6th), Halle cried most of the time, and Kristin was in New York delivering the newest cousin during the show! Why do we do "programs" again?!?

Oh that's why, because Shelby was just so dang happy to be the center of attention for the day. What a cutie!

Washington DC

2011-04-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

I'm still amazed we actually went - how cool is that?!? My sweet Mom volunteered to watch our kids so that Joaquin & I could take a trip. Our good friends Casidy & Brinton Robison let us tag along with them as they showed us the sights & let us stay at their apartment (you'll see a pix of them down farther)

The first night we saw all the monuments at night, just amazing. Lincoln was the fave.

Here's the "Idaho" part of the WWII memorial

We were hoping DC would be a little warmer but not so much. Joaquin mocked me when I packed my winter coat. This first night I tried to be tough with my little jacket but after freezing I wore my mittens & scarf the rest of the trip.

Here's the reason why we got to be there. Brinton is studying at George Washington - we're glad to have smart friends.

The Capital was so amazing. We were the geeky tourists with head sets on.

Notice the scarf & mittens?

Arlington was humbling - just the best word to describe it.

Is that us kissing? See what happens when you take me out to dinner every night for a week - I have a whole lot less work & more time to play.

This Monet was one of my favorites at the National Gallery of Art. I felt like a total prude though because I just hated seeing naked women everywhere. Degas sculpted & painted tons of ballerinas, which you would think I would love. PUT SOME CLOTHES ON and maybe. Casidy & I were laughing when we walked by a beautiful sculpture entitled "The Reading Girl" by Magni. Upon closer inspection her right breast is hanging out. Do any of you read books with half your clothes on? Joaquin said, well dah - the artists are all men.

The Air & Space Museum was pretty cool. Joaquin & I thought the virtual Space Station was fun to walk through.

Mount Vernon was George Washington's home back in the 1790's. It was just amazingly maintained.

Just chillin' on the back porch looking over the Potomac River

These cool looking "breeze ways" connected main house to the kitchen & servants quarters.

Had to visit the temple!

"The Awakening" was just a great photo op.

An entire store of "Peeps." Mindy & Kristin I know are just drooling right now - they just loooove peeps.

Went through the International Spy Museum. Saw hidden camera's in rings, umbrellas, & purses that were issued by CIA & FBI years ago. Spy manuals, door picks, disguises - it was actually kind of disturbing to be honest. If they had those things years ago, what do they have now????

The Natural History Museum would have been one the kids would love!

Just loved that we went the week before the annual "Cherry Blossom" Festival. The trees were all in bloom without the mass numbers of people. It was just beautiful!

Last few note were from my Mom, bless her. One day she was taking Shelby, Josh, & Halle to Costco. Shockingly Josh & Shelby were fighting on the way over.

Mom: Shelby if you'll be kind I'll let you pick something out at Costco.

Shelby: I want to be naughty, I don't want anything.

Mom: Shelby honey, get down off the counter.

Shelby: It's not your house Grandma.

Thank you, thank you for laughing & not beating the children!

Ballroom Dancing

2011-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

I realize most of the people who read my blog live outside of American Falls but I still had to share some fun news - no I'm not pregnant (that wouldn't be really fun news right now). I'm finally crossing something off my "bucket list." I'm going to teach Ballroom Dance at Cope's Dance Studio! It's only 2 nights so far which makes it lots more appealing. Shelby's doing great, Joaquin's got an easier calling in church, my youngest is over a year, & my last big event as the PTO President is this Thursday - Yahoo!

Jesalee & Joaquin roll their eyes at me because my life is still pretty crazy but I've taught Ballroom to hundreds (maybe even thousands now) of youth & couples for free. It's right around Valentine's Day - which, let's face it, is the only reason most men would be inclined to get up & boogie with their sweetheart. So wish me luck & if any of you want to make the drive to American Falls - I'd love to have friends there. I wanted to attach my cute little ad (minus the clip art) I put in the Power County Press (it runs tomorrow).

Ballroom Dance Classes

Searching for a great Valentine's Gift? Have you ever watched “Dancing with the Stars” and wondered how football pro Emmitt Smith can make dancing look so cool? Well you can too!

Sarah Smith combines fun modern music with the classical steps of Waltz & Cha-Cha so the next time you’re at a wedding or dance you can join in with confidence! Whether you’re a beginner or Fred Astaire, you will love laughing & spending time with your sweetheart. Take 2 hours for 2 weeks and become a star!

Waltz: Wednesday, Feb. 23 @ 8:00-10:00 pm

Cha-Cha: Wednesday, Mar. 2 @8:00-10:00 pm

The cost is $25/per couple for each night.

Both classes will start with dance instructions and end with a “social” of open dancing (refreshments provided).

Shelby celebrated at the Aquarium

2011-01-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

Let me just say I know the pix quality isn't very good in these shots (my cell phone camera does great outdoors but not so well inside). Last week we took Shelby down for her last check up with Dr. Patel and it went great. She still has a 10% limitation on her eye movement but Dr. Patel could see from the Cat Scan it was from scar tissue that will soften with time, yahoo. We'll check back with him in 2 years. We were there for 2 hours - this time I came prepared with a bag full of books, crayons, & treats. It's a challenge keeping her entertained & willing to do what they ask but we survived. Shelby colored a beautiful picture of her holding Dr. Patel's hand standing under a rainbow with a bright yellow sun & green grass. He was a bit blown away and told me how grateful he was. He doesn't see many children I guess & told Shelby he would take it home to hang in his office that night.

I surprised my other kids & checked them out of school early on Tuesday & brought them with us to Grandma Sally's. They played with cousins for hours and then after Shelby's check up we all went to a little Aquarium in Sandy, Ut. It was perfect - not big enough to worry about losing anybody, not too small that they were bored.

Quinn said I needed to be in a pix since I made her be in the pix above.

I know it's hard to see but that's an octopus - it was quite freaky if you ask me!

Josh was a crab, I mean Josh with a crab.

Shelby loved the hands on display (shocker right?)

They had a giant pond you could actually reach your hand in and pet the sting rays.

Jessi was the bravest touching little water snakes.

Quinn took this shot of the penguins. She must be getting older because she absolutely hates being in pictures but loves taking them.

She was hoping to speak parsel tongue & make the glass disappear, maybe after her 11th birthday?

Halle kept being naughty & tapping on the glass, but how do you tell that sweet face no?

Josh waited forever (his words) for this shot. The sword fish just had to be in the pix with him but that fish was fast!

We're so grateful for Shelby's recovery & the trips that ended up being fun because Grandma & Grandpa always make them that way.

Humans weren't meant to Hibernate

2011-01-31T21:17:00.000-08:00

I just love that title, don't you? Just because it's freezing cold doesn't mean life shuts down around here. It's been a great January for us filled with skiing. Joaquin talked us into season passes this year at Pomerelle Ski Resort and he has been bound and determined to get our money's worth out of it. Our school district also does a great "Skills" program every Friday in January where 6th, 7th, & 8th graders get to pick something to learn. They can do a whole page of activities like rock climbing, scuba diving, gymnastics, & you guessed it . . . skiing. I got to go with Quinn twice & Joaquin went twice - we loved it!

You've heard of our good friend the Lankford's before & here is Quinn's friend Logan. He, Quinn, & I skied the "big lift" at Pebble Creek all day Friday. It's hard to see but this is the top of the mountain and there was just a beautiful blanket of clouds covering the entire valley.

Saturday Kade & Jesalee joined us for a double date skiing. We loved it & felt like kids racing each other down the mountain. Of course I won, with the snow boarding Joaquin close on my tail, followed by Jesalee (who kept getting cut off by her hubby), and Kade very very very last. Better luck next time buddy.

Cozy Christmas & Freezing New Years

2011-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

It was a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year for us! Halle was the first awake this year (at around 7 - wow!)

Her favorite toy was candy canes - and wrapping paper (big surprise)

Josh loved his Monster Truck K'nex, a remote control alien space ship, & scooter.

Quinn stocked up on books (she wants to be just like her cousin Mallory - a beautiful book worm), make-up, & an IPod docking station.

Here is my hunk of a man in his new jacket. His favorite present has been everyone's favorite this year: Magnetic BuckyBalls. (ba bang! Love it when I surprise him with something he loves) If you want a small, quiet toy that your hubby can use to stay awake in church - this is it (it only got loud when everyone was asking if it was their turn yet). You can check them out on u tube & http://www.thinkgeek.com/ if you're interested.

Shelby's favorite toy hands down was "Baby Alive" this year, but a close second was the Dora bath paint set. I don't think Halle liked it as much though.

Jessi stocked up on Design Stuff, clothes, & a scooter.

Anyone who knows us, knows how much we love our backyard. We built a tree house, a fire pit, laid tons of new sod & a sprinkler system just so we can enjoy hanging out there more. You might think because it's close to zero degrees & the dead of winter our love of the backyard has diminished? Wrong! So this Christmas it came as no surprise when Joaquin said, "Hey, who wants to go build a huge bonfire with all the wrapping paper & boxes?" I'm thinking this might be a new family tradition.

I realize you'll think I'm a putzy Mom but my kids love cups. Even before "Minute to Win it" my kids love to stack up those Costco cups, so here's a few of their creations.

ehtei

Happy New Year! Josh still begs for Fireworks every night so New Year's we decided to make his dreams come true. It was about 4 degrees & windy so he lit off one then said, "Dad, you can light off the rest, I'm going to watch from inside." Yeah right! Joaquin lit the last few all together & we all hurried inside.

I just had to put this beautimus pix of all that crazy hair in (Tatum & Zoe eat your heart out). None of my kids have walked or crawled for that matter much before they're one year old, but they all have grown gorgeous hair!

Just loved this pix of Quinn making her smile.

We didn't get to our gingerbread houses until after Christmas but it made for a tasty treat (since none of them stayed upright very long).

Cousin Zoe & Halle playing with Ty.

This is the last one, I promise. Look at that stinker! She just loves to sneak over & sink her hands into that dark brown dirt (she must have some of Grandma Donna in her). She doesn't ever eat it but she loves to play with it between her fingers.

Side note, she has said a few words that make us all smile: Uh-oh (first), dada (second), and as of yesterday Jessi. You should have seen Jessi's face light up when she said it for the first time. No mama yet, but I think I'll survive.

A whole year ago . . . we had Halle!

2010-12-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

Joaquin is already teaching Halle the art of wrestling - we will have no whimpy girls in this house! We have had a busy couple of weeks (like everyone else I'm sure) so here are some of the highlights.

We were delighted to have my sister Emily & her family come hang out for the weekend before Thanksgiving (they live in Spokane, Washington). Emily & I have been close since well . . . forever I guess. I was the "older" sister by birth but it seems like I've followed right behind her as a Mom. She had Lexi, I had Quinn. She had Jayda, I had Jessi. She had Ian, I had Josh. She ran a marathon, I ran one too (with her persuading) The list goes on & on. Now I'm just waiting for her to follow in my footsteps & have one more baby, be PTO President, move to Idaho - right Emily?!?

Quinn, Lexi, & Halle

Ian, Josh, Jessi, & Jayda

The weekend after Thanksgiving I had a NAPA Advertising Meeting in SLC, UT. I decided to be brave, let the older kids skip school on Friday, and drove down with the 5 kids Thursday night. We had a blast at Grandma & Grampa's with Cafe Rio, the hot tub, and cousins. Quinn, Jessi, & Josh have reminded me over & over again how unfair it was that Shelby & Halle got to see so much of the Eckersley's when Shelby had surgery. "Why didn't you check us out of school for the week?" Ya, that was the first thing I thought of when Shelby was hurt, uh huh.

Now on the the main event . . . Halle is 1 year old! Jessi helped me make this beautiful barbie cake for her. Halle especially liked the bubble gum tape (doesn't everybody?)

We let her eat the piece all by herself - it's tradition. I don't know though, with a yellow cake she didn't come out nearly as dirty as our other children.

Aunt Jesalee got her a beautiful soft & fuzzy blanket like her cousin Zoe has.

I know it seems crazy that the Smith's all carry on this tradition of balancing children on their hands, but look at that grin! No wonder why they keep doing it. (Halle's grin is pretty big too)

I love Quinn's grin in the background, "My turn next Dad!"

