OK, Not for the squeemish(:

During Mama Smith, Dad, and Hyrums stay Mar 6-16, they got to see whatt it was like to have double trouble(: All the kids for sure but to see how the twins kept everyting so busy and happening. I have talked before about their getting into things, dumping out laundry in their attemps to help me fold and put away(: but I have also talked about the diaper situation. Well low and behold just cause they were here visiting was not going to mean they were gonna miss out on this one...or should I say two(: Gross and sad but true here are just a couple of pictures to prove it(: From one end of the room to the other.

Oh the joys of being a mother sometimes(:

Then the two stinkers got to have a bath.(: (:

That mess will be another time as washing down the bathroom is made easier when they splash from one end to the other aswell(:

Matthew & Michael AKA Stinkers

Here are some pictures from when Granny, Papa, and Hyrum visited Mar6-16/09

ENJOY(:

Better late then never(:

I know it has been quite some time since I really posted anything here. Sorry to those who do read our blog. I will work better on posting more regularily, but I will be honest it will probably be in a month or so as Josh will be deploying at the end of April to Iraq and our family time will be focused on time together before he goes.

I just want to share that I know family is very imprtant. We all come from somewhere, no matter what ones family may be, or where you are. We are here to enjoy life together when life is shining and beautiful, and be there to build one another up when it is raining and storming. No one truely knows what anothers shoes are like even to try them on for a moment. Life is too short to be stuck in the mud no matter how you got there. We all have perspectives on life and see things differently. That doesnt mean there is only one way to see things unless you see things as the Lord sees things.

Ok I know as you can tell I have had a lot of things on my mind lately. I am not too sure if this post is making a lot of sense but I am putting it out there anyways.

I guess this has come about as I reflect on my family growing up, but more so as I reflect on my own family, and the memories we create together and the ones that will be a little differently shared in the year or so to come. I am truely grateful for my family and for the gospel being a firm foundation in our lives so that we are always firm even when it is hard and the storms are beating us down. I know my Lord and Savior will always be there no matter what. I am so grateful for Eternal Familes and that we can be together forever.

Always cherish one another and remember the good and worthwhile things and dont worry about the rest. Live and love each day as it is the last. I know that is taboo but if one does that there will be a lot less regrets and a lot more cherished memories.

OK I will stop being so deep. I am in a deep thinking mood right now like you couldnt tell. It is late and I am going to try to turn this mind and mood off and get some sleep.

TTFN(:

Nov/08 Josh on a staff ride with 1ACB(Air Calcary Brigade-1 Calvary)

It has been awhile

Wow, I know it has been a while and I said I would keep up with this BLOG each week...OK I am repenting. Well what to tell from this past month??? The kids have grown and changing so much. I know again I owe lots of pictures. I promise before the end of this upcoming weekend I will have a bunch posted(: Josh was away for two weeks for trainging. When he got back we took the kids on a safari type ride here in Texas that you drive through and feed the animals from your car. We now have Mama Smith(Granny), Papa Garvin, and Uncle Hyrum here visiting till the 16th of March hanging out and having fun. We went to Sea World together and Adam and Emma got to ride theor first big rides. Josh and Hyrum talked me into going on the Great White.....I screamed so hard all that came out was air(: We had a blast. It is really nice having them here to strengthen family bonds all the around(: I will share more later in the week. For now I my bed is calling and I need to go answer it(: Till then have a super duper week(:

Update of last week(:

Where do I begin(:

Well, as I told this story to my brother and he was laughing so hard I thought he was going to have an accident. He kept saying; "Josh has Navy boys" Let me explain if I can. The twins love to play in water and lately running around in the buff now that they can take off their own clothes...oh joy to me(: Well as I was trying to fix one mess our dear twins created upstairs, moments later I hear Emma calling from downstaris. "Mom the boys are playing in the toilet again and there is water all over the floor" Believe me when I say that that happends on a too frequent basis. SO I ask Emma to get some towels to clean up the water as I was trying to fix the computer...did I mention that is what they messed up? (: Then I hear this sound from downstairs. There is way too much fun going on in cleaning up that water. SO I head downstairs to my "joy" aaaaaahhhhhhh. Two inches of water from one side of the house where the bathroom in to the other side to the stove in the kitchen. What the heck! Not only is there two inches of water but my kids have decided it was a great indoor slip and slide and had to take their turns sliding from one side of the house to the other. Now water all over the floor, walls, stairs, doors....and dont forget the kids. All but Adam were dripping wet.

