Christmas? Already?

Okay family, here are the lists. The giver is listed first, then the receiver. I know Christmas is a bit away still, but I want to get an early start. If anyone has ideas for gifts, let us all know. So here you are...

Smith Side:
Justin: Jandy
Hailey: Jesse
Jandy: Carlie
Troy: Hailey
Jesse: Troy
Carlie: Jaden
Jaden: Justin (he wants a paintball gun :P )

Grover Side:
Adam: Brad
Kayla: Heidi
Troy: Kaden
Jandy: Adam
Danielle:Troy
Todd: Kayla
Heidi: Jandy
Brad: Danielle
Kaden: Todd

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

How could I forget!!!!?????

How in the world did I forget to blog about THE concert? Three Dog Night was awesome!!! It was so great to hear the music LIVE. We had awesome seats and the sound was so clear and crisp. Troy's parents sat by us and my parents had VIP seats...within the first four rows. I was so disappointed, however, that no one was getting in to it. I was wiggling in my seat, screaming and clapping my hands. I couldn't help it...it was just great. And all those fuddy duddys sitting by me did just taht...sat in their seats. The people in front of us didn't even smile...got figure. But, I LOVED it and we had a smashing time. Our babysitters did great while we were gone. The kids were sound asleep in their beds and well taken care of. We love them, they are great girls. It was just a fabulous night all around.

Am I alive?

Okay, I know. It has been a LONG time since I posted my last blog..what like 2 weeks. So for all of you who think that I have fallen off the face of the earth, I have. We have been so busy that this is the first time I have sat down to blog. I have 200 pictures that I would love to post, but I won't.



My mom was here for a week. We had fun. We shopped, went to the temple, and ate out. It was a lot of fun. My Grandma came up and stayed for two days also. She too went to the temple. We had a great time, I wish there were more of them. My mom was here from the 19th of July to the 27th. My dad came with her and then left...they watched our kids for the not so romantic anniversary trip. We then went Preston for a homecoming.



My cousin, Nick, came home from Tahiti. He is a handsome guy, Ladies!!! And single...even better. We had a great time visiting family and friends.



The 29th we went to my Grandma Smith's for a family get together. My aunt and cousins from Tx were here. We had a great time and once again had fun visiting. I have pictures...but you will have to wait for them. No time now to post them.



The 30th was a great day. I got to go to the Playmill with my mom, dad, and Grandma. We saw Hello, Dolly. It was fabulous!!! I was in that play after I graduated High School at the Malad Theater Guilde. The Playmill actors did a GREAT job...and of course, the fudge was fantastic as always. I even brought some home for my family. I found the boys some cute trinkets also.



The 31st was a crazy day. When we got home the night of the Playmill, I moved Daeson into his own bed (he fell asleep with Troy). When I moved him, I realized that his pull-up leaked (so much for the expensive brand) and he had peed through to the mattress. So, I gathered some blankets and headed for the couch. The next morning was filled with laundry, packing and shampooing the bed. I hadn't even thought about packing before this...what was I thinking? We had to get groceries and coolers packed too. I am never this unorganized. But, finally about 2ish or 3ish we headed out, stopping at BK along the way to get some lunch. Tevan fell asleep before he got his kids meal...did you know that BK has apple fries now? They are little apple sticks. Healthy choice, but they cost more. Oh well. Cheaper than a heart attack down the road. We finally got up to the cabin and got settled. I stayed in the cabin with the two boys, and mom and dad slept in their camper. It was beautiful up there.

I don't know what we did on what days. The kids were filthy...if you know me, you know that I don't let my kids get dirty. It grosses me out. However, by the time we left the cabin they had their lifetime dirt fill. Troy came up on Saturday after work. He got there just in time for paintball. My dad, Justin, Jesse, Jaden, Troy and my uncle Dirk all went out. They had fun...and a few days later they still have welts. HAHA. Daeson got to go fishing with my dad. Jaden took the boys and I on a short 4 wheeler ride. And several others took my kids. It was hard being up there without Troy, but we had lots of help. Sunday we came home, and had 13 batches of laundry to do. YIPPEE!! I am almost done with them.