Last night Grampa Dennis pulled out Josh's first tooth! Josh was a little nervous (with good reason) to have Grampa wiggle his tooth. The ever irritating Uncle Kade was trying to persuade Josh by saying the Tooth Fairy was having a Christmas Special - $20/per tooth! When it came out we all cheered then stopped for a minute and laughed. Then we reminded Josh the Tooth Fairy was visiting Uncle Kade's house - not ours. Hee, hee.

Today was Shelby & Jade's Christmas Program at their Pre-School. Shelby was ecstatic when she opened her gift exchange of a puppy purse. She even jumped up and down saying, "Thanks, thanks Emma!" (she's the cute little girl who brought the gift and had a really hard time - her Mom told me later - letting it go)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Halloween & ISU Football Game

2010-11-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Can I say how nice it's been to have a few normal weeks? I forgot to post this fun Halloween Pix. This year they were in to face paint. Quinn was a beautiful vampire, Jessi a goddess, Josh a ninja (again - he just loves that costume), Shelby a mermaid, & Halle a tiger (and yes those are bare feet - it was just awesome weather this year!)

We did have one blissful day of snow - Josh & Shelby used almost everything on the lawn to make this elephant (not sure why an elephant but it was cute)

This last weekend we decided to take the 4 older kids to the last ISU home football game. We have lived in Am. Falls now for 12 years and never been - how pathetic. After the first quarter though, we didn't feel so bad. The poor Bengal Tigers lost 42-10.

Jessi & I enjoyed the half time show the best. Our friend who works at NAPA ( Cassidy Kendell) is a Bengal Dancer & she was amazing!

It's a little fuzzy but still fun to be in a picture every now & then.

You can see how into the game Shelby was. Her favorite part was the concessions.

Josh showing how his big muscles could have helped the game.

We caught Quinn reading a book - she wants so bad to be like her cousin Mallory who we never see without a book in hand. I should mention we love Grandma Donna who kept Halle for us so she wouldn't have to suffer through it!

Shelby's All Clear!

2010-10-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Just a fast note, Shelby passed her doctor's appointment with flying colors! Dr. Patel was actually a little flustered because he didn't know how to get her to stop talking or sit down, "I think I liked you better last week when you wouldn't get off your mama's lap." You have no idea I thought to myself. It will still take a few months of exercises to retrain her Left eye but he was amazed at her quick recovery & energy. Thank you for all your prayers, dinners, babysitting, gifts, texts, phone calls, etc. - we loved them all!

Here's a pix right after the accident 2 months ago. Here's Shelby's first day of pre-school, she just hated waking up in the morning - can't you tell? She always said the sun hurt her eyes - well now we know why.

Look how well the stitches healed! I'm still amazed with the plastic surgeon and our Heavenly Father who made our bodies to repair themselves.

This was the day after her surgery (Saturday, Oct. 23). Less than 24 hours before I took this pix they had sliced open her eyelid & pulled out those little pieces of glass!

The first day of school, wow - a little late than never right?

Sept. 27 was Josh's 6th Birthday! He got a new mountain bike, nerf guns & a beautiful ice cream cake that I bought from ColdStone Creamery, yum. The only bummer Josh confided to me was that when he said he wanted a strawberry cake he didn't think it would be pink, "Strawberries are red Mom!" If you're wondering why the hat? A few days after school started he got bored he said & wanted to cut his hair. Well that will be the last one for a while - we had to buzz it pretty short to even it up.

I finally listened to my daughter's begging enough to start Jessi in a "big" gymnastic program in Pocatello @All-Star Athletics. They have bars, beams, trampolines - you name she loves it!

Our good friend Elder Jarvis Worton came home from his mission right before Quinn's 12th birthday. He surprised her with a lei from the island of Yap and Quinn just glowed for a few days. Thanks Elder Worton (and his mom, Janice who helped him remember).

All Quinn wanted for her birthday was an animal . . . again. Sadly we didn't feel up to it this year so we placated her with cousins, swimming gear, & a trip to the Blackfoot Swimming Pool. It was the best day ever as they had their boiler serviced and couldn't it get it to shut back down. The water was 94 degrees & it was heaven! We promised them a return trip every Saturday if they would just keep it above 90 - but sadly they try to keep it at 86.

Last fun pix is of our giant NAPA chair. The kids think this is the coolest thing & we even brought it to the last home football game. I think it's a tad uncomfortable as your feet have to dangle but I love the snuggling!

Shelby's Saga

2010-10-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

What a week Shelby has had . . . I'll try to give you the high/low-lights so this post won't last forever. Last week I asked Shelby to look up at me & her left eye did but the right eye stayed down, agh! Fortunately I already had an eye appointment @ Walmart for Quinn & Jessi's the very next day. They said no problem in squeezing Shelby in. Jessi's eyes are fine, Quinn got glasses (she's adorable in them), & Shelby had to be seen by a specialist. The only dr. in South Eastern Idaho who can take of this kind of problem couldn't see her until Nov. 4th so I called my Dad (who's an internist in Utah) and he did some checking for me. We got an appointment with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist for this last Tuesday in SLC.

Monday I loaded up Shelby & Halle then headed for my Mom's for the night. We woke up early & packed the car thinking I would be coming home right after the exam. 2 hours of bouncing Halle & keeping Shelby entertained Dr. Peterson had me head to Primary Children's for a Cat Scan - WHAT?!? I called my Mom for back up & she hurried to the hospital with me (the picture below is of poor Shelby in one of the many exam rooms). She was even smiling & happy as you can see until they had to do "contrast" which is a dye I guess that they give as a shot. Her veins are so tiny they couldn't find one for a while & we both cried. I tried to be tough, I even sang her songs until I couldn't any more - the nice technicians just looked at me like, this happens all the time.

Here's what they found (I snapped the pix of the cat scan with my phone). In the right eye socket you can see the big piece of glass sticking through the back of the eye socket & into the brain. Ouch! They were going to admit her right then but Dr. Peterson said this was above his expertise & I needed another specialist, Dr. Patel. He saw us the next morning & said we needed to meet with another specialist, a pediatric neurosurgeon in case they couldn't get the glass out through the eye & had to go through her head - this just keeps getting better & better huh?

Surgery was scheduled for Friday @6:30am. They encouraged us to keep her in her jammies & bring whatever blanket or baby would make her feel more comfortable (we brought both). They even let me get in a gown & stay with her until she fell asleep.

I know we had half of American Falls, all of the Smith & Wyne family fasting & praying for this little one that day. I still cry just thinking of all the people who love us & our tiny Shelby. Around 10:30am they came out from surgery letting us know the glass piece was bigger than they anticipated but overall the surgery went well. Joaquin & I got to laughing at this picture because it's probably the most still she's stayed in her whole life. She woke up pulling all the cords off & trying to get off the bed. The nurses were just scrambling around insisting she either be carried or in a wheelchair. We smiled knowing they just don't Shelby like we do. She looked pretty rough but lit up when we promised her a McDonald's Happy Meal (man they have a good advertisement campaign don't they?). We couldn't let her play on the toys but just being there was enough.

We go back to SLC on Wednesday morning to have a check up. They're worried that once they removed the glass piece it might have acted like a cork to the fluid around the brain. So we go back to make sure there isn't any fluid gathering behind her eye. We are so hopeful though as she is already back to running from Josh, squeezing Halle too tight, and even back to Pre-School today. She goes around the house whenever she doesn't get what she wants & says, "because I had surgery, that's why!"

I promised myself I wouldn't do this . . .

2010-10-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

I promised myself I wouldn't post again until I got caught up with all my NAPA paperwork, but you know what I decided? It will never end. I love reading everyone's posts and miss creating my own. So I'm ditching the paperwork for one night - it's late, the kids & hubby are in bed and it's blissfully peaceful here.

First thing first, for those of you who are my dear Wanda Witch fans - I regret to inform you that I'm sitting this year out. This Witch is pooped. After the Walk-a-Thon (Our Elementary School's big fundraiser I was in charge of as the PTO President) , Shelby's accident (read down below for more deatils), & being the Mom of 5 in general - I just can't keep my head up. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk about simplifying life this last Saturday for General Conference. I shouldn't define myself by how long my "to do list" is (I admit sometimes I write things down I've already done that weren't on my list just to make myself feel better at the end of the day).

Joaquin & I got to laughing about that talk though after a rather LOUD family home evening yesterday. Our wonderful Church leaders tell us to simplify AND have family home evening, family prayer, family scripture study, family dinner, visit/home teach, fulfill your calling, be a good neighbor, be a missionary, keep an orderly house (that rarely happens mind you), read the Ensign, Friend, The Era, Liahona, continue your education, support your husband/wife, attend all your meetings, go to the temple, be an active member in your community, and that's just all I can think of right now. What do they expect? Us to be perfect? Oh, yeah Heavenly Father does want that. Grr - I guess I'll keep trying!

Here's a quick recap of pix from the last few months - I hope you enjoy them!

The Wyne Reunion was outside of Pocatello, Idaho this year at "Camp Taylor." We loved having everyone together but all hated the mice infestation. I can't say any more as my skin just crawls remembering it - yuk! But I'd do it again if it meant hanging out with my fam. This is Maria, Mom, Mindy (in back), & Kiah.

I convinced my husband to run a fantastically fun relay race in Washington this year called Spokane to Sandpoint. We were on a team of 12 family & friends named "The Pillaging Pirates." It's 185 miles of race that we each run 3 different "legs" of. I ran faster than I ever have with my sisters, friends, & hubby cheering for me and as a bonus they have each team ride a roller coaster at midnight together (The race takes 24 hours give or take). It was hard, but so worth it - Thanks to my sis Emily who talked us all into it!

Here's the saddest part of our summer - even looking at these pictures makes my stomach tighten. In case you hadn't heard, Shelby was holding a mason jar containing a grasshopper she was running over to show Grandma Donna. She tripped on the concrete and fell right on the jar. Josh & his friend Kevin were with her and came running home to tell me Shelby fell & had a bloody nose. So I grabbed a tissue and headed over, the sight of her with blood gushing everywhere was horrific. After rushing to Am. Falls Hospital & having them send us to Pocatello for a plastic surgeon - things started to feel better. The first picture is of her before he stitched her up & this second one is right after (she was trying to smile). I need to take a picture of her now though & post it because she looks amazingly beautiful still - yea for modern medicine! We're still having issues with her eye being sensitive to light & watering lots but so grateful she still has an eye to water!

Zoe & Halle at the 4th of July in Evanston, Wyoming. Aren't they gorgeous?

Josh absolutely loves having his cousins Zach & Steel closer. This was them at Grandma Donna's this summer.

We had a blast this year at the Blackfoot Fair. Quinn, Jessi, & Josh all got "ride wristbands" for the first time. We met up with my sisters Dana & Lisa (and their kids of course) and also the Lankfords. That's going to become a new tradition! This is Avery & Josh.

Quinn in the front car, Avery, Whitney, & Jessi in the back

Whitney & Josh didn't really like flying on this trip because someone had thrown up on it right before. They said it still smelled horrible, yuk!

It's hard to see but Quinn is in the blue t-shirt. She rode this ride over a dozen times - crazy, dizzy girl.

This last picture is actually last weekend in Sandy, Utah. Josh wanted to stay with Grandma Sally & Grandpa Wyne for his 6th birthday. They made him a cake, cupcakes - he got a brand new mountain bike to go kill himself with his Dad & we took all the kids with cousins to "Jungle Jim's." It's one of our family's favorite things.

This is Halle with cousin Sam Eckersley (Maria & Jason's cutie). They didn't really enjoy the rides but loved to steal each others toys.

So much to do in the summertime!

2010-07-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

We have to start with Happy Birthday (June 7) to my lively Jessi and her twin cousin Avery. We are lucky enough to live only 45 minutes away so we have celebrated their birthdays together every year. Jessi wants me to add that these beautiful girls were only 43 minutes apart 9 years ago.

Here is the whole crazy bunch of Brown's & Smith's - we really know how to party, can't you tell?

All Jessi wanted was a "surprise" cake. It had to be decorated with only white frosting so no one would guess . . .

It was really a rainbow inside! There is a wonderful recipe I found from my sister's website meckmom.com.

Jessi: I saw a rainbow cupcake and it made me get the idea of having a rainbow birthday cake, pretty cool huh? Jessi out

This picture cracks me up. I know you think he's sooo happy to be fishing, but actually he's freezing. Josh has been begging to go fishing for weeks now. The one day we all finally could go it rained the whole time, but he was determined to love it and still smiled the whole time.

