Happy Halloween!!!

We love Halloween at our house. We gear up for it every year and throw a huge family Halloween Par-tay!!! It is the best time of the year; the leaves are falling and the weather is cooler and hot cider is so yummy!!!! This year I opened my mouth and volunteered for the Trunk-or-Treat. I hope we have a great turn out and I hope I printed sufficient invitations...I printed over 150. I am excited to dress-up and the boys are excited to get candy! You'll have to see what my costume is...tomorrow!!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Cake class catastrophe

I learned one thing in cake class tonight over all: always tie your hair back while standing over an electric mixer. Our teacher, Amy, (note: very rarely is her hair unbraided) was whipping up a batch of meringue powder when her two-foot-long-hair got wrapped around the beaters. One lady unplugged the mixer and we quickly released the beaters. Her hand got caught in the beaters while it was still going and got banged up really badly. Fortunately she was okay and did not get hurt as badly as she could have. Unfortunately, she lost the diamonds out of her wedding ring when her hand got caught. She is a trooper. We still had class, but it started an hour and a half later than scheduled. Poor girl!! I have always heard of things like that happening, but I have never seen someone actually experience it!!!! So, next time you are making something with your electric mixer/Kitchen Aid, remember: Scrunchies are wonderful things!!!!

Super Saturday: Success

Today was our Super Saturday. It went really well, and I think we all had a great time. I was up til midnight last night cutting letters and up again at 6 this morning finishing, but I can now say that it is pretty much over. I have one sister who is coming over later to do her birthday boards, but I can now hang my signs and start using them. It was a lot of fun. We had great food, and fun times. There were several things to choose: marshmallow guns, birthday/fhe boards, holiday plaques, hair bows, vinyl picture frames, JOY blocks, and we had a few great humanitarian projects on board. Thank you to everyone who contributed. It was well worth everyone's time and efforts!!! Until next year...

Beginners cake class: Graduated

I finished the beginning cake class
Monday night. I have taken them
the last six weeks. It has been a lot
fun, and Troy has been so good to
help with dinner and the kids.
Thank you!!!




Each week we learned a new skill.

We learned flowers, writing, borders,
frosting techniques, sugar molds and
egg white painting, and many more things.





I just signed up for the next class...so for
the next 6 weeks, I will be doing more classes!!


Here is one of the two butterflies
I made out of royal frosting.






The top view
I used a lot of my flowers, some of them melted
because I didn't know they could not
be frozen. So, this is what made it.




The side view...basket weave is SOO
easy! Who would have thought???

I loved taking this class, and I know I will
love the next 6. Then the next 6 we learn
fondant. Maybe one day I really can open
my catering business!!!

Canning: Done!

I finished late Friday night with the canning. I have one jar that didn't get used. I got 13 quarts of beef stew...I was hoping for 14. But it is all done and I now have to find room in the storage room for it. I am still dehydrating apples and that will be done tomorrow. I have a few apples left. Thanks, Becky for the yummy pineapple juice/lemon juice mixture recipe!!! They are sooo tasty!

I am not sure why I have had such an urgency to get my food storage together, but I am grateful for the urge. I still have milk, rice, pancake mix, and some freeze-dried fruits and veggies to purchase, but I am getting there. I could also use some more canned meats, but that can wait until I find a great deal. Or, if one of my brothers sells me some of their deer they just got!!! :) I am thankful that Troy lets me have my way with food storage. I think he might think I am off my rocker, but he supports me and for that I love him. I know that if and when times get tough, I will be able to provide meals for my family. Not just ramen noodles, but real meals. For years and years we have been admonished to have a food supply and I am grateful for a mom who taught me that. She has been a great example to me. Thanks, Mom!! I love ya bunches!!! Troy didn't want me to post our storage...something about people wanting to rob us...but I am so excited about it. Like I said, it might not be complete yet, but I am working fervently on it!!!

More canning...sigh

I am so tired right now...I have been in the kitchen since 10:30 this morning CANNING!!! What else is there left to can????? Yesterday I did 9 quarts spaghetti meat sauce and today I am dehydrating bananas and apples and canning apple pie filling. I have 14 bottles left, and I am going to can them with beef stew. Then I will be finished for a while. Or atleast until I have emptied a few jars, then I will find soemthing else to do. I am really hoping everything turns out. I have really enjoyed canning this year...I have tried more things this year than I ever have. I am no longer scared of my pressure cooker!!! I love that thing! Who knows what else I will decide to do!

