It was a fun, snowy day....

We had a great Christmas this year. The boys got everything their little hearts desired. Carter didn't get 98% of what he asked for but was still surprised and happy with what he did get. Between Jared's family and mine, we have been driving around like crazy to meet up with everyone. It's been worth it even with all of this crazy snow!! My sister Cassie and her family got to be here for Christmas, so we have been able to spend a lot of fun days with them. Carter was soooo excited to finally hang out with his cousin Mitch. I too had a great Christmas this year. I usually don't have any surprises, but I did this year. That was FUN. I am just starting to get over feeling so guilty about everything I bought for myself before Christmas, thinking that I wasn't getting any surprises. Okay, I am over it!! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. I guess it's time to take down all of the decor and clean up.

It took me Long enough...Google Tag

what am I doing right now?

My first name (not spelled the same)

nickname (his first name)

my best friend :)

my past love

current pet

birthplace

favorite color

favorite pet (if I was forced to pick)

favorite food!!!!! YUM

favorite object

first job & favorite place

place I would LOVE to go right now

place I've been

My Age...







I realized that I downloaded all of the photos backwards, but I am too tired to fix it. Oh-well.

I am going to tag.....Kazmin, Erin, & Judy!

All I Want For Christmas...

Jared took the boys and I out to dinner Friday night and then to Sam's Club to get a "few" things. Is it ever a few things as Sam's?? Anyways, they have a few long isles full of FUN toys, video games, movies, (the coolest kitchen set ever), and all sorts of fun stuff for any kid. My boys were so excited, so right when we got home I had them write their Christmas Lists. Rook's was the typical anything that had to do with Indiana Jones. I believe his list was around 7 items. And then there is Carter's list!!!!!!!! I just double checked and there are a total of 35 items! He starts out with an ipod shuffle, a real guitar, movies, football cards and jerseys, and then he goes on and on to ask for....a little fridge, room service, a laptop, a plasma t.v. for his bedroom, and my favorite--hair highlights. I guess it's a good thing Aunt Audrey has his name for Christmas. hint..hint.. I am not sure where those last several ideas came from, but he will not be getting a plasma for his bedroom, nor the fridge, and he already has room service if you ask me. Jared and I have a lot to teach that one. Wish us luck!

Trick-OR-Treat

I know that everyone is probably bored of the Halloween thing, but the boys were excited about it. Carter is a vampire and Rook is Darth Vador. The picture with Rook in the middle of two friends was taken at pre-school. (That vampire is not Carter)

The kids had a good time trick-or-treating and we finished off the night by going to see two of their Grandmas at my Grandma Fern's house. They LOVE getting to see their cousins.

Now I am looking around this house wishing all the Halloween decorations were down and put away. I hate that part :(

On to Thanksgiving!!

Takin' Out The Trash...

We went to a Halloween Party Saturday night and had way too much fun. Everyone was supposed to dress up as "white trash". Chris and Erin were a hit! They were the big winners. Chris stole the show. It was hilarious! There were lots of others who dressed up to make it fun too.

Six Shots and No Tears!

Today was not a good day for Rook. I gave him heads up yesterday that he was going to get his immunizations today and he kept telling me no way and if I take him to get shots, then he won't live with me anymore! He likes to threaten me. Anyways, he was so nice and brave the whole time we were waiting. Then we went into the room...I got my flu shot first and then they gave him 5 immunizations and 1 flu shot. He did Great! Six shots and Zero tears! I was so proud of Rookie and even a little shocked. :)

Complications

I have an obsession with owls, so my sister and I tried switching over to this background not knowing that I would have complications. I am in the middle of trying to figure things out to make it look right, so hang in there and I will be back to "normal" soon.

Happy Birthday Rook

Rook turned 5 today! This morning when Carter woke Rook up to open his presents, Jared said, "Happy Birthday Rook, you are 5 now!" Rook took off to the bathroom and said, "Let me see." I heared him drag out the scale and jump on. He yelled back , "Nope, I am not to the 5 yet!" I guess he thought the scale told our age and not our weight.
He got some awesome gifts from us and cousins and his friends. I asked him what his favorite present was and he said that they were all his favorite!
We decided to take the boys bowling. We had a Great time. It took most of the time just waiting for the ball to actually get from Rook's hands to roll down to the pins.
Hooray! It f-i-n-a-l-l-y made it down there.
I guess Rook had too much fun. Happy Birthday!

Sunday Dinner Disaster!!

I had decided yesterday that I was going to make Homeade Chicken and Noodles today for Sunday dinner. So, after a Primary meeting I raced home to put the thawed chicken in the big pot and start it boiling for about 3 hours and out the door we ran. Being Fast Sunday, I was really looking forward to coming home to cut the noodles, and to just be welcomed home by the delicious smell of a cooking chicken. As the boys were racing to get into the house first, I see a wave of smoke escape out into the garage and it didn't smell anything like I was daydreaming about in Primary. My big shiny pot was caked with dried up chicken juice and charcoal, smoke was flying everywhere and there wasn't an ounce of juice inside the pot with the chicken. All I said was, "You are kidding me!" I opened the back door and threw the chicken (still in the big pot) out on the lawn. I could hear it sizzling on the grass and the lid fell off and smoke was everywhere. I hope the Smith's weren't watching all of this happen. So, now I am sitting here eating a chocolate chewie and drinking a diet lime pepsi....which I actually prefer anyways. Maybe next time I will make Homeade Chicken and Noodles on a day where I am home.