We had a bit of family news also. I am going to be an aunt again. I won't say who it is becuase they are being funny about the whole thing...not telling some people and telling others. I don't know who they want to know, so I will leave it annon. Speaking of family... I could get on my soap box and tell you how it really was up there, but I won't. Some things are better left unsaid. I will say this: I am not sure why we are nicer to everyone else, but mean to our own families. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Should we not love eachother enough to overlook flaws...and not backbite and speak ill behind one another's back? We are supposed to love each other, not despise. So, on that I will close my rushed blog and fix my baby some lunch. I am thankful that Troy over looks my flaws...there are MANY! I am also glad that he helps me be a better person. What a good man. I don't tell him enough how good of a person he is. So, tonight I am suprising him with a date. How exciting. I will let you know how it goes...hopefully better than our last date. :)

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday, the 20th, was Troy and my anniversary. Eight years!! It has been both long and short, happy and some sad. We have been through trials and we have had some smooth sailing. I think that just goes along with marriage. We have grown together. Troy is a good man and a great daddy and husband. He works hard so I can stay at home. He loves my children and he loves me (why else would he put up with some of my antics??). He takes care of our needs. He is there when I need someone to talk to and there to listen to me complain. He is the shoulder I cry on and the hand for me to hold. I love him very much and I look forward not only to the next eight years, but the next eighty-eight. I love you, Troy. Happy Anniversary!



Saturday night my mom, dad, and my lil bro Jaden came into town. We had a great BBQ and then they watched our kids while Troy and I went out. We drove to a little Bed and Breakfast in Blackfoot and then went to a movie at the old theater. We saw Hancock. For all of you wondering, yes it is a good story...however, the language isn't for little kids at all. But we enjoyed our popcorn, redvines, and rootbeer. Then we went back to the B&B. I have only stayed in a B&B once before and it was the Chantilly in Malad. This was a little different. We stayed at the Stout St Bed and Breakfast. I realize they have only been opened about one year, but there are a lot of improvements they could make. I don't mean to be critical, but we should have gone to a plain hotel. I know they are trying to improve...but here it goes. After waiting for the lady to let us in...about 10 minutes...we were shown around. We walked in first to smell this disgusting smell of fish. They must have had a fish tank that was ready to rot. It stunk so bad that I wanted to leave. Not a great first impression. The next thing that irritated me was the two HUGE dogs...hairy, furry, shedding dogs. They were all over. The rooms were small, and the place was not very clean and welcoming. I felt like an unwanted guest. The jaccuzi (sp) was dirty and we were not feeling up to using it...that and the fact that it was down the hall. The shower, however, was really cool. Seven shower heads. The theater room was also down the hall. Since the bed was very small and VERY uncomfortable, Troy spent most of the night in there. The sheets on the bed looked dirty and the covers smelled like old man's cologne. The next morning, after a very unrestful night, we headed to the kitchen for breakfast. It was actually good, but I was hesitant to eat it after seeing the million fruit flies flying above the bowl of fruit. That too was irritating. After breakfast we headed home and Mom and I took the kids to church. We hung out all day and I think Troy was very disappointed in the whole Anniversary thing. But, what can ya say? After eight years and two kids, the whole huge anniversary thing just isn't very exciting. My mom is here for the week and we are excited about that. We have a lot of fun things to do and it will be great to have someone to do them with.

Heidi's Reception

This is another attempt at a family picture...why can I not have just one? I am hoping that my mo-in-law got one. Kayla did a great job taking pictures with our camera, but I look awful in every single one; my eyes are doing a squinty thing..I hate having small eyes. I am ust grateful both my boys got BIG BEAUTIFUL eyes. Their eyes stand out. But, unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the reception. I helped in the kitchen for the first half hour or so, mingled and went back to the kitchen again. Troy had Tevan asleep and Daeson was having a blast on the trampoline. He thought it was wonderful that he had kids to play with. Some of them were a lot older and played a bit more rough, but he had a great time. I got to catch up with some cousins and friends. It turned out nice and they got a lot of great things...now lets hope everything else falls in to place. :)

MORE MORE MORE

Because I have SSOOOOO many pictures, it is taking me a LONG time to get them all on here. So, here are MORE for your enjoyment...or not...whatever. The one of my parents is out of order, but it is so funny to see all the smoke...there were 100 candles on that baby.

We went to West Yellowstone a couple of weeks ago...Daeson had a cold and I couln't take him to nursery. Heidi and Brad went with us. It was a lot of fun. We packed a picnic and ate at the park. We also walked around and had a great time.

The boys were really, really good.

This is the way up...right around Ashton.

We tried again for a good family picture...not gonna happen, not gonna happen. But West has a ton of these buffallos all over the walkways. Daeson was so sad that he couldn't sit on them. They each had a sign that says, "Do not climb, sit or play on the buffallo." So, there ya go.







The flowers were absolutely gorgeous. Troy even picked me a bouquet. They were everywhere.

