5 girls and a daddy

2009-11-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

Ok,ok, i know I am a super blog slacker! I don't really have a good reason either, I just don't:) So what to write? Well school is going very well for the girls, they are all doing so good, and they have amazing teachers which I am so grateful for! We got season tickets this year to BYU football and the kids have absolutely loved going to the games and we have actually enjoyed taking them:) We had an amazing opportunity to spend some time with some great friends in Idaho and a family from Wales that Jason taught on his mission. We went with them to Yellowstone and aside from the cold weather we had so much fun! Halloween was a total success as well Brooklyn was a football player, Halle was a cheerleader, Shelby and Cassidy were witches. We went to the party at the church and the trunk or treat which the kids thoroughly enjoyed! We are excited for the holidays to get into full swing, normally I don't look forward to Christmas but mom and dad have been gone for a while and I'm anxious to have them home for Christmas:)

2009-09-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wow what a summer! After swimming lessons we headed up to Fairview Canyon for Smart family camp. The kids always have soooo much fun riding 4-wheelers and horses, fishing, and hangin out by the fire at night. Jason's grandpa passed away this year and it seemed a little different without him and grandma this year, but we had a great camp ground and still had a lot of fun.
School has been a complete success this year so far. The twins are in the same class this year and they all have really great teachers which is always a huge relief for me. Cass has been doing this little neighborhood pre-school thing and even though I thought I would die the first day she was gone, she had so much fun and loves to feel a little bit like a big girl.

2009-09-11T13:25:00.001-07:00

Summer so far:)

2009-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I know I've mentioned before how busy this summer has been but it has all been so fun I don't think I would trade any of it! We've finished softball and swimming lessons, both of which we thoroughly enjoyed. We've spent some time in AF and Provo canyon with the girls and of course enjoyed every minute of the 4th of July! Jason and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on the 18th of July by spending some time at Capitol Reef, the Boulder Mnts, and Bryce Canyon. We had so much fun it's crazy! We did a lot of hiking, swimming and fishing. All and all this summer so far has been a HUGE success. We have a few more things to look forward to for the rest of this summer! Can't wait:)

WHAT THE!!!!!

2009-07-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

I am starting to think that paybacks truly are a b*!#$!!! I know that both Jason and I were pretty familiar with the ER when we were little and it would seem that maybe we shouldn't have procreated. I'm sure I have mentioned before that Brooklyn has managed to break her arm 3 times, Shelby has broken her arm once, Halle had an extremely strange bug bite, Cassidy has had stitches once already. So you would think I wouldn't be that surprised when twice in one week we made the trip to the hospital for stitches. Brooklyn first on Tuesday when she bit through her lip at swimming lessons, and Cassidy today when Halle dumped her off her shoulders and she smacked her head on the corner of the window sill. SERIOUSLY!! You know the old saying "I had to laugh or I would cry", totally how I feel. Bring on this weekend!!! Jason and I are going to southern Utah for our anniversary thank goodness some time away, I'm just prayin they survive the weekend without any major problems. Good luck mom, and aunt Mandy:)

This IS the place!

2009-06-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who didn't know that the "This is the Place" park had much much more to offer that just the huge monument you can see from the zoo? For our field trip this last week we took the kids to the park, and I was completely blown away. They have an entire little village set up with mostly all original old SLC buildings. It was so much fun! They have tonz of stuff for the kids to do and the train that takes you from place to place was a bonus. The day couldn't have been more perfect the weather was warm but not hot. The kids made bracelets, necklaces, rode pony's, stamped leather, and of course we had to get some old fashioned ice cream. All in all it was a total hit. If anyone hasn't had the chance to go it was absolutely worth it. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for the kids, we spent all day there and I felt like we got our moneys worth.

Memorial Day, Birthdays, Taylor Swift, School stuff, and my kids are still bored?

2009-05-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

We spent some time out to the cabin over the Memorial Day weekend. My bro and his family were out there with their girls and my kids were so excited to spend some time with their cousins. It rained a bit so we spent some time hangin out in the cabin and the rest of the time riding the 4-wheelers and bikes and playing in the water. Cassidys birthday was on Saturday so we had some brownies and ice cream out there with my fam. Then Monday night we came back home and had a party here for Brooklyn and Cassidy with dads family. Brooklyns birthday was yesterday so we went to the movies and saw "Up" (really cute!). I think they were all pretty happy although we were in some serious need of some sleep by Monday night:)

For their birthdays this year Halle, Shelby and Brooklyn got Taylor Swift concert tickets. So last Tuesday we loaded up and headed into the big city for the event of the year. Two of my friends and their girls went with us and we had so much fun. We decided to go to Cafe Rio for dinner and then headed down to the ESA. Kelly Pickler was supposed to perform with Gloryanna before Taylor but she ended up getting sick or something so Taylor just made up the difference. It was really an amazing show, worth every dime:) She was so much fun to watch, and the girls sang and danced to the songs. We had such a blast!

