Smith Stories

Cade's Cove~Gatlinburg, TN

2012-01-27T10:32:00.001-08:00

Cade's Cove was the perfect spot for some family photos and well, a little monkeying around too!

Chatanooga, TN ~ Ruby Falls

2012-01-18T18:05:00.001-08:00

The story of Ruby Falls begins with the original Lookout Mountain Cave whose natural entrance is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain on the banks of the Tennessee River. Tales of this cave’s huge chambers and winding passages have long been passed down from one generation to the next, and the cave’s whereabouts have been known by Chattanooga inhabitants for centuries. The rich history of this cave includes Native Americans, cave explorers, notorious outlaws, civil war soldiers, and even a president of the United States. There were many reports of explorers traveling deep into this cave, as far as 12 miles without reaching the end.

In 1905, due to geographical limitations, the Southern Railroad Company was forced to construct a tunnel along the face of Lookout Mountain and through some portions of the mountain for one of its lines. This tunnel intersected and sealed off the natural entrance to the Lookout Mountain Cave. In doing this, the Lookout Mountain Cave was completely shut off to the public.

Leo Lambert, a local cave enthusiast knew of Lookout Mountain Cave and its rich history and had even explored the cave prior to it being sealed off. He longed to reopen it to the public and devised a plan from which to do so. In 1923, Mr. Lambert along with a group of investors decided to enact his plan. His idea was to drill an elevator shaft from another point on the mountain to access the cave from the surface above. Work on this feat of engineering began in the fall of 1928.

On December 28, 1928, while excavating the elevator shaft a worker operating a jackhammer discovered a void in the rock and felt a gush of air. This void was located at the 260 foot level, still 160 feet above the Lookout Mountain Cave. Upon further inspection, an opening, 18 inches high and five feet wide, was discovered.

Lambert, along with a small crew, entered this opening to explore the new found cave. While exploring they discovered a number of unusual and beautiful rock formations, flowing passages and several stream beds. Pushing their way deeper and deeper into the cave, they finally reached its marvelous jewel, the waterfall. Mr. Lambert and his exploration party were awestruck by it magnificence and beauty, and quickly returned to the surface to share their new found discovery with the rest of the crew. The round trip journey took them about 17 hours.

On his next exploration into the cave, Lambert took several people including his wife Ruby to see the many wonders they had discovered. While gazing at the waterfall, Lambert told his wife that he would name it in her honor, “Ruby Falls.”

Mr. Lambert decided to develop both the Lookout Mountain Cave and the new found Ruby Falls Cave to the public and offered tours to both caves. The entrance building for both tours was built from the limestone excavated from the elevator shaft and the cave trails. This entrance was touted as the “World’s Most Magnificent Cave Entrance.” “Cavern Castle,” as it was named, was modeled after a fifteenth century Irish castle.

From 1930 to 1935 tours were offered to both caves, but Ruby Falls proved to be the most popular with its many unusual formations and of course the waterfall itself. In 1935, the Lookout Mountain Cave was closed to the public. The Ruby Falls Cave has been open to the public ever since and has hosted millions of visitors during its long storied history.

After nearly a century of tours through Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is as strong as ever. Developing from a small road-side wonder into one of the ‘must see’ attractions in the Southeast. Through the years, Ruby Falls has become much more than just a cavern. It is an experience for people of all ages, affording them extraordinary views, inspiring sites and shared memories that will last a lifetime.

A few more of the fam...

2012-01-18T16:48:00.001-08:00

It's a time for Family

2012-01-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

We got to spend a little time with Grandma Joyce and Papaw Jim. They came for lunch and a visit. It was fun to spend time with them and enjoy the yummy corn crab bisque and crunchy salad. Isn't family what this time of year is really all about?!

Christmas and Traditions

2012-01-11T17:33:00.001-08:00

One thing I love the most about Christmas, are the traditions...

Before we went to Mississippi for the holidays, we baked goodies and went doorbell ditching. Mason still talks about it today. His response to our cunningness was "Dat wa fun!" There's no question who our thrill seeker is going to be. Carter earned money and bought Mason, Matt, and I gifts at the little gift store put on by his school. I thought that was so sweet. When I asked what he bought for himself, he said, "nothing." I got a pad of sticky notes with a sweet quote about moms, can't remember it right now. Dad got a mini flashlight and Mason got a sticker that said, "#1 brother" Carter did get something from Mason and we opened these before we left for the holidays...

This year it was "just another homemade Christmas" in Mississippi! The kind that brings those tender feelings you felt when you were a child at Christmastime so many years ago. We've done these things for years and I plan to incorporate them into my own family traditions along with the ones we come up with on our own.

Lets start with the viewing of the Lewis Lights! This is a very decorative, I mean very decorative, house out in the boonies. They have people from all over come see their lights.
We exchange gifts between the siblings by drawing names and giving gag gifts on Christmas Eve. This year everyone did awesome. They were hilarious.
We always read the Christmas story before this is done. Since we don't have that many little children in our family yet, the manger scene is something we just started doing a few years ago. We did this every year growing up at my grandmother's Christmas party before she passed away and when I look back it's probably one of the things I remember most. Now I'm excited for my own children to experience it. We just need a few more cousins to fill in=) That will get better as the years go by.
We let the kids open new pjs to wear Christmas Eve night.
We go caroling or doorbell ditching, this year was caroling to the lowly in heart and delivering a gift.
We always do a talent show, which is a HUGE production of us pretty much showing out and acting like complete goofballs.
There have been many Christmas's spent in Gatlinburg, TN, and we were fortunate to go there this year. We did the Dixie Stampede, which is my favorite. We go skiing, but this year there was no snow so it was closed, so we went ice-skating. We drive through Cade's Cove looking for deer, the guys LOVE this. And Carter was pretty stoked about it too.
Gumbo! sometime around the holidays we always have shrimp gumbo and we hauled it all the way down to Gatlinburg with us so we didn't miss this tradition, it's so delish!
For the count down, we bang pots and pans hysterically accompanied with lots of yelling and screaming, creating lots of loudness and commotion to reign in the New Year.
Pretty much we get together and just have lots and lots of fun!

little bits o' christmas here and there

2012-01-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

I know this is SO last year =), but I'm just now gonna start doing my Christmas pictures, bits by bits.

Our trip to Washington DC was such a special little get away!

During a FHE, after watching the last general conference, we decided to make goals for our family.
We each needed to come up with a goal that would help strengthen our family. My goal was for us to plan a trip to the temple. We live farther away from a temple than we ever have, so we put it on the calendar to go on the day Matt finished his finals. It almost got cancelled so many times, but I was determined to make this happen. We all know who the culprit was who was trying to destroy our plans!? But we made it, we went! I hope our children came home thinking that it is worth the sacrifice you make to attend the temple. And I hope they felt the peaceful spirit there.

