Christmas with the Smith Fam

This year we were with my family for Christmas and we had a blast. We have a few traditions in our family and one is that we get these Ravioli's from a small mom and pop shop in San Jose every year. I am not a fan of these Ravioli's but I love that it's a tradition for us to eat them on Christmas Eve. My mom told us the story that she would eat them with her Grandparents and would listen to them for hours speak in Italian and have like a ten course dinner. They even had hand made Cannoli's, mm yummm. We have dropped that part of the tradition for the sake of Sanity. We have bread, Ravioli's and sparking cider. Then we get to open our pajamas and read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and then Santa came to visit before he started his deliveries for the night. The kids loved it. Tyler was in shock and beside himself and couldn't spit out everything that was in his head. Grace and Andrew loved it just as much and were so excited. We put the kids to bed and while we waited for them to fall asleep we watched It's a wonderful Life and The Christmas Story. While we were trying to explain the movie's to Laura the whole time we had a blast getting ready for Christmas morning. I love watching the kids faces and listening and answering their questions. Christmas morning started out early with Kyle calling at 6:30 a.m. It was so much for to talk to him and hear how he's doing. We played a lot , I vacuumed repeatedly with my new Dyson DC 17 , oh yeah, and ate a ton of food. We went over to my Aunt and Uncle's in the evening to see all our cousins who were here visiting and had a fun time catching up. It was a great day and everyone was happy all day!!! It was Christmas after all.

Fun Times

All the cousins checking out the new toys.

Super excited face?

I don't think he believed he was ever going to have a birthday

Andrew's new GeoTrax Airplane

Cupcakes for Lunch!
The Smith Grandkids

Santa Came to visit

The kids were so excited!

Some how it turned into dog pile night

She was so not excited about Christmas!

Christmas Morning, waiting on stairs, tradition? or cruel form of torture?

Tyler starting to open after getting his Leapster 2 and Hunting bag.

Grace got Dance lessons and Tutu's for Christmas!

My Dyson vacuum, I am in love!

Andrew and his D-Rex, it is so cool!

Trev did o.k. too, golf bag, golf balls, gadgets, a hat and coveralls that have his new business name on them. That's right we started a new business in December too, now we have two businesses to keep track of. Advanced Energy Audits and M2 Builders call 257-1222 for any Contractor or Energy needs. (How'd you like that little bit of advertisement?)

To say the least we were all spoiled and had a blast being with all the kids and seeing their adorable faces light up with all the fun. Christmas is so much fun with kids, how did we ever do it without them?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW

So this little boy was a bit of a surprise but we seriously need him in our family. He is so sweet and loves to cuddle with mom and dad. He is growing way too fast. He is now wearing size 4/5 T shirts and is just now 3. I know... I'm in trouble. He loves his chicken nuggets and milk. He recently has discovered how to use those strong muscles in his legs to push bike pedals and loves being outside and helping daddy work. He already has a deep voice and is a bit of a "tough guy". Anything trucks, trains, cars, planes, animals, coloring, and did I mention this kid loves his milk. Due to a slacker of a mom he is not potty trained yet because I guess I like buying diapers j/k. We start monday on the potty training and will be done right?! I'm not that naive! I love this cute boy and he just can melt your heart with his laugh and smile. Here's a few pictures of him growing before our very eyes.!

Enough wtih the Fog

So the fog was fun for the first couple of days, but it's been like two weeks. I do realize however that this is as close to the look of snow that we get so I think it helps with the Christmas feeling, but seriously because of where we live we're kept in the fog long after many of you have recieved your gift of the sun. I am not a cold or rain person but I am a Christmas person. So I will try to keep my spirits up but after Christmas I make no promises.

CHP Academy

So for those of you who don't know that the economy sucks for construction right now, well it does. Leaving those of us who are in the industry without work that was so plentiful a few years ago. M2 Builders has now turned into Trevor being without his brother Jared as his partner. Jared also known as Hoss to many, entered the CHP Academy the beginning of November. It is some seriously hard work physically and mentally. And my sister in law Nikki is now a single mom during the week. She is seriously working as hard as a supporter and mother and I totally admire her for it. I don't think I could do it. Anyway so this week Jared got his picture taken while in class and I thought I would post it. The kids miss their uncle Hoss being around. Good luck Hoss we'r all praying for you guys!