To top it off this week has been pretty busy at school, the twins had their 1st grade program and Brooklyn had a County report due on Tuesday. We also had two ice cream parties and one more next week. Wednesday is the last day of school and I am still trying to decide what to do with these children for the next three months. So settle in and forgive me for the numerous amounts of photos:)

Life goes on,

2009-05-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was thinking that I might actually be excited for this summer, thinking that things might actually slow down and now by the looks of things I'm not sure it's going to do anything but get busier. Oh well! The twins had their 7th birthday and I am still reeling over the fact that they are 7 and even more over that fact that Brooklyn is going to be 10 in a couple weeks aaahhhh!
School is getting close to being out and so things there have been pretty busy. I have been so happy with my girls teachers this year they all are amazing (Halle's teacher is nominated for teacher of the year)! I am so grateful for them all! I have really enjoyed helping at the school this year, the principal is also amazing and they have had so many fun things to do.
They have all started softball and have still been doing gymnastics, which means that our weeknights are full of practice and games and gymnastics. And on top of that Brooklyn decided she wanted to do this 4H thing, so we got her a pig and in the fall she will have to take it to the fair and show it and hope to sell it. Thank goodness for Matt and Shane our friends cuz they have done most of the work.

EASTER!

2009-04-13T14:42:00.002-07:00

Sadly I have nothing important to post about Easter other than the day was beautiful and the dresses were adorable:)

2009-04-13T14:42:00.001-07:00

2009-04-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed to have had the chance to spend some time with my sister this last week. She has lived in Virgina and around Washington DC for 10 years, and even though she comes home every so often I have only been back there one other time before now. We had a lot of fun seeing all the sights and just hangin out. We spent a day at Gettysburg and a day seeing all the memorials and Smithsonian museums in the down town area. We went out to the National Air and Space Museum. The country back there is amazing, it's miles and miles of rolling green hills with some of the most amazing homes you have ever seen. I missed my kids like crazy but dad always seems to find something fun for them to do when mom's not home.

What a weekend!

2009-03-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

We had such an amazing weekend and the only strange part was that I spent it with my mom and grandma and Jason spent it with the kids. He has wanted to take the girls to Lehman Caves for a while and I have wanted to go to St. George for a while, so thanks to my very favorite aunt Shawna I took my mom and grandma to St. George and Jason took the kids to the cave. We had so much fun, the weather was nice and we spent a lot of time shopping, eating, and laughing! Jason said the weather was a little cold but the kids behaved themselves and really enjoyed the cave. Maybe next time we can go as a family but we sure had a lot of fun!!

daddy's happiest place on earth

2009-03-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Cabelas; the store with everything every man could possibly ever need. We don't go often partly because it's usually so busy and partly because dad would bankrupt us if we went more frequently. This time however it was not to crowded and we left with only a hat and some licorice? The kids had a bawl checkin out all the fish and different animals. I tell Jason all the time if we ever win the lottery he has first dibs on the shopping spree:)

Jr Jazz

2009-02-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

Other than the 8 o'clock games on Saturday mornings (really who thinks that's ok?)I have enjoyed the girls playing Jr Jazz. Brooklyn has really gotten much better and seems to really be enjoying it. Her team won their game last Saturday and now play again this Friday, if they win they play again Saturday in the "finals". Halle and Shelby have also learned a lot, however, they don't have any desire to play again. They were the only girls on their team and I think that made it a little harder. But they had amazing coaches for both teams. I really admire and appreciate these guys who have volunteered their time and have crazy patience. I am a little sad that it's over.

BFF's

2009-02-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

Cassidy has this little friend Sammy that she talks about all the time, she tells me how they are best friends, and loves to go to church cuz she knows she will be there. So she was over playing the other day and they put on these princess dresses and of course wanted pictures. It's funny because they look an awful lot alike and are two of the cutest little princesses I've ever seen.

The end result.

2009-01-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

After almost two years and many many cankers, the train tracks (Sheramys words) are gone. I am so glad not to have to spend 20 min after each meal picking food out of my teeth. So here is the before and after.

2009-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

Cass finally got her first hair cut. Mom had to give up on the long flowing mane for the time being. I have two friends who's little girls are the same age as Cassidy, and they have this thick beautiful hair down to their butts. Anyway I think it will just take a little longer for her hair to be healthy and long, and doesn't she look so cute with the little bob anyway.
I mentioned before that I got my braces off and I absolutely love it. If anyone in the area is looking for a good orthodontist try Dr. Horsley at Vine St Dental, he is the best!

