YUM YUM!!

About 30 minutes ago I finished my apple pie filling (yieling 6 qts) and my tomatoes my sis-in- law (Thanks, Dani) brought from her garden in UT. I got 9 pints...they look good! So, applesauce, pie filling, apricot syrup and jam, green beans, and tomatoes are all done. Now I have peaches, pears, peach jam, pear butter, apple butter, and more pie filling to do...WHEW!! I spent most of the day yesterday on a ladder picking the apples from my neighbors' trees. Thanks Nancy & Alan and Mike & Sandy!!! As soon as my garden is ready, I will have all the ingredients to make some yummy salsa with my neighbor and best friend Barbara. She is amazing with this kind of stuff!!! Oh, I bought one of those apple peeler, corer, and slicer gadgets...WONDERFUL!!! I could peel, slice, and core an apple in 20 seconds with it! Apple pie filling was a cinch!!! And, I still LOVE my steamer instead of the waterbath...FANTASTIC! When I am all done, I will take some pictures...and as always, I am more than willing to help people with their canning...so if there is something that you are wanting to can, let me know!! :)

Molly 2 met her maker today...

We have some sad news at out house today, Molly 2 died. I just got done canning and I went to change their water...there she was: DEAD. Daeson doesn't know this yet, he is taking a NAP (can you believe it, this is rare). So, when he wakes up, I will tell him. When Dr. Suess died, he just thought we should go buy another. I guess I am not a pet person!!! I can't keep anything alive...my kids are in for it! Actually, Molly 1 is still thriving! I think Molly 2 ate too much...Daeson fed them this morning. I'll keep you updated on the living fish!

Finally some pictures!!!

July 16...I love the "asleep in the highchair" pictures...

July 24--Austin's b-day party... Daeson swinging at the pinata. Barbara did a great job on the party and it was so fun!!

I found these cute Indian toys in West Yellowstone when I wen with my 'rents and Gma. Daeson thought they were great...Tevan, eh.

It made noise...???


July 30, 08

Daeson and Emma became good friends...Daeson thinks he has to be a BIG BOY all the time...by then I was pulling my hair out!



Oh, This was at the Lish reunion...Island Park. My grandparents have a cabin up there that we all stayed at. It was fun. The cousins got to play and get to know eachother. The grown-ups caught up, too!


Aug 1, 08

The paintballers...Jaden, Jess, Troy, Justin, Dad, and U. Dirk...what BRAVE MEN!! :)_


Aug 2, 08

Grandpa promised to take Daeson fishing...so on the last day, right before breakfast they went. It was fun, Thanks Dad!!

Aug 2, 08

This was the second 4-leaf clover I found up there. If you know me, you know that I LOVE 4-leaf clovers and I can almost find one anywhere. I gave one to Grandma Lish and the other to Grandpa.

There is a cool elk farm in Archer...out by Troy's mom and dad's. Daeson thought the "reindeer" were sooo cool. We had to drive by two times!!!

Aug 2, 08...I just realized the dates on my camera are off, so give or take a day on the dates...that will really screw me up when I go to do my scrapbook!!!! GREAT!!!! URG...

A million things going on...