Here is my amazing Halle with her favorite toy - the binki. These last few weeks she has figured out how to grab everything. It makes my life lots easier (at night - because she can put her binki back in) but a little messier during the day (because she can grab all my food, hair, & clothes).

These last 4 days I've babysat 2 of my sister Lisa's kids while she was at Girls Camp. We have loved having them. This is Jessi, Egypt Baby (Halle), & Ally. Ally is right in between Quinn & Jessi in age and Max is right between Josh & Shelby. Needless to say there was always a cousin around to play with.

Joaquin's sister, Mindi, and her family came to visit from New York and we have all been enjoying the summer sunshine. Yesterday we got out the slip n slides, pools, & water balloons. Today we enjoyed Indian Springs for a few hours. Everyone is a little red, but so happy. We are off to Evanston for the Fourth of July to enjoy some more family bonding! (Jessi wants me to write - Sarah OUT!)

Memorial Day or 4th of July - It's hard to tell

2010-06-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Glenns Ferry is still a party town for the Smith's. I mean where else can you ride 4 wheelers, shoot guns, watch fireworks, swim (if you're hot blooded like Quinn), etc, etc. We love bringing friends so enjoy these next pix and come with us next time!

Here's the whole motley crew hanging out watching the kids light off the fireworks. We had a full house with Dennis & Donna, Shay & Diana, Kade & Jesalee, Jared & Kara Colucci (their daughter's Ella & Hayden too), Casidy & Brenton Robison, and even Cruz Serna for one night. It was kind of a family NAPA party.

I'm sure every son loves their Dad as much as Josh loves Joaquin but it just hard to believe. I've accepted the fact that I will always be the second best play mate. I mean I never offer to go shoot guns, light fireworks, or ride the 4-wheeler. I'm ok with that. I think Joaquin's pretty great too.

Everyone had a blast outside and slept like rocks when they stumbled into bed.

The 4 Wheeler's are still a favorite for every age of kid. Here's a shot of Kade even though his head is just too big to fit the helmet, of course we already knew that.

Anyone who knows Donna also knows she can't sit still - ever. So here was the big project of the weekend - chopping down a huge pine tree and getting the ground ready for sod. All the visitors & sons were able to show off their big muscles and Donna was so grateful.

Of course us girls just got to sit around and visit, color coordinate our jackets, lounge by the pool . . . uh huh.

Halle found her tongue to be a really cool toy.

Shelby still thinks Halle is the best toy in the whole world. Her face literally lights up when she hears Halle and runs to "get her" before I can.

Shelby thinks it's awesome that Halle loves applesauce, just like her. So this day I decided to relax and let Shelby feed her. One bite Halle, two bites Shelby - it was a riot.

Here is Josh enjoying a ride on Uncle Bart's new ride. We kidnapped Chelsea & Avery for a night while Dana & Bart went cruisin.

This last pix is of the kids enjoying our favorite "family" toy - Nerf guns. Sorry Mom, I know you never liked guns when I was growing up but we have had more laughter and fun with these cheap toys! Joaquin will hide around corners and attack, Chelsea & Josh chased each other around all 3 levels of the house, even Quinn who would rather watch tv than anything will jump up and get in the game. Summer Vacation Rules!

Graduation, Performances, & Ouch!

2010-05-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

I realize it seems a little silly to graduate from Pre-School with a cap and gown, but man is he a looker or what?!? Josh had so much fun this year with his new group of friends - we were just grateful there were lots of boys. Each student got to say what their favorite part of school was and what do you think he said . . . CRAFTS.

Here's my cheesy grinner surrounded by some classmates, guess what class he will graduate in? 2023 - Wow. He told me that he was in the very front because he was really good at the songs.

Jessi had her Gymnastics Performance on Tuesday and rocked! The song she did her routine to was called, "Dollhouse" and I think everyone in the family could sing it to you. She has absolutely loved the floor routine this year so we have heard her practice it many times (kind of like Quinn & her piano recital pieces).

This is Emily, Jessi, & Arelli - her fellow gym buddies.

This is the shelf above Halle's crib. Now imagine Halle waking up to Shelby bouncing up and down in the crib with her singing, "Jesus wants me for a sun BEAM!" We hung the shelf high enough that an infant couldn't reach, but we obviously weren't counting on older siblings. Shelby reached up to grab the green dragon piggy bank and pulled the whole shelf down on top of the two of them. I heard a big crash then winced, waiting for the scream. Shelby screamed, Halle started to cry, & Josh came running while sobbing, "It fell, it fell!" I am so grateful Halle only got a little bump on her head, it could have been so much worse. So here's to surviving your older siblings!

P.S. Halle got her first tooth today!

Cabin Fever

2010-05-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Well for the first time in years our family attempted to have a fun trip to the Solosabal/Smith Cabin last weekend. We were lucky enough to have Grandma Donna there or it would have been a rotten! We tried to make our own fun and Josh & Joaquin are already asking when we can go back but I'm good for awhile and here's why . . .

We looked online and thought the weather was going to be cold so I packed long sleeves (and one short sleeve shirt for the ride home), coats (not jackets), and closed toed shoes for all 7 of us. It was around 70 degrees the whole weekend - just gorgeous, but completely wrong attire for it. So we ended up wearing the same clothes often and did laundry there. Notice the long johns in these pix? Woops.

We brought swimsuits to sit in the Baum Gartner's Hot Pots - closed for Pesticide spraying. So instead we tried to "natural" hot springs by the river. We never could actually find the perfect spot where the river mixed with the natural, hot as lava, hot springs. So instead Donna & I hung out in the car with Halle & Shelby. This shot was taken before Shelby screamed bloody murder from stepping in the "burning" springs as she called it.

Halle "found" her favorite new toy - her hands this weekend and thank heavens because that was about the only thing she liked. My angelic baby who never fusses as long as she's fed was cranky the entire trip, Grr. I'm so grateful Grandma Donna was there or I would have gone bonkers. We decided not to bring the porta crib or bouncer because of room - boy was that a bad move. She kept waking up every time we tried to put her down in the carseat or our bed. Around 2 am one night I finally gave up, put her (still wide awake) in the carseat and climbed into bed. Of course within a few minutes she began crying and I told Joaquin it was his turn. I still don't know what time she fell asleep, but I was out cold pretty quick.
One day we tried to go to a fun old ghost town, Smokey Bar, where you can wander around the old mercantile, hotel, & even jail. We were sad to see it had been bought by private owner's who had signs up everywhere saying, No Trespassing. Darn it! We're hoping they'll refurbish it eventually & we can enjoy it again.

The worst/funniest part of the trip was that I forgot a few vital food items - you know like meat. I packed bread, miracle whip, lettuce, tomato, salt & pepper, 2 different kinds of cheese, but didn't pack the ham or turkey - woops. I packed the tin foil, salt & pepper, onions, potatoes, carrotts, but didn't pack the hamburger - yep. I packed 2 packages of marshmellows but forgot the striped cookies that go with it. Luckily they have a very "reasonable" priced grocery store about 10 miles away that charged us a minor $5.99/lb hamburger.

The one thing everyone loved was chopping wood.

Ok, maybe not Shelby - but she loved playing in the pine needles we raked up.

Joaquin carved swords for Josh, Shelby, & Jessi. I'm not sure why we needed lethal weapons, but hey- the kids were happy.

We stopped in Glenns Ferry on the way home to try out the new fireman's pole. Here's a great shot of Jessi (top), Jentry - Solosabal cousin (middle), & Quinn (bottom).

Jessi impressed us all by spitting on her hands and climbing up to the very top!

These last few pix are just for fun. Josh & Ty were dressed almost the same the other day so we snapped a cute photo. And Shelby & Jade absolutely love this new kitten named "Maggie Marie" that Grandma Donna got.

Birthday, Treehouse, & Mother's Day

2010-05-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well I have about 15 minutes to create a blog post then it's off to gymnastics (I'm trying to stay limber in my old age - ok it's really Jessi's class). I am sorry to admit that I gave a wee bit of slack to Brittany for not posting often enough and now I haven't posted in a few weeks, sorry Brittany - you are amazing.

We've been really busy having fun through the last few weeks of school. It was my last big hoorah with PTO last week for Teacher Appreciation. We gave each teacher a beach chair & book signed by their class, a fun music CD, a breakfast, & an assembly where each teacher danced down the aisle for their screaming/cheering class. I'm so grateful this year for PTO Mom's that said they would help . . . AND DID! It made this year so much more fun for me. (It would be even more fun if one of those fantastic Mom's decided to be the president next year, hint, hint)

A few weeks ago Joaquin got all the kids outside to "help" put the walls up on our treehouse. I especially love Quinn's pose, don't you? He's hoping to finish it this year - I'm hoping for a garage. Any guesses which will happen first?

Joaquin & I have been drawing our garage/addition for months now and Jessi didn't think ours was big enough. So she got out the butcher paper and designed an entire house including trap doors that drop into toy rooms. But my favorite was when she showed Joaquin, "Look Dad, here is your room (pointing to the top right) and here is Quinn's piano all the way over there! (pointing to the lower left corner)" She's really trying score brownie points, huh?

I just want to squeeze those cheeks, don't you?

Donna celebrated her birthday with us in one of our favorite places, the back yard. I offered to make a cake but she laughed and said, "I don't need a cake, what sounds good to you?" Well my personal favorite is Fudge Oatmeal bars so guess what we put candles in? I really love that woman!

The kids, of course, had to roast marshmallows since we had a campfire.

Lane & Amanda came up from Utah with their boys. Amanda went to a dance competition most of the day (doesn't that seem wrong - the athletic sports girl goes to the dance competition while Jesalee & I stayed home?)

The Escalade is still the coveted toy. Ty has already decided he should drive it all the time but hasn't got the steering skills yet - watch out Donna's fence! That's Jackson riding shotgun and Andrew trying to catch a ride.

And here is the pix of Grandma Donna's present . . . dun da da - A beautiful new bike! I'm pretty sure I've used it more than Donna (she's really got that sharing thing down). Everyone teases that she needs to put a dog in the back and be the wicked witch. Funny story was that on her birthday Jesalee had given Jade a ride in it then parked it in the driveway when she was done. Donna jumped in her car to go buy batteries and backed into it, sob sob. The bike has a slightly bent tire, but thankfully Jade had climbed out of the basket & wasn't hurt.

Last but not least is my beautiful Mother's Day collection. Thank you Christine & all the other mother's in our Primary. The kids were so excited to give me their pictures and the bags they came in were treasures too. After my last post Mother's Day was just what I needed.

From all the comments & calls here's what I came up with. Are you ready for this revelation? I just had a new baby - cut myself some slack. I know it's a shocker huh? Since daylight savings Jessi has to be in bed even though it's light outside, it's rained or been gloomy for the last few weeks, she's had pressure from school to do well on her ISAT tests, she's trying to learn her gymnastics routine for the year end performance, and as much as it hurts my heart to say this - I haven't been able to spend as much time with her since Halle was born. I wish I could help her in all of those things, but I just can't. My goal in life is to raise strong, independent, righteous children. So teaching them to be independent means letting go too. Ouch - that hurts.

A Parenting Paradox

2010-04-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ok all you brilliant moms, sisters, friends. I have a parenting dilemma and I fully admit I'm at a loss to fix it. My beautiful 8 year old Jessi is just hitting all the wrong buttons with me lately. She has decided school is just a pain, her little brother & sisters are annoying, and her Mom is the eternal nag (yes it's me she's talking about, sob, sob). And here's the real kicker - She's mostly right.

Jessi has always hated homework but this year especially (3rd Grade) she has taken to "hiding" it from me. When I clean out her backpack or wash her coat I find 3 or 4 assignments she never finished. When I tell her she needs to complete them she says, "I don't Mom, that's already late work and my teacher doesn't care. Joey never turns in his homework and he's still going to 4th Grade next year." So what do I say to that? She's right you know - why should she do her homework when she doesn't really have to? So she'll get an "O" for outstanding instead of a "S" for satisfactory?

Next paradox - her siblings are annoying. Well so is she . . . sorry, that's not what I'm suppose to say. All Josh & Shelby want is for their older siblings to play with them. They wait all day and run to the door most of the time when they come home. And what do their loving "older" siblings do? "Why do we have to watch this baby show, I don't want to ride my bike around the block with Shelby - she's sooooo slow, Josh get out of my room!" I even made one of their daily chores to be reading a book to Josh or Shelby so at least they would spend a little time with them. Jessi had her friend Whitney over for 4 hours and they built a fort, pretended they were sailors, and watched a movie. How much of that would they let their younger siblings do? Nada. Now I'm the middle child so I was shunned by my older siblings too but I'm sick of it. You play with your younger siblings or else! That's right, buck up older kids or I'm going to make your life miserable . . . sorry, that's not what I'm suppose to say either.

Last Grr moment is that I have become "The Nag." Now they've never actually used that word (or I would get out the soap), but I can see it in Jessi's eyes. We have chore charts for all the kids and each chore is worth 20 cents. There are 5 chores a day which equals a dollar a day/$5 a week. Now Quinn loves money and almost never misses a chore. Jessi will sit at the table and say, "I don't really want money today so I'm not going to do any of my chores." GRR. Theoretically that should be ok right? Except for the fact that I'm just trying to give her allowance to be nice - the chores are not meant to be an option. So I have become the mean Mom who says exactly that, "Your chores are not an option, now get to it."

Jessi is such a bright, energetic kid when she wants to be. It's just like lately she's realizing she doesn't have to obey all the rules. I think part of it is because Quinn tries to be sooo perfect. It's almost like she's saying, "That role is full, I'm going to be the rebel."

So how do I get her to do her homework without any real consequences, how do I get her to play with her siblings without paying her, and how do I teach her a good work ethic without being a nag? Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This mean middle child is drawing a blank.

Babes, Trucks, What more could you want?

2010-04-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night was the big Monster Truck Show in the Holt Arena. Joaquin & Josh did the "male bonding" thing so Jesalee & I decided to do the same at home. Quinn & Jessi were spending the weekend with Aunt Dana to help celebrate Chelsea's 11th Birthday so it was just the little girls with us. We had dinner (mac & cheese), watched a movie (Barbie), and ended with a bath. Night life rocks!

I wanted to show this 30 sec. video of Halle chewing me out for something. They start so young . . .

And here is the final video clip of the big bad "Monster Truck Show." This was Josh's very favorite clip as the truck (it has a name but I can't remember what he told me) flips over.

Women's Conference Request

2010-04-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not this post is not about my kids, shocker I know. I was hoping to catch most of my friends. Next Friday, April 30th I am going down to BYU for a quick 1 day, 1 night trip to Women's Conference. Joaquin has agreed to keep all the kids for me (he's even taking the day off NAPA - I'm guessing it's payback for all his Snowboarding this past winter) and I wanted to invite any of my friends who want to come with me! Here's the link to their website in case you want to check it out http://womensconference.byu.edu

I'm going to leave 5:30 am on Friday, attend any classes on finding joy in motherhood, strengthening your testimony, or loving your husband more (you know the basics). My Mom and whichever of my sisters that can come will be there also. The conference closes with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and his wife Kristen M. Oaks, then we usually head to the BYU Bookstore to buy clothes, toys, mint brownies, or my favorite - BYU Creamery DONUTS! My Dad always creates a fantastic candlelight dinner with a magnificent chocolate something for dessert that night, we stay up late chatting and laughing about what we learned, then after a few hours of sleep come home (Quinn has her piano recital Saturday).

I know it's a whirlwind trip but it's one of my favorite things to do and I would love to share it with my friends. So if any one can talk there husbands into babysitting for 24 hours or cash in on a couple favors - COME WITH ME!
P.S. It only costs $29, free lodging at my Mom's, and I'm already paying for gas. Cheap, Cheap trip.

Now that my taxes are done . . .

2010-04-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

It's true, my taxes are officially done! I had Joaquin sign the papers, we paid the State of Idaho, and get some back from the Feds (only because of our 5 beautiful deductions) and I'm ready to join the blogging world again. I just loved this picture of Halle and knew Mindi would appreciate my larger than life bow. A big thanks to Gwen who let me borrow her "Bumbo" which I'd never heard of until recently. It's the coolest little chair that you can set up on the counter, desk, or table. The only thing I don't like about it is that Shelby, Josh, & even Jessi think it's cool they can sit in it (sorry Gwen, who would have thought all the kids who can sit up alone would want help?!?)

I have taken a picture of each of my girls in the dress I was blessed in just for fun. Shelby was "helping" make her smile this morning. I think she did great work, don't you?

This last pix I have to explain a little. Right above Halle's changing table I hung a quilt my Mom had made for Quinn. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it's just gorgeous with tons of bright spring colors and 4 different colored kittens that decorate each corner of the quilt (how much of her talent did she pass on to me? Zippo - I just keep telling her how much I love her quilts and hope she'll keep making them for my kids)

Anyhoo, Halle just loves to be on her changing table because of this quilt. She almost giggles when you lay her down and immediately her head will turn to it. She'll smile or laugh at it and just recently has been reaching out to touch it. I think it's so endearing that I snapped a picture to show my Mom. So in case I haven't told you enough, Thanks for all your hours of sewing Mom - it's totally worth it!

What we're up to for Spring Break

2010-03-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Josh is up to "big kid" movies. No more cartoons (unless they're Spiderman, Batman, or another Superhero - I mean even Dad still likes those). So Shelby hasn't seen Barbie in a while, sob, sob.

Lots of hot tubbin! We just had Halle try the hot tub and she loved it too. We're excited to try her out at one of our favorite hot spots, Lava Hot Springs.

Slumber Parties - Yahoo. Quinn invited our new neighbor, Sam, and Saige over to watch "New Moon." They partied til midnight eating brownies, ice cream, & popcorn. They ended the party in the morning making those little beeded patterns you iron together. Quinn said it was the best party ever!

This last pix was taken just this morning, my 2 blue eyed babes. They mostly like having their older siblings home for spring break. Halle gets held a lot more often, Shelby gets more play mates, and even though Mom ends up working harder - even Mom loves having them all home together.

Happy Days even at NAPA

2010-03-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks here in American Falls. I haven't been sleeping a whole lot and luckily my husband loves (ok that might be a stretch) having the kids come visit him at NAPA. When it's been a rough night Joaquin will take Josh & Shelby into Napa for a few hours to help me out. This particular Saturday was great fun because Jesalee came in with Jade, Ty, & Zoe. Uncle Lane was visiting so he could work on the Model T with Grampa. Next thing we know Shelby & Jade had got their tools and were under the car helping. (Josh & Ty were racing around the store on bikes).

On a sweet note, Quinn has made little posters (with Grandma's help) she wants to put up around the neighborhood asking if anyone has seen "Prince." This is Lily she's holding. Regardless of who is asked to say the family prayer they always ask for Prince to come home or be happy where he is - it took weeks to get them to add the last part.

Another fun thing we did this month was watch Zoe be blessed. It ended up being such a fun day for me. Joaquin encouraged me to attend only Jesalee's ward instead of trying to do both. I always try to listen to Joaquin (especially when I agree) so I got to sleep in, get only 3 children ready (Quinn & Jessi had a slumber party over at the Lankfords and met us at church), then sit with my husband all through sacrament meeting - YAHOO.

This last pix is of Josh holding Halle, now 3 months old. Joaquin, Halle, & I were able to go down to Las Vegas, Nevada last week for a NAPA Owner's Conference. I had the best time of all hanging out in a beautiful room at The Venetian, reading 2 great books (Direct Red-a fascinating & bluntly honest story of a female surgeon's training & Leven Thumbs - the fun conclusion in a Fantasy series of 5 books), taking bubble bathes, and just relaxing with Halle. The conference fed us breakfast, lunch, & dinner every day so we splurged the last night and ordered $50 worth of room service & bought a movie to watch - it was great!

Jessi's a Champion (Well we already knew that)

2010-02-28T20:26:00.001-08:00

Diana (my sister-in-law) just showed me how to upload digital videos and I'm so excited. I promise to only do short clips so they won't bore you to tears, but here is a great clip of Jessi at her game Saturday. Notice she passed it to a boy - she can't wait for next year when it's an all girls team. We hope she keeps that theory of boys (other than Josh) are yuck!

This last Saturday was monumental - I sat through my last basketball game for the year!!! It started out rough having to wake up all of the kids and have them at the gym by 9:30am on Saturday (Joaquin was working-was that an accident? I wonder . . . ) But Jessi did great and made 3 baskets! She was a bit more aggressive than I like to see my little 8 year old be but her coaches assured me that was a good thing. Donna told me she just has a streak of her Aunt Mindi in her and my Mom just laughed and said I was such a girl! But when she stole the ball from one of her best friends, Whitney, I wanted to pull her out of the game and scold her. Luckily Dennis was kind enough to work for an hour at Napa so Joaquin could watch her play and he held me back. I was proud of her (but still whisper in her ear at night how much more fun dancing would be).

Here is a cute little clip of us watching at last weeks game.

And last but not least I have to put in a few pix of Joaquin on his birthday this last Wednesday. It's safe to say I have witnessed the most cheerful, mellow man on his birthday in the last 15 years of marriage. What, you might ask, brought about this miraculous change? I only wish I knew. Joaquin has always hated birthdays. He hates that he is soooo much older than me (hee,hee), hates that he's that much farther from 29 (it used to be 19 but now that Quinn's 11 - that's just weird), and hates when I make a big deal about it. So this year I let him plan it and kept my schedule open. He took the day off work, went to "Watch Dogs" with Quinn at school, took me out to dinner & shopping, and finished off the day unwrapping little presents the kids got him while enjoying strawberry cheesecake. I mean look at that smile - What a hunk!And to think he's only 29 (love you honey).

Halle's Cousin Zoe is here!

2010-02-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

Since Jesalee won't join the blogging world I had to post some cute pix we just took today of Zoe Lee Smith. I think she looks like Ty - minus the dimples - so cute. She was born yesterday, Feb. 9th and weighed in at 8 lbs. 5oz. Don't you think these two are bound to have a love/hate relationship just like their older sisters Shelby & Jade? Secretly - who am I kidding - openly, Jesalee & I are praying a few of these girls will be dancers. Doesn't it seem right to enjoy a few of the performing arts along with the hundreds of basket ball games I've already sat through?!

I just had to throw in this last picture of our tough boy. He & the girls have loved sledding on the golf course this year. The only problem this last week it has been a little warmer with no new snow - that means ice. He went off a bump and skidded on his face, ouch. Joaquin keeps telling him it looks cool.

Halle's Beautimus Blessing Day

2010-02-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful Blessing Day this past Sunday. We had family members that were missed because they were sick (get better soon Mom & Amanda), family that drove clear from Washington (love you Em!), and one sister-in-law who really didn't want to be there (Jesalee was 9+ months pregnant wishing to be in the hospital). All in all we had around 50 family & friends come visit this delightful girl. Some of the highlights of her blessing were the desire to study and learn the truth of the gospel, to watch and follow the examples of her older brother and sisters, and to be a good example herself - standing firm in her faith (yahoo!).

As you can tell Halle was entirely dolled up for her big day. My amazing Mother-in-Law, Donna crocheted this perfect dress, made her beaded socks, and a matching pearl bracelet. My Mom offered to crochet a matching bonnet & booties - What an heirloom! I have a little dress & booties for each of my girls that I love just knowing the hours both of my Moms spent on them. (I tried to get Donna to crochet a suit for Josh but Joaquin put his foot down on that one-sorry buddy).

In his testimony Joaquin let everyone know he was wearing his suit coat especially for his wife -what can I say, I've got him whipped.

Wow, we actually got them all in one picture!

I don't know if you can really see, but the 2 men being a tad bit dorky are . . . you guessed it Kade showing off his guns, and Joaquin showing off his gut. Donna were they raised in a barn?!?! Oh, that's right - a farm - close enough.

Josh wants to know, "Is it Valentine's Day Yet?"

2010-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Isn't she just beautimus? She's been an angel for the last 2 nights. She fell asleep around 11 pm and only woke up once at 5 am! After 2 months of sleeping only 3 hours at a time, having 6 straight hours feel like such a treat. I was giddy enough to take Halle with me to do the "3 month supply" stock up at Winco today. She did so well until check out, of course. I haven't been to Winco in so long that I forget you have to bag your own groceries - Amanda could you put a word into your Grampa that new mothers deserve a bagger? Luckily I had a really nice cashier who kept trying to put her binki back in while I bagged the monstrous pile of groceries.

Look at that tummy!