2009-01-09T16:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays, yeah happy there over:)

2009-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

I really hate to sound like a scrooge but ok I am, I admit it. I think I like Christmas less and less each year and that makes me sad. I want to love Christmas I really do, I just can't make it happen. We were very blessed this year to have been able to help out a few families that we know and I am so unbelievably grateful to be able to do that, I pray that my kids were as excited about that as I was. I guess what gets to me is all the hubub, ya know the running and running and worrying, all that good stuff. I was so glad though when it was all over and the kids had gone back to school and I got all my stuff put away and we went back to our routine.
So other than the fact that I got my braces off yesterday, all has been quiet and calm, just the way I like:)
(I did take some pictures of the whole Christmas experience and they are here for your enjoyment:)

2009-01-08T20:28:00.001-08:00

I think I figured out my problem. I also think I will keep Blogging I really don't think I need one more thing to try and figure out!

2009-01-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Ok so you may have noticed that I haven't posted in a while and when I finally did I screwed the whole thing up when I was messing around with the background. Anyway if anyone knows how I can get my Layout button back on my dashboard let me know, all it says now is template and that doesn't get me where I need to be. Also leave me your blog addresses cuz those were all wiped out too:)
I am also thinking about doing away with the blog and doing a facebook page, let me know what you all think about that too. Thanks!

I love my husband, hate my orthodontist.

2008-12-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

My amazing husband(and uncle Adam) took all four girls to the Jazz game last week and the girls can't stop talking about it. They had so much fun even though the Jazz lost. I have issues sometimes about the fact that Jason and I don't have a little boy for him to do things with, but I have to say that there is something special about daddies and their little girls. I have the most amazing husband and these four amazing little girls who think that their dad hung the moon, what more could I ask for.

I don't really hate my orthodontist but I am getting tired of seeing that look on his face that tells me "ok so maybe your not going to get your braces off today". Three times I have gone expecting to get them off and three times he has sent me away with them still attached:( Actually this last time I did get my bottom ones off so that was some consolation. I refuse to post a picture until they are both off which is supposed to be now the 7th of January, so I guess we'll see.

2008-11-17T16:40:00.001-08:00

CANCUN '08

2008-11-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that if anyone ever gets a chance to go, DO IT! It was so much fun. We actually stayed in a little town south of Cancun called Playa del Carmen, they say it's a little more layed back, not quite the party scene. Anyway it was absolutely amazing, perfect weather, perfect beach, perfect resort, super friendly people, and great food. So fun. We did some touring to see the Mayan ruins, we took a Book of Mormon type tour to Chichenitza and it was so worth it the stuff we learned was unbelievable! We did some snorkeling and alot of just playin in the ocean and on the beach.
Grandma Joan came to stay with the kids and they had a bawl! I called a few times and they really didn't even sound like they missed me a whole lot. They were however very interested in what I was bringing them back. I am so grateful that I have such an amazing mom, it made it so much more relaxing to not have to worry about the girls. Thanks grandma!
I am already looking forward to the next time we can go back(I may be looking forward for quite a while but oh well I can dream can't I).

2008-11-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween

2008-11-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

Gotta love Halloween. We always have so much fun, and this year was even better. Why? Because it was still close to 70degrees when we did our trunk or treating. They had games and a chili cook off this year at the church which was alot of fun. Then the kids literally loaded up at the trunk or treat and then at grandmas. Fun Fun!

2008-10-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yes folks this is just a picture of my kitchen faucet. Why you ask? Most of you who saw one of my previous taggs might remember the horribly ugly yellow(started out white) faucet. It is one of those things that has bothered me since we moved in. So when the handle literally came off in my hand, I was more than excited to call my hubby and inform him that it had given up the ghost. So my loving husband, who absolutely HATES plumbing, spent the night hooking up my new faucet. So I guess this post is to thank him and to thank our plumber who put a cheap a%& faucet in our kitchen:0

2008-10-16T15:33:00.001-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

The perfect pumpkin

2008-10-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is one of the kids' all time favorite fall activities. A few years ago they opened a pumpkin patch out here, and we have had so much fun going every year to pick out our own pumpkins and ride on the tractor trailer. I will have to keep in mind that Monday nights may not be the best night to go, it was really crowded this time, but the weather was good and the kids got their perfect pumpkins!

Thank goodness for Spot Shot

2008-10-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

And so begins another season of the kids bringing every type of illness home from school. This is just one of the reasons I hate cold weather! There is nothing every mother loves more than to be awaken in the middle of the night by that all to familiar sound of one of her little darlings barfing up their dinner and then running into, not the bathroom, her bedroom, trailing the vomit. Well last night it was both of the twins. And so I was up all night cleaning sheets, carpet, their entire bathroom(again), and the tile in the kitchen:) I hate, hate, hate cleaning up puke, however, I hate more the fact that they are suffering and there is nothing I can do about it. Shelby is now fast asleep at 10:30 and Halle is laying here miserably on the couch. I hope this is the end(at least for this bout). PS I will spare you pictures for this post:)

I had to post this because I thought it was pretty funny. I of course had left Cassidy alone for about 20 min, she had been watching Dora and all was well when I got in the shower. She came in as I was getting dressed and informed me that Elmo was hungry and that she had given him some breakfast. Isn't Elmo so lucky to have someone watching out for him. I don't think he will go hungry:)(Those are cheezits crammed in his mouth)

GO COUGS!