Happy Halloween and humbling experiences

If you're like me and you have a running/ walking buddy and you get to vent daily to your sounding board then we are blessed. But be warned things you say are heard, and not just by your buddy. I was walking last week and I starting asking Cristy who she thought would be replacing all the recently opened callings at church. So one by one they've been filling up except one, Primary 1st counselor, who got called as Stake Primary President. I told her that I've had my calling for about 2 years now and am finally getting the hang of it. I immediately followed that with maybe I shouldn't say anything because it'll be me getting the phone call. Sure enough last night a call from Brother Zambrana asking if he could come over and talk with us sent a chill through my body. He came and extended the call and I accepted of course. While I will really miss the youth that I teach in Sunday school, I am really excited to be with the children of the ward. They are truly angels and we are supposed to learn from them and be like them so hopefully I pick up some of their angelic traits.

Halloween is always a fun day for us, busy but fun. We go to my mom's house every year and eat some delicious soup and go trick or treating to some close neighbors, Grandma Fanara's house and aunt Sheila's. Who I must say spoiled the kids rotten with candy and cookies. I will be sending you guys the Dentist bill for cavities. Just kidding. They loved it and felt so special. Recently my little niece Ava has formed a strong attachment to Trevor and for the life of us can't figure out why. It might be all the the sweet treats he's slipped to her now and then but it is adorable. She wanted nothing to do with her parents and needed to be either holding hands or being held by him the entire night. It was adorable. We had a fun going around with the cousins and aunts and uncles while Nana and Papa passed out candy. Tyler was Darth Vader, Grace Bell, and Andrew was Woody and Bullseye. They love playing dress up and this was a pure night of Joy. It takes so little to make kids happy. Hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween.

So far this month...

So far this month has been an exciting ride. Grace has had a UTI that wasn't responding to antibiotics so after a run to the ER monday night she is on a new antibiotic and hopefully wiping her system clean. We went to our annual Nielsens Family reunion on a quick trip to Black Dragon. Pumpkin patch for fun and a field trip and celebrated a ton of birthdays. I know I am being super detailed but I really don't want to relive all the details so if you have questions I'll answer but it's kind've exhausting to think about. For the most part we're doing good and having fun. The kids are happy and trying to soak up as much of this beautiful weather as possible. Happy Harvesting!

Presley and Kaylee Knapton

Our kids at Bishops Pumpkin Patch

Grace on her picture day

Grace, Chloe, and Gabi at Pumpkin patch for field trip

Grace and Gabi with the pumpkins they picked out.

Our neice's Taylor and Kate repelling.

Nephew Porter enjoying a snack waiting for his lunch.

Super mom, Shelane with Hazel on her back repelling. She's a cool chick.

Tagged

So here's the rules. Go to your pictures, the 4th file and then the 4th picture and you have to post that picture. My sister tagged me so I'm tagging any of you that need something to post. This was Tyler when we were outside in the spring probably about 3 years ago. Cute little kid.

Family

I have the best family. From my kids and husband, to siblings, nieces and nephews, in laws, MOM AND DAD, cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandpa, and especially this week Grandma Fanara. The lady of the hour or at least the 21st of September. It was her 80Th birthday and you would never guess it. She is my hero(in)! She's a lovely lady and I am so glad that she's around to play with my kids and for them to know her. On Saturday there was a surprise birthday party for her with everyone. Kyle was the only one missing but we still managed to get his life size picture of him in the family picture. There were 48 people in this picture who are either son, daughter, in-lawed, grandchild, or great grandchild. It was an amazing sight and hasn't happened in a long time. It was quite emotional for Grandma to see everyone together in one house. I imagine that must be what it's like when we get to see our loved ones who have passed on. I love you Grandma and thank you for all that you are and all that you do and have done!

When is it ever going to stop!