So I run out of the house, dont worry I was coming back. I was looking for someone who had something to suck up water. Three neighbors later success. There was so much water. Emptying 5-6 times the container then still towel drying everything(: All before Josh got home. Talk about working up a good sweat. That is one way to clean the floors but I wouldnt recomment it at all. Now not to embarrass me or the twins but I think the water factor was caused by flushing tampons down the toilet. Why do I guess this. Well before the cleaning up happened one of the babies (I wont say who) was sucking on what looked like it could have been a white rat. There was a string hanging from something. Well when I took it away from him it was a very water soaked tampon and another was floating across the floor in the kitchen. Maybe that was too much info but I have learned a number of lessons from that. Keep all my stuff where little hands cant get it if that is even possible and there is always an easier way to get things done but we seem to always make every opportunity a memorable one and never a dull one(: Now there is a jump rope tied from the fromt door to the bathroom so the babies cant get to the toilet. But as kids go if they want something bad enough they will find away......now they, the twin s have figure if you push a chair to the kitchen sink you can also get water....and they do... SO the floor still gets wet and teh counter and of course the twins. Need I say more(: I will attach a pic or two later. Have a super duper day(:

How do you explain this one?(:

Ok I only have a second right now but had to share this experience. Two days ago we went to the park to hopefully tire out the kiddies(: Well in the midst of this Seth of course had to go to the bathroom. Not once but twice. Couldnt finish his business at one time cause there was playing to be done. (: Ok thank goodness my friend was there. SO I chance Seth to the bathroom. "I am a big boy I go into the boys bathroom", ME " Then I cant help you cause I cant go in there" SO needless to say Seth proceeded to do his business. Did I mention this was in the housing office by the park, so there are people coming and going from in there? Didnt think so(: Ok so all of a sudden you hear very loudly and clearly " Mommy, come wipe my bumb......MOMMY COME WIPE MY BUMB!" over and over agian. "Seth I told you I cant come in there that is why I told you to come with me to the girls bathroom" "come wipe my bumb" " NO Seth I cant come in there" ok this goes on what seems like forever. Others are hearing this whole thing going on, a little girl at the end of a hallway is pointing at me talking through the bathroom door and she is saying something to someone I cant see. SO finally Seth is so upset he is shrieking and crying " I little boy you come wipe my bumb" I was hopeing at some point he would just do it himself and we could get out of there.....oh no, what was I thinking. SO Seth dicides fine you wont come to me I will come to you. Now I have a half naked boy at the bathroom door with his pants in have and one square of toilet paper in the other for me to wipe his hiney. Great. I am so glad no one had to use the bathroom or atleast come over during this time. Gee willikers. I told Seth I needed more then that. Needless to say Seth got cleaned up, redressed and back off to the park for more play. He still didnt want to hear that when it is just me and the kids they will be going into the girls bathroom so if they need me I can help. oh the fun never ends(: Hope you had a good laugh. I do now but at the time ....gee whiz(:

You know you feel old when.....

Ok gotta a quickie for ya. Yesturday while I was going through some of my things to keep or get rid of, I had put away an indian (native) drum I had made when I was in my late teens. Adam saw it and said "wow", ME "Ya ,I made this" ADAM " Back in the olden days?" My jaw dropped as I repeated what he had just said. We both started to laugh but I am sure for completely different reasons. Olden days ...what! Gee dont I feel a little ancient right now. Thank you oh offspring of mine(:

How much of a mess could it really be?

I know there are still no pictures, I am still figuring it out. I know it's not rocket science but hey atleast I am writing when I have a minute(:

Ok. The other day as I was getting a couple of things done on the computer and checking my emails which I should know better to do during the day....well, this is why(: Emma " mommy the boys have made a really big mess downstairs" Me- " with what?" Emma " beans, lots and lots of beans from the closet" the pantry. So I rush downstairs to find the twins enjoying the work of their labour all over the floor. Seth thought it was great and took advantage of the moment to slide threw the mess. I guess to see how much more of the house could be covered in all of these beans (dry beans and split peas). Needless to say we all pitched in on the cleaning of sweeping and vaccuming. I am still finding those little suckers all over the place. Like they were hiding during the clean up and now they are being caught in the aftermath.

Gee like I always say and it is sooooooo true, there is never a dull moment around here or really where ever we go.