2008-09-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

I must give credit where credit is due. The BYU cougar football team has a way a making my husband giddy as a school boy. There is only one other thing I can think of that can make my hubby that happy:) So this time of year can be very critical as it is hunting season as well, and since Jason didn't draw out this year(we won't talk about that), I am depending on the cougs to keep their streak alive and keep my husband smiling. We took Brooklyn to the game on Saturday and she absolutely loved it. It was so funny to see her asking Jason all sorts of questions about the game and how it works. She quickly learned the words to the fight song and was singing and cheering her heart out. So again I say GO COUGS and thank you for a great Saturday!

A "bleeping" spider

2008-09-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

Ok so there I was this morning at 4:00am sleeping like a baby when I was so rudely awaken by a clicking noise in my ear, ya know the kind you hear when you have water in your ear from a shower or swimming. Only thing was I had done neither for at least 20 hrs when I showered Monday morning. After about an hour of this noise and some weird feelings it stopped and I fell asleep again. I got up and got the girls off to school and not until about 8:30 did I start hearing this noise and feeling this strange feeling. By now I am convinced there is an earwig in my ear laying eggs and I will soon have baby earwigs taking over my brain. Well not quite that bad but bad enough, it was a bleeping spider. Now I am not proud of the fact that I used words other than bleeping, but come on who wouldn't right.I went into the bathroom and squirted the squirt bottle in my ear, shook my head, pulled my earlobe down and out came this little spider ALIVE. I really thought I was going to have a heart attack. I mean seriously how HORRIFYING is that. I thought after the fact that I should have taken a picture of the little freeloader but it was too late. That little bugger met his fate there between that counter top and a wad of toilet paper which I then flushed! Needless to say I don't see me getting over this any time soon.

6 random facts?

2008-09-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

What only six. Most people think everything I do is random:) This tag was easier than the last so I am going to tag Tammy and Sheramy again, and Jenie, Joanne, Nikola, and Sadie:)

1. I have to shower in the morning, even if I have showered the night before, doesn't matter, have to do it.

2. I actually like watching the barbie movies with my girls, and singing along to the cheesy songs:)

3. I am a horrible speller. ( Yup Jen that sign at Costco is totally something I would do) I did however learn to use the spell check a long time ago.

4. I LOVE movie theater popcorn, I can eat an entire tub by myself, no kidding:) (probably not something I should admit).

5. I HATE cold weather! Hate it, Hate it, Hate it.

6. I love to drive, just get in the car and go, we don't always even have to know where, just drive:) (I know not such a good hobby now days).

Rocks, grass and dirt!

2008-09-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is what our yard (and I use that term loosely) consists of. We FINALLY got our grass in this year which I was very excited about. We spent this long weekend gathering rocks yes gathering rocks! We did finish lining the grass and the "sidewalk" and it looks much better than it did before. The down side however is the fact that this is probably only a third of our entire lot. What to do with the remaining acre,????. It's going to take us forever. I told Jason "just think one day when the kids are gone and we are retired we will be able to sit back and enjoy this" right?

Tagged

2008-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so while I was complaining about not having much to do with Cass home all day, after taking these pictures for this tag (thanks Miss), I realized I could apparently spend more time cleaning (although it would have helped to have done this on Tuesday since Mondays are my cleaning days).

Kitchen sink (Brooklyn is responsible for the dishes, not my fault right)?

Fridge

Laundry Room (also serves as the mud room:)

Bathroom aka my favorite room in the house

Closet aaaahhhhh!!!!

Favorite shoes (comfy and easy on and off:)

Self portrait again aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

What the kids are doing?
Cassidy is waiting for the girls to get home from school.

The other girls are just getting home :)

Dream vacation no doubt England.

PS I tag Sheramy and Tammy

2008-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

So I like to post pictures usually because I always have them to go along with what is going on. This, however, is going to be a pictureless post. Why? because I simply don't have any to go along with what I'm thinking. I have been subjected to the harsh reality that my two year old now requires a lot more attention from me than I previously thought. What happens when her three entertainers head off to school, mom must step in. I was so caught up in the fact that the older three would be gone all day and what would I do with all my time. I now know. I had already planned to start the potty training adventure and hope to have that completed in a week or so(she is soooo ready).
It has also come to light in the last week that I have absolutely no life of my own. Now I know that that is what happens when you are a mom but I was looking at my previous posts and realized they are ALL about my kids in one way or another:) And how sad that even when I try I can't come up with anything real interesting to post. I know that I like to see pictures and read about other peoples kids, but I must apologize to those who don't. My goal now is to come up with something interesting to do (with Cass of course). Any ideas?