The concert entertainment was magnificent, Captial Carillon, a concert of bell ringers. I've never heard anything more peaceful. There were manger scenes from all countries displayed, gorgeous trees, and lights like you wouldn't believe.

It was an extra special trip for me because it was first time going to the temple my parents were sealed in 29 years ago! The beauty and spirit I felt there was incredible. A perfect way to start the Christmas season.

I got to do a session while Matt stayed with the kids at the hotel.

Before heading home we took the kids to the zoo, it was free, a very nice free zoo! I was surprised.

It was a short little trip of rejuvenation!

Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T11:31:00.001-08:00

Thank you pinterest!

Persuasive Writing

2011-12-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

This is Carter's letter to Santa. At first he got out a piece of paper and started writing a list of toys. I decided to seize the opportunity to help him do a persuasive letter. I said, "You should explain to Santa why you deserve presents this year." He said," I HAVE to say please a lot, right?" "Please" is good start=)

Here's what we got...

Fall/Halloween Festivites

2011-11-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

This post is long! I had lots of catching up to do on Halloween/Fall Festivites. We had lots of fun...

seeing the Scarecrow Festival at Peddlars Village

going to Shady Brook Farm with Mom and Tots
Willow Brook Farm together as a family, picking out our pumpkins, enjoying hay maze& ride

Mom & Tots Halloween Party (painting pumpkins, eating pizza, playing games)

Carving our pumpkins and making Halloween sugar cookies

Watching Carter's Kindergarten Halloween Parade

and of course

Trick or Treating with Wayments and Schexnyders

Aiden, Ryan, Kyrie, Carter, Mason

We have our Storm Trooper

And our little Pirate

Daddy wins the Best Carved Pumpkin Award...He worked hard on it and did a dang good job I think! Go Cougs!

Ward Halloween Party

Loving baking cookies

Mom & Tots Party

Willowbrook Farm

I loved every minute at this farm...it made me think of my home...it had a good authentic southern feel to it.

Carter picked us out a 22lb pumpkin!

Kids loved playing on this tractor!

Peddler's Village

Scarecrows...I love the Barbecrow!

Mater!

BIG BOY underwear...

2011-10-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

This little guy is in big boy underwear today! I am officially potty training him. This is not one of the top ten favorite mommy things I like to do, but I'm almost positive he's ready. He will get up in the morning take his diaper off tinkle in the potty and then come get me and tell me to get him dressed. And at other times during the day he will tell me when he needs to go, so I take him. After these incidents I've just put him back in a diaper because I'm lazy and don't want to have to think about taking him to the potty every hour, but I think it's time!! Wish me luck =0!

Lil' G

2011-10-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

I had fun capturing shots of my little man in downtown Philly! I was a little skeptical to do it, because we were not in the best part of town, but I found a pretty safe spot. We were safe although we got eaten alive by mosquitoes(those things are awful here, even worse than the south ;)

Mason is 2.5 years old and a ball of energy. I can't get enough of him especially when he looks at me and says, " I wuvs u too, mommy!" He is starting to talk a lot and makes pretty good sense. He can definitely get his point across. I can't help but cuddle him at nap time. He knows what he likes and is determined to get it. He can hit a baseball without a tee. He thinks he is apart of Carter's soccer team even though he is just kicking his ball on the sideline. He is a cuddler and gives the best hugs and rubs your back when he does it. He is Carter's little shadow and it is cute to see them develop such a bond.

I am completely and totally in love with him!

2011-10-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Carter got "Student of the Month" for being respectful. Makes a mama (and daddy) proud. We are so excited. I got to eat breakfast with him and watch him receive his certificate and pin. It was extra special because his little friend, Kyrie, from church was chosen for the other Kindergarten class. She is the cutie in the pics below. Keep up the good work Carterman!

Principal Baruche'

A Beautiful Couple Together Forever

2011-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

My little brother was married to his new bride for time and all eternity. They were married in the Manti, UT temple on August 23. A beautiful couple married on a beautiful day, made my heart sing. I love them both dearly. The sealing ceremony was very spiritual and special. They both looked so happy that their day had finally come to be sealed together forever. The bride was gorgeous and the groom very handsome. We celebrated with a luncheon after the ceremony and a reception a few days later in Hattiesburg, MS. It was fun to watch them in their own little love bubble, it reminded me of the one I was in almost 9 years ago.

Time does fly so, love each other with all your hearts is my advice to them. They asked me to capture moments of their special day, and I was glad to do it for them. If you want to see the whole album go here. May your lives together be filled with all the blessings eternity can offer!

A New Beginning...

2011-09-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

We made it to Philadelphia! We are alive and well and settling down into our little pocket of Northeast Philly in a little borough called Somerton. We live right by the train station which makes if very convenient for Matt to commute to school everyday.

At the beginning of August Matt and I drove the moving truck here from Alabama while my parents kept the kids. We are so grateful for that, because it would have been crazy moving with the boys. Thanks mom and dad for your help!

Matt and I got to explore Philly for a few days before heading back to Alabama to pick up the boys and attend my brother's wedding (more on that later). I wanted to see what it was like to ride the train so we hopped on and rode it to Temple University. It is downtown and right around campus the area is really nice, but they warn you to not wonder far from campus because just two blocks over is a whole new territory. It turns into a pretty shady area, you know city life ;) Matt showed me where he'd be going to classes. We ate Philly Cheese Steaks for lunch and they are definitely as good as people make them out to be (yu-u-mmy)! The next day I wanted to drive around and we ended up driving to Center City. On the way there, my jaw dropped as we got closer and closer into the city. The word, "ghetto" came to life in a way I've never experienced. All I could think of was, "we are not in Kansas anymore, Toto!" It was a sight to behold, well for this country girl anyway.

Our home needed a little touching up: painting and cleaning, so we spent most of our time doing that. I wanted to get it all done before we brought the boys home and never got it done. Now we are comfortable and ready to take on the next few years =) It will be challenging at times, but I also know these will be some of the greatest years of our lives, where we can grow together as a family.

Every time we move I am reminded how grateful I am for the church and that everywhere you go it is there with an instant support system. We were welcomed by our Elder's Quorum President and other members the night Matt and I drove the truck in and since have met many new wonderful people in our ward. It is a small ward of about 120 people, there are 5 little boys in the nursery. Carter's Primary class has about 8 little kids. They are a group of humble and faithful members who come from all walks of life, all with diverse backgrounds and their own story to tell. None of us are alike so we have a lot to share and offer each other. There are a few other student families. Matt has already been called to be the 1st counselor in YM's, a quorum he is always destined to be a part of. It makes sense...he's good with the YM and for that I am grateful.

