Smithsonian

You need to cheer up?

2011-08-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

This does it to me every time!

Giddy Up!

2011-08-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a blast!! I used to ride when I was younger. Much younger! But, getting back on horses was like coming home. I felt so at peace. It was so fun to see my kids take to them as well. Julianna was in Hog Heaven being on her horse, Black. She had a grin from ear to ear. It made me determined to get her married to a rancher or farmer. I gave her a nice little pep talk encouraging her to do just that. Let's see if she listens.

The Great Utah Outdoors

2011-08-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

I decided a month ago that I wanted to have one last hurrah before school started. We went to Utah to see my sisters. Lindsay came from NY and since she wanted a fun packed vacay with no traces of NY, we went camping. Now, I have NEVER camped with my own family. This was surreal! We had such a great time! Jodi had friends who had a boat and raft. We spent the whole day on the water which was so fun! I have rarely been on a raft. It was terrifying but exhilarating. We had so much fun. I am grateful we have a photographer in our family so we can document all these moments. Thanks Lindsay!!

Pooped

2011-07-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

7 miles on the bike tends to do this to her!

Our Getaway

2011-07-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

Like two teenagers off to make trouble

Strawberry Village Inn

off to Cliff Lake

On top of Black Butte! Mt. Shasta!

This last month, Sean and I were able to get away to Mt. Shasta. We had a awesome time just being free of responsibility. We hiked around the beautiful area, ate out at cute little resturants, and hung out in our adorable little room at the Strawberry Village Inn. It made me realize how much I really like my husband when the stresses of life are not with us. That gave me great comfort and I am excited that we had that time to get reconnected.

Happy Camper

2011-07-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

10 years of camping bliss

united by marriage, bonded by friendship!

Ro Ro and Jules

You think you wouldn't be seeing this in the beautiful outdoors, but it is 2011 and the boys had a blast playing together!

Two year old buddies, Ruby & Lyla

The Patriarch! Love this man!

E2! Eliza and Elijah

relaxing at the campfire

Cooking up a mean meal

Sisterly Love

Smith Men

Smith Family 2011

Watt Family

Watts Family

Smith Family

Getting ready for our hike!

William and Wolf

Cousins but better fiiends

The meadow of beauty by our campsite

This puts frolicking in the meadow on the map

Grant, flower child!

Campsite 99

Happiness is...

2011-07-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

Cuddling with my kids!

Getting some vacay time with my number 1 man!

unlikely best buds!

hikes with Grandpa

video games and bonding with cousins

bounce houses at the park


watching fireworks with my kiddos!

Soaking up the sun

2011-07-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July brought on the heat in Moraga!! It was record temps and we knew exactly what to do to stay cool. Swim, Swim and more swim!!

Holiday in Moraga

2011-07-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Mason and Lyla reconnecting

The Rowell Boys & Smith Clan 2011

Waiting for the fireworks to start at Moraga Commons

It wouldn't be a visit to Moraga without seeing my 95 year old Grandma! Love ya Lottie!

Cousin Power

2011-07-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Smith Grandkids 2011


Wolf, Ruby and Lyla The Two's!

This summer has been packed with Cousin Lovin'! I have been very envious of my children having so many cousins to play with. They are all so adorable together! The great thing of having such a huge family is that there is always a kid one of my kid's age to play with. Fun is always around the corner when we are at the Smith's!

Life Lessons

2011-06-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Fingernails no more

There is moments that really teach valuable lessons. This morning I heard Julianna crying when she woke up. Elijah came in to tell me that Marley had chewed up Emily's (American Girl Doll) hand. My heart sank because she had been taking such good care of her up until this moment. The sad part is that Emily was right next to Julianna as she was every night, so it made it worse that Marley went into their room in the early morning to go to town on her hand. It was a sad morning to say the least. But as I started to talk to her about this, she said that she didn't want Marley anymore. I had to tell her that we all make mistakes and when this stuff happens, even though it is hard that we need to forgive. It took a couple minutes for her to realize that Marley is a dog and that is what dogs do. I had to put in that she does things that ruins my things and I don't want to give her up. I just have to move on and know that we love Marley and we just have to really teach him not to chew anymore. It was such a powerful way to teach forgiveness. She quickly made up with Marley and now they are happy. We will just have to look into getting Emily's hand fixed. I hear through the grapevine that there is a hospital that these sweet little doll's can get repaired. Till then, we will keep her safe from Marley's ferocious teeth.

Sleepy

2011-06-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when Dad does the bedtime.

Marly Moments

2011-06-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Don't sleep and drive.

Roscoe and Marley. Best Buds and Neighbors!

First Good Haircut!


Handsome little pair

We have really enjoyed Marley as part of this family. He has such a great personality. He is great with the kids and has been a great doorbell. He is adored by all that meet him expect Grandma. We love his sweet face and hope he sticks it out with us for a while!

Goodbye's are not my favorite!!

2011-06-01T09:23:00.000-07:00


Farewell my dear friend!! I will miss you!!

I remember when I first met my dear friend Michelle. It was at church. She had a little boy the same age as my little baby, so of course I was interested in getting to know her. We found out that our babies were only five days apart. It was kismet. Through the six years of our friendship, we have seen our families grow to three each with very similar ages. We have babysat for each other and played at many parks as well. I have always respected Michelle for being so steadfast in her faith. She is such a generous and giving spirit. She also makes me laugh like you wouldn't believe. I knew that one day that they would eventually move to Utah, but it came out of nowhere and it was hard to accept that this is truly an end of an era. She and her family will definitely be missed by the Smith Clan. We hope that we will be friends forever no matter what distance separates us.

Lucky Number 7!

2011-05-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

A yearly tradition!


The Swimming Gang From Lft to Rt. Lucas, Elijah, Turtle, Daniel, Bradley, Julianna, and Devin

We are going to miss you, Daniel!!

My Little Birthday Fish!!

Turtle's Syringes bring so much entertainment! Thanks Buddy!!

The Grub

It was a Lego Birthday!! So much fun!

My Sweet Boy turned 7 this week. I can't believe that I have a seven year old. I am so thankful for what Elijah has taught me about being a mother. He is such a happy and sweet boy. There is nothing that I would rather do than be around him and soak up his goodness. He is the best big brother. He is smart and funny. I love you, Elijah. You are my favorite son!!!

Here comes the Bride

2011-05-22T10:10:00.000-07:00


Dolly & Tyler Casper

The boy that still steals Dolly's heart! Teddy!!

Getting the endowments out a couple days before the big day!

Love my SISTERS!


waiting at the reception for the bride and groom

Yesterday was a special day for the Smith Family. We had a new member join our family. Tyler Casper has been an angel that swept in to Dolly's life to bless her and our family. We couldn't be happier for her. She went through so much in her life to come to this point. It proves to me that the Lord loves his children no matter what mistakes they make in the past. Repentance is real. The Lord sees fit to bless us if we just live by his commandments and Dolly and Tyler are a sure testimony of that. The one thing I loved about her sealing ceramony was the advice of CONTINUE. Continue to go through life instead of endure. If we just continue, we can do a little better everyday and try to be all the Lord wants us to be. We can't let our past define us, it is just a way we can get through and move on. Don't get hung up on our mistakes. It was such a wonderful day. I am so happy for this beautiful couple. They have a full life ahead of them. More pictures to come.

Mother's Day on Mt Diablo

2011-05-07T10:21:00.000-07:00


My Favorite Hiking Crew

Starting out

No better way to spend the day than with my hiking buddy

We made it!! Almost 4000 feet of Mt Diable!

Dawna, our trail blazer!

Mother's Day Weekend was a blast! We had a chance to climb Mt. Diablo with a group of friends. It was a perfect day for it. low 70's and cool. The views were spectacular! I hadn't done much on the excercise front, so I was a little out of shape. It took me a week to recover from this. But, I loved every minute of it. I am always in awe of the beauty that surrounds us, Another hike to check off my list.

Need a Hand?

2011-04-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mormon Helping Hands

When we are helping, we are happy!!

Prepping the painting project!

We were able to particapate in the Mormon Helping Hands. It was great to see so many faces in our stake to help out our community school. We cleaned, painted, planted flowers, repainted on the cement and various other tasks. It was a great event. The greatest feeling is to serve with a happy heart!

How did you grow up so fast?

2011-04-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

In a blink, my baby is getting to be so big. With every day, she is showing signs of independence that I swear she is too young for. I love seeing her work her way through life with focus and determination. Life is fun with my Lylabee!