I don't think I have stopped since school started. With Tyler and Grace's birthday's, all three kids with colds, t-ball, Kumon, carpool, and Grace's special visits to the doctor this week, late night fevers, HOMEWORK, company... I just marvel at those of you who have all your kids in extra curricular. I don't know how you do it. I am worn out at the end of the day. And that is laundry time around here. The funny thing is that I love it! I just don't know if you all take a minute to tell yourself you're doing good and that it's actually fun. I got to go to the temple last night with my mom, grandma, sister and brother in law ( it was supposed to be a whole family thing but things came up for everyone). Trev went abalone diving with a friend so I flew solo this time. I went with the intention of getting some answers to some questions and what I came out with was peace. PEACE. What a perfect lesson for me. The calming, joyous feeling of simple peace. Why is it so hard to have/get this wonderful state of mind, body and spirit? I am so grateful for that moment I had in The Lord's temple. It's amazing what comes into your head when you clear out the junk! Hope you all get a moment of peace soon, you deserve it.

I couldn't help myself when I saw this quiz on my sister in law's blog. 20

That was almost Tyler's entire Kindergarten class. I bet his teacher could double that.

Happy Birthday Gracie Girl!

I can't believe my little girl is 4. She truly lights up our life everyday. She also brings plenty of drama into it. She is caring, helpful, loving, thoughtful, beautiful, and hilarious. She has a beautiful smile and is super friendly. In fact we all usually embarrass Trev whenever we go anywhere because we'll talk to anyone and he wants to run. I love the song "In my Daughters Eyes", by Martina McBride. I've added it to my playlist at the bottom so scroll down and click on that and Gracie Girl if you haven't already listened to it. Those lyrics represent her perfectly. I am so grateful to have a daughter like her. I know some might think that I jinxed her by naming her Grace but to me she is the epitome of the word. I am so excited to see what she is going to do with her life because I know she's going to be amazing, I just don't want her to grow up all at the same time. I love you babe, Happy Birthday!

O.k.

I know it seems that I should have more time during the summer months to add posts but I've been letting my kids stay up later later and watch movies, play games, eat ice cream you know all that fun summer stuff. We've been busy. I don't think any of you want to hear a complete play by play of what we've been doing so here's a list
Swimming, and more swimming, camping, camping, playing, friends, fun Sunday dinners, reading, reading, Olympics, movies, birthday parties, T-Ball.
We're excited for school that starts up on Tuesday and Tyler's birthday on Wednesday. Grace got to go with her best friend Gabi to the Nut Tree for Gabi's birthday with her grandma and mom, and I am helping out with a wedding on Saturday. So hopefully I'll take some pictures during the chaos and let you know how it goes.

Thoughts of the day...

I love blue skies, especially when it's relief from smoke. We can finally go out and play and not feel like we're breathing in toxins all day long. My kids are on the mend from having strep throat but I need help. Andrew is a very sweet boy... most of the time but tell him no or if the kids take a toy he is out for blood. I've never had such an aggressive child and I am disciplining and staying on top of it but it's only dealing with the moment and doesn't seem to be sticking. He says sorry after I put him on the naughty chair but I'm kind of stressed about the long term behavior. Hopefully it's just a terrible 2's thing and will taper off as he gets older but if you have any ideas let me know. I'm open for criticism, advice, whatever!
In the meantime we are in full swing of summer with our garden producing delicious veggies and finally tomatoes that are just mouth watering. We had BLT's yesterday and they were excellent. Even Tyler who hates tomatoes had some. He made a funny face as he was doing it but he still ate them. If you have any ideas for me on the Andrew issues let me know, and as soon as possible would be better than later!

Our Disneyland Trip

Under Construction!

Don't mind the the pattern clashing going on. I'm just havinga little bit of fun. We got back from our trip to Disneyland today so I'll be posting all the fun sometime this week. I just have to get Trev off to scout camp in the morning so after that we should be back to normal. Happy Father's day to everyone!

Tagged by Laura

How To Play This Game of Tag:
Post these rules on your blog.List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

3 Joys
1. When I pick up my kids from school they run to me and jump and I have to catch them or else I'd get plowed down, it's dangerous but they are the light of my life.
2. Going on a date with my husband.
3. Helping someone that really could use the help and they are appreciative of the help. I've been there in most cases.

3 Fears
1. Having someone close to me die. (Parents, siblings, spouse, kids, a little morbid I know)
2. One of my kids getting hurt. (ie Grace breaking her leg)
3. Failing as a mother. ( At least in a marriage you can almost always work through it, w/ kids the smallest most insignificant thing could happen and it would affect them forever)

3 obsessions/ collections
1. Having cleanly groomed eyebrows.
2. It used to be biting my nails but I recently kicked that habbit
3. Cleaning, I don't mean for it to be and you wouldn't know it, but when my house is dirty I can't function.