We met some neighbors. The parents are both retired police officers. The guy worked in narcotics down by Temple and was telling us how bad it can be down there. Scary! They have 3 children, 2 boys (ages 8&9), and 1 girl (age 6), who hit it off well with Carter by asking him if he wanted to play baseball with them in their backyard.

Speaking of baseball, the first week we were here, we couldn't resist going to a Phillies vs. Braves game. We went on Memorial Day and got the cheapest tickets they offered. $15 ... not bad, but you get what you pay for... we were on the VERY top row. But it didn't matter, the boys barely new the difference, they were just ecstatic to be there. As to be expected we were the only people there going for the Braves and it didn't help that the Phillies beat us 9:0 that night. Carter said, "This is definitely cool!" And to top it off we only a 20 minute drive to the stadium.

We've been getting Carter ready for kindergarten and he's doing well with that "new beginning" so far. He talks about a friend that he plays with at recess, but he doesn't know his name. His school prides themselves in their music and art programs. Carter painted a pictures of a house today. His teacher is really sweet, I think she's going to be great. Her name is Mrs. Kukulka, how's that for a mouthful. It took me 2 days to remember it. I miss him at home, but it makes it easier to let him go because he was ready and excited for this step=)

Matt has been in school for 3 weeks. He is busy but a good busy, because he really enjoys what he is doing. On the 2nd day they already had him making teeth out of wax. Before we moved he kept saying, " I can't wait to go to dental school." I told him I would remind him of his enthusiasm during Boards and test weeks =)

Mason and I will be buddies throughout the day while Carter is at school. We have Mom and Tots plans and homeschool preschool plans, and just who knows what other plans ;) The first day, Mason kept saying, "Where Carter go, mommy?" I kept telling him Carter went to school and that we would pick him up soon. Right after his nap, I say ready to get Carter, "Yeah!"is his reply and when we get there Carter is greeted with a huge Mason hug. These two have become quite the pair. Mason is like Carter's little shadow.

This past weekend we met up with the Galvins, who give us a good breath of fresh air and warm reminder of home. It truly is a blessing to be going through this whole ordeal with friends that are more than friends, more like family. We all went to the 2nd largest mall in the country, yep it's huge! It's in a place called King of Prussia, PA which is about half way between our homes, about a half hour commute for the both of us. We ate at Cheesecake Factory and the new Hershey cheesecake is ABSOLUTELY the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. We found a park nearby, let the kids play and then said our goodbyes. We have plans to do lots of fun things together and I'm excited for it all!

Matt put a list of things we need to do in their priority order and on the top of the list was " Get the boys in sports" So Saturday morning that's what I did. I found the perfect little athletic facility where you sign up and play all your sports. And it's CHEAP! Like $100 for all the sports all year long, can't beat that! Carter starts soccer Saturday. And I'm in the process of getting our little monkey boy, Mason, signed up for gymnastics.

Something I can say for Philly is they are CR-A-ZY drivers! It really scares me. I've been flipped off twice already and Carter said, "Mom, these people are not very nice, they always honk their horn at you." Ok so the roads are absolutely horrible, I have NOT figured them out yet, seriously the most confusing thing ever !! Granted I admit, I don't know what I'm doing when I'm out there driving, I know this, but cut this country girl some slack.

I'm learning to be more cautious of my surroundings. It just comes with the territory. It is a MUST that you hide your GPS when you park your car. They recommend that you don't ever stick it on the window because the prowlers will see the circular mark it leaves on the window and know that a GPS is in the car.

I have a feeling our time here is going to fly by. So I'm going to enjoy every minute I can. It's a once in a life time experience even though it is different from what we are use to. I kept saying it before I left, " We can do anything for 4 years." and I'll add "as long as we are together!" With much time spent on my knees, I know my Father in Heaven in mindful of me and my family at this time. He is helping us get settled into our new life here in Philly. We love and miss you all and wish you the best in your own "new beginnings"=)

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-09-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Off he goes!

The teachers came and picked the students up outside, we told them good bye at the door, and off they went on their merry way.

This is a shot after school was over, here he comes bouncing down the stairs.

One of the few smiles I could capture that morning. He was in a more serious mood, a little nervous I would say.

Definitely not in the mood for pictures, but oh well gotta have first day of school pictures =)

This was Mason waiting for the bell to ring for school to be out.

I know one little boy who was glad to see his bubba after wondering where he went all day.

"Where bubba go mommy?"

A hard thing to do...

2011-07-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

is to say "Goodbye."

Two and half years ago we moved to Alabama. I was 5 months pregnant and we weren't planning on staying more than 8 months. Matt was applying for MBA school somewhere and so we thought we'd be moving. One month after we arrived Matt was layed off of his job due the falling economy. Two months later we find out that all the MBA schools denied us. I remember sitting in our living room with my husband one night and just laughing as we talked about what had happened and how Heavenly Father sometimes really has to give you a slap in the face to help you see that your not even in the "warm" vacinity with what you are to do with your life. I know Heavenly Father had given us a series of "unfortunate" (or what we thought were unfortunate at the time)events because we weren't headed down the right path. "So what do we do now?" we thought.

Pray, Fast, Be Humble, Serve, and Have Faith!

After much of all of the above, Matt called me one day from work like he usually does. He said, " I want to be a dentist." Jaw drop. "Really!?! OK, what do we do now?" "I don't know," he said. And that was the start of this new phase of our life.

He worked hard going to school and working full time which made for a really long year and half, but we knew it wasn't gonna last forever. And in the 11th hour, we got into dental school

Now after 2.5 years we are moving to Philadelphia.

I am grateful for this time I have spent in Alabama getting to know so many AMAZING people and developing friendships I will cherish forever. I'm not very good at goodbyes so I avoid them altogether if possible. If I didn't get see you one last time before I left, I'm sorry...know that I love you, Sweet Home Alabamian friends. You are all very dear to me. This is a time when I am especially grateful for blogging, so know that I will be checking in on all of you! And for now I'll say, "see you later"

Star Valley, Wyoming

2011-07-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

We took a trip out west to visit family over the 4th of July. We were gone 10 days and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We spent most of our time in Star Valley, Wyoming, where Matt's mom was born and raised. The boys and I were able to meet some of Matt's relatives who still live in the area. Star Valley is gorgeous. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking. We spent 3 days boating on Lake Palisades, surrounded by huge mountains. The water was freeeeezing, a whoping 47 degrees, we had to wear wet suits for sure!