Time Out! Yes, Please!!

2011-04-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing time at Time Out for Women in Fresno with my friend Kim and her mom!

John Bytheway was one of my fave's growing up.

My new Hero Kris Belcher. She is blind and had such an amazing story to tell,

When I grow up...

2011-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

I want to be like my mom!! Couldn't be prouder! look at the intensity of their faces!!

Great News!!

2011-04-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just found out Ty's dad got a job in Sacramento!! Yeahhh!! He is here for good!!

We are so excited that Ty is going to be around. He is such a good friend!! Can't you tell by the love shown here!!

Follow the Prophet

2011-04-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last night before going to bed, Sean and I were up talking. He asked me if my next door neighbor, Barbara told me what Julianna said the other day. That could have been a million things considering Barbara is Julianna's new bestie. She is about 60 years older, but the connection they share can not be beat. The other day, Barbara had guests over. Julianna being the independent child that she is decided to walk over to her house without her mom and dad knowing (I know, really shocking) She decided to crash the party by bringing up some gospel chat. Mind you, Barbara is not a member of our church, but has always been very respectful of it. So the conversation went a little something like this...

J: Barbara, do you follow the prophet??
B: What do you mean??
J: The Prophet. Heavenly Father sends prophets down to earth so we can follow them and learn more about him. Do you know Noah?
B: Yes, I know Noah. Tell me more about him.
J: Noah was a prophet and he was told by Heavenly Father that he needed to build a boat. He brought all the animals on the boat and when the flood came, he was saved with the animals.

Needless to say, Barbara was speechless and frankly so was I!

Bonding with the Cousins

2011-04-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Beatty cousins came to visit!! SO fun to reunite!

Jarom bonding with our dog. You guys need to get one of these for him!


Fast Friends and cousins for LIFE!!

Thanks for putting us on you things to do Amy! We can't wait for a repeat!!

Traumatic Tuesday

2011-04-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

My oh My, was this day difficult to live through. I am not sure if it was the fact that this week is a slow work week and the pressure of being the bread winner is weighing heavily on my mind. Or if it is my son, who every day this week has managed to get in trouble at school for one reason or the other. Or the fact, it takes him HOURS to finish a journal entry that should only take 10 minutes at the most. Or the fact, I actually have to bribe him with pizza to actually see some pep to his step and master it in 3 minutes. Or, when I am getting the girls ready to go to our favorite pizza place of choice, my second child manages to take down my whole salon leaving everything to clean up including my floating shelf, with only holes in the walls to show where it once was. Or, that my son punched a hole in his bedroom wall, to say that it was there anyway (which was not because I think I would notice a tennis ball size in his wall), or that fact when we finally get to the pizza place, while I was thus enjoying my 10th piece of pizza, that a huge group of people surrounding the claw clutching toy machine only to see MY son inside the tiny space and to try to get him out with everyone still watching!! Yeah, it is a good thing I am not an alcoholic. Oh, and my hubby is the sickest I have ever seen him which leaves me the only one to take care of my little ones. Yeah, good times, This is going to be fun to talk about in my parenting class tomorrow night! Hold on Nancy!

Music makes the world go around

2011-04-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

Day 10 : Music you listen to when you are bored, happy, sad, mad and hyped

I recently have grown very dependent on music. It just speaks to me. I have always had a pretty wide range of likes since I was very young. Recently I have really liked teeny bopper music just for the main fact is that it is fast paced and let's face it, I need a little hop to my step in my day.

Bored: Hmmmm, let's see. I don't know if I ever get bored. I kinda wish for boredom at times in my very busy life. So, I will alter it a little and say what music I would listen to in the car is Brandon Flowers "Flamingo" I know every word and lets face it. Who dosen't like belting the lyrics at the top of you lungs in a car.

Happy: I am a total musical FREAK!! I always say I would love if my life were a musical. So, my favorite is Wicked. Every time I hear Defying Gravity, I always have a smile on my face just because I envision Elphaba singing her guts out. It is such a great musical and anyone who hasn't seen it should go! Like NOW!

Sad: I am a pretty sappy person, so any music that lets me drown in my drama is usually the ticket, but I think the music that comes to my mind is country. The songs by Kenny Chesney, George Strait, or Tim McGraw are some of the most heartfelt lyrics I have heard that also make me feel better and get me out of my sad mood.

Hyped: Like I said earlier, I am a teeny bopper at heart, so Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson and Rhianna are my girls that help me get my workout on and clean the house. There tunes and beats get me all excited and they are the best tunes to have a dance party with my girls. It is so fun to run around the house, blaring the tunes and letting go of all everyday stresses.

No judgments!!

A Bloomin Onion

2011-04-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Day 9-name something that you are proud of in the last couple of days.

I would like to take you back a couple of years to be able to really answer this question. It was before I started the preschool that I had Julianna in. I was having the hardest time knowing what I needed to do to tame this wild monkey known as my daughter. I struggled everyday to know how to be a good parent. I lost my cool 5 days out of the 7 and was getting no where. My relationship was struggling with my daughter and I didn't think it looked too good for the future when she was a teenager. Well, 2 years later and I can honestly say that my daughter and I are the best place. I am proud of where I have been in my quest to be a better mother and a better relationship with Jules. I feel that the classes I have taken to teach me have been the best investment. I am now taking a new class with Sean to further his education so we can be on the same page to make us a better team. Being a good parent will always be my goal, but right now, I can pat myself on the back knowing I am exactly where I want to be. Living Vertically! Onward and Upward!

Sweet encounters

2011-04-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I was able to share a sweet moment with Julianna. This week she has been especially wonderful about listening and not having tantrums. I was taught in my parenting class is "catching them being good" Well, she was on my bed and she was helping me do laundry and I just looked at her. Like really looked at her. She was just so sweet and so cooperative. So, I told her that I appreciated her and all the work that she has been doing. I went on to say that she has really grown up to be a wonderful girl. It was like filling an empty well. I saw her being filled to the brim and she made the huge strides into my arms and I just held my little girl. It could have been the single sweetest moment that I have shared with her. Those moments are what you crave as a mother!!

Disappointment Averted!

2011-04-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

You will not believe the call I got this morning!! Yes, it was a call I got from California Montessori Project saying that my child (Julianna) got selected for this next coming year!! I was dumbstruck!! After last night and the feelings of rejection I felt, to only go to complete and utter excitement was more than I could take!! I was on cloud 9!! It was awesome!! I am still waiting on Elijah, but since Jules is in, he will be on the priority list. I am just so happy that we are in. I know that they are going to love this school. It is everything I wish I had when I was in school. It would have changed the way I view education. The classes are smaller, the teachers are amazing and patient and I can be involved in their classes with the hours I donate every year. Thrilled beyond words is what I am!

Disappointment

2011-04-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

So, I enrolled my kids in a Montessori school this winter hoping for a change in the way they get educated. I fell in love with the school at first glance and I was really hoping that my kids would be able to go there this next year. The only thing is that it is by lottery and if your name does not show up in their hand you have to wait until someone does not want to go there and even then, you are still among many who want it just as much as you do. This week was the week I have been waiting for since late January. This is when the lucky find out and the unlucky get rejected. I am afraid I am in the latter group. I know that there is still a chance that things can change, but I think it is going to be public school next year for us which sucks!! I am worried for Julianna this next year for kindergarten. The teachers are not my favorite choice for her. Elijah did fine, but they are totally different kids. I did say that I was going to accept whatever outcome that there was, knowing the Lord knew my children just as much as I do. He knows what they need. I have to have faith in that and know that they will be fine that setting. Dosen't make it easier or less disappointing.

By the way, this is not part of the 30 day challenge. This is part of my goal of blogging the everyday events of my life. Good or bad. Today was less than stellar.

