Four wheeling...Ty Smith reunion

We went 4 wheeling at our annual reunion in Island Park. The kids had a blast! I stayed home with my baby girl, Sister-in-law Carlie and nephew Carson.

Kaebryn's blessing

Kaebryn's blessing was almost perfect! We went to Sacrament meeting at 9:30 am and had my friend, Kara, bring the boys home after church while my mom and I got the rest of the food ready. My dad and Troy set up tables, chairs and the canopy. I thought I left myself plenty of time by having everything done ahead of time, but there are always those last few things that have to be done. 1:00 pm rolled around and people were showing up. We opted to have her blessed at our home. We waited for a few stragglers, and I called my brothers to see where they were. They informed me they would be atleast another 30 minutes, so we started without them. I felt so bad and had a diva moment, none of my brothers were there. I cried a little, sought comfort from my daddy, and the blessing was then performed. Troy did a fantastic job. I am so very proud of him. He even wore a white shirt!! He blessed her that she would be a help to me, that she would have strength and that she would one day find a companion to take her to the temple. I am so proud of Troy. I cannot say it enough. My dad blessed Daeson. My Grandfather, the last Grandfather either of us have, blessed Tevan. He blessed Kaebryn. My Grandma Smith came, too. I was glad to see her out and about and I am so grateful her health is improving so much. She and my aunt D missed the blessing, but came shortly after and I was so glad to see them. We had a lot of support from our family and our friends.

Blessing information: August 7, 2011 1:00 pm at our home.
Those who stood in the circle: Troy, Bishop LaMar John, Prestident Kite, Grandpa Lish, Papa Ty, Grandpa Blue, Uncle Dirk, Dale Gallup, Jaimen Hoopes, cousin Shane Ward, Uncle Adam Grover, Uncle Todd Sherman, and Troy Lassle.
Food served: Chicken salad on croissants, fruit salad, veggie tray, baked beans, chips, cookies, homemade rootbeer, and lemonade.

Gratitude...

I am, to say the least, running a bit slow these days. My philosophy? If you have three, you may as well have six (children)!! I cannot wait until school starts...as I type, the kids are fighting, screaming and yelling at each other. They will most likely wake up Kaebryn. Oh sweet-all-day-school-please-come-quickly!

Troy started school yesterday. Yup, school. He is officially an ISU student and for the next four years, he will be full time. He is going into...NURSING! I never thought he would choose that profession, but now he has and I know he will do great. I cannot wait for him to get into the program. He has a Computer Networking degree, but now he has some health science generals to get out of the way. In the spring, he can apply to the program. He is going to try to do this without working. Things are going to be very tight. We haven't had to go without much in our eleven years of marriage, but we will do just fine. I am grateful I was old enough when my dad went to school that I can remember the struggles. I am proud of Troy and all his accomplishments. I am grateful he is trying to get and education that can provide for us. I am also very grateful for a Heavenly Father who pushes and nudges and makes everything okay. We both feel this has been an inspiration and we feel like Heavenly Father has directed our lives to this path. I am grateful that Troy has begun to recognize this higher power. He started going back to church a few months ago, after an eleven year break, and I am so grateful. He even spoke in sacrament meeting!! There have been many Sundays that I have been alone on the pew. There have been many excuses of why I attended by myself. I am grateful for however long this lasts! I love him so very much. I am so very humbled by our blessings. Neither Troy nor I feel worthy of our good fortune. Rough times ahead? Probably. Can we face these times alone? No. But I know we don't have to. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and I know with the support of our family and friends, we will be able to make it thorough the next four years. I love you, Troy!

Daeson starts the first grade next Monday. I cannot believe it! He is growing so quickly. He is a smart boy, and he can do very well when he applies himself. He is a fun boy and has a very big heart. He definitely thinks of others and is generally a very lovey boy.

Tevan. What can I say about Tevan. Terrible twos??? And threes and fours!! He can be so sweet, but he is very trying at times. When he doesn't get his way, watch out. There will likely be a tantrum following. He is cute though. I am afraid that is why he acts the way he does because he is cute...when he isn't throwing a fit. But we love him. Preschool is still undecided. We are trying to figure out if we can afford it with Troy's tuition.