I don't know how many of you have seen the cubicle/organizer/desk thing at Robert's, but I am in the process of buying the ones I need to make my scrapbook/computer/bill paying station. Therefore, I have my computer in parts...some of it is on my bedroom and some is downstairs waiting to be hooked up. This is the explaination I have for having no pictures. It has been a mess since I started the project. I have to buy my cubbies one at a time because they are stinkin' expensive. So, one day (I am hoping this month) I will have it all together and I will be able to post some pictures.
Troy and I went to see House Bunny. For all of those who thought it looked good, it was okay. Like most movies all the funny stuff was in the previews. They say "B****" a lot and she drops the f word, which I feel is unneccessary in all movies. It definately could have been more modest, I got tired of seeing everyone's navels and butt cheeks. I cannot say that I would highly recommend it. If you go see it, plan on thirty or so minutes for previews.
We have two new members of our family...no, this is not an announcement. Peggy gave Daeson a dollar coin the other day when we were headed to Wal Mart. So, what did he do with it? He bought two 28 cent goldfish...both named Molly...and a 26 cent ghost shrimp named Dr. Suess. Daeson has an obsession with the name Molly...thanks Mom!!!...but I was quite pleased that he came up with Dr. Suess. However, yesterday Dr. Suess was found belly up in the bowl. We said good bye and gave him a royal burial. Molly 1 and Molly 2 are doing very well and actually getting bigger. Molly 1 has a black mohawk and Molly 2 is white and orange...like a creamsicle. Daeson has done a great job feeding them and he has helped me change their water. He is so excited and it is nice for him to have something to look forward to. However, we recently watched Mulan. If you are familiar with the movie, you know that when they sing the song I'll Make a Man Out of You they show the soldiers with spears trying to catch fish. I walked into the kitchen Saturday and Daeson was "trying to catch a fish". What? I know...three year olds are like a sponge. I thought it was funny though.
Tevan is trying still to walk. Everyday he gets better. It is so funny to watch him. He hardly says two words...I think his vocabulary consists of Mom, Dadda, Num-num, All done, and he smacks his lips if he is hungry. Once in a while he says Daeson. I hope he starts talking soon...grunts are not going to cut it much longer. It drives me crazy!!!
Sunday was a rough day for the Grover household. I battled with my kids before church, during and after. I bought Daeson new church clothes...shirt, tie and some cute pants. So Sunday I got his shirt all buttoned up and you would have thought it was the end of the world! He pulled at his shirt, screamed, told me he was going to "rip it off" and threw the biggest tantrum. So, I undid the top button and told him he couldn't wear his tie. Once again another fit. I knew I was going to leave Tevan home because he had to take a nap. But, Troy was 10 minutes late getting home, so I was late for church. The only bench open had two other families on it. Because Daeson was so naughty before church I told him he couldn't have anything during church. I think that was more punishment for me than him. He was so terrible that I left. I was soo tired of the battle. Then we got home and Troy was in a mess trying to move his desk in from the garage and the ugly table out to the garage. My living room looks like a reception area. Just until the den is finished I keep telling myself. After a few hours, Troy finally took the kids out to his mom and dad's. I, once again, broke the Sabbath and made jam. I bought some apricots on Friday, and Saturday we had some very exciting company( my aunt and cousins from Preston and Texas, and my Gma Tom), so I left jam until Sunday. I would have waited if the apricots would have, but they were already starting to go bad. Out of thirty pounds, I threw out about 5 lbs. Not bad I guess. I got 23 half-pints. It took about 5 hours. I did buy a new steam canner. It worked pretty good...except I ran out of water on the first batch and the pan kinda burned. But, you don't have to lift the jars out...they just sit on a tray, you put the jars in...it holds 10 half-pints, or 7 quarts... and then you put the steam dome on and start timing. I liked it. My VT came over for a bit and it was great to have someone to talk to. So, my first canning venture this year. I was quite pleased and the jam is delicious. Lemon juice, apricots and sugar...it can't get much easier than that!!!! Now I have corn, beans, peaches, pears, peach jam, applesauce, apple pie filling and pumpkin to do. I would like to do more, but I think that should do me in.
Well, as I think of more crazy stuff to post, I will. I hope to be able to put pictures on soon. I have some super cute ones!! Oh, I forgot the funny thing Daeson said at church. We sat behind out neighbors, the Johnson's, and they have a cute little girl named Lindy. Daeson said to me, "Mom, I am going to marry Lindy and you. Then I will have two people I be married to. Is that okay, Mom?" I thought it was soooo funny. He says the darndest things sometimes!!!!