On the 4th we went to the Star Valley's Freedom Carnival, where the kids enjoyed a number of different races, bag racing, run with a tennis ball between your leg racing, mad dashing, and others. That night we went to the Star Valley Rodeo, yee haw. We all loved the cow milking contest, some cowboys will do anything to catch and milk a cow... it was hilarious! After the rodeo, was a huge firework show, the boys ran around on the grass until a firework would explode then they would fall down like they had gotten blown up. Entertaining to say the least. The men and boys put on another firework show for us at the cabin. They learned how to build and shoot off rockets, thanks to Uncle Jeff for being very patient ;)

On Sunday, we drove to Jackson, Wyoming (Jackson Hole) and went to church there, then drove to Grand Teton National Park, which ended up being one of my favorite things we did. There we did a little 3 mile hike around Jenny Lake, which is in the center of the park, to an awesome waterfall. The boys did well hiking, Mason walked at least 2 miles himself. It was awesome to be out in nature, surrounded by the mountains as you walked looking at the beautiful scenery.

We had a fun fun trip. We were even able to take the boys to visit our old stomping grounds at BYU. Lots of fun memories. We had so much fun seeing everyone! Love and miss you all!

Beautiful Star Valley

Teton National Park Waterfall

we saw a moose

Jenny Lake

Mr. Curiosity

Matt and his mama!

more Jenny Lake

my favorite picture of the trip

The Tetons Mountains

our little hikers

our cabin

little cowboys

4th of July Carnival

boating at Palisades Lake

Family =)

yeah, they got flipped =))

the tots

rocket shooting

at BYU

rolling down the hill, a tradition

fun with cousins

Grandma & Grandpa Smith!

28 years

2011-07-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

If you're lucky enought to eat at Casa Blanca on your birthday, you're lucky enough to get cool whip smeared in your face. My boys thought it was awesome! Matt got a good kick out of it too =)

Happy Birthday to me!

I told someone today that next year, when I turn 29 is when I'm probably gonna feel old since it'll be my last year in my twenties. But I'm only 28 today and I don't feel old. I think it's a good age. I think back and I'm grateful for my life, all the wonderful people in it, and all the things I've gone through to get me here today. I can honestly say that I'm happy! I love my boys and my wonderful husband who are EVERYTHING to me. I'm grateful for my parents that have taught me wonderful things and given me the confidence to make the best of every situation. I try to focus on trying to be a little better each year, so hopefully this year will bring me lots of new and good experiences. I'm grateful to know I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me and is there for me. Here's to being 28, to living life, and loving it!

Lucy Kate

2011-07-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

While we were on our vacation to see family, I snuck some pictures of little Miss Lucy Kate, my 2 year old niece. She is adorable and I had fun watching her bounce around and explore her little world in her little pink dress. Her and Mason were good buddies the whole time. They were so cute playing together. Mason calls her, "Wucy." It was so good to see family... there's much more of our trip coming soon!

Mason turned TWO!

2011-06-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

pool party!

Cake!!

Mason and Mama... had to add these ;)

Below are some of Mason's extra-curricular activities...

playing badminton, he can actually hit it over the net

drawing

And a last cute one!

Daddy's Day and Daddy's News!

2011-06-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

We love our daddy. He is one of a kind! Carter was asked today at church what he liked about his dad. He said, "he's funny!" That he is, along with so much more. I remember seeing a picture of Matt holding his little niece while we were dating and thinking, "He will make a great dad someday." Little did I know, he would become the father of my children. Now that someday is here, and we have two little boys who adore him and he loves them back. He shows them everyday. You know it's love when he comes home from work and let's the boys wrestle him to the ground. You know it's love because when he's not doing what he HAS to do, he's with us, helping us, playing with us, teaching us, and just being there for us. The time, the sacrifice... thanks for being such a great Daddy!

And something about Matt that lots of our readers might not know is that...Matt was accepted to dental school! He was accepted to Temple University which is in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania. It starts at the end of August, so we're packing up this summer and heading to Philly! We will be there for four years. Exciting, yes! Scary, yes! Crazy, yes!. Our moving truck leaves July 31st! We are very proud of him and his hard work the past two years to accomplish this goal. Work and school and calling...he managed it all and it paid off. Way to go, daddy!

Happy Father's Day!!

We have a Graduate!

2011-06-15T13:46:00.001-07:00

Carter graduated from preschool! To celebrate we had a little graduation party at the park with ice cream sandwiches and cupcakes. We presented our graduates with certificates and graduation caps. It has been awesome to be apart of this little community of teaching mothers, through it my kids and I have made some great memories and wonderful friends that we will never forget!

Strawberry Pickin'

2011-06-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

... is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. I do love the taste of a fresh, sweet, and perfectly ripe strawberry straight from the garden. And the best part about it is, you can eat as many as you want! Yu-u-mmy! Felt like a little kid in a candy store! We went to a little place called Brown Farms about 40 minutes away and had a hay day pickin' strawberries! Blueberry season starts next week... anybody wanna go?

Another season come and gone!

2011-06-08T19:09:00.001-07:00

Carter loves, loves baseball. It's in his blood I guess. His little t-ball team was the White Sox with Coach Beyersdorf. This year was fun because he got it, knew it, and played it. When he played the outfield, he would sometimes get bored and I'd look over and find him picking the grass or sitting down. But for the most part he was into the game.

Sometimes when a ball was hit he would run all the way across the field to get it. He's a particular child, and was confused when the coaches let a player score their run even when they were tagged out or the baseman touched the base before the runner got to it ( In t-ball they don't honor outs). He is so competitive that he kept up with the score and he couldn't wait to tell me what it was after every game. He'd say, " Mom we got 10 runs and they got 9, we won!" I don't think anyone else, players or parents, could tell you what the score was at the end of the game, except for one person, Carter's dad. I guess that's in his blood too. Mason loved the games too. He'd say, "Bubba baybaw (baseball)" And before and after the games he'd get on the field and run around in circles like he was running the bases. It's cute how he wants to be like his older brother. It is inevitable that this is only the beginning of many many years of baseball. Gotta love my boys.

Intense, check out that face !!!

The Beach!!

2011-06-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Day Weekend we took our little trip to Destin. Oh how I love the beach! The boys had an absolute blast, we all did. It was fun to see Mason and Carter jumping the waves, running up and down the beach, and digging in the sand. Mason would point and say, " Beach!" Carter didn't want to leave.

The waves were huge this year, the biggest I've ever seen. They were so big the life guards had to block off sections of the beach due to rip tides. Matt forgot to put sunscreen on his back the first day, so he was "feelin" it later that night and the rest of the trip. We had the perfect little breeze the whole time to keep us from being too hot and the water was the perfect temp too.

When we first arrived I walked out with Mason and held onto his little hands while he jumped the waves. He didn't want to stop. We built and huge hole in the ground and let the waves fill it up with water.

We went back to the beach at night a few times and watched the sunset, which led into our night of crab hunting. When I was with Carter hunting, he got so excited that he slammed his net to the ground and accidentally smashed the crab. He said,
" I have to tell that to my dad." (poor little crab). At another instance, we saw a huge white crab, the biggest of the night, but Carter said he was too scared of that one to catch it. That lucky crab got away =)

We flew kites, which Mason would let go of because he thought it was fun to see mommy run down the beach to catch it. Little stinker.

We ate at the Lucky Snapper (yummy, I love their fried shrimp) and Hard Rock Cafe' (not so yummy) and Pompano Joe's (okay). We got lobster at Pompano Joe's which was overcooked and chewy.

At the pool Carter learned to do a front flip in the water and Mason jumped to Matt and I off the side about 50 times during which he drank a gallon of pool water.We played baseball and sharks and minos.

At night we relaxed and watched movies usually falling asleep because of our fun exhausting days.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, my family, and friends on this little getaway. Here's til next time!

We had fun with the Galvin Family!

Haley + Cory

2011-05-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

My brother, Cory, and his fiance' are engaged to be married this August in the Manti Temple. We are so excited to get another girl in our family. Right now we are definitely outnumbered. It is fun to see them so in love and reminisce back to those lovey dovey years. They compliment each other well and are such an adorable couple. Love you guys!!

Latest on Madison, AL Area

2011-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to update those who have expressed concern on the situation we faced in Alabama with the tornados. We are all safe and staying with my family in Hattiesburg, MS because our power is out. They are estimating a 4-5 day outage on the whole northern region of Alabama. Our home is fine, and we feel very blessed. I couldn't hold back the tears as we drove down the highway and saw homes completely leveled out, mattresses and clothing hanging in trees. One home looked like a huge trash pile. Billboards were completely bent over, power lines and trees torn down or split in half. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones. It was scary being so close to it all, I'm not gonna lie. Here is an article I found on the latest statistics in our area.

Madison County officials held a joint news conference Saturday morning to update citizens on the progress of the disaster recovery.

Madison County Sheriff's officials said there have been eight confirmed fatalities in

Madison County and many people were injured.

337 homes in the area were affected by Wednesday's deadly storms.

239 homes were destroyed and

98 have been declared uninhabitable.

County officials said they are doing their best to accommodate people without homes by opening up shelters.

The widespread power outage is also a big problem. Huntsville Utilities spokesman Bill Pippen said 514,000 people are still without power in the county and officials estimate that it will be Tuesday before power is restored to the majority of customers.

Pippen said TVA has more than 4,000 employees that are currently working on lines and transmitters across the area.

Officials are also asking Madison County residents to conserve water. Officials said the South Memorial Parkway water plant is down causing a low pressure problem. Officials urge residents to not use water unnecessarily for tasks such as watering lawns or washing cars.
Because there are power problems in the area, officials said schools won't re-open until at least Wednesday. They're hoping to get full power restored by then.

Services like garbage pickup will be back on a regular schedule beginning Monday.

Sheriff Blake Dorning also addressed the curfew. Curfew for all Madison county residents is still in place, which means from about 8:00 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., people should not be out on the streets or in areas where they don't belong.

Deputies made 12 arrests Friday night for people breaking the dusk to dawn curfew and said they will make more if need be. Looting is also a problem, but the number of reports has gone down

Wednesday when power went out, there were about 30 reports of looting. Friday night, there were only 8.

As far as medical needs, emergency management officials said local hospitals are back up and running. There is also a medical clinic that's open at Sparkman 9th Grade Academy. That will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day until further notice.

Officials also outlined how volunteers can help in the relief effort. They suggested getting to know your neighbor and cleaning up debris around your neighborhood.

Financial donations are also needed for the long clean-up ahead. Madison county officials asked any money that's contributed to the fund be donated to the Red Cross or United Way. All of those funds will go directly towards helping those affected by the storms.

We appreciate your continued prayers.

All our love,

Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful to start Easter weekend at the Atlanta Temple Open House with friends and family. There's no where else I feel closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior than in The Holy House of the Lord. I was grateful Carter had the opportunity to go inside the temple although I'm sure he didn't realize the magnitude of it. He was very reverent looking in each room and at the pictures of the Savior depicted throughout the temple. I hope he had a little stirring in his heart, that made him think, "There's something special about this place."

I've never been to a temple open house, it's not very often the occasion arises. The Atlanta Temple is special to me, it was the one I grew up going to as a youth. I remember the long 9 hour trips we would make each year with my youth group to do baptisms. It's one of the first places I grew to learn about and recognize the Spirit. I looked forward to the serenity and peace I felt there.

The renovations were beautiful. I'm so glad we went!

A friend brought to my attention that you might be thinking the first two pictures are my pictures... let me assure you they are not. I didn't get pictures of the front of the temple, and I wanted one for documentation sake and for my blog book, so I googled them. I'm not sure who took these photographs, but I like them. You can find them too if you google Atlanta Temple. Happy Searching!

Easter Egg hunting

And then we had some badminton...

And then we had some water squirting...

....some trampoline jumping

.... and lots of smiles!

I'm am very thankful for my Savior, His life, death, and resurrection, which brings me hope and joy.

Happy Easter!

Yowee

2011-04-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

Mason loves his yowee, which in our language means yogurt. He also likes to make a huge mess when he eats his yowee by squeezing it out of the cup, licking it out of the cup, or smearing it all over the table with his bare hand. Do you think he thinks its finger paint?... Well it sure is yummy finger paint!

I am so sad over this...

2011-04-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

I found myself balling this morning as I listened to Pia Toscano's farewell song on American Idol. I wasn't able to watch the show last night so I googled the results this morning and was appalled at what I found. I'm so sad, Pia was my favorite! http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid271557391?bctid=895599565001

The Fun Place!

2011-03-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Papa T spoiled us with a special trip for Carter (for his b-day) to Chuck E' Cheese! How can you not have fun there?? Mason loved Chuck E Cheese. Carter tried hard to like him, but was still shy around him.

Mason was so excited... that Chuck E got a kiss!

Mason pointing at Chuck E

Games, Games, and more Games!

Mason walking onto the skee ball ramp, I think I had to get him down 100 times!

These last two pics were taken with the video camera because my camera battery died, makes me grateful for my SLR =)

Fun Fun!

Ice-man

2011-03-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Carter is in his second 6 week session of ice hockey. He passed level one and is now in level two. He just loves it! It is amazing to me how these little kids pick up on this sport so quickly.

The very first practice will be something I will never forget. The hockey trainers opened the door to the rink to let the kids out onto the ice. As each little skater went out, they immediately dropped like flies. Before we knew it there was a pile of first time skaters piled on top of each other. The parents got a good laugh. The trainers had to peel each child off the other, hold them up under their armpits and actually skate each child over to the wall, so they could hold on to something. I thought to myself, how on earth are these kids gonna learn how to ice skate? After many many falls the first practice, when the second practice came, everyone was a little bit better. The third practice, the same thing. Each pracitice it clicked a little more.