Kaebryn. Oh sweet Kaebryn. I weighed her yesterday...13.4lbs!!! I called her a butterball and she cried! I guess we won't call her that! She really is sweet and tender hearted. I just love her so much and she brings joy into our lives. Troy has interacted with her way more than the boys. There is something to be said about a daddy and his daughter.

Me? I am just trying to stay afloat. Yesterday and today have been spent doing laundry and washing bedding. I change the sheets on a weekly basis, but I decided to wash pillows, bedspreads, and blankets. In addition, I am washing up Kaebryn's 3-6 mo clothes. She has been out of 0-3 mo for quite some time, but I washing all of the warmer things. Summer is winding down. We have a family reunion this weekend in Island Park and I know the kids will need warmer clothes. I also need to wash Daeson's new clothes for school. Sigh...he is growing so fast! I am still property managing the house across the street for our friends. I just oversaw a roof project...next a bathroom. So it has been keeping me on my toes. I am also trying to adjust to having Troy gone all of the time. He is still working for now, until we can figure something else out, and he is gone a lot. I am a very needy person...or have grown that way over the last couple years. I depend on Troy...a lot. So do many other people. He does computers on the side. He does his regular job. He does things around the house. He takes care of me and the kids providing us with love, comfort and anything else we need. We have sworn off eating out...I am sad about this, I do enjoy a nice dinner with no clean up. However, it will be good for us to have that as a treat only. So, I have committed myself to preparing and cooking three meals a day, seven days a week. I allow my kids to have cereal only one day a week, so I will cherish that day! :) I am wanting to get some scrapbooking done. I even got some pictures developed of the kids. I have thousands more, but I do have some. So I will end this post. I will get some pictures uploaded and get this thing rolling!! So with gratitude in my heart, I sign off.

Virginia City 2011

Virginia City is one of our favorite places. This year we were disappointed that the train was shut down. So we walked around and had icecream. Richard and Peggy were vacationing in Montana, so we met them there. It was a fun day. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of Sissy, her first time there!

Action Jaxon

This is my super-cute nephew Jaxon. He came to hang out with us! We love it when he comes.

New pictures

We took family pictures yesterday. We were pressed for time though and the sun was BRIGHT! We do have eyes, you just cannot see them ;).

Still here...just not here

We are surviving and all is going okay. Kaebryn is growing huge and the boys are busy as ever. Troy has decided to go back to school...nursing. So we have been trying to get things rolling. He starts the 22 of August. We have had reunions, company and lots of things keeping us on the go. I will get updates soon!!!

Before church blessing day

This was before church on Sunday, the day of her blessing. She looks so great in yellow!

All smiles

This outfit was given to us by Mike and Sandy Williams, we love it!

Little Miss Kitty

This outfit was given to us by Kim Ward. It is so cute and I love purple! She is growing so quickly!

Cholic

I never really understood cholic. When mothers would say their baby had cholic, I always thought they were just not understanding their baby and that it could be fixed. Maybe this is why Heavenly Father sent me a baby with cholic. It has been a very long six-and-a-half weeks. Kaebryn cries before meals, after meals, during meals, in the afternoon, in the evening and until 1-2 a.m. I feel so bad for her. I have tried Gripe Water, simithicone gas drops, molasses (tried this today, hoping it works, walking, burping (I feel like I am pounding her to death!), rocking, bouncing and a number of other things. I no longer drink soda, eat onions or garlic, and I have been very careful about other spicy or tasty foods. I wish she could feel better. I wish she didn't hurt. I understand cholic a little better now...or at least what mothers go through when they have a baby with cholic. If anyone has a suggestion, I am open!

Troy is out walking with the kids. I stayed in to do some mending, ironing, laundry and dinner clean up. I know I need to post pictures, but it is hard to get anything done these days as her cholic has becoming more than not. However, if there is a chance I get, I will post some adorable pictures of her and the boys!

our weekend

We left Friday afternoon, stopped to pick up my niece in Pocatello and headed to Boise. We got there around six. We walked around the hotel and let the kids play on the grass. We then went to Perkins for a strawberry cheesecake pie...yummy. Mom, Dad, and Daeson got there about 9:15 p.m. and we were glad to see them. After visiting and Daeson's gift giving, we all turned in for the night. Daeson and I stayed up flipping through muted television until Kaebryn fell asleep. It was not as bad as most nights, she was asleep just before one.