3 Goals
1. Run a 5K. (Just did that on memorial day)
2.Go back to school some day and get my degree
3. Lose weight, It's gonna take a whole lot of dieting because exercising alone is not working out too well.

3 random/surprising facts about myself
1. I love musicals, theater, rocking out with my kids to music.
2. I live for vacations, we have one coming up but it's a surprise to my kids so I'll tell you after it happens if you can't allready guess.
3.I am a Dental Assistant ( not working currently do to my lifelong full time job, mom)

5 people I tag:
1. Rosanne
2. Jess
3. Andrea
4. Cora
5. Lisa

My American Idol is...

So even though my pick for American Idol didn't win despite my endless voting tuesday night I know we'll hear marvelous music from him soon. Now what am I gonna do on wednesday nights when Trev is at Young Men's?

Some pic's to catch you up...

7 Year Anniversary

Trevor and I just celebrated our 7 year anniversary this weekend. We had so much fun. We went out on saturday just the two of us and did whatever we wanted. Dinner at Ruth's Chris steakhouse it was good but Carvers is better in my opinion. Then made our way to Payless shoe source where I always find a cute pair of shoes that are always in my price range. Sports Authority for a new putter for Trev and then to see Leatherheads. Such a fun night and Nikki and Jared had the kids over for a cousin night. The kids love going over and playing with their cousins so I didn't have to worry at all. A perfect night! Monday was actually our anniversary so we took the kids mini golfing and then we meet up with my fam for some mongolian BBQ and then we bought a VAN! Can you believe it, it was at Shauns' dealership and it's just what we've been looking for so we got it. I need to sell my pacifica today so if you know anyone that is in the market let me know. And to end the evening on a perfect note Trev surprised me and had our wedding video put onto a DVD. When we got married we just had some kids from the ward who were also in Video in high school at the time be our videographers. So the tape was aging and needed to be salvaged before it was ruined. I have the most amazing husband. He always has given me the perfect gifts, he knows me so well. I love him so much, and not because of the gifts. He works so hard and we have so much fun together. Our kids have the best dad and he loves being with us. Unless he's golfing he is always working or serving in his calling. I truly have a wonderful husband. Here's some pics's from our wedding day!

Easter with the Nielsens

Spring is Here

Well things are little out of order but that's life sometimes. Tyler had to build a Leprechaun trap for Kindergarten so we worked hard and came up with something cute but that sneaky little Leprechaun was too fast and much to Tyler's severe dissapointment he did not catch him. Then we had an Easter Party with a huge egg hunt and bounce house and slide with a money pit in some hay. Some friends of ours in the ward throw this huge bash every year at their farm that they run a day care and pre-school out of so it is a total kids party. It was just as fabulous this year as always and the weather was beautiful. I love spring!

Carrie And Keith...Your sneak peek

So for Valentines Day Trev got me Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood Tickets! I was completely shocked and thrilled. The last concert I went to was Josh Groban when Tyler was a baby and he's 5 1/2. So we went on the 12th and even from the top of Arco Arena they were both excellent performers. Keith really got connected with the audience. I almost felt my age for a night. It was fun to go with Trev even though he's not a big sing to every song, stand up and dance kind of guy. He didn't seem to be annoyed that I could barely stay in my seat. So here's some pic's from that!

I know it's not very good but it's proof I was there. Carrie changed her outfit like 4 times. I couldn't wait to see what she was gonna wear next.

She really does have a great live performance

This is how Keith started out. He had so much energy, it was already 9:30 by the time he came out so I was starting to get tired, while the teenagers behind us were still going strong.

Thanks to the huge screen behind the stage we got to see Keith when he sat down and was playing his guitar. So at the end of the catwalk there was this circle and Carrie never did anything with it and we couldn't tell what it was used for and then Keith and his whole band walked out to it and they played 3 songs from the center of Arco Arena so that everyone got a 360 degree view, not a bad view! We had a blast and now I am in a concert mood and don't want to miss any good concerts. Michael Buble is coming but it's on Sunday... bummer!