I had to show you my cute craft man in action. We subscribe to my favorite "Family Fun" magazine which always has great ideas. This months issue had these cute tractor valentines that Josh has been begging to do. Even though it's only Feb. 3 I decided to buy all the cute candy since I was at Winco. They turned out perfect and now all we have to do is figure out a place to hide them for the next week and a half - Especially with all the visitors coming for Halle's blessing & Superbowl "Snack" Sunday.

Oh, what do you do in the Winter time?

2010-01-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed how few posts I've been publishing? Well that's because I had to send my Mom back home, Joaquin back to work, and my two "big kid" helpers back to school - I'm wiping a tear. I love 3 o'clock now because I know one of the girls will gladly hold Halle while they watch tv (our newest rule). We're still having long nights that tend to stretch into long days, but I'm trying to stay positive realizing this to will pass.

Every now & then I squeeze in a nap and I'm especially enjoying the formula thing. Halle's happier, I'm almost back to not wincing in pain when someone hugs me, and the best part of all is that this Saturday Joaquin is going to babysit Halle, Shelby, & Josh while I take Quinn & Jessi to watch the BYU Ballroom Dance Company perform in Pocatello. I loved being on the team in college and thought it would be fun to reminisce with my girls! I'm still in awe that Joaquin agreed to babysit (technically they're his children so it's not really babysitting is it?). I'll be praying for the children though since I'm taking Donna & Jesalee with us - no back up for the big man.
Here are some fun pix of what we've been up to:

Shelby, Jade, & Josh love to run around without their shirts on (you know it's soooo hot in January). I realize this will be more of an issue when they get older, but for now - it's less laundry.

Funny story, Josh has some boxing gloves and Dennis always tells us how they solved lots of issues when their kids were growing up. If any of their kids were fighting they would send them outside with boxing gloves and that would solve the problem. Well Quinn & Jessi were arguing over something when they walked in the door from school. I told them to go get the gloves on and take each other out. Instantly they laughed & grabbed the gloves - forgetting their argument. I patted myself on the back for good parenting (listening to good advice) and told them to pose for a picture. Then right after I took the picture Quinn cheap shotted Jessi before she had a chance to defend herself. Jessi cried for about half an hour and wouldn't talk to her for the rest of the night. So much for good advice.

Today I caught Shelby in the bathroom wanting to do her own hair. I figured why not? She ended up with about 20 clips & a big smile.

I survived the first Month

2010-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Here is my beautiful Halle Marie at one month old. I love that she hasn't got the baby acne yet (in our family it always comes right before the blessing day-so I might not post many close ups in February) This is one outfit I've had each of my daughters wear just because I think the color is so sweet. My sister Lisa bought it for Quinn ages ago and it's got to be one of my favorites.

This month has gone by in a blur mainly because I can't tell the nights from the days. There are a few things I've forgotten about newborns - whether consciously or not I'm not sure.

The first is the eating every 2 & 1/2 hours. During the day I can at least read to the kids, watch tv, or something while she's eating - but at night it's rotten. I just can't keep my eyes open at midnight, 2:30 am, 5:00 am, etc. If I lay down to nurse then she just uses me as a binki after the well has run dry and creates major tenderness. I know this because I "come to" around 45 minutes after she starts with her still latched on - ouch. It's not much better if I try to sit up because my neck gets sore from conking out, woops.
The 10+ diapers a day! Joaquin forced me to buy 4 packages of newborn diapers and I laughed at him thinking he was going overboard. Now I've had to eat my words because we've bought 3 more. She poops before she eats, while she eats, and after she eats. Sob, sob.
The hick ups. You know how I loved the hick ups while she was "in the oven?" Well outside they're rotten. I'll just finish feeding her, tuck the blanket gently around, and lay her down when I hear the first hick up - GRR. Either I bounce her for 5 minutes until they go away (and then she often throws back up the food I just gave her because her stomach's upset) or I latch her back on creating more of the tenderness issue.

You know I was laughing at myself because my sister Dana & I had babies on the same day around 8 years ago. Jessi was my 2nd and Avery was Dana's 5th. We both started nursing then Dana went to formula pretty quick (at least it seemed that way to my inexperienced self). I thought, "Well gee Dana what's so hard about nursing? You don't have to wash bottles, buy formula, and it's better for the baby." Apologetically, I now realize why it's so hard: TIME. It takes at least half an hour to feed her every 2 & 1/2 hours where a bottle she can down the same amount in roughly 5 minutes. When I'm on my way to pick the kids up or go to church I have to plan on having everyone ready 1/2 hour early so that I can feed her right before we go, and that's assuming my other children haven't gotten undressed or disappeared in that half hour.
Granted I've never been able to produce enough milk to satisfy my children before, I don't know why I was optimistically hoping this time would be different. So to all you women who can nurse your children for a long time - I'm in awe. To all the other women - I think you are great just the way "we" are!

Quinn & Jessi couldn't wait for her umbilical cord to fall off so they could give her a real bath.

Josh's new favorite thing to do is play games on Dad's phone. So while I'm nursing, Joaquin has grudgingly -ha ha- agreed to teach him how to play. I'm so grateful we've got a boy so Joaquin could share all his favorite gadgets with.

I had to put in a picture of Shelby having a tea party with her favorite Christmas present. I figured out if I let her play with it in the bathtub where there is limitless water then it's lots easier clean up.

Halle Marie is here!

2009-12-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Look at this beautiful girl! We started this pregnancy with a little drama and had to end it the same way. Tuesday I went to my "regular" appointment with Dr. Carlson, I was a little shy of 38 weeks. We knew she was breech and he was going to try and flip her into position. (All week I've been trying different old wives tale ways to get her to flip without success) Since it is hospital policy that you have to be hooked up to an IV before they'll try an "inversion" he sent us over to Labor & Delivery. It was a little intimidating walking into the room that causes so much pain, but we knew it would only be for an hour or so and then we'd be back home. Ha!

He did the inversion which was painful but only for a minute - much better than labor. Then they lost her heartbeat. They were sure the little monitor just wasn't catching it and hooked me up to a quick Ultrasound to double check. Sure enough her heart was pumping but they still couldn't find it with the monitor. So Dr. Carlson left with instructions for the nurse to get it hooked up & monitor me for an hour or so. We tried all different positions - all of them quite flattering in an "open at the back" hospital gown - trying to find her heartbeat. Finally they found a good spot and left us to watch the monitor. Her heart rate would be around 150 or so then just drop to 70. The nurses would come in and switch my position, her heart rate would jump back up to 150 then 5 or 10 minutes later drop back to 70.

The nurse, Linda, was getting worried and had me sign all sorts of releases for C-sections, Spinal Taps, etc. and even had an full blown ultrasound ordered. The technician told us the baby's lungs looked good, he found her heart, her bladder, you know the routine. Then the nurse came in and asked quietly if he saw anything wrong and he said, "Oh, yes - see here. I can tell the cord is wrapped around her neck at least twice." WHAT?!? So he turned the screen and showed us as well. Dr. Carlson said that the cord wraps around babies necks usually around month 5 when there is more room in the uterus to move. Mother Nature must have known that she needed to stay in the breech position for her to breath all this time, he said. But since we flipped her the umbilical cord just cinched up.

So we laughed about our "15 minute" appointment, Joaquin & I cried, then he gave me a blessing and we both felt better. The C-Section went quickly, they ended up putting me under general anesthesia since her heart rate kept dropping. Dr. Carlson said that during a normal C-Section they'll take the baby out and lay her on the Mom's stomach before they cut the umbilical cord. He said they couldn't even get her out of my stomach and had to cut the cord off her neck before they could lift her out. We were so grateful - for everything. Grateful that the "old wives" tales didn't work, grateful they didn't send us home with her flipped, and grateful we didn't have a normal delivery that would have strangled her. Thank you modern medicine!

Here are some great pictures of our family & each of the kids holding Halle.

The first thing Josh said when he came into the hospital was, "Mom your tummies still fat, how come?" Was I happy that they lifted the "no person under 18 be allowed" in the hospital? Not at that moment, but it does make for a great family picture.

Quinn has already loved helping out. She even asked to change her diaper - that will get old quick.

"Mom I wouldn't trade her for 10 boys!"

"Well I don't know Mom, she's not as cute as me."

My biggest accomplishment with Jessi was yesterday when she asked if I was done nursing Halle so she could hold her. Up until that she has always asked if I was done "milking her." I guess it's a good thing I'm teaching her that NO, moms are NOT COWS!

Pregnancy Perks

2009-11-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Last week I taught a lesson to my Beehives about the importance of being positive. I truly believes it makes for a happier life if you can just find the bright side to everything - and I mean everything. So over the last 2 weeks I've been jotting down things I love about being pregnant. Mostly because I'm 8 months pregnant, all my "big" clothes are tight, I can't bend over without a contraction, my legs hurt . . . sorry, there I go again. Anyway, I needed to remind myself there are good things and also because it's been a long pregnancy with more tears than I'd like to admit. So here it goes,

Sarah's Top Ten Reasons I Love Being Pregnant:

No Acne. That might not be an issue for some, but I have had acne since the age 14. The only time I have beautiful skin is while I'm pregnant. I haven't popped a zit in months and it's been heaven!
Being able to say "No" without an ounce of guilt. I have always been a pleaser and use to say yes to everything. I still laugh when I think back to a conversation I had with my sister-in-laws a few years ago when they tried to get me to say no. At the time I had been diagnosed with "Grave's Disease" which sounds horrible but really is just an overactive thyroid. Mindi, laughing almost through tears kept demanding, "Say it with me Sarah: NO, I have a disease, NO, I have a disease." She & Kristin supposedly have no trouble saying no - uh huh. What can I say, they're lovable hypocrites.
Wearing stretchy pants all day. Granted this month the stretch is pretty much gone, but for 5 blissful months I haven't had to suck in once.
Absolutely no desire to shop for clothes. I don't know if it's just me but when I'm not pregnant I'm always looking for a great deal. I love clearance racks (which Joaquin is hoping to break me of someday). I walk through shops and feel like I need to find cheap clothes that I won't feel guilty for buying but that look better than my old stuff. When I'm pregnant though - I know everything looks better than what I'm wearing and honestly don't care. Yahoo.
Warm feet. Every night I used to snuggle up to Joaquin and put my icy feet onto his warm ones. Not any more. I'm sure a lot of my new found warmth is because I have to wear these lovely compression hose all day, but I love crawling into bed at night already toasty. Now it's Joaquin who snuggles up to me.
Having a Goal. I know that might sound cheezy but it's true. When I trained for the marathon I loved having something to work towards and plan for. Well this pregnancy is by far harder than the marathon and it has even better rewards.
Feeling movement. This is my 5th child and I am still in awe every time she moves. Sometimes it really isn't pleasant but it always reassures me that she's alive and well in there.
When she gets the hick ups. I love the hick ups! Last Sunday I had one of those "aha" moments you store away in your heart forever. She got the hick ups and every one of my children was able to put their hand on my belly and feel her move. I looked up at Joaquin on the stand and just grinned like an idiot.
How excited my other children are. I don't think there is a single toy I could buy them that would make them smile more than when we announced they were going to get another sibling. Every time Shelby prays she first thanks Heavenly Father for her new little sister. She can't wait not to be the baby any more. Quinn & Jessi still fight over who gets to hold her first and Josh is looking for a new wrestling buddy.
And the last reason I love being pregnant is . . . Joaquin takes special care of me. I love being a strong, independent woman, but when I'm pregnant I also love letting that all go and just being whimpy. He helps with laundry, straightens up the house when I'm gone, lifts everything heavy, gets the kids to help more, rubs my feet, encourages me to lay down for a while, asks me how I'm feeling, and my favorite - he prays for me and our baby every single time I hear him pray. I truly am grateful for this opportunity to see his gentle side and think I'm going to ease up on the whole "anything you can do, I can do better" theory. I'm kind of liking being treated like a girl.

Family Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Don't be scared by this fearful Ninja-this year I made sure the swords were fake (and just in case I didn't even have him wear them to Pre-School - check out my last year's Halloween post to understand). We stopped by Napa, since Joaquin was working, to show off their costumes before hitting the 1st & 2nd Ward trunk or treat.

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and I usually hate trunk or treats because I think it really takes away from being a good neighbor. I know some people don't agree that asking for candy from your neighbors is kind, but I genuinely love going door to door. All my neighbors love seeing the kids & I love handing out candy. Well this year I have to say that I loved the trunk or treat. My kids were old enough to walk around without me so I was able to sit in the trunk and hand out candy. My legs didn't hurt, I didn't have contractions, it was perfect!