Mind you when you start out, you are only learning to skate, forget the sticks and the pucks. It was amazing to see their little bodies quickly find their center of gravity and balance. Carter would get in the car and say, " I didn't fall as much this time."

With the level 2s, they are learning to skate with their hockey stick. At the end of practice for about 5 minutes, they let them hit the pucks around.

If Carter doesn't get much out of doing this, I know there is one thing he will learn:

"When you fall down, you have to get back up!" And that in and of itself is a priceless lesson in so many other ways than just ice hockey.

I love this picture because it reminds me how hard I laughed at all the falls on that very first practice =) It was quite entertaining!

Carter's 5th

2011-03-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ever since I mentioned a Star Wars birthday party... Carter thrived on the idea. He helped me plan the whole thing. I think it was great success. Thank you to all who came and supported.

The light sabers were a hit... literally... lots of light saber battles going on!. Jedi Dad, lead us through light saber training, and an obstacle course that completed the Jedi Training. We played hot lava with a balloon, busted a pinata, had cake, opened presents, but that's not all.... The REAL Darth Vader made his appearance at the very end... getting creamed by 20 little kids with light sabers...ended up on the floor in the bathroom completely defeated. A sight to behold.

Happy Birthday to my boy! We love you Carter!

On a more sentimental note:

I have avoided bringing to mind the fact that my baby was turning 5 as long as possible. As most of you might guess, I am the mom that will be balling when I send my boy off to kindergarten... I mean not just a glistening tear... crocodile tears uncontrollably...Carter will probably be so embarrassed. I admit right now, I'm not ready to let him go... I'm not and that is something I will have to work out the next 5 months... How do you prepare yourself for it? I can't believe my baby is 5!

A Day Out Back

2011-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

After snack we were playing and exploring in our backyard. Just a relaxing day with slide races and dirty faces...

Mason Lingo & Carter Comedy

2011-03-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

ou yide- outside
pubaw= football
momo= marshmellow
wow!, he says frequently
ee ya= here you go
dawgie= doggy
eee=eat
eaup=help
yite=light
nigh nigh= night night
ear ma= here mom, when he's trying to give me something
ere oky= air hockey, when he wants to play on Carter's air hocky table
bawe=ball
moomee= movie
popie=popcorn
beebee= baby, when he wants to watch "baby signing time"
bwua= blue
boke= broke
yeyo= yellow
due= two
mom
daddy
buba=Carter
babaw= papaw

He can sign "more" and "please". We are working on "thank you"
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Carter was at preschool the other day and the lesson was on friendship. The teacher was talking about the people that can be our friends. The teacher asks, " Can our brother or sister be our friend."
Carter after a little pause,"Um NOOOO!"
The look on his face was priceless when the teacher corrected him and said, "yes, our brother or sister can be our friend." The light came on in his little brain. The puzzlement in his face... I wish I had been recording.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Moreover, the other night when we were reading scriptures, we were talking about free agency and choosing the right:
I said, " We are in charge of the choices we make. When we decide to make good choices there are good consequence, when we decide to make wrong choices there are bad consequences. However, no one can make you choose the right. Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices, however He is not down here and going to make you make the right choices."

"No, you do" he says as his voice went from a low to high pitch with a questioning tone, making reference that I tell him what to do all the time.

I could have gone into how we are here to guide his choices but I was laughing too hard. I guess it was so funny because it was just so honest.

I just love to hear what there little brains are thinking.

Rodeo Clown

2011-02-22T20:13:00.001-08:00

Our little rodeo clown has been quite the entertainment. Mason loves to play on his little pony and pretend he's a cowboy, doing tricks such as standing on his horse. I don't know that I've ever seen such a cute cowboy!

It's Great to be Eight!

2011-02-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

We had two baptisms and a homecoming to celebrate in our family at the beginning of the month. We flew to Utah to be apart of the special occasions. We were excited to see my niece, Lexus, and nephew, Nic, get baptized and to see Josh, my nephew, after coming home from his mission a week earlier from Seattle, Washington. It was wonderful to visit and laugh again with family. We love you all!

Newly baptized, Lexus and Nic

Josh, returned missionary, who baptized Nic

Cousins!

The TOTS!
Mason & Lucy Kate

They were so fun to watch as they are the babies of the family and one month apart!

"I'm so bored..."

2011-02-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

Carter was telling me how "bored" he was one day and so I suggested that he write me a story. His reply was, "I don't wanna." I said, "why don't you try?" He left the room, and I didn't think he had actually gone and done it, but to my surprise this is what he came back with...

Carter's first written story says, " Once there was a little boy and his name was Carter and his favorite sport was baseball."

After I "oooed and ahhhhed" over it, he became excited about writing for a few days.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-02-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

On January 18th, Matt and I celebrated 8 years of marriage. I look back and think, " I can't believe it's been that long." It doesn't seem so, however in the grand scheme of things, 8 years is nothing compared to the eternity we will be spending together. We are thankful for the time we've shared thus far and look forward to many great years to come.

Our marriage, although not perfect, has been one of bliss and happiness. Through the good times and the bad, we've been there for each other, a companionship that lifts and edifies. What comes to mind is the saying, " we go together like peas and carrots" "like macaroni and cheese." I toughen him up and he holds the reigns on me. We laugh a lot! He is the funny one, I don't know what I'd do if he didn't make me laugh all the time.

I look up to my husband, literally because he is over a foot taller than me, but mostly for his faith, strength, determination, optimism, graciousness, love, and so much more.

We feel so blessed to have each other!

New Year's

2011-02-10T10:22:00.001-08:00

On New Year's Day we had a Norton Family Reunion in Mississippi. It was so much fun seeing relatives that we don't see quite as often as we use to. I hope we keep up the yearly tradition. No pictures of the reunion, having too much fun chating. Carter discovered he had cousins on my side of the family as well. They are 2nd and 3rd cousins, non the less still fun to play with.

We spent New Years with Grammy and Papa T and exchanged gifts. It really is such a wonderful time of year.

Mason opening up his gift that is bigger than he is... a little push car! He had to help put it together of course!

Happiest Holidays...until next year!

More... Christmas in Montana!

2011-02-09T20:12:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful trip! We were able to be in Montana from the 21st-27th. I love the beautiful scenic countryside. My father-in-law has horses which is always a hit with the kids. Mason was enthralled by the big animals, Carter was more focused on sledding. Matt's brother and sister came up with their families, so the boys had fun playing with their cousins. It was so fun to spend time with grandma and grandpa as well. We spent lots of time playing card games, "Hand and Foot" to be exact. We went sledding,to the movies to see "True Grit," and to the Elk Foundation. On Christmas Eve we read the Christmas Story, sang songs, and the next morning Santa found us, even all the way in Montana!
We woke up early and Carter was really excited this year. Mason loved unwrapping his gifts, but out of everything he got, he liked the candy cane filled with M&Ms the best. I loved watching the magic of Christmas sparkle in his eyes of the children. After a wonderful Christmas Dinner,we all headed for the snow, AGAIN! Little did I know that it was snowing in Alabama too! Maybe we should leave for Christmas more often so the Alabamians can have snow=)

Beautiful Scenery

Uncle Jeff and Matt

I saw Mason kissing Mama Claus!

Christmas Eve!

A little peek of Montana!

2011-01-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

I got my camera back so hopefully, I can start blogging again! So much to say, so little time... we'll start with a little bit of sledding...

And a little bit of Christmas Eve curiosity

and much more to come!

WE Heart Packages!

2011-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

We sporadically get packages in the mail from grandma or Amazon, and this is often the result... baby in a box! I love this little guy!

backing up just a little...

2011-01-13T18:42:00.001-08:00

I would love to let you in on all the fun we had over the Christmas holidays, but that's hard to do when you leave your camera where you were having all the fun...=(

Meanwhile, I will just catch up on other stories...

Matt's 30th

On the day of Matt's b-day,back in Novemeber, the kids and I planned a little surprise party. We made one of his favorites, German Chocolate Cake, and cooked his favorite meal, Saucy Dogs. We had the place pretty decked out with decor, the kids LOVING the balloons. When he came home from work, we were hiding under the table and jumped out to surprise him with hugs and kisses. That night he got to choose his fun birthday activity and decided to be spontaneous since he was turning 30! So he chose the jumping thing at the mall (whoa now that's what I call crazy ;0). Mason and I were the cheerleaders as we watched them jump their little hearts out!

Gratitude Day 25~ Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Dad- my health

Mom- I am grateful for this 25 Days of Gratitude I've been doing since the beginning of the month. It has been a blessing to reflect on the things I am grateful for and put me in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Carter- my family

Mason- "fou baw" (foul ball) he started saying this as he watched Carter play baseball on the Wii

Happy Thanksgiving !!

Gratitude Day 24

2010-11-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Dad- modern technology

Mom- I am grateful for my membership in " The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," it brings me happiness, hope, and fulfillment.

Carter- hunting for squirrels, he went on his first hunting extravaganza and looked so cute in his camouflage

Mason- "bu baw" football, it's in his blood

Gratitude Day 23

2010-11-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

Dad- America, our freedoms, and a father who served his country

Mom- my health

Carter- my daddy and sports

Mason- "du" (ducks) he calls all animals dogs or ducks

Gratitude Day 22

2010-11-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Day 22

Dad- Hoagieville Cheese Fries- a childhood favorite from Missoula, Montana

Mom- I'm grateful for the Power of Prayer... I know my days go better when I call upon the Lord, I know through prayer I can feel the Spirit and have strength to get through my day.

Carter- fishing with Madi

Mason- "uh oo dee doe" (one two three go) jumping! He's a little jumper and roller!

Gratitude Days 18-21

2010-11-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

Day 18

Dad- is grateful for his mission he served in the Philippines and the people he met, loved, and served there

Mom- I am grateful for a good movie! I love to sit, cuddle with my man, and watch a good flick. The most recent one we watched was a redbox movie, The Last Song. It was a good one.

Carter- Rock Band, he hits the drum really well!

Mason- "nigh nigh" going to bed, he is pretty good and ready for bed when night time comes around

Day 19

Dad- is grateful for prayer and a Father in Heaven who listens and answers his prayers

Mom-I am grateful for the Relief Society organization. The sisters in Alexandria, LA brought relief to our family as they fed us and comforted us with loving words during a hard time. I love all the sisters of my home ward as well. They are all a strength to me in their actions, words, and deeds.

Carter- baseball, he loves playing this sport

Mason- Papa T's and Grammy's dogs. He loves them, tries to ride them, and loves to feed them.

Day 20

Dad- service

Mom- I am grateful for eternal families. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes days like today bareable and hopeful. I was at my grandfather's funeral today, it was a sad day, however I know that I will see him again one day. I know families to not end at death, but are eternal and that brings me great joy especially when loosing a loved one.

Carter- Sundays and Family Home Evening: he is the one that reminds us to have FHE, and he loves to choose the game, which is usually a board game, or a sport

Mason-baths, I say " Let's get in the bathtub" He starts running to the tub, and taking his clothes off.

Day 21

Dad- The temple and the eternal blessings that come with it

Mom- I am grateful for homeade guacamole'. My brother came home for break from BYU. He is a pro at making it, yum yum!

Carter- Mason again!

Mason-"wing wing" he sings as he is doing one of his favorite activites...Swinging, he loves it!

Gratitude Day 17

2010-11-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

Mom- Dentists! My jaw has been out of place now for over a year. Everytime I open my mouth it gets stuck so I can't open it all the way unless I consciously make the effort to adjust it. It started out not that bad, but over time has become almost every time I open my mouth. Very annoying! I wasn't sure what to do about it so Matt suggested I ask my dentist what to do. Dr. Callahan suggested I get a mouth gard, so I did, and it has worked wonders. It only took a few days too for my jaw to become relocated back to the correct position. My jaw is back in place and feels GREAT!

Dad-Nature, especially the beauty of Montana in which I grew up in.

Carter-cooking, Carter is a wonderful helper in the kitchen

Mason-"euwww" that's what he says when something is gross

Gratitude Days 15-16

2010-11-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Day 15

Mom-
Mason cuddles and curls & Carter comments and curiosities... My favorite time of day is after Mason wakes up and wants me to hold him and cuddle him. It doesn't last very long, but I'm grateful for what I get. I also love that he has curls too... they make me smile. Moreover, I can't tell you how many times, Carter has said a funny or cute comment to brighten my day. I love how their little minds work

Dad- My health

Carter- Today Carter said he was thankful for Mason! He is a really good big brother.

Mason- Mason is thankful for Christmas ornaments and how fun they are to throw and break, yup, that was our experience last night as we pulled out Christmas!

Day 16

Mom- bubble baths

Dad-My birthday, today marks the start of the 3rd decade of Matt's life; Happy 30th babe!

Carter- movies

Mason- "daw "(dogs), he repeated this over and over as we watched "Air Bud"

Gratitude Day14

2010-11-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today we are grateful for...

Dad- sleep!! ( I asked him right as he was falling asleep, so he answered a little grumpily)

Mom- beautiful uplifting music... I really liked a song we sang today at church...

"Come All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth"

Come all ye saints who dwell on earth, Your cheerful voices raise.
Our great Redeemer's love to sing, And celebrate his praise.
Our great Redeemer's love to sing, And celebrate his praise.

His love is great; he died for us. Shall we ungrateful be,
Since he has marked a road to bliss And said, "Come, follow me,"
Since he has marked a road to bliss And said, "Come, follow me."