Missionary Daeson

This conversation is going on right now:
Daeson is teaching Tevan about Jesus while holding the Book of Mormon. Please remember this is not Gospel Doctrine and Daeson is only FOUR...if you don't know about the LDS curch, please do not take all of this to heart!!!

Number one: He wants you to obey and be nice
Nuber two: He wants you to obey your mom
Number three: He wants you to be nice to your brothers and sisters and cousins and aunts
Number four: This is really good and Jesus really wants you to do this: He wants you to obedient Him rules.
Nuber five: He wants you to listen to His commandments and to your mom and dad.
Number six: He wants you to come to Him again and He love you berry much and Him love you way too good!
Number seven: He wants you to follow His rules and Him commandments.
Number eight: This is a berry good one you know: It is all about Jesus. When I was alive He told me all the things to remember about Him. He gave ME the scriptures.
Number nine: He want you to obedient and be good to everyone.
Number ten: We have all of those and now we will look at the pictures. Jesus told me about Joseph Smith. He was the very first prophet. Nuber two: He wants us to obey Jesus rules. He really wants me to be a good boy. And Joseph he went outside and met Jesus. He was the very first Prophet. And that is all I can remember about him.
Are you ready for this page? This is really good. Number one about these people: They all...He is grumpy I think. (this is referring to the picture of Laman). They went far far away. That is all I can tell about he.
Now I will tell you about a really good page. Oh, yeah. I will tell you about Lehi on the boat. He is looking really tough. And now it is time for the last one. It has a song. Never forget this song. But first I am going to teach you about him. (Moroni). He hidded them in a very very special mountain. And Jesus never said it to anyone. He was very obedient and he prays when ever he needs Jesus' help. Now for the song:

The golden plates was hidden in the deep mountain
They were far ago They have said
The lord want him to be good at last
He wanted to obedient Jesus said to him
Jesus said to hide the Golden Plates at once
And he prayed And he was so obedient
And he was a good He prayed a long time ago
And he was good enough and he was the Prophet and he was strong and tough
Just look at him. He could need Jesus help sometime
That is why he prayed yeah, that is why he prayed a long time ago.
And he was the very first one that knew that Jesus wanted him to do ...see Tevan,
you have to be like that guy. He is very good and never bites but he has a sword and the Golden Plates.

Pledge of Allegiance

This was our conversation when Troy got home from work, about 2 minutes ago:

Mom: Daeson, Did you tell Dad you know the Pleadge of Allegiance?
Dad: You know the Pledge of Allegiance!?
Daeson: What's the Pleadge of Allegiance?
Mom: I pleadge allegiance to the...
Daeson: (Making the little motions he learned in Preschool) I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA!

?????
I guess we live in Africa!

Craft boards: DONE

This is a bad pic, but I don't want to
hang them up until after they have
been displayed at the church for
sign ups. I decided to do an FHE board, too
I think they turned out okay for not knowing
what I was doing!!! I need to work on the spacing
of the letters, but it will do.

Here is the BIRTHDAYS board. I put our parents and

their fam on the board, but the cousin's would not fit.

With Troy's cousins and mine, we have over 150!!! So,

I limited the board names. Our nieces and nephews are

on it and bro and sis, grandparent, and parent and

their bro and sis bdays and anniversaries are also on it.

Once they are hung, I will trade the pics out.

Soccer game #3

This is soccer game #3. he was pooped!

Tevan kept us all up the night before. I don't

have pics of game #2...my batteries were dead.

Thanks for coming Papa and Gramma Blue! And Kaden,

Adalyn and Mieley!!! It was sure nice of you!!!

Yummy That! and Priorities

I know I need to be better at recording the cute things my kids say. Tevan has started saying, "Yummy That!" when he thinks something is good. It is the cutest thing ever! I love how many new things he is learning and how much he knows. Troy and I just look at both the boys and are amazed at what sweet boys they are. Don't get me wrong...they have their moments of terror, but at the end of the day, they are sleeping quietly and are the sweetest boys ever. I love both these boys so much and I am saddened by how quickly they are growing up. Soon Daeson will be to embarrassed to give me kisses in public and Tevan will be too sassy to tell me 100 times a day that he loves me.