"It's the most wonderful time of the year"

2008-08-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

So how many of you saw the commercial that Staples used to have? The one with the parents dancing through Staples to the old Christmas song "It's the most wonderful time of the year", while their kids pout along behind them. HYSTERICAL! I love it, and as much as I love my kids I feel like dancing. It does make me feel a little less guilty that they were all up at 7:00 dressed with their backpacks on, so they were just as excited as I was. So here are the little darlings heading out to the bus:)

Cheese

2008-08-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I think these pictures are some of the cutest kid pictures, it's to bad it had to be such a traumatic experience for Halle. She is taking a page out of cousin Whitney's book and she ate it hard on her bike today. The teeth had been kind of loose but when she hit the ground face first they were sticking straight out so we decided just to yank them out. If it weren't for all the blood it wouldn't have been so bad but she was pretty freaked out at first. She was in much better spirits later when we discussed the fact that she would now get twice as much from the tooth fairy. See sometimes money can make things all better:)PS obviously the date is wrong on my camera we'll have to see what we can do about that.

"Are you taking the piss?" (Brittish for "Are you kidding me?"

2008-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

I used that title because that was what my husband said when he saw these pictures.

I have never been one to cut my hair short, I just prefer longer hair on me and my girls (I think that stems from the fact that my mom ALWAYS cut my hair really short and I hated having to play the boy and be Peter Pan for Halloween anyway). So when Brooklyn told me she wanted to donate her hair to locks for love, my feelings were really mixed because I knew it was going to be short because she barley had the 10 inches required. I told Jason there was no way I was going to tell her no if this was what she wanted to do. So I took her down and aunt Kara chopped it off. Of course it looks adorable and she loves it. Dad finally had to admit that even though he prefers the longer hair, especially on his little girls, he thinks she looks so cute.

Summer Fun part 2

2008-08-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

First let me say that this post is going to be short ans sweet cuz I'm working hard on my new book "Breaking Dawn" as I'm sure most of you are as well. So last Friday two of my friends and I took our oldest girls, who are all the same age, to Park City to so some school shopping. It was so much fun! Brooklyn has never been much of a shopper but I think as she gets older she is developing the interest especially when it involves spending the day with her friends. It was really cute to watch them together talking and laughing. It does scare me a little to think of what the future will be like when they are teens, but for now it was a lot of fun just to spend some time with her and my friends too.
Our next event would be the Tooele county fair. The girls had been dying to go to a rodeo, so we went down Friday night to the rodeo and to see Wyatt do some mutton bustin. Grandma, Grandpa, and Megan were down there too. So we stayed to watch the bulls and then the fireworks after. Then on Saturday Mandy and I took Charlee and my girls down to the fair. There was so much to do and we all had so much fun. The girls actually rode a mechanical bull (I was so surprised the twins got up there). They got their faces painted, balloon animals, jumped in and on all the bounce house things they had set up, and of course we ate. I have had so much fun with the girls this summer and I get excited to think about all the things we are going to get to do as they get older!

summer fun?

2008-07-30T14:21:00.001-07:00

Well aunt Sher is catching her plane to head home tomorrow, and we hope we didn't completely poop her out. We wanted to cram as much in as we could while she was here. So first we took her to the zoo (on the hottest day of the year), and had a blast we did get to see alot of the animals and ride the carousel and the train. Then we took her to the dinosaur museum at thanksgiving point. None of us had been there before and we had so much fun. Grandma Carson went with us and the kids had so much fun with her too. We saw the sea monsters 3-d movie and really liked it. So thanks aunt Sher for hanging with us, we miss you when you go home and love ya alot!

family pics

2008-07-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Always an adventure is the family picture hullabaloo. It has been 6 years, 4 kids, and a divorce since we have had our family picture (on my side) taken. For some reason Jen Lewis agreed to do it for us. It was so fun to see her and Tom and one of their girls, and she did an amazing job especially considering there were 10 kids and my brother Randy who was almost as much work as the kids. So thank you again Jen!!
Here are some of the pics that she took. As a little side note Halle and Shelby do not like to have their pictures taken as I think you can tell.

12 years!!!

2008-07-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

What! I know you are all thinking "she is way to young to have been married for 12 years":), it is however the truth. It is so bizarre to think that for the last 12 years I have been living as Mrs. Shannon Smart and for the most part have been a responsible adult(kind of). I feel unbelievably blessed to be married to this amazing man for so long and hope to have many more years together. I know it's cliche' to say that I remember my wedding day like it was yesterday but it is so true. When I look at where we are and how much we have done together it amazes me. Jason is the best husband anyone could ask for and an even more amazing dad. So Happy Anniversary" to the love of my life! Here's to at least 12 more:)

Swimming Lessons

2008-07-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

At last. Next to the annual Lake Powell trip, I think my kids look forward to swimming lessons more than anything else during the summer. Brooklyn is rockin the level 5. She is the youngest and smallest in her class but she has been working so hard to pass it. Halle and Shelby are in level 2 and doing really good considering there is like 20 kids in their class, the teachers do the best they can but they spend alot of time holding on to the side. Cass is still to young to do the pre-school class so she hangs out with me until the classes are over then Brooklyn takes her out to play. The lessons are over on Thursday, I'm kind of sad cuz to me it's like it's almost the end of summer:(

The best holiday ever!

