Smythe Stories

We are in Hawaii!!!

2011-08-26T15:54:00.008-04:00

So finally I am going to post about our trip to Kauai, Hawaii. It was AMAZING!!! One of the very few places and trips I have ever been on that I really did not want to come home. I loved every second of it. And for those of you that know me really well, you know I have traveled quite a bit and have been so lucky to have seen many incredible places. But who doesn't LOVE Hawaii????

Jason, me, Dan, and Janie all flew to Kauai on Easter Sunday last April. We spent a week there on that island and had a blast together. We met Dan and Janie 2 years ago in Ann Arbor, MI when we moved there for Jason's fellowship. Dan was also finishing his fellowship in facial plastics as an E.N.T. doctor. We became great friends right away and will always love the time we get to spend with them!We stayed at the Marriott there in Kauai and it was gorgeous! Our room had balconies with direct views of the ocean. GORGEOUS! We slept each night with the doors open to the outside just to listen to the waves crashing. Loved it. So. Much.

While we were there we did some serious relaxing on the beach. We all read lots of books and sipped on diet coke. Hello, perfect. The beach that was for the hotel was so nice. Very secluded.On our first day there was a pretty big family all there and they had some boogie boards. After they were done with them they told us we could use them. So we decided to do some serious boarding. I FOR REALS almost broke my neck and back. And in the process straddled Dan. The current was freakishly strong and the tip of my board did a nose dive into the sand and I flipped over the top of it. Then the under current went crazy and I was drowning and seizing. (Not really, but I'm sure if anyone saw what was going on they might have thought that was the case). :) So I start trying to crawl back to the shore on my hands and knees, screaming over the waves that I can't move my back and "I can't breathe." Dan comes running to my rescue and the next wave took him down!!!! We both got tangled up in that mess and ending skidding to shore intertwined. Lovely. Sorry Janie. No hard feelings? But I will say, I was catching some pretty big waves. Growing up in San Diego taught me a thing or two. And just so we are clear about the strength of those waves, one day the waves ripped the bottoms of my bathing suit COMPLETELY off of me. Oh yeah, I'm sure I scarred several of the children playing peacefully on the shore. And probably some of the grown men as well. . . Yikes. And Janie's top had some problems staying put as well. Writing about these memories is making me laugh so hard.
We also rented some paddle boards and that was so fun. I was pretty nervous about standing up, but finally did it and loved it. Jason was of course perfect at it. He had a couple of good falls, but he was able to paddle all over and stay up forever. I never fell, but was very cautious. What if there were sharks way out where we were? Actually, I'm sure there were so let's not even talk about it. Freaky. Janie and I had a great time watching our husbands try to get up from the first outing. It's a lot easier than it looks and take some serious balance. Dan? He needs to work on his balance. :) Janie was also a natural.

We drover to the Grand Canyon of Hawaii and it was so beautiful. I couldn't believe that was on the island. There was a man at the top of a lookout while we drove through the Grand Canyon of Hawaii that had a guitar and was serenading people, singing, "This is Hawaii". It was hilarious. :) He was playing his guitar while repeating the same words over and over again. Uh yeah, we know where we are. One day while we were there we woke up at the CRACK of dawn and drove for about 1 hour to the North Shore where we watched the sunrise. It was really one of the most beautiful things I have seen. It happened so fast but really was breathtaking. We had to watch it from the back of the jeep we rented since the boys were in such a hurry to get to the hike. The sunsets were unbelievable too. What the heck with the sun on Hawaii? So, after we saw the sunrise we began our day of MAJOR hiking. I had no idea the hike I was about to participate on. Ummm, try 8 miles. And lots of it was steep and slippery from water falls. And crossing DEADLY rivers with tally marks showing the number of people that have died there from getting stuck in the current. I am a sissy, but Dan kept helping me across the random scary places and we all made it to the water fall. The water there in the mountain was FREEZING so I only put my toes in. Not even my whole foot. Burr. But Dan and Janie got all the way in and swam to where the falls hit the pool. Brave. Jason and I watched and cheered them on. Nice and warm. And then we had to hike back. All any of us wanted was a drink. Like dummies we each brought ONE bottle of water. We had some beef jerky and trail mix. . . and wasabi peas, but that wasn't enough. So out of pure motivation for something refreshing to drink, we did some serious hustling back to the car. It was 4 miles in and 4 miles out. And honestly some of the very prettiest, jaw dropping views I have ever seen. We were on the edge of the cliff, looking directly out to the ocean. We even saw whales right off the shore. I can't even describe how spectacular it was. Totally worth the sweat and pain of the hike. Totally worth it.We ate some delicious food, and not so delicious. One morning we went to a local place for breakfast and I don't actually know how to describe it. But how about this? Barf. Gag.We did get to eat at the Beach House, which is one of the worlds most romantic restaurants. And it was fantastic. We ate right on the water and watched the sunset and people surf. I could seriously get used to this life. Seriously.

One of the excursions we decided to go on was the boating tour. It was on a Navy Seal raft and was so awesome. There were only about 8 of us on the boat and it was all day. There were dolphins literally INCHES from our hands. They were every where. It was so exciting, getting all caught up in the moment. :) We got to snorkel after lunch and Jason and I swam right along side a HUGE turtle. We were both in shock of how huge it was. We saw several sea turtles while we were in the raft, out in the ocean, but swimming next to it was so different. Amazing. While we were out we we so lucky to see the last of the whales before they left for the season. There was a mom, dad and baby. We stayed and watched them for about 30 mins. And the baby was doing every trick it could think of. It was showing off for reals. I couldn't believe how close we got to them. Law says you have to stay at least 30 yards away, unless they approach you. But since we were on this little tiny raft, we didn't let them get any closer. :) It was so fun seeing the whales. The whole experience of the day was fabulous. I love being on the water.
We went to a luau one night and that was so fun. Janie and I just wanted the experience and so the boys of course agreed. TONS of food, and super entertainment. Speaking of, Dan got to go up on stage and do a special hula dance with a few others. I went ahead and volunteered him. I don't think he was thrilled, but did a great job twisting and hulaing. Jason knew better right when the announcer said he was going to get some people from the audience. He got right up and went to get more drinks. Dan didn't know who he was dealing with and sat calmly. So I got him! :) One for my hardest laughs. Dan is such a great sport and can always make everyone laugh. I love that about him.We also did some cliff diving, well almost all of us. Dan wussied out on this. But it was so fun! We all tried so hard to tempt Dan and tell him how much he would regret not jumping and how fun it was and how it was totally NOT scary and he only had to do it once. But he was firm and steadfast. Immovable. That says a lot about that man. :) I jumped within SECONDS of getting there. I had to. Otherwise I think I might have talked myself out of it. Jason was next. He too took a bit of persuasion. Jason made me laugh so hard because he kept getting close to the edge, backing away, and yelling towards me that he "wasn't ready" I stayed over on the other side of the pool of water once I climbed out to take pics of everyone else. He finally jumped and I got the video! Getting out was the hardest part. You had to climb up a mossy, slippery ladder that was attached to the side of a mountain and did not look very secure. I just got the shivers as I wrote about it. It was gross. But the rsuh of jumping was awesome!!! Janie braved up too after SEVERAL minutes and threats of being reay to go. She wanted to jump, but kept getting nervous. Then her honest husband PROMISED he would jump if Janie would. So being the trusting woman Janie is, she took a leap of faith and jump. Dan. . . has no guilt. :)

And that is about it. It proably seems like I was way too extensive in this post, but in truth, there is SO much I didn't put in. Kauai was a trip that I will never forget. Spending a week with Jason, and no kids was heaven sent. And then adding some of our best friends to the mix. . . . bliss!

We can't wait to go back. 2012?????

The Wheels on the Bus!

2011-08-23T15:52:00.009-04:00

More like the tires on mommy's car go round and round! I always said I wouldn't be the mom that is driving all over the place, with my kids involved in so many things. But I take it back. With 5 kids, it's sort of hard not to be driving all over the place.
School started yesterday and it was so much fun getting all the kids ready and off to their first day. Jackson, Noah, and Ellie were all super excited to go and also a little nervous. It is a big change to go to all day school for Noah and Ellie, but they said they loved it and had so much fun. Jackson was hoping that his first day was only going to be 1 hour long like it was when he started 1st grade and they eased the kids into all day. :) Nice try.

Noah and Ellie had to be to school by 8:15am so we got the kids up by 7am, made pancakes for breakfast and got all ready for the big day. Right before we left we took a bunch of pictures and we were on our way. My dad came over to stay with Jackson, Carson and Kate while Jason and I dropped Noah and Ellie off at Challenger. Jackson's school doesn't start until 9am. Public. :) Just kidding.
After dropping Noah and Ellie off I came home and walked Jackson to school. We lined up by the 2nd grade doors and waited for his teacher to come. It was fun for Jackson to see some of the kids he didn't see all summer, and also fun for him to see his little posse. :) Such cute boys! I followed Jackson into the school, took a few pictures and left.
Dropping Noah off was the hardest part for me. I don't know why, but it was sad to see him become such a big boy. It's like it happened overnight for me. And he looked SO handsome in his uniform. All day school is the start of the next MANY years and I guess it was hard to accept that the time has come. But he needs more than I can do for him at home. And I couldn't be happier with Challenger and the way they teach and the outcomes we have experienced so far with just preschool. Next year it will be tough for me to have him go somewhere else. Noah has made a good little group of friends from school, and none of them live in the neighborhood. So it will be another big change for him next year. . . . but I have a long time before I have to worry about that! :) And bonus that he's a boy and the drama is nowhere near the same as it is for my daughter. :)Ellie loved loved loved her preschool. She gets to have the same teacher she had last year and absolutely adores Miss Sasha. So do I.

Jackson had his first soccer tournament last week. Four days full of soccer, and one day of football = one very tired little boy. But he begs for it. And I love watching him play. His soccer team won their first game and got killed their last two. Bummer. This week he has a soccer camp with the REAL team here in Salt Lake for the league he is playing on and he had a lot of fun last night at it. I love that he loves sports. The competitive side in me loves the thrills! :)

Noah had his first soccer game of the season too. He is still playing on a Rec and Ed team and we love it. His team is a bunch of Challenger boys and they are hilarious to watch. I do admit, I get a little out of control from the side lines. Yep, I'm "that mom".

So needless to say, yesterday was a big day here at the Smythe home. And also SO nice to only have 2 kids to take care of during the day. It felt so strange, and so wonderful. :) I took Carson and Kate to Cowabunga Bay with some friends and it was amazing how easy it was. :) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are going to be a whole new world for me!!! And I can't wait. :)

So here's to a new year of wonderful memories and TONS of fun!!!!

So I lied.

2011-08-02T17:10:00.009-04:00

(The top picture is of my kids at church. We had a couple minutes to spare so I thought I would actually get a picture of them looking dressed up.

The next picture is at the beach in San Diego our first night there for a bon fire)

I seriously thought I would get back into blogging. I wanted to. But I have to be realistic. I am too busy for it. So I decided to be practical and just do it little by little.

The last couple of months have been great. But also a little worrisome.

Kate was diagnosed with a blood disorder/disease called ITP. It is when your body thinks that its platelets are foreign and destroys them. We found this out because in the end of June Kate was covered in little tiny red dots. They looked like red freckles. I assumed it was a rash and called my neighbor that is a nurse to ask her what she thought it was. She ended up calling me back and asking me if Leukemia was contagious. I was stunned to say the least.I called my mom and said, "Mom, remember when I had leukemia? Did I have little red dots all over my body?"

She said, "Yes, petechiae. You were covered in them." (Petechiae are the red dots all over. They are little bruises from broken blood vessels).

I then told her Kate was covered in them too and I took her to see the Dr.

At the pediatrician, the Dr sent me straight over to get blood work done, thinking she may have leukemia. I was a wreck. My mom met me at Primary's and we did the necessary blood work. When we came home I began making a salad for a Relief Society function that night still hoping Kate was fine and nothing was wrong.

About 30 minutes later Jason called me and told me that he checked Kate's results and went to talk to the oncologist at the clinic that Jason works at. I knew it was bad that Jason would go and talk to the oncologist before calling me.

I hung up with him and the pediatrician called me and told me to go straight back to the hospital and re run the tests. She also told me that the oncologist would meet me there.

I was in a total state of shock. The Dr thought it was very possible that Kate had Leukemia. I was scared.

Her second blood results were even worse than the first. But luckily, the hematologist/oncologist thought Kate didn't have Leukemia, but did have ITP. So we started her on steroids and treated her aggressively for 3 weeks. Then we tapered them down and continued to draw her blood each week.

Kate relapsed after being off the steroids for 8 days. It was another scary moment for me to hear the Dr tell me the news. We were leaving for a family vacation to San Diego in a couple of hours and I thought I had better start cancelling our plans and making arrangements. Our original plan was to leave Kate at home with a babysitter, and Carson. Then we thought we would all be staying home. Then the hematologist called and told me to go on the trip. That we would do another round of steroids and if she still doesn't improve then we will go to the next option. Which is admitting Kate to the hospital.Today was Kate's first blood draw being off the steroids. Jason already checked her counts and she is great. Her count is 240,000. Perfect. When Kate was diagnosed her counts were at 3000. When she relapsed they were at 5000. Anything below 10,000 is at extremely high risk for spontaneous brain hemorrhaging and internal bleeding. It was a very stressful few weeks for me with having Kate at such a high risk for something so dangerous.

But I feel like my prayers were answered. As they always are. Why is it always so shocking to know my prayers were heard?

So for now, I will keep my fingers crossed and hope she stays right where she is. This is just something we will have to watch and keep our eyes open for. Eighty percent of people go into remission in 6 months, without ever relapsing. I really hope that Kate will follow suit.
Anyway, during these last several weeks I also was able to go to NYC and visit some of my best friends. Gina, an old friend from Pittsburgh was living in New Jersey for the summer so a few of us decided to make a trip out of it and go visit. It was Gina, Brooke, Libby and me. So fun!!!!
We went to eat some seriously yummy food, saw shows an shopped. We ended up seeing "Jersey Boys" and "Billy Elliot". I loved Jersey Boys, but didn't really like Billy Elliot. Probably because our seats were HORRIBLE!!! We got scammed. Live and learn I guess.:) But getting to eat at the Doughnut Plant a few different times made it all better. :) Oh how I miss those doughnuts.Then when I came home we left for San Diego the next week to have a fun family vacation with my entire family. Well, minus Carson and Ellie. And Ben, Jocelyn's husband. We ended up taking Kate because of her relapse. And Ellie decided on the last minute that she didn't want to come. I tried talking her into it and telling her how much we would all miss her, but there wasn't anything happening with that. So, she stayed home with the babysitter and had a wonderful time. She had play dates, went to the mountains to have smores with the babysitters family, and got to have movie night every night. I think she had more fun at home than if she came. :) San Diego was awesome. Kevin had Mitch and Nate for the summer and it was a blast. We went to the San Diego Zoo, the beach, swimming, shopping, out to eat, played catch, went to the beach for bon fires, took a tour of Poway, went to our old ward in Poway, the Mormon Battalion, Old Town Mexican food, La Jolla Shores Cover, and the list goes on. I loved it!!!!! And I especially loved getting to do something with my whole family. It was fabulous.
And now the summer is almost over and I can't believe it. Where did it go?!!!!! I'm sad to see it end, but also a little happy. I'm excited for a normal routine to come back into my life!!! I can't believe Jackson will be in second grade. WHAT?!My little Noah will be in Kindergarten. I still need to get him his uniform and figure all that stuff out for Challenger. I'm going to miss having him home every day. He makes me laugh so hard!

(Noah's last day of preschool at Challenger)

Ellie will be in preschool 3 days a week, all day. I think it will be perfect for her. She needs more to do. She's too smart and gets a little bored with following me around all day. Little Elle!(Ellie's last day of preschool at Challenger)

And now I am going to have some serious time for just Carson and Kate. I can't wait!!!! Talk about 2 of the funniest little kids EVER!Now I'm all caught up. Almost. Did I even attempt to talk about Hawaii? That's lame. It was the BEST vacation I have ever been on. I WILL post pictures. Maybe. :)

Say what?!

2011-05-17T17:06:00.005-04:00

Oh yeah, look who's back!

It's been a good break, and I come back with a little reservation. I know for most everyone, Jana Smythe and her blog are ancient history. Maybe they always were, but for me, this is nothing short of a miracle. So here I am. I'm back!

This last year has been so great. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my neighborhood, my ward, and living in Utah. It's been awesome. I will always miss my life in Pittsburgh and Ann Arbor. I hold those places so dear to my heart. Always will. I really do think that I could move back to either place and be extremely happy there. But I don't think I want Jason to test me. Too risky.

Jackson, Noah and Ellie are all finishing school in 15 days. I can't believe it. I REALLY can't believe that Jackson will be in 2nd grade. No way! He had a great year. He did EXCELLENT, as I knew he would. Jackson has a gift for remembering everything he reads and hears. Sometimes it really gets on my nerves. :) I am so proud of how well he has done. He won an award in the first few months of school for the outstanding first grader and it was such a fun thing for me to be there and see. He has made some great little buddies, that all live so close of course. :) And he is SUPER DUPER addicted to sports. I can't emphasize that enough. I love it. Watching him play has been a blast. Jason has to remind me cool it on the side lines. You all know how competitive I can get. Can't help it. We play to win! :)

I even did tell the boys last Saturday before their soccer games that even though it's not all about winning, it IS more fun to win. . . so play HARD!

And I know you all agree.Anyway, Jackson also did Jr. Jazz and had so much fun. Basketball soon became Jackson's true love. Like father like son. Now Jackson is on a baseball team for the league here. A bunch of the boys in the neighborhood are all on the same team so it's fun on many levels. Social for me! :)Noah and Ellie have both been at Challenger here and I can't say enough great things about it. Love Challenger!!! Love the teachers!! Love the results!! Noah will stay at Challenger for Kindergarten and Ellie will be there next year for preschool too.

Noah is playing soccer right now is a SUPER soccer player. He's fast and aggressive. Just the way I like it! :)

Ellie has been in dance all year. Her big fancy recital is coming up in 2 weeks. I can't wait. She loves it. So do I. Ellie got into a gymnastics place here that is hard to get into and that starts in a couple of weeks too. She is REALLY excited for that. It's called Jolley's and she has some good little friends in there with her. They only take girls and only when they are 4. I'll keep you posted of how she does. :) Since I know how much everyone cares.Carson. Ahhhh, my little love bug. Truly one of the SWEETEST, cutest little boys out there. Everything about Carson makes me happy. He doesn't throw big fits, he eats well, he loves to share, and he's darling! Carson is a happy little guy and so much fun to have around. He is just figuring his words out and that alone makes me laugh all the time. I love his gibberish! Carson turned 2 in March. And is still ALL smiles.And then there's Kate. What can I say. Pure cute!! Pure juice! Little Katie Bug is addicting. This is why I keep having babies. They are too cute for me to handle. No, not making my announcement. Not at all! But I do love babies. Kate turned one on Saturday the 14th. We didn't do much, but have everyone over (family) for a small and SIMPLE BBQ. My family usually does such great entertaining and yummy food, and I LOVE it. I grew up with such delicious food and fun get togethers. But they are big shoes to fill so I decided to not even try. :) We ate hot dogs. :) How's that for delicious? It was fun to be with everyone and just hang out. I did get to go shopping with my mom and sister Jill during the day. We ended the day with a trip to Cummings. Mmmmmm!
Other than my kids getting bigger and so fun, nothing new is really happening. Jason and I got home from the FUNNEST vacation we have taken together!!! We spent a week in Hawaii, the island Kauai and it was AMAZING! We went with some great friends of ours, Dan and Janie Ward,that we met last year in Ann Arbor doing their fellowship too. They live in Utah now as well so it's fun to get to see them often. Seriously, the funnest trip I can think of. For the first time, I really had no desire to come home. It was actually sad getting on the shuttle to go to the airport. Really sad.More to come soon! Just needed to get a few things out there and updated. Kauai deserves its very own post. :)

A MUST HAVE!

2010-11-28T23:14:00.003-05:00

Are you all thinking I am actually going to post something? I know. Shocking.

I wanted to spread the word to as many of you as possible about my sister Jill and her WONDERFUL new cookbook.

To "Stir Things Up" is to arouse or excite feelings and passions. I believe food does just that. We all have strong feelings and memories associated with certain foods. When I am in the kitchen cooking it is important to me to cook with love, passion, and lots of feeling. (I like to cook to music-think Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, 80's Pop Rock and when my husband's helping we sometimes throw in a little Def Leppard!) My husband often says he can "taste the love" in my food. I enjoy feeding my family, trying new recipes, and pleasing them with favorites. I enjoy taking meals and treats to friends and neighbors and hope they can "taste the love" too. With this cookbook I want to inspire others to try new recipes and flavors (yes, even try seafood) and experiment in the kitchen. You will love it more and your family and friends will be able to "taste the love".

I've always love to cook. I grew up helping my mom in the kitchen. (Get your children in the kitchen.) She taught me the correct way to measure flour and I've never forgotten...a great life skill! I remember when I was able to make cookies for the first time myself-then moved on to English muffin pizzas, pancakes, and tacos. By the time I was leaving home to go to college I was very comfortable in the kitchen with the confidence to try anything.

As a caterer I am always on the lookout for delicious, simple, and satisfying recipes that I know my friends and family will love. These recipes are my go-to favorites that have all of those qualities. I have collected them over the years. Some are from my childhood and I will always love them (even if they mights have condensed soup in them). Some of them are recipes I've adapted from others to suit my tastes. Some of them are my originals. Some of them are from friends and family members. All are delicious and well-loved!

So what are you waiting for...

Get in the kitchen & "Stir Thing Up"

Two years ago for Christmas Jill printed a small, but fantastic cookbook of some of my families best and favorite recipes. It was a hit. I use it all the time. Many of her neighbors saw the cookbook and wanted one as well. So now she has really gone and done it.

Jill created a cookbook of some of the BEST recipes out there. The book is hard bound, original art work, well over 250 recipes, indexed by sections, and DELICIOUS!!! This a very mom/family friendly cookbook. The recipes are also really easy to impress and entertain with. And most importantly. . .taste YUMMM-O!!!

She has titled it "Stir Things Up, the go-to cookbook" and I am SURE you will to.

These cookbooks are for sale for $25 each. Plus $5 shipping. If you order more than one, there is a 10% discount and the shipping will be adjusted to fit the need.

The books are ready for Christmas and make the perfect gift. A new cookbook full of easy and wonderful recipes couldn't be better!

Order quick because more than half of what she is printing have sold and they are going fast. If you think you want more than one for gifts, or that your moms and sisters may want one, pass the word to them. Once they are gone. . . .they're gone. Jill is an amazing cook and teaches private cooking lessons. I promise you won't be disappointed!!

You can contact me or Jill directly. Here's her email: jillcluff0807@gmail.com

Just to inform you

2010-08-28T23:24:00.004-04:00

As most of you have noticed. . . I have taken a serious break from the blogging world. With having my 5th baby, moving to a new state, a new jopb for my husband, and now dealing with a first grader, and two in preschool . . . it's safe to say my life is busier than ever.

So, I am taking a break.I love blogging. . . sort of. :) But right now my time has to be spent on my crazy family and new home. . .that needs to be furnished desperately. So, bare with me as I get things in order and eventually find the time to get back into this little blog of mine.

While one of my best friends was visiting Utah, she took pictures of my kids and they all turned out so great. Thanks Melanie!!! What would I do without friends with talent?

You were wrong!

2010-06-06T09:16:00.005-04:00

Noah just came in my bedroom after JUST waking up and says, "Where's mom?!"

I said, "I'm in here." (The bathroom. Doing my make-up. Just to clarify).

He comes in holding a Spider man figurine and says, "See, you were wrong!!!!"

I said, "Oh yep. Good job Noah!"

He was referring to the position of Spider mans fingers when "webbing" someone. Noah always held his fingers in the Sign Language form of "I love you" (thumb out too) and I thought it was wrong. I thought to "web" someone your thumb had to be in. Silly mommy. And I think it was probably close to a year ago that I ever talked about it. Noah was really ready to catch me being wrong. :)

He walked out of my bathroom, turned his head and said, "SEE!! You DON'T know everything!!!!!"

I beg to differ!!!

Introducing. . .

2010-05-16T09:44:00.006-04:00

KATE ELIZABETH

May 14, 2010
8 lbs. 4 oz
20 1/4 inches

Kate was born at 6:27am on Friday. Everything went great. I was admitted to the hospital on Thursday night/Friday morning and she was born a few hours later.

Last Saturday I was sure I was in labor so I called my friend Michelle to come over while Jason and I went to the hospital. One hour later we were back at home. NOT in labor. :) My fifth child and I still don't know???

I had an appointment on Thursday morning. I was dilated to a 4, 50% effaced. She thought I would have that baby any time. I told her I'd see her next week.

That night Jason and I went to dinner and had Farrah come babysit. I was getting some pretty strong contractions at dinner and decided against dessert. That's when I knew I was in labor. :) Dinner was AWESOME by the way. The Prickley Pear on Main Street. I loved it. Mmmmm!! I had fajitas which is funny since that was my last meal I ate before Jackson was born.

We went home, put the kids to bed and I laid down. Jason kept telling me we should go to the hospital, but I didn't want to be sent home again so I kept trying to wait it out. I ended up calling Michelle again because the pain was getting worse, and every 3 minutes. My labors tend to go fast and the fear of missing out on the epidural was too much!!

Michelle came over and we headed out. They checked me in triage and said they wanted to keep monitoring me for another 1-2 hours. Within 45 minutes I insisted they check me and get me some medicine. I was admitted.

We got to my room, around 1:30am, and the IV specialists came in. I was paranoid about getting the IV. I cried. And kept telling the nurses, "I'm not ready." They were really patient with me. But finally just did it. It hurt. Then I had a small fainting episode. But that's nothing new. I have never had a baby without at least one major pass out.

I got my epidural right after the IV. Heaven. They did some sort of sensory test on me with a toothpick and that's when the big pass out happened. Maybe it reminded me of a needle? I don't know. But the next thing I new everyone was yelling my name and an oxygen mask was suctioned to my face. Except it was the smallest mask in the world and was pinching all my cheek fat. Rude. My heart rate dropped to 35 and after several minutes I was able to keep my eyes open. Barely. This was around 3am.

I fell asleep a little later, only to wake up to some MAJOR itching. ALL over my body. It was the meds in the epidural and I wanted to claw my skin off. They gave me some Benadryl in my IV and was OUT. Within seconds. Around 4:30am.

Then the midwife came in to check me. She broke my water and warned me of the pressure I would start to feel. She was right. This was at 5:30am. I called her back in the room at 6:15am DYING to push. She was casually getting some things out and I said, "She's coming!!! Now!!" Anne, the midwife sat on the end of the bed and out came Kate. I pushed for a total of 7 minutes. It was fast. And it hurt. But at least she is here and I am NOT pregnant. That's the best news yet. That and having a healthy, beautiful, perfect, little baby girl.

Kate came out screaming. Literally. Her hand was stuck up by her ear and gave herself a little bruise. Maybe it hurt her. But whatever it was, she was mad. I was still pretty exhausted from the Benadryl so Jason ended up holding her for awhile. She nursed right away. . . and did great. Then she didn't eat again for 13 more hours. Which was fine by me. :)

The pediatricians came in , checked her and she ended up needing some extra tests for turning blue. She is still doing it, but her test were normal so I assume it will pass. The hospital here only lets you stay for 24 hours so it was a fast time in the hospital. But I was glad to leave. They don't take your baby to the nursery so I'd rather be at home anyway. Lame hospital. (I had to get a picture of the 2 pediatricians checking her out. She ended up pooping for them, then peeing all over. And it took both men to get her put back together).

Kate has already made a major impact on my heart. I love everything about her. And I am so happy she is here. Now to get some sleep. I miss that already.

The Pledge of Allegiance

2010-04-22T15:52:00.003-04:00

Thank you Miss Liz for teaching my kids. I actually totally forgot all about the pledge. And then Noah and Ellie were saying it back and forth together, arguing over who got to lead it. And then I remembered!!!

So stupid that they don't teach it in the schools anymore. SO STUPID!

Ellie's Pledge of Allegiance

Easter. . . late

2010-04-20T16:43:00.004-04:00

Our Easter this year was very simple. The kids all got up, got ready and then got to have their egg and basket hunt.

We went to a baby blessing that morning so it was all a bit rushed. And that afternoon we flew out (meaning me and the 4 kids) to Utah in search of a home. That trip is a post in itself. And I doubt I will ever do it. So, I'll let you know if we get a home soon.
The kids loved their baskets. Ellie ate ALL her candy that morning. I used to ration out the sweets. Like Halloween, Christmas, etc. But for me, it is so much easier to let them have what they want. Cuz the sooner it's gone. . . the less I have to fight. So, while Jackson has 90% of his candy left and Noah has 70%, Ellie is empty handed. Jackson still has Halloween candy. Sick.

The Party

2010-04-20T16:22:00.004-04:00

Ellie had her little birthday party with her friends today after preschool.She invited Estee, Ashlyn, and Drew. And we had lots of fun together.

Each girl dressed up any way they wanted. . . princess, tutu's, fancy!!! Ellie got a new tutu for her birthday so she decided to wear that. And of course her cowgirl boots. Obviously.

The girls had a little tea party in Ellie's princess tent. . . heart shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grapes and apples.
Ellie insisted on opening presents first, and I didn't have it in me to wait it out, so we opened them all first.

Then they all decorated, or tried to decorate mini cupcakes. (They managed to mostly eat the frosting. Who can blame them?) And if you are wondering what in the heck color that frosting is. . . well, it was purple. I guess. More grey. But Ellie is in love with purple these days so I tried. Just not hard enough.Then played, then sang Happy Birthday, (Ellie was singing loud) and ate some Barbie cake.
Then it was over.

We had a great time celebrating Ellie's birthday, and having just the girls here. Except Carson. He doesn't count yet. :) Noah and Jackson each had play dates so it was perfect.

Ellie's Third Birthday

2010-04-18T16:57:00.001-04:00

"My dear brothers and sisters, may the laughter of children gladden our hearts. May the faith of children soothe our souls. May the love of children prompt our deeds. 'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Ps. 127:3)."

Yesterday Ellie turned three. I can't believe she is already that old. And that I have another child after her. . . and another one almost here. Maybe that's why I can't believe she is already three. Where did the time go?Ellie is one of my most favorite things in this world. She makes me laugh, sing, dance, and cry. (I have to be honest). She is one of my children that gives me a run for my money, and if truth be told, I wouldn't want her any other way.I love how strong she is. How stubborn she is. How incredibly sweet and thoughtful she is. I love her more than I can express. Even when I am at my limit with her, I know she is a blessing to my life.

Happy Birthday Belle!
Just a few fun facts about my little Belle
1. Favorite color: PINK. . . or purple. Totally depends Right now, PURPLE.
2. Favorite food: Chicken
3. Favorite show: (she has a 5 second attention span so this is very vague) . Infact, she couldn't pick one. She never watches TV. I wish I could change that. :)
4. Favorite song: Follow the Prophet
5. Favorite princess: Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Snow White (she is sitting here answering).
6. Favorite thing to do: run around outside. (But let me assure you that the real answer is disobey me, make messes, and be a bit sassy). Still. . . she's a keeper!!!! :)

Here's the update!

2010-04-02T15:20:00.004-04:00

Carson had his cardiology appointment on Wednesday. It took FOREVER. . . and I was getting super impatient!!! Shocking I'm sure. But sitting there for over 3 hours is so aggravating!!!! Lucky for me, Jason was able to meet us there and help with Carson. He was getting so tired and sick of being held. We all know how light headed I get with hospital stuff. And Jason was there to help out!!!Anyway, things look fine. She heard the murmur, wasn't too concerned, but still wants to get a chest x-ray. And then see him again in 6 months. So in Utah, I will take Carson back for a check. They ran a bunch of tests on him, hooked him up to a few machines and everything looked good.

I was never too concerned to begin with because I really didn't have any reason to be concerned. I knew that murmurs are common, but since the pediatrician referred me, I figured always better safe than sorry.
The cardiologist did ask me if Carson ever has had any episodes where his lips have turned blue. And believe it or not. . . he did.

When he was first born in the hospital I sent him to the nursery. Then in the morning they didn't bring him right in. So I called down to the nursery to find out where he was. They told me he had been taken to the NICU and someone would be down to explain in a minute.

Carson's lips turned blue in the middle of the night and they thought it was safest to send him to the NICU for some tests. He was still in the NICU for the morning, just for some monitoring, but then they brought him back to me and he was fine. Nothing to be worried about. I think it is all just coincidence. But again. . . always better safe than sorry.

Anyway. . . he does need to gain weight. . . not that he is small by any means, but for obvious reasons with his health he should be gaining. And she said to keep a close eye on that. (I took him to McDonald's yesterday and he ate an ENTIRE cheeseburger. . . onions, pickles and all). So hopefully that will help get him fatter. :) It helps me. :)There it is. Carson is wonderful.

Stats

2010-03-30T09:44:00.003-04:00

9 MONTHS: January 7, 2010 was his appointment

Weight: 21 lbs (51%)

Height: 29 inches (80%)

Head: 18 inches (97%)

1 YEAR: March 29, 2010 was his appointment

Weight: 21lbs. (29%)

Height: 31 inches (80%)

Head: 19 inches (94%)Back in January when Carson had his 9 month well child exam, the doctor heard a little heart murmur. She also found a little ear infection and thought the murmur could be something to do with the ear infection. So we took the antibiotics to clear up the ear and I was supposed to go back for a check on the heart in a month. I blew it. Totally forgot to go back.

So yesterday was his 1 year well child exam and she checked his ears again. All clear. But then she said, "He still has the heart murmur. I'd like to send him to a pediatric cardiologist just to be sure."

Sure of what?????

She said he is most likely fine and the murmur will go away in time. But there is a chance that it won't and could be something more. And if anyone noticed, Carson didn't gain weight from January 7th, to March 29th. The heart murmur could have something to do with that. Anyone that has been around little Carson knows the boy can EAT! He's bottomless. So I am concerned that he hasn't gained any weight in almost 2 months.

I called the cardiologist and we got an appointment for tomorrow morning. I'm sure he is fine, but the no weight gain is strange. Although he is a bit more active these days.

I'll let you know how the appointment goes tomorrow.

Playing catch up

2010-03-28T16:33:00.006-04:00

I have a couple things I need to get up here.

Carson's FIRST birthday.

A trip to San Diego WITHOUT kids.

First, Carson turned the big ONE on March 18th. We spent the day going to the Toledo Zoo with some of our friends and had a great time. We had a week of gorgeous weather and took full advantage of it.By the time we all got back home from the zoo, it was getting late. I hurried and made a cake, made dinner and sent kids upstairs for showers and baths. When Carson was all bathed, Jason brought him downstairs, put him on the counter next to his cake, we took some pictures of him. . . DIVING for it, and then I let him touch it. He didn't like the feel of it. And then we sent him off to bed. :) Just remember. . . he has NO CLUE. I am not a big birthday girl for one year olds. I think they are fun, cute and if I had any extra energy, I might actually do one for my kids. But I don't see that happening in the near future, so for now, their first birthdays are pretty lame. But I do let them have cake. At least I meant to let Carson. It was just so late.
So, the rest of the kids came downstairs and we all sang "Happy Birthday Dear Carson" and ate the cake. It was delicious. Happy Birthday buddy!!

Then the trip to San Diego.

AWESOME!!!!!

Jason had a medical conference there so we decided to go. My in-laws flew out to take the kids for the week and judging by the SAD Ellie when her Grandma left for the airport, I think it is safe to say my kids had a seriously fun week. Ellie cried the whole way home from the airport.

Anyway, San Diego was everything I remembered. The weather was GORGEOUS, the food was yummy and the shopping was great.

We mostly did just that. Eat, shop, and walk around the beaches.We got in on Sunday and just went to Poway to check out my old stomping grounds. I loved it. Then we ate at Oscars. Yum. Then we went to the movies. We saw the Blind Side and that is probably one of my all time favorite movies. ALL TIME!

Monday we went to breakfast at Richard Walkers and it was DELICIOUS!!! If you are ever where there is one of those. . . GO. You won't be disappointed. We went shopping for awhile and I found the cutest little clothing store for kids. It's called Peek . . .aren't you curious. We bought a few things for the kids and I had to get out of there.

For lunch we drove to Ocean Beach. And while it's a bit of a ghetto place to go . . creepy people there, a friend recommend this great hamburger, fries and shakes place to eat at. Hodad's. So we thought it was worth the weirdos. And it was. It was so good. Totally sketchy when you look at it, but worth it. I mean. . . check out that shake. The one day Jason actually went to a meeting was on Tuesday morning. I ended up going to the San Diego Temple and it was so nice. I ran into an old friend from the ward I grew up in and it was fun getting all caught up. I actually ended up running into her son who was a good friend of mine growing up. . . in Costco. Yep, you read that right. We went to Costco. And I of course found some things I had to have. :)Later that day Jason and I drove to Lancaster where his sister Megan, husband Robbie and 2 little girls live. And while Lancaster is not a destination that anyone would actually want to travel to. . . we had a GREAT time with them. I loved seeing my nieces and getting the chance to bribe them into loving me with treats and gum. Whatever it takes!!!!! We can't wait to actually live closer to them.

Wednesday was also a super fun day. We went to Coronado Island for breakfast and then to Old Town. I thought Jason needed to see it. (Mostly so we could eat some seriously good Mexican food). Mission accomplished.

The Mormon Battalion Visitors Center is there and was just redone. It was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. I even volunteered Jason to dress up as a Mormon solider. Ahhh, totally out of his comfort zone. :)We met up with some old friends for dinner that night and it was so fun. I grew up with Krissy, we roomed together at college, traveled to Israel and Europe together, and she ended up marrying one of our good friends from RICKS. So, it was a great reunion for me.Thursday we came home. Sad. But I was missing the kids and dying to see them.

Thanks Larry and Judy for taking the time to watch our kids. The kids had a FABULOUS time with their grandparents and Jason and I had the perfect little get away.

Time for bed

2010-03-11T21:07:00.003-05:00

Tonight was enrichment. I am on the committee. Jason had to work. We have 4 kids. What was I going to do?

A good friend here let me drop my kids off at her house for her husband to watch and off we went to Relief Society. Thank you Chris. Both of my boys remembered you in their prayers tonight.

After enrichment, I dropped off my friend and ran inside to pick up my kids. I sent Jackson, Noah, and Ellie to the car and I went upstairs to get Carson out of his portable crib. I was telling the older kids to be quiet so that Carson would go right back to sleep.

And apparently I was saying it in such a firm voice that as I was loading Carson in and said, "Please be quiet!!!". . . .

Jackson said to me, "Well, it sounds like you need to go straight to bed too."

I laughed hard under my breath and got in the car. :)

Then we all hurried in, got our pj's on and Jackson said to me, "Why were you telling me to hurry?"

I said, "Because it is late and I want to go to bed. I'm tired."

And he said, "Well, I can tell you're tired because you're talking so sassy."

He speaks the truth. And he made me laugh! I'm TIRED!!!

Me + tired + 31 weeks pregnant + being alone = SASSY!!

So. . . GOODNIGHT!

For Grandma's, Grandpa's and those that love my Carson

2010-02-12T18:16:00.002-05:00

My apologies

2010-02-12T14:40:00.005-05:00

I remember as a little girl always following my older sister around. She had this friend that lived up the horse trail from us and whenever Jocelyn got to go to her house, I seemed to get to go too. I even remember her name. Kelly O.

I'm sure my mom saw me and Jocelyn as a pair. When you get Jocelyn, you get Jana too.

Score for me. But I know my sister would have had things differently if she was the boss. Lucky for me, she wasn't. I got to do so much with her.

And so it is with Jackson and Noah. I have been thinking about this for awhile now, ever since Jackson started school.

Jackson has made some really good little friends from school and church. He gets invited to so much. And Noah is in a preschool where there is only one other boy his age, and his church class doesn't give him too big of a selection either. So, even though we love his preschool buddy, I wish I could offer Noah more friends.

I haven't made the jump to sending Noah with Jackson wherever he goes, but when Jackson has a friend over to our house. . . well, I see my boys as a pair. If you want Jackson, you get Noah too.

Today, Jackson had a friend over after school. Kian is his name. After playing in the basement for awhile, Noah came upstairs and told me that Kian said he only wanted to play with Jackson. Noah came to tell me the "news" and so I then called for Jackson to come upstairs.

Noah, "Jackson, come upstairs right now. Mom wants to talk to you."

Noah, "Mom, he's not coming."

Noah, "Jackson. RIGHT NOW!"

Jackson, "Noah, I already know what Mom is going to say. She's going to tell me to 'Start playing with Noah right now or I will call Kian's mom to come pick him up!'"

I was sitting in the living room with Carson, listening to my boys and getting a good laugh form the conversation. It brought back so many memories of when I was little and was such a tag along with my sister.

So,
Dear Jocelyn,
I am so sorry for always making you include me. I can see that might have been a little annoying to you. :) (I know it is to Jackson).

But TOO BAD! My boys come as a pair!!! :)

And so did Jocelyn and Jana.

And here's Ellie Belly helping make brownies. She LOVES LOVES LOVES to help in the kitchen. And my major O.C.D. makes it hard for me to let her. But I want her to love cooking and baking as much as I do so I am trying hard to let her do all she can. (To an extent. There are some things I just can't let go of). :)

Weekend of adventure

2010-02-08T13:06:00.003-05:00

My ward here in Ann Arbor has a very neat tradition each year of doing a Relief Society Retreat. It starts Friday night and goes through Saturday afternoon. Some spend the night, some don't. It was one of my best weekends in a very long time.

To put it shortly, it was 2 days of laughing so much it hurt and being extremely spiritually fed.

On Friday night, after a hilarious display if lip syncs and delicious food, we watched an inspiring movie called "Celebrating What's RIGHT With The World" and if you ever get the opportunity to watch this video, I highly recommend it. I loved it for so many different reasons.

Saturday was breakfast and some incredible women sharing life experiences that strengthened all of us. Then a few classes and home I went.

I think if I ever get called to a Relief Society calling, I would seriously like to do something just like this.

Then Saturday night Jason went to work and I was going about with my normal business. I called the kids to the table for dinner and they all came running.

Then I heard Jackson crying his little heart out and I went to see what was wrong. Normally I hear crying and I tell all of the kids to please stop it and get to the table. . . or wherever I am calling them to. But I could tell this time Jackson was hurt.

I was hugging him and telling him to just take a deep breath. He finally did and I asked him to show me where he was hurt. He touched his ear and I took a look.

I called my dear Farrah and she came right over. Jackson and I left to the ER for some stitches. Jackson was scared and worried about it, but he was great. I ended up calling some of our good friends here that is a fellow in facial plastics for ENT. He told me the oral surgery guys were on call and not to let them do the stitches. :)

We left the ER after about an hour and headed to target for a new DS game for being so brave.

Dan (fellow) came over to our house, stitches in hand and did the whole thing on the kitchen counter. He had to give Jackson a shot in his ear for the numbing and Jackson did great.

Three stitches later and my son was whole again.

Thanks Dan. You have no idea how happy I am that we are all moving to Utah. I plan to live very close to you.

Jackson Luke

2010-01-28T13:36:00.005-05:00

I really don't think a mother could ever adequately describe the joy that each child has brought into her life. And so it is with my Jackson. From the day I found out that I was pregnant, to this exact day, my love for him has grown to be something that could never be fully expressed. He means the world to me.

Of all my children, Jackson brings more peace and calmness to the Smythe storm than is to be expected. :) He has always been my one child that is so passive and pleasant in almost every situation. Not that my other kids aren't wonderful in many ways, but they are definitely on the more "normal" side of child development. Is that a good way to put it? :)

Here is a quick example. And NOTHING out of the ordinary for him.

I made cupcakes last night for his class at school. After I made all 24, Jackson came downstairs and told me there were 25 in his class.

WHAT?!

I said, "Well, I hope someone is absent tomorrow."

Jackson said, "No Mom. It's okay. I don't need one."

And that is the real Jackson. Always making life easier for his mommy. Always. And never giving it a second thought.

Jackson helps me all day long with whatever I need. Yes, he gets annoyed with me many times, asking for so much help, but regardless of how annoying I am, he does what is asked. Every time. I could count on one hand the number of times Jackson has really been punished. (Don't ask about Noah and Ellie). Like I said, Jackson isn't a totally normal child. I just don't want anyone thinking I'm oblivious because he is my child. I SPEAK THE TRUTH!

I love you Jack!! You make me happier than I ever thought possible. The last 6 years have been the best 6 years of my life because I have a son like you. I couldn't be more proud and thankful to have you in my life, exactly the way you are.

Nothing but my kids

2010-01-18T19:37:00.003-05:00

Just some pics of the kids and a little video of Carson.

This is a pic of how I found Ellie tonight after dinner. She means business when changing her babies diaper.He was so set on holding that Wii remote and any time I touched it he would cry his heart out. The reason I'm laughing so hard in the video is because Carson is one of the happiest babies around. He really never cries. So seeing him react this way is too funny. Just so not like him.

So, I have tried FIVE THOUSAND times to get this video on my blog and it WILL NOT let me do it. So, no video. But trust me. . . it was hilarious.

Just for laughs

2010-01-14T16:09:00.003-05:00

In our back yard we have a pretty good sized hill. And it is perfect for sledding. Which my boys do every day after school. Jason went out with them a couple of weeks ago and videoed them. I just watched the clips and thought I was going to die laughing at Jackson. He was seriously upset at his outcome! Enjoy!

Panic

2010-01-07T10:56:00.005-05:00

I dropped Jackson off at the bus stop this morning at 8:30am. Then went back home, cleaned up breakfast, packed the car with the other kids and dropped Ellie and Noah off at pre-school at 9am. Then I took Carson to his Dr appointment by 9:30.

My morning was running fine. Totally normal. I turned my phone on vibrate at the Dr's office and of course people called. When the Dr. left, I checked to see who called. It was Lakewood Elementary. Jackson's school. So, I quickly called them back thinking Jackson might be sick.

Then the nurse came in to give Carson his second dose of the H1N1 flu shot.

The lady at the school asked me if Jackson wasn't coming to school today. I said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! He was on the bus this morning."

She said, "Ohhhh, well, he isn't in class. He is marked absent. I will call you right back and check down there."

I said, "No, I'll hold."

TWO MINUTES LATER, she came back. I was having a serious panic attack. Serious. The tears were swelling up and the worst was going through my mind. This is all while poor little Carson is laying there getting a shot and his mother is doing nothing to help console. And the nurse was trying to deal with crazy mom and sad, neglected baby.

When she FINALLY came back, (it felt like much longer) she said, "Oh, I'm so sorry. He's here. How silly."

I said, "NO! How NOT silly!" I mean really. Silly? That's the appropriate word to use? Then I asked her how something like that happens she said, "It's a glitch in the system."

Fix your glitch! Those 3 minutes of me feeling like Jackson was snatched up at the bus stop were 3 of my most fearful minutes.

I'm so mad at Lakewood. Try double checking next time you call a PREGNANT mother about her missing, but not really missing child!!!

The Christmas Post 2009

2010-01-01T19:50:00.005-05:00

Ellie, Noah and Jackson out for the first of many snowy days.

A few years ago Jason and I spent our first Christmas in our own home and decided that for us, Christmas is perfect that way. Yes, I want family around, but having family come to us is so much easier with all our kids! And I think each family gets to a point where Christmas is best with their own traditions and home.Making Santa his cookies

This Christmas was GREAT. My parents, sister, brother-in-law and their twin boys came for the holidays. We were packed, but had a wonderful time together.

My kids had a super fun time playing with their cousins every day, making treats, staying up late, playing the WII with Aunt Jocey, (having some serious competition), and just spending time with everyone. I love the magic of Christmas.

Ellie, Carson, Jackson, Jake, Noah and Zach

The elves came on Christmas Eve and brought everyone pj's. Jason marked my box, "To: Mommy From: Daddy". Jackson read the box and was pretty confused. We're going to have to start being more careful with him around.

Other than a day of the horrid stomach bug, (I will never eat PotBelly's again), I felt great. Poor little Noah caught it and so did my Dad. And it wiped us out. I was so happy Jason had those days that I was sick off of work. He saved me from having to do anything!!!!

My mom and I made the big Christmas Eve dinner and I do have to say. . . it was DELICIOUS!! My mom's orange rolls were everything I was waiting for. Even little Carson thought he had died and gone to heaven. (The food seriously was a highlight of the Christmas holidays). :)

Jackson waiting on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought!

Christmas morning was filled with lots of fun and excitement. Santa pulled through and managed to get everything they asked for. Although Jackson reminded me that he forgot the stencils. Santa's not perfect!!!! My mom got Ellie a cosmetic container full of make-up and I think that was the best part of Christmas for her. It was all she wanted to do. I have since had to bag it up and hide it.Everyone left on Wednesday and things are back to normal around here. My Christmas is down and I am anxious for the start of a new year. There are many things I plan on doing. . . mostly having this new little baby girl and getting my old body back!!! (At least whatever is left of it).

Happy New Year to all!!!

The things they say

2009-12-20T10:47:00.002-05:00

I was just sitting here by the computer with Ellie. We were singing some songs from the Polar Express. . . a favorite in this house.

After singing the same song 45 times, I said, "OK, I have to go fold some clothes. Will you come help me?"

Ellie said, " Oh, I can't fold clothes. I have a baby in my tummy. And I'm sooo sick."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! I was laughing too hard and thought I should write this down for my own memory. :) I love the things my kids say. They are their mother's children for sure.

And as I was typing this, Noah wrapped a string around his wrist several times and said, "Mom, don't you think I look like a Lamanite with this on my wrist?"

I am laughing again at rethinking it. :) I guess he kind of did look the part.

I love my kids. They make me laugh so much.

You be the judge. . .

2009-12-13T13:13:00.011-05:00

Of the UGLIEST SWEATER/VEST/FUR COAT.(Brian and July Savage#1)(Christi and Luke Harmer#2)(Jason and Jana Smythe#3)(Kristen and Abram Ellis#4)(Lisa and Shawn Quinn# 5)

(Dan and Janie Ward#6)
(Elizabeth and Ryan Elder#7)(Anne and Jeff Bednar #8)

Last night we had a party here for Christmas. We decided to have everyone wear their ugly sweaters and a prize was won for the worst of all. So, I want to hear what you think. (If you were at the party and know the winner. . . hush).

It was a great party with lots of delicious food and even better friends. I am really going to miss the friends we have made here in Ann Arbor. I warn people that if they are going to be my friend. . . you are committing to a life with me. And I'm not kidding.

We played some pretty super duper fun games. . . GESTURES and Two Truths and a Lie. That was a new one for me and I loved it. (I learned lots of new things about everyone. Many, many laughs!!!)

Thanks everyone that brought food to share and came to celebrate this season together. We had a great time with you and hope to make this party more of a tradition. . . wherever we are. Utah obviously. :)

I am going to use this as my "Christmas Story" for this week. I really do want to have an "Ugly Sweater" party every year as a tradition. It was so much fun.

As a side note. . . I made my first trip to The Salvation Army. Not as bad as I thought it would be, but rest assured I am taking the sweaters we bought straight back to the donation center. Unless there are any takers for them. Mine and Lisa's are from Sears if you want to go get yourself one. Buttons and bells on both. Who doesn't love a sweater that jingles.

Actually, I have to tell this little story.

Jackson saw Jason in his sweater last night and said, "Oh Dad, I love your new sweater. It looks so snuggly. Can I sleep in it this week?" (All while rubbing his hands all over it).

My boys love to sleep in Jason's t-shirts when we let them (aka no clean laundry), and Jason's sweater was right up Jack's alley. It was that fleecy/chenille fabric.

Okay, that's it.

The first of many!

2009-12-12T16:16:00.010-05:00

Ellie is a girly girl. In every way.Here is her first of many dance recitals. Don't mind that she is a few beats behind on some of the moves. Because at least she eventually does all the moves. :) Two year old girls, trying to stay together takes some divine intervention!!Take a peak. It's quick.

Ellie's recital

It's a GIRL!!!

2009-12-10T09:38:00.002-05:00

For those of you that didn't know I am pregnant, I am. And for those of you that knew, but were wondering if it was a boy or girl . . .

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

I'm thrilled! I wanted another little girl so much and I am so happy that we are getting one. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my boys. In fact, they are much easier than the little girl I already have, but I wanted just one more to even it out a bit. Ellie needs it. :) As Jason said a few nights ago, "It's like she walks around thinking she's entitled just because." So true. That's one of the things I love about my Elle Belle. And who doesn't want a sister!!!?

So, yay!!! We are having another girl and everything looked great on the ultra sound.

When we got there, I was getting a sick feeling that I was going to have a boy. Then the tech told me it may look that way. Then I hated her.

Then, after she had me get up and go to the bathroom so she could get a better shot of the babies spine, the baby finally moved position and the tech had a VERY clear shot of the gender. Then I loved the tech again.

All is good.

Chicago

2009-12-06T19:27:00.005-05:00

Jason had a work conference in Chicago so we decided to make a trip of it and all go for a few days. We went back and forth as to whether or not it would really be worth it with all the kids and cold weather, but I am so glad we went. We had a great time, the Residence Inn was fantastic (they upgraded our room to a 2 bedroom since our real room wasn't ready when we got there and with 4 kids in a 1 room hotel . . .not fun come bed time). The weather was actually not too bad and we had tons to do and see!!The kids were great about walking so much and getting out. The only one that gave us any sort of trouble was the darling little 2 year old that is seriously giving me a run for it! That girl is determined!!

Just some highlights of the trip.

-the American Girl Doll store. Ellie was in HEAVEN!!! Those bitty babies were right up her alley. She couldn't get enough of it. I think Santa was taking notes and possibly will be bringing something special from that store.
-Portillos. Awesome hot dogs, fries and shakes. It was a recommendation, and how wise it was. The dogs had everything on them and they were delicious.
-Giordano's Pizzeria. At least that's the name I remember. I could be way off. Worth the long walk in the freezing cold.-playing in the hotel. Just seeing my kids love being in a hotel makes it so fun. They seriously love going to hotels. I do too.
-Cheesecake each night for dessert in the hotel. Jason made quick runs after the kids were in bed and we stayed up and devoured our goods.
-A carriage ride through the city. The kids wanted to do it so bad, but totally not worth the money. We went on a tour of the same street we had walked 5 times already. But the kids all loved it. And we sang Christmas songs for most of the ride. It made for a great memory.
-Chicago popcorn. Cheese and caramel mixed. We were told that is the most famous, and rightfully so. Yum.
-Winter Wonderland Fest at the Navy Pier. It was totally decked out inside with TONS of rides and activities for the kids. It really was a winder wonderland, snowflakes in the air and all.

The drive home went fast and the kids were all wonderful. I barely ever knew Carson was around. He is one heck of a good baby boy!!!

Christmas Memory #1

2009-12-01T19:21:00.003-05:00

I should for sure stop reading Amberly's blog. She keeps inspiring me to do new things. :)

This month I am going to record a Christmas memory from my past, or tradition, or anything I want that has to do with Christmas. So here it goes.

One of my BEST Christmas memories was the only Christmas I got to spend as a full time missionary in Argentina. I was serving in my second area, Bariloche. And it was gorgeous!! It will always hold a very special place in my heart. The people there, the scenery, and the amazing work I was able to do while there.

That Christmas was the first time I got to talk to my family while on my mission and it was wonderful. And although it was a big highlight of my day, it was by no means the best part of my day. (Maybe at the time I thought it was, but looking back, I learned so much more that day about what Christmas really means.)

My companion and I asked to use the phone of the Troncoso family and we were able to spend some of the day with them, in their tiny home, watching their small children gleam with excitement at the sight of a single toy for all of them to share. Their home was one of the smallest I have ever seen. And all dirt floors. The bathroom was an outhouse and the family all slept in one room, with one bed. There were 5 of them.

But they still gave so much to everyone around them. I can remember MANY days where we would be out tracting and they would see us and spend the few cents they had on a bit of juice for us. Or invite us to eat with them. And it was no different the day of Christmas. They gave us the best food they could and helped make the Christmas of 2 North American girls as memorable and special as possible. Whatever it was, I know it was always a sacrifice for them and I learned that Christmas truly isn't about "getting" but always about "giving".

That day we sang songs, played with the kids, and my companion and I shared a Christmas message with them that touched each of us. And reminded all of us why Christmas is such a special day.

Experiencing Christmas with their 3 small children, as they shared one single present made me so sad at first. But now I see how wonderful that really is. Those kids didn't care. They were just happy to get something. I don't know if I have ever been that selfless. I'm pretty sure I haven't.

Nothing new to any of us, but how easily I forget when someone asks me what I want. I seem to have an endless list going on in my mind. But I am grateful to know in my heart that getting things isn't what will make us happy. It's simple. Living the gospel will. And I'm thankful to have learned that day after day as a missionary, in so many different ways.

Deck the halls!

2009-11-30T11:36:00.005-05:00

Can you take it?! Those cheeks are too much!!!

As you may have noticed, I stopped doing my "grateful" list. There's no reason other than laziness and business. Do those things even go together? But I did want to post a couple of pictures.Apparently I need to take more pictures of the boys. :)

Day 24

2009-11-24T20:44:00.002-05:00

1. Homemade tacos. Like I mentioned before, my mom is a great cook. We never ate anything that wasn't from scratch. At least of the good things. Rolls, pancakes, TACOS!!! And it sounds funny to say they are homemade, but when you make your own seasoning and fry your tortillas, that to me is so much more homemade than using crunchy taco shells. And so much more delicious. Try it.

2. At home hair cuts. I secretly, or actually not so secretly hate doing this. But I am glad that I am able to do it for my boys and they can get the haircut I want them to have. And I can be as picky as I need to be. And it's free.

3. Thanksgiving break. I am happy that we can sleep in tomorrow knowing Jackson doesn't have school.

4. Little Ellie. She was so sick this morning. Not a fever, but something was wrong. She woke up, super sweaty, and went straight to my bed for another 2 hours. And it's not like she woke up early. Try 10am. (We were up later last night decorating the tree). But she was so tired and sick that it made me feel so sad for her. Little Ellie just so helpless. So, I'm grateful for her and that she is fine. :)

5. The way my kids make me laugh. By far, some of my hardest laughs come from things my kids say. Today, Noah was playing the Wii and didn't want to let Jackson play. He did not want to lose. But that's too bad. We share. So then Noah said in the most pathetic little voice, "No mom, the wii isn't always about losing. It's about winning." I was ignoring him because he was not in the mood to share, but Jackson replied with, "No Noah. It's not about winning either. It's about playing together and having fun." So, I laugh at the honesty of my 4 year old and that to him, it is about winning. And that to my 5 year old, who I seriously think is 30, it's about enjoying the game. Although he is quite possibly the BIGGEST trash talked there is. I love my kids.

Because they make me smile!!

2009-11-23T22:04:00.003-05:00

Just some pics of my darling kiddos.

It seems she has started the posing stage of her life.

Day 23

2009-11-23T21:56:00.002-05:00

1. The tree is up. So thankful that is done.

2. The weather was nice enough to take my kids to the park today. It felt nice to go for a walk and get some park time in before it's too late!! I'm grateful for the small things that make my kids so happy.

3. A safe neighborhood. Anyone that knows anything about me knows I am extremely scared of home invasion. It has never happened to me, but it terrifies me. 911 knows me too well. Where we live is so safe and I am so thankful for that when Jason has to work through the night. Most of the time I can fall asleep and stay asleep. (It helps that one of my neighbors NEVER goes to bed. That makes me feel watched over). :)

4. My parents. They bought their plane tickets for Christmas and I am SO excited to have family here. It makes the holidays so fun and special. And getting to do it in my home is even better. I love having our own traditions and memories. Can't wait to have so much family here. . . no matter how cramped and crazy it gets.

5. Ben. My brother in law. He is a great cook and I can't wait for him to come and make me some PIE!!! I actually think pie is sick, but Ben has a gift. :) So glad you're in Louisville so you guys can come to our house for Christmas.

Read This

2009-11-23T09:36:00.002-05:00

I remember when this talk was given. I remember when I wore a second earring on one ear. I remember taking it out. I know now that I do regret having pierced my ears more than once. What he said was true. I remember thinking it was such a powerful and direct talk. It helped me better myself then as a young adult. And now as a mother, it has so much more depth and meaning. This is a talk I want to refer back to for the rest of my life.

Your Greatest Challenge, Mothers

Day 22

2009-11-22T21:04:00.003-05:00

1. A long nap on Jackson's bed. I love taking naps in the boys room. Don't ask me why.

2. Jocelyn. We got to talk for a long time tonight on the phone because we both had our husbands around to take care of kids. And I got to order some yummy new Scentsy stuff. Yummy. Plus, it was just so nice talking with my sister. I wonder if we will ever all get to live by each other???!!!! I hope so. At least we have Christmas!!! :)

3. My visiting teacher. To be honest, I don't love visiting teachers. I'm active and I promise to call when I need something. But mine are genuine and thoughtful. I'm lucky. Elizabeth just showed up with a treat and brightened my day. She is a good person. And example. I need to do my V.T!!!!!

4. Carson. Everything about him makes me feel happy and full. He is the highlight of my life right now. I mean, all my kids are, but Carson has such an innocence and sweetness that only babies have. I can't imagine my life without him!!!!!! Sometimes I forget he is even there because of how simple his needs are. There's something to be said about non-talking children!!! :)

5. I'm grateful Ellie loves to help me in the kitchen. Most of the time it drives me up the wall, but I told myself long ago that I want to teach her how to love the kitchen and learn to cook so she would love it when she is older. I didn't know how to cook much at all when I got married. Just the basics. My mom is such an amazing cook that there was never any need for me in the kitchen . . .and I am pretty sure I never wanted to be helping. But that is not the case with me and my Ellie. I have a limited amount to teach her and she wants to learn. So for now, we are having fun with it. :)

Days 20 & 21

2009-11-22T09:30:00.003-05:00

I am getting seriously lazy as my month progresses. The weekends are hard for me I guess.

1. Date night. Jason and I went to dinner at the Common Grill and it was heavenly. I had to undo the button on my pants in the car, but totally worth it! :)

2. Movies. There isn't much more I love than going to dinner and a movie. We tried to go see The Blind Side. SOLD OUT!!! Two nights in a row. Super annoying. So before Jason could seriously oppose, I quickly bought tickets to New Moon. He thought it was the lamest movie in the world, and I really enjoyed it. Hello Jacob!! He really grew up. :) Mmmmmmm!!!!

3. Farah. Again. Of course.

4. Delysm. I swear that is the best cough medicine. I KNOW it is a suppressant, but I would rather my kids get some sleep. And it has the approval from my husband.

5. A little boy that is growing up. I'm not particularly happy he is growing up, but he lost his first tooth and it was such an exciting event for the Smythe home yesterday morning. Jackson was brushing his teeth in the morning and he came running into me where I was changing Carson, GLEAMING that his tooth fell out. All he could talk about was going to bed so the Tooth Fairy would come. And she did. (Jason asked me if I had 2 quarters. LOL!!! Luckily for Jackson the Tooth Fairy had something better in mind. Two quarters?????)

Day 19

2009-11-20T08:49:00.002-05:00

1. Baskin Robbins.

2. Laundry folded AND put away

3. Presidente y Hermana George. Got an email from my mission president and it was just like listening to him in a conference on my mission. He is a powerful, imspiring man. And I love him.

4. Crisp, cool mornings. Even though I usually hate the hour of wake up, (diapers to change, hair to comb, breakfast to make, children to dress), I love mornings. Something about the start of fresh, new day.

5. For what we have. I know we don't have everything, but we sure have more than many and I am thankful for a husband that has provided for his family. There really isn't much to complain about. We have been blessed greatly.

Day 18

2009-11-19T10:41:00.002-05:00

Late again.

1. Fran Coy Spa. I had a wonderful massage last night that took me to a different place.

2. Girls Night!!! A few hours of all girl talk. Which means stories of birth, pregnancy and our decrepit bodies thanks to those first two things.

3. Crock pot dinners. I love them.

4. Nap time for me.

5. Glee. I love the music and the show!!!!!

Mad, but laughing

2009-11-18T12:26:00.006-05:00

Boys and girls really are naturally different. And I am so glad. But help me. Is having a daughter pay back for my mom?

Like, when did Jackson ever learn about Thomas? He was a little over one when he figured out that Thomas the Train was his first true obsession. He has since out grown that love, but for a few years, it was all I lived and breathed. I used to say that his college tuition was wrapped up in Thomas trains.

And Noah loves anything boy. Dirt, sports, bugs, burps. You name it. Noah can't get enough of it. And those are things I couldn't care less about. Or if I'm being truthful, HATE. Dirt? No thanks. Sports? Pass. Bugs? Jason really thinks I need to see someone professional about that. Burps? Nasty. I'm a lady. :) Not Noah. He was born for those things.

And then there's Ellie. She LOVES LOVES LOVES my make up. It makes me crazy. When we moved here, Jason put some drawer locks on the drawers. Not all of them. (But that's a story for a different day and title). Needless to say, we still have plenty that need to be installed.

So, Ellie has a strong will. Or actually, she's strong. She busted through the drawer locks and has had free range on my make up. I HATE it! I can't leave her alone for 5 seconds. Don't doubt me. When will I learn to stop buying expensive make up??????

This morning, I was taking care of Carson (or surfing the Internet) and she came down stairs like this. I wish I knew how to take pictures so that it would all show up on the computer. Her face was covered in all sorts of shades and shimmer.

(She is actually posing for the camera. I do not do that. And please note the mascara in her eyebrows. I scrubbed, but my make up means business.)

Her hair only gets done when we are leaving the house. Clearly, today is a stay at home day.

Day 17

2009-11-18T08:43:00.002-05:00

1. new jeans.

2. grilled chicken with Yoshida's Sauce. I love that stuff!!

3. new king size down pillows.

4. the scriptures. No matter how many times I have read the Book of Mormon, new things come to life for me each time. I know that is Heavenly Father's way of teaching us so many important things. And I'm thankful to keep learning.

5. amazing, faithful children. Not a night goes by that they don't remind me to pray and read. Even when I try and tell them that we are just doing an article of faith, that isn't enough for them. I hope they stay this way forever. Out of the mouths of babes!

Day 16

2009-11-16T18:38:00.002-05:00

1. I am thankful that I can play Duck Duck Goose with my kids. Even though I told them they couldn't pick me. :) I threw up this morning due to some very unpleasant orange juice and it took my energy for the day. But we still had a fun and silly time playing together this afternoon.

2. Ellie and Noah were outside together this afternoon. I happened to be opening the blinds that let me see what they were doing and I caught them playing baseball. But Ellie was having some difficulty holding the bat so Noah came over and showed her how to hold it right. I loved it. I am grateful they are such good buddies.

3. I'm thankful Jackson is getting a little better. He has had a fever since Saturday and even though he still has one, he is acting more energetic. Which is good.

4. Jill. It had been a few weeks since we last talked and it was so nice to catch up. I can't wait until we live closer and I can talk to her face to face. . . shopping, going out to lunch, and just hanging out while Maddie babysits all my kids!!! :)

5. Shabby Chic duvet cover from Target. Thank you for having something I can afford. My heart was set on a much pricier one, but as Jason always reminds me, "In these hard economic times?" Which by the way I hate when he says it!!! But the duvet cover is darling. And perfect for the little while I will need it.

Day 15

2009-11-15T17:19:00.002-05:00

I skipped a day on accident so thanks to Melanie for pointing that out to me. Having the same title every day is getting hard for me I guess. :) Do here's to the real Day 15.

1. Homemade pretzels. Thanks Angela for the recipe. Delicious!

2. A day of nothing. Jackson was sick so I planned on staying home with him during church. And Carson. Jason had to go to work this morning and thought he would be home in time to go, (HAHA. As if that ever really happens). But still, I got Ellie and Noah ready to go, only to have Jason call and say he wouldn't be home to go. So, they changed and we have had a day of peace! And I loved it.

I really and truly can't think of anything else I did today that helped me feel thankful. Not that I'm not. . . but it really was a day of nothingness. So, I don't want to have to stretch for lame things to say. I already did that. :)

Day 14

2009-11-14T20:16:00.003-05:00

1. Nordstrom. For so many reason. Great lunch. White Chocolate Bread Pudding. . . melting in my mouth!!! Friends to shop with. . . the list is endless. And a few new things for yours truly. :)

2. Ellie's dance class. I realize she is young and probably not so coordinated, but she LOVES it and that makes me love it. It's so fun dressing her up for it and watching her get so excited to show me her moves. And she get a thrill out of telling the boys it's not for them and they can't come in. :) Her recital is on December 12 so get set for pictures!!!

3. Libby. A friend that was instantly like a sister to me. It was like we knew each other in another life and she has taught me so much. Today I received a special gift and card from her. The card made me cry and the gift was so thoughtful. The card had music, a rap, just my style. Loved it! And I love her.

4. A scorching hot shower. I was so cold tonight and went to escape a little of our family chaos in a steamy hot shower. It took all my strength to turn the water off. It was just what I needed. Escape and warmth. :)

5. New tires. We went to Costco tonight (little shout out to my second love) and finally got new tires for my van. It needed them last year, but we waited. . . and waited. . . and waited. And finally the time came. I'm sure the tire guys were thinking I was an unfit mother to be driving kids around in that car with those seriously worn down tires. But what they don't know is that I am a seriously awesome driver! :)

Day 13

2009-11-13T20:23:00.002-05:00

1. Sugar cookies. Whatever. Judge me. :) And yes, in the shapes of Christmas trees and gingerbread men. That's right! Fa la la la la!!!!!

2. Kids that love to help. Even though there are times when two of my three capable children tell me "no" to my face, there are those days when they are willing to do anything I ask. Today happened to be one of them. I had them going up and down the stairs so many times. It was great. I really loved having their help.

3. Farah. Love her. She is always there for me.

4. A new book to read. I finished Catching Fire a few days ago and it was great. Now I am starting Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. Anyone read that yet?

5.The prayers of my children. There is something so real and valid about a 2 year old when she prays for her daddy to drive safe to work. Or a four year old asking to have good dreams so he can sleep well. Or a 5 year old, only telling Heavenly Father how grateful he is for his bed, clothes, the scriptures, the Prophet, and always his family, that we are together. Hearing their prayers seems like the perfect way to end my days. Especially when my days have made me tired and impatient. Kids have a way of reminding us how important they are.

Day 12

2009-11-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

I know it is a day late, but I was just not up to it last night. :)

1. Garbage day. I love getting rid of things and garbage is no exception.

2. Grilled burgers. Onions, tomato's, lettuce, fry sauce. . . yum

3. David Archuleta's Christmas CD. Lovin' it!!

4. Parks and Recreation. Seriously, it is funny.

5. Jason. He is possibly the most hand's on dad ever. And I am thankful for that. I don't know how some moms do it practically by themselves!!! I watch him come home from work, just to keep going!!! We are lucky to have him.

Day 11

2009-11-11T21:23:00.002-05:00

1. Bed time. I am tired. :)

2. The return of Glee!!!! I am so thankful the world series is over!!!!! Bed time is going to be even better watching Glee.

3. DVR. Yes, to watch Glee. :)

4. Cooking Gals Ann Arbor. It was a delicious night of yummy soups and treats. And a couple that I will be making as family favorites.

5. My kids. There really isn't anything more in this world that makes me happier. All 4 of them are so different and unique and they each have a special way of making me proud and grateful. I used to say to Jackson,when he was the only one, "You are my life." And it couldn't be more true for all of them. I live for my kids.

Day 10

2009-11-10T18:18:00.002-05:00

Is everyone getting so sick of seeing my blog on google reader and knowing it is just a list of gratitude? Too bad.

1. White Chicken Chili. Cooking Gals in Pittsburgh. Debi. Those three go hand in hand. This is quite possibly one of my very favorite meals. Debi brought it to a cooking gals three years ago and it instantly became a serious family favorite. By all of us. Mmmmmm!!! Want me to post the recipe????

2. Getting Christmas catalogs in the mail. My kids LOVE to look at each page very carefully and circle the things they want to ask Santa for. It is so fun to watch them dream and anticipate a very magical day.

3. Jason did the dinner dishes. That is big on my list of gratitude. I hate washing the crock pot. Don't you?

4. My mission. I actually feel so thankful for that every day. Jason and I have talked about our missions and how not a day has gone by since I came home nearly 8 years ago that my mission experiences don't enter my thoughts. People I taught, companions, horrible days, spiritual experiences, whatever! So much of my mission made me realize so many eternal truths. And that is something I want to remember daily. Simple gratitude for my mission doesn't seem adequate for the reward it gave me as a person.

5. Pre-school. Every Tuesday and Thursday I get 2 1/2 hours with just Carson. And to me, having just one child seems like playing house. I know when I only had Jackson, it was much harder than playing house, but now things are different and I realize just how simple it really was. Those couple of hours are some of my best hours of the week. Also, end up being the most expensive. Shopping with just one is too easy! :)

Day 9

2009-11-09T20:18:00.002-05:00

1. The boys running around outside and inside, chasing eath other with laser guns. All while laughing so hard they keep tripping.

2. A new book. This time I will tell the title. Catching Fire. I know. . . young reading. But I like it.

3. Carson's laugh. I don't know if there is much more that can make me smile so big as his little laugh right now. It's actually more like a hardy belly laugh.

4. Ellie and Noah. Even though they argue with each other more than any of my kids, they also play SO well together. They spend the most time together every day now that Jackson goes to school. They spent a few minutes on time outs today for the usual fighting, but it always ends in hugs and kisses and that makes me happy that they are so quick to forgive AND forget. (Sometimes).

5. More good weather. The boys have been able to play for hours outside each day and I love that they love being out there. Today I watched them from the upstairs bathroom window and I felt so happy seeing them imagine and play together. I don't know what they were playing, but they each kept taking turns spinning with their arms out. Airplanes maybe????

I'm so thankful my kids love to play with each other. I know they will never go with out friends because they will always have each other.

Day 8

2009-11-08T17:52:00.002-05:00

Today was a good day. Sundays usually are. Even with the craziness of getting to church on time. :)

1. Church. It was uplifting and I was able to feel the Spirit so strong. Nothing in particular, but it was present in my day and I am so thankful for that. I need the Spirit more often to be with me.

2. Music. I think that helped me have the Spirit today and I am so grateful so many people have such beautiful voices and are willing the share them. It always touches me.

3. Faith. A girl in my ward here is dealing with something that I just can't even imagine. Something she deals with every day of her life, for the rest of her life and I think she is possibly one of the strongest women in the world. I don't know her well, but I am touched by her faith and strength. She inspires me.

4. Bob and Delsa Quinn. They were listening ears to a mommy that needs a little more encouragement these days. That would be me. :) And they always seem to have just the right words to say. No matter what the topic. They are, and have been for several years, great examples to me.

5. Cafe Rio salad. Yes, I am always grateful for food. I can't help it. It was delicious and the perfect meal to a wonderful day.

I am a very blessed girl.

Day 7

2009-11-07T18:23:00.003-05:00

1. The Christmas Workshop. Sin anchovy potatoes. If you were there, you would know what I am talking about. Apart from that little experience. . .the morning was spent with friends, enjoying the beginning of the holiday season.

2. Janie Ward's cinnamon roll class. The only class I did and well worth it. Who doesn't LOVE bringing home a pan full of delicious cinnamon rolls?! And I am especially thankful for Janie because she rolled my dough. The worst part. And plus, she is an amazing person. I guess I should have just put her name down and that would be that. I am thankful for Janie. There.

3. Mother nature. The weather was GORGEOUS!!! There is nothing like a beautiful day amidst several freezing cold days to warm your heart. Or hands. Or feet. And face.

4.Shiny clean cars. Due to ideal car washing weather. And a husband that loves to wash cars. And possibly a couple little helpers named Jackson and Noah.

5. My mom. Talking to her today was a good dose of fun. I can't wait to live closer to family so I can actually see them when we are talking. :)

Numero Seis

2009-11-06T20:25:00.002-05:00

1. Good movies. We took the boys to see "A Christmas Carol" tonight and I loved it. A little scary at times, but everyone seemed to really enjoy it. Yay for the holidays!!!!!

2. Farah. My wonderful babysitter across the street.

3. Tea parties. Ellie had a little princess/tea party today and I loved dropping her off and seeing all the darling little girls all decked out. Having a girl has been too fun!!!

4. A job. Not mine. I am unemployed. But I am so thankful Jason has a job. And that it is steady and dependable. People will always get sick and break bones. Not that I am happy about it, just thankful he has a profession that will always be needed.

5. Noah. A child full of energy. He keeps me going and I love him for it. And he's all boy. His love of life reminds me how lucky we are to have it. He is a joy to have.

Day 5

2009-11-05T19:22:00.004-05:00

I'd like to say this is in no random order, but tonight. . . it is listed by most grateful to least grateful. That sounds funny. Least grateful. :)

1. The day is over. I am so glad to end this day. Not that it was so bad, but that I am tired, I had to take ALL 4 kids to the doctor's office today, shots were had by many and even though I was the first patient after lunch, they were still running 40 minutes behind. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I'm sure they saw us coming and drew toothpicks to see which lucky nurse got to call the big Mormon family back. :) But still . . .be on time!!!

2. Being a volunteer at Jackson's school. Each Thursday I get to go to his class for 1 hour and help the kids in what they call "centers" and I look forward to it all week. I love seeing Jackson in his element and how all the kids interact together. I still can't believe that it is the start of the next SEVERAL years for Jackson. Bitter-sweet.

3. Brooke. A dear friend of mine from Pittsburgh. I made one of her recipes tonight and it has been awhile since I have really cooked much. It was delicious. As all her recipes always are. I love having friends to share recipes with.

4. Good books. There is nothing I love more than reading a good book. The book of choice right now is nothing spectacular, and not even one I care to mention, but a page turner and entertaining. It takes me to a different place and sometimes isn't that what we need?????

5. Target. It always seems to be the perfect bribe. And for the brave ones today, they got to go to Target with their dad after work. That was a double treat!!

Day 4

2009-11-04T18:49:00.006-05:00

This might start to get a little repetitive. Sorry.

1. Jackson loves to play Mario Kart. He is awesome at it and so we "trash talk" a little bit. All in jest. Except today Ellie bumped into Jackson, costing him the first place trophy, meaning I came in first and Jackson actually started crying. (This is all after a bunch a serious trash talking!!) So, needless to say, he was not happy about losing. Then, a few hours later, Jackson comes up to me and says, "And you know Mom, it isn't always all about winning. It's about having fun and enjoying the game." That made me thankful. Jackson is a child that never ceases to amaze me. He "gets it" on so many levels for most 5 year olds.

2. My Reward Board. I bought this online last year this thing works wonders for my children. I decided today that we are a home of ZERO TOLERANCE for sass and tattletaling. And I mean it. And the mere threat of a bad mark on their chart is a miracle worker! I'm grateful my kids obey. . . or are scared not to obey!! :)

3. A friend named Kari. From high school. She posted something about the creation today and it made me feel good and right for having the family we are having. Even when I feel overwhelmed. It always helps me to remember how blessed I am to be a mother and take part in something that is the most rewarding experience of my life.

"Motherhood is the one thing in all the world which most truly exemplifies the God-given virtues of creating and sacrificing. The mother who, in compliance with eternal law, brings into the world an immortal spirit occupies first rank in the realm of creation."

--Gospel Ideals, "Respect for Mothers and Their Divine Role", Improvement Era, 1953], p.456 & Aaronic Priesthood Manual #1 (the lesson on Mothers).

(I found this quote last night actually after bumming around on that new site I was talking about that sends me emails for scripture reading).

4. Wendy's. It hit the spot for me.

5. Martina McBride's Christmas CD. The first of November marks the start of the holidays for me and she helps make my home a little more festive.

Day 3

2009-11-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

More gratitude. . .

1. A very patient nurse that helped me get through getting the flu shot. Most everyone knows what a TOTAL baby I am when it comes to anything needles and she was so patient and kind to me. It made me feel loved, even if she was thinking I was the worst patient ever. :) She hid it well.

2. Election day. Not because I voted, or anything along those lines. But because that meant that Farrah, my babysitter could come and watch the kids in the middle of the day so I could get some guts and get that shot done!!!

3. Jackson. He is too smart for his own good. He made me laugh so many times today for no other reason other than his witty little come backs to me.

4. Avocado Black Bean Dip. Yuuuummmmmy! It really hit the spot tonight for my dinner. Jason is over night tonight and this was all I wanted. So, I am grateful for ripe avocados the most I guess. :)

5. A new website that sends me chapters of the Book of Mormon each day to help keep me on track. For some reason I seem to have time to check my email every day, multiple times a day, but when it comes to finding adequate time to read the scriptures, something always comes up. And what better email to have in my inbox than a chapter a day. This may seem pathetic to some of you more disciplined than me, but this is what I need at the time being. And I am thankful for it!

Day 2

2009-11-02T19:24:00.002-05:00

Five more things to be grateful for.

1. Elizabeth. Another thoughtful friend, brought us a yummy dinner. Thanks for saving us from another night of cold cereal.

2. Friendship. I feel so lucky to have such amazing friends in my life. Old and new. I have always been blessed by amazing friends that enrich my life and it is something I am VERY grateful for.

3. Quiet time and nap time. Carson and Ellie both take naps together and Jackson and Noah are so good at taking "quiet time". They know that it means time to whisper so mommy can rest too. :)

4. Costco. Jason took all the kids to Costco tonight and I stayed home and rested yet some more. I love Costco. And I love that Jason quite possibly loves it more than me. It was his idea to go and take all the kids. To him, that sounds fun. HAHA!!!! And I am going to love a stocked kitchen. It's been awhile. :)

5. Ellie's chocolaty face after eating a doughnut from her dad. For some reason, seeing her love that doughnut and have such a messy little face afterwards made my heart melt. The smallest things make her so happy. Wouldn't it be nice to eat so freely? :)

goal. . .slightly boring for everyone else

2009-11-01T20:05:00.003-05:00

I was checking other blogs a few minutes ago and a friend of mine decide on a great goal for the month of November. Every day I am going to record 5 things I am grateful for. I say everyone give it a try!!!! This may. . . (I am almost positive it WILL) be slightly boring for almost everyone, but this is something I need to do at the time being. For many different reasons.

1. Jason. I know that sounds cheesy, but he really is the greatest husband. I have been so sick the last few days and he has really taken charge. Folding the laundry alone won him some major points!!!

2. Carson. I told Jason a few days ago that just looking at him makes it hard for me to function. I am just so in love with that little baby boy.

3. Cleaning people. Ahhhhh, the start of a new life for me. My house looked like it had been visited by my Fairy Godmother.

4. Lisa. A one of a kind friend. She brought us dinner tonight due to my sickness. And it was delicious. Anything I don't make OR have to clean up is quite possibly the best meal of my life. Thanks Lisa. You always seem to know when I need you.

5. A nice big bed. I have been in that thing a lot this last week and I am so glad it is comfy, warm and big. I hate being touched while I sleep.

There it is. More to come tomorrow. Thanks Amberly for inspiring me to do this.

October Days

2009-11-01T09:03:00.007-05:00

(Just because he is such a cutie.)

This month seemed to fly by. Maybe because I was gone for so much of it with the girls trip and several interviews for Jason's job, but I feel like I barely got to experience Halloween or even the perfect fall days.Oh well. I guess I just have to enjoy those things in the upcoming years. :)

But we did finally manage to make it to the pumpkin patch. Here's what happened.

I decided it was time to get some pumpkins with Halloween only a few days away. Ellie insisted on wearing her pajamas all day and Noah only wanted to wear shorts and some funky sandals, with socks I might add. (Every time he puts them on I make him take them off. I hate them. Why did I buy them???) But this day I was full of exhaustion and decided pj's and ugly sandals were fine. I at least made Ellie put on clean pajamas, and ones that aren't zippered so going to the bathroom would be much easier. Smart thinking!
So we got the pumpkin patch, picked out some super cute pumpkins, if you call the last choice pumpkins cute and went to pay.WHAT??? Cash only? Lame. Who ever has cash on them? Probably everyone but me. So, we left our selections there, telling the lady we'd be back, and off to Walmart we went for some seriously huge pumpkins. And way cheaper!! And I used my credit card thank you very much.

So, sorry to disappoint my kids, but this is the mom you got! :) And I must say, even though Walmart makes me sick, the pumpkins were so much better there.

Then on Friday night we went to a super fun Halloween party (no kids allowed. . . perfect) hosted by some great friends, the Sadlers. Everyone dressed up, we played some great games and ate even better food. It was a great time. Thanks Sadlers for hosting such a fun night!

These were a couple of my favorites from the night!
Me & Jason as Shaggy and Daphine. Not so much a fave, but us. :)
Lisa and Shawn as Rednecks
Janie and Dan as Flapper and Mobster. . .they won for best costume.

Onto Halloween.

Jackson was Darth Vader. Noah was Spiderman. And Ellie was Tinkerbell. They all loved how they looked and had a fun time wearing their costumes for hours!!!Some other friends of ours, the Elder's hosted a Halloween party the night of. More delicious food and company and the kids had a blast going trick or treating together. Despite the freezing cold wind. Thanks Elders!!

On the way back to our neighborhood last night I had Jason stop and let the kids and me out to finish the night by doing some last minute trick or treating on our street. They loved it. And I was glad I got to see them do their thing for a few minutes. Even though Jackson and Noah were RUNNING from house to house, at least Ellie and I savored the moment. :)

Here's to next year when I plan on going to the pumpkin patch early in October, cash in wallet! :)

Funnest Trip EVER!

2009-10-28T16:45:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago I come back home from the funnest trip ever. A bunch of my closest friends from Pittsburgh all worked our crazy schedules around so we could all meet up. . . wherever!! We didn't care where, just as long as we were all there. And Orlando seemed to work the best.
So, for 5 glorious days, we talked and talked and talked, (that is seriously an understatement), ate a ton, and lounged around at the pool until all hours of the mornings!!!!!
Exhausted, but never laughing so much in my life, I had the greatest girls trip I have been on. And clearly from some of you making comments, I have been on a few. (In my defense. . . my girls trips rejuvenate me. I need them for being the ultimate mom). :)

Thanks girlies for a MARVELOUS time. I can't wait for the next one. Love you all!!!

All pictures courtesy of Melanie Pitcher. . .an amazing photographer and friend for sharing all her hard work. :)

Check it out!

2009-10-11T21:05:00.001-04:00

This is a new favorite site of mine. . . and it should be yours too. One of my greatest friends from Pittsburgh has turned her sewing obsession into something we can all enjoy. Check it out!!

http://lesassyseamstress.blogspot.com/

Shout out!!

2009-09-23T21:12:00.003-04:00

This is just a quick shout out to the Pittsburgh girls that are all going on the GIRLS TRIP next week to Orlando. GO GIRLS TRIP!!!!!!

I have been checking your blogs and getting older and nerdier as I sit here. All these new crafty things you are all doing is too much!!! I feel dated and matronly.

Please help.

Next week, I have decided to turn the "girls trip" into a Craft Get Away.

No, I do not craft. Yuck. But you all do. And I am willing to be taught. A little. If it will make me more stylish, I can do it. So please be prepared. :)

Love, Jana
The least crafty friend you have. But jealous of all of you.

Go Blue!

2009-09-21T11:44:00.005-04:00

Last weekend was the official start of the fall for me. Why?
Because we went to the the cider mill in Dexter for the first of MANY times this season and we took the boys, even Carson to their first University of Michigan football game. One of the fellows Jason works with has had family tickets to the games for years and happened to have 6 extra on Saturday. So, we decided it would be a great time to take the boys. My sister Jocelyn was here visiting so she come too. We left her boys and Ellie at home with a babysitter. :) And actually, Noah would have probably enjoyed the babysitter too. Michigan won!!!! It was great. We had a really fun time there, despite the hot weather. Jackson and Noah had a great time, or I should say started having a really great time when we were ready to leave. The student section really got the "wave" going and Jackson was loving it. (I was too). Carson did great. Half the time I never even know he's around. I am lucky he is so easy.
Here's to a season of cider, fresh doughnuts, football, and gorgeous walks in the neighborhood. And jeans and sweatshirts! There is nothing I love more than the start of fall. Even down to changing out my decorations. Is it too early to get out my Halloween????

The never ending list

2009-09-17T09:22:00.004-04:00

Many things have happened the last few weeks. Hence, the never ending list. Jason and I went to Orlando for the week with the kids and had a blast. Our camera battery died the first day there so we have very few pictures. But lasting memories right??? :) We also decided to wait until Jackson is 8 years old to go back. That way all the kids can participate more. But it was so fun. We had a blast!!!! I will put the few pics we have up later. :) School for three of my kids. And a trip to Utah for an interview with IHC. I will start with Jackson and his big day.
He started school!!! This was a huge highlight for me. I can't believe it came. He rode the bus the first day, with me following close behind all the way there. Then, we met up in the class room and here is where the real memory started.
We all know how much Jackson "loves" vegis. He just can't get enough. Sense my sarcasm. So, I saw that there were several cups with carrots in them and I assumed they were for snacks later. I said to Jackson, "Oh, it looks like you are having carrots for snacks today. Please eat them okay?" He looked at me, said, "Okay." And then began crying.It was a soft and quiet cry. But still a cry. I felt so sad for him. I know how nervous he was just being in such a different place with all new faces. There aren't any familiar people in his class. So, the carrots were the icing o the cake for him. He was heart broken. Kinder garden was not all I promised it would be.

After a few minutes of hugging and trying my hardest to assure him school would be fun, he braved up and the teacher kicked all the parents out of the room. I teared up as I walked away, feeling this crazy emotion of knowing that my little Jackson was growing up and it was only going to get worse from here. I missed him like mad that day.

I went back to his school to watch him get on the bus and then follow it home.He had a wonderful day. I knew he would. And after 2 weeks now, we are loving it!! The bus is probably on of is favorite things. Mine too. :)

For no reason. . .

2009-08-21T14:33:00.004-04:00

This is just a post of nothingness. There's no reason, just wanted to put some pics of the kids up!!!We went bowling for F.H.E. a few weeks ago and the kids LOVED it!!!

Jackson and Noah running through the sprinklers.Ellie all ready for her first birthday party. All the girls dressed up like princesses or in tutu's. Ellie only wanted to wear her tutu. And my little ball of cuteness!!!! I can't get enough of him!! Ahhhh, my little Carson.

I tried rice cereal a week ago and he HATED it. All of my other kids have loved it from the very beginning. But not Carson. He couldn't stop dry heaving. So we stopped. It's easier not giving it to him so I'm not complaining. :)

And these are just some shots of the kids playing.

New York. . . take 4!

2009-08-19T16:06:00.007-04:00

I just went on my 4th trip to the wonderful N.Y.C. with a small little group of girls. And it was awesome. We shopped a bit, ate a ton, saw some shows, and sweat more than I have in a real long time. Humid. . . so humid.

The first night there, Lisa and I went to a show called Burn the Floor. It was all dance, with a little singing and I loved it. Karina Smirnoff and her husband Maksim Chmerkovskiy were in it. And they were sizzlin'!!!! We stopped on the street to get a quick dinner that was not so good, but fast. After the show, we met up with Kristin and Elizabeth at Serendipity. I had the world's largest B.L.T. and I scarfed it. Something about being in N.Y. makes me crave B.L.T.'s. Weird. And french toast. I love them both. Then on Friday, we all got up and went to Norma's for some heavenly breakfast. At least I thought so. This was my third time going and so I knew what I wanted. And was very pleased. Elizabeth ordered a dessert. Chocolate French Toast. Yum. If you ever go to NYC, got to Norma's. Get the orange juice, hot chocolate, and all sorts of other delicious things.

Then Elizabeth, Lisa, and I went to TKTS to get some tickets to shows. Kristin went to get a hair cut and Lisa headed back to the hotel for some rest. So. . . Elizabeth and I went shopping. We hit China Town first. Gross, but a must see and do for first time goers to NY. We had a great time bargaining with the sellers and I mostly loved watching Elizabeth be worried about our safety. :) I remember my first time in China Town and following some lady about a mile around some buildings and up SEVERAL flights of stairs, straight into a sweat shop. It was a little intimidating and frightening, but we got our bags. :) Judge me. Then we met up with Kristin for some shopping in Soho. I got my apple fritter form Dean and Deluca and was as content as could be. Just sweaty. Ewwkk! I could feel beads of sweat rolling down my back. Ahhh, how attractive I must seem. For dinner that night, we went to a place called Schnippers Quality Kitchen. I was watching the Food Network the week before we went to NYC and this place was on as the "best sloppy joe." And it just so happened that it was about a block and a half from our hotel. I ordered the mac and joe. Mac and cheese with sloppy joe on the bottom. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. And I met the owners as well. Picture opp!!! :)
That night we all went to a show called 9 to 5 and it was great. I loved it. Very funny. Good laughs. After the show, we (as in Elizabeth and me) rented a rickshaw and went all the way to Magnolia's Bakery on the East side. We passed the temple, which was gorgeous of course and the ride there was super fun. Minus the major B.O. form the driver. Being in the back wind was sick. But still. . . we laughed and had a ton of fun. And hello. .. yummy bakery!!!!!On Saturday, we rode the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. It was a gorgeous day, and we met a super nice family from Tyler, Texas. Not so interesting to any of you, but to me, it was great. Jason and I have been thinking about actually living there. Call us crazy. But I loved that family.
After the ferry ride, we rode the subway to the Doughnut Plant. GO THERE!!! And get the Creme Brulee and the Blackout doughnuts. They are seriously the best I have ever had. Thanks girls for making the time to go there. It was one of the few things I really wanted to do. You know me. . . food. Always at the top of my must do's.

We rushed to the show after that and Elizabeth and I saw Mary Poppins. I really really enjoyed it. Disney just does such a great job with whatever they do. I am so glad I saw it. That's one more I can check off my list of "shows to see".After the show we all met back up for dinner at Carmine's. Kristin looks a little "bored" and fed up with all the picture taking. :) Again. . . wonderful food. New York knows how to do it. We were all stuffed to the max, but so worth it. Kristen headed home for the night after dinner and the rest of us went out to Columbia University for some sight seeing. After I realized I lost my stupid metro card. . .and my sunglasses. The one nice pair I had. Buggin'. Columbia was gorgeous. And such a different feel to it than the city. Peaceful and quiet. Then we went back to the hotel. Kristin was sound asleep, and I was wide awake. :) We all got in bed, retainer in. But I was so awake. I sighed a few times to let everyone know I wanted to be up talking, and it worked. We went downstairs in the lobby and talked for a couple of hours. Ahhhh, girl talk. Easily one of my favorite nights of the trip. A likely sight of Lisa and Kristin.

Sunday we got up and went to church. It was a very good meeting, one I was in much need of and I am so glad we went. The chorister was hilarious too so that made it even better. "Look and listen!! There will be tempo changes!!!" He really loved his calling.We went to the Shake Shack after church to get some lunch and it was just what I needed. A hamburger, fries and a shake at 11am. :) Delish!Then we walked to Central Park and rented some rickshaws again. This time it was an hour ride/tour of the park and one of the funnest things we did. Our guide, Angel was the best. He couldn't believe how old we were. That's right buddy!!! He knew how to get some tip. He was an 18 year old, working hard (riding the rickshaws) to pay for college for computer tech classes. Pretty amazing guy. We got to see all sorts of fun things in Central Park and I learned all about Yoko Ono. I had no idea who she was. Stop judging now. I am sure I am not the only one. :)

And. . . we got to see the famous "Friends" fountain. Oh yeah, we did. That is the first picture on the post.

It was a super fun day in the park with some SUPER fun girls!!!! We finished the ride/tour, went to catch the subway and head back to the hotel to check out. Lisa, Elizabeth and me all took the subway and bus back to the airport and Kristin caught some quick z's and opted for the cab. So, at the airport we all met up and headed back home. I was dead asleep before we even took off.

All I can say it that New York is getting better and better for me. I love it every time I go and this trip was no exception. You girls were fantastic to go with and I had an incredibly fun and entertaining weekend.

And thanks to Jason for keeping the kids. A few days is good for husbands. And thanks Anne and Jeff for sleeping at our house with our kids while Jason worked. That saved us.

Here's to next year!!

Sharin' the love!

2009-08-10T16:06:00.005-04:00

My sister Jill told me about this new recipe she tried and LOVED. So I thought it was a MUST try in my family as well. And now a keeper. You all must try this. TO. DIE. FOR.

Thanks to The Kitchen Cafe blog for these new finds. And Jill. Who has also become a very pathetic blogger. :)

I am adding a new chocolate chip cookie recipe as well. She said these were her "FAVORITE cookies ever. Ever." And they are seriously that good. I had to run and get some dark brown sugar, and it is worth it. Chewy chunks of heaven. I really do think my personal heaven is going to be made of chocolate chip cookies. But only ones made with butter. I really hate shortening. Really hate. And don't tell me you can't taste a difference. That is like saying rabbit and chicken taste the same. (Yes. I have eaten both. Thanks to my wonderful mission in Argentina where I thought it was a joke that we were eating rabbit, but came to find out it was very very serious. :)) Sick. Call me undistinguished, uncultured, whatever. I don't eat rabbit. Or Crisco for that matter.

And speaking of blogs, and cooking and all that. . . have you all seen Julia and Julie? SOOOOOOO GOOD!!! One of the best I have seen in a long time. I laughed so hard at one part that I missed several other equally funny parts. Please go see it.

"Bon Apetite!!!"

Chicken Tortellini Bake (SIN mushrooms. GAG!)

My new favorite chocolate chip cookies!!!!
On our way out the door to church. No, Ellie did not wear the boots to church. I made her put sandals on when we got there. She loves those boots those. She'd wear them every day if I let her.
My SUPER-DUPER cute baby boy!! He had his check up today and is weighing in at a big 15lbs. 14ounces. And 26 inches long. I could smooch those cheeks non-stop.

Just an update.

2009-07-23T00:35:00.006-04:00

This is simply a quick update of the last few weeks.Here is Ellie getting into the sunscreen. Nothing new. But I was mad. Not mad enough to forget to take a picture though. :) Grease ball!!!Jackson learned to ride a bike without training wheels and I promised him a new bike if he could do it. And he did. Anything for a new bike. And I am so glad he can do it without those lame training wheels. Now for Noah. :)
We had a very fun 4th of July here in Ann Arbor with some new friends. It was a busy day, and so memorable. Delicious food and great people. And such a fun parade. The kids loved decorating their scooters and bikes and showing some USA pride!!! Not to mention I loved doing it too. :) I get teased a lot because I tend to say that every holiday is my favorite. I can't help it. I really do love the 4th. And Valentine's Day. And Halloween. And Christmas. (Duh. That's a given). But I thought it would be really fun to get some good fireworks for the kids (since it is my favorite day) and I am glad I did. I was the coolest mom of the night. Totally worth it. The 4th is my favorite holiday you know.
And we went back to Pittsburgh to go see Les Miserables. LOVED IT!!! I will never forget the first time I saw it in London with my wonderful friend Krissy. We made fun of the super ugly "Les Mis" clothes they were selling and said they were so hideous and blah blah blah. And who left the theater that night with a full blown Les Mis sweatshirt? ME and KRISSY!!! Both of us bawling our eyes out. And seeing it in Pittsburgh I cried just as hard. We went with the Miracles and I am sure Libby and Jason were wondering if I was going to be alright while listening to me sob. Do you remember the movie Meet Joe Black? I was a complete mess, to put it lightly. So, picture that at Les Mis. I love you Jean Valjean.It has been a good month. I actually can't believe that summer is this far along. Thank goodness for Labor Day. That is my favorite holiday ever!!! :)

This was the day that Jackson figured it out. We bought the bigger bike that night and now that training wheels are back on this one for Noah.

S.E.X.Y.

2009-07-10T22:47:00.002-04:00

This post is for my memory. I am sitting here reading the Pioneer Woman blog (I have a secret crush on her) and I read the word "Virile". I didn't know what it meant so I asked Jason to tell me. He said, "How is it used?"

I said, "He's rugged and virile."

Then Jason went on and on about how he didn't really know and I kept saying,"Yes you do. What does it mean?"

Then he says, "It sounds like there it means, S-E-X-Y"

I said, "Oh."

Jackson says to his dad, "What does S-E-X-Y mean?"

Jason said "what?"

Jackson said, "S-E-X-Y? What does it mean?"

Jason said, "Ahhh, like cool. Like that's cool."

I hope that Jackson doesn't use that word ever to describe how Noah does a "cool" trick on his bike or while playing sports. Or maybe even while Noah is dancing around.

"Oh, Noah, that is so S-E-X-Y!"

Why was that so funny to me? I guess because it is late and I just shoved my face full of these. http://www.picky-palate.com/2009/06/chocolate-peanut-butter-covered-brownie.html

Ellie May Clampett

2009-07-07T15:25:00.005-04:00

June 11. Our first visit to the pediatric dentist. And then there were 17.While we were visiting in Salt Lake during May, my brother Kevin was playing with Ellie. We were all joking around about how she is a bit of a hill-billy. You know, with the mullet, never keeping her clothes on, and a dead tooth in the front that I had no clue how it ever got that way. So, while Kevin was tickling Ellie and playing with her, he happened to notice a huge abscess on her gums above the dead tooth. (Kevin is a dentist so I am sure he was enjoying the find). Kevin said I would have to get the tooth pulled. Can you imagine what I felt?!!!! My little girl without a front tooth?!!!! And to be honest, if it had happened to one of the boys, I think I would have been much more relaxed about the whole thing. But no, their teeth are fine. Except Jackson has a dead tooth too. And Noah is begging for one. He thinks they are the "coolest".

I had a couple different dentists look at her and tell me what they thought and it had to be done. The tooth came out.
So, while we were visiting in Pittsburgh for Jason's graduation, I made an appointment to get it out. Ellie was SUPER brave and so sweet. The dentist was pretty awesome too. She was so good with her and so patient. I went back with Ellie for the procedure and Ellie was talking up a storm to the dentist. She let her count her teeth and then it was time for the shot. Ellie felt it, and cried. And shortly thereafter, she gave the tooth a little tug and it was out. I will say Ellie was amazing even though she did cry her little heart out. She is only 2, and barely that.
For the first week or two it was all I noticed when I would look at her. But like all the moms told me, you won't even notice it. I don't know about not noticing it, but I actually don't mind it. Having a missing tooth suits Ellie. :) She is beautiful no matter how many teeth she has.

The tooth fairy came with some pretty fun things. Ellie loves Ariel and got a new Ariel beach towel, Ariel sunglasses, and Ariel flip flops. The tooth fairy is pretty awesome when you have to have a tooth pulled. I had to make that very clear to the boys. :)

Better late than never.

2009-06-28T21:02:00.010-04:00

(The whole lot of us)

I actually have thought about updating my blog SEVERAL times now. But am constantly thinking where to begin. Should I start where I left off? No. Too many things have happened. Should I start where I am now? No. Too many things have changed. So, here it is. Mainly for my own O.C.D and peace of mind.

April 28th. We closed on our home. Sad. But a good thing. (Although the new owners took our playground down and I could kill them for that. They specifically asked me if we were leaving it because they wanted it. They are going to get what's coming to them soon!!!)

(Can you even take it?!!!)

April 29th: We made the big move to Ann Arbor. Libby Miracle came with me since Jason had to stay in Pittsburgh and work. We had a great time together. Love you Libby!! And we had a last lunch with all the girls from Pitt. I miss you all TERRIBLY!!!!

May 6th: Jocelyn and her twin boys come to visit. She gets sick and so we can't do much. But with 6 kids, that's to be expected. . . healthy or not.

May 10th: We all fly home to Salt Lake City. Flying with 4 kids and only one of their parents is not something I recommend. But highly worth it to see family. The trip was so fun. I loved it all. One day I will live closer to them and see them much more frequently. Can't wait!!

June 5th: Flew home (Ann Arbor for those of you wondering where my home actually is) by myself with the kids. It was a nightmare. My kids were great, but there was confusion with the flight taking off in SLC being delayed and my connection not waiting so I would miss my flight to Detroit. I went back to the check in and got all my bags. My mom and dad came to get me and the kids in the cars. And now, the connection was going to wait and I got the pleasure of going through security all by myself again. Lucky lucky me. We made the flight, the kids were wonderful and I was so glad to see my long last husband.

(My brother Kevin, his wife Kellie and their two boys Nathan and Mitchell)

While in Utah, I got to go see my nephews big red carpet event in Boise, Idaho for the Make a Wish Foundation. It was SPECTACULAR!!!! Mitch, my 12 year old nephew has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is such an amazing guy. He asked to make a movie and did a spoof on Star Wars. It was hilarious. All he cousins got to ride in a Limo and the whole night was just so memorable. And I am sure extremely magical for Mitch and his family. I wouldn't have missed that night for the world. I love you Mitch!!! You really are one of the greatest examples for my boys.

(Jackson and Noah getting out of the limo)

June 8th: I drove back to Pittsburgh for Jason's graduation/awards ceremony. I loved going back to the 'burgh. It feels like home to me. Plus I went to see friends. :) (Finally going on the incline and getting to see the gorgeous view of Pittsburgh)

I miss it more than I can express. I miss my friends, the ward, the hills, the 3 bedroom/1 bathroom homes, the cobblestone streets, the FOOD!!!, the beauty,the culture (Pittsburgers are a class all their own), and I miss being in a place that felt perfect for me. Don't get me wrong, there were days I hated it there, but the good outweighs the bad by far. Thanks Libby M. and Debi for allowing me and my zoo to stay in your homes. What would I do without such wonderful friends to house me? :) It was two weeks of pure fun.June 11: Eliie had her front tooth pulled. This deserves it's very one post so I am saving details for that. :)
June 12: Jason's graduation/ awards ceremony. It was actually a really fun night. Jason was an awesome resident and I am so proud of everything he has accomplished. I don't think anyone will ever know all that he has done because I sincerely don't know too many other people as humble as him. He is a HUGE example of humility for me and everyone he is around. The program director talked about each resident for a few minutes before they were given their gift and certificate. Each resident during their 4 years at Pitt did several different rotations. Practically each month was a new one. And after each rotation, the resident was evaluated by the attending. And out of all the residents, only 2 never had a negative remark made about them in all the 4 years. Jason happened to be one. I think that says it all. Jason really is so remarkable!!! I love you!

(A few of the residents Jason worked with the last 4 years)

Jason was able to live in Pittsburgh with a fellow residents mother. Her home is huge and she was so kind and generous to share it with Jason and our family while we were there. The kids had the best time having sleepovers with Daddy and getting to go swimming every day. I liked letting the kids go have sleepovers too. Three less kidos to take care of felt pretty great. :)June 29: Sunday night. The kids are all in bed and I am ready to do the same. Being back in Ann Arbor has been so awesome. There is something about this place that I have always loved. It's so nice to still have some of our best friends still living here and including us back into their lives. You know who you are. :) Then again, it is the summer and the weather is great. Come February, I will despise Ann Arbor. :)

And during these last few months of craziness for us, Ellie lost all her sleep habits. Starting back when she stayed with her grandparents in Oregon and was allowed to sleep in a bed every night up until yesterday when we regressed BACK to the crib. I have never had a child with poor sleep habits. Never. I have just been lucky. So dealing with Ellie was making me insane. She was getting out of her bed every night and coming into ours. And I HATE having children in the bed with me. Not only does it interrupt my sleep, but theirs as well and that isn't how we are made to get our rest. (I am getting off my soap box now). So, we ordered a crib tent and let the fun begin yesterday. And let me just say. . . Ellie is BACK!!!! She took her normal 3 hours nap yesterday, and slept over 12 hours last night. I should say, she has yet to be happy about getting in a crib, but that's just tough!!! See, now I can update my blog because I am not dealing with a 2 year old thinking she can be her own boss and never go to bed. Really, it was getting out of control with her sleeping. How do some moms live like that? I am guessing they barely are. That pic of Ellie sleeping is because she refused to take nap and ended up falling asleep in the kitchen floor for over an hour. Nice.So, I know that seemed pretty boring, but I had to get it off my chest. And let me tell you, I left PLENTY out. I know how you all love to read every last detail of my super exciting life. My new goal is to get back into updating my blog. Whether I have anything to say or not. Because let's face it, when don't I have anything to say? :)
This post was meant to be short. :)

"Just a smidgin!!!!"

2009-04-28T11:18:00.003-04:00

Bring on the red carpet!!!

http://kdka.com/consumer/Pancake.Puffs.infomercial.2.995611.html

click on the video link for my big debut. Ellie is quite the star herself. I guess like mother like daughter. And don't you love all my amazing one-liners? (You know I am joking right?) Although Ellie really is pretty cute in this.

I was asked to do this little segment for one of the news stations here i Pittsburgh 2 weeks after Carson was born and although it took awhile to do, on my birthday, and I was sick, it was actually pretty fun. And hearing my say, "Just a smidgin' " made it all worth it. :)

Enjoy!!

Carson's Blessing & Easter

2009-04-13T13:57:00.005-04:00

Ellie is screaming, "Cheese!!!"

Yesterday we blessed Carson. It was great, but weird not having much family there. Jason's mom came to see the baby on Saturday and so we were happy to have at least one person from our family here. The blessing went well, as in Carson slept the whole time. And Jason did a wonderful job. I feel so thankful to have little Carson in our family. He is such a sweet little baby. Already I feel sad to see him grow. But I will love it when he is grown enough to sleep through the night. :) It was also our last week in this ward. I am so sad to go. I have LOVED LOVED LOVED it here in Pittsburgh. There were times I thought 4 years couldn't pass fast enough, and now I would give almost anything to start all over just to do it all again.

And it was Easter!!!! All three of the older kids had a great time hunting for eggs and stuffing their mouths full of candy. It was so fun watching them search and find. They were hilarious. And Ellie was following her brother's lead. She didn't miss a thing. We hid eggs outside and inside and they each had to find their baskets. It was the best watching and listening to Noah find his. He was so enthusiastic. (anyone that knows Noah can imagine just what I am talking about).

We had a yummy dinner for Easter. . . roast and mashed potatoes. Thanks Pioneer Woman. Who doesn't just LOVE her?!!!! (I am checking her blog next). And we got to enjoy it with the Miracles. That always makes for lots of fun, mixed with drama with all our kids. I am REALLY going to miss our Sunday dinners. Especially the ones where I don't have to cook. :)

Jack, Jackson, Ellie, Noah, and Wellesley. (and Libby) :)

And then it was time for bed. Thankfully. I was tired. Why is it that Sunday's are my most exhausting day? I feel like I am standing on my feet all day and cooking. But I guess my family deserves at least one meal a week. :)

So, it was a perfect weekend. And on Wednesday my mother in law is taking Jackson, Noah and Ellie all back to Oregon for 1 1/2 weeks. Ahhhh, I am going to be so well rested. I do have to pack our entire house during that time and move to Ann Arbor, but with only one child, it will feel like I am playing house. It feels like I am playing house when I am only dealing with 2 kids. Each time I have a baby I say, "Oh, it was so easy when there was just one. . . .Or just two. . . " And I am totally saying it again. "It was so easy when there were only three." :)
Thanks to Judy for helping so much this weekend. Having an extra pair of hands is seriously the only way to do it!!!! :)

Can you stand it?!!

2009-03-31T14:40:00.007-04:00

I can't take it!! Is he not just too cute?!!

Two of my good friends here in Pittsburgh take fabulous pictures. And since I just had a baby, I thought I would take them up on getting some shots of little Carson. And I am so glad I did. I absolutely love them!!

Libby took these pics and did a great job. I love all of them and am having a very hard time deciding which ones to frame. It was hard enough picking out only 5 to post on my blog. Is framing all of them a bit much? :)

Thanks Libby for taking the time and having the patience!!

Pleased to announce. . .

2009-03-21T13:33:00.006-04:00

CARSON BRADLEY SMYTHE

Carson was born last Wednesday, March 18th at 9:01pm. He weighed 8lbs 4oz. My smallest BY FAR!! And was 20 inches long. I finally went to the hospital that afternoon around 1pm, thinking I wasn't actually going to get induced. But everything worked out great. Getting the IV was of course a total mess. You all know me and my pathetic attempt at not passing out. It did not work. As I knew it wouldn't. I warned the nurses, told them to wait and let me take the anti anxiety pill I had prescribed for me, but they are all the same. "Oh, trust me. You will be fine. I have been doing this for 30 years." Blah Blah Blah. I wanted to say, "Yeah, so have I." So, I passed out, one of the nurses almost called a "code" (how's that for special treatment?) and then I woke up.

Then the pitocin kicked in and I asked for the epidural. Mmmmm, who doesn't love modern medicine?!!!

After a couple of hours, my water broke, and I went from a 4 to a full blown 10 in an hour. Then it was time to get little Carson here. My mom arrived just in time. Literally, right for the moment. Everything went perfectly. I couldn't be happier.
For those that don't know, I use midwives. And I really do love it. I love all the meds, mixed with a really great midwife that is so helpful and understanding. This delivery was with Tanya and she was awesome. She was there for all of it. Just talking and helping.

Carson came fast. And he is perfect. I love every last inch of him. He has already added something to our family that I never knew we needed so bad. He helps make us feel complete. I say "helps" because you never know if I might just have more. Carson spent much of his first night in the NICU because of some blue coloring on his lips and had to have a blood work up done, but everything is fine. Thankfully. Poor little guy.

So, I am good. Just the normal recovery. We came home from the hospital yesterday and as I knew it would happen, last night was hard. He was up until 5am and nursing around the clock. Jason took him for me and I got to sleep from 5-7:30 this morning. Not like that is enough, but it felt good after holding him and nursing him from 11pm-4am. I knew it would happen, but I always hope it won't. :) Now I have to get adjusted to all sorts of new things. There are so many kids around now. :) Thank goodness my mom is here for another week and Jason doesn't have to go back to work until Thursday. Ahhhhh. . . . Plus, my dad came and helped with the kids while I was in labor and in the hospital. I don't know how I would have done it if my mom and dad didn't come before the birth. My poor friends would have had to take 3 extra kids and that is never ideal. :) Now that it is almost 2pm, I need to go take a shower. And then put my pj's right back on. Cute. The fair compensation for having babies would be to get super skinny right away. I mean, we had to get all huge over the course of a year and then we get to stay all juicy for practically another year. Where's the justice!?

Still waiting.

2009-03-18T11:16:00.002-04:00

This is a quick little update. I keep getting calls and emails asking about the baby so this will be my way of letting everyone know that I think I might have imagined this pregnancy.

I am still pregnant. I am "supposed" to be induced today, but the hospital still hasn't called me to tell me what time to come in. They said it would be between 8-12, but no word yet. So things are not looking too promising for today.

I was due last Tuesday so needless to say, I am more than ready to have this baby and NOT be pregnant. I guess we will see what happens.

It's a done deal!!!

2009-02-25T19:32:00.005-05:00

We put our house on the market almost 2 weeks ago to get ready for our move this June. And after a few days we got our first offer. It was a bad one. As in totally insulting. Needless to say, it didn't work out. Then last night we got our second offer and it wasn't much better than the first. We counter offered and they then countered back with us. Then we did it one more time to them and they decided to take the offer.

So, our house is sold and we are actually making a profit. Shocking as that is. I am so happy that it is over and that I can finally sit on my bum and watch TV all afternoon. (Because that is what us moms do all day. And eat bon bons). But just knowing I CAN sit down and not feel like I should be cleaning something in case someone wants to show our house makes me happier than I thought possible. I had really had it with the constant cleaning and showing. I am way too pregnant to be cleaning this much. It should have put me into labor by now. But no such luck. Speaking of. I went to the Dr (midwife) today and she did check me. I have nothing to report. Looks like this baby will be late like all the rest of mine. BOO!!!!

Now when my parents come to help with the baby, I won't have to constantly be harping on them to clean up their things when someone wants to see the house. I am sure my mom is most happy about that. :)

I actually feel a little sad to have closure to our house. Yes, it is small and old. But it was ours. And it was our first. There will always be special feelings for this little brick home. Feelings of love and hate. Many days of hate. :) So, farewell to our first. You were a good home, on the days you didn't make me crazy!!!!

(Just a little side note. Our agent was AWESOME!!! His name is John Adair with Coldwell Banker. He helped us a ton and gave us great advice and feedback. If anyone is selling their house soon, we highly recommend using him. If you live in Pittsburgh too :)).

He turned 5!!!

2009-02-08T10:22:00.002-05:00

Jackson turned 5 years old on January 28th. I seriously can't believe that I have a 5 year old. And I love it. I mean, sort of scary that I have TWO kids in Primary now. CTR 5 and Sunbeams. And I am loving it!

In the morning when Jackson woke up he asked for chocolate chip pancakes and so we made a yummy breakfast together. I really should share my pancake recipe. It is my mom's and it the BEST pancakes ever. I never had pancakes from a mix. In fact, Jason is the one the introduced me to pancakes like that. And let me assure you. . . .there is no comparison! So, we all chowed and had a fun filled day, INDOORS. There was no school and the snow was relentless. (To put it lightly).

We let Jackson pick a favorite place to eat that night and he choose Red Robin. Unfortunately the weather was dangerously FREEZING (shocking) and so we couldn't leave. The roads were terrible and it was snowing non stop for hours on end. We decided to order pizza and stay home to be safe.Jackson got a Wii. He had asked for one since we visited Grandma and Grandpa Kohler during the summer. Then Grandma and Grandpa Smythe had one this last Christmas and they ever had Mario Kart. . . Jackson's new obsession. So, that is what he wanted for his birthday.
I wrapped everything in a big bag and after Jackson unwrapped all of the different parts, he said, "Is everything for the Wii?" Ummmm, yeah. (He also REALLY wanted a Scooby Do coloring book that he saw at Costco for $4.97. I went to get it and it was gone. He goes from one extreme to the other I guess. A Wii or a coloring book. He couldn't decide entirely which was better.
But seeing how much he begs to play the Wii, I would say we got the better gift for him. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Smythe for Mario Kart. He LOVES LOVES LOVES it.

So, my little Jackson is 5. Where have the last 5 years gone? Oh, I remember. To having more babies. :)I love you Jackson. There is no way another little boy could take your place in my heart. Everything about you makes you special and perfect. . . for me. I know you are growing up to be someone amazing. We are so proud of you for all the good decisions you make every day. Jackson has a gift with being a peace maker. I have never seen anything like it. He saves me so many days from losing my mind. And he is the world's GREATEST big brother. Anyone that knows Jackson know just what I am talking about. I don't know what I would do without him. We love you very much!!!! Happy Birthday!

Shift worker

2009-01-19T19:33:00.003-05:00

Jason told me he overheard the boys playing last night and this is what they were saying.

Noah: "Ahhh, Father Bear,why can't I go to work with you?" (They love Little Bear).

Jackson: "You know. You can never come to work with me when I have to go to work in the middle of the night."

Sounds like they were playing house or something like that.

Jason thinks it is sad that they think their dad is a "shift worker" and works grave yards here and there. But I hate to break it to you Jason. . . you sort of were for awhile. I am glad those days are over.

Why do I want to live in California?

2009-01-17T16:04:00.003-05:00

For the simple reason that the temperature never drops below ZERO!!!!

This is the second day that my pipes are frozen and my kitchen smells like B.O.!!! That's right, you read it. There is no running water. We made some pretty awesome Chili Verde Burritos a few nights ago and have been enjoying the leftovers for a couple of days. Had I known my kitchen would end up smelling like little Mexico, I would have just stuck to simple P.B's and J's.

Also. . . I haven't been able to do much for fear of my little children freezing some part of their body off. School was cancelled for dangerously low temps. And as I have been selling some things on Craig's List people are saying, "Well, good luck with your move. I hope you are heading off to somewhere warmer."

HA! That would not be Ann Arbor, MI.

Today we loaded up a storage unit of all the pure shwaaaaa that we have somehow accumulated and poor Jason is FREEZING. I bet when he is done he will only have 7 fingers. This freezing weather will surely take a few.

But you know what? It feels so good to have so much gone out of our house. Yes, I know it is awaiting me for unpacking time in Ann Arbor, but for now, I feel like I have been frugal and only purchased things I am using. So, I'm starving, my kitchen stinks and it is FRA-E-ZING!!!!!

Love it!

2009-01-15T15:16:00.004-05:00

So, I just listed a few things on Craig's List and was going back to look at the add and this is the first thing listed in one section. I love it!

Free Children

Las Dos Amigas!

2009-01-10T10:44:00.003-05:00

One of my great friends is now living in Washington DC for work with her family and they were able to come and visit us for New Year's . We had a super fun time with them and a much needed girls day. Thanks to our wonderful husbands that took 5 little kids to the Science Center and fed them lunch and dinner and put them to bed. It was fantastic.

Adrienne and I got to go shopping, get pedicures and just laugh all day. I wish we lived closer. I really did love having them here and getting to know her family better. Adrienne and I met because we both went to the same mission. We NEVER once saw each other while serving, but we did keep in contact through little notes and messages while we were in Argentina. We both had the same trainer (give us strength) and knew several of the same missionaries. We just never got to cross paths. :(

So, thanks for coming to visit us and make such a fun holiday for us!

ouch!

2009-01-07T21:23:00.002-05:00

Today I had a dr. appt. Everything looks fine. As it should. I still have 8 weeks to go so nothing major was checked. But as I am leaving and still thinking about how I had to get weighed again (I always hate that part) and how I keep getting bigger and how the more I gain the more I have to loose and blah blah blah. . . I am getting out of the elevator and this older man says to me, "Twins or triplets?"

WHAT??

I quickly replied, "Nope, just one." Idiot.

So far all you big liars of friends that keep telling me, "Oh you look so good. . . it's only your little belly. . .blah blah blah. . . "

Someone begs to differ with you. And old grey haired man.

So much to say, so little time!

2008-12-30T16:38:00.005-05:00

I am going to make this as short as possible. So, to make a long story short, if I am even capable of that, is that it has been a crazy, hectic, wonderful holiday season.

Starting with Thanksgiving. We all got to go to Salt Lake and spend it with my family. I loved it all. And I seriously loved meeting my two new nephews. They really are so cute you can't stand it. Just being home and spending time with my family made the start to the season fantastic. We were able to do some really fun things. Here are some highlights:

-Temple Square with Joce and Ben and our kids
-yummy Mexican food
-HEAVENLY Thanksgiving. My mom is seriously one of the greatest cooks alive!!
-going to Burger Supreme and Puddin' on the Rice with Jocelyn. Don't ask me why it was so fun. It just was. Maybe because we laughed so much at dinner about old nerdy boyfriends. Or maybe it was because we went to Puddin' on the Rice first because there were supposed to be crepes there, but there weren't. So we sampled EVERY flavor of rice pudding they had and then left, promising to come back. Which we did. :)
-Shopping with Jill, Jocelyn, and my mom.
-Going to the craft fair that Jill told me about. I got the best new diaper bag that I am seriously in love with.
-making toffee with Jill, minus the one that we undercooked. Amazing that it still got eaten. HAHA!!
-watching Uncle Ben play so much with my boys.
-Jackson getting his first be-be gun. I think it is called soft pellets or something. Thanks Uncle Kevin. :)
-The list could go on!!!!

Jason had to leave a few days earlier than me so after I flew back home with the kids, it was a quick couple of weeks before we headed to Oregon to spend Christmas with his family. But in that 2 week span was the Ward Christmas Party. It all turned out great and I am SO glad it is over. I really do have a pretty awesome committee. Thanks to all of you that helped put it together. And YA HOO it's over. :)

I also had to plan and create Jackson's class Christmas party. I totally forgot about it and the teachers reminded me that it was on the 18th, the same day I was leaving for Oregon. So lucky me. . . I got to lose my mind and go have a party right before we headed to the airport. But the kids were darling and it was very fun.

Now for Christmas. We got into Portland on the 18th, to FREEZING cold weather. Driving home through the Columbia Gorge was stress full for everyone, but mostly for Larry (father in law). Chains were required and it was slick! What should have taken us 3 hours ended up taking us 6. Here are some highlights from Boardman:

-watching the boys snow mobile with their daddy and Grandpa Smythe. I even got to go out with Jason on the snow mobile. But he drove. Last time I went my friend Amber and I totaled her dad's snow mobile. :)
-Going to Leavenworth, WA and watching the boys go sledding. They LOVED it. -Christmas morning. That says it all. The magic that is so real for my kids makes all the stress and craziness of Christmas worth it.
-Eating at Taco Time. Crisp bean burrito!!! (Can anyone see that I love Mexican food? Cheap or not).
-visiting with Jason's family.
-an ice machine that CRUNCHES your ice. Oh yeah, that craving is back and it was so good to have so many bite sized pieces of ice.
-This is by far one of the funniest Noah moments ever!! While in Utah he became ADDICTED to Home Alone. Not my number one choice for a 3 year old, but what can you do? (Thanks Aunt Jocey). So, he continued his passion for it while we were in Boardman and our last night there we stayed in a hotel in Portland. He was all fired up about having to take a bath that night and giving us all sorts of heck. After the bath was over and Jackson was out and Noah was still in the tub we all left the bathroom. Noah begins like this.
"When I grow up and get married, IF I get married, me and my family are living alone!! I'm living alone!! I'm living alone!! You hear me? I'm living alone. I'm sick of all these kids running around!" And if you have ever heard little Noah talking, he has the CUTEST little lisp you have ever hear. So re read this and add the lisp. :) I was practically peeing my pants on the hotel bed. It was impressive how similar he sounded to Mccauley. My child has a gift! And while it was very sassy and naughty of him to be yelling like that, we had to laugh.
-pure realization!!

But I do have one thing that is not a highlight for me on that trip. On Christmas morning my mom called and told me that my dad was in the hospital and had a heart attack. It ended up that he needed open heart surgery. (5 bypass). So, I spent many hours consumed in thinking about him and what he must be going through. I was worried about him so I can only imagine how my mom and dad must have been feeling.

He had the bypass surgery yesterday and finally got his breathing tube out today. He is awake, it took him awhile to fully open his eyes and keep them open, but he did. And he his all drugged up. Now he is just going to have to recover and regain much of his strength. Yesterday was emotional for me just imagining my dad there having had such a major surgery. Jason started explaining what they would do and I had to make him stop. It was just too much to take in. Noah made a creation on his plate today with lifesavers of me crying about Grandpa. :) I got a little laugh out of it.

I guess thinking about someone you love so much be so still and bandaged puts a lot of things into perspective for you. Life is so precious. And my life has been so greatly blessed with amazing parents. My dad has been one of my best and truest friends since I can remember. There are many secrets we have shared, promising not to tell mom. I can't begin to imagine what things would be like with out him around. Luckily for us, he will be. I am grateful for the surgeons that took such good care of him. And mostly for the incredible power or prayer and priesthood blessings.

So, I guess I didn't keep it too short, but I tried. Just think of everything I could have written, but didn't. Because trust me, there is TONS! :)

Round #3 NYC!

2008-12-10T20:18:00.006-05:00

I have been home now from 2 trips and need to post about each one. I don't know if it is my pregnancy or just plain laziness that is keeping me from the blogging world, but I am starting to miss it. :)

The second week of November I took my third GIRLS trip to New York City and it was fabulous. Melanie, Brooke, Elise and I all left on Saturday and stayed until Tuesday. It was perfect. Yummy food, great shopping and spectacular shows. We ended up getting to see three shows in all.

1. Radio City Christmas Spectacular

2. White Christmas and. . .

3. In The Heights

I seriously loved them all.

We also got to see our old friend Kim Kitley that used to live here in Pittsburgh and that was great. I am actually going to cut and paste another person's post about it. I think I have forgotten too many details to write them all down. So don't judge me for plagiarizing. :) And a special thanks to either Melanie or Brooke. I let you try and figure our who. :) I did changed several things so it isn't as obvious. :)

This time round I mostly went to New York to be with friends and to see Broadway plays. I didn't feel the need to rush around to all the sites (which I felt we covered most last time we were there). We stayed on the 36th floor of the Marriott Marquee which was right on Broadway in Time Square. It was a great location (we stayed there last time, too, and I just love it).

We arrived about noon, and decided to hit Soho first. We went to a couple stores, ended up purchases some things at a local NY favorite little boutique, Gap (I know, real exotic), eating a really yummy sandwich from Dean & Deluca's, (I wolfed down the hugest apple fritter on the face of the planet) and running off to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (you know, the one with the Rockettes). It was a pretty good show, and put me in the mood for Christmas. I was teary at the nativity and bringing live camels in. While Melanie reminded me how hard it would be to actually keep those animals in NYC. Still, it was touching. :)

Brooke and I both immediately saw the sigh for White Christmas and went to find out ho much the tickets were. The response, $120, was not really an option for us. Bummer. But then the ticket agent mentioned that they do a lottery an hour before the show, we said, 'Yes, please!" So the next day, we went to Union Square for breakfast, stopped by the American Girl Doll store for a quick visit (I know I am an adult, but I was with some girls who are a little passionate about AGDs), and then went to put our names in the drawing for a ticket to White Christmas. The way that the lottery worked was that each person could put in one name for a chance at two tickets for each name. They had 22 tickets to give. If your name was drawn, you could purchase two tickets for 26 bucks a piece.

Now, I never win anything, except I did once win a give away on a blog, so I had little faith in the drawing. But we all ended up getting called and freaking out at the same time!!! The tickets were front row, right dab in the center. Excellent! The play was awesome, with several song and dance numbers added that weren't in the movie and most of the favorites! Being drawn was probably the most exciting part of our whole trip!

After the show, we ran uptown to a really good little pizza place called Patsy's. Thanks to Lisa for guiding us to so many delicious places. So good. Then we hustled back down to time square to make it to another show, "In the Heights'. Elise and I were shoving our faces as we ran down the street. Pregnant girls gotta eat! It had an urban Latin vibe and it was funny and very well done. I loved it I think most of any of the shows. And I loved that I could actually understand everything they were singing and saying. Who says missions don't serve me in the future? :) Just kidding.

Afterwards we went to Cafe Lalo. It is the same little cafe that Meg Ryan waits for her blind date in You've Got Mail. The dessert was good, but I mostly liked the atmosphere.

The next day we met up with our friend Kim (who accompanied us on our last NY trip) for breakfast at Norma's,where I ate a SCRUMPTIOUS egg quesadilla. And the hot chocolate was divine. I got my own bowl of melted marshmallows and whipped cream. HEL-O!! Afterwards we went to FAO Schwartz (the toy store from Big), walked down 5th Avenue, went to the top of the Rockefeller, and saw Kim off at Grand Central Station.

On the last day, we visited Ground Zero, Century 21 (a store, not the real estate agency), rode the Staten Island Ferry and then we divided into two groups- one headed for the Doughnut Plant, the other headed to the hotel to check out and get at taxi. Well, everything took longer than planned, I underestimated the length of the taxi ride to the airport and we ended up making a mad dash to the airport. We barely made it- it ended up with Melanie running through the terminal in just her socks, and the rest of us running behind with our bags and boxes of doughnuts, with "Run, Run, Rudolph" in our heads. We BARELY made it. So, here's me. All fat and pregnant, RUNNING (more like wobbling), BARLEY making my flight because I had to buy 1 dozen doughnuts. :) And I wonder why I am gaining weight so rapidly.

But we made it and the doughnuts were worth the adventure. I think Melanie was shocked to see h ow fast I could eat that first Tres Leches doughnut. One second it was in my hand and then next, it disappeared. I got skills! :)

So, thanks girls for a SUPER DUPER fun trip. I had a great time with you. So many fun memories we shared. Especially just sitting in the hotel room late at night. Speaking of the hotel room, how did the 2 pregnant girls end up in the same bed. I think there was some planning on Brooke and Melanie's part. :)

And especially thanks to my wonderful husband that played SUPER dad with the kids. You truly are amazing and I love you for doing so much for me.

And next I will post about my Thanksgiving trip to Utah. Give me a few weeks. :)

We have a winner!

2008-11-21T14:30:00.002-05:00

Today I was in the shower just enjoying the nice warmth. When suddenly Jackson came bursting in telling me there was a huge spider on my bed.

"WHAT?!!! Go kill it NOW!!"

Jackson put his hands on his cheeks and said, "No, I don't want to touch it. It is scary."

And in comes Noah to the rescue. "I will do it for you Mama."

I told Jackson to get a tissue and hurry up about it. After struggling to get the tissue out (it seriously kept ripping and making me crazy), he finally handed Noah the tissue and I told them to run. That spider could have been anywhere by now.

While thinking they got it, but not really, I hollered out, "Did you get it?" I was trying to stay calm.

Jackson said, "No, we are looking everywhere for it."

I am mostly sicked out by the thought of a spider in my bed. You can rest assured that I will not be sleeping in a bed infested with spiders. And oh yeah, it was a Daddy Long Leg. . . a white one, thanks to Jackson.

Then Noah yelled back at me, "Ellie has it."

"WHAT?!!! Get it from her!!!"

Imagine me. . .helpless in the shower. I had JUST put my conditioner in and wanted to get all the benefits of a well conditioned head of hair.

Then. . . .Noah was ecstatic. "I got it Mommy. I got it!!! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!"

He came and put it in the bathroom and that was that.

So, it looks like we have a winner from now on with who gets to kill all the spiders around here. I sure as heck know it ain't gonna be me!

A mountain? Really?

2008-11-10T22:23:00.002-05:00

Today I went to take the van to get the oil changed. While there, Noah had to go to the bathroom twice. And since I seem to always have to use the restroom as well, I used the bathroom each time he went. While in the restroom Noah asked to see my belly.

I lifted the bottom of my shirt and showed him my ever growing expanse. The first and only response he gave me was, "Oh Mom, your belly button looks like a mountain!"

Imagine what he thinks about my actual stomach? So, first I have chubby arms and now this? A mountain for a belly button? I had to laugh at him. And in all honestly, he's is right. :)

Mercury vrs. Pluto

2008-10-15T20:58:00.002-04:00

This was too funny not to post.

Tonight at dinner Jackson was telling me how much he loved me. (Sigh.)

Jackson: "Mom, I love you so much. From here to earth to Pluto to earth to Pluto to earth, back to Pluto. . . . " You get the idea. He said it at least 15 times. And totally aware that Pluto is the farthest from earth. Yes, I know Pluto is no longer a planet.

Mom: "I love you that much too. But maybe even more."

Jackson: all smiles

Noah: "You know how much I love you mom?"

Mom: "How much?"

Noah: "From here to the cookie, to my plate to my drink and to Mercury and back"

Jackson: "Uhhh, like Mercury is the closest planet to earth. Why does he only love you that much?"

Mom: (holding in all my laughter but not very well) "Well, he loves me all around the dinner table too."

I thought it was so funny how Jackson would call Noah out on the distance from earth to all the planets. Jackson has become pretty smart when it comes to outer space. He has learned all the planets and their line up according to earth. No thanks to me I assure you. I am pretty certain he learned it from his Leapster game Wall-E. Thanks Disney.

Another 3 year old for me!

2008-10-14T21:05:00.005-04:00

October 5th was Noah's 3rd birthday and we had a great time. It happened to fall on Sunday so we had a simple little celebration with just our family. The Miracle's happened to stop by and join in the song and cake. All day Noah felt like the king of the world. And we let him. It was his day.

Then the following Wednesday we had the full blown party. And I loved it every bit as much as the kids. We did it total Halloween style and I even decided to embrace the "cool mom" and dress up. Oh yeah, a witch. How appropriate right? For the ward party I am going to try add a wart to my nose. But the night of the party my time was running out and I barely had time to spray my hair purple.

All the kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes, or whatever their mom's could pull together and we had a spooky party. Even my yard turned a little white trash with all the decor. Please see "cool mom" above.

We played Pin the Eye on the Jack-O-Lantern, Spooky Halloween Twister and decorated Halloween sugar cookies. I decided to do a cupcake tree instead of a cake since I made a birthday cake for Noah on his actual day. And it was so easy and fun. Spider webs. So easy.

So, to my crazy little 3 year old. . . I love you more than you will ever know. Even on the days when I want to pull all my hair out and go to a hotel all by myself (or just the bathroom would be nice), I wouldn't trade it for the world. You make me laugh harder than any other child I have ever known. You can also make me a bit nuts. :) But that is what we love!!!! You always know how to make me smile. I love you little Noah. Every single thing about you!! I am so proud to be your mommy.

And the news is. . . .

2008-10-08T13:08:00.003-04:00

Well, I guess it is time to officially announce something that most of you already know. And for those of you that I haven't told yet, it is purely out of laziness and being severely over occupied.

Today I had my ultra sound and we got to see the little baby in motion for about one hour. There was a tiny little calcium deposit on one of the babies heart muscles, but not to worry. The Dr. came in to take a look at it and said that it is totally fine and not to stress about. But of course, I will be googling it later.

The baby looks great. Everything is where it should be and working how it should be. What a relief. Last night I didn't feel the baby move and it started to stress me a little. I got up to go to the bathroom around 1:30am and laid awake until 2:45 praying a worrying that the baby would move and everything would be fine. It was a serious concern for all you that think I am a little worry wart. (Jason included. He had the nerve to even tell me that I probably wasn't really awake all that time).

So, when the tech asked me if we wanted to know the gender of the baby, I got very excited. But I told her to wait a little. I wasn't quite ready for the anticipation to be over quite yet. And then I was ready.

It's a boy!!!! And we couldn't be happier. Really, at this number of child, I am thankful for either. If Ellie never was born and this was my 4th boy, yes. . . I would be so sad. But now that I have each, I am set. So, boy it is. I am very happy and excited to start all over with boy things. My sister Jocelyn just had her first children. Get it? Twins. :) And she had little boys so I gave her all I had. Jason is worried. But I am ready to go shopping. :) As a side note. If I do decide to have a 5th child, it better be a girl. Ellie needs a sister and someone to fight about scrunchies with. Didn't we all hate it if our sister touched our scrunchies?!! :)

So, congrats to me! :)