My Vices and how to overcome them

2011-04-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

I have not been very good about this 30 day blogging challenge. Every night I think there is something I need to do and for the life of me I can't think about what it is. Then, I wake up two days later and I realize that I didn't blog. So, on day 8, it is on short term goals and how I can accomplish them. So, I think it is only fitting to set my first goal to blog everyday. I was just peroozing someone else's blog today and she is working on the same thing, but her thing is to blog the everyday happenings of her life and write about it with a picture attached. I love that idea. I would love to be able to do something along those lines. So, I will make a goal to blog everyday.
My second goal is to not spend so much time on Facebook. It has been such a time sucker and I resent it for that. I get updates on my phone which really makes this goal a hardship for me. I make a goal right now to look on FB nightly. Once a day. I know. I feel like it is impossible. Does anyone have any ideas how to accomplish a hard task such as this, I need to figure it out. I feel like if I am not on it, then I miss out on the things I need to know. You would not believe how much of my communication goes on through FB. It was through FB that I know people's birthdays. It is through FB that I know when my sweet Mom in law tripped and fell on her face. It is through FB that I get to record in a matter of seconds sweet mommy moments and get to hear other's moments that helps me so I don't feel so alone in the world. Dang that Mark Zuckerberg! You are part genius, part adversary!!
Third and last goal ( I think 3 is a good number so I don't get overwhelmed) is to hmmmm...I don't even remember what I was going to write. That is so sad. I had such a good goal, but now it has left me. Oh yeah, run a 10 K and eat better. I suck at the latter. I am needing to figure out how to do it. So, here is to goals and achieving them. Cheers!!

2011-04-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Snow College in Ephraim Utah

Day 7: Name something that has made a huge impact on your life.
It was the fall of 1996, bags packed and completely thinking I was out of my mind. I moved away from the life that I lived in Moraga and from a boyfriend that I thought I was going to marry. I had no idea the impact of my decision and how it would determine the choices I made from that day forward. Here, I met 5 amazing girls that accepted me for who I was and the baggage I came with. Here, I gained a testimony and realized that it was way stronger than I had ever thought. Here, I found who I was and kinda liked it. Snow didn't just change the course of my life, it was the blueprint on how my life was going to be built.

My Superhero!

2011-04-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

It took me a long time to think about my next post which is; who is my superhero. I'm a girl so superheros are not really my thing. So, I went deeper. I thought, "Who is my hero?? As I thought who I would look up to for counsel and direction, I instantly thought about my main man, Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
I am a sucker for accents. If anyone has an accent, I am instantly by their side so I can just listen to them Well, Elder Uchtdorf has the best accent. I love to hear him speak. He not only has an awesome voice, he is the most amazing speaker. I think back to a talk that he gave not that long ago in a YW General Brodcast. It was titled Happily Ever After. It was the moment that changed me. His words struck me in such a way that I never want to forget. After that, my ears perk up when he comes to the podium. Don't get me wrong, I love all the apostles and the things that they speak. But, that special moment that was shared between me and the pages of the Ensign, my heart will always follow Dieter!

To the Top

2011-03-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

Half Dome

Day 5- Picture of somewhere I have been

Drop you like a bad habit...

2011-03-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Day 4 - a habit you wish you didn't have

Where do I begin?? I guess if I could pick just one is that I tend to be a pessimist. I always admire the people that can always look at a situation and always see the best and brightest outcome. I, on the other hand, always think it is going to turn out badly and am pleasantly surprised when it looks like things are going to turn out. I think I have gotten better with age, but I definitely struggle with it and want it to go away. No one likes a Debbie downer and I try really hard not to be. You just can't change someone's stripes. That is one of the reasons I married Sean. He is the eternal optimist as well as his family. You can't be around them and feel the way that I have known my whole life. So, I am on my way to get rid of this nasty habit. Maybe when this life is over, I can have it be a strength. But I doubt it. Doww, did it again!

I get by with a little help from my FRIENDS

2011-03-29T21:24:00.000-07:00


MY BEST FRIEND AND ETERNAL COMPANION1 aka tv buddy & bike buddy

Friends who you laugh with nonstop! Sisters in Law! I am so lucky to have so many!

New Friends/Hiking Buddies

Friend you feel like you have known forever even though you just met.

Friend who you have known forever! My brother Justin who was my first friend

Friends who have known you in the bad times but still love you in the end!


Friends who you just plain have fun with!

Day three of 30 day challenge: Picture of your friends.

Of course I couldn't pick just one and sadly I couldn't get pictures of all the friends I have had and the ones I am currently friends with now, that truly make my life more livable. All I know is that the people I call friends have truly made such a difference in my life. Each one has taught me and is currently teaching me something in life and about myself. I just hope I can be just as good of a friend as they have been to me.

Smithsonian

2011-03-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

Day two of my 30 day challenge.
The Meaning of my Blog Name

Well, I just removed recently my title to my blog to replace it with my family picture. The title of my blog has been Smithsonian. As you can see from this picture, the Smithsonian is a collection of museums that reside mostly in Washington DC. Did you know that there is 19 facilities including a zoo that are all part of the Smithsonian? I actually just learned that and I have had this blog name as long as I have had my blog.
I am not the one that came up with my title. Sean is the brilliant one that came up with this name. I thought it was fitting considering that this museum contains history on so many different levels. It has loads of facts and stories on how things became to be. I feel like it is only fitting that my blog be a record of the history of our little Smith Family.
Family history is so important. How many times have I gone back to a previous post to remember a certain date or something funny my daughter said. I think about the pioneers and all the journals they kept. If they did not, we wouldn't know half of what we know about the trials but most importantly their testimonies. I have always been a scrapbooker. The other night I was going through the scrapbooks from Junior High all the way through college. I am so grateful I saw a need for that kind of record keeping at such a young age. Although I don't have time to do all that now, but the blog keeps me thinking about my day to day happenings, I know that this day in age, we are lucky to have things on the internet that keeps us documenting the days of our lives. I hope the history I am keeping will be just as important to my ancestors as the Smithsonian is to the people who walk it's walls.

30 Day Challenge!

2011-03-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

So, my sweet friend Natalie tagged me in a challenge that lasts 30 days. I, like her have my reservations about how faithful I will be to doing it, but I have been struggling to blog lately, so this might be a good kick in the bottom to get me back on the bandwagon. SO, the first challenge is to write 15 interesting facts about myself as well as get a picture of myself.

1. I eat the same thing every morning and the same thing for lunch. An english muffin with peanut butter with a banana and a turkey sandwich with cucumber and tomato. I say why mess with perfection.

2. I am a total speed demon. I get antsy with slow drivers and I tend to be a weaver. I get mad when Sean drives slow. I've got places to go and people to see!

3. When I had 2 little ones, I was called to be a seminary teacher. It was the hardest and sweetest way to spend a year. I learned so much in that short year about the gospel, my husband, the youth in my ward and myself and what I can and can't handle.

4. I saved my brother's life from drowning when I was 4 years old.

5. My favorite calling in church was Relief Society teacher. I love being able to dig in the scriptures and be able to learn from the sister's in my ward. Very rewarding.

6. I hated pizza when I was a kid. Doesn't make any sense considering it could be very well one of my four basic food groups now.

7. My alter ego's name is COCO.

8. I have had 40 hairstyles since the age of 12. I guess I was supposed to be a hairstylist by my uncontrollable need to change my look.

9. I won a contest when I was in 4th grade. I drew a face of a pumpkin that they judged and as a prize I got a HUGE pumpkin to carve.

10. I cry at almost every wedding scene in every movie or TV show. It is a weakness.

11. I had a Kimberly doll when I was a kid. I loved her but she looked nothing like me. She was blonde.

12. When I go running on the levy by my house, I love the smell of laundry that permeates the air. It gives the drive to keep on going.

13. Love, Love, Love GAMES! Anytime, any place. I want to play games!! Favorite of the moment is Monopoly Deal. Only because I can beat Sean at it. Of course, he hates it.

14. On my 18th birthday, I pierced my belly button. I had it all the way through to my 21st birthday when I went on a mission where it got infected and had to be taken out. Coincidence?? I think not!

15. I have smelly, itchy feet.

That was more challenging than I thought it would be. So, let the 30 day challenge begin!

Sun, where art thou??

2011-03-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Tis once a sweet day where bike rides was an everyday fortune

Where parks were not filled with water and we can swing with pure delight!

remember there was a bike trail where water now resides!


Vitamin D, how we miss thee!! Please make your way back soon!!

Having my cake and eating it two...

2011-03-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!! This is pretty cool!

Getting ready for dinner. Cafe Rio BABY!

I love Chocolate!!

I got so much I am overwhelmed!

My first new bike! Can't wait for this rain to quit, so I can go for a spin!

Rewards

2011-03-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

The kids have been working really hard to earn a DS and an American Girl doll. While they are toiling at their daily chores and to do lists, we treat them weekly to ice cream. They look foward to it always!

Kid's Gone Wild

2011-03-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

I was hesitant if I should blog about this, but I felt that it was necessary to do so just for record keeping sake. I want my kids to know what happens when they are left to their own devices for a couple of hours.
This morning I wanted to sleep. I had to get up every day this week for something and today I had the opportunity to just lay in my bed with no where to go, well at least for a couple of hours. My children have a really bad habit of waking up before they should. Like six o clock which to me us obscene. Especially if you don't have to go anywhere! I feel the real reason they wake up early is so they can take Sean or I's phone and watch Netflix on it for a good hour before we even know it is missing. So, the night before I decided to hide all the phones, computer and playstation, so they could not watch anything in hopes they would just go back to sleep out of sheer boredom. Well, that is not how it panned out unfortunately.
Elijah was the first to sneak around the room. When I opened my eyes, I saw him sneaking around trying to find Sean's phone. I told him to go back to sleep. He scurried out of the room empty handed. Not even a couple of minutes later to find Jules doing the same. Relentless!! So, my patience was already spent, my voice got louder to get out of our room and back to bed. Lyla woke up 20 minutes later and they were all playing together nicely in thier room, which made me rest with ease. Sean left around nine to go to meetings and I still stayed in bed in hopes I can rest for my Sabbath day. Well, I must have dozed off pretty soundly to only wake up to Elijah saying Lyla got into the cereal and was making a mess, I didn't take him seriously at this time because the bed felt way to good. I could clean it up when I got up. Well, I finally got out of bed at 10:30 to see what layed in store for me. I stopped in mid step to find a rice crispy trail all the way to my room to the kitchen. When I got to the kitchen, I saw Lyla on the counter with red all over her face and the counter. It was medicine that she had gotten into. How she opened it, I am still scratching my head on that one. When I grabbed her and took her off the counter, I looked in the family room to see a mountain of Rice Krispies in four spots. It was like the room threw up Rice Crispies. I wanted to throw up myself to know that I have neglected my children to this extreme and now I am going to pay the dues. It took me 1 hour to clean up the damage and on an empty stomach from fasting, was not the way I wanted to spend my sabbath day. I know that I had only myself to blame. It was a hard pill to swallow.
The up side?? Knowing that my kids would not starve if left by themselves. They would probably be able to stay alive for quite a while.
If you are wondering if Lyla overdosed on the medicine, there was more on her face and the counter than I think went inside. Messy Red Triamanic!
Lesson learned. Kimberly was very humbled!!

Manzanita Sisters Unite!

2011-02-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just arrived!! Can't wait for all the fun we are going to have!

Pajama Party! Thanks Amy!!

A collection of art at Deborah's. Such cool taste!!

A little sunny nook that took my breath away.

Our own personal MOTEL! Living in the lap of luxury!

The Alamo!!

The Riverwalk in San Antonio

The San Antonio Temple

Real Texas Bar-b-cue!

What would a girl's trip be without pedicures!

A night in Austin!

Manzanita Sisters, How I love THEE!!

Cooking our last breakfast before our trip comes to a close. sniff, sniff!

German Pancakes!

Thank you Deborah and Clayton! It is a weekend I will never forget!

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.

2011-02-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

Life with our Marley has been blissful! We never thought our first run with a dog with be this easy or wonderful. He has been so loving and a great addition to out family!

He is so great with our kids. He licks them up and down and even puts up with Lyla stepping on his tail on a minute to minute basis.

He has a great personality. We just got the manhood taken away from him today so he is feeling a little downtrodden. But, it was very necessary as he was trying to get with the next door neighbor, Minnie. It was like getting a sneak peak of a teenager. It was a little ridiculous and made me dread those teenage years more than ever.

Who would have thunk?

2011-01-23T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been 2 days now that we have had Marley in our family. I must say it has brought it's share of milestones and downfalls to our lives. I will be honest. I did not get this dog for me. It was for my children (aka Julianna). I know how much she wanted a dog and I figured it would teach her some responsibility. Anyway, the ironic thing about that is the dog had not come from a family. He came from a single girl. So, he is at Sean and I's feet at ALL times. He makes sure he is in every room and rarely cares about the kids which I think frustrates the kids. I find myself very protective over him and make sure he is feeling comfortable in our home. I never would have cared before, so this is a new thing for me. I know he will get used to them eventually, but I am glad that I have taken to him. He really is a great natured dog. He has slept at the foot of our bed every night since he has been with us. That is something I was not prepared for. I thought how gross it was when people had their dogs sleep with them. But here I am! I think we are going to transition him to another spot tonight, but we are not sure how he is going to take it. It really is like having another child. He is sensitive and his feelings get hurt. We didn't know how he would handle us leaving the house without him. He actually barked at us when we got home last night from a party. It was like he was traumatized. I never thought dogs had so much feeling to them. I am starting to realize how they really are more human like than I would have ever thought. I know he is such a great addition to our family and I am so glad that we were the ones to get him.

Marley Bear

2011-01-21T23:26:00.001-08:00

We have a new member of our family! His name name is Marley Bear formly known as Little Bear. We got a call this morning from our friend, Jessi. She knew of a friend of hers that was trying to find a good home for her dog. He is a year old and potty trained! Score! I was a little interested after I heard that. So, tonight we went and looked at him and I was worried that I wouldn't feel any connection to him. But, as soon as he walked in, it was like magic. I have never been a huge dog person, but he just seemed right. We hung out with him for a while to make sure the connection was there. He is ultra mellow and fun. He has a beautiful coat and his face is really cute. We knew that we were going to take him home right from the start. The kids promised that they were going to help take good care of him. Julianna was overjoyed! She is the lover of all things furry. I have anticipated this for 10 years to have a dog in our lives. I am happy to have him in our family. He completes us!! Pictures to come!!

Nerves

2011-01-19T22:55:00.000-08:00

Today I gave my first power point presentation in BNI today! It went well I think. It was something I was fretting for a while, so now I feel a huge sense of relief not to have to worry about it for at least another year. I am feeling more and more comfortable with the people which always makes me feel better about being around them. It is funny how I am around a new group of people. It takes me days and this case months to feel completely accepted. I am great one on one. Never miss a beat, but for some reason, in a group setting, I totally clam up. I guess it is something I have to accept about myself. But, opportunities like today make me realize that no matter how nervous you are, you are what you are and if people don't like it, then too dang bad. I can't change what people feel about me. I am worth something to somebody and that is good enough for me. Now how many people truly believe me??

The Party that Santa Left

2010-12-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas had it's pleasantries and it's disappointments. I work hard every year to create a magical Christmas for my kids. If it means creating new traditions that are abnormal, so be it. I was talking to a friend about their traditions and she told me that Santa always left balloons a their house. I was intrigued. I wanted Santa to do that for our family. So, that is exactly what happened. The one thing that my friend told me that was so cool about this is that they care more about the balloons than the presents. I thought that was good considering I didn't have as much to open this year, so any distractions I can have the better. Well, the room was prepared and it looked Awesome!! I was so excited. I went to bed in anticipation to only hear the kid's door at 1:30 in the morning. I told them under any circumstances not to go out to the room where the tree was. Well, that went out the window and Elijah saw all the balloons. I was too tired to care at that point. But he couldn't get back to sleep after that. He had a total meltdown. It took a couple of hours to calm him down. The next morning, we were just about to go in when I heard Jules saying to Elijah that he was right. There were balloons. They went in and just rushed to their presents. No surprise. No fun. It was a total blow to my plans. High Expectations always bite me the butt! I figured that it will not be repeated and I am telling Santa to leave the balloons in the North Pole. It wasn't that fun to clean up!

Christmas was good with all the things the kids got. I am thankful that it is over! I will post pics later of the day.

Simply Magic!

2010-12-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is here and our PJ's are on! Polar Express on the TV and popcorn in our tums. Ready for the BIG DAY!

The REAL deal!

2010-12-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

Can't Wait!!

What would you like for Christmas??

Lego's of Course!!

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Smith Family 2010

2010-12-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

This year presented it's up's and downs, but with family, anything is possible. I look at these pictures and realize how lucky I am to have these 4 blessings in my life! I hope I can be as good to them as they are to me. I love my forever family!!

Blessings from above

2010-11-23T00:09:00.000-08:00

The gratitude I feel for the blessings of this month. I doubled my income, thanks to the new networking group, BNI and my Father in Heaven! My cup runneth over!

Buddies

2010-11-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air!

City by Segway

2010-11-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

I have found there is no better way than to see the City than by Segway! My buddy Sharday and I went to celebrate our last trip together since she is leaving for Brazil for 18 months. We had such a riot on these amazing machines. They say that they are an extension of yourself and let me tell you, I was one with this machine!! I loved it! I demand anyone that goes to the city that they do this tour. We were the only ones on it and I loved it. It was so fun zipping around. I am sad to see my girl go but I know that we will reunite for more fun to come!!

Love you Sharday!!

Five is just around the corner

2010-11-04T20:58:00.001-07:00

My sweet Jules of the Nile!!

This is my personal fav! Look at her stunned glance and pose! It is killin me!!

With every pose shown here is as many sides as my girl has. She switches from funny to quirky to downright serious. I love every side, even the side that drives me crazy such as her stubborn independent side because that is the side that makes me a better mother. With only a month away from her birthday, we thought we would take some photos of her. Five and Fiesty!!

FHE Life Lesson

2010-11-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

We are faced every day with situations that require courage and strength. If you turn to [Heavenly Father], He will not fail you! He will bless you with the strength and the courage you will need to complete your journey back to Him.

Ann M. Dibb, “Be of a Good Courage,” Ensign, May 2010, 114-16.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard a talk from one of our Bishopric about the Iron Rod. He said something that really struck me. He said that it does not say that the people that were holding on the iron rod were skipping by it. They were holding on to it like their life depended on it. At that moment, it made me think of Half Dome and the cables. I remember holding on to those cables with so much intensity. There was no way I was going to even entertain the idea of letting go because if I did, I would fall or cause harm to someone else. I was so scared with every grip, but at the same time I was feeling triumphant knowing that I was holding on. With every step, I was getting slowly closer to the top where the end was the goal.
It was so relevant to Lehi's dream and the Plan of Salvation. Each day is like a holding on to the cables on Half Dome. You need strength and courage to hold on and not let go. Some days we will feel triumphant and cruise past others where other days your arms will be shaking and feeling like jelly. If we hang on and keep looking up, we will be able to reach our goal. The top may seem far off, but in reality, is closer than we think. This is so applicable in life as I live through each trial. I learn that I have gone through a physically challenging event as Half Dome that I can do the spiritual challenges as well. Hold to the Rod, the Iron Rod!! Who knew some cables could teach so much!!??

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T13:20:00.001-07:00

Spookfully Yours,

The Smiths

33

2010-10-28T20:58:00.001-07:00

Birthdays! When you younger, you dream of this day to come right after you blow the candles of your cake! You count down every day and you get your list down six months prior. But with each passing year, you start to forget what day it is and when the day actually comes, the only way you know it is your birthday is when you get all the facebook messages on your wall saying Happy Birthday. One thing I do appreciate about that one day is when your friends come to bat and want to shower you with great conversation and amazing food to show they care. I am so thankful this year especially for my friends. I have so many amazing people in my life. I notice it in the little things that they do. It helps me in so many ways and that is what made my birthday feel special!!

SoCal 2010-Storm Reunion

2010-10-24T13:57:00.001-07:00

Taking SoCal by Storm
Family Reunion 2010

"And it came to pass, in the
two thousand and tenth year,
in the tenth month on the first day of of the month,
there arose a great
STORM,
such as one that has never been known in all the land
3 Marvin 8:5

A couple of weeks ago, we had our Family Reunion with my family. To get ready for it, I wanted to make shirts. I was really excited to see our whole family decked out in "Taking SoCal by Storm" shirts. I wanted to make sure we got them documented, so my Sis in Law got a great photographer and she was able to get some pics of the whole family! I thought they turned out so good.

My Mom & Pop

Sis Jodi and her boys!!

Bro Tyler and Lil sis Lindsay

Bro Justin and family including new baby Emerson. (First Storm BOY!)

Lindsay & Pat!
The Originals!

Keep On Dreamin!!!

2010-10-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

Annual Halloween Party! Sean wanted to be independent and do his own EVIL DEAD thing, while I wanted to go a different route. Maybe it was Richard Simmons's optimistic attitude that drew me to him this year, but it was so fun to fro it up and get POSITIVE!!

Another year bites the dust, till next year where I hope to dazzle another crowd with my cross dressing antics!!

My lil Pumpkins!!

2010-10-22T15:47:00.001-07:00

This time of year is my FAVORITE!! I love the weather ( even though this year it is a little hot for my liking) , the festivities that go along with fall, and of course dressing up in costumes. We went to Zittel's Pumpkin Patch for Jules's field trip. Sean was able to go to his first field trip and I think he is a fan. He took some pics which I am never able to do because I am usually busy making sure I am not losing one of my kids. It was such a great farm! Very Educational!!

Love at first sight!! Julianna's first pick!

Did you know that Cows only have teeth in the back of their mouths. They use their tongues to get the food and push it back to the teeth. They also have 4 stomachs which when I told my son, he already knew that. Smart kid!

Anyone want a hayride!!

Julianna's happy spot! Petting Zoo!

Pumpkins ready to go!!!

Anxiety!!!

2010-10-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

So, I just joined a networking group this week for reals. I was inducted a hour ago. My friend told me that I had to come up with a 2 minute little spiel about my business as a hairdresser. I can not tell you the anxiety that I felt of this situation. I sat, wrote it down, and probably said it over a hundred times in my head in preparatory of today at 12 o clock! I lost sleep over it, I couldn't eat my in & out because my stomach hurt, I was a mess. I know some people may wonder why the heck I would be so nervous. Honestly, I can't tell you why either. I guess I felt so much is on the line of this group. With Sean out of work, I felt like the pressure to make this work was immense. I didn't want to get up there and completely lose my cool. I sometimes get a little overwhelmed with these kind of things. I had not been that nervous since my state board test 9 years ago.
Well, I walked into a room of such amazing people who welcomed we in with open arms. I was sworn in if you will and was expecting my moment to sweat it out, when they didn't even ask me to do it!! I WAS SO RELIEVED!! I felt a huge load lifted off my shoulders and I must say that I was totally relaxed the rest of the time. When I gave my testimonial of my dear friend that helped me to come to this meeting and group, I mentioned that Sean had been laid off and about 5 people asked what he did and offered that I talk to them about getting him a job. I had no idea that I was able to get that opportunity for him and was so grateful of the resources that I am now totally accessible to. The Lord has put this group in my life. It has been such a blessing. To think I was not going to walk away from this opportunity. Now, we all know who was really trying to talk me out of it, don't we?? Get thee hence, Satan!!!
On a side note, my dad talked to Sean last night about his interview on Friday and gave him some pointers, one of them being that he call a salesperson about their job and get some info about the company. He was able to talk to my dear friend that works there and also a guy in sales. Come to find out, that my friend talked to him earlier about the interviewing process and it was the same guy that talked to Sean. Coincidence?? I think not.
We are being blessed in more ways that I can count!! I feel like the love of the Savior carrying my load where I can honestly skip!!

When one door closes...

2010-10-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow marks one week since the day that changed our lives. It has been jam packed with events that will go down in Smith History. I am really honestly grateful for what happened. Bad things happen. Our former Bishop's wife got up and bore her testimony on Sunday and she expressed how when her husband was serving as bishop, they experienced so many trials. They too lived through a year of unemployment, a biking accident, grandchild with a physical ailment, loss of a father, and other health issues without health insurance. It was amazing to see her testimony beam through all the trials she had lived through. It made me realize that even when we have callings and are asked to sacrifice so much, we are not above the trials. It is the trials that actually make us better leaders. Sean will now be able to relate with anyone who has lost a job. He will be an instrument for good by this experience.
The day that Sean got laid off, he got a call at the very same moment from the company that he applied to a week before. It was literally one door opening as the other one was being slammed in his face. He called everyday after that day to make sure it wasn't given to anyone else. We did not hear back and yesterday, I was so frustrated. I couldn't believe that because Sean didn't answer that phone call, the opportunity just passed him by. As I came home today, I asked Sean what he did with his spare kid free 3 hours, he informed me that he went to the river and had a moment alone to pray vocally. He came home and called again and actually talked to the lady that we were trying to get a hold of last week. He has a telephone interview on Friday!! I am not getting my hopes up (well, maybe a little). I am grateful that he was persistent and didn't get frustrated and move on. I don't know what will happen on Friday, but I am so proud of Sean for letting the Lord be his guide.

Discovery Science Center

2010-10-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

We went to SoCal last week and with all the last weeks events, I am now finally getting to blogging everything that we did. We had alot of rainy days when we came to Newport, so we had to find things to do inside. We found this museum in Santa Ana and I was pretty impressed on all the things we were able to do. The kids had fun at least.

4D movie with turtles that had an environmental agenda.