I had to show this picture of Jessi because she is just such a gorgeous green witch regardless of the warts she had me put on her (they were her favorite part of the costume!)

Here's a shot of the whole gang at the Napa store. Josh really wanted face paint since all the girls got glitter, eye shadow, etc. So I tried to draw on a "skull" then he added blood dripping from his nose & lips.

I wanted to catch a picture of Josh at pre-school with Shelby. She just wants to be so big and go with him. The really fun part is that he loves Shelby to be there too. He always begs her to get dressed in the morning so she can come play for the first half hour of free time.

It was a really busy Wednesday as we had Josh, Jessi, & Quinn's Halloween Parties. Here is Jessi's party where I got to be the cool Mom because we played "Boo Bingo." I still love that no matter which child's party we go to - they absolutely love when their siblings come to visit. As you can tell Jessi pulled up 2 chairs, shared all of her candy, and even took them with her on the little "costume parade."

I realize this post is a little backwards, but for FHE we carved pumpkins and boy did our kids get into it. Joaquin has always loved making really cool, complicated ones so I buy those great books with the tools included. I'm a little worried I might be turned into Child Protection Services for admitting this, but after Shelby bent 3 or the 4 of the little knives that came in the kit - we just handed her a steak knife and let her at it. I carved the front and she made an "earring."

Dad helped Josh do the "Dracula" and you can see how proud he was of it.

This was a picture of Quinn's cat (I know it's shocking she picked that one huh?)

Here of course is the coolest Dracula ever.

And the Halloween Winners are . . .

2009-10-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Nope - The Super Sapphires were hoping for the win but not this year, poor Greg was devastated (They don't look like they're having any fun do they?)

The Orange County Choppers (OCC) came in a close 2nd place. They opted to skip 2 locations - uhoh - someday Matt & Emily will win! They needed Kim & Lane who got sick at the last minute.

My favorite costumes were The Gold Diggers, but they still weren't the winners. They came in with a great prank though(keep reading).

The Scarlet Scarfaces were tough competition but better luck next year!

And the winners are . . . The Emerald Enemies! Kyndra & John led out two "greenies" no pun intended. This was the first year for Steve & Kaya and Marty & Emily. They had no trouble catching up with the rules & race. No one could keep up with their speed - we won't mention who was driving on their team but check out the speedometer!

This year we threw a new twist into our party. We encouraged "pre-game" pranks. My sister, Maria gave us the idea to have only 3 rules: they had to be harmless, had to involve at least 3 teammates, and they had to send visual proof to my email before the party began. They were so creative & mostly non-harmful (at least to each other, I can't say the animals would agree!) Here are some of the highlights.

The Super Sapphires Sassy Wives got together and made home made oreo cookies with a twist. No yummy cream cheese middle - oh no - they filled them with toothpaste tinted orange instead. Then they wrapped them up cute with a "You've been Spooked" card and dropped them off to opposing teams.

They also snuck into Marty & Emily's house to rearrange the furniture. I've always wanted a couch in my kitchen, how about you?

"The Gold Diggers" spray painted John & Kyndra's horse. Wyatt (their kindergartner) is worried it won't ever come off.

Before you start shedding tears for "The Emerald Enemies" here's proof they deserved it all. They stuffed mailboxes with shredded paper, toilet paper, & taped them shut. They also "redecorated" lawns, brought their own pumpkins to smash on opposing teams steps, forked lawns, and dropped off calf on Greg & Gwen's front porch.

Here is a picture of the "OCC" planting a "Monica for Mayor" sign in her front yard. We do need good leaders wouldn't you agree?

The Scarlet Scarfaces also had to do their damage by depositing a dead mouse in a bag that they lovingly set atop a pile of pumpkins. So the pumpkins blocked the doorway of an opposing team.

We thought the party was just great this year! I loved having the pix to watch while we ate pizza back at the Fehringer's cellar. Daren & Nicole decorated to the hilt (we're hoping to get them hooked into coming next year - not just decorating). My big woops was to the poor "Gold Diggers." One of my clues was taking out the letters "Willow Bay" from Alphabets Cereal then spray painting them with their teams colors & throwing them back in. All the colors were pretty easy to see except for the Gold - it blended too much. So trying to think ahead I pulled Emily aside & warned her there were 11 letters she needed to look for. That's right - count out - "W-i-l-l-o-w-B-a-y" that's 11 right? Wrong - it's only 9. I don't know if I should blame it on pregnancy or just that I'm a dork but I gave them an extra bonus point for the time wasted looking for the 2 extra letters that didn't exist.

Quinn's 11th Birthday

2009-10-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Quinn's 11th Birthday has to be one of my favorites! She wanted lots of things, but the most important was being in Sandy, Ut. with Grandma Sally & Grampa Ed. She wanted Grampa to make one of his famous chocolate cakes - he even had a layer of cheesecake in the middle, yum - and guess what? I didn't have to cook, frost, or decorate a single thing! I do love making fun cakes, but just enjoying it was even better. We shopped for opals (Aunt Mindi showed her one this summer and since they're the official gem for October - Quinn couldn't wait to get one), earrings (Jessi even got hers pierced!), and lots more girl stuff.

One of the other fun thing we did was go to "Jungle Jim's" funland. They have quite a few indoor carnival rides that we were afraid she might have remembered being lots "bigger" than they actually were. But everyone loved it.

Josh's smile tells all - Bumper Cars all the way!

We let Quinn bring a friend with her, Cassidy Swanson, and they had a ball together. Josh even gave her a kiss on her cheek! I couldn't get my 11 year old to want to try on any clothes, she just wanted to save all her money for a "Build-a-Bear." Mom reminded me that soon enough her stuffed animal craze would fade & I would miss it. So we compromised, I bought her this new sweater and she bought this cute little outfit she has on "Lily" for a "Build-a-Bear" Puppy she named Delilah. She was ecstatic when she got home and found all the clothes (even the little bathrobe with a hole for her tail) fit her 2 kitties. She even carries the poor cats around in the little purse she bought for Delilah. I teased Joaquin we should start praying now that she'll find a good man who'll love her or she'll become that crazy old woman with 30 cats in her home and be blissfully happy. I wonder how many times my Mom said the same things about me?!?

Failure as a Mother

2009-10-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you feel like you have failed as a mother? Well today was that day. If you want a feel good warm & fuzzy post about motherhood go to Brittany & Brandon's (they're on the sidebar). She wrote the best post last week about how important it is to be a Mom.

This post is directed more to the Mom's who need a good laugh because they mess up, forget everything they read, and are just plain selfish sometimes. If you're reading this Mom, I promise I'll try harder tomorrow - they are your grandchildren after all.

The day started happy enough but got a little ugly on the way home from dropping off parts for a customer. Josh is 5 now and can unbuckle himself any time he desires, but poor Shelby is still too little to escape. So for about 1/2 hour Josh just "bugged" Shelby. I tried the regular threats - you'll have to take a nap, go to bed early, etc. Nothing seemed to work. Shelby's the screamer, Josh is the brother - it was a loud drive. So when we got home from taking Joaquin lunch I told the kids I was pretty tired and needed to rest for a little while. Thinking I was being nice I told them they could take the kittens up to Josh's room and play quietly while I slept on the couch for a little bit.

Being 7 months pregnant and the mother of 4 children allows me the pleasure of dropping off to sleep any time during the day and today was no exception. I woke up a full hour later to a completely quiet house. My little heart did a quick pitter patter as I thought joyfully, "Maybe they fell asleep." Then I laughed at myself and started to search for destruction.

I didn't have to look far as in Josh's room I found crackers, frosted mini wheats, cat food, & water in the carpet. Then I followed the giggling to Quinn & Jessi's room where these two adorable children had dumped every prized toy, jewelry box, lotion bottle, crayon, marker, school papers, blankets - everything into the middle of the floor. I'm not sure if they were jumping off the top bunk into this "fort" but do you know the first thing I thought (this shows how selfish I've become) "At least I got to take an hour nap!" Then instead of scolding my little ones I told them we better work hard to clean this up before the girls got home from school. I didn't want to get caught sleeping on the job!

I realize the better choice would have been to give them time out and a lecture - but then I knew I'd be stuck cleaning it all up by myself. They colored with crayons & markers on the wall, lost all of Quinn's earings, bent Jessi's prized Mickey Mouse ears she got from Disneyland, rubbed lotion on every backpack & in the carpet, used up all their stickers, played in their "make-up" - it was ugly.

As I began cleaning up I felt less guilty about the unsupervised destruction though when I found at least 2 dozen of my nice pencils & pens (these I use for my Napa work & they have their own), my paper cutter, scissors, stapler, & at least a ream of paper with scribbled "stuff" over them that I have been searching for for days.

Tuesday is our busy day with Quinn & Jessi's extra curricular piano, basketball, & gymnastics, but at least they hadn't had time to see their room yet. After dinner is when everything went to pot as Quinn walked into her room looking for her earrings. She & Jessi cried for over half an hour over the lost & ruined items, Josh & Shelby cried because of the tongue lashing they got from Dad after he heard about their mess from the girls (You notice I didn't tell him-I found half of my office supplies that I wouldn't have after all).

So the night ended with everyone crying loudly in their beds at 7:45pm. And now I have time to worry over child #5 who'll be joining our family. I hate the varicose veins running down my legs, the vivid dreams that make you feel like you haven't rested all night, and just feeling huge - but after today I'm grateful I have 2 more months before this little one makes her appearance. I am so not ready.

Josh's 5th Birthday

2009-10-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

This should come as no surprise to my friends and family - all Josh wanted for his birthday was . . . CRAFTS. He wakes up every morning with something on his mind to make. I'm constantly saving paper towel rolls (for kazoos), toilet paper rolls (for race cars), milk lids (for wheels), etc. I decided to make my life easier and just order crafts instead of search through Family Fun magazines. A few weeks ago I got onto the Oriental Trading Company's website and just let Josh pick whatever crafts he thought looked cool. Needless to say we ordered about 7 different crafts for under $40. It was the cheapest birthday ever! And he was sooo happy.

Of course, my favorite part is the cool cakes. Here's this year's choice "The Treasure Chest." Argh Mattee!

Craft #1 - Chinese Dragon Head. Jessi & he put this together on his Birthday (Sunday - Sept. 27) morning.

Craft #2 - Halloween Masks. Both he & Shelby loved gluing a few of these together.

Now this is a craft I give full credit to Donna for, Craft #3 - a race car town. I looked at all those pieces and cringed - Donna said, "Ooh, I haven't bought him a present yet. Could I buy this from you and put it together with him." Wow, I don't know Donna - COULD I KISS YOU?!? They came over to borrow everything from packing tape to a hot glue gun, but the good news is that 2 hours later they were done! There are more projects to come like a "Haunted House" tongue depressor door hanger, wooden motorcycles, beeded necklaces, etc. But I didn't want to bore everyone to tears.

As long as we're chatting about my lovely Mother-in-Law, Donna I just had to put this picture in. Poor Donna was pulling the tarp over the pool in Glenns Ferry with Dennis when she miss-stepped and fell backwards. She hit her head so hard that her one eye went black, her ear plugged up, and now she has double vision. She is looking so much better, has had a blessing by her sons, a Cat Scan from the Doctor, and prayers from all of her grandkids especially.

This is my final picture (I know it's not of Josh - but look how just utterly CUTE this girl is!). Everyone loved the treasure chest cake, especially Shelby who not only wore the treasure but ate a fair amount of it too.

2009-09-25T17:08:00.001-07:00

Hillcrest Elementary

2^nd Annual Family Walk-a-Thon

The Race is On

I thought I would make one giant thank you post for all of my family out there who didn't hang up on Jessi when she called asking for money. Last year I started this walk-a-thon and it turned out so well we decided to do it again for our elementary school. Poor Jessi has been seeing all of these presents, posters, and race flags lying around the house and just wants to keep them all. We tried the "Chuck E. Cheese" idea this year – you know where you spend tons of money to earn tickets to buy a little tiny toy. Well I had to order all the presents ahead of time so Jessi, Josh, & Shelby (it's beneath Quinn now that she's in the Intermediate School) have been drooling over the prizes you win for raising $10, $20, etc. If only I could have those presents in all of the 450 students' homes as well we might actually hit our goal! If you want to check out the website (Maria helped me create it last year) it's www.HillcrestPTO.blogspot.com Again, thanks everybody!