On that note it is too quiet so something must be happening(: Chat soon with I am sure another of our Smith adventures(:

Better Late then Never (:

Miracles do happen. Here is our family newsletter. Hope it finds you happy, healthy and doing great. (:

This past year 2008 flew by. Not only can I not believe it is a new year but already almost half way through January 2009.

The kids are doing great and growing like weeds. What a change from the beginning of 2008 to the end of 2008.

Adam-man: Turns 7 January 10th. Adam is my little brain. If ever I am in the wrong nothing like your eldest making sure you know it. (Smile) Adam loves to learn and experiment with things. Adam use to want to be an astronaut or pilot, but now he wants to be a Myth Buster (: smile. That’s my Adam.

Emma-girl: 5 till August then the big 6 this year. Emma is our little princess. She loves to dress up and help out around the house. Emma is our little artist as well. Give her some paper, crayons or markers and she will draw and color you the most wonderful and heart felt picture you ever did see. She loves giving her master pieces to everyone, and does it with a big smile (: smile. Emma loves babies and has been great with her little brothers. It is so sweet to hear her say to the twins when they are crying; ‘its ok sweetheart” as she helps them out.

Super Seth: 3 till May and then 4. What do I say about my Seth man? He is all boy with a gentle and loving heart. He will beat you up wrestle you down and flex his muscles, but he will also hug you and make sure you are ok too. Seth loves to help me in the kitchen. I think really anything that could get him messy (: smile. Seth loves life to the fullest and runs the throttle as such. Seth will leave a mark on your heart if not anywhere else. (:

Michael-man: Almost 20 months and will be 2 in May. Michael is the bigger of the twins. He loves the great outdoors and animals. Loves to talk and keep busy. Michael has a great love for life and adventure. No fear. I love watching him and Matthew grow on their own and together. Loves getting down and dirty and giving hugs and kisses. That’s by big boy Michael. (: smile.

Matthew-man: Almost 20 months and will also be 2 in May. That is a busy month for us (: Matthew may be the smaller of the twins but he sure is feistier. Matthew loves being outside and getting into anything his brother is getting into. Love animals especially “puppy”. Matthew is his own man. He might have come here with his big brother Michael but don’t mistaken that he is his own. (:

Josh: Is The Man. 2008 has been a pretty busy year for Josh in the US Army. Josh is gone a lot and working hard to provide for his wonderful wife and kids. (Josh’s words-smile) Josh had a moment to breath and went to jump school before our move to Fort Hood TX. That was a wonderful and exhilarating experience that not too many in his position (JAG) get to do. When Josh isn’t working he loves spending his time with his 5 wonderful kids and his wonderful wife (me-smile).

This upcoming year will be a different one as Josh will be deploying to Iraq for 15 months. He will be greatly missed and kept greatly in our prayers.

Last but not least me. Well I guess I have been a success this year as I am still at home and not institutionalized(: I guess I shouldn’t really joke about that but sometimes I wonder(: No but joking set aside, it has been a year of growth and learning all the way around. My wonderful kids keep me hopping and very busy and seeing things in different eyes. As crazy as our house may get from time to time the wonders and excitement is always there. When it all calms down the love, kisses and hugs are the icing on the cake (the good kind that doesn’t add calories-smile). I am constantly amazed by our kids, my husband and the experiences we can make it through together. I know that the Lord is with us in all things. He answers our prayers. He won’t give us more then we can handle, even though at times I truly wonder. I am grateful for my family. I love them so much and only want the best for them. I am grateful for Josh and all that he does for us.
This is a new year and will be full of new experiences, surprise and most of all memories. May the memories all be great ones.

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon an update from last year and pictures too....lots and lots of pictures(:

No time to take a picture(:

Yesturday afternoon while kids were playing in different aspects of the house and yard and Josh and I cleaning here and there, I looked out to the backyard to see the twins enjoying the beautiful day. They both love animals both real ones and stuffed toys. I share this to introduce the next thing that happened. I felt so bad for Michael. He found himself a new friend in our backyard. The sad thing is I had to have him let it go so I could throw it out. He was holding and petting a dead bird. He got so upset when I took it away. I thought afterwards that it probably was a good thing that I didnt stop and get a picture at that point. It was so cute to see, both of his little arms were so tight hugging the dead bird and he kept petting its soft head. He was smiling from ear to ear. I guess this way it would be a cheap pet to keep.....atleast for a few days any way(: I know that was bad.

Not much else is happening other then the normal busy crazy stuff.