2008-07-07T14:57:00.001-07:00

I say the best holiday because I LOVE the fourth of July! I remember we used to have a BBQ at our house every year when we lived in Lehi and it was the best! My dad would light our fireworks and then we would watch the ones at the ball park which we could see so well from our house. Everyone would come and we had the best time. Sadly we have different traditions now, and even though they pale in comparison, I still pick the 4th of July as my favorite. So this year we did the parade thing again in the morning. This time I ran in the 5k so Jason was solo with the kids until I finished and made my way back up to Main St. So then off to the park for the festivities, not as fun as it has been, but still ok. We had to come home for a nap and lunch then back to town. BBQ and fireworks at grandmas and more fireworks at the deseret peak complex. All and all a success.

We took some time on Saturday to go to the pool for a quick escape from the heat. Mandy and Charlee went with us and we had a blast. The girls played until they were completely exhausted and then home for another nap:)

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-07T14:56:00.001-07:00

2008-06-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

Oh the joys of motherhood. I left my four little angels alone for a total of about 5 minuets the other day while I showered. Imagine my surprise when I came out into the living room and found 3 of my little angels sitting in a trance on the couch watching spongebob and my other little angel looking like this.

Apparently the 3 older girls felt no inclination to stop their little sister from smearing desitin all over her face and hands and clothes, in fact they hadn't even noticed until mom had a fit:)

This however is truly one of the joys of motherhood. We took the girls for a ride on the 4-wheelers Friday night up to Jacob City. I put some tinfoil dinners together and we made a fire and cooked them up there. I love living out here where we can just jump on the 4-wheelers and go. It took us about 45 min to get to the top and then after we ate we came down through Stockton canyon. The girls had so much fun, they kept telling me "thanks mom for our field trip Friday" (something I have tried to do with them through the summer). I find myself appreciating the outdoors so much after we do things like that, I hope my kids will have that same appreciation.

2008-06-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Wow has this summer ever taken off. The girls last softball game is this Wednesday, they have had so much fun, it has been so much fun to watch them they really have learned alot. So next is swimming lessons. They have all been doing gymnastics and Brooklyn has piano and a little scrapbooking class she is doing with her friends. I have a horrible memory but I know I wasn't this busy as a kid. I don't mind it though, my girls are very good at getting their jobs done and surprisingly enough usually they don't give me much crap about doing it, I do however get plenty of crap about other things:)
.

So they finally split our ward. Since 1918 Stockton has had it's own ward and yesterday they changed that. I am pretty excited though I think it will be good especially for the primary that had something like 200 kids. I am very glad that we got to go to girls camp before they did it. We had so much fun. My friend Laura was in charge this year and it was just our ward, so she got us some condo's in Park City and so we took 23 girls and 5 other leaders. We spent one afternoon at the Olympic Park up there and it was alot of fun. I can't believe how good the girls were. I KNOW I wasn't that good when I was their age, but they really were amazing. Some of these girls have the most unbelievable testimony's it's so refreshing, and it gives me hope for my girls.

Father's Day was a success. Jason and his dad got season tickets to the BYU football games and I think they were both very pleased. My dad wanted a gift card for CAL Ranch (easy enough). I know that the older I get the more sentimental I get, but I just have to say how much I appreciate all the fathers in my life. I am SO blessed to have the best dad and the best dad-in-law ever! They are both such amazing men it's almost crazy to think that I was lucky enough to have both of them as a huge part of my life. Of course who could talk about dads and not mention the daddy to my little girls. He is the most amazing man I have ever known, and the most amazing dad any little girl could hope for. I tell Jason all the time that his little girls think he hung the moon and he laughs but it is the truth, sometimes I feel bad for myself cuz I'm pretty sure they prefer him over me, but I am just so happy that he takes such good care of all of us and believe it or not he hardly ever complains

Girls of Summer

2008-05-31T15:47:00.001-07:00

I love softball, funny thing is I never actually played it, I just love to watch my girls play it. Usually it is the summer sport, although this year it seems today was the first game day I sat through where I didn't have to run to the car for an umbrella or blanket. They are so funny to watch. The twins are still in the knee high league where they hit the ball off the T and this is Brooklyns first year in regular pitch. That sure makes for some slow games but the twins comedic performances make up for it. I mostly just enjoy sittin back in my chair soakin up the sun and BS'n with my friends.

Happy Happy Birthday!