Believe it or not but this is dinosaur POOP! Look at it all!! Like how Julianna is sitting so pretty on top!

Lyla just liked her freedom to roam!

Ain't no mountain high enough...

2010-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to hike Horsetail Falls. I have been on a hiking binge since Half Dome, so I was excited to hit the trail again. I just had no idea that I would be facing death by Rock Climb! So much more intense than I thought it would be!! So much fun though!!

Look at that VIEW!! I can't believe that this scenery is an hour and a half away from where we live

Climb!!

My hiking buddy and I tearing up the trail!! Loved having this time together. There were days early in our marriage that I know Sean thought this day would never happen when I would be the one heading the trail!

Dave and Lori! The all time best hiking buddies EVER!!

My New Hiking Crew!! Lori, Dawna, Barbara, and Dave.

Barbara showing off the Falls!

Sean's awesome photo editing!! Dave jumping off the cliff!

Didn't prepare for this kind of climbing! What an adventure!

Change

2010-10-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Julianna out of the blue today said, " Why do things have to change??" I was confused and asked her what she meant. She then went on to say that we have no baby anymore and daddy is home. Why do things have to change. I didn't really know what to say in response to that. All I could really say that I don't know why things change, but that there is a reason for everything and we just have to deal with the changes when they come.
I have been told by a few people that writing things down during this time is really important, so that you can go back and see how these times even though they are hard, you can see the blessings that do come to you through others. I have made it a goal to do that and even though I know a select few read my blog, I am doing it more for my benefit because one day I will make my blog into a book. These will be my thoughts although personal but necessary. I never want to forget what these days will mean to me or my children later on.
I am so thankful for my friends and family. You never know how much you are loved until something happens. I feel the love of my Savior through the people in my life. The other night, my RS president wrote on my FB wall before she knew anything and told me that she was thinking about me and was thinking I must be going through some things and that she felt impressed to tell me of the love of the Savior for me. That to me is amazing. First, that she had no idea what I was going through and how close to the spirit she is. It is such a testimony to me when things happen like that. I feel the prayers of all my loved ones as I am extremely calm during such an unsure time. As many know me, I am not a calm person. It is almost unreal how today I didn't have one sad thought.
I am loving having Sean home. When I told the kids that Daddy does not have a job right now, the first thing that Elijah said was, "SWEET! Now he can play with me!!" Through my tears, I had to smile and think about his unemployment in their eyes. Daddy has time to play! I made a decision right then and there to make the most of his time at home. I am going to play with my hubby. Go on bike rides, go to the store and so much more. I am going to use every moment to the fullest and realize that this time is going to be precious. He has been quite the busy bee since he has been home. He cleaned out the garage, sold our elliptical machine on Craigslist, and manicured the front yard . No bon bons and soap oprahs for him. He just goes right to work. Did I mention I love having him at home!!

Oh God, Where are thou?

2010-10-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

When I was on my mission, this picture was always near by. I knew that any trial in my life was minimal in comparison, but it still allowed me to feel like the things I went through were acknowledged by the Lord. It helped me in so many ways. Well, again 12 years later, I go to this picture and it has been able to give me the comfort.
Yesterday, I had one of those days that tested my faith and wondered if I would be able to live through it. On Saturday, I found out I was pregnant. We were trying since June and the news was good, but at the same time very overwhelming. Work has been scarce for both Sean and I, and money was tighter than it has ever been. I knew that I wanted this child, but I was scared on the kind of life I would be able to provide it. My feelings were very conflicted. Well, fast forward to Tuesday. I was doing some errands and as I went home, I realized that I was spotting. I know there are many women who go through this so I wasn't totally shocked to see it. But, as the day drew on, I knew that this was the end of my pregnancy. I had to work my clients through it all and have a smiling face. It was something I thought I would never have to go through. But here I was. I had a miscarriage. A trial I can finally empathize with so many others. It was surreal.
Well, that same day, my husband came home and told me after work that he had news. Bad News. I thought what I just had gone through was the bad news and how could he have more. He told me that he got laid off at work. My world came crashing down around me. How can this really be happening. A miscarriage and unemployed! I obviously cried out in agony and my husband calmly held me.
This trial has been going on for so long. With the economy, I feel like it really hit both of us. But, this was something I really didn't think was going to happen. The trials are real and more than one person should have to bear for one day. But through this all, I am doing ok a day later. As I see the love of my friends and family that have shown compassion for me and my family, I can't help but feel blessed for what I have. I am in awe inspired by my husband. He has risen to the occasion in which I have never witnessed in our whole marriage. His new calling has made him so insightful and in tune with the spirit.
I know the Lord is in charge. I know he knows me by name. I know when I cry out to him in my darkest hour, he hears me. He sees the whole picture when I can't. I am sometimes scared that I will suffer for the rest of my life in this trial, but I know that Joseph Smith also felt this same way. He asked how long will his hand be stayed. But the Lord's response is what speaks such comfort to so many. "Your trials will be for a small moment. It will be for our experience." I know that I am being humbled and with it all crashing down, I am being lifted in my darkest hour. I may not know the end result, but I know the Lord. I know that he loves me so much. He wants to bless me. He wants to see me succeed. I have to be faithful in all trials. How I am going to do it is a mystery, but I know if I lean on him in prayer, I can succeed.

This Face!

2010-09-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

Life is hard. Sometimes so hard you wonder if you are ever going to see the light at the end of that dark tunnel. You wake up everyday wondering how you are going to get through it, then you look next to you and see that face. The face that smiles at you and tells you about the wierd dream they had last night. The face that kisses your tears away and holds you until you fall asleep. The face that makes you laugh and helps you forget your worries even for one brief moment. That face is my sweet Sean. He has become in the last nine years my anchor. I am so grateful for who he is and what he has been for me in my life as his wife. He is the father of my sweet children. He is my massage and psycho therapist. I am so in love with this face! With each struggle that we face (which we have many) we draw closer. I know that he was meant for me and fits me in every way. I am grateful for this face that I get to have by my side for time and eternity!

I kicked it on Half Dome!

2010-08-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

What an AMAZING weekend I was able to have! I HIKED TO HALF DOME AND WAS THE FIRST ONE ON TOP OUT OF MY SEVEN HIKING BUDDIES! It was the most challenging but rewarding thing I have done(besides having a marriage and 3 children). I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to do this with the people that I did it with. I met 7 amazing new friends that I hope to always have in my life after this weekend.

The courageous crew!
Kristina, Dawna, Ari, Barbara, Dave, Sophie, and Lori
Forever Friends!

About to head up the Mistrail! Feeling good and ready to climb!

3/4 done and haven't hit my wall yet!! Look at that view!!

This was a little scary but I tried not to think about what I was about to do! If I did, I might have turned around!

Right before this picture was taken, I had experienced a mini panic attack. It was so daunting to me. I made it all the way to this point and was not sure if I could do the cables. I said a prayer in my heart and forged ahead. It was really scary to climb these things, but was grateful to Jillian Micheals for preparing my arms for the hardest upper body workout! This picture does not do the cables justice, but it gives you an idea what I had to climb! INTENSE is all I have to say!

WE MADE IT! 4 1/2 HOURS! Still alive which to me was the true miracle!! Now I just have to get my guts together for the hike down!

Can you see me? I am the one sitting down because there was no way that I could have gotten any closer than this! What a great shot. I had no idea that it would look this cool!

The sweetest girls! Sophie and Lori. I love these girls!

The whole group reunited!

We were so lucky to be able to witness the renewal of vowes for Dave and Barbara! We found this make shift alter which was perfect for the occasion! Sweet moments shared!

Tired and exhilarated from our day! Half Dome was right behind us! We were there only hours before!! YEAHHHHH! We did it!

Half Dome, here I come!

2010-08-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have been married to Sean for nine years and every year his family would go camping in Yosemite. We always hiked with his family and in the beginning I hated it. I couldn't understand that people do this for fun! But, nine splendid years later, I am finally ready to head up to the beast of Half Dome which is a 17 mile hike all up hill and with cables! Sean has gone and loved it, so I am going to go with a couple of ladies I met a couple of years ago in Park City. I am not really nervous. I feel like I will be able to do it, but that whole cable thing, I feel a little sick about. I just hope I am alive to tell the tale! Can't wait to spend the day in nature and hopefully get some much needed pondering and alone time. Solitude is what I seek! Solitude with a lot of steps! What do they say?? The joy is in the journey! Here's hoping!!

Half Dome is a granite dome in Yosemite National Park, located in northeastern Mariposa County, California, at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley — possibly Yosemite's most familiar rock formation. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor.

Oh School, Where art Thou??

2010-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

So, school has not started and I am going a little crazy. Don't get me wrong. There is something magical about not having any pressures of school for another couple of weeks and sitting around in your pj's ALL day. But, I am feeling the need for some routine. Sean thinks that I am going to be hating myself when school does come around and I will be wishing for this idle time. Isn't that always the way. The grass being greener and all. I think I am always a victim to this way of thinking.
I have tried to keep myself productive though during this time. I have made a goal to organize one area of my home everyday. It is something that I have never really had time for, but now that I do, I have no excuses. I have so far done a few cupboards in my kitchen and the kids room is clutter free. I have really been stressing to them about a cleaner home brings the spirit. My heart almost burst when I was reading on the coach when I overheard Elijah telling Jules that he had to clean up his blocks before he played with her. That is always the most gratifying when you finally see something sink in!
Julianna has been on her game lately. Listening has never been a strong attribute,but she is finally seeing that listening gets her much more than being in trouble all the time. We have been getting along famously and I am enjoying the girl she is growing up to be. Both of my older two play so well together that it has left me thinking that having them closer together is such a blessing. They are the best of friends and always are building each other up! As I see them together, I do feel a little guilty about Lyla not having that bosom buddy.
So, I have decided through much thought and prayer that Sean and I are going to have another baby. It has been so hard to know if this is something I can do again. I told myself after Lyla that I would never want to be pregnant again, but I had such an amazing experience at the Temple as I sought the Lord for an answer whether my family was complete. After that experience, the trials started coming and I wondered if I could do this. It is so hard to have faith when you know and decide something but all the worldly pressures of money and expectations fall on your shoulders. It has been a really tough experience and I still don't feel like the trial of my faith is over, but I know one thing is that Heavenly Father knows who I am and he knows what I have experienced. I can't deny it nor would I want to. I just have to keep close so that my eternal perspective far outweighs my earthy trials.
I love being a mom and I am learning more about myself in this time of my life than any other!

Kid's Club=Chaos

2010-07-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

All my friends go to the mall and attend Kid's club. We were never able to attend becuase we always had something going on, but today my day was open, so we went to see what all the fuss was about. It was a little chaotic and my lovely daughters were whiny and going every which way but the actual activities that they had, so it wasn't as successful as I would have liked. But, who knows. We may have better luck another day! Thanks to Robin for the few pics since I was chasing a 16 month old around the whole time.

The beach brings out the best in me...

2010-07-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

Loving life at Pope!

When life gets rough, just keep shaking!

2010-07-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

I got a Trophy!!!

2010-07-19T22:09:00.001-07:00

Tonight was a success. We had Awards Night for Swim Team and Julianna got Most Improved. They only gave out 4 awards to all the 6 and under girls and she had some competition, but she got it. I was so excited for her! She was elated at the little trophy she got and had to rub it in her brother's face which I wasn't too happy about, but I guess having your 15 seconds of fame can do that to a person. Congrats to both of my fishes!!

Pool Party

2010-07-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

With Swim Team over, we are finally ready to start a lounge and stress free summer. Let the fun begin!

Grandma's 29!

2010-07-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Wealth of my Mother in Law is Great! 29 grandbabies and still counting! What a posterity at the ripe age of 56!

My Little Marlins!

2010-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

We had a Swim Meet against the Granite Bay Gators. Last month, Julianna needed major help with each one of her races, but this time she swam by herself and did not stop until she got to the other side. I was so happy for her. It was a major accomplishment!

Getting warmed up the Marlin Way!

First Race! On your mark, Get set, SWIM!

Swimming is an amazing sport. It shows off determination and skill while still working as a team. I love seeing my kids get better every day!

Getting ready to do her back stroke!

I love the coaches. They have been nothing short of SPECTACULAR! They encourage them without being overbearing and support them when they need that extra TLC. I am grateful for all they have done to make my kids better swimmers. Thank you Coach Arianne!

Vacation Finale

2010-07-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

The rest of the Utah trip was a blast. I am sad it was a short stay to be honest. We had 3 straight days of fireworks. The kids loved staying up late every night to watch the fun! Sean, Tyler, and Jordan went to Walmart to get some fireworks. They spent quite a bit of money to give us a show! The nice thing about Utah is there are families all around and their neighbors came by to watch as well. Good times!

The last day we went to see Sean's side of the family which is always a blast. I love his side. Nana is a hoot. I adore her to pieces. We also got to catch up with his Aunt Martha and Cynthia. We spent the afternoon laughing and listening to stories as the kids climbed trees and played on the swing set. In the evening, we set out to Uncle Richard's in Riverton, which was a great time. We played games and laughed our heads off. I wish that this side of the family lived closer. It was too much fun! We were sad to see the trip end and drive the boring way back to California but so happy to be back in my own bed. I slept so soundly!

The kiddies with Nana!

Julianna Climbing Again!

Carrie and Heather. Sean's cousins.

So far we have...

2010-07-04T20:48:00.001-07:00

traveled 675 miles in the middle of the night to Utah to visit my sister,

watched the Fourth of July Parade! Sean and I were sleeping to recover from our all night drive to get there in time for the main event!

Lucas got baptized! Congratulations to the best choice you have made this far!

Elijah lost his first tooth and got 2 dollars from the tooth fairy!

Jolly, Jumpin, Julianna got her bounce on!

played some badminton and

watched the best fireworks show I have ever seen in all my 32 years! Happy fourth of July!

Summer Fun at the Park

2010-07-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

We went to a birthday party for a good friend at Livermore Park. It is such a nice park with a little stream of water with a waterfall for the kids to bask in. Robin got some great pics of the kids and I must say are perfect. Thanks for the precious memories!

Cute little girls!

My precious Baby! The only way I could get her looking at the camera was her tune, Bushel and a Peck!

Santa Cruz

2010-06-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Under the Boardwalk, down by the sea, on a blanket with my babies is where I'll be!

Hello, Summer!

2010-06-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

Our first trip of the summer took us to Monterey and Santa Cruz. We went with some close friends and had a ball. It started off with an exciting stay in a hotel. The kids thought this was the coolest thing and kept on asking if we were living there from now on.

Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey, CA! It was filled with fun things for the kids. Anyone who has children of all ages, this is the park for you. It has everything from a huge train to play on to roller slides! I had a blast seeing the kids have a ball. Such a great way to kick off the summer!

This slide was different and fun!!

The fun these two have is priceless!

Love to go fast and feel the wind in my hair!

The biggest hit of the day was this roller slide that all the kids and adults had to ride at least once. The kids went up and down so many times! The parents still have the sore bums. Oh, to be young and never hurt when you go down this kind of obstacle course!

The McD's having a ball!

Can't wait for the next family get away!

Blue Marlins!

2010-06-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

What a day! I was so nervous and excited to see the kids in their first official swim meet that took place at Hagen! I didn't really know what to expect, but was anxious to see how they did in a race sort of setting. I didn't have Sean to help out which was at times stressful since I had a toddler, but overall it went really well. Julianna raced first and I had no idea how she was going to react and frankly I don't think she did either. She jumped in and instantly freaked herself out. I was at the other end and my heart went out to her. Her and I are so similar when it comes to trying these new things out. I sometimes just want to give up when it gets hard and to see her crying all by herself in the water and me not wanting to take her out and go home. A coach went in after her and she looked ahead and saw me. I looked right in her eyes and shouted that she can do it and to push forward. She responded quickly and finished the rest of the way. I was so proud of her pushing her own limits and my heart was full of pride for not giving up. She has matured and I am so excited to see how this whole experience made her a little more mature. She had to race 2 more times after that and it took some bribing with Target dollar bins and ice cream to get her even in the water, but she did it and I was so happy for her. She is turning out to be amazing and I am happy to call her daughter.
Now, Elijah was made for this. In just the short time he has been swimming, he did so well. Not phased at all with the races, he did not stop for anything on his freestyle. He had great form and I am confident he is just going to get better. He has played some other sports but this was truly exciting. He was so impressive and I feel that there is a bright future in the Blue Marlins for my boy!
I didn't think this Swim life was going to be for me, but I got the fever of the Blue Marlins!

How to Save a Life!