Oh not true silly me. Dec 1st Emma lost her first tooth and Dec 4 Adam lost his 5th tooth. Oh the tooth fairy was busy this week. The kids are getting so big. I know I owe updated pictures. I promise really soon and I will post a bunch. Till then have a super duper day(:

the examples of siblings(:

The examples of siblings can be the good the bad and the ugly. AS I have watched our growing kids with admiration and even at times awe it is amazing how they learn and grow from everything around them..be it good or not so good. The twins being the babies are a little more noticable as they learn to say new words such as puppy, ball, and words only they and Father understand(: The kids are growing so fast. Michael has figured how to climb out of his bed, into everything else, over baby gates, dressers, tables etc right with Matthew in toe...oh the fun we have double time(: Even the "big" kids just seem so much bigger these days. It is pretty scary at times to think at how fast time is truely going by. Adam will be 7 in January. He acts..most of the time, beyond his years. I guess they all do at times but he truely does.

It is so funny as to what the twins are picking up from their older siblings. Michael is more like Seth and Matthew is more like Adam...their builds and somewhat personalities. M & M have learned to stick out their tongues thanks to Emma. Like that trait doesnt run in the family(: It was too funny this morning as we were having family prayer, the twins are so cute as they fold their arms as everyone else is suppose to, well Adam was still doing something and not standing still, Matthew swings one of his folded arms out at Adam and says "stop". That is his first time saying that word and what a time to use it. Needless to say I was amazed. Not only at the use of the word and it being spoken but that Matthew knew when it is time to pray we all need to stop what we are doing and be ready. I know I try to teach that but as any mother hopes that it is sinking in. Well for that split moment it was(:

I so pray that these dear sweet blessings that the Lord has blessed into our lives wont be messed up when I am done with them in my care. Nothing like being made so aware of ones weaknesses then to do your best, at least hopefully in raising and rearing them as they should go even if you yourself dont always 100% of the time, but that the Lord will compesate for all of that and that they will still grow up as HE would have them. They are so amazing and so different. I know that the Lord has great things for each one of our kids. I pray for guidance to be open to what I need to do to at least help in what I am to be doing.

I know that the Lord loves each one of us as we are His children.

May those who read this have a wonderful Thanksgiving this week and be mindful of those things we are truely thankful for. God Bless.

try not to laugh...

Short, sweet and to the point. Tonight I was on the phone with a friend...I do have one here and there(: and Adam and Seth are sitting at the table finishing up dinner, well Adam was and Seth bugging Adam. Seth decides to get up on the table and while his tush is upward does what any boy would do in that situation......lets it rip.....my friend on the phone laughing her head off, Adam laughing so loud and me trying to keep my composure and getting Seth first off the table and then to say excuse me. That was short lived. I start busting as Seth gets off the table he starts heading to the bathroom yelling " I pooped my pants, I pooped my pants" It just goes to show you should be more descrete in sharing the air. It was too funny. I tell Adam he is a nut while we are all trying to get ourselves composed and he laughs out well you're a nut cracker....I think my friend must of wet her pants after that. She said it is always so much fun at my house....oh if she only knew ALL the fun we have here(: I am grateful for the fun, funny times to help get through those that arent quite so. On that happy note I am off to clean and attack my huge pile of never ending laundry. Gee I take one night off and look out(:

thoughts to ponder

I sit here alone in the quiet of the night, the house is quiet and still as I get a couple of things done (not as much as needs to but something) and find myself at a peacefull place. It is interesting as I usually feel pretty crazy with all that goes on in my "normal" day to day things with the kids, family and friends and really whatever comes my way. But even in those crazy, busy moments there is peace aswell. I dont know if I am expressing myself as I mean to but that is what I felt to share. more for myself then anyone else but I am feeling that very deep within myself. We can find and feel peace around and within us no matter what is going on around us or even in our own experiences. Heaven Father loves each one of us and yes that includes the "crazies" (: He did create all of us(: I am so grateful for the many blessings in my life, my family, my wonderful husband who loves me and our wonderful children, and of course the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would be nothing without it in my life and the paths and direction the Lord has for me and our family. I am at peace to know He knows it all and I dont need to..not all ot once, but to have faith that everything is in HIS mighty hands..."no matter what..."

Thank you for your love and support. there are other things I could share at this time.. I am sure funnier but that will have to wait for another time. That is the end for now of my pontification(:

could it get any ......?