The next morning the kids were up early. They watched tv for a bit and then headed to the pool at 8 a.m. They had fun. Tevan and Brooke hung out in the shallow end and loved it. Troy taught Daeson how to do the back float. They swam for a bit and then we headed back to the rooms to get ready. There was a Perkins in our parking lot, so we ate breakfast there. I had the strawberry stuffed french toast and it was delicious! We made our way over to Cabella's for an animal tour. The kids watched the fish feeding. They thought that was cool, I thought it was a little morbid...they fed them real goldfish. After a couple hours in Cabella's we headed to the outlet mall. I must say I was disappointed in this venture. Usually I can get really great deals on the kids' school clothes, but not this time. Daeson's jeans were $17 and Tevan's were $15. I know they are good quality so I bought Tevan one pair and Daeson three pairs. I bought Kaebryn a shirt, onesie and a little dress for next spring. I was, however, expecting better prices! Last yr I got their pants for $8 and $11.

We headed home after the outlets by way of Twin Falls. We stopped at the mall and walked around to stretch our legs. Kaebryn was hot and tired of riding in the car. We then ate at Sushi Ya. It was good, but Kaebryn fussed the entire time, people were staring and I decided to leave my delicious sushi and take her to the car. My mood was not so happy. Between Tevan's fits that he threw the entire time and Kaebryn's fussiness, I was so tired. We then traveled to Shoshone Falls. It was very pretty and I am glad we stopped. We were just minutes from Susie, a friend that I had not seen in years, and decided to pay her a visit. It was so great to see her. It was fun to see her six-month-old. Her other kids were in bed, they had a long day, but Susie was so sweet to let us stop and let the kids play for a moment before getting back into the car. I had to stop in Pocatello to drop some things off to my brother and then about 12:30 a.m. we pulled into the drive way. I was getting very tired and was just glad I could drive home safely.

It was a fun trip and I am glad we made it. It was great to see Daeson and to hear all about his fun time with Grandma and Grandpa. It has been an adjustment to say the least having him back, but we will make it work. Three kids is a lot of work. It didn't take Daeson and Tevan long to start up the arguing and fighting. But they are a bit more appreciative of each other I think.

Sunday we got up early, our church has been changed from 11 to 9:30. Whew, that is tricky! But it was nice to be on Relief Society and Sunday School. Troy attended all three meetings today and that was great. I loved sitting next to him in Sacrament meeting and Sunday School. We met with the Bishop after and there is some fun things to lie ahead I am sure. Pictures are to come...right now I am headed for my Doctor's apt. She is six weeks already! Wow! Time flies and babies grow too quickly!

Help!!

My friend's little girl is about to be baptized and she wishes the father to baptize her. However, there is some delay. Does any one remember hearing or reading the talk given in conference?? about a boy receiving the priesthood and the father not feeling he could? I cannot remember where I read it but I remember it had to do with a young man needing to be ordained in the Priesthood and him going to a church leader to perform the ordination. The church authority told him he needed to have his father do the ordination. If anyone can help me with this article, I would really appreciate it. The little girl turns eight in August and will be baptized in September. I just need to know where to find it. I searched LDS.org, but didn't find it. Help if you can!!

I will be accountable

Yesterday in Sunday school we talked for a brief moment on being accountable. I was excited to be in Sunday school finally and was itching to share. Remember, I have been in Primary for a while now and was released on June 19. The question was, "what if we were held accountable for everything we did?" We know that we are accountable for what we do, it spells that out for us in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible. However, what would we change in our lives if we actively acted as if we were held accountable at the time of our action? My thoughts and comments were something like this, "When I am on a diet and counting calories, I write everything down. I usually eat a lot better. I think twice before eating the third piece of cake, the licorice or whatever morsel I am tempted with. So with our actions, if we are mindful of what we are doing or how we are acting, maybe we would act better. Maybe we would be more apt to attend the temple, read our scriptures better or say our prayers more often. Maybe we would act differently. I know when I am being held accountable for what I eat, I eat better. Now I need to remember that I am accountable for my actions."

I need to think twice before making rude comments or judging people. I need to remember to act like a Christian and not just proclaim to be one. I am grateful I was able to attend church yesterday. It filled a void. It boosted my morale. I have missed Sunday school and Relief Society. I have missed the feeling of the spirit that comes with those meetings. However, my heart was tugged at to hear the Primary children belting out, "called to serve him, Heavenly King of glory, Chosen heirs to witness for his name..." I loved those kids and I am grateful for the time I had to serve, but I am so happy to be in my other classes, too.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Baby swing

Yesterday Kaebryn was especially grumpy. I told Troy I needed a swing or something to make her happy so I could get stuff done. Luckily Katie, my cousin, stopped by and held Kaebryn so I could get dinner. Troy found a great swing on Craigslist last night and picked it up for me. It was a steal at $22, and it is in perfect condition! I have been able to get things done this morning and it has been nice. So far I have exercised, showered and got ready, did two batches of laundry, made banana bread and I started cleaning off my desk so I can attempt paperwork. I love baby swings. Daeson did not like swinging and Tevan loved it...I hope Kaebryn does great in hers. So far so good. However, my little munch mouth is waking up and getting quite fussy. I will stick a swinging picture up soon!

Bath time fun

We have bathed Kaebryn but have failed to take pictures until now. We gave her a bath in her bath tub and she actually liked it. She does not like bathing in the sink, but the tub is just fine. She's adorable and we are still quite enjoying her! Tevan was in the tub next to her, and he thought it was fun to bath with her. Thanks, Kara for the tub!!

Love this outfit!!

Thanks Bryan and Michelle for the cute outfit!!

first-time visiting

We saw Grandma Tom today for the first time. She is now in a Rehab Center and is doing pretty good. She tires easily, but she is improving.

After we saw her, we went to visit Grandpa and Grandma Lish. It was nice to visit! Tevan had Grandpa going a million miles and Grandma fed us cookies!

I love my Grandparents and I am so glad my children have the opportunity to know and love them, too!!

All you need is love...and cute clothes

We took this picture for my dad...its his birthday today! Happy Birthday, Papa Ty!! We love you!

Family update

You know that song that says, "I'm still alive but I'm barely breathin"? That is what life has kinda been like the last couple weeks. Although Daeson is gone with my mom and dad, it has been very crazy around here. I am trying to keep up the housework, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, visitors, and feeding the little munch mouth, but I seem to fall short. I forgot how much work babies are. Tomorrow Kaebryn will be 3 weeks...which means she does not sleep all the time. In fact lately she has been awake more than not. Especially about 4:30 in the morning when I try to get her back to sleep but she doesn't sleep until about 6:30! I am tired. But she is so sweet and adorable. There are things you give up as a mom...sleep, privacy, and organization. However, seeing her smile and watching her learn and grow makes it all worth it. I have taken a zillion pictures, but it will have to wait a bit to get posted!

Tevan is learning how to be big brother. He is doing so great with it. He is a sweet boy.

Daeson is having a blast. He does not want to come home and he is enjoying himself and his little vacation. I am glad he is having fun, but we miss the little guy!

Troy is doing great and getting ready to go back to school. This will be a big change for us as we are not sure how it will all pan out.

I do have a funny story to tell. Daeson and my dad were out looking at the horses. My dad's stud horse is in a separate corral than the rest for obvious reasons. Daeson came running up to my dad and said,"Grandpa, there is something wrong with SweetPea (a mare). Come here and I will show you!" So Dad followed him over to the horse. Daeson said,"Something's wrong, she's growing a fifth leg!" Dad looked at him and said, "That's Dude, Bud. He's the stud horse." Daeson said he wasn't sure why my dad was laughing, but he then realized it was a boy horse and not a girl. I guess one thing about being on a farm is that you get to witness the facts of life!

Growing fast