Happy Fourth of July!!!! We had a great 4th. It was a blast and the kids had a really great time.

We started with the parade in Rexburg. We did get a lot of complaints about the chocolate milk not being in the parade this year. Uncle Scott and Larry even had the Standard Journal asking them why...you don't know what you've got til it's gone.






I was disappointed in the lack of FLOATS this year...maybe it has been this way every year??? But this was one of the actual FLOATS...you know, with the plastic and chicken wire. We even made them in High School...what ever happened to the good ol' days?

The kids had fun catching candy...Kaden and Jaedyn helped them. See the people in the lawn chairs next to us? They were the rudest (?) people. They were not nice at all. We were trying to have fun with the kids and they were just awful about it. It took all we had not to yell at them...but that wouldn't be nice, would it?




Troy missed the early festivities, as did Adam. We missed both of them very much. They were both working their butts off. In fact, Adam didn't get to Grover's until later that night. They both work had for their families and we appreciate them. You guys ROCK!!

Troy is pushing Tevan around. He had fun until he slipped out and got ran over...ooopps. :)

What is a fourth of July without a boo-boo? I fell at Adam and Kayla's after the parade. I had Tevan, the diaper bag, the potato salad and didn't see the step down and then up. So, I tripped in front of a million people...okay, so like 5, but it felt like a million. I was just glad my skirt stayed down and Tevan was still in my arms. The potato salad even made it, the lid popped off and that was it. Just call me GRACE!!




I try to make a cake for special occassions, and this is the 4th cake. I made the cake from scratch, but it was a little heavy. I guess I should have sifted the flour? But, it still tasted okay. I had fun doing it and that is all that matters.

I did three sheets: one red, one white and one blue. The kids thought the colors were fun.

Adalyn and Daeson had fun together. They always do. Here they are enjoying the cake.

Tevan found someone's cup. Oh well, we are all related. What's yours is mine and what's mine is yours.















Water badmitten anyone? This was way fun. Richard irrigated the lawn so the kids could play in the water. The adults had just as much fun. Craig and Carla Hill came over to play, too. And their two kids. It was so much fun...check out some of the sweet jumps. On the left it is Todd and the right is Kayla and Todd.

The kiddos liked the fireworks, but thought they were a bit loud. We had fun though. Let freedom ring!!!

Rocky road

I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later...Daeson threw a rock and broke our neighbor's glass in the garage. I didn't think things like this happened until five or six...THREE????? But our neighbors are really nice and understanding. The only problem is the glass is from the late 70's and it is the yellow-impossible-to-find glass...we are estimating 4-500 $$$!!! I am hoping not that much, but we have to have it specialty ordered. YUCK! I would like somehow to teach Daeson that he can't do that and that he has to "pay" for it somehow...but he is three and I am not sure how to go about that. If you have any ideas, let me know!!! He already got a spank and time-out...Troy was in charge of the punishment...but we would like to teach him that things cost money and he can't go around breaking them. The fun moments in life...we are in for the long haul with TWO boys!!

July...rapidly passing

So July is here...and it seems to be flying just as quickly as May and June did. I cannot believe that summer is half over!!! My last blog was quite a large one, but I only made it to the middle of June. So maybe, just maybe, I will be able to finish and get it posted!

Daeson came out of his room one day to show me his underwear head. He is so funny. He said, "Mom, tate a pitture." June 26, 2008

This is a little fuzzy, but Tevan is geting into everything. He is getting to be quite the busy body. In this picture he is trying to get the dog that sings "Only You." He loves that dog...but Daeson doesn't always like to share it.

June 26, 2008

Tevan is so funny, I love when he makes this particular face...so cute. He breathes
in and out while making this face.

What a sweet boy!!

June 27, 2008

Tevan has recently discovered the bouncy
horse...HE LOVES IT!!!





It is so hard to keep him off!!

Daeson gets a little jealous with the horse. But, sharing is hard to do sometimes. He does pretty good though.

June 28, 2008

We had a spontanious BBQ today. It was a lot of fun. Troy's family came and my cousin Katie. The kids played in the water and the adults

sat around and talked...very relaxing. And do you know what the best part was??? Ididn't stress out at all! That in itself is a good thing :).

Tevie found some bubbles...the adventerous type.

KLa and her girllies, and Grandma Grover below. Grandma had a shocker today when Daeson put the running hose down her back. I felt sooo bad for Grandma, but it was soooo funny!!! It was hard to punish him...but he needs not to do it to Grandmas.

Poor Tevan...He's gonna be bigger than Daeson one day...paybacks.