Stages of Life

We are all in differents stagees of life...but Tevan is in the fun stage. Sunday we were hanging out in the nursery at church and Tevan decided to take 5 steps. Everyday since then he has started to be more brave and walking from furniture to us. He is still in the very early stages, but it is so fun to watch him grow and learn everyday.
Daeson is in the sassy stage. Three is a hard stage for me...and i am sure three is a hard age for Daeson. He is such an independant child. He has to do everything by himself. I think that stemmed from the Barney song, "I can do it by myself." He sings that song when he is trying to do something challenging. He is also learning how to ride a bike. I think that if I worked hard with him he would be able to ride without training wheels. He cruises on his little bike. It amazes me that he goes so quickly.
Troy is in a stressed out stage of life. He works hard for us and we are in the process of buying another route. That means we have to hire somebody and that means that I have to figure out how to do that. My sis in law does it for her husband, but she is smarter with computers and such.
I am in the stage of life where I just want a small vacation. It has been a LONG time since Troy and I have gone anywhere for fun...even with the kids. I think the last time we were even in SLC was a couple summers ago. Now with him working everyday, it will be another couple years before we get to go anywhere. I guess I should just buck up and stop boobing about then vacation thing. Back in the day there were no vacations. I need to just make LIFE a vacation. Right? I am sure there are plenty of things that I can do around here. Like right now I should be getting ready for the apraiser to come...he will be here at two. I leave at 12 to go to the temple for initiatory work. I guess they know that houses are lived in. Troy did get the trime finished last night...the basement is all trimmed except for the window and Troy's dad will be here at 10 to help him do that. Slowly but surely it is all getting done. It will be soooo nice to have it all finished and looking good.

TGIF!!!

I am soooo glad it is Friday! I am not sure why, the weekends are filled with cleaning and cooking just like the weekdays, but there is just something about Friday's. Last night Troy and I had date night. He took me to a restaraunt here in IF called the Cellar. IT was FABULOUS!!!! If you are in a hurry, don't go here because your food is brought out in courses and it is very slow-paced, yet formal. I liked that aspect. Troy and I talked...we were there for two hours. The food was simply delicious and fresh. Troy had crab-stuffed sunfish with capers and lemon. I had a cucumber-apple salad with gargonzola dressing. It really was a great treat to enjoy our meal together and without kids screaming or fussing. So, if you do go out, try the Cellar. The pricese were not too bad...plates started at 18 and went as high as 38, but what do you expect? It was fine dining at it 's best. Idaho Falls is getting nicer restaraunts, and it is refreshing. We had a great time.
Tomorrow there is a big celebration at Taylor's Crossing. I am hoping it is fun for the kids. We were going to go hiking tomorrow, and we got all decked out to do it. We got hiking shoes, a babybackpack, camelbacks and hats. I am worried that Tevan isn't going to be too fond of the backpack so I think we are going to try it out tomorrow at the Taylor's Crossing events and see how he does. He hated the bike trailer at first, but not we can go for almost an hour in it. Today we even went off road down the canal and he liked it. I think we have adopted that as our new route. Hopefully he will like the pack and we will be off next weekend on a grand adventure. Picnics, bugs, bears and the wilderness...sounds great to me!!! Troy and I used to backpack overnight, but haven't gone since we had kids...oh, and gained 60 lbs!!!LOL. I am hoping to get back into shape...Heaven's knows I need to...and have fun with my family at the same time.
Sunday Troy gets set apart as the EQ Assistant Secretary and I as a teacher. Then the Grover's are coming over for a potato bar. It should be fun to have the cousins all playing and to hear about their trip to the Oregon coast. THe weekend will fly and before I know, it will be Monday and I will be cleaning rooms, washing sheets and doing laundry. Oh, the things we keep busy with. I forgot to mention the flu went through our house...luckily not the kids, although tonight Daeson has an ear infection. I have to take him to Community Care tomorrow morning. But I also had a job *interview* the other day. I know. I really would like to take it, but Troy is draggin' his feet. The position is Activities Director for a retirement center. I thought it sounded fun and the pay was good. I am not sure Troy will ever agree to me going to work, but I would really like to. It would be nice to have a break from the monotony (SP) and let Troy bond with the kids. Anyway, have a great weekend!!! It will be busy as summer winds down, but enjoy them while we can...right? HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