In General Conference, it was mentioned that we need to tell those that we love that we do in fact love them. We need to let our priorities be very straight and put our families first. I think of how many times I shove my kids aside to do the things I want to do...not the things that I need to do. I loved how much focus was on love and family. I loved that we were able to listen to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was so refreshing and uplifting. We are so lucky to have a living Prophet on the Earth today who walks and talks with God. It is amazing how much direction we have in our lives. I am so grateful for the gospel and the wonderful ideas and knowledge it brings into my life. I know that without a shadow of a doubt that this church is true. I know that we go through trials so that we can become more perfect and return to live with God. I also know that our families can be together forever because of the very selfless act of Jesus Christ.

I have friends who struggle with the concept of returning to Heavenly Father and someone once told me that is was selfish of us to believe that we can. Why wouldn't God want His children to return to Him? Why would He watch us suffer and go through all that we do on earth just for the sake of watching us? I know He wants us back. He wants us back like we want the best for our children. I love the hope I have for the future. I am not prepared the way I should be. I lack in so many areas, but I know that I get to repent and keep trying. That is the beauty of it!!! I know of some people who ask about the gospel and do not fully understand it. And I have no idea how many people read my blog who don't know about the gospel, so for you I am posting what I believe. I am posting what our church believes.

These are the Articles of Faith given to Joseph Smith by revelation.

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely apostles, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healings, interpretations of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the new Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the Earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Our New Addition

This is our newest addition to our house. Troy and Cal spent 4 days building this "from scratch" shed. I am very proud of Troy for fnishing it and for doing it from ground level with no instructions. It is 10x10 and it almost fits everything!!! Good Job, Troy!!! Now we can use the garage for cars :). LOVE YOU!

I NEED HELP FROM ALL YOU CRAFTY PEOPLE!!!!

Okay, so I got myself into a pickle! Last night I was trying to help the Relief Society member who is in charge of the activities not on Sunday (formerly known as Enrichment) try to come up with one more craft for Super Saturday. I told her that I have seen some very cute birthday boards...you know the big board that has the months and you hang the stars/hearts on them with dates and names? Well, I got put in charge of teaching and making one...by Sunday next. The only problem is that I have never actually SEEN on up close and I have NO IDEA how to do this. She brought me over a 1x4 and some modge podge? I have never modge podged anything. I went tonight and bought some vinyl for the Cricut to make the letters for the months. But I have no idea what to do next. I also have no idea where to get the hooks for the little wooden pieces. Soooooo.....I need some help. If anyone has this type of board, please email me. Also, please give me any ideas that you may have. If I can do ribbons instead of the hooks and figure out how to attach them, I think it would lessen the cost. We have to keep this resonable cheap so that people will sign up for it. THanks in advance for the help!!!!! Wish me luck!

Happy Day

Right this very second, my children are getting along famously! It might only last for a minute...but I will take it!!! They are sitting with each other with some "magnetix" and having fun all the while!!!! Happy Day!

My flower garden

THis summer Troy and I
made us a little built-up
flower garden. My mom
helped pick out the flowers, and bought
some of them.







Troy's brother, Adam, helped
Troy with the dirt from Bench mark.

Thank you everyone!!!



This is Daeson's flower Grandma Cindy
bought him. It was so pretty. I thought
the flowers were not going to make it becuase
it took me a couple of weeks to get them planted.
But they all rooted and they were so pretty. I am
so glad I took these pics...it snowed the next day!!!





I thought I better take this picture for two reasons:
1. I needed to know what I planted so I don't
weed it next year and pull the flowers.
2. I needed to remember through the winter months
what I have to look forward to this spring and summer!!!
I am already cold!!!! It is only October!!! :)

Cake class

I have been taking a cake class on Monday nights from 7-9.

It is a lot of fun and I am enjoying it. I am learing a whole

lot, too!!! We have learned borders, flowers, sugar molds,

writing and next week we are working with Royal frosting.

I only have a couple classes left in the beginners course,

then I will do the advanced and then fondant. It has been

great. I just wish I had more time to practice what I have

learned!!!

These are the flowers I did.

Then we had to practice all the
borders around the cupcakes.
We did sweet peas, roses, wild flowers
and the drop flowers. Then we had to do
the buds. I didn't like the buds as well as the
other flowers!

















I liked the wild flowers the best.
I think it is the only flower I can make well!
But it was so neat to learn to make them!!

Daeson's first soccer practice/game

Daeson has started soccer and is pretty good at it.
I think he is one of the best on the team...but I am
his mom!!!! Here are some pictures...he has had
three games and we have three left. Next fun thing?
I think I will put him in swimming lessons to prepare
for next year's swimming season. I would put Tev in too,
but I really don't want to do the class with him.