2010-06-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have heard some parents say that the biggest payoff they have as parents is when there most difficult children have a breakthrough and start rising to the occasion. As some know, I have gone through it all with my middle daughter. It has been a roller coaster of mixed emotion as I struggle to find a happy medium with my energetic, strongly independent, adventurous daughter. We battle daily of little things, whether it be she wears crocks that I know she won't be able to walk in for 10 minutes to whether she is the first to drink water before her brother before they go to sleep. It can be almost anything. I knew I had to find something for her to do; an activity or sport to get her to feel good about herself. Well, I have found it. My little girl is a swimmer! I put Elijah on the local swim team thinking it would be a good sport for him since he had no fear of the water and he would excel at it which he has, but I had no idea that while he was going everyday to the pool, Julianna would ask me everyday if she can do it too. I had my reservations because I have put her in things before such as dance and she would show alot of interest at first, but then the candle would burn out after the 2nd day. So, I assumed that the same would manifest and it was too much money to have that be the case. So, we went on and still she was persistent to swim. I asked Elijah's coach if Julianna could sit in for a week to see if she would still want to do it without paying. That was it. Her first day she was the best listener of the group ( which if you know anything about my little girl, she struggles with that quite a bit) and was swimming like she had been for months. I was dumbstruck and still remain that everyday I see her crush all the expectations. The best thing is that the attitude that she has shown in swimming has trickled into home life. She is showing me that she is more confident and happy. She is becoming a great helper around the house by fixing breakfast for her brother and baby sister. She tells me she loves me 20 times a day if not more. I feel strongly that if you put a child in sports, whatever if be, it does wonders for them! Swimming has been a time sucker, but I am so thrilled to see my little girl find herself and I am liking what I see!

Go, Fight ,Swim!

2010-06-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Got the kids on the Swim Team! Bring it!!

Muir Beach

2010-05-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Another fun day in the Bay! We were able to spend the day with the Sweet's. We had a great day to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather that we were having. The kids had a blast with each other which makes for a great day for the parents. The Sweet's have been like a second family to us. They spend everyday together through various activities and the kids are like siblings. This was a great weekend that I definitely needed! I got to read a whole book while I was down there. I am really looking foward to the summer where the beach will be the trip of choice!

Let's "Discover" a New Place

2010-05-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Discovery Museum!

Just Beginning the Fun!

There were caves to explore...

trees to climb in and on...

and spider webs to become a part of!

The cutest lil pair in the fort

The Little Froggy Band!

A Sand Pit!

There was an art area where they had only scraps to work with. Elijah made a rocket with a red cup and a toilet roll. It was about the process and instead of the end result. I was impressed with both actually!

The awesome view right that we got to admire the whole day through!

Our cool six year old!

There were archeological digs!

and trucks to ride!

All in all, there was so much to do that we didn't have the time to see it all! But, we definitely want an encore!

Elijah's SIX!

2010-05-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

It was a day filled with wet weather, emotion and craziness! It started off with cupcakes and a car accident. If you want details, you are going to have to ask me, but I fear writing it in the blog will sear it in my memory forever and I am not sure I want to last that long. The weather was crazy wet and I was not thrilled since we had planned a Barbecue for later on in the evening. But overall, it was a good day celebrating Shrek Style. My friend Amy made the amazing cake and I braved taking 8 of Elijah's friends to see Shrek. The movie was hilarious and the kids were amazing. I think Elijah enjoyed having friends to take with him and I was impressed by the calibur of his friends. They all listened well and were nice to each other. We had dinner with all the parents after at our house and enjoyed hamburgers which is Elijah's favorite! It is hard to believe that he is six now. It is going to take me a little while to get used to it.
I am really proud of Elijah and all he is becoming to be. He is righteous and smart. Just the other day he told a friend that he was going to serve a two year mission before he becomes a ninja as his full time occupation. I chuckled to hear such devotion, but most importantly that it is in his plans to be a missionary. I love him so much and look forward to all the days we have to see him become the man we know we will be proud of!! We love you, Elijah!!

My Day

2010-05-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

What makes a Perfect Mother's Day??

One Perfect Breakfast surrounded with beauty +

A 2 hour nap. Need I say more??

and a FHE Game Night with my favorite people!

= A very Happy & Spoiled Mommy!

I Love You, Mommy!!

2010-05-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. When you were born , I saw your face and I knew that I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for you; To this day I will. This is the miracle of life.

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Mother's Day! I read this and instantly thought of you. You have been devoted to your family the day you made it. You have done more for us than anyone I know. I love that you have set the bar so high for us girls when it comes to loving your children unconditionally. I aim for it everyday I parent and mother my own kids. I love you so much and am so thankful for all you sacrifice to ensure our happiness! You are an amazing grandmother and am thankful I can watch you through the eyes of my children. Thank you, Thank you, a million times Thank YOU!! Hope you have a wonderful day and even though we are not together I am thinking of you and thanking Heavenly Father for sending me to the most loving woman on this earth!! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Love you,
Kimberly

Beating my own odds...

2010-05-08T21:51:00.001-07:00

With the inspiration of...

and the magical sounds of...

I was able to complete my first...

I woke up wanting to do something I had never done. I can honestly say I feel triumphant and victorious of my accomplishment and now wanting to do it again and add about 4 more on to it!!

It feels like only Yesterday...

2010-04-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

My One & Only! Thanks for the Photo Shoot Lindsay! It brings all the first time feelings back as I look at these photos in the setting where we started our lives together! Love you Sean!

A nice way to start your day...

2010-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

I got this email the other day about Elijah from a wonderful sister that works in the Primary
There is something to be said about people that share with you these sweet little accounts that may be small but mean a lot!

Hi Kimberly--I wanted to share with you a memory-maker from Primary today. Diane Anderson's grandson Jack was having a minor meltdown today. He was sitting by himself in one of the two CTR5 rows before Primary started. He was whimpering and crying quietly and had a look of panic on his face. I bent over to talk to him and he said he wanted to be with his cousin Jon. I told him that Jon would be back in the room when we all got together during closing exercises. I tried to distract him by pointing out the other kids in the class and how much he would enjoy Primary. Still whimpering, he reached up and took my hand and held it. Ping went my heart but I proceeded to ask the other CTR5’s if someone would like to come back a row and sit with Jack so he would feel welcome. Immediately Elijah got up and moved back to sit with him. I said, “Elijah, are you going to be Jack’s friend?” He grinned and shook his head “yes.” It was not 20 seconds later they were enjoying each other’s company. Maybe they already knew each well, but between Jack’s reaching up to put his hand in mine and Elijah coming to Jack’s rescue when a friend was needed, it did this old maid’s heart good and was the best part of my day.
Then to top it off, we are trying a new way to spotlight the kids and we initiated a new way today for the seniors. In order to remember who has had a turn and to fairly choose the next week’s recipient, Mary Ann Perry put the name of each senior Primary child on a tongue depressor and put them in a jar. What could go wrong with this innovative system? The jar was on the table during closing exercises and, to a child, those depressors probably resembled a popscicle stick in need of a delicious popscicle, or at least a new-fangled toy. I was busy talking with someone after the closing prayer, I looked down to see Julianna generously handing out the sticks from the jar to the Sunbeams and all interested parties. I am still laughing over that one. Looking at that beautiful face and that wide-eyed expression as she probably wondered why I was collecting up the sticks from the four corners of the room and messing up her plan to share the joy of them with the other children. Thinking back on it, I should have just let it go but was imagining some parent out there wondering why their boy or girl was coming home with a tongue depressor with someone elses’s name on it.
So thank you for sharing the joy of these children with me as I serve in my favorite calling I have ever had. I sure love the Primary children and there is never a dull moment, but today was one I will especially look back on with a smile.

Julianna the Determined

2010-04-18T13:39:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, Julianna decided that she was going to ride a bike without the assistance of the training wheels. She jumped on and within 5 tries, she was up and running. I have seen Elijah do the similar thing, but it meant something more to Julianna. She was so proud of herself as you can tell from the first picture. I couldn't be more excited for her myself as she races up and down our neighborhood streets. She has achieved more than just riding her bike. She has shown her determination and not let fear get in her way. She is a strong and courageous girl and I couldn't be more proud to see her meet these goals. GO JULIBUG!

Love you anyway...

2010-04-17T22:07:00.001-07:00

This morning I was getting ready for work when Elijah comes in and asks if he could play a video game. My response was in the affirmative but for a short time. His response was hilarious. He excitedly said THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU and ended it with a..."I would love you anyway even if you said no."
I was left speechless and awestruck with such an amazing thoughtful response from a five year old boy!

Biking in the USA!

2010-04-09T20:50:00.000-07:00