The Smith Family

2011-06-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Gavin loves money!...I mean, he really, REALLY, really loves money. He can tell you exactly how much he has at all times...down to the penny. So, knowing that he is smart, I made a deal with him. For the first two quarters of the year, he made honor roll. I told him at the beginning of the third quarter that if he made Principals List, that I would give him $200. And, look what he brought home!

So proud of him!

Ethan Rocks!

2011-04-03T16:56:00.001-07:00

Ethan has just been doing great at school this year. His teacher, Ms. Kimm, is one of the best that I have ever encountered, and it has made all the difference for Ethan. He started the first quarter by making his AR goal, which was a big success for him, since he has always struggled with reading. Well, since then he has made his goal for every quarter this year so far! He brought home his report card for the third quarter last Friday, and we had a big celebration! For the first time ever, Ethan made honor roll. We were so proud of him. Academically, he has really come a long way! His attitude has also changed toward school. He loves to go now and works really hard. I emailed Ms. Kimm after I received his report card to tell her of our excitement, and she replied that he is doing so well, and he is her most improved student this year!

Last week, he came running home from school with a certificate and bumper sticker. He was chosen as Student of the Week for his class!

Way to go Ethan!

Wyatt Turns 3!

2011-03-31T10:20:00.001-07:00

Wyatt turned 3 years old on February 19th. We wanted to go and celebrate at the park, but since it rained that day, we moved it indoors at Pappa and Grandma's house. We had a small celebration with pizza, and Randy and Krystal came up to join us. I saw this cake at a scouting dinner, and then made it for Wyatt. Just a couple of special things about our "Wild Guy!" * He loves anything that has wheels, especially motorcycles. * He can always find dirt anywhere, and will stay occupied playing in it for hours. * He is lucky he is so cute, because he is such a handful!!!! * He loves to cuddle at bedtime. * Lately he loves to play with toy guns. He especially loves to watch the movie Tremors, where he shoots the monsters on the screen. * He loves to play with Averi, and misses her when she is at school. They play together all afternoon in the backyard. Wyatt has become quite a monkey, and loves to hang from the sewing set. * He has good manners and is always saying please and thank you. Also, he is always the first one to thank me for making dinner every night!

2011-03-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

In my BYU Independent Study, I came across the most profound statement that really touched me. I thought I would share it.....

"It takes courage and faith to plan for what God holds before you as the ideal rather than what might be forced upon you by circumstances." Henry B. Eyring

Daddy Daughter Dance....

2011-02-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

On February 18th, the PTC put on a Daddy Daughter Dance at the school. Averi had been looking forward to this for weeks, and it basically took the entire week to prepare for the event. I started by taking her to WalMart, and let her pick out the pattern and material for her dress. We had a blast doing this, and she chose material that had gold sparkles on it....imagine that!
On Friday, I let her ditch school, and I took her for a big surprise.....to the nail salon for a manicure. (I have been waiting since the day she was born to be able to do that!) She was so good there, and everyone getting their nails done thought she was adorable. She got to pick out whatever polish she wanted,and she decided on gold glitter.
We had girl time getting her ready,and styling her hair,complete with a gold butterfly band. I even put some blush, eye shadow,and of course, sparkly lip stick on her.
I made her a corsage out of two dark pink and one light pink rose. It was the first time I attempted to do this, and I even went out and cut the fern in the front yard for the greenery in it. I was impressed how well it turned out,and it only took about five minutes to make! The last hurdle of the evening was making sure Steve got home from work on time. The weather was not cooperating, and they were expecting to close the Grapevine. I had to give him the..."you were gone for 11 weeks, and I don't ask much, but if you miss this dance, and Averi is left in tears".....speech! As he drove over the Grapevine to get to work, he knew he wouldn't make it home, so he turned around and took the day off!!!...one awesome husband and dad!

Steve and his little princess had a great time, and I worked at the dance, so I got to see them a bit there. So many dad's showed up with their daughters, and the dance was a huge success.

Santa's Surprise

2011-02-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Santa brought tickets for all the Smith boys to go and see the Monster Trucks and Metal Mulisha Team at the Rabbobank Arena. Steve said the seats were great, and there was even a 7 year old driver of one of the monster trucks. The boys had a blast, but Wyatt was especially funny when he got home,and explained to me all animated...."the big trucks crashed into things, and hit their heads on the walls!"

Updates!!!

2011-01-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I turned into what I said I would never be....a blog slacker! It all started back in September, when Steve told me he had to go out of town for work for the week. Well....one week turned into two, which turned into ELEVEN!!!!!! Yes, eleven weeks of being alone Monday thru Friday evening, with a couple of weekends even thrown in the mix! But, I will not complain, and I will be the submissive, loving, and supportive wife....(Yea Right!) But, I did survive single parenthood...(with only one major emotional breakdown!) During this time, I ended up putting in many long hours into my high-paying career, that my blog suffered.
Then, my computer had problems. You see, the boys like to play on it, even though it is sacred to me! I have warned then not to do it, but they keep downloading games. Well, the computer froze up, and Ethan thought it would be a good idea to press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to start the task manager....and it completely crashed my hard drive.....I cried....But never fear, Ethan is still alive today, cause lets get real...it isn't his fault that I haven't backed anything up for the last one and a half years! All my pictures, all my school work,.... poof into cyberspace! Honestly, I thought I was going to go into a major depression! Sooooo thankful for a husband that bought a super warranty when he purchased my computer, and FRY's was able to recover all my data, and give me a brand new hard drive!
Enough Excuses!!!!
So, I have taken today to try and update all of the family happenings through the last three months!
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The Holiday Season, and especially New Years is a time when people make goals. Sadly, I tend not to do that....(who has time for that?), but I make sure to take the time to reflect on the things I am thankful for! Here are some of them, but not a complete list. If I took time to do that, I would be typing for three days or more!

*Health- my family made it though an entire year without any major medical malfunctions! No MRSA, hospitalizations, broken bones, emergency C-Sections, stays in the NICU...or even stitches for that matter! My only trip to my friendly ER was in December when Wyatt decided he liked the taste of Benadryl, and drank the bottle!

*Weight Loss- ok, here is where I get to brag! Back in July, I saw a picture of myself, and decided that I didn't like what I saw! Since there will be no more babies on the way, it was time to loose the weight. After our trip to Utah in August, where all we did was eat...I decided that I was not going to diet, but change my eating habits! And yes, there is a difference. I was inspired to do this by my brother, and I should be eating a certain way anyhow, because of my fybermalgia! So, I basically cut out all processed sugar and MSG. I try to stick to everything fresh and high proteins. I do go to the gym 4 to 5 days a week also. The result, three months later...no pain in my body, and I am now 32 pounds lighter! I have to say that as much as Ethan hates my new eating plan, cause it doesn't include pizza...lol...I love the transformation! The downside...I have also developed a new love of clothing....not very good for the budget. I would still like to drop some more weight, and I am only about 8 pounds from what I was in high school/college, but lets get real...shooting out five babies in eight years takes a toll on the body! If I can loose those 8 pounds great, but I am very happy and proud of where I am now! Now my new focus is toning!

*Religion- Where would I be without guidance from a living prophet? Where would I be without the true gospel in my life? Where would I be without opportunities, such a paying my tithing?...I don't ever want to find out! So thankful for being able to raise my children with the guidance and principles that I am blessed to be a part of!

*Trials- We are faced with them everyday! They sure are not fun when you are experiencing them, and Steve, Me, and the family have had out share these last couple of years. I am thankful for Steve and my new found philosophy...(there is nothing that happens that is bad enough to tear our Eternal Family apart!...We are too important and love each other too much for that to happen!) So, just grin and bear it...and make sure to leave bruises on your knees! One of my favorite artists, Gary Allan, sings a song, and the lyrics say,"Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride!"...Isn't that the truth??? My family bond has grown so much stronger because we face our challenges together, and even though it isn't always fun, we go to sleep happy at the end of the day!

*Family- My parents,who I still turn to for advice, guidance (especially in the form of child rearing), and support, as I try to navigate through my life. My extended family who I will always love and cherish. Those members of my family who have passed away,and the influence and lessons they brought to my life. My husband....his strength and insights amaze me everyday, and he works so hard, supports me in all I do, and whom I can honestly say that I am still in love with when he walks through the door at the end of the day...exhausted and covered in dust and grime...He's so sexy! Finally, five of the most awesome, inspiring, and special blessings of children that I have been given. It takes only one glance at them to remind me of how much my Father in Heaven loves me!

Luckily, I have never been a very private person....cause everyone now knows my innermost thoughts!...lol

Happy New Years!!!

Christmas 2010!

2011-01-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

Twas the Night Before Christmas....and after the kids excitedly got to open their pajamas, I ended up with five cuddly kids in my bed with me!!!!!What a special time of year! Spent Family Home Evenings teaching the children about the true meaning of Christmas and giving service to others....and I think all my teaching went out the window at about 7 a.m. on December 25th!!!!!
But, even I have to admit that I get caught up in the excitement of Santa too!

How cute is this little Wild Guy!!!!

Averi was thrilled when Santa brought her Zhu Zhu Pets!

And let me just say that the next time I see Santa, I am going to give him a huge kiss for getting the boys their own laptop!

Even I got everything I wanted! My beloved purse that I wanted so badly, was wrapped nicely under the tree. Since Santa waits til December 23rd to shop for me, I knew there would be no way he would be able to find it! I was also pleasantly surprised to get my favorite Sweet Pea perfume....which Steve replied..."See, I do listen!"

My Double Digit Mister Man!!!!

2011-01-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

Ethan turned 10 on December 20th. He wanted to have a party with his friends,and since it has been a couple of years since he has had an actual party, we decided to go ahead and do it!
We came up with a couple of different ideas, like having a sleepover, or going miniature golfing, etc...and then I found what turned out to be the best birthday party idea ever for 10 year old boys!

The Game Store here in town has a party room that turns into an XBOX 360 arcade! Ever child had their own console, with high definition graphics, and they could pick any game they wanted to play!...(as long as the rating wasn't "mature") I know,...sometimes mom's strict rules suck, but the kids still had a blast! Steve had so much fun, that he wanted to go out and buy the XBOX 360 console...(ummmm...sorry honey! but I DON'T THINK SO)

Afterwards, we went for pizza, presents, and cake!

It was such a nice evening, and I love having no cleanup!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Averi's Kindergarden Program

2011-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

So fun to go and watch Averi and her class perform a Christmas program. She shocked me a couple of days ahead of time, while I was listening to Christmas music, she started doing sign language to Silent Night. It was touching to watch all 120+ kids singing it all together. However,I think Averi's favorite part was the fact that she got a new outfit so she could look her Christmas best, complete with sparkly shoes!

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

We had our traditional Thanksgiving at my parents house the weekend before the actual holiday,so the whole extended family could come together to celebrate. A full house it was!

The Burton,Johnson, Smith, and Facer Families

Cousin Love

The Smith Family

My Brother Matt and Preslee

More Cousin Love

My Three Nephews

Mom time with Reagen

Averi

Poor Wyatt was so worn out from playing with his cousins that he didn't even make it through dinner!

Daddy and Reagen

We had some great food and great company. I love seeing all of my family on Thanksgiving, and look forward to it every year. It had become my favorite holiday. I look forward to our family tradition of walking the neighborhood after eating so much food! This year it was cold and raining in the morning, but that didn't stop Steve and Brady from playing a round of golf! Steve enjoyed himself so much golfing, that I think that will be a new tradition in the years to come!

Gavin's Special Day

2010-09-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Since Gavin turned 8, he had the opportunity to be baptized on September 4th. Steve performed the baptism at the Stake Center, and on Sunday, Pappa confirmed him during sacrament meeting. Randy, Krystal, and Kyra came up to our ward, and it was nice to have Randy stand in the circle for the confirmation, since him and Krystal are like the kids second parents!
Grandma, me and the kids!

Family Photo before the baptism

Pappa, Steve, and Gavin

We are proud of the decision Gavin made to get baptised, and we celebrated afterwards with our tradition at Mauricio's!

Steve and Gavin

First Day of School

2010-09-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Kids are excited to go to Patriot Elementary this year. Ethan will be in forth grade, Gavin in third, and Averi is starting Kindergarten! Hard to believe that I will only have two children at home during the day!

July 2010

2010-09-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

So July ended up being a very crazy month for me. I was still working part time for the 2010 Census, and Steve started working insane hours, and traveling a lot, mostly out to the desert. While the kids were out of school and looking forward to our trip to Utah, I still had a huge final to take before we left. It was 40 percent of my grade, and there were two major essays that I was facing. So, the day before we left for vacation, I went over to Cal State Bakersfield, and spent three hours completing my final, each essay ended up being 15 pages written. My arms was numb from the elbow down by the time I left, but I was just thankful to get it done. I decided then that I was not going to do any more school right now, and that I would wait a couple of years before finishing my degree. Hard decision to make when I only have five classes left! Plus, I wouldn't be able to finish it through BYU, and would therefore loose credits when I had to transfer somewhere else.
Some friends asked me what I was learning from working with the Census. My reply, "I have really enjoyed it and it is nice to have a paycheck, but the most important thing I have learned is that a mother of five children, (with a husband who works such long hours), shouldn't 'work'!!!" It was difficult juggling the five kids, work, keeping up the home, and preparing for a final!
I told Steve of my decision about school while we were in Utah, and he was disappointed. Being so close to the end, he thought that I shouldn't quit. But, I told him that someday I would graduate, just not right now.
After a relaxing vacation with family, I came home and checked my grade for the class. I ended up getting a 98% on the final, and a 96% in the class. I was amazed. I think it helped that it was a history class and I loved the information! So, since I accomplished that, I reversed my decision and am going to continue on, and have recently started another class!