Playing catch up

Okay, so I am a LITTLE behind on some of the things that happened over the last few weeks. So, this BLOG is going to have a few pictures in it with brief explanations of the event. I missed a few, so here we go:

June 5, 2008

Here are a couple of Tevan's firsts: milk and cheese. He wasn't sure about the milk, but he LOVED the cheese.

Daeson is my little helper. He loves to water the flowers with his duck watering can. He is so proud of it.

Mother's Day, May 11, 2008. This was supposed to be a great family shot...Tevan looks happy. :) Actually, I think it turned out okay.

Daeson learned how to cross his eyes today. I think it is hillarious!!

May 25, 2008
This is my super-cute niece, Brooke. Jesse and Carlie's daughter. She and Daeson LOVE to play...they just don't get to very often. I think we probably see them about 6-8 times a year. The sad thing is that they just live 45 minutes from us...I KNOW!!!!

Happy #30 Justin!!! YOU ARE SOOOO OLD! This is my brother. I really don't think that 30 is old...I'm rapidly approaching it myself!!!

Daeson got two cakes this year...this is his actual Birthday day cake. I cheated and bought it from WinCo. But, it was DELICIOUS and he was thrilled it was Spiderman!!

May 28, 2008




May 29, 2008

We bought Daeson a gumball machine for his birthday. He is so excited when Troy has change in his pocket so he can have a "DUMBALL".

May 31, 2008

Kayla and girls, Richard, Peggy, the boys and I, Heidi and Kaden and a friend went to the Tautphus Park Zoo. We had a good time and the kids LOVED it. This is my mother-in-law, Peggy, my nieces, Adalyn and Mieley, and Daeson by the monkeys.




Daeson and Tevan with the lion.

Daeson and Tevan had fun in the giant swing. There is a new park by the zoo. I just found out about it. It is such a great park. There was so much for the kids to do.

June 10, 2008

Tevan loves that he can stand up next to furniture and "cruise". He also loves to play with anything he can get his hands on. These just happen to be my shoes. He loves to put things up on tables, chairs, etc. and then take them off again. What a cutie pie!!!

June 11, 2008: Do I really have a child old enough for a big-boy-bike? Daeson suprised us both that he could hop on and ride. This is his first time and Troy and I were SHOCKED! He is growing up so quickly and I am so proud of him!!!

Daeson loves books. We try to read several each night. After we read to him, we tell a story and then sing a song. Then he is off to dreamland. It, sadly, is sometimes the only one-on-one time I get with him. We seem to keep pretty busy through the day!!!

June 15, 2008

RUB-A-DUB-DUB: June 13, 2008. This is Ryker, my nephew, Adalyn, my niece, and my big boy Daeson. We were happy Ryker could be here with us...what a treat. The kids LOVE bathing together.

June 14, 2008: THE BIG FIVE-OOHHHH BIRTHDAY PARTAY!

This is my parent's fiftieth birthday party. My mom turned 50 on the 13th and my dad on the 28th...I am so sure they are just ecstatic I am posting this!!! Ha-Ha! You can post it when I turn 50. These are some of our friends from 100 years ago...or about 30. Rick and Teresa Jackman and Karen and Lyle Scow. They are very good friends and I am happy they came...as was everyone else.



Here are some more long-time friends and some family. I cannot see very well in the picutre, but Cheryl, Jaden, Ron and Lindy, Darrold and Viginia, Grandma Lish, Chad Ridlesbacher and Kalene Larson, and Ernie ans Sue Moser...really long time friends.





This is family...let's see: Mitzi, Shalese, Shawntel, Shailee, Miki, Tucker,Eli, Dee, Shade, Hailey, Jess, me, Tevan, Carlie, Troy, Grandma Smith, Brookie, Katie, and Daeson. I didn't get everyone, but almost.

I asked Mom if she knew something was going on, she said they suspected something, but not this! This is them walking in. I told them it was Tevan's birthday party. I hope they enjoyed it...we sure did.



It's chow time...yummy food was brought. We had a TON of everything. Too much...I ate potato salad and cake for a week!!! But, it was sure great!

Family picture time...Hailey and Justin, Jandy, Tevan, Troy, Daeosn, Jaden, Brooke, Carlie and Jess.




Brookie and Daeson had a lot of fun playing on the stage. I know there were some who didn't like it, but it kept them occupied and happy. They weren't doing anything wrong, so I didn't care. To each their own.

It was adorable...thanks for the picture, Hailey!! Daeson was doing such a great job sharing with Tevan. What a good big brother!!!!





The birthday king and queen...We love you both very much!!!