Lots of News

2009-09-22T20:08:00.001-07:00

For my birthday this year Joaquin surprised me with a trip to Yellowstone with the family. He rented a hotel with a pool (that's just a must according to the kids) for 2 days in West Yellowstone. It was a little tricky because I was still on "limited bed rest" so I wasn't supposed to exercise. We just visited the sites that were close to the road and if there was a walk, I would take the short cut with Shelby while Joaquin took the others the scenic way. By the end of the day everyone was begging to come with me, wimps! We really had such a great time together and just loved having Joaquin for 2 days all to ourselves.

The kids weren't too impressed with the boiling water. "Cool I guess Dad, but are there any rides?"

This was my favorite view, the waterfalls nice but aren't Quinn & Jessi gorgeous? Hee, hee. We were able to see both the Upper & Lower Falls and loved them.

The gift shops were all the kids favorite place. "Old Faithful - cool, Paint Pots - they stink, but can we please please please go into that Gift Shop?!? I'm sure it's got something I haven't seen yet!"

Here's a great pic of us in front of Old Faithful.

Which pictures to choose? The kids favorite animal was the Bison - and we saw sooo many that by 6:30 pm (as we were trying to get out of the park) when we had to slow down for people gawking at them the kids would say, "It's just a Bison - get out of the way!"

Here's our First Day of school picture. This is the first year that Quinn & Jessi have been in the same room (with the new baby coming we did some shuffling) and it's been glorious! They come up dressed and happy around 6:30 am. Joaquin has always thought Quinn deserved her own room since she was the oldest (can you tell he was a spoiled first child as well?) and I just think that's poppycock. I've never had my own room - ever - and I'm fairly normal. Jessi used to beg to sleep with Quinn every night and then cry when she couldn't. This is so much easier for the mama - thank you new baby!

I forgot to update everyone on our kitty issue. We were happy to receive 2 kitties from "Dippins" Mother, one girl named Lily and her brother named Prince Trouble. They have survived almost 2 months now - yahoo. Other than a little bout with diarrhea - yuk - they have been the perfect pets. Quinn is still so much like my Mom says I was and just lives to be their favorite. She's been trying to train them to curl up around her neck, she feeds them ham when I'm not looking, and cries every time Joaquin tells her they need to go outside for awhile! They tolerate Shelby & Josh and Jessi still just doesn't really care.

Great New Pics

2009-08-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

I threatened Joaquin that his posterity will always think of him as a grouch if he never smiled in pictures. After I cried shamelessly and promised him not to get pregnant again we actually had a few "happy" pictures this year. Actually I just learned how much he enjoys a good "goose" before a picture. Makes him smile every time.

Here is actually a great picture of all Joaquin's family. I realize it's obvious to everyone why I chose Joaquin, he is by far the best looking - don't you think?

We were just having too much fun as sisters & in laws. I realize this sounds awful cheazy but these women are some of my best friends. We love to laugh together & this year we cried - everyone broke down as I ordered them around from my position of power on the couch.

We were able to coerce my sweet sister-in-law Amanda to be our photographer this year at our Smith family reunion. The only problem, she took over 1200! It took me over 2 hours to finally choose my favorites and save them so I hope you'll enjoy them.

It's official, We're having a . . .

2009-07-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

GIRL! Can you believe it? Joaquin shook his head at the ultrasound today and said, "I figured, my odds are already 3 to 1." She looks wonderful and has grown to a whopping 8 inches. The only bad news is that I'm still on the dreadfully slow, pull my hair out boring bed rest. It was all I could do to hold it together in the elevator, down the hall, and out to the truck. That's when I unleashed my tears on Joaquin who said, "Wow, you're taking this girl thing pretty hard." Got to the love that man for always trying to snap me out of misery.

We truly are happy to have a girl, I've always loved hairbows, dancing, make up, etc. Joaquin started teasing we had better start saving for weddings, I reminded him they are cheaper than missions.

My Mom & Donna both said they could do the girls school shopping with their eyes closed (they've had lots of practice). My sisters are going to take them swimming & have slumber parties with cousins again. Donna & Dennis are even going to take Josh this Friday to some kind of antique train show in Evanston, Wy. where Joaquin's younger brother Shay & his wife Diana live. I'm so grateful, but here is where my selfishness comes out - I'm jealous. Believe it or not I like to go school shopping, have slumber parties with my sisters (it still feels like one whenever we stay up late laughing & talking), and even driving to Evanston for a train show with Josh.

Enough whining, there are some perks. Dr. Carlson said I could do 1 thing a day. So I can go back to church, but then right back to the couch. I can go shopping for maybe an hour as long as I don't lift anything heavy (can't bring Shelby or go to Costco it seems)and then back to the couch. He even said I could go on a date with my husband, maybe dinner & a movie but then . . . you guessed it back to the couch without any romance. Grr.

Happy 3rd Birthday Shelby!

2009-07-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Shelby! We had a pretty low key birthday party in the backyard this year with Grandma Donna, Grandpa Dennis, Kade, Jesalee, Jade, & Ty. Shelby loved it though and even let Jade open one of her presents. What a sweetie, huh? Of course she immediately grabbed it from her hands, but still I was impressed. She has just become the cutest 3 year old lately. She'll look at me with those big blue eyes and I just can't help but smile.

My Mom always made a big deal of our birthdays growing up. I loved that among my 10 siblings I still had one day that I got to pick dinner, a birthday cake, and presents. When Dana lived here next to me she got me started on these really cool cakes. So every birthday, as my gift to the kids, I let them surf the web, my birthday files, and books for the "perfect" cake. This year Shelby chose a purple horse. Isn't it adorable? Quinn baked the cake for me and I sat at the table making it look cool.

All our kids have wanted forever is bunk beds. Joaquin & I thought we were being so practical when we opted for "full" beds for each of the kids. We thought they would love the extra room especially as they grew. Nope. So after 10 years of Quinn begging, 8 years from Jessi, 4 years from Josh, and 3 years from Shelby we broke down and bought Shelby the biggest birthday present any of our kids have received, a bunk bed with a "full" on the bottom and a twin on top. The first night Josh, Jessi, & Shelby all crammed onto the top twin that is just inches from the attic ceiling. (Quinn insisted she was too old for that)

Can you guess what we were all saying, "Jade, don't blow. It's Shelby's birthday!"

Wyne Reunion Fun

2009-07-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a great picture of my Mom, who planned this years reunion. She's the amazing woman who planned food, lodging, and activities for all 64 of us for 3 days. We just love her!

I love that my family plans fun activities throughout the day. I can't help it, the party planner in me just eats it up. Here's a picture of a "digital scavenger hunt" my sister Amy put together. Each team had to take pictures of a couple kissing, each family member, the cabin, etc. She's going to put them all together for us as a fun album. Needless to say every sister (and a sister in law) have thrown Halloween parties too. We're all crazy together.

Here's a picture of my favorite spot, the swing. I'm sitting with my sister in law, Gwendylon watching the festivities. She's so happy that I'm pregnant because she's the newest Mom in our family and wanted little Sinjin to have someone to play with.

Here's our family picture, aren't we gorgeous? I was just so happy to not be home on the couch this year that even camping in a tent would have been great. Our reunion spot was in Heber City, Ut. Although the cabin was huge with 22 adults & 42 grandchildren (we adopted some extras this year because my high school foreign exchange student friend, Sada, along with her husband Maricio and their 2 children flew in from Mexico for the week) it was a pretty tight fit. We opted to borrow the Lankford's camper (we are forever grateful) and it worked out perfectly. Joaquin had a great "cave" to hide in when the noise level was too high and our kids thought sleeping on the bunk beds was just awesome. I only broke down and cried once when everyone was jumping up for some fun activity. I pulled it together though after I realized my sisters were all going to run 5 miles and a few of the brother in laws were off mountain biking. Sometimes being lazy isn't so bad.

Doctor's Update

2009-07-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have better news! I understand that I'm being a tad bit optimistic here, but hey that's one thing I like to do. My Doctor told me this week that my ultrasound was a "smidge" better (his words exactly). I almost jumped off the table, yahoo. He just laughed but I reminded him that the Ultrasound Technician said it looked no better and that I would be on bedrest for a few months, yuk!

He set up another ultrasound the first of August when I'll be 5 months and he really expects I'll be off bedrest completely by then. That is of course if I'm still a lazy couch potato for the next 3 weeks, but that's tons better than 3 months! There's still hope for my PTO days, becoming active again in church, and even my Halloween Party!

He also gave me the thumbs up for my family reunion next week, as long as I don't do anything. But at least I'll get to hang out with my family and watch my kids play with cousins. Joaquin felt like he got a double whammie, we can go to the Wyne reunion but absolutely no romance for these next 3 weeks. Joaquin looked right at him and said, "We're getting a new doctor." Classic.

The Tree House & why I'm so lazy lately

2009-07-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Joaquin is so proud of this tree house. We have had so many jokes about it as well. You know like, why isn't it attached to the actual tree, or the 16' by 20' tree house is bigger than any room in our entire house, etc. But Jessi (our little monkey who can cimb anything) and Josh (just being a boy makes him love this) have stopped whatever they are doing the instant their Dad walks in the room and says who wants to help me with the tree house? It's been a great project for the family and a few pics down you'll see where I get to watch the work in progress.

Jessi's favorite part is the rope ladder. Can you guess why? Because it's so hard for all the rest of us non-monkey people. We left it unattached at the bottom so she can pull it up and it is a beast to climb. We're considering having it be a challenge for this year's Halloween Party (that is assuming I'm off bed rest).

Here's Josh & Quinn's favorite part, the drop down attic ladder. They are also hoping for a zip line and a fireman's pole soon. Joaquin is planning to enclose a smaller "house" on top and what you see will only be the deck, but we're taking it one step at a time.

So here it is, my throne. Don't be fooled by the ordinary appearance, it's actually a chair of power. This chair, the couch, and the bed are my life now. About 2 weeks ago I started hemorrhaging (sorry men, you don't have to read this part). I am 4 months along and due on Christmas Eve, yahoo. But unfortunately this baby isn't quite sure if it wants to wait that long. We've had a couple ultrasounds and the baby looks great with a big strong heart, arms, legs, etc. but the placenta is tearing away from the uterus wall (the official word is an abruption). 70% of women heal from this so we're praying often and learning to ask for help. It really stinks to be humbled you know.
Joaquin has really stepped up to the plate doing laundry, dishes, cooking, and even cleaning. I've learned to stop nagging. If the bathroom smells like Josh missed again, I breath through my mouth. If there are toys all over when friends drop by to visit I don't apologize. When I put on a used to be white shirt and realize it's now a shade of yellow because someone washed all the whites with a bright yellow towel, I try to smile and say it's now buttercup not whtie. And when I'm so lonely that I just want to I cry, I think of all my friends who are taking care of my children, my husband who works 11 hours a day at Napa then comes home to work another 3, and even my Heavenly Father who has something I'm supposed to learn from this. Exactly what that is I don't know yet, but I'm sure hoping this baby sticks around so that I will find out.

Jessi's Baptism

2009-07-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Jessi was sooo excited about her baptism on Friday, July 3, 2009. She was pretty nervous about her Bishop's interview (you know Bishop Worton is pretty serious!). She said he asked her some hard questions like who was Jesus baptized by? I asked her if she knew the answer and she said, "Well ya, but I had to think about it."
We even had a full house because Jessi was lucky enough to be baptized with her 2 cousins, Avery Brown (who lives in Blackfoot, Id.) & Mya Showalter (who lives in Buffalo, NY). Both families agreed it would be great to share this day with us. I felt the spirit so strongly when I saw my little daughter and neices being immersed in the water. I was so proud of the choice she made to join the church. Jessi was confirmed in a circle with lots of Uncles, both Grampas, and her father who blessed her to be a peacemaker and a help to her mother. Although I'm not sure the exact wording, my favorite phrase was "Jessi, you have brought joy and happiness into our family." It's so true!

Here's Jessi with Avery and Mya. A funny little side note is that Jessi was actually due after both of these cousins but surprised us all by coming 2 weeks early. We always tease that she crowded in line up in heaven.

I know she's not smiling, but she was pretty tired of the camera by the end of the evening. I asked Quinn to take pictures since I had to be sitting and lets just say we had around 75 and counting by the time this one was taken.