Utah Trip 2010

2010-08-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

We took a much needed vacation to Utah to see the family in July. Dad and Todd planned a camping trip to Yuba Lake that started out trip. Steve and I often sat back and laughed when the family talked about how hot it was there! It was only in the low 90's and it was wonderful, because I actually got cold in the morning sleeping in the tent! It was the first time in months that I felt cold!
Gavin's actual birthday fell the second day that we were there.

Even though he already had a party, Steve and I surprised him by following the Smith Family tradition.....since he was turning eight, he got a BB gun. The boys all had a chance to drive a few minutes away and shoot it into a mountain...(only in Utah!)

Ryan and Melia and their children joined us all for the camping trip, and Mike and Julie came down with baby Danika for dinner the second day. All together, there were nine cousins (all under the age of nine) running around the campground at all times!

Dad and Todd brought the boat down and we had a blast riding in it around the lake. The boys decided they want a boat. I told them they could have one if they paid for it!

I love this picture of Steve!

I laughed when Todd and Steve were joking around together for the camera. It was nice to see Steve able to relax. He had been putting in so many hours at work and was traveling quite a bit before we left.

We spent some good time down by the lake, and leave it to Wyatt to find the dirt and rocks! I love this picture, because it is so Wyatt....king of the hill!

Wyatt had a hard time keeping shoes on around the campground, and he constantly got stickers in his feet. Todd was about the only one who could get them out!

Averi loved the water!

And so did Gavin! He was so helpful and was always the first on there to help when the boat came in from the water!

Smith boys chatting down by the water!

I was surprised that Wyatt bonded so quickly with Todd! He let his uncle take him out in the water a couple of times. If I tried that, I know what would have clocked me in the face!

Relaxing....

Ethan really liked camping with the Smith family!

Ryan was teaching Raeney how to float on her back.

Beautiful moon coming up over the campground!

Todd was getting a bit tired of getting his picture taken by me, but it is always fun to tease him. I am proud to say that for the first time in fourteen years of knowing Todd, I teased him to the point that left him speechless!

Once we got back to Payson, I had a chance to meet Mom and Dad Cobb. They flew down from Washington for the week, and even Steve hadn't seen them since his mother's funeral. We had a chance to get family pictures taken and spend time with all of the family, many hours out on the front lawn talking.

Reagen really enjoyed eating the grass!

She was teething and we learned to give her a cold can of Diet Coke to suck on.

We took a trip up to Cabellas and over to The Natural History Museum at Thanksgiving Point.

The kids especially enjoyed the hands-on exhibits.

They got to play with the water and sand tables to create different weather conditions, such as floods.

And they were able to dig through the sand for dinosaur fossils.

The Saturday before we left for home, we had a nice dinner at a park in Santaquin with Mike and Julie, and their new baby daughter, Danika. She was blessed at church the following day, and it was nice to be able to see that happen and for Steve to stand in the circle during the blessing.

Danika, the newest Smith addition!

Mike and Ryan

The cousins all had one more chance to play together at the park.

Gavin being a monkey!

Wyatt loved anything he could ride on.

The three oldest cousins....Ethan, Gavin, and Lea.

And of course my Wild Guy did a face plant in the one mud hole that he found at the park! We all got a good laugh from that one. Thank goodness my camera was handy.

Grandpa and Reagen

I had a blast at Deseret Book Store and of course The Quilted Bear. They were having a huge sale on fine art and I was able to buy the picture of the Nauvoo Temple that I always wanted for 75% off. Steve was nice enough to watch the kids one day so that I could go to the Olive Garden with Lani. I took Averi on a whim up to the BYU campus and we went to the creamery and bookstore.

I think Ethan and Gavin mostly enjoyed being able to go through Grandpa's arsenal of a gun safe and go shooting a couple of times. I went with them out to West Mountain once, and I am proud to say that I ended up shooting Steve's 22mm, Ryan's 9 mm, and then I even shot a 357. Scared the daylights out of me, and then Dad made me shoot it until the rounds were all gone! (Lani, I knew you would be proud of me for that!) Ethan is a really good shot. He got up the first time he shot the 9mm and hit the target! Me on the other hand...lets just say I need more practice!

We had fun coming home too and stayed at the state line at Buffalo Bills. I talked the boys into going on the roller coaster with me. I was so proud of them for doing so, especially since Gavin is scared of heights! The roller coaster even scared the daylights out of me.

I miss the Smith family and wished we lived closer to them so that we could see them more than once a year, but I am already looking forward to next summer so we can go and see them again!

Fourth of July!

2010-08-06T19:59:00.001-07:00

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. The kids were in high heaven this year, because they got to spend the entire day swimming. It wasn't as hot as last year, and the pool was rather cold, but it was still an enjoyable time.
I went to WalMart and got the kids some water noodles. Amazing how a $1.00 toy can be so much fun.

Even Reagen enjoyed the water!

And just kicking back by the pool.

At night, we took them to the fireworks show. I thought it would really scare Reagen, but she was just staring at them in amazement. Wyatt was a bit frightened when they first started, and after we peeled him out of the truck, he too enjoyed them. He kept saying, "awtome!" (awesome)

Best Birthday Party Ever!

2010-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

For Gavin and Averi's Birthday, we rented a giant slip and slide. I had never seen one before, but let me assure you it was giant! It took up our whole side yard! I never imagined it would be as much fun as it was. We had a ton of family, neighbors, and friends over.
The kids enjoyed the slide so much that it was difficult to get them off to eat, blow out birthday candles, or even open presents.
If you bounced just a bit at the top, you would really slide down very fast.

I was surprised how much Averi enjoyed it. I thought that she may be a bit scared...but not at all. We even got Wyatt up there, even though I had to carry him up and basically push him down.

The adult turnout was great as well. I think we were all pretty amazed at how much fun the kids were having!

Once I got on the slide, there was no getting off. Steve was nice enough to BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers for the whole gang!

It was such a hot day....107 degrees, that we had to escape inside for some cool air.

We had to beg the kids to stop and sing Happy Birthday!

Krystal giving Reagen her first bite of cake.....and also her first drink of soda!

I knew it was a hit, no so much that the kids had fun, but also that all the adults got involved and went down the slide, some even with their clothes on. It was just too hot to sit around and watch.

My Mom and I we one of the first to get in around 11:00 a.m. and we were literally on the slide or in the pool the entire day! Here is a picture of us going down together!

Grandma!

Lori and her daughter

MaraLee Ziebarth just got back from girls camp and came over to join her husband and kids. She is so much fun that she just went down with her clothes on.

We have decided that we are going to make it a tradition for Gavin and Averi's Birthday to rent the slide every year! Even after all the guests left, the kids and I stayed and played until 7:00 that night!

Baseball 2010

2010-08-03T11:04:00.001-07:00

Ethan and Gavin both played baseball for the NOR Recreation Department this year. Since they are in different divisions, we ended up practicing or playing games Monday thru Thursday for nine weeks! Ethan was in machine pitch again this year. He is a good hitter and his coach asked him after the second game if he planned on hitting like he was all year long! He was the one of the most consistent hitters on his team.

He usually played center field or third base.

I really enjoyed seeing his competitive side come out a bit!

Often times his coach would give him some advice, but it was usually me or Grandma on the sidelines before every at bat to give him instruction!

Even though his team was not as good as last year, I still saw Ethan improve.

Wyatt was always extremely wild during the games, and he even ran onto the field and played dead during one of Ethan's games. I got a clapping ovation from the crowd when they had to stop the game so I could carry him off the field!!

Reagen was always just cute!

Gavin was in coach pitch this year.

He too is an aggressive player and always hustles!

He got to play just about every position, but really enjoyed playing catcher the best.

It was really hot during some of the games and I give the boys a lot of credit for sticking through it during a Bakersfield summer!

Way to go Ethan and Gavin!

2010-07-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

So fun to have two little princesses to dress alike. Reagen is so fat...I mean so big, that I had to get her new dresses for church. Kohls is great, because they always sell matching dresses in both of the girls sizes, and I just can't resist dressing them alike.
My beautiful girls!

Averi's Dance Recital

2010-06-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

After a year of dancing jazz/tap/ballet, Averi had her end of the year recital. She had been practicing for a couple of months now, and it was held at the Bakersfield Fox Theater. She was so excited to be able to put on full stage makeup. She looked so grown up! Steve came to the recital straight from work, and when Averi was on stage, he didn't even recognize her. She definitely didn't look like his little Pumpkin Pot Pie! She was scared but did a great job. It was so good to see how proud she was of herself after the recital. I think she liked the flowers and teddy bear the family gave her even more....Averi, we are so proud of you!

Snow Cone Stand

2010-06-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

The boys, along with their neighborhood best friend Gavin Michael (I have to call the boys by their middle names to distinguish them from each other) wanted to make a lemonade stand. I had a better idea, and decided to let them use my new snow cone machine. They were determined to make some money. They trudged this cabinet down from Gavin Michael's house, set up the extension cord to the garage, and went in business. I was proud of them, and now they don't have to ask me for money all the time!

Our First BBQ

2010-06-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

We invited the Hull family over to BBQ with us last month for Randy and Kyra's birthdays. It was our first chance to entertain at the new house. I am used to seeing Crystal everyday, so it has been kind of an adjustment now that she doesn't just live around the corner. Kyra brought a friend and Michael Reyes came up with the Hulls. Steve was in charge of the bbq, and we had some delicious tri-tip, with a ton of other food. Crystal brought over two pies from Marie Calendars, and we were all so full after, that I didn't eat again until dinner the next day!
The kids really enjoyed the backyard. It is nice to be able to kick them out there on the swing set so the adults can converse inside the house. Luckily the weather was perfect and not too hot yet.

Wyatt always loves to see Crystal!

The swing set was left here by the previous owner, and I was glad to see it hold up with a bunch of kids all playing on it at one time!

Good company!

Crystal is always amazed with Regen's fat rolls!

Looking forward to having the crew over again for a Father's Day BBQ!

Just Call Me Dorothy!!!

2010-04-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not know my mother, let me tell you a bit about her! Growing up, one of her best attributes (that I took for granted) was the fact that the house was always clean. Now, I don't mean just clean, but you could basically white glove it at any moment. Never did a dish sit unwashed, or clothes go without being folded, and never did the floor go without being vacuumed daily, or the kitchen floor washed! I don't think in all my years growing up that I ever crunched across the kitchen floor. When my dad came home from work and walked into the house, I swear she would sweep the floor after him, and it was always funny cause she would basically sweep us out the door if we were leaving on a vacation!...All of this as she worked full time, taught early morning seminary or was Relief Society President, and managed to cook dinners and attend all of our kids events!...Yes, amazing.

My Clean "Dorothy Johnson" Kitchen!!!!

Now, moving into a nice clean house to begin with has been a wonderful experience......It has taken 35 years, but I realized yesterday that my mother's influence has finally paid off!...On Friday, as the kids were eating breakfast, I was cleaning up after them right away. Their bowls were immediately washed and put into the dishwasher, the table was wiped down, the floor swept under them, and then after vacuuming the house, I swept Ethan and Gavin out the door to school! I went to mop the kitchen floor, which I can proudly say was done twice the day before. I rung out the towel (another Dorothy thing, as she never used a mop, but always a wet towel to clean the floor)...that I realized.....and had to laugh out loud as I said,..."Oh My Goodness...I have turned into Dorothy Johnson!".....I immediately called Steve to tell him how funny I thought it was, and his reply,..."Thank Goodness!"...Yes, it has only taken 35 years!

Now, is it exhausting...yes, but it sure is wonderful and makes me happy to have a very clean home. And I love when Steve comes home and dinner is on the table ready for him. I take great pride in this new house!

PineWood Derby 2010

2010-04-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

The PineWood Derby was a big success. I was so proud of the scouts! They all participated in a couple of skits for the families to enjoy. The one about the invisible bench was my favorite.
Waiting for the cars to come down the track.

Ethan loved his car this year. Last year his car was not fast at all and he didn't win any of the races. This year, Steve put a lot of time into the car and even called Grandpa Smith for advice. He was up late shaping wheels and polishing nails, and I am not even sure what else he did to the car, but it worked. Ethan had the fastest car this year. It was great to see the big smile of pride on his face.

Easter 2010

2010-04-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

We went up to Pappa and Nema's (Wyatt's new word for Grandma) house for our Easter celebration. Since we don't have a television, we wanted to catch some of conference, which didn't happen since Wy started to act like a Wild Guy. But, it was fun to have an Easter Egg Hunt up there. Ethan and Gavin still enjoy looking for eggs.
We had to hold them back for a bit though so that the younger kids could get some.

Could Wyatt look any more like Steve????

I think Averi ended up eating most of everyone's candy from their eggs!

Grandma had to help her reach a couple of the eggs.

Wyatt thought they were balls to throw!

Such a nice day for the family!

Reagen's New Bikini

2010-04-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

I had to get Reagen a new bikini for summer. She can only get away with it when the fat rolls are still cute! All ready for the beach!

Our New Home

2010-03-31T16:06:00.001-07:00

So excited to be able to move into this home. It is much larger and suits our family's needs more. It is going to be cleaned (windows washed, carpets shampooed, etc) on Monday, and then we will start moving all our stuff. I wanted to take some pictures of it empty...