Phew, first lesson over

I taught Relief Society today for the first time since my calling was issued (today I was sustained)...and now that one is done. It actually went okay. I wasn't sure how participation would work, but it all went really great. The class had a ton of thoughts and comments. The lesson was out of the Joseph Smith manual, Words of Hope and Consolation in Times of Death...or something to that effect. Lesson 14 anyway. I really am grateful for the calling. It will encourage me to be a better person and read the lessons. I read the lessons when I was chorister, but got out of the habit when I was released. Now I get to read them again, and try to find inspiring thoughts to share with the sisters in the ward. I am excited and nervous...but it really isn't THAT scary up there.
Happy Sunday to all of you. May God bless you all...He LIVES! He loves us and He is there to listen to us. Wonderful talks in Sacrament Mtg today...I got to listen because Tevan was at home sleeping with Troy :). Faith is an action word. It doesn't come on it's own...we have to work on it daily. But, if we truly seek it out, we will be blessed. The Lord knows us and loves us...He will lead us into life eternal. I know this to be TRUE. I know that there are blessing that come from doing right. I also know that I am not perfect and have a LONG way to go...but I know that HE will guide and direct me as long as I am worthy of HIS spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is on the Earth today. It is God's church. It is the TRUE church...I am so thankful for that knowledge. I am thankful for the principles it teaches. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon, if you haven't read it, give it a try. You will be amazed at the things in it. They are true. I know it. May God be with each and every one of you.

Looking for part time...

I know that Troy would never expect me to go to work, but I have decided to go back to work part time. First, I need to find a job. :) Now that Troy is no longer selling insurance (his boss won't let him work part time, and the Mission tortillas take up most of his time), he is home every afternoon. It is not that I don't want to be home with my kids, but more of an opportunity to allow the kids more time with their dad. I want Troy to know what it is that I do all day...I don't sit around and eat bonbons...and I only BLOG when my chores are done (most of the time). But, I want to keep up my resume also. I feel like my brain is going to mush. I need something challenging in my life...mentally. So, I am applying at Fred Meyer because they have benefits for part time people. Now that Troy doesn't sell insurance, we need to find something that isn't 400.00 each month...and something with better coverage. We don't even have maternity...no, I am not prego and won't be for a while!!! I am okay with Troy not selling insurance for a couple of reasons, but I am ticked off for a couple reasons, too. The benefits? He is home around 1 p.m. everyday. Give or take an hour. And there are no more late nights. The things I am not too happy about? He worked his butt of for the company for three and a half years. For what? Yes he will still get residules, but we were supposed to go to Dallas this December for a big award. He worked hard. I just don't see why they won't let him work part time. He has been for a couple months now...not officially, but he only worked a few hours a week. He still turned in more paperwork than the others in the office last week. Go figure. You would think that his ex-boss would rather make a little off him than nothing. Oh well. I guess now I don't have to have papers all over cluttering my cupboards. Not more meetings for Troy, and a lot less pressure for him. It is a good thing overall. He was not happy with my decision to go back to work, but I am excited. It will give me a few hours of alone time and maybe I will learn to appreciate my children more. I know it will be a change, but for the next two years I am hoping to have a little break from the house. Then, if we decide to have mre babies, I will stay home until they are old enough for school...then I will do a fun job like jewlery or a craft store :). Who knows what the future will bring. So, if Fred Meyer doesn't pan out, I will be looking for something different. Or maybe by then I will decide to just stay home...I am kinda fickle that way. :)

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!!!