New Kitty - Dippins

2009-07-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

As you can tell by this wonderful picture we received a free kitty named Dippins (Quinn insisted that we keep the name her original owner's gave her - we think it's pretty cute). Shelby has lugged this poor kitty around everywhere and she just purrs. Quinn is ecstatic, any animal is good for her! Jessi & Josh are happy to take a turn but don't seem to mind if it's only for a few minutes (they're happiest in the treehouse).
Now the only sad news is that we took Dippins to Glenns Ferry with us over the 4th of July weekend and Grampa accidentally ran over her. We're lucky though because Dippins has a brother that looks almost identical to her and Quinn's bringing him home tomorrow. Cross your fingers that he is just as mellow as his sister. We haven't told Shelby, Josh, or Jade yet so we'll see what happens. Quinn & Jessi are still in Glenns Ferry and had a beautiful funeral for her with lots of flowers they told me.

My last April Entry

2009-04-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

We got to babysit Kade & Jesalee's kids for a few days while they went to a warm, vacation called the Domincan Republic. The high points were that Ty just loved Josh & followed him around everywhere. Josh in turn wanted to feed him, sleep with him, and play with him all day. The low point was that I had to drag them all to Dr. Timmons on Wednesday because Quinn had strep throat, Josh & Shelby had ear infections, and Jade & Ty were already on antibiotics for ear infections. So 5 out of the 6 kids had to be drugged every day. Plus Jessi just cried because she couldn't stay home with everyone, and Quinn cried because she missed school. Go figure.

We tried to do what the prophet asked us by starting a garden. We let the kids plant carrots, tomatoes, watermelons, and peas in little starter kit. Wish us luck!

Last but not least I took this picture last night to brag on my husband. He might hate wearing white shirts to church, he might think all men that dance are gay, he might cringe every time I say "Let's go visit my family," and might throw a tantrum every time I mention that I'm leaving the house over night, BUT he is the best Dad in the entire world to our kids. Every night he'll tease, tackle, and get everyone involved in bedtime. This picture is of him "tucking in" Shelby & Josh. How cute is he?

More April News

2009-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Do you think Josh likes his superhero kite? It was the perfect kite flying weather for most of April - windy.

We love to have multiple Easter egg hunts in our house. The Easter Bunny hides all the candy filled plastic eggs in the house then we hide & find the real eggs in the yard about half a dozen times on Easter.

Believe it or not I got in front of the camera, it doesn't happen very often.

I just loved this picture! "Josh, don't touch those eggs! They're mine!!!!!" Every year, whoever is the youngest in our family has major trauma on Easter. We've tried having an older & younger kids Easter egg hunt, we've even tried one half of the yard for the older & another half for the younger, but after Shelby I just gave up. Quinn screamed when she was 2 and had to share eggs with her cousins, Jessi cried when she was 2 and had to share with Quinn, Josh cried when he was 2 because he couldn't outrun the girls, and Shelby (who is shockingly 2) just plain screamed at Josh. Do you see a pattern here? Sharing is something that my children have to be taught - over and over and over and over again. And of course, I've realized that it is a rite of passage to cry though Easter when you're 2.

My April Catch Up Entry

2009-04-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty busy month, what with Teacher Appreciation & Art Mom for the PTO, Stake Leadership meeting for being the Primary Chorister, Activity Days (which is my other calling), filing our personal taxes, doing all of Napa's taxes, payroll, & bills, studying & attending my Finance Class at ISU (only 2 classes left!), and all of these fun pictures too. Wow, that makes me feel better - I should make a list more often. As you can tell from above we were able to have McKenna, Chelsea, & Avery over conference weekend. We all love those girls.

Dyeing Easter eggs was Shelby's favorite thing (you couldn't tell from the picture could you?). I let her & Josh dye a dozen eggs before Quinn & Jessi got home and they had dyed, dropped - and consequently cracked, then peeled, and were ready for more before the girls came home.

We had our first backyard campfire this year. It brought back all those wonderful campfire memories. When we were poor college students camping was our cheap date. We would go camping every chance we got in the summer. Even with all our beautiful children we still try to go on a big family camping trip once a year (we put in this fire pit so we could pretend to be camping every weekend - actually camping is a lot harder now that there are six of us to pack for)

Hot Hot HOT TUB!

2009-04-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

We got a hot tub! We were lucky enough to get a used hot tub that has been constant entertainment for our family. Kade & Jesalee, Dennis & Donna, and us all bought it together then we put it in Donna's fenced in backyard. We have always loved Lava Hot Springs, so we figured this is a little bit cheaper in the long run. Jesalee was a good sport & sat with the 4 youngest Smith's the first time.

I can't really tell if they're having fun, what do you think?

The only negative, I can't keep clothes on my children now. Josh will wake up and put on his swim trunks or just walk around in his briefs. Great. Jade used to hate clothes a baby (and to be honest, still would choose to be naked- hmm what goes on in her house?!?) so now she loves to come over and strip down with all my children. I figure it's 71 degrees in the house, so I'm all for less laundry.

We were pretty excited to have Kami & Cooper visit us right after we got the hot tub. They would have loved to stay in it all day but I was getting frost bite standing around in my coat. It sounds fun to get in with them, that is until you have to get out and then get each of them out in 30 degree weather. Joaquin & I have just been enjoying the late night dips once the children are in bed. Shockingly I haven't got any pictures of that, sorry to disappoint.

More Raptor Reef

2009-03-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

We loved going to Raptor Reef with the Lankfords over the weekend. It was a long car ride (about 8 hours each way) but we used cb radios and traded kids back & forth. It was great fun but one of my favorite parts was how kid friendly this place was. There are free tubes laying everywhere, free life jackets, the life guards were actually nice & smiled at you when you're 2 year old got so excited she actually ran (heaven forbid) between the kiddie pool & the hot tub. Josh was just an inch or two shy of the minimum height requirement for the "big" slides and the lifeguard just told Joaquin he should go get him a pair of inch high water shoes & she'd let them sneak down together. Wow, they'd never hire her Ross Park!

Raptor Reef

2009-03-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our first official family trip was a hit. Connected to the indoor water park was a place called "Triple Play." They had bowling (with push button bumpers & these great ball launchers), lots of games (Shelby's favorite was the balls, Quinn spent all of her money trying to grab stuffed animals - she finally caught this teddy bear), laser tag, miniature golf, and even a rock wall Jessi loved climbing. Dad was pretty happy to play every game the kids wanted to play, but my favorite was when he held Josh on his shoulders for this last one.

Daddy Daze

2009-02-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know Shelby and how much she loves Joaquin - it makes this picture all the more amazing. For some reason tonight she danced with him, wrestled him, and even asked for Dad to put her to bed. I took this picture to prove how much she loves him for tomorrow or the next day when she changes her mind again. What can I say, she's a typical woman.

If you'll remember how my little man loves crafts-on President's Day when everyone was home he begged to make Pinata's. So we got out the glue, balloons, & paper. This was Quinn's (we're drying it) and if you can't see what's written on the tape, it says, "This balloon was made by Quinn, who gave it to her Dad Joaquin." Quinn really liked Dad's message, can't you tell?

This is Josh showing off. He too wanted to be with Dad at NAPA today, we're not sure if it was Dad's cologne or what, but I sure loved it. And it was nice for Dad to feel loved by someone other than me!

I had to include this picture of my trooper Jessi. Last Monday we took her into the doctor where they found out she had strep throat, then she started to get these weird soars on her nose and right below her eye. So Wednesday we took her back to Dr. Timmons and found out she probably had a Staff Infection too. So she's been home from school all last week because she's contageous. She missed Jump Roap for Heart (which she loves), her Valentine Class Party, Gymnastics, and her last tournament Basketball game (but they made it to championship so she'll get to play this Saturday). Today was her first day back to school and she was soooo excited. When she woke up this morning she had a few dots on her stomach that I thought was just a contact rash, so I put on some Hydrocordizone Cream, gave her a dose of Benadryl and sent her to school. When she came home at 3:30 she was covered from head to toe in dots. I tried hard not to laugh out loud-what a wreck! So she's off the antibiotic now & the doctor is hoping it was just a reaction to it. In this picture Joaquin's been tickeling and giving her a new nick name - Rash - don't you just want to tackle him sometimes.

How do you solve a problem like Maria?

2009-02-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

What a hottie!
I especially love the leg lift, was that choreographed?

Can I just say how proud I am of this girl? This is my 15 year old niece, Kiah Brown who's a freshmen at Blackfoot High landed the lead role in "The Sound of Music!" Around 40 family members including cousins, uncles & aunts, and grandparents came too ooh & ahh for Kiah Brown last Saturday. The cousins (including Jessi & Quinn) just wanted to see her kiss a boy!!! Jessi thought it would be so embarrassing to have to kiss a boy in front of your parents, but most of the other cousins (and uncles) just hollered loud enough to raise the roof. But being the practiced professional that Kiah was - she smiled a little longer than normal and went right on with her lines. Needless to say she had warned her Captain Von Trapp of her boisterous & large extended family. That sounds an awful lot like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" doesn't it?
So here's a few snapshots of the amazing Kiah Brown (and Dana since she made most of her costumes & rehearsed lines over & over again). When the musical started around 20 nuns walked on stage singing, my sister Lisa leans over and says, "Kiah beat out everyone of those nuns for this part." No pressure though. But Dana's comment was my favorite. She told Kiah to be sooo nice to those nuns. When Kiah asked why she responded, "Because I was always a nun and never Maria." Isn't that the truth?!?

2009-01-26T13:11:00.000-08:00

We had a great time last week babysitting Wyatt & Kaylee Hunt for a day. We fiddled around with play dough, played house, and built forts together. I had to post the picture I took of Josh & Kaylee (he was just so happy they came he picked her right up). Wyatt & Kaylee wanted to look like their Dad (Jon's always got a goatie) only the color is a little off.
If you will also notice Josh's creation. He is one crafty boy. When he wakes up in the morning he knows exactly what he wants to do that day. He'll say things like, "Let's make a noise maker, I'll get the beans." Or he'll decide to make bracelets (for the girls of course), puppets, macaroni necklaces, etc.
Well as you can tell from the picture this day he wanted to make a mosaic feeding plate for birds -I'm sure that was your first guess when you saw the picture (he found the idea in an children's art book I have). It was supposed to be made with a real plate and mini tiles & then painted to seal it - yeah, that's just a little too much work for this mother. So we improvised with scrapbook paper, a paper plate, and glue. It's now sitting on a plate holder in the kitchen - he is so proud of it.

Basketball Babes

2009-01-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Quinn had a great time on her "all girl" team this weekend. She couldn't wait to actually touch the ball this year seeing as all the boys were on their own team. Go Girl Power!
Do you like her jeans? Tiffani & I just chatted the night before how we need to let our children dress themselves and not be picky about what they choose. So when Jessi came down for her game in jeans I said to myself, "She's only 7 - let her wear whatever she wants." I showed up at the game & Tiffani says,"What's up with the jeans?" I told her that I was playing it cool and letting Jessi pick her clothes. Tiffani (being the college sports guru) says while laughing, "I would have made her changed." Believe it or not - we both agreed by the end of the game that it hadn't mattered because she only touched the ball twice I think. Here's a great shot of one of those two times. Next game I'll let her wear snow pants if she wants!

Christmas Collage

2009-01-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorite pictures of Christmas Day because Jessi got Josh & Shelby dressed and with the help of Dad, dug out this awesome fort where they had multiple picnics in. We thought it was pretty awesome!
Joaquin was "surprised" with Guitar Hero World Tour for the WII, although he swears it was a gift for the whole family.
It was easy to tell which toy Shelby loved. We used to have lots of bath toys when Quinn was little, but as they were lost or thrown out I've never replaced them. So after suffering through the first 2 years of life using only my measuring cups & spoons, Shelby felt like she had died and gone to heaven with these slides, squirting animals, & strainers.
Josh couldn't wait to use the sleds that Dad got from Santa - the transformers he received should have gone to Dad - we think they're for ages 30 & up!
Jessi instantly loved her "High School Musical" jammies, but when we went to cousin Jayda's for New Year's & she had the same ones, WOW! She is sooo happy!
Along with the pet hermit crabs, Quinn absolutely loved receiving Season 1 & 2 of Eureka (it's about a quirky town with a down to earth Sheriff - we all love to laugh through it).