2008-05-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder if I knew what I was thinking when we sort of planned all our kids in the spring. It's a great time of year to have a baby but 4 in a month and a half makes it feel crazy! We celebrated Brooklyns 9th birthday and Cassidys 2nd with the family on Tuesday, Grandma Sherri took Cassidy to build a bear and then Brooklyn had some friends sleepover last night, and today grandma Sherri took Brooklyn to do the build a bear thing. They both were so spoiled and had so much fun. I keep trying to talk them into just staying the same age forever and they just aren't cooperating:)

2008-05-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

Whew, I am glad this week is coming to an end. The kids are officially out of school. I am still trying to decide if the not having to get up in the morning makes up for them now being home all day:) Halle and Shelby had their kindergarten program and Shelby got to be a coyote and Halle was a "singer". It was a great program and they got their little diplomas. I just have to say as a little side note, they had such a good teacher and I am so grateful to have those people who teach because they love it and love the kids and not those who are teaching because they have nothing better to do or because they need to be close to kids to get their perverted thrills (we have had both and a teacher with multiple personalities at our school). So I am so appreciative to those good hard working teachers! Anyway. They all did so well this year in school and I do think they might have been a little sad to say good bye to their teachers and friends.

Wednesday whinings

2008-05-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yes I am going to whine, I hate the fact that we get such great weather for a few days and then it's days and days of rain UG! I am so unbelievably ready for summer I can't stand it.
Ok that's the end of the whining for today:) I got up this morning and ran over to the school for Brooklyn's awards assembly. She received and award for getting straight A's every term this year. I am so proud of her she is such a "smart":) cookie ( yes she gets that from her dad:) So after the program she tells me that because of some money she "came into" (thanks Aunt Sher) she is going to take me to the Indiana Jones movie this weekend for my belated mothers day present, although I know she wants to go just as much as I do. Cassidys birthday is Friday and Brooklyns is next friday, so between that and all the end of school activities and then the softball games I feel like we are always busy doing something. I enjoy being busy, yea sometimes I love to just relax but being busy keeps me out of trouble (and by that I mean eating myself into oblivion).
Happy hump day!

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-09T12:44:00.001-07:00

I thought I would take the oppertunity this mothers day to publish my thoughts about the woman who raised me and made me who I am ( so you can all blame her:) My mom has been a nurse for as long as I can remember untill recently when she retired, now she just takes care of my dad and all her kids and grandkids, although that job doesn't pay nearly as well, I think she enjoys it more than anything. I have truley come to appreciate my moms compassion and paticence (just don't ask my sister about the broken leg incident she doesn't think moms compassionate:) In all seirousness though, my mom had litleraly take care of me since I was born even until now. No matter how many times I call her to ask her some stupid medical question or cooking question (and alot of the time it's the same question over and over again, I have a horrible memory) she never hangs up on me or tells me to write it down this time, i'm sure she thinks it, she never makes me feel like I'm totally incompetent. I love my mom with all my heart and coudn't even imagine what my life would be like without her. So to my mom I say "happy mothers day", thanks for not killing me all those times when I deserved it, you are the BEST!!!

Piano woman

2008-05-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn had her first piano recital today. She made it through with no mistakes and she was soooo happy about that. She has only been taking lessons for a few months and she was really nervous, then she had to go first and that didn't help the nerves. She did so good and I am so proud of her (and very happy about the fact that I now feel like my $40 a month is paying off:).

2008-05-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Kids say the darndest things

2008-04-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

So I am driving the girls to softball last night and we had stopped at Arbys for dinner,we get down the road and Halle says to Shelby "do I have red hat over my head" and Shelby says "no why" and Halle says "because I'm thinking Arbys". Just a quick reality check for me because apparently my kids watch to much TV. Ya know though when they say things like that I want to just eat them up it's so cute. I am so bummed because my video camera pooped out on me and of course I so needed it this morning as I was standing in the doorway of the bathroom and Cassidy was on my counter singing out her heart in the mirror. I don't know if it's just the whole baby of the family thing or if she just has more personality than I have ever seen. She cracks me up all day long:)

2008-04-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

I had to post this picture. Cass thinks she is such a help and had followed us around all day saying " I help, I help". So Jason told her she could help him dig a hole for our sprinkling system, so he put her down in the hole and gave her the shovel and boy was she mad when we made her get out.

2008-04-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

WOOO HOOO So I know this is a scary pic but it's the only one that counts cuz it was at the finish line of the SLC half marathon that I actually finished on Saturday. It really was fun, it started at the University Hospital and wound its way 13 miles to the Gateway. I wasn't sure even up until that morning that I would be able to do it but I did and I am so glad (and almost as glad that it's just over). Aunt Shawna talked me into it in January so I trained for the last few months and I am really grateful to her for convincing me that I could do it, it was an amazing experience!

2008-04-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Halle and Shelby celebrated their 6th birthday on Tuesday the 15th (yup they were our tax break for the year). They had so much fun with their friends after school and then the family came that evening for cake and ice cream. I hope that my girls will always remember how blessed they are to have such a great extended family, we all feel so lucky to have so many people in our family who love our little girls and help us on a regular basis to take care of them. So thank you to all who helped us celebrate that special day for the twins.