The boys are both teething and breaking in both eye teeth...oh the fun(: Well when I entered their bedroom this morning there was a sickening smell. "Do I really want to go in there?" I must. Well, Micheal was fine and happy to be awake and see what adventures he will get into today, but Matthew's adventures had already started. The poor little guy had been sick everywhere in his bed and he was soaked all over and then some with the poops. Poor little guy but guess who gets to clean it all up? Yup. SO bath time and disinfecting time..big time. Oh the day isnt even done. That was at 7am. Now at about 1:20ish after we got home from an appointment, Matthew who has been extra cuddly anyways, curls up in my arms. So I lay back a little so he can lay on me more comfortably. WRONG thing to do!!!!! I start feeling kinda warm and Matthew started to stink. I asked Matthew if he pooped.....he shakes his head "NO". Oh yeah. All over me. Oh the fun. So I change him, his clothes and get ready to go get changed myself when poor little guy just starts puking his little guts out all into my lap. I am so glad I could help. Well, I am now clean but we will see for how long. I cant wait till those teeth come in for good(:

Mother's job is never done

Ok some of you might have seen this but I just came to find it again and I love it. It says it all. Sit back, get ready for a laugh and enjoy(:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

where did it go?????

This morning I was getting ready and doing my morning things. Brushing my hair of course is one of those things. Well I couldnt find my brush. Where could it be? Oh there it is. Why is it on the floor beside the toilet? I didnt put it there and I know I didnt knock it down from the counter. OK. Oh well I need to brush my hair before it dries all funky.....wooooow gross. Not with that brush. Ah yeah! last night Seth needed to go to the bathroom and Emma was in the kids bathroom so he went to ours. Gee the things little boys do when they are "busy" in the bathroom. Well Needless to say my brush went into the garbage. I guess Seth figured he wanted to go fishing in his poop with my brush. Need I say more? (: Oh the fun never ends.

Another side note to add about today. Seth decided he wanted to be an artist today. He drew on the wall, the fridge, and the freezer. For all I know there is more(: Well the little guy isnt too happy with me right now as I am "helping" him erase his wonderful work. The adventures never end. And to think I was going to try to take a quiet moment to myself today.....HAHAHAHAHEHEHEHE I crack myself up(:

Hope you have a super duper day(:

I know, I should have taken a picture (:

I should have taken a picture
I know, I know, I should have taken a picture. Well here we go. Yesturday we were trying to get out the door for a day of visits and play for the kids. In the rush of things someone took a cup of chocolate protein drink from the counter where I put it and move it to the table. Well, while I was running around getting everything ready to go I hear from the other room from my dear sweet Emma,"mom, one of the babies are on the table" Again not knowing someone moved the drink over to the table I went in thinking I was just going to take a baby - Michael off the table. Oh was I wrong(: Here if you can visualize this, is Michael sitting in this ever growing brown puddle. He sees me coming and quickly flips over to his tummy and starts licking it up as fast as he can knowing what is going to happen. So dripping table and dripping baby and we are now late getting out of the house(: Dont worry everything and everyone got cleaned up and we enjoyed our day, but who can predict how our days will start out(:
Hope you enjoyed one of my many adventures. Believe me there will be many many more(:

The rains came down and the floods came up

Well it has been raining all night and now all day. The kids have their choice of a natural pool in the frontyard or the backyard. AS for me right now we are having a quiet moment which is oh so enjoyable every once in a while.

Ok I need to update on a couple of funnies. I am still finding my way around this blog site and hopefully figure it out and make it more like we want it, but until then I will still write here and there(:

Last weekend we did some family activities. Friday we went for a little hike with the kids. It was pretty sunny while driving so Josh put on some sunglasses. Well that got all the kids wanting to have some sun glasses since daddy had some. While trying to get everyone calmed down, we hear from the backseat "My eyes are burning". Josh and I started laughing so hard. Seth in his attempt to get sun glasses thought this would do the trick. Low and behold it didnt but we had a great laugh out of it.

Saturday we went to one of Texas's many State parks for another family hike. We have started with the kids to play a question game called McWiz JR. So while we drove we ask them questions and teach them the answers they dont know. I share this cause it leads into the next funny. We asked Emma "what is the eleventh month?" Josh gave Emma the clue that we are in the tenth month and it is October, then Adam piped in it began with the letter "N". So Emma answered firmly that it was Noctober(: Kids do say the darndest things. Never a dull moment in and out of our house.

Well I hope you enjoyed the long and funny of it as much as we did. I will do my best to keep this site up and rolling with our adventures, crazies and whatever comes our way.

Take care, God bless and have a super duper day(: