What a Merry Christmas

This year Christmas was great! We had a great morning with the kids and a delicious dinner at my mom and dad's house. Every year my mom usually will make us something for our Christmas present one year it was flannel blankets, another bags, and last year it was pillows. This year she really out did herself and made all of us SNUGGIES!! That's right Snuggies. We had a great time re-inacting the commercial. She the pictures below!!!

It's December WHAT!!!

Is it really already the middle of December? What happened to November?
It's a been a long time since I have updated this darn blog. Mostly it's because I am too busy and secondly, I never have my camera near to upload pictures. Heaven forbid if I walk down stairs to get it.

Over Thanksgiving break (yes I said Thanksgiving), Andrew and I decorated the Christmas tree. We had a great time doing it. Every time he walks into the room he insists on plugging it in. Here are a few pictures of the trimming of the tree!!
Andrew has the same look on his face as the guy on tv. haha!!

That dumb cat always has to get under the tree. It becomes her new sleeping spot every year. Not to mention a chew toy.

And finally, how many ornaments can you see in this picture???

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

So its been awhile but all on the home front is looking good. Brooklyn is now 5 months old! Where does the time go? Drill Season is rapidly approaching and getting closer by the minute! I gave the girls their costumes yesterday and they were super excited. Lets hope that this will motivate them into kicking it into gear.

Last but not least, I hope you all have an amazing turkey day!

Halloween Fun

It's been a busy week and weekend! Last Saturday all the girls in the fam went to Gardner Village to have "Breakfast with a Witch." The food was yummy and the witches were awesome. If you have never been to Gardner Village at Halloween, you must put it on your list of places to visit. We had a great time. We even all dressed up!!!
Then yesterday, we took Brooklyn and Andrew to have their Halloween pictures taken. Brittney's sister did them and did a great job. If you need a photographer visit her site at pinkfigphotography.com It took us a long time to convince Andrew to put on his costume. Once he did, he didn't want to take it off.

Fall Break

This past weekend was fall break. Alpine school district no longer allows us to have UEA off. They figure if the teachers want to go they will use their time off to enjoy it. Instead, we get two days off each October. We thought about going to St. George but I decided I really didn't want to spend a total of 8 hours in the car with a two year old and a 4 month old. Instead, we spent Thursday standing in line to get our Swine Flu mist and then we went to the Living Aquarium in Sandy. Today, we spent the day in our PJ's and this evening went to the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Thus far, our staycation has proven to be much of a success and we have spent some great family time together. On a side note, last Sunday was Bridger's blessing so we took the opportunity to take the picture of the three babies and to chart their growth. Enjoy the pictures!!!

Andrew Picking out his pumpkin in the pumpkin patch at the Scarecrow Festival.

Brooklyn chillin in her stroller.
Everyone loves a good self portrait!

Andrew and Daddy posing on the frog at the aquarium.

Bridger 2 months, Brooklyn almost 4 months, & Ruby 8 months.

Stupid Swine

Well the dang Swine Flu has attacked my drill team at PG high. I have 3 for sures and 2 most likelies with it. It's so awesome to know that I have been in such an environment where I could possibly give my baby one of the worst possible sicknesses. But what are you going to do. I have a goal to hit the health clinic either today or tomorrow so that I can get the flu mist for myself and Andrew. Hopefully it will help protect us all.

And on a side note so happy that my Brother Brent is having much success after his surgery. You see, he had open heart surgery two weeks ago so they could fix his heart. He is doing well and we are happy to report that we now know he will continue to be around to fart for a very long time!!!

The Proof!!

If you have questions about my picture, see the previous post.

The Day I Thought Would Never Come

It's official, my Mom and Dad have a large for sale sign in front of there house. They are moving, leaving behind all of our childhood memories. It kind of sucks but what they are getting will be super nice too. They have found a very nice and large home in Saratoga Springs in the Pelican Bay area. It's a super good deal and my Dad will have a place to park all of his cars and toys. Overall it will be good for them. It's just sad to know that someone else will be sleeping in my old room and watching tv in our family room, and eating dinner in our kitchen. Tears aside, I am happy for my mom and dad they deserve something they can retire in. I just hope they can handle the misquitios. haha!!!

Days Go By

On Wednesday evening Barry and I had the opportunity to see Keith Urban again. It was actually the 4th time we have seen him. None the less, he just keeps getting better and better. I forgot my camera this time so way bummer because he came up into our isle of the section we were in. It was a fantastic evening!!!!

PS this picture was from the concert two years ago

My Baby is getting BIG!

I took Brooklyn to her 2 month visit. She now weighs 9lbs 7oz. She's getting huge!!! Where has the time gone????

Brooklyn's Blessing, Padan goes to Snow, Three Babies

This past weekend we blessed Brooklyn. It was a fantastic day!!! She looked absolutely beautiful. Wanda (my sis in law) made her the prettiest dress I have ever seen. When she gave it to me, I told her is was prettier than the wedding dress she made me.
Barry gave a wonderful blessing. We were so proud of him for doing such a great job. Then after wards we went to my parents house for lunch. Of course we took tons of pictures. Here are a few...


After dinner, my oldest Nephew Padan jumped in his car and took off to Snow College. He was so excited to get there. He is going to major in something to do with film making. So when he's nice and rich and living in Hollywood, he better remember me.
And finally, we had a fun photo opportunity with the three new babies in the family. Ruby who is 6 months, Brooklyn 8weeks, and Bridger 2 weeks. Oh so fun and dang cute!!!!

Pictures to Be Added Later

So I can't add any pictures because I am too lazy to plug my camera into the computer. Lame excuse I know but what are you going to do.

My sister Wendy had her baby a week ago. Exactly 6 weeks after I had Brooklyn. They named him Bridger. My other sister Cathy cracked the joke we have a "Brooklyn Bridger!" ha ha!! Go ahead and laugh I think it's funny. He's super cute and too see pictures of him, just visit her ( Wendy's) blog or wait for me to get a few up.

Drill practice has also started up for us again. Let me tell you after three weeks of averaging 3-4 hours of sleep, I am starting to crash!! I hope I live.

More good news. We decided that we are taking our kids out of the Day Care center Andrew has been going to for the past two years. The cost was a killer. My beautiful niece Sierra happened to be in need of a job. So we are going to have her come to the house each day. It will be fabulous and Andrew LOVES her so much. He's calls her his Seba. It's super cute.

I will work on the picture thing at a later time. No promises school starts in a week!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Family Reunion and Harry Potter!!

Neither has to do with the other but I thought I would just mention the fact that I really loved the new Harry Potter movie. We saw it with KSL on the afternoon before it came out. I thought it was way funny and had some action and of course sadness. My niece Sierra came with us and of course we both cried at the end. What more can I say we are both cry babies.

Now for the reunion. This past weekend was our biannual Smithen Family Reunion. We had it at this place called the Rockin R Ranch in Antimony Utah. It was great fun. My sis Wendy was in charge and did a stellar job at organzing it. There was horse back riding, tubing, hiking, four wheeling, archery, and swimming. But the best part was the family rodeo. Barry did the barrel racing and if it hadn't been for his shoulder surgery, he would have done the calf riding. I just did the relay race and had to throw cow poop! Gross. Here are some pictures from the enjoyable event.

Andrew riding a horse with her baby attempting to eat.

Tiffany, Sierra, and Tayler enjoying a swim.

My Relay Team!!
This is my favorite picture of my nephew Padan riding the calf!!
Yee Haw!

Facebook

So I just signed up for this facebook thing and I don't get it. Is it possible that I am that dumb? Ok so don't answer that question. But if someone could explain it's usefulness to me that would be great. In advance, Thanks for the help.

Way To Go Jake!!

Today we had the great opportunity to see my nephew Jake ordained a priest. We are so proud of him. Congrats Jake!!!

Baby Stuff

Great news for all of you gals that just had a baby!! My sister Wendy and sis-in-law Wanda are starting this great business to buy baby gear. As of right now they are calling it Mom's on the Go. You must check out their blog themomonthego.blogspot.com
They have pictures posted of a few of their items. There are many more in the works. They have this one awesome idea that they are going to patent that you will love if you have park near by or a swing set in your own back yard. I can't tell you what it is yet but stay tuned to be the first to purchase this amazing product.
They will be selling nursing covers, baby slings, car seat cabanas, burp clothes, tutu's, nap mats, bags for girls and boys that teach them zipping, buttoning, tying, etc. All of their products are so much cheaper than buying them at ritzy baby stores. I have to say their pricing is very competitive and fair. Keep an eye on their blog for new products to be posted. If you want to buy anything, let them know. It's truly great stuff!!

themomonthego.blogspot.com

Week One

We have survived our first week at home as a new family. We have had a lot of visitors. Great food from my mom and members of the ward. I of course don't get much sleep at night but that's to be expected. Barry was able to stay home during the week which was a life saver. He took Andrew to the park everyday which has been good for the both of them.



We also celebrated Andrew's 2nd birthday on Thursday. Grandma and Grandpa Wachter came over along with Aunt Cathy and cousin Jake. I should have known better but we decided to open presents first. Then he didn't want anything to do with his cake. After some convincing, he did blow out his candles but didn't eat the cake.



On Sunday we did the usual Sunday dinner at my mom's and got some fun pictures with Brooklyn and Ruby side by side. They are so cute!



Last but not least... I was really worried about how Andrew would take to Brooklyn. He has thus far been wonderful. He loves his sister so much!!! He always wants to hold and kiss her. I hope this will continue once Barry goes back to work.

Welcome To The World!!!

Weighing in at 61bs 8 oz at 18" long we welcomed Brooklyn Dawn Squires into the world at 3:45 this morning!!!! For all you people that say you want to have a baby natural you are freaking NUTS!!!!!! I had been having contractions on and off since Friday at 2 in the morning. They were pretty inconsistent but none the less there. On Saturday the 20th after the Strawberry Day's parade, I started having pretty consistent pains. At midnight we rolled into the hospital. They observed me for 1 hour with little change but decided to observe me for another hour. During The second hour the contractions got way closer and way stronger. At 2:45 they decided that I could stay and called the magic epidural guy who of course had gone home and was on call. When they moved me from the observation room to the delivery room I was dialated to a 5. They put in my iv and I dialated to a 7. Finally the guy with the drugs showed up, but it was too late. I had gone from a 7 to a 10 in a matter of minutes. So no drugs. It was the most painful thing EVER. Did I mention that it was PAINFUL? We got a beautiful little girl in the process who is already loved by our entire family. So here are some pictures.

Just after Being Born!!

The Proud Big Brother!

Check Out ALL of the HAIR!!!

The New Family!!!

No Baby Yet!!!

So of course I was hoping I would be lucky enough to have our little Brooklyn early like Andrew. No such luck as of yet. I am so ready to be done. At my last appointment I was dilated to a 11/2 only 81/2 cm to go. Which really means absolutely nothing. Oh well here's hoping.

First Week of Summer!!!

What an exciting first week this has been!! I didn't accomplish anything on my todo list but that's ok. Andrew and I went to the zoo with my sister and her girls Emi and Ali. We had a great time.
We watched the black bears play with each other which was the best part of the day. The cheetah was going crazy running all over the place and playing with his ball. We rode the train and were the only ones on board. Got to ride the carousel (I have no idea how to spell this) which was Andrew's first time. I hated it only because I hate anything that goes round and round.

Friday my oldest nephew Padan graduated with the first ever graduating class of Syracuse High School!!! We are all so proud of him. He looked dashing in his cap and gown. However, I didn't get any good pictures on my camera because Barry took off with my bag which had the camera in it. Also, I was not feeling too hot. Earlier (about two hours prior too) I ate two of Andrews pop corn chickens from his Arby's kids meal. Let's just say I ended up in the hospital at 5am the next morning to get two IV's due to dehydration. We had to call my sister Cathy to come and sit with Andrew while we ventured off. I am so thankful she lives close by and was home. My mom and dad were in Costa Rica so they were a little out of the way to be bothered. The hospital wasn't all that great. The next time I am at the hospital, it better be to have a baby!!!!


Which brings me to my next point. Today I am exactly 37 weeks!!! Only three more to go unless I get to have her early like I did Andrew. In that case I am expecting her this weekend but I won't hold my breath. Here is why she won't be coming early: 1- Because Andrew did. 2- Because I want her to. 3- Because my bags are packed and I am actually prepared for it.

Long Time No Blog!

Sorry I haven't been very good at keeping up. But, it's been a crazy month with my dance company, drill team and of course family. Summer is near and I am sooooo happy to be done with school and even more happy to be done with pregnancy. 5 weeks and 3 days but whose counting.
So here are some fun pictures from spring break that was a good month ago but we had a great time! We went to St. George to cheer on my dad's softball team. Barry was dying because he couldn't play but he made a great cheerleader.
Andrew is already learning how all of his boy cousins show their undies!!!

This is Andrew with his cousin Ruby. He talks about her non stop!!! He always wants to see her and if you ask him what someone or something's name is, he replies "Ruby."

So Cute!!