The front of the house.....

living Room and front door...
more living room....

and even more pictures of the living room....can you tell how much I love it. It is so bright and I love the high ceilings and plant shelves! Can't wait to decorate them.....

The master bathroom. It has carpet in it, and Steve is going to tile the floor.....

This will be Ethan's room. He is so excited to have his own bedroom.....

This is the den that is connected to the kitchen.....and the slider to the backyard...

This is where I found Wyatt....surprise!....

This is the kitchen looking in from the den....

The second bathroom. We eventually want to tile this floor too....

This is Averi's room. We are going to stick Wy in there with her for awhile, so the boys can have their own bedrooms right now......I loved the mirrored closet doors. Perfect for a girl.

This will be Gavin's room. Of course we are going to paint the walls so they aren't pink! Gavin's window faces the fence, and he wants me to plant something colorful and beautiful outside his window. I am thinking bougenvilla!

The backyard.....

The side yard. I am going to grow a garden over in the dirt area by the fence....

The previous owners left this swing set, which is fun for the kids.....

There is also a built-in BBQ in the backyard, so we are looking forward to lots of yummy food this summer. Sooooo excited to move!

Ethan's Basketball Season

2010-03-31T15:35:00.001-07:00

Ethan played basketball for the YMCA this year. He had an amazing coach and it really made a huge difference. Practices were fun and the games were always successful. The coach taught the kids a lot about the sport, and he was so positive. Ethan really listened to him and learned a great amount about zone defense and shooting this year.

Luckily Steve's schedule let him come to every game but one. He was always in control of Wild Guy, and the game that he wasn't there...well, this is how he acted!

Some pictures of Ethan in action....
He really improved on his ball handling and passing this year. He even scored three baskets. That was a very exciting time for the family. I love watching him succeed and the smile on his face....

After the season, the team had a party at Rusty's Pizza. Our whole family went and got to play video games and see Ethan get his award.

The whole team praying together for the last time. I always appreciated how the coach started and ended the games and practices with a prayer. It made for great morale among the tam members.

Ethan's coach had really good things to say about him. After Ethan scored a point, he ran down the court and told his coach how much fun basketball was. He coach replied to him that that is what it is all about!

Ethan with the other team members.

Happy about his medal.

Gavin just wanted to play games the whole time.

Cutest baby in the world.

And Daddy's Little Girl.....(imagine that!)

Looking forward to next year. I want to request the same coach for Ethan.

Vietnam Memorial

2010-03-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

At Stramler Park, there was a replica of the Vietnam Memorial. It wasn't full size, but it was such a nice tribute. Since I have seen the actual wall in Washington, and Ethan is obsessed with war and history, we took the opportunity to take the kids to see it Wy didn't quite understand the whole thing and had more fun just running around.

One of the displays there to view

They had over two hundred flag all around. The kids enjoyed counting them.

Love this picture!

And this one too. (it is fun plying with my camera)

Kids enjoying the scenery.....not sure they totally understood the significance of the wall, but it was a great experience for them.

The Wall.

Now Ethan wants to take a trip to Washington D.C. to see the real thing. I told him to petition Pappa and Grandma with that one!

St. Patricks Day 2010

2010-03-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

The kids love any holiday, so I did my best to make St. Patricks day fun for the family. Of course everyone was dressed in green. Wouldn't dare send the boys to school without it on. I made a special dinner. Baked all day long, and came up with corned beef, potatoes and gravy, peas, green jello, and special green punch with green ice cubes. For dessert we had chocolate chip brownies with green frosting on top. The family loved it all. So nice to have dinner without anyone complaining.

Some photos of our evening!

Wyatt sharing his special green juice with Steve.

I can't even come up with a response for this picture!

Wyatt...wearing his green!

Cutest and happiest girl in the world!

The boys keep asking me to make the same dinner again. But, they will have to wait til next year. I think it will become a new tradition!

Steve and My Anniversary Getaway to Kernville!

2010-03-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Pappa and Grandma were brave enough to take on four of their grand kids so that Steve and I could go away for the night up to Kernville and celebrate our anniversary. It has been three years since we have gone away together and we were really looking forward to it!

I booked a room at a bed-and-breakfast, and I was a bit nervous because I hadn't seen any pictures of the room and I really wanted it to be nice and romantic. I was so happy when we got there. The room was wonderful and had a fireplace and really comfortable bed. It was so relaxing, that after we went and toured the small downtown, I layed down and took a nap...something that hasn't happened for along time!

The bed-and-breakfast was right on the Kern River, so went hiked down to take some pictures. With all of the rain we have been getting lately, the river was flowing pretty good.

Of course, I had to take the chance to get a photo opportunity of Reagen!

She was a perfect angel the whole time and melted hearts wherever we took her.

She sure loves her Daddy!

Our room was really cute, and I have to admit it was nice to have a television and catch up on some Datelines that I haven't seen in over two years!

This was the view from the deck off of our room. It was so peaceful just to sit outside and listen to the river and smell the trees!

More photos of the river.....

It was a bit chilly, but I love cold weather!

Steve and I headed out to a B-B-Q joint for dinner. We weren't disappointed, and had the best tri-tip I have ever tasted. Of course there was also peanut butter pie for dessert. I had to take one back to the hotel for my midnight snack!

Such a fun and relaxing day. Looking forward to going back up there again!

Blue and Gold Dinner

2010-03-01T10:36:00.001-08:00

With the help of my new assistant, Marlo, we had our Blue and Gold dinner on February 24th. It was small, since we only have four cub scouts, but successful. Since it was the 100th anniversary of scouting, we threw a birthday party. I let the kids pick the menu, so of course we had pizza! All of the parents chipped in to bring different salads and desserts, and Marlo did a wonderful job with the decorations!

Since Steve is our Cub Master, he handed out the various awards to the boys.

Ethan was very excited to finish his Wolf, and I always love when he gets to pin me.
He also received two beads toward his advancement rank, along with his basketball, physical fitness, gaming, and photography belt loops.

Marlo's wonderful decorations!

Melissa made the cupcakes! Not only were they good, but she came up with this great surprise for the boys when she decorated them. There was one cupcake with each of their names on it.

Now, we are looking forward to the boys favorite part of the year...the PineWood Derby!

Wyatt Turns 2!

2010-02-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

On February our little Wild-Guy turned two. You can only imagine how he got that nickname...but boy do we love our little man!

The many faces of Wyatt!!!

He loves his bottle, especially when there is 'coke' in it!

When I ask him where his mouth is, he opens it nice and wide!

He loves to take a bath, and every time he hears the water turn on, he goes running to the bath tub!

He is always covered in dirt, so I have to pour cups of water over him to get him clean!

We went up to Pappa and Grandma's along with the Hull family to have a bbq for his birthday! He had fun opening his presents, and out of everything he got, his toy car was his favorite. Glad he is easy to please! He is obsessed with anything that has wheels and rolls!

His new car.

We got him this little ride on, so he doesn't have to fight with Averi over the tricycle to ride anymore!

He didn't quite understand blowing out the candles and he proceeded to touch the flame with his fingers...'hot!'...., but he enjoyed the cake!

Such a cute little boy!

In asking the family about our Wild-Guy, here is what they had to say:

Steve: monster

Mom: he keeps me on my toes. I love his kisses and listening to him say new words. Of course my favorite is "love you!" He has the best facial expressions, and I laugh at him all the time cause he makes the same expressions as his dad. He is a little mini-me to Steve!

Gavin: he makes me get up all night to refill his bottle. He always tried to get into bed with me. He loves it when I give him piggyback rides.

Ethan: He likes trucks. He likes to make a mess!

Averi: I like to play with him. He's a stinker!

Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day was Steve and my 12th anniversary. You would think that I would be able to post a picture of us together, but I don't have any recent ones of just us! Go figure.... He did get these amazingly beautiful flowers for me, even though I told him that we weren't getting each other anything this year! We are going away for the night to Kernville this weekend, and we are both really looking forward to it! Almost two weeks later and the flowers still look beautiful! They are the same kind that was in my wedding bouquet at our reception in Utah!
I love Valentines Day and I always get some little gift for the kids!

Wyatt got a toy motorcycle that he carried around all day long!

I tie-dyed a shirt for Averi and Steve got her a heart necklace with matching earrings!

I also tie-dyed a onesie for Reagen and got a new little dress for her!

For the life of me I could not figure out what to get for Ethan and Gavin. However, these last two weeks they have fought (literally physically) over the one body pillow that they have to sleep with. They used to sleep in the same bed so it wasn't a problem, but we have separated them recently, so it is tears every night over this one pillow!....So, I found a really good sale on body pillow, and they were so happy, and me too because now there is no more nightly arguments!

I did get Steve a present even though I said I wasn't going too. I figured after being married to me for the last twelve years....he deserved it:)!

To Clean Or Not To Clean?

2010-02-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

Why is it when mom says she needs help cleaning the house........Everyone runs the opposite way except my two helpers????

And they actually do a pretty good job!

Got Milk?

2010-02-09T14:52:00.001-08:00

Got Milk???

4 Months Old!

2010-01-10T14:04:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe that Reagen is now four months old! What a sweet little girl she is! I had to show off the matching dresses that I made for the girls. It is so much fun having two to sew for!

Wyatt

2010-01-10T13:58:00.001-08:00

Averi goes to preschool on Tues/Thurs mornings, so I am home with just Wy and Reagen. Wyatt has taken an interest in his little sister lately, and he wants to be like his big brothers and hold her all the time. I have to let him do it, or he tries to pick her up all by himself!

Then, after about ten seconds of 'holding' her...he's done and realizes that she just isn't as interesting as his trucks!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T12:09:00.001-08:00

Steve and I always get the kids pajamas that they get to open on Christmas Eve. So after, I wanted to get a picture of all 5 before they headed to bed. (not as easy as I thought it would be!)

Take 1......oops, forgot Reagen!

Take 2....

Take 3......

Take 4.....anyone wondering why we call him "Wild-Guy?"

Take 5.....

Take 6....ok, I give up!

The children we nestled, all snug in Mom's bed........The kids have made it a tradition to sleep with me on Christmas Eve, which is actually kind of fun because we sing carols and then wait to try and hear the reindeer hoofs on the roof! Low and behold, I don't get much rest that night!

Oh the surprise on their faces in the morning when they see that Santa has come!

Wyatt got a new toy garage that goes along perfect with his love of anything that rolls!

There were boardgames......

And watches.....

And luckily there is a Santa to bring the boys their Nintendo DS's that they wanted so badly, cause they know that mom is highly against gaming systems and would never buy them one! (when they wanted a PlayStation, I made them buy it with their own money!)

Averi loved her new ponies and petshops!

And Reagen was just cute and slept through most of the opening of presents!

We played it easy for the day, since it was Steve's first day off in awhile, and enjoyed our Smith Family traditional breakfast that Steve stayed up very late cooking on Christmas Eve after he got home from work. It was a wonderful time, and I found myself disappointed a couple of days later when Steve took down the tree to make space in the living room!

Reagen

2009-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

My little Sweet Pea waiting for Santa!

Ethan's 9th Birthday

2009-12-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

On December 2oth, Ethan turned nine years old! He looked forward all month long to his birthday. Matt, Jo, Ben, and Dylan joined us up at Pappa and Grandma's house for the celebration. Of course, we started by opening up his presents, because I thought Ethan was going to explode if he had to wait any longer!

And yes, this was the year that I gave in and agreed with Steve to buy him a BB gun that he wanted so bad. He was really surprised, because he knew that I would never buy him one! But, I also got him a NRA gun safety video to go along with it.

Birthday cake.....

And then the crew headed out for a wonderful evening at CALM to see the holiday lights....and of course enjoy the traditional apple dumpling!

Averi's First Dance Recital!

2009-12-31T11:15:00.000-08:00

On December 15th we went to Averi's first dance recital at West High School. she has been taking a tap/jazz/ballet class at Dancers Turnout since September. The biggest hurdle was getting her hair up high on her head with a big green bow, which was the requirement to be in the recital. I ended up looking like a fool, having to also put my hair up high on my head with a big green bow, cause that was the only way Averi would wear her hair that way!

She was so cute, and we were so proud that she actually went in front of a lot of people on stage and did her dance!

She told me afterwards that she was a bit scared, but she was so excited that she did it and that we were so proud of her....and of course that she got a candy cane for performing from Santa!

Our Christmas Tree

2009-12-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

The first weekend of December, our family went to get our Christmas tree. I came up with the bright idea that we should go to a farm and cut it down......let's just say that there shouldn't be Christmas tree farms in a place where it gets over 100 degrees for an extended period of time! The kids were having so much fun hauling around the tree cart and trudging through the dead grass that at places was almost as tall as Wyatt. Most of the trees were already yellow, but the kids didn't care, so Steve and I made the best of it, often times chuckling behind out backs at how pathetic the situation was.

I kid you not that we went through the entire farm before we found one that looked descent! But once we got it home, we turned it into a beautiful tree! I just think next year, we will be hitting the local Lowe's instead of driving all the way up to Shafter! In a funny sort of way, the whole situation set a good spirit for the Christmas season!

Trip To The Firehouse!

2009-11-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Averi's preschool class took a field trip to the fire station! I got to come along and bring Wyatt and Reagen too. It was very interesting to learn some of the details on being a firefighter, especially when I was talking to them about how to become one! It is a long and hard process! They showed us their living quarters, and I had to save the remote from Wyatt! He just immediately crawled up in the chair and made himself at home!

Averi was a bit shy and wouldn't stand close to the fireman when he put all of his gear on!