Here is Daeson with
the ball during practice








This is Daeson trying to
get a goal during practice









More practice
He is definatley the fastest
one on the team.
he really hustles








Here is his special cake.
Every night after his game we
come home to have cake or some
other treat. This was the first
night, the second game night
we had a cake from WalMart's
bakery...Italiam Creme Cake.
That was so stinking good!!! I think I might have eaten the
entire thing myself!!! The third night I made a cake from
my cake class. It was fun! The kids liked that cake because
of the pure sugar decorations!!! Great job on soccer, Daeson!!!
We are so proud of you!!!! Loves and hugs!

Happy Birthday, TROY! #31

Happy birthday, babe! Today is Troy's birthday...numero 31! He had to work today, but as soon as he got home, the boys bombarded him with gifts and song! It was so sweet to hear them sing their own version of "Happy Birthday" to Troy...several times! Daeson gave Troy a watch, Tev gave Troy a UnderArmor shirt and three pair of SmartWool socks and I gave him some new work shoes. Then we later suprised him with an hour massage. He is now upstairs taking a nap...good thing it is his BDAY! Because he is 31, I would like to list 31 things we all love about TROY:

1. Loyal.

2. Hardworking.

3. Loves our boys.

4. Supports me in my endeavors.

5. Smart.

6. Trust worthy.

7. Honest.

8. Fun.

9. Out doorsie.

10. Handy man...or tries really hard to figure things out :).

11. Likes to watch The Office with me (HOORAAYY for the season!).

12. Puts up with the crap everyone gives him.

13. Helps others in need even when he is busy.

14. Wrestles with the boys...makes them laugh.

15. Makes me laugh.

16. Never pretends to be something he is not.

17. Talks at night with me when I cannot sleep...even when he has work at 4 am.

18. Would do anything for me.

19. Has done everything for me.

20. He gives good scalp massages :).

21. He is ticklish on his feet...it is a great wake-up call.

22. He lets me nap when I am really stressed out.

23. He would rather go without than the boys or I.

24. He bites his tounge when he knows people have said things about him...ususally untrue.

25. Every night before bed he makes sure the boys are covered and comfortable.

26. Every night before bed he makes sure I am covered and comfy.

27. He supports my crazy food-storage fetsish.

28. He once let me paint a room pink for my barbies!

29. He never hesitates when it comes to our safety.

30. He makes me feel special at least once everyday.

31. The biggest thing I love about Troy is that he never says anything bad about anyone! He gets a lot of grief from my family about not going to church...but he is the best "Mormon" I have ever met. He never talks behind people's backs and he is never pretending to be something he isn't. He would give the shirt off his back if someone needs it...he has before. Every day he tells me he loves me, even when I am not deserving of his love. He is my rock and I love him so much!

Have a happy day, babe! We all love you very much!

Boise Birthdays

The boys and i went to Boise for
Bray and Kayla's bday party.
we had a great tiem! Thanks Harley
and Kelly!










The boys painted dinosaurs and the
girls made princess tiaras.






There were two pinatas. The kids had a great time.

I made Bray a sports apron and Kayla

a Fancy Nancy apron. I figured they needed

a craft apron to go with their

paints and markers we gave them.

I hope they liked it! I had a great time

making them and i was so suprised at

how they turned out! As soon as we got the

party cleaned up, we made our way home.

It was a big day for all of us and we all slept well

that night!!!!

Happy birthday Bray and Kayla!!!!

Christmas Lists!

Tis the season to start thinking about Christmas! I am so excited this year...the boys are both getting older and Daeson is so thrilled that Santa comes in about 104 (give or take a few). So for my family members...here are the lists:

Smith side:
Justin: Jandy
Hailey: Jesse
Jaxon: Brooke
Troy: Justin
Jandy: Hailey
Daeson: Jaxon
Tevan: Carson
Jesse: Troy
Carlie: Jaden
Brooke: Tevan
Carson: Daeson
Jaden: Carlie
There is a $20.00 limit on gifts this year :)

Grover side:
Adam's family has Kaden
Troy's family has Heidi and Brad
Danielle's family has Troy's family
Heidi and Brad have Danielle's family
Kaden has Adam's family
There is a $40.00 per family limit this year :)

Daeson's first day of PRE-SCHOOL!

I guess it had to come sooner or later...but I sent Daeson off to pre-school today! It was a very exciting day for all of us. He attends Miss Janet's pre-school from 9-11 MWF. So, I get to run errands and do things around the house with just one kid...so nice! Daes is very excited and he learns something new everyday. He has the BEST teacher ever!!!!

All in a day's work!!!

This year I bought 10 boxes of peaches and 7 boxes of pears. I was feeling a bit stressed, as I had beats, plums and tomatoes to bottle as well as the peaches and pears. So, with the help of my friend and neighbor, Heather, I was able to get it all done, minus the pears. They are not quite ripe. She came over initially to re-show me how to work my pressure cooker...I didn't want to blow the house up:). But, I think she could see that I was completely overwhelmed and offered to help me finishe everything! I was so grateful for her help I ended up giving her a box of peaches. The pears will be done, eventually...I hope on Monday. Thank you for your help, Heather! I really appreciate it! She has also hepled me with pj bottoms and other sewing projects lately! What a neat lady to visit with and to get to know. I really appreciate all her help. There is no way I could have done it myself!!!!!

I got 53 quarts of peaches, 24 c peach jam, (Troy's cousin bought 2 boxes of peaches from me), 11 pints tomatoes, 12 pints beets, and 30is half-pints plum jam. I got the plums off my brother's tree (THANK YOU)! They made wonderful jam! I feel pretty good about my storage...I almost have enough to not worry about it. I cannot wait until I have a year's worth! It was my goal to have it by the end of the year...I am not quite there, but close!

The Fair!!!

Daeson and I went to the fair with my mom and Dad on Monday. Troy was so great to keep Tevie for me! It was a late night! But, we had a great time!

Grammpa showing Daeson

how to tie a lasso

Daeson givin' it a try

Grammpa and Daeson ropin'

There was a stuffed horse

that Daeson learned to saddle.

Milkin' the cow (it was fake, too)

THe cutest little tractor trike...

I loved it! Daeson did too!

Daeson got to go on a

few rides...this is the

roller coaster

We had a great time at the fair. Daeson and Grammpa shared a tiger's ear and Gramma shared her caramel apple. I shared a funnel cake...but I can't stomach it like I used to. I was sick in my tummy after I ate it!!!! One of the great things about getting older!!!!

Jaxon Blessing

We went to Jaxon's blessing on Sunday...it was a great event. Some of Hailey's family was there and all of Justin's immediate family. We had several on my mom's side there, and Grandma Tom from my dad's. It was great to see everyone!

This is our four-generation picture. Grandma Tom, my Dad, my boys and me. I love my Gram...she truly is a blessing in my life! I am so lucky my boys have the opportunity to know her. I am grateful that both my parents are alive an healthy, too.

This is a very small photo, however, it is most of my family...everyone who was there Sunday. I will try to name them all: Grandpa and Grandma L, Heidi and her soon-to-come-baby boy, Aunt Lindy and Uncle Ron, Tater, Allyson, Shane, Dax and Addi, Hailey, Justin, Jaxon, Dad, Mom, Jaden, Jess, Carlie, Brooke, Carson, Grandma Tom, Me, Troy, Daeson and Tevan. We were missing Uncle Dirk and his family who live in Boise and could not come, Heidi's husband, Tyler, and my Dad's brothers and sisters. I am thankful for my family. Several of them bore testimony to the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the testimony of eternal families. It is not often we are all together and it is less often than that we are all together on a fast and testimony meeting. I love my family and I am blessed to have each of them in my life. I am stuck up here by myself while the others all live in the same city, so we miss A LOT of things, and that makes me a bit sad. But I cherish the times we are together. Thanks for the great day, Just and Hailey and all those who made it possible. It was a happy occassion! We love our new nephew, Jaxon, too! It is so fun to have all the new babies in my family!!!!!

Ahoy, Me Hardee's!

So what did I do tonight instead of going on a date? I made my boys aprons...and I think they turned out stinkin' cute!!! They haven't seen them yet, they were in bed before I finished them!

Whadda ya think?

This is Daeson's

This is Tev's

And the back looks like this on both of them.

I didn't have a pattern, I just cut them out and I had no idea how to make an apron. I wanted to do pockets, but I didn't want to take away from the cute fabric. My neighbor, Heather, helped me figure out the strings and how to attach them...THANK YOU...but I was pretty much on my own with this project. I am so excited to show the boys!!!