So Like Wednesday was Our Anniversary

I am not only in the running for slacker mother of the year, but I just may win for looser wife of the year too. I always have these great plans but I never quite get'm done. Steve is a patient and loving man, and that is a good thing. Our 9 year wedding anniversary was on Wednesday. I got home from work and Steve had lasagna ready-my favorite- and his dad was here to baby sit. We went to Clash of the Titans in 3D only it wasn't all that 3D (That is where I took this smashing photo-we look like two people who are desperately in love with one another). When we got home the girls were in bed fast asleep-Grandpa Homer is awe-some! I had bought Steve some T-shirts and I didn't even wrap them up, I just threw him the bag and said "Happy Anniversary." I am a lame-o.

I do love Steve and I am thankful for the last nine years that we've spent together.

*Note to self-next year is 10, that's a pretty big thing

so act like it, I mean, prepare for it

Just beacause it's Monday

I have a slight obsession with rings. The chunkier the better. I have learned the hard way, that glass rings break, and that me and gold-don't mix. So my original wedding band sits in my jewelry box and I have become a HUGE fan of thecarrotbox. A few years ago Steve found this site and we both love to see what Alice has in her store. I can always find a reason to own a new ring. So check out my newest purchase.

Life, or something like it

Wow, have I really let an entire month go by without blogging? Yep. I am a slacker in many departments these days. I don't see my family as much as I'd like to, I don't see my friends-or talk to them for that matter, as much as I'd like to, I don't get my check books balanced as often as I'd like to, I don't get to exercises anymore-my butt has an issue with that. But this is just a phase, right? I keep thinking that I can establish a new normal and I realized that it has been a year since Steve started having seizures. An entire year of chaos and unpredictability and anger and frustration and sorrow and life-I guess. When you are wrapped up in something so huge you don't see an end or a solution to the problem, but you have to keep on keeping on. So that is what we do. I know it could be much worse and we are getting by pretty good and we've learned a lot in the last year. I have an amazing family. Steve's family is great, and our ward and friends have been terrific. It is such a small moment in the big picture but sometimes I loose track of that big picture. I hope I can be better about that this year. I am most grateful for Steve, and all that he brings to my life. I hope that one day we can think back on this time and see how far we made it past this trial-is it a trail? I am not sure now. I think it may be life from here on out and we will get to the point that we will except it and continue to move forward. All I know is that the Lord does love us and keeps blessing us with the support that we need.
And, it's bed time so until next time-count your blessings and share the love!

Birthday Eve Surprises

I have a few sneaky friends, and you know who you are. You are the greatest! I was pleasantly surprised last night, on the Eve of my 30th Birthday. Steve said that we were going on a walk to the park to let the girls play. I had to work yesterday and I knew that the girls would love to spend some time with me and it was very nice outside. We were almost at the play ground and I thought I saw David Dean, and I thought I saw Reed and Lora's red car in the parking lot. It took me a minute to put it all together and then I heard Megan yelling and I realized that there was a gathering of friends and family at the park. I kicked Steve, and he said all he did was bring me to the park. I guess that was true.

We had a pleasant evening chatting and eating as our kids played in the park. I had a very nice time. I have been struggling with the fact that I don't get to hang out anymore with friends or my family for that matter since I've returned to work. But last night was a perfect gathering that made me remember I have amazing friends and a very supportive family that I love very much. Many thanks to all who joined me to Celebrate-as Ki has dubbed it, Birthday Eve.

My oh My, Ki is 7

When Ki asked for a blue horse cake I turned to Steve and said you are all over that.

And he was, and he did a fantastic job!

Notice that I was holding back her hair so that we didn't have another hair fire.

Ki sure does love my little ponies-the very little ones-that have gumball machine houses.

She's looking a bit crazed! El choose to give Ki a Littlest Pet Shop doll, they were both very excited when Ki unwrapped it.

Thank you to Grandpa and Grandma Smith for being here and thanks to Kelli and James for joining in on the fun too!

I can't believe that Ki is 7. I clearly remember the day she was born and I hate to think that it was that long ago. She has lost 7 teeth, loves first grade and grew half and inch last month. I look at her sometimes and have to double take, it that really my child?

I am so grateful for my Ki girl. I love her very much and am enjoying watching her grow up.

Our Very Own Christmas Miracle

Yes, it's true that Steve entered this world on Christmas Day. It is always hard to allow him to have the attention that a Birthday deserves. This morning when the girls got up we sang happy birthday and let him open his birthday gifts first and then we opened the Christmas gifts.

We are very thankful for Steve and for all that he has accomplished this year. It has been a difficult year and he has been a trooper through all of the chaos. I am grateful for him and his determination. I am thankful for his gifts and talents, and even the ones that I didn't know he had, and for beautifying our home. I am thankful to be his wife and to get to celebrate moments like these with him!

Christmas-Smith Style

Ki is loving the presents
A bit-o-Steve art for the girls bedroom

Grandma Lora makes the best nightgowns

El is sporting her Hello Kitty socks

Steve always gets a tie,

this year he got a pink and gray one -very 1980 sheek

You know by now what Steve is capable of doing.

These babies are for the other wall in our bedroom

*There as so many wonderful people that have done so much for us this year. We are very grateful to our Families and friends and ward members that have blessed our lives.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

My Baby is 4!!!

Grandma's steady hand will keep the hair out of the flames until all of the candles are blown out ;0)

El turned 4 today. I can't believe that my baby is 4. Time has gone by so quickly and she has provided many wonderful moments in such a short time. (She has broken her left arm twice and her collar bone once. Her chin is healing nicely from her last accident. We just put up bunk beds for the girls and I insisted that she take the bottom one. She is about two feet off the floor , but that is still far enough from the floor to do damage). I sleep with my fingers crossed that she won't fall out of bed again, and that she'll live another day without injury. Tonight when she was blowing out all 4 of her candles, her hair caught fire.

I don't know what I am going to do if she makes it to her 18th birthday in one piece.

El is styl'n in one of her new dress up skirts

She has worn a pair of Princess shoes out already, so got another pair-she puts them on when she wakes up in the morning and doesn't take them off until she goes to bed at night

A crown for a true Princess

Ki chose to give El a tea set. Ki said that every Princess needs a tea set. If you haven't picked up on it yet, she is all about girly things and Princesses.

I got a phone call at work today, it went like this:

"Mom, I need more sprinkles for my cake"

I told Steve where to find more-crisis over.

I feel very lucky to have such an amazing little spirit in my home. I will always have current health insurance and a watchful eye while she is entrusted to me.

Thanks for the phone calls, and to Homer, Wart, James and Kelli for coming to her party tonight!

And El,

I just love you!!!

I Have a Hard Time finishing Things

These are photos from this summer.

Better late than never-and in my book never is an option!

A Pony ride chaperoned by Grandpa Homer

Oh, how my girls love Steve!

I just can't get enough of the country and my Ki girl!

The Chicken experience.

Ki celebrated her half Birthday at Grandma's for the

3rd year in a row. She got Funfetti cupcakes and a

Tinker Bell doll.

A few weeks ago, us girls had a special sleepover with friends. We scrapped into the wee hours of the morning. I finally finished the journaling and small details this weekend.

Only 34 more pictures to go, and no time to scrap-boo hoo!