I tried to get a family picture, but once Wy saw the firetruck, he sure didn't want to be held!

Both Averi and Wyatt did like to explore the truck though!

And then Wy learned he could crawl up and play with all the knobs and buttons!

Once both of them got inside it was hard to get them out. They just wanted to sit there all day!

They had the opportunity to squirt the hose!

Once again, when Wy realized it was water, I had to try hard to keep him away from it so the other kids could have a chance!

This was one field trip that I really enjoyed! Thanks to Miss Becca for setting it up!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Pappa and Grandma's house on the Saturday before actual Thanksgiving. This has become the tradition so that the whole family can be there. We ended up with 15 adults, 6 kids, 3 toddlers, and 1 baby! Luckily my parents have a big house to handle the chaos!

Highlights from our day.......!

Wyatt and Cousin Dylan enjoying their sippy cups!
Brady, my cousins husband, hanging out with Wyatt!

Averi and her Cousin Ben hung out all day together!

Gavin playing in the backyard.

My little Sweet Pea, happy as always in Daddy's arms!

The Smith Girls!

Thanks to Wyatt's love of shoes, he was only slowed down when he found Pappa's slippers!

My brother Matt holding Reagen.

My Cousin Brianna.

My Nephew Dylan, who loves Elmo!

My Cousin Cambria and her son Zorin. We were especially happy to find out that they are expecting again!

What would Thanksgiving be without a little bit of football? With the Johnson and Burton family it is a must...and the UCLA game was playing on the television in the background!

Matt, Brett and Brady!

The Johnson, Burton, Facer, and Smith Family!

My Family!

After dinner, we take the traditional walk around the neighborhood. This tradition started when we used to have Thanksgiving at Poppy and Nonny's house and has now continued over to my parents. It is always enjoy when everyone gets together for the holidays!

Reagen's Blessing Day

2009-11-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Steve had the opportunity to bless Reagen on Sunday. Pappa and Grandma came down to church and Pappa was there for her blessing too. It was an emotional experience, not because she is the last, but we were just reminded of how blessed we are to have her in our family and how precious life is!

My little Sweet Pea looked beautiful in her white dress. It was the same one that Averi wore for her blessing.

My eternal family!
The Smith girls!

It was a perfect day for our family!

Wyatt Loves Reagen!

2009-11-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

I put Reagen down on the floor today to get some exercise. Wyatt thought it would be a good idea to join her. He has been very interested in his baby sister lately, and I think he has discovered that she is here to stay!

Wyatt being very soft!

Wyatt trying to cuddle up next to her.
Giving snotty nose kisses!

I love my sweet kids!

Soccer

2009-11-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

Ethan and Gavin just finished up their soccer season. They played in different division because of their age for the YMCA this year.Gavin really enjoys soccer!
He is such a hustler out on the field!

He is pretty talented at soccer and is a good ball handler. He learned a lot from his coach this year especially about playing different positions.

Ethan was on a difficult team because they only had five players. He ended up doing a lot of running throughout the season.

He did end up scoring two goals this year (the team only scored three the entire season). It was wonderful to see the smile and excitement he had when he accomplished this!

His favorite position was when he got to be goalie!

I was proud of his hard work and dedication throughout the season!

I have to say even though it meant no sleeping in on Saturdays, I really enjoyed watching them play this year. I really wish that I could have helped coach, but that was impossible with my c-section! That's ok because I was still the screaming mom on the sidelines...along with Grandma!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

The kids had a very fun filled Halloween Week! On Tuesday we went to our ward trick or trunk. It was a tun of fun and we were so exhausted when we got home that the kids took a ditch day from school on Wednesday! On Friday, we all headed up to Pappa and Grandma's ward trick or trunk! On Saturday, we went back to my parents house, because their neighborhood is much safer. By the time the kids got dressed and ready to go out, they were a bit Halloweened out! But, we went through the neighborhood, and ended up with a lot of chocolate, which I always enjoy!Wyatt was my little Knight in Shining Armor!

Ethan was a British Redcoat Soldier!

Reagen was just cute! We dressed her up in the little witch onesie! (thank you Marlo!)

Gavin was a pirate!

Averi was a ladybug...complete with sparkly shoes!

Student Of The Month!

2009-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Gavin got Student of the Month for his class! I always call this 'mom's payday', but this year, the school didn't send their letter informing me of him getting student of the month until after the ceremony. I was soooooooo...upset. This isn't something that I would ever miss. When I opened the mail and saw that he was getting this award, they had only handed it out about a half hour earlier. Anyways, Gavin is so easy going, and when I apologized to him for not being there, he just said, "It's ok mom." Well, to me is wasn't, and I actually made a stink about it to the Loudon staff. (obviously, I am still not over it!) So, today while Gavin was in school, I decided that we would celebrate with the family. I decorated his room in streamers and put up a posters saying, "Gavin we are so proud of you."
When the kids got home, we blew up balloons and put on music and danced together (one of the kids favorite things to do)!
Gavin is having a wonderful year in school and he is such a good kid! I am so lucky to have him. His quiet nature is so appreciated in the home. He makes being a mom easy!
We love you Gavin and we are so proud of you! And yes......I am one of those moms who cherishes the bumper sticker!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we made our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch! The kids always enjoy this time of year because of the holidays, and even with all the hustle and bustle of Halloween, I still really enjoy it!

Reagen, of course, slept through the whole thing, which made it much easier to keep an eye of Wyatt.

I was so glad that Steve was there to help me.

The kids really liked getting their pictures taken in these cutout faces!

Wyatt was just curious about them!

Wyatt was more interested in running around then in picking out a pumpkin. He thought they were balls, and I ended up picking a bunch up off the ground that he threw!

The kids kept running over the bridge. Averi threw a pumpkin in the water!

Ethan was a big help there! He picked out a huge pumpkin!

He insisted getting one for Reagen!

Averi painted her pumpkin pink this year (big surprise!) and today we get to carve the boys!

Some Day My Prince Will Come!

2009-10-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ever since I took Averi to see Disney Princess On Ice, it seems she has realized that with every princess comes a handsome prince! She was playing with Wyatt in the backyard today, when she came running into the house and changed into her pink dress and her pink sparkly shoes. While running back outside she told me she was going to go and get married. A couple of minutes later she came up to me...with her lantana that she picked from the yard....and told me she needed help with Wyatt. I asked her why? She told me..."Because he is the prince!" It was just too cute to not capture on camera!

Mommy and Daughter Date!

2009-10-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

I splurged last month and bought tickets for a mother/daughter date. Last Saturday, Averi put on her new princess dress, we bundled up Reagen, and headed to the Rabbobank Theater to see Disney Princesses On Ice. We had great seats. Right in the center and three rows up!

I was very impressed with the performance, and the costumes were amazing. Averi had a blast, and is still talking about it. Her favorite part was when Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were skating. I love having daughters!

Pictures Of Reagen

2009-10-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Heidi was nice enough to offer to take pictures of Reagen. I was so impressed when I saw how they turned out, because Reagen was not being very cooperative that day! Heidi is very talented! These are some of my favorites:

These were taken when Reagen was two weeks old! It is hard to believe that me sweet pea is almost a month old!

Who Ever Thought Water Could Be So Much Fun???

2009-10-02T16:50:00.001-07:00

So Wyatt is just a little spitfire lately and I have a hard time keeping up with him! He is just a very active toddler boy. On Friday, the three oldest kids went up to Pappa and Grandma's house so I could get a break. I was waiting for Steve to get home so we could have our Olive Garden date, and of course he was delayed at work! I went into the backyard to water the lawn, but Wyatt had other ideas. He loves water and high jacked the hose from me. There was no getting it back!

So, I did the typical mom thing...and grabbed my camera.

He was having just way too much fun for me to not capture it!

I love some of the facial expressions in these pictures!

He looks so shocked when the water gets him!

But he sure had the time of his life!

The cutest smile!

He learned to get a drink from the hose!

Now the thing is he wants to be outside all the time with the hose on!

Reagen is 2 Weeks old!

2009-09-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here is my little Sweet Pea at two weeks old! Doesn't she look just like Averi?

Pinkalicious!

2009-09-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Pink is Averi's favorite color! She loves everything that is pink. She especially loves the book Pinkalicious. If you haven't read it, it is about a girls who eats too many Pinkalicious cupcakes and then turns pink! Averi has been asking for awhile to make the cupcakes. So, last Friday, she and I made Pinkalicious cupcakes. Strawberry cake mix...pink frosting...and a cherry on top! She was very proud of her creation and we had lots of fun making them together!

Reagen Is Home!

2009-09-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

On Monday, I went to pick up Reagen from the hospital. The boys usually go to bed at 7 p.m. but we let them stay up a bit later until I got home so they could actually hold and touch their sister for the first time. Averi is just overjoyed to have her home. She calls Reagen "my baby' and wants to hold her all the time, even when she is sleeping! I thought there would be a bit of jealousy, but there doesn't seem to be!
Steve is totally in love with her!

Gavin also loves her. When he wakes up in the morning, the first thing he does is go and see her. The boys use to fight over the front seat in the car, but now Gavin wants to sit in the back next to his sister all the time.

Ethan didn't want to hold her when she came home. I think he was a bit scared because she is so little. But he has since there and keeps coming up to me telling me how much he loves Reagen!

Wyatt...well, that is another story. He can't quite figure her out! He tried to grab her like a baby doll at first, and now just likes to pat her head...just a little too hard. I did catch him giving her a kiss while she was in her carrier today.

Mom...well just a bit sleep deprived. I forgot what it is like to have a newborn at home, and I am paranoid every time she falls asleep, and check on her all the time to make sure she is still breathing! She is a sweet baby and so beautiful. I am thankful for her!

Introducing: Mommas Little Vampire!

2009-09-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, I was just not feeling right. I was nautious and had no energy.....I had been contracting for awhile now, and even though I had been dilating, they weren't consistent enough to put me in labor. On Tuesday, I dropped the boys off to school, and Averi off to preschool, and headed to Walmart to buy a diaper bag. While I was there, the contractions started to get a bit more painful and were coming at a faster pace. I called my doctor to see if I could get checked, and he told me to come in at 1:00 in the afternoon. I still thought they would go away, since I was 2 1/2 weeks before my due date, and have never delivered early before! However, while shopping, they just kept getting worse, and I called Steve to came home from work. I called the doctors back and told them that I wasn't going to make it til 1:00. I made plans with my parents to watch the kids, and then I planned the shortest escape route out of Walmart. It is funny how slow the checkers are when you are having contractions!!!! I headed down to get Averi from preschool, and told my parents to meet me in front of the hospital because I would never make it to their house before the hospital.

Then...the fun began!!!!

I was at three centimeters when I first got there, and just kept thinking to myself, wow, the baby is coming today! Steve and my mom were there with me, and all was going well. I got the best epidural of my life. The anesthesiologists was quick and painless, and the epidural actually worked throughout my entire body this time. So, I was thinking that in a few hours I would push this baby out. I happened to be GSB +, so they had already dripped me with one bag of antibiotics. I need to get one more in me before they would break my water in order to be safe for the baby for delivery. However, when I was at about 5 centimeters, my water broke naturally. I sent Steve to go and tell the nurse, and it was lucky I did. When she came in and checked on me, she said, "I don't like what I am seeing!" There was a bunch of blood, and she proceeded to quickly tell me to hold still, she put oxygen on me, and told me to breath deep for the baby. She said she thought my placenta was tearing away from the uterine wall. She immediately called the nurses desk and asked for the charge nurse, my doctor, and the anaesthesiologists....STAT! My doctor arrived very quickly...luckily he had two other women in labor at that time so he was close by. He checked me, and that was when we lost Reagen's heartbeat for a moment. He immediately said, "let's roll!" I was pushed into the O.R. where I haven't seen people move so fast in my life. I was in tears, and very scared and immediately just started praying that all would be well. I kept telling them I wasn't numb enough to get cut into. The anaesthesiologists quickly took care of that. They had me transferred beds and the sheet up ready to go in no time. The nurse told me that Steve wasn't going to be able to get dressed in time to get into the room and be with me. I asked her to just hold my hand, and "GET THE BABY OUT!" It was a total of about ten minutes from the time my water broke to when Reagen was born. I was still in tears, even when she came out screaming, which was music to my ears.

As it turned out, I had a placenta abruption, which is very dangerous. Reagen swallowed a lot of blood, which is why I call her my little vampire! My doctor told me in situations like that there is a 1 in 3 chance of loosing the mother and/or the baby! He said, along with many of the nurses, that I was very luckily that I was in the hospital when it happened. I think it was more divine intervention than luck!!!!

Reagen was in the NICU for six days, and proceeded to get better every day. I couldn't get out of bed for the first 18 hours, and let me just say that C-Sections are highly overrated. I have never been so sore in my life. The NICU kept sending me pictures of her, but I was hysterical that I couldn't see her. I am a mom and need to see my baby! They finally told me that if I could make it down the hallway, I could see her. I told them that I didn't care if I had to crawl, I was going to see my baby. It was hard at first, because she had so many tubes coming out of her everywhere, and oxygen in her nose. But, she was so beautiful and looks just like like Averi when she was born. She had a couple of setbacks, mainly running a fever the second day, and not being able to keep her food down, because she had swallowed a bunch of blood. I had my dad and Steve give her a blessing.

I stayed in the hospital til Friday and then went back and forth a couple of times a day to feed Reagen in the NICU til she came home on Monday. I was so excited when the Dr. said she could finally come home!