2008-04-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Typically what time do you wake up?
7:15 and not a minuet earlier.

On a good night what time are your kids in bed?
8:00 and not a minuet later:)

How long have you been a mommy?
9 years on the 30th of May.

How old were you when you became a mommy?
22.

What is your favorite kids TV show/movie?
Kim Possible.

What is your least favorite kids show?
Farliy odd parents.

What are your kids favorite chores?
Not really a chore but they all LOVE to organize their shoes.

What is your favorite meal to cook?
Tacos. (easy easy)

What is the meal you cook most often?
Tacos:)

What are you kids favorite meals?
Brooklyn loves shrimp (I know she dosen't require much).
Halle and Shelby both like their spaghetti.
Cassidy will eat anything (like mama like daughter:)

What is your favorite thing that your husband does with your kids?
He has been taking turns taking each of them to the Jazz games, they get so excited I love to see them going out of their minds with the anticipation. He also wrestles with them Sundays before bed and they love that.

What are five things that make you smile when being a mom?
I think I am happiest when my kids are laughing, and I love that time of night when they are all safe in bed sound asleep, healthy and happy:) I am filled with joy when they accomplish something that they are so proud of. And I love to watch them play together nicley and laugh together.

If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be?
I would take them to England, they ask all the time about dads mission and they love to look at his scrapbook.

When was the last time you went somewhere without your kids?
Last Thursday I went to lunch with Aunt Shawna, so fun thanks Shawna.

What is your favorite passtime activity to do with your kids?
Anything outside.

Name one thing you said you would never do as a mom?
Ha just one, I did swear I would never let my kids eat in the car (yea that lasted as long as the first road trip we took:)

What is your favorite quality your mom has?
Everything? I think I especially appreciate her patience and compassion because I have SO often been the recipient.

What is your advice for new moms?
Relax, don't worry so much about the eating and sleeping enough, they will do both when they want and need it.

What is the scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom?
When they told me I was having twins:) that was the scariest. Everytime my kids have their feelings hurt my heart breaks.

What is your most joyfull moment of being a mom?
Every time my girls smile and tell me they love me.

When was the last time you were told 'I love you' by one of your kids?
This morning when they left for school. (the twins are much more generous with theirs than Brooklyn is)

2008-04-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

So obviously I have been slacking on the whole blog thing. Halle and Shelby are having their 6th birthday tomorrow, and that means I have lots to do. Jason's Grandma Smart had her 90th birthday party on Saturday and we also took all the kids on his side of the family to have their pictures taken (that was fun:) Jason's dad also had a birthday on Saturday and Grandma Sherri took the twins to build a bear for their present and they had so much fun. So after tomorrow I will be so done with birthdays at least for a month or so.
So I will have to wait till after this week to post any more pics.

2008-03-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

We visited Aunt Megan yesterday and the girls had so much fun at Deiks farm. Megan saddled up the pony and took the girls for a ride(except for Brooks she was still in school). Then they make the rounds checkin on the calfs, pigs, and chickens. Aunt Megan let the girls collect the eggs from the hen house and they thought that was pretty cool.

2008-03-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

EASTER!

We have one whole picture from Easter. Because we spent the Saturday before driving home the girls missed out on the egg hunt this year but the Easter Bunny didn't forget them so I think they were ok with that. We did get up and make it to church and the girls were really excited to wear their Easter dresses. And ya know like Christmas we spent some time talking to the girls about why we celebrate Easter and the miracle it is, they seem to get it for the most part. I love Easter for that and the fact that it always seems to me like its the beginning of the warmer weather (although it's snowing today ug!).

2008-03-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed with four healthy girls (I know poor dad, but they think he hung the moon). Brooklyn will be 9 in May, the twins, Halle and Shelby, will be 6 in April and Cassidy the baby will be 2 in May. I spend most of my time chasing around my little buddy while the other kids are at school. Brooklyn and the twins just started softball, Brooklyn has played the last three years but this is the first year for Halle and Shelby so this should be fun. They are all doing so well in school I am so proud of them.

We just got back from a week long "vacation" at Disneyland and Sea World. The kids had an absolute blast and mom and dad had some fun too. We hit almost all the rides at Disneyland and California Adventures (We LOVED the tower of terror). Then after four days there we headed down the coast to San Diego. We stopped at Newport Beach on the way down and had a ball, the weather was so nice but the water was still COLD, that didn't stop Brooklyn and dad from putting on their suits and playing a while. We spent the next day at Sea World and had so much fun. Uncle Rob and Daiton got to be part of the dolphin show and that was a neat experience. We were bummed that we didn't have time to go visit Jason's cousin Jeanie but as some consolation Jason did get to meet Jon Beck ( QB now with the Miami Dolphins) and he thought that might have been the best part of the trip:) It was so much fun, but we were glad to get home just in time for Easter. We are so grateful to grandma and grandpa for taking all of us, it was a trip I'm sure we will never forget.