FALL SHOW

This is the time of year that keeps my mom and the rest of us "hired hand" busy. We always know that when the Fall Show starts in September, before we know it, Christmas is here. It is always fun to be there and I love to work with such great and talented people. So, if I haven't seen you lately, stop by and say Hi!

Kittens and More Kittens!!!

Rook has found his new love, 6 baby kitties. My mom found them in a bush at her house when they were first born and Rook and Carter happened to be there. Rook is so obsessed with these little things that he hasn't stopped talking about them daily. He begs me every single day to take him out to Grandma Lucy's so he can go play with the cats. Jared and I are both extrememly allergic, so I just cringe every time I see one. However, I will say that they are so cute when they are babies. I am itching my eyeballs as we speak just thinking about them! The poor mother of these kittens has moved them about 4 different times to try to get away from the kids. Actually, it may be just to get away from one kid....Rook. He loves them so much he kisses them, hugs them, holds them by their tails, squeezes them, throws them down the slide, drenches them with water, the list goes on & on. I am sure they love to see him go home. I almost feel sorry for the little things. Anyways, here are a few pictures of the boys holding Grandma Lucy's 6 baby kitties. (which she's not a huge fan of either)

It's Rookie's Turn with Miss Janet!!

Today is Rook's 1st day of pre-school. He was so excited to go because he has heard so many wonderful things about "Miss Janet". She is pretty amazing! She makes these kids think that they are the most important kid in the world. She even makes me feel like I am the most important kid in the world when she talks to me. :) Carter had her for pre-school and he still loves her and talks about her. I almost forgot to take his picture, so I had to do it after he got into the car. (sorry Rook)

Okay...Never Mind

I decided last night that I am not ready for school to start. Carter started 2nd grade today. He wanted me to take him so he could meet his new teacher. I think her name is Mrs. Lion and she is new to this school, so he was a little nervous about not knowing her. I woke Carter up nice and early so he could take a shower and be ready to go. When I paid for his school lunches, he found out that today is corn dogs and a chocolate chip cookie, so he had me take home his peanut butter sandwich I made him this morning. (now I have Rook's lunch ready :)

As Rook and I walked out of the school to the car, I started getting all sad about Carter being in school again. So never mind about my last post...I guess I wasn't all that ready.

I had to post a picture of Rook as I was getting Carter's backpack ready this morning. He wasn't too concerned about Carter leaving for school.

I'm Ready!

I have to admit that I am looking forward to school starting soon. Carter is already wearing his new shoes, his new-one strap backpack is loaded with supplies....it's all ready to go. What I haven't done yet is get these two boys to bed earlier so their bodies won't be in such shock when they have to get up earlier than they have been all summer long. I will miss the sleeping in part myself for sure!! I think they've played their hearts out and now it's time to get back to somewhat of a routine. Yipee

"The Mud Lake Parade"

Jared and I took the boys out to my parent's house tonight to let them catch candy at the yearly Mud lake parade. Toby and Audrey were out there with their families too. All the kids had a Great time waving at the tractors, horses, cheerleaders, and of course Grandpa Jay on the V.F.W float. We kept telling them the more they waved, the more candy they would throw at us!! Everyone got a bag full of candy. Their favorites were the ones passing out chocolate milk and otter pops! My favorite part of the parade were the missionaries. They were being pretty good sports (but looked kind of goofy).

Then it started pouring rain just as it got over, so we all headed to my parents and the kids all played outside and rode the four-wheelers. The kids LOVE going to Grandma's house. Rook even told me the other day that he wants Grandma Lucy to be his mom and his Dad to stay his Dad. I told him that was a great idea, however it does sound a little creepy if you think about it??

A Tasty Summer Treat!

A girl in my ward brought this dip/appetizer to a shower and I ended up having seconds! You will have to give it a try. It isn't the prettiest thing all mixed up, but it tastes good.

Cowboy Caviar
1 can white shoe peg corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 can black eyed peas, drained
3-5 avocados (diced in little squares)
1 1/2 pkgs of Italian dressing mix (dry)
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
2 T oilve oil
2 T red wine vinegar
juice of 1 fresh lime

Mix all together. Let stand at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve with a bag of Big Scoop Fritos!

Fun at the Lake.....

My sister Audrey and I took the boys and a friend to Rigby lake a couple weeks ago. Everyone had a great time splashing in the water, thowing mud balls at each other, and building some amazing volcanos and castles. It doesn't take much to please these little guys! It was a beautiful, hot day at the lake...I got a tan and Audrey got a burn!