Reagen Dorothy Smith was born on 9/8/09 at 2:15 p.m., weighing 7 lbs 4 oz., and measuring 19" long.
My first look at my baby! It was 18 hours later until I could hold her!

This was her first day in the NICU.

All the tubes and Oxygen!

A visit from Averi and Wyatt!

It is so nice to have Reagen home now! She is beautiful and healthy, and I count my blessings every day that we were both watched over and safe through the whole delivery and that she continuously got better every day while in the NICU! How blessed my family is again!

Wyatt Learns The Meaning Of "OUCH!"

2009-09-04T15:49:00.001-07:00

Wyatt is so very active lately, and he thinks it is funny that I can't keep up with him! He loves to climb and 'table dance', crawl to the top of his brothers highboy dresser, open doors and escape to the backyard, empty all the pots and pans from the cupboard.....and take all the canned goods out of the pantry! Well, today, the canned goods got the best of him! He was carrying around a can of soup, and I was getting lunch together for Averi and me. All of the sudden, I hear him scream! He dropped the can right on his big toe. It must have hurt like crazy, because he was inconsolable for twenty minutes! Low and behold, he walks around the house repeating his new favorite word....'ouch!' Looks like he will loose that toenail!

First Day Of School

2009-09-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

August 24th was the boys first day of school for the year. Ethan is in 3rd grade this year and has Mrs. Lackey/Mrs. Payne for teachers (job share). I had heard previously that they are good teachers, very gentle, and no yelling goes on in the classroom! Therefore, I was really happy he got them. Gavin is in 2nd grade, and has Mrs. Brown, who I already know because Ethan had her in first grade.
We always walk to school the on the first day, and this year was no exception. By the time I got home, being 34 weeks pregnant, I cancelled all further walks until the baby is born!
It is nice to get back into a routine of no video games or movies during the week, where life is about homework and going to bed at 7:00 p.m. I have to admit, I miss sleeping in and it has been hard for me to wake up and hit the ground running in the mornings! But, the kids are thriving and love being back at school...where recess is always the best part of their day!

I Am So Proud Of My Husband!!!!

2009-08-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is a political post. Therefore, if you get offended by my politics, do not read this!

Today on Facebook, I took this political quiz! It was full of my questions asking me my opinion on different topics relating to politics. Of course, mine came out on the left side of the graph and a little bit toward Libertarian....big surprise. So when Steve came home from work, I told him that I wanted him to take the quiz. I was very interested in how his results would read. I would have put him on the right hand side of the graph...no questions asked!!!!!
Well...surprise, surprise! He told me not to put this on my blog, but since I am not the 'submissive wife'....here are his results!
I just have to say that I am so proud of him!!!!! Maybe being married to me for 11 years (and living in California for 7 years) has given him some insight to the better side of life! This is just too good to be true and I am going to spend my entire evening teasing him! Lucky he is a good sport!

Steve's Results!

Kern River Rafting

2009-08-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, Steve, Ethan, Gavin, and I had the opportunity to join the Meadows Ward (my parents ward) on their activity to go river rafting down the Kern River. I was a bit hesitant at first, just because I am so pregnant. But, I was told that it was the lower Kern River, and their wasn't any rapids!
It was a hot day, just like they have all been here in Bakersfield, and by the time we left I was ready to get wet! The turnout was great and I think we ended up filling about eight boats up total. We got into big water fights at first with the other boats, which felt sooooo good! The trip was a little over three miles downriver, and the small rapids we hit were really fun.
Gavin had been telling me he was scared all week to go. I tried over and over to explain to him what he would experience, and I even promised him that if he fell out of the boat and into the water, I would go in with him! Once we got on the river, he relaxed and had a great time. Ethan was just excited from the get-go!
On part of the river, we had the chance to get into the water and float a ways. Steve immediately got in and then wanted me to come with him. I wasn't originally planning on doing so...but you know how I am when I am challenged! However, after putting on our life jackets, I made the mistake of loosening mine, because it was a bit uncomfortable with the baby! I forgot to tighten it again before getting into the water. I am a really good swimmer, but partway down the floating area, I hit a rock, and when I went over it, I got sucked under for a second, which wouldn't have happened if my life jacket was on properly. I have to admit this scared me a bit, and all I could think of was, 'I see how people drown on this river!' After a big gulp of the Kern River, I took time to adjust my life jacket and just relax!
I was so proud of Ethan on the trip. Steve kept asking him if he wanted to float part of the way, and he didn't. But, then he said he did, and low and behold he got into the river with Steve and started floating with him. I guess my Ethan is growing up a bit, and it was nice to see him try new experiences!
I wish I would have taken my camera in order to get some pictures, but it would have gotten ruined, since the boat ended up with about a foot of water in it!
I have taken some nice vacations this summer and have had some good experiences, but this trip was definitely the highlight of the summer. It ws the first time in days that I actually cooled down from the heat! I had so much fun, and I was so glad Steve made it home from work to go with us. Thank you Pappa and Grandma for inviting us along!

I Wasn't Kidding!

2009-08-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

In my birthday post about Averi, I said that she can get Wyatt into a huge laughing fit. I wasn't kidding and had to record this. (The video quality is poor, because I was in a dark room). But this is what I found when I was trying to get the kids to bed last night!

Gavin

2009-07-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

On July 25th Gavin turned 7 years old!

I asked the family to describe their brother/son. This is what they had to say about him!

Steve: he's independent.....doesn't ask for much, but when he does it is important...cautiously brave....Gavin is just a good kid!

Ethan: he likes to play with me....he likes to tease me.....we sleep in the same bed and he keeps me awake at night.

Averi: he plays with me....he tickles me and makes me laugh....and I love him!

Wyatt: (if he could talk)...I love to wake up in the morning and see Gavin.....he takes care of me and makes my bottle and always makes sure I have my blanket!

Mom: Gavin is my Buzzy Wee....he is very go-with-the-flow.....he is smart and we often ask Gavin how to fix things or how to run things that Mom/Pappa/Grandma can't figure out, like the DVD player in the van or the PlayStation.....he is still a mamma's boy and loves to cuddle...he is excited about school and friends.....he has the most amazing eyes....he is always willing to help me by playing with his younger siblings....he can eat me out of house and home!

We are lucky and thankful to have Gavin!

Averi

2009-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

On July 15th, Averi turned 4 years old!I asked the family members to describe what their daughter/sister is like, and this is what they had to say!

Ethan: she's a girl....she's really good at teasing....she likes to play with other girls, ponies and dolls!

Gavin: she screams really loud....she likes to play a lot....she likes to boss Wyatt around!

Wyatt: (what he would say if he could talk)....I scream when she takes my toys away from me...she can get me into huge laughing fits!

Mom: She is our Pumpkin Pot Pie...she loves pink...she loves dresses.....she can be as ornery as me, but also very loving....she is great at cuddling...she is always willing to help around the house....never hesitates to say "I'm sorry"......she has Dad wrapped round her finger......I am so thankful to have her as my 'little girl girl.'

Steve: she's affectionate....loves to cuddle....a busy-body....always the center of attention...she plays well.

We are so lucky and thankful to have our Pumpkin Pot Pie!

2009-07-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

We combined Gavin's seventh birthday and Averi's fourth birthday this year, and had their party at Pump It Up! Gavin had been begging me to have his party there, and I finally caved into him. We had a great turnout with lots of family and friends for the kids to enjoy!

The super slide was so much fun that even I had to go down it once. (not the best idea at 30 weeks pregnant!)

The kids had a chance to joust together and also to box with the over sized gloves.

Cousin Ben running around having fun!

Averi just loves spending time with Eliza! Love this picture of them together!

Friends together at the end of the obstacle course. Gavin even challenged Steve to a race, and I laughed when Gavin beat him fair and square!

More friends having fun! This is Jared, the boys friend who lives up in my parents track.

I love this smile on Steve's face. He had so much fun with the kids!

My little Wy-Guy. He had as much fun as the older kids!

Gavin and his cousin Ben!

Ethan loves the play air hockey with Grandma.

Averi having fun on the giant slide!

Gavin also!

Lots of fun presents for the kids to open. Thank you to everyone for all the gifts!

And of course.....birthday cake!

My King and Queen of the day!

It was a successful party and I hope all the adults had as much fun talking as the kids did playing!

Baseball

2009-07-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

This year Ethan and Gavin played baseball for the NOR Parks and Recreation Department. It started in May with practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and when the games started we were up in the Northwest Monday through Thursday. The boys were in different divisions so we ended up having two and a half months full of baseball! I was very impressed with the league and hope they continue to want to play next year. Of course with my love of baseball, they do not have much of an option!!!

Gavin was in t-ball, but they basically ended up turning it into coach pitch!

I really enjoyed watching him play. He possesses some of the competitive nature that I do, and he really put a huge effort into his games. I love this picture with his tongue sticking out in concentration!

He got a chance at many positions, but really enjoyed first base best.

Ethan was in machine pitch this year. I was a bit hesitant about this, because he didn't play last year and therefore missed coach pitch. I went and bought a machine to pitch to him before the season started and quickly realized that he wouldn't have any trouble hitting considering he almost decapitated me with a hit while practicing at home!

It turned out that he went 18 for 21 during the season. I am the proud mother of a child with a 850 batting average! I loved the smile on his face when he hit and made it to base!

Ethan also got to try out different positions. He was usually in the outfield, but also got a chance at third base and pitcher.

Even though it was a very busy season, I was bummed when it was over and I look forward to next year! Averi will be old enough to play then!

Momma's Little Drag Queen!

2009-07-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

More evidence that Averi needs a baby sister to dress up!

Johnson Family Reunion

2009-07-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Pappa, Grandma, the kids, and I recently took a road trip over the Fourth of July up to Idaho for the Johnson family reunion. It took us two days to drive up there, and we ended up at my Uncle Jim and Aunt Jerry's ranch in Parma. It was very good to see all of the Johnson side of the family. I have many cousins on that side, and only see them every couple of years. The last time they did this reunion, I was two weeks from being due with Gavin and therefore I wasn't able to go. I'm glad I had the chance this time, and the ranch was so fun and beautiful that I was ready to move to Idaho! (I have discovered many beautiful places throuout my travels this summer that I wouldn't mind living at.) There was a big grassy area that we all congregated throughout the day to visit.
The kids had so much fun and were able to do things that they don't have a chance to do here at home. They immediately made friends with their seconds cousins, and they stayed busy throughout the entire day enjoying life on 200 acres, where they could just run and play!

There was a Kubota that drove us all over the ranch. The kids immediately fell in love with it, and Ethan and Gavin actually had a chance to drive it around a bit. There were also a bunch of four wheelers for the kids to enjoy. My cousin James immediately asked the kids if they wanted to ride them the second we got there. Ethan replied, "My mom will kill us if we get on one of those!" He ran up to me so excited with the opportunity to be able to ride. I figured since this was the main mode of transportation there and everyone was very experienced, that this would be the safest place to ride the quads. The boys enjoyed them throughout the day, especially Gavin, who always found people to take him on rides!

Wyatt and Averi all decked out in their red, white, and blue!

There was a tree fort on the property that the kids spent a good deal of time playing in with their second cousins.

My cousin James informed us that they were setting up a slip and slide over on the neighbors property. I was thinking one of those ten dollar ones that you buy at Walmart. (Can you tell I am a city girl!) Boy was I wrong!..........................My cousins call this the 'Red Neck Slip-n-Slide!

This slip and slide was the highlight of the day! I was actually jealous of everyone who got to go on it, and was kind of bummed that I couldn't enjoy it being pregnant!

Basically, it was a very long piece of plastic that started at the top of the hill next to the irrigation pipe. My cousins would open the pipe up and instantly made a slip and slide!

The kids went down it for about two hours. They ended up sunburned but were still wanting to go down it even after the water was turned off!

I love the smile on Ethan's face!

The evening ended with a b-b-q and fireworks and sparklers for all to enjoy. It was a great time and worth the four long days of driving on the trip! We didn't get back to the hotel room until around midnight, and I was so tired that I fell asleep without even covering myself up! Steve wasn't able to go with us since he doesn't have any vacation time left at work. He would have really enjoyed it and I hope to be able to take him there sometime in the future!

Vacation

2009-06-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from our vacation to Chicago, Nauvoo, and Saint Louis. Pappa and Grandma took my whole family and also my brother, his wife, and two children. Even though there was a lot to do in a short time, it was still a wonderful vacation.

We started our trip staying the night at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, so we would all be close to the airport in the morning. Very comfortable beds, and I was ready to buy one, til I found out they cost $3000! In the morning on the way to the airport, Ethan woke up sick. Here we are, twelve people trying to get through security at LAX, and Ethan is walking from trash can to trash can just waiting to throw up. We were actually boarding the plane while he was in the bathroom. Luckily everything came out of him before the flight, and he boarded with paper towels and a trash bag in case of emergency! He made it through the whole flight, even though he continued to suffer on and off for the next four days!

We made it to Chicago, and had a chance to go through the Natural History Museum there. We drove along the waterfront so we could view Lake Michigan. I was highly impressed with all of the parks and greenbelts present there. I did get a bit frustrated trying to navigate my way around the city, and Steve and I actually ended up at the airport twice trying to follow the GPS to the museum. I was ready to throw that GPS out the window! View of the lake front from the museum.

The kids enjoyed the T-Rex, but their main focus was on the pirate exhibit at the museum.

The boys have been into pirates lately, so we were luckily to be able to visit while this exhibit is still at the museum!

The hotel we stayed at had a very warm pool and we swam every night. Swimming at the hotels were one of the kids priorities, and I thought to myself, 'isn't it great when life is so simple that the kids just look forward to swimming on vacation?'

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My favorite part of the vacation was our trip to Nauvoo. It took us almost five hours to drive there from Chicago, but was well worth it! I was ready to tell my family to just leave me there, except I think the humidity would get me in the end. Nauvoo is a small town, and I was impressed at how green everything was. The weather was pretty cool while we were there, and we had rain along with thunder and lightening storms at night. I think every Latter-Day Saint should have the experience of visiting there! I have to say that some of what we did there turned into pretty humbling experiences, especially for my family that comes from pioneer heritage that once resided in Nauvoo.

My very favorite part of our time in Nauvoo was the hand cart trek. Ethan wasn't able to go, because he was still sick, which I was pretty bummed about, so my dad stayed with him back at the hotel. My brother wasn't excited about going either, but I am so glad he did, considering we probably wouldn't have made it without his help!

(These pictures are a bit out of order, but I will do my best to explain)

Basically, we started with a one mile trip pulling this handcart. We thought that would be pretty easy until the very beginning when we crossed the first stream and ended up wet to our ankles! My brother was the smart one who walked around the stream on the road in order not to get his shoes wet. However, there was no hope for him or anyone of us of staying dry and not muddy after that point!
Then we hit out first hill. Since it had rained the night before, the mud was very thick and slippery. It was gooey enough to loose your shoes in if you weren't careful. As a matter of fact, Steve ended up throwing his shoes away after this experience, because they were ruined. Steve and Mom pulled the cart up the hill while Matt and I attempted to push it. Being pregnant, I could only do so much! We quickly learned to empty the cart of the kids when we came upon a hill and to just walk them down through the mud! Oh, let me not to forget to mention the bugs! I saw some that I have never seen before and hope to never see again!
The kids weren't very happy at first, as you can see from the expression on Averi's face. She was scared to cross the stream. But they quickly got used to everything, probably knowing that there was no way out of this one!

This was the last hill we had to go down. Luckily the handcart wasn't bogged down with food and clothing! On one hill, after we got everyone safely down, and me slipping in the mud while carrying Averi, Matt and Steve just let the handcart go...and it safely found its way to the bottom.

Crossing the stream for the second time!

This picture was actually taken right at the beginning of the trail. As you can see everyone is happy and basically clean, with only our ankles wet from crossing the stream.

Steve helping Gavin down one of the small hills we encountered. It was actually quite slippery here, and you can see how muddy it was!

One of the beautiful meadows we went through. I love the trail where you can see the tracks of the handcart. It gives you somewhat of an idea of some of the weather conditions the pioneers faced on their journey out west.

We were a bit dirty at this point. I was so impressed with Gavin along the trail. He was such a trooper, and really enjoyed himself. He helped to scout out the way and was ready to help in any way possible. He pulled the handcart for his share of the journey, and he really enjoyed crossing the streams.

The last crossing of the stream. I was pretty much useless at this point! It had rained on us a couple of times throughout the trail, and the weather was getting warm. It actually felt pretty good on the feet to cross the stream again!

Toward the end of the trek, Gavin was walking through the field and fell in this mud hole. I was surprised how quick he was to get out of it, especially without loosing a shoe!

This was the group at the very end of our trip. Tired...dirty...wet! When we got back to the car, we basically had to not only take our shoes and socks off, but the kids took off their pants. Luckily there was a laundromat right by the hotel!

We only went one mile, and at the beginning, the missionary told us that it would take about an hour. Actually, it was more like two! We had a lot of fun and laughs, knowing that we only had to go for a mile. But, I can't imagine adding about a thousand more onto that! We had it easy with an empty cart, knowing we could go back to our cars and hot showers and food. It is hard to imagine pulling the cart weighed down with food and other living items for many, many, many miles. Along with all of the other problems experienced by the pioneers, it made me thankful to live in these modern days!

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Along with our time in Nauvoo, we had the opportunity to drive out to Carthage. I was excited to be able to go inside and visit the jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed. This too was a humbling experience. At the end of the tour, as you had a chance to be in the actual room where the murder took place, they played the song "A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief." Humbling.

The actual window that the Prophet fell out of after being shot and killed by the mob.

The door to the room with the bullet holes still in it. Of course, this was Ethan's favorite part of the tour!

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The Nauvoo temple was beautiful. It sits on top of a hillside overlooking all of Nauvoo and the Mississippi River.

I had the opportunity to go through on Wednesday and do a session with my parents!

There was so much to do in Nauvoo, but one thing that I made sure my family did was to walk down Parley Street and see the "Trail of Hope." Basically this is a monument to all of the Pioneers who were driven out of Nauvoo. They lined their wagons along Parley Street in order to cross the Mississippi on their journey west. As you look back to the town from this point, you can see how beautiful the temple is and all that they were leaving. Along this trail there are various plaques that the church placed there from journal excerpts of different pioneers.

(Of course these pictures are once again out of order).

This is the Homestead, which was the home of Joseph and Emma Smith.

Right next to the Homestead is the the Smith Family Cemetery. It is a beautiful setting and only a stones throw from the Mississippi River.

This is the "Trail of Hope" along Parley Street where all the wagons lined up to leave.

(For obvious reasons)...this was my favorite plaque that I read along the "Trail of Hope."

This is the very end of Parley Street where the wagons and Pioneers actually crossed the river.

One mystery that my family didn't know the ansewer to was why the Angel Moroni faces west on top of the Nauvoo Temple. Does anyone know why?????

This is the field directly across the street from the temple. Steve waited out there with the kids for our session to finish, and they had a lot of fun playing there! See how green everything is! Very beautiful!

In Nauvoo there is so much for families to do. Steve and the boys really enjoyed their visit to the Browning Home (the famous gun maker). There was also a family Living Center where the kids were able to see Pioneer life, and got to bring home the rope that they made there.

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After a stop in Hannibal, Missouri, our vacation ended in Sain Louis. Talk about humidity. It was so hot and humid that it actually took my breath away when I stepped outside of the hotel! My ankles and feet started to swell pretty bad!

We went the the giant arch, and only my Mom, Steve, and I had the guts to go to the top! We took Wyatt with us too and he seemed to really enjoy looking out of the windows at the top. I am scared of heights but once you get up there it really isn't that bad, as long as you don't think about being 630 feet up in the air!

This is at the very top!

This is looking west into Saint Louis from the top of the arch.

It was a wonderful vacation and I am so thankful for the opportunity to go. Thank you Pappa and Grandma!

My Week....So Far....!!!!!

2009-06-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been crazy. I have spent everyday trying to get ready to go on our family vacation. I am attempting to pack everyone into carry-ons, so that I don't have to pay the extra fee to check in baggage....(because we all know how much of a fan I am of that!) So far, I am doing pretty good, as long as Averi doesn't fall over from the weight of her and Wyatt's clothes in her backpack! I have decided that packing for four children isn't that easy, and there is a lot of laundry to do before the process is complete!.....On that note, just a funny story. I was starving the other night, and Steve decided to b-b-q up some of the steaks we bought in bulk. I was doing laundry in the garage, when I heard the kids scream, "Forest Fire!!! Forest Fire!!!" I'm thinking in my head...what the heck???? I go outside to see that the grass in the backyard was splotched with fire, along with the wood bench and Christmas Tree stand (please don't ask why that is still out there!) Steve was running into the house while I was running out to turn on the hose. Luckily, he knew where the fire extinguisher was, and despite all the smoke and confusion we managed to put it out within a couple of minutes. Luckily the neighbors didn't call the fire department. Actually, I am glad I still have a home, despite the chard back lawn!...To make this long story short.....Steve couldn't get the coals lit, so he was going to put some gasoline on them! When he opened the gas can, it sprayed, and caught his whole face and hair on fire. The gas can somehow ended up out on the grass, proceeding to burn parts of it up, along with the wood bench. Averi was in the backyard, with eyes as wide as can be! When Steve finished with the extinguisher, the gas can was still on fire. He tried to get it into the kids pool to put it out, and it proceeded to pop the pool, and ended up in the garden, where Averi began to scream,"My Pumpkin Plants, My Pumpkin Plants!" I think we only lost one of them though. Believe it or not, it was a very funny scene that I laughed at for a good 15 minutes afterwords, until I realized what had happened to Steve. He is burnt pretty bad and is blistering on his hands, nose, and forehead! He is going to kill me for posting this, because of course he doesn't want anyone knowing!
Then, today, Steve got home from work early, and he offered to clean the house while I took Gavin to his baseball game. Sounded great to me. I had some last minute errands to run before we head out tomorrow, so this was the opportunity! I took Averi and Gavin with me, and before his game we ended up at Walmart for various thing for our trip. Averi was complaining that her stomach hurt, which is what she always says when she is hungry. I kept telling her I would get her food before the game. We made it to the checkout, and while I was paying, Averi proceeded to empty what seemed like and entire week of stomach contents all over herself and the floor! I think she just sat there for about two minutes throwing up. Everyone was staring at us, and I lifted up her dress to catch the puke, only to realize she is not waring any underwear! (she is famous for leaving the house without any on!) I thought, "oh well, you'll jut have to puke all over the floor!" I look up at the lady at the checkout and just say, "cleanup at check stand 3!" She continued to throw up until she went to bed tonight, and I am hoping she will be better tomorrow considering we are leaving on vacation!
So far, an interesting week. Hopefully next week, I will have some good pictures of Chicago, Nauvoo, and St. Louis!

Is School Really Over?

2009-05-30T21:32:00.001-07:00

How sweet is this......for the last day of school, the kids wanted to walk there. Since we always walk on the first day, I decided it would be a good idea. I think I kind of forgot that I am pregnant and really slow! Since we were walking, I didn't take my camera, and I really wished I would have. When we got to school, Ethan told me he drew me a picture. He wanted to show it to me, and when I got to his classroom, all the kids had drawn different things with sidewalk chalk all over the ground. It was super neat to see all of their pictures. Ethan took me over to where he had a chance to draw, and instead of a picture, it said, 'I Love Mom So Much, Love, Ethan.' Yes, I was in tears, and I thought, what a sweet boy I have to do something like that.

Test Results

2009-05-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

The last couple of nights have been rough. I have turned into an insomniac, due to anxiety over the test results. Now that I made it through the amino, I need to prepare for what comes next. Today, I had a chance to take a nap, and I actually prayed that I would just be able to get some rest so that I will have all of the energy and strength that I need to deal with the test results. I immediately felt such a sense of comfort and peace, knowing that I will indeed have the strength to deal with this, and I crashed for 1 1/2 hours!
This afternoon, the lab called me. Since I didn't expect the results for another week at the earliest, I was immediately thinking that they didn't collect enough amniotic fluid to do the necessary test, and that I would have to go back for another amino! But, the lady said, "I have some good news for you. Your baby is fine and all of the chromosomes are normal. She doesn't have down syndrome and is in fact very healthy from what we can tell." I immediately lost it! I was in such tears and she asked me if I was OK. I told her, "Yes, it has just been such an emotional roller coaster." She went on to confirm that we are indeed having a little girl.
To be honest, at this point I don't even know what to say. I immediately gave a prayer of gratitude for being blessed with another healthy child.
A couple of days ago we decided on her full name. She will be Reagen Dorothy Smith. Dorothy is my mom's name, as well as her aunt's, and it means 'gift from God.' We knew that whether she had down syndrome or not, we were still blessed to be able to have another daughter, and has always been our 'gift from God' since the day she was conceived. Oh how blessed my family is.

My House Is Too Small!

2009-05-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

I was complaining yesterday about tripping over Gavin's shoes on my way down our very narrow hallway! Then I thought to myself....someday I will have a home with a wide hallway, and someday there won't be any kids shoes to trip over anymore....(looking 20 years into the future)...so I thought to myself...I am so thankful that Gavin left his shoes so that I could trip over them!

Amino

2009-05-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

I was pretty calm all day considering my appointment wasn't until 1:00 p.m. I think I only had about three anxiety attacks before I got there! I started with genetic counseling, which was actually very helpful. They went over the results of my actual AFP test with me, and determined that the odds are 2 in 10 that Reagen has down syndrome. Then, I went through the ultrasound, which showed no markers for down syndrome. Her heart, brain, and kidneys are all fine. I got a bit of relief out of that. It does not mean that she is free of down syndrome, but if she does have it, there are no major defect with her heart, kidney, and no cysts on her brain! Then came the amino....I was so nervous. It actually was not that bad. The initial prick of the needle only hurt like when you blood is being drawn. However, when he went through my uterus, it was a bit of paralyzing pain! I started singing my favorite hymn to myself, and by the time I got through the first verse of "How Firm A Foundation" it was all over with! I was shocked that it went so quickly! Now, we only have to wait two to three weeks for the results! Thank you to all who kept me in their thoughts and prayers. I felt a lot of comfort and strength today!

Needing Prayers

2009-05-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

So many emotions are running through me. Last week, I took the expanded AFP test. I found out yesterday that it came back positive for being high risk for down syndrome. I am calling on all my family and friend to please pray for me and the baby at this time. Next Tuesday, I am going to see a specialists, who will give me genetic counseling, a specialized ultrasound to look for certain traits of down syndrome, and then an amniocentesis. I am more scared about a needle going through my stomach than anything, and just pray for the strength to get through this! It will take two weeks for the results to come in, and I know in the long run I will be able to find the necessary strength to deal with the results.

I Love Mother's Day

2009-05-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

I love Mother's Day, because I love homemade gifts from the kids. I always tell the family not to buy me anything at all, because all I want are the girt that the children make for me! I treasure them more than anything that can be bought in a store!

So, on Friday, when I picked Averi up from preschool, she had a card for me that she glued all these foam sticker on, and a flower made from pipe cleaners. She was so proud of herself! After I opened her gift, when made me wrap it all up again and do it a second time!

I had to pick the boys up early from school, in order to get to my doctor's appointment on time. Gavin had been working hard in class, and gave me this card he made, with a necklace, made of purple string with beads, that had a big plastic sign that said '#1 Mom' on it. He said to be, "I got to color it with permanent markers, and I didn't get any on my skin! Will you wear my necklace mom?" So, of course, I wore it proudly all day, even to my ultrasound appointment!

Ethan made me this sweet card in class and I actually cried when I read it. It came with coupons for chores that he gets to do for me. Then he said something that I will never forget. He was so sincere when he said this that it touched my heart so much. He told me that his teacher said that he need to make me breakfast in the morning and bring it to me while I am still in bed. Then he asked me, "Mom, what it your favorite kind of cereal?"....I laughed, thinking to myself...I am such a lucky mom....does it get any better than this?

Morro Bay

2009-05-07T14:16:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, the family packed a bag and headed out to Morro Bay! It was bit of a spontaneous trip, and we were supposed to go with the Hull Family, but Krystal ended up sick. We decided to head out there anyway, since I have been promising to take the kids to the beach for a while now. They had so much fun, and it was so nice to get away and relax! Once we checked into our hotel room, we immediately headed to the 'big rock' and to play at the beach. The weather predicted rain, but we didn't care...and it ended up being beautiful there. Steve had a heyday with my camera, and here are some of the results! The town of Morro Bay.

Wyatt's first experience with the ocean. The second we put him down, he was off.....

His first taste of sand. He loved digging in it, but didn't think it tasted so good!

As you can see by Averi's expression, she was so excited when we arrived!

She immediately wanted to go to the water, which was cold!!!!!

Ethan and Gavin helping Wyatt get his feet wet! They are such good helpers with him and both say, "I love that little boy!"

I had to help keep Wyatt upright because I was afraid he would try and eat the seaweed.

Cute picture!

I felt like a genius of a mom the day before when I went to WalMart and bought sand toys for the kids. I made sure everyone had a bucket and pail, and it ended up being such a good idea to get them!

Ethan and Gavin also got some squirt guns that they had a blast with.

How sandy can one little boy get? Well, Wyatt ended up with so much on him, that we had to take him over to the showers that the surfers use. He didn't like that experience so much!

Averi spent most of her time digging rather than playing in the water.

Yes, and actual picture of me...relaxing, in my pregnant state of mind!

The kids enjoyed climbing on the rocks there. I tried to get a picture of the big Morro Rock behind them.

We ended up Saturday evening going downtown, where I found a homemade chocolate shop! Need I say anymore!.....

The next day we decided to head down to Montana De Oro, where we camped with the boys years ago. We forgot how long of a hike it is down to the beach, but we wanted to see the tide pools. About a quarter of a mile into the hike with four kids, strollers, and sand toys, we decided it wasn't going to work. The trail was only about a foot wide that we were hiking on, and it was just to difficult to get the stroller through. Also, when I spotted the beach, it was high tide, and we knew we wouldn't get to be able to get to any sand for the kids. We started to head back to the car, and low and behold.....Steve says ,"Averi, hold still." We all froze, and Steve proceeded to pick a tick off of her shirt! (How ironic is it that Averi is the one child the tick finds?) We all double times it back to the car after that where I basically made the kids strip down, so we could do a tick check on their bodies!

We ended up down the coast a couple of miles at Avila Beach. One of my favorite places on the coast! I think it is the best beach to take children too. It turned out to be another sunny and beautiful day, and we stayed there for a couple of hours before we had to head back to reality. It was so nice to get away.

Pinewood Derby!

2009-05-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I should have updated this earlier this week, but I am still getting to know my new computer, and just downloaded all of my camera software today! Last Tuesday, we had the Pinewood Derby. Talk about fun! Steve went over to the church late on Monday night for two hours to set up the track. I was very appreciative of this. We only have three scouts, so I thought the evening would be a bust, even though the boys were really looking forward to it. However, I was wrong. Many family members showed up and we ended up having a great time. I have to say we were packed solid up in the scout room. My first rule was that nobody touches the track. I thought the thing would fall apart because it is so rickety!

The boys and family members worked hard on their cars, and Ethan didn't even care that his lost all of the races! Yes, next year we need more weight on his car.

The scouts showing their pride with their cars, along with me and Sister Rivera!

My crew before the derby!

I went home exhausted and had to take a two hour nap on Wednesday just to recover! I am however, looking forward to next years derby!

Poor Kitty Cat!

2009-04-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that Averi is getting a baby sister. Maybe now she will stop trying to put dresses on the cat!

Baby #5! It's A ???????????

2009-04-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

I figured since this is my fifth baby, I was entitled to a 4d ultrasound. I have been so anxious to find out what I am having, and I didn't want to wait until I was 20 weeks to find out. So, I schueduled the appointment for today, and envited my mom and Steve. Then I found out that Steve had to work and wouldn't be able to make it. He made me promise to call him when I found out the sex. So, my mom and I went to the appointment. She has seen all the gender determing ultasounds for all five of my children!
When I found out I was pregnant, I really really really wanted a girl. But, as time has gone by, and with the result of my Intelligender Test revealing I was having a boy, I started to get used to the idea. A boy would be pretty fun too since Wyatt and the baby will be so close in age. The only problem was that Steve and I were having a hard time coming up with any names for a boy. I figured I will turn it over to my fellow bloggers for some suggestions and help in that department.
Baby Sighting was a really nice place. I actually layed down in a bed for the ultrasound. The technician was having a hard time trying to determine the sex, because the baby wouldn't open its legs! Well, there was finally a good shot of the sex.
After the ultrasound, I immediately called Steve. He really wanted a girl very badly! I said to him, "Will you be alright with another son?" He said, "Sure, why not?" Then I told him, "Well, that's too bad, because you're getting a little girl!"
We are both so excited! I actually cried when the technician wrote 'It's A Girl' on the screen.

Our Trip To Utah

2009-04-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Steve, Wyatt and I went up to Utah for the wedding of Steve's brother Mike. This was a historical event in the Smith family, since we all believed that Mike would forever be a bachelor! (Just had to throw that in!) I have to admit it was a bit weird not having all of the children with us, but they were safe and happy at Pappa and Grandma's for the weekend!

A few things that I learned about traveling......I will never fly Delta again. First of all, Steve and I opted to leave Ethan, Gavin, and Averi in California, because it was going to cot us $1300 just to fly! Call me crazy, but I hesitated to drop that kind of money in this recession. So, as it is, it still cost Steve and me $460 round trip. We go to check in our bags, and Delta charges up $15 per bag to fly. I was appalled and ticked off. Of course this is a policy that I probably been aware of if I had television and watched the news....right???? So, I am making my typical sarcastic comments to the check in man...."You mean, I can fly, but I better plan on wearing the same clothes for four days!" Anyways, it still makes me angry, so enough said about that.

Our time in Utah was great. I got to go and see Lani for a couple of hours. I was so happy for her. Her house is beautiful, and she has so much space! Huge bedrooms and a huge backyard! It was great to see her, and I wised I would have taken my camera (of course for another $15)

Steve got to spend some time with Todd and go to the movies in Provo. He also spent a lot of time playing the XBOX, which of course drove me crazy, but a mans gonna do what a mans gonna do! I tried not to give him too much grief, since this was his vacation, and he had just finishing working over 150 hours in two weeks! I did though have to ask him to turn it off a couple of times and give me attention! (I guess after 11 year of marriage, if my only competition is the XBOX, I should consider myself lucky!!!!)

The wedding was beautiful. Us Smith girls are always excited to get more girls in the family. We are actually almost caught up to the boys now! Mike and Julie were so happy.

The bride and groom!

A four generation picture with Steve's Grandma, Iris, his father, us and Wyatt!

I do wish that I took my camera. As it is I had to get these pictures from family! It was a great time, and I did miss the kid so much. I was excited to come home and give them their gifts that we bought for them!

Mom's Pay Day!

2009-03-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Friday, Gavin got Student of the Month for his class. He wanted it really bad and worked hard all month to get the award. I was so proud of him, and he was so excited!

We make it a huge deal around this house, and I call it my 'pay day' when the kid earn awards and recognition! We told him we would buy him a game for the Wii if he ended up getting student of the month. The second he came home from school on Friday, he asked me if we could go and buy it! So we headed to WalMart and he got Mario Kart. Of course, I know nothing about the Wii, but I have even had fun playing the game this weekend! Gavin, we are so proud of you!

Disneyland!

2009-03-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Pappa and Grandma took Matt, Joanna, Ben, Dylan, Steve, Ethan, Gavin, Averi, Wyatt, and me to Disneyland. This was the trip that we were supposed to do back in December when Averi ended up in the hospital. Then, we rescheduled it for Valentines day, but had to cancel due to rain! So, we actually did make it this time....rain or shine...and we did end up getting a little wet.

Averi in her Sleeping Beauty dress!

This was before we went on Pirates of the Caribbean. It was Ethan and Gavin favorite ride, along with the Star Tours. It was also my favorite ride!

Wyatt was such a good boy all day. He is mellow just like Steve, and very go-with-the-flow.

Grandma, Ben And Averi on Dumbo after it rained on us for a few minutes. That was actually a plus, since there was hardly anyone there in the morning, and we didn't have to wait in line for any rides!

Averi and her new princess dolls. She loves them and we sleep with them every night!

We all went to Goofey's Kitchen for dinner the night before, which was a really fun place. Of course, I forgot my camera. The kids keep asking us when we are going back......maybe when I win the lottery!

3 Strikes And You're Out!!!! (Dedicated to Lani)

2009-03-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

After having Wyatt, Lani brought over this delicious meal for Steve and me. It was chicken with rice. It was so good, that Steve and I argued over the last of it, me only winning when I exclaimed, "I just had a baby, therefore, I get the last of the dinner!"
I have asked Lani for the recipe, and she tells me that I basically cook chicken in a crock pot with Italian dressing all day, and then serve it over rice. How hard could that be????? Well, for me it is impossible! Now, I am no dummy in the kitchen and I can hold my own when it come to cooking. But, I have tried this recipe two times before (a couple of months ago) and it never turns out. How can I possibly mess up a crock pot dinner twice?
So, I decided the third time is a charm. Yesterday, I took the chicken, put in it the crock pot, covered it with zesty Italian dressing, and let it cook. Steve was going to be home late, so I set the table for the kids and me, and served the chicken over rice.
Of course, Ethan would only eat the rice, but Averi was all excited about the chicken. Gavin will basically eat anything put in front of him. I took one bite, and choked it down. I watched Gavin and Averi eat a bite. I took my second bite, and thought I was going to throw up! It was nasty! I looked at Gavin who was very slowly trying to eat, and I said, "this is not good!' He responded, 'no mom, this is disgusting!"
I laughed so hard, because Gavin never complains about dinner. Low and behold, we threw it away and headed to McDonald's!
In my life, I guess it more like three strikes and you're out! Lani, you really need to teach me how to do this dinner before I sign up for 'Cooking With Cora' classes!

Wyatt's First Haircut

2009-03-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last week Steve and I decided it really was time to get Wyatt's hair cut. I was hesitant to cut it, because I was afraid he would turn from my baby into a little boy! I probably should have done it at home, but with Wyatt in his grabbing phase, I just know I would end up cutting his finger instead of his hair! Since I already have enough medical bills, Wyatt got to go to the professionals! (Yes, Torrie, we really need you to come back home!)

He was actually really well behaved and didn't move a muscle during the cut!

Not quite sure why they put him in pink, but it was cute to see both him and Steve that way!

A little curious about the scissors!

The final result. My handsome little WyGuy. The funny thing is, he looks even more like Steve with his hair cut. Don't you think????

Taking Time To Smell The Roses!

2009-03-03T20:08:00.001-08:00

I remember when Ethan was a toddler and we lived in Ojai at the time. He used to love to take walks up and down the street to discover all the things nature had to offer. He used to love to go next door and 'smell the roses.' This was a fun and easy time for me with only one child, and I used to enjoy this daily outing with him.
On Monday, Wyatt had a doctor appointment, and we arrived there early. I needed to get my blood drawn, but quickly realized that the place I needed to go was in fact a ways away from where we parked at the doctors office. But, since I am always early, I decided that I would walk with Averi and Wyatt there. I strapped Wy in his stroller, and set out with Averi on foot downtown Bakerfield. We only had to walk about five blocks to get there, but it was such a wonderful time with Averi. The entire way, she stopped and noticed all of the flower blooming, and had to smell everyone. She noticed all the blossoms falling off the trees, and the rose bushes that haven't started blooming yet. On the way back to the doctors office, she loved all the big houses that are now office buildings, and had to know what each one was. We happened to walk by a rest home, and she looked inside and waved to all the older people eating breakfast. She learned what lantana is, and could even pick it out of the rest of the flowers by the time our adventure ended. I had such a good time doing this simple walk with my kids, taking time to just enjoy the things downtown that I have never noticed before no matter how many times I had driven by, that I even arrived a bit late to Wyatt's appointment. Now, if you know me, that is a huge no-no!
Then, I realized to myself....why has it been so long since I have done this with my children? Life gets so busy that I forget the little but extremely important things like 'stopping to smell the roses!' It was by far the best day of the week that I have had and the most relaxing in a very long time. Therefore, I encourage all busy moms to just stop and smell the roses with their little ones. In the short time it takes, I guarantee that you will learn so much about your small children!

Random Pictures

2009-02-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

I have collected some random pictures that I love. They mostly describe daily life in the Smith home! I love having my camera handy to capture these events.

The blue and gold dinner was an exciting but exhausting event for the family. I think we were all feeling it the next day. Gavin came home from school and proceeded to crash in front of a movie. Too bad I had to wake him up to finish his homework!

Wouldn't it be nice to be this flexible and be able to fall asleep with Tigger!

Steve gave Averi the chore of scrubbing the kitchen table. She got very imaginative when she couldn't reach the middle!

I took the intelligender test to determine the sex of baby #5. Is anyone surprised?????
( It is supposed to turn orange for a girl and green for a boy.) Steve is still in denial and thinks it is a girl. We'll find out for sure soon!

My ultrasound this week! Although you still can't see much but a blob, it was fun to watch the baby already moving around and being active in my stomach!

Blue and Gold dinner

2009-02-25T06:07:00.000-08:00

Last night was our cub scout blue and gold dinner. Luckily Steve had the day off and he was a huge help. The family was at the church starting at about 3:30 p.m. Steve ended up cooking all the food. The cub scouts picked the meal keeping with our theme 'American ABC's.'

My children kept themselves pretty entertained while Steve and I were preparing everything. I think Wyatt was just excited about all of the space to crawl around for hours. The other kids jut had to make sure he didn't swallow everything he could get his hands on! They were having so much fun outside that I had to grab the camera!

I only have three cub scouts, but they worked hard on their projects to display at the dinner, and I was very proud of them for accomplishing everything! They had their first awards ceremony, which I think made up for all the hard work. Steve, being our Cub Master, got the chance to present the awards to the boys! I just got to sit back and enjoy the ceremony!

Ethan earned his Bobcat award and got to pin me. I enjoyed this, and Ethan made me promise to keep my pin in a safe place! He also received his soccer, geography, and heritage belt loops.

HE was so excited. I love this picture of him!

A rare chance for all three of us to get a picture together. (Thank you Melissa for taking over the camera!)

All in all, everything went smoothly, thanks to the help of many! It was a successful dinner, and I came home E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D! But it was well worth it!

Wyatt's Birthday Celebration

2009-02-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Wyatt's birthday today up at Pappa and Grandma's with a Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding dinner. Krystal and Kyra joined us up there, and we had a great time!

Pappa and Grandma got him a talking skill saw and an outfit.

Of course, being 1, he was more interested in the bright red wrapping!

The Smith family got him the Elmo ride on plane, which he thought was great until he took a header off it right onto the tile floor!

We had two cakes. A Sesame Street one for everyone, and a Thomas the Tank Engine just for Wyatt!

Steve helping him with his first bite of cake!

He's got the idea!.....

Now, he really has the idea!

Bath time in the sink after he was covered in frosting!

We love our little Wy Guy!

Wyatt Turns 1!!!!

2009-02-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is one today! This year has gone by way too fast. Wyatt is the sweetest baby in the world. He always has a smile on his face. I love waking him up in the mornings or from a nap, because the first thing he does is flash a huge grin. His favorite word is 'uh oh!' I tried to take some pictures of him today, but he wasn't too cooperative!

His morning started with a bath, since he was puking all over himself and his crib. Probably shouldn't have given him a bottle of milk when he is used to formula!

Here are the pictures I tried to get of him. I don't think I got a single one of him looking at the camera.

I thought this was so funny. I captured his sneeze on camera. He has the Johnson allergies!

Loving the flower!

Trying to eat the flower!

We are going to celebrate the weekend officially and he gets his own cake!

Averi's Funny Sayings

2009-02-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

So, I debated on if I should post this or not, but if you know Averi, you'll understand! She always keeps us on our feet with the funny things she says, and this one just needs to go down in the record books.
On Sunday, I got to teach her sunbeam class, which I really enjoy doing! There were only two kids there, and I taught them all about the Holy Ghost. Then, we put together books that I made and the kids colored all about the Holy Ghost.
When we got home from church, I always ask the children what they learned in their classes that day. They happened to be getting ready to go and spend the night at Pappa and Grandma's house. Averi wanted to take her book she made to show Grandma. So, I asked her, "Averi, do you remember what you learned about today?" She said, "no." So, I was trying to jar her memory, and I said, "The Holy..." and she relpied, "crap!" I laughed so hard, because she was so sincere. (I guess it could have been worse!)

11 Year Anniversary

2009-02-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day was Steve and my 11 year anniversary! He got me these beautiful roses, chocolate, and then proceeded to clean the kitchen while I took a nap! O.k. so not very romantic, but perfect for me!
I was telling Steve that I am sorry that I don't feel like going out and celebrating. I have just had a bad weekend, and I am having a hard time keeping anything down. It has actually been quite horrible, and Steve said I need to pay attention to what I am eating and what I can keep down! (Whatever Steve!) Well, let's see...the only thing in the last two days that I haven't puked up was dinner from the Olive Garden. So, does this give me permission to live off of Olive Garden food for the rest of my pregnancy?
We were also thinking back to our 10 year anniversary last year, and realized that we didn't do anything then either, because I was pregnant! Is there a common pattern here?????

Our Trip To Utah!

2009-02-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, the family headed to St. George for the funeral of Steve's grandpa. It was a long drive getting there, considering we didn't leave Bakersfield until 7 p.m. We rolled into Utah at 2 a.m. Mountain time! We got up on Friday, and headed to the funeral. I told Steve that I really did not want to go to the viewing, (I don't do dead bodies),but once we got there, Steve went in and then came and asked me if I would please join him! So, out of much love for my husband, I did. The viewing mas emotional, because the coffin was draped in an American Flag. Grandpa was a veteran of WWII. During the funeral, they played a recording of a song by Steve's mom, which was also emotional experience, mainly because it is my favorite song that she recorded before her death.

After the funeral, we all drove up to Beaver for the burial. Steve's family helped settle the town way back when....and many of his relatives are buried there. Grandpa had a full military burial with a gun salute and taps. The boys of course just loved that part! Up in Beaver, there was snow on the ground, and leave it to me to not even bring jackets for the kids (stupid Californians!) But all our relatives helped us out by pulling out the extra seventeen that they carry in their cars so we could all be warm!
My kids just loved the snow since it is a novelty to them. I spent a lot of time trying to get them to understand that it is not proper to have a snowball fight at the cemetery!

Steve's mom is also buried there, so we got to visit her grave sight, which was nice for the kids, since they never met their grandma.

After all the ceremonies, the family went to lunch in Beaver. Here are pictures of the family.

Annie, Josh and Debbie.

Melia and Paul.

Steve and his brother Mike, who is getting married in April!

Dad and Steve's brother Todd.

Steve and I got into a really good conversation on the way back to St. George. We were talking about our Grandparents, and how upsetting it is that this "Greatest Generation" is dying. I know this is the history lover in me.....but we talked about some of the things that our grandparents experienced in their life time that our children will never know. Starting with being born into a depression. My grandma had only one dress to wear for the whole week during this time! Can you imagine, even through these hard economic times, your child having only one outfit? Or how during the depression, in my grandpa's family, all the kids went to work, doing such things as paper routes, not to buy cd's or go to the movies, but to help pay rent and feed the family! At the funeral, they talked about Steve's grandpa, and how if he wanted something, like a camper, he made it! It was a generation where things weren't just purchased on credit and payed for monthly! How about WWII? Women sent their husbands off to war for years at a time! Imagine that! If Steve isn't home by six at night, I am on the phone calling him to see where he is! I can't imagine going years without him, knowing he is fighting in a war, or if he is dead or alive! And on the note of WWII, what would it be like for our children to experience a nation all on the same page, that worked together to support and win a war, instead of a nation divided on why we are even there? One of the highlights of this "Greatest Generation' is marriage. Our grandparents got married with the thoughts that divorce wasn't an option. How wonderful is it to see these couples married for 65, 70+ years?

Does this sound like a slam on our generation? I don't mean it to! It is just the difference that 60 or 70 years of life in America is! I just feel as this generation dyes, our young children are missing the opportunity to learn very valuable and important life lessons from this "Greatest Generation!"

On to a more positive note. On Saturday morning, all of the Smith family went to breakfast and then to a park so the cousins could play before we all started home.

Cousin Raeney

Ethan

Gavin

Averi, and her typical ornery look when she is tired! Notice her 'pink gun?' This is a perfect example on how she is such a girl, but such a tomboy!

Notice these two pictures of Cousin Paul and Wyatt. Don't they look alike? No mistaking with those sexy lips that they are "Smith Boys."

We headed home on Saturday afternoon. By this time I was exhausted. It isn't too far of a ride home, but I didn't think I could make it. Steve wanted to drive the whole was through, but at about the state line, i told him to pull over and get a hotel room, or his pregnant wife was going to start puking on him! He got the message! We stayed at Buffalo Bills, and the kids had a blast. I took Averi on the tram over to the outlet malls, and Steve and the boys got to go on the log jammer ride.

It was a quick but fun vacation, and I love being around the Smith Family! I miss them, and can't wait to see them at Mike's wedding in April!

My Cub Scout!

2009-01-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Ethan has been a cub scout since December, but I have failed to get him the uniform! He keeps asking me to do it, and I keep putting it off, because I know it is going to be expensive. So, last Tuesday, after scouts, I promised I would have it before the following week. He was the only one without it there, and kids of upset about that. So, here I am, den mother, and it is my sons that has nothing for scouts! anyways, this morning, I remembered that I promised him I would have it my tonight! So, while the boys were in school, I took Wyatt and Averi to the scout office and picked up all the essentials! $73.07 later, he had everything he needs! I layed it all out on his bed for him, and when he got home from school, I told him, "Ethan, you need to go and make your bed!" He looked at me weird, and went into his room to do it. He came out so excited, and told me I was the best mom in the world! So, we put it on him tonight, and when Steve got home he told Ethan how handsome he looked, and Ethan just beamed with excitement. It is funny to me how little things, such as a scout uniform can make Ethan so happy. He enjoys scouts so much, and I love being his den mother!

It Is Time To Fold The Laundry!

2009-01-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

So, everyone who comes to my home knows that there is a never ending pile of laundry on the couch! I really dislike folding laundry, so if Steve doesn't do it, is basically just sits there. Well, yesterday after getting the kids ready for school in the morning, I went about doing a couple of things before I realized that I hasn't heard Averi in awhile. The boys were busy playing Wii, and I started going through the house looking for Averi. Ethan and Gavin hadn't seen her recently....or they were just to busy playing to know where she was. I looked in my bedroom, her bedroom, the boys bedroom, and the bathroom before I became worried. She was nowhere around! I ran out front thinking maybe she had gone out there, which would actually be impossible since there are three locks on the door. So, I looked out back, thinking maybe she was trying to find the cat. She wasn't there either. By this time, I really began to get scared! She wasn't answering when I called her name, and I had no clue where else to look for her. I started to panic, and then passing through the living room, I looked over on the couch, and there she was. Dead asleep, cuddled up in a pile of laundry! So...guess what Steve's chore is this wekend?????

Steve Joins The Corporate World!!!!!!!

2009-01-10T09:33:00.001-08:00

Steve had the opportunity to interview for a promotion at work. We were a little hesitant at first if he should try for the job, because we weren't sure if it would keep his interest or challenge him enough, but decided that it may be a good thing in the long run. Well, he got it and then we were really excited. Not only is it a corporate position, but it is a salary position, which has proven to be good for us, since the work he usually does for Westower is very slow right now! Today completes his first full week in the corporate world. His new title for Westower Communications is: Quality Assurance Manager for Sun Valley and Phoenix (the western region)!

I am so proud of Steve for getting this position and for all the hard work that he does. He is truly one of the hardest and most dedicated workers that I have ever known, (along with my father!) He works so hard to support this family and I appreciate him so much. This promotion is just one of the many blessings that have been poured upon my family lately!

I went and got Steve some new clothes for his job, and I wanted to get a picture of my new sexy corporate man that I am so proud of, but when Averi saw me grab the camera, she had to get involved! And, being daddy's little girl and all...well, low and behold, the picture turned into corporate Steve and Averi!

Averi Is A Sunbeam!

2009-01-10T09:21:00.001-08:00

Sunday was Averi's first day of being a Sunbeam! I have talked with her about this for a couple of weeks, because I thought she would have a hard time transitioning from nursery, since she just loves to play. When it was time to go to sharing time, of course she threw a huge screaming fit! So, I just sat with her on the couches at church. About halfway through, I tried to get her to go again, and she saw her friends sitting during sharing time. So, she decided she wanted to try. Yea! Sister Christina Garner is her teacher, and I told her beforehand that chocolate is the way to Averi's heart. So, during class, not only did Averi get chocolate, but she also got a CTR ring and they made a crown, which she has worn around the house all week long. She came out of class so happy, and said, "I like my teacher!" Too funny....Averi loves chocolate and jewelry!

Mom is sick this time!

2009-01-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

So, yep...I went to the doctors today, and I have strep throat. I have actually never had this before. I think it is just a delayed reaction. My body is revolting from all of the stress that I felt from Averi being in the hospital and everything. When I feel stress like that I always end up sick. However, I got my antibiotics. I should buy stock in Walgreen's! Now, I am going to bed for the next couple of days!