The straight and narrow way we've found! Then let us travel on,
Til we, in the celestial world, Shall meet where Christ is gone,
Til we, in the celestial world, Shall meet where Christ is gone,

And there we'll join the heavenly choir And sing his praise above
While endless ages roll around, Perfected by his love,
While endless ages roll around, Perfected by his love.

It was short and sweet,made me happy and grateful !

I often turn on chruch hymns around 3 and 4 o'clock during the day. That is the time of day when life gets a little crazy: I'm trying to cook dinner, the kids are hungry, the baby is needy, I've had the kids all day, I need a break but dad isn't there to give me one...it's just that time of day that if I'm gonna loose it, that's when it will be. I've found listening to chruch music really calms the hectic mood and things go a little more smoothe.

Carter-Apple Cider (that he tried tonight for the first time and loved)

Mason-"hot" I was testing Christmas lights and he was very intrigued by them, he called them "hot" as he pointed with curiosity

Gratitude Days 12 &13

2010-11-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

Dad- The scriptures

Mom- The Ensign ( A magazine issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) I think I can honestly say I crave it every month!

Carter- My Sunbeam Class

Mason- "bubul" (bubbles)

Day 13

This is my favorite picture of Matt playing football

Dad-Being a part of the BYU Football program in the past and the lessons I learned from being part of this team. It was a great experience

Mom- CHOCOLATE!

Carter- Mason

Mason- "da da"

Gratitude Day 11

2010-11-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

Dad- Root beer

Mom- serving others and how it makes me feel smiley inside

Carter- Aaand because he heard his dad say root beer, he said, "Sprite!"
Monkey see, monkey do!

Mason- "buloo" (balloons, every time we drive past the car dealerships on Hwy 72, Mason hysterically starts saying, "buloo," he loves the balloons on all the cars

Gratitude Days 9-10

2010-11-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

Day 9

Dad- my Young Men

Mom- my favorite sister in the world!

Carter- games, we have a little boy who LOVES to play games!

Mason- nack (snacks)

Day 10

Dad- Jared Galvin for helping me through Organic Chemistry

Mom- being able to take a minute and play soccer with my little boy today, such comfortable weather for November!

Carter-games

Mason-"eee" (eat)

Surprise!

2010-11-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

It's not what you think... I'm NOT pregnant or even thinking about it.

So I titled this post "Surprise" because this weekend I have been the only person in 30 years that has been able to surprise my husband. The surprise was in celebration of his 30th birthday. I did it a little early because this coming weekend, he had to work late on Friday night, the real day is the16th and I needed a weekend.
It took a little maneuvering and planning, but I accomplished the mission.

I thought a nice little getaway weekend would be perfect. Thank you to my parents for taking the kids for the weekend, couldn't have done this without you.

I met my parents in Tuscaloosa and dropped the kids off. When Matt came home from work, there sitting on the sofa was a wrapped gift, card, and balloon. Here were the words I heard as I hid in the kitchen, "hello, where is everyone?, what is this?, hello?" I started laughing, came out and said, " Surprise, open your card and you will be a little less confused." He replied, " I don't get confused very often, but I'm very confused right now." Inside the card read...

All your bags are packed, we’re ready to go
It’s time to celebrate your birthday so…!

A little early is better than late,
I’ve planned us a very important date!

Turning 30 is special you see,
It’s just you and I, the kids are with Grammie!

This weekend is for you, relax, kick back, there’s more
Open your gift, you’ll see what’s in store

So happy birthday to my one true love,
I’m so thankful you were sent to me from above!

I love you! Happy Birthday and SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!

That night we drove to Florence, AL and stayed at the Shoals Marriott (yay for Marriott reward points) I scheduled him a message at the spa. He's never had one, and after this year, he truly deserved it! Went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse, Matt got to ride the bull for his birthday! That was pretty funny. The next morning we got up and played the Trent Jones Golf Course that over looks the Tennessee River, which was the reason for choosing Florence. The whole goal in mind was to get him to a nice course for a fun day of golfing. It was a really nice course. And yes, I stayed and watched him play all 18 holes. After golfing we headed home, short and sweet!

I almost got caught a few times during the whole planning process. When I booked our hotel, 5 minutes after I did it, Matt texted me and said," did you book a hotel with our Marriott points?" "Crap!! they sent him a confirmation email" So I replied, " Nope, have no idea what you're talking about" Mean while I am madly dialing the Marriott back to cancel the room and told them to make it look like a mistake, like someone just typed in the wrong card number or something. So when Matt called to see what happened the lady played it off very well and corrected the points.

Meanwhile I am thinking how am I going to reserve our room? I called and asked them if I could book a room and not have them send an email, they couldn't do that, I asked if they could send me the email, couldn't do that. What was I gonna do? Ah ha! I hacked into his Marriott Rewards account, (this is an important lesson on why you shouldn't use the same password for EVERYTHING) changed the "primary" email address to my email address. Brilliant!! It worked! Booked the room, I got the email, and then I set up his tee time and message no problem!

That's pretty much how it all played out folks!

I have the best husband in the world, I love him so much! It has been a very busy hard, trying year for him so he deserved every bit of it!

Happy 30th, babe!

P.S. Don't you hate it when you are at a beautiful place, aka golf course, pull out your camera to take pics and realize the battery is not there. Oh but it gets better. I get home and look at where I thought it was... not there. So then I'm in ah, where is my camera battery? I look everywhere, then through my purse again and wala!, there it is. I had it the whole time! So no pics of the event folks, bummer!

Gratitude Days 6-8

2010-11-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

Day 6

Dad- Massages

Mom- The warmth of the sun on a cold day. There is a story... Saturday, I went golfing with Matt for 5 hours and it was cold. At every hole, I tried to position the golf cart so I could soak up any ounce of sunlight I could. Thank goodness on the last 9 holes it began to be a little warmer, but the first 9 were brutally cold.

Carter-American flags

Mason- "buba" (Carter)

Day 7

Dad- Florence Marriott (more details to come)

Mom- My parents for their love and support and for taking the boys this past weekend

Carter-Christmas!

Mason- "no no" (he's tired of this game)

Day 8

Dad- golfing

Mom- Quiet time, a time to relax, focus on myself, feel inspiration and direction in my life

Carter- hot chocolate

Mason-" ahhh" to tell people I want out of my crib!

Playing in the Woods

2010-11-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

We often go walking behind our house where there are a few condos, and a circular road that makes a great walking track. The kids get side tracked and do a little exploring in the woods. This particular day Mason found a favorite stick, which you will see in almost all the pictures. The trees right now are so beautiful with all the fall colors, I love that walking spot!

Gratitude Day 5

2010-11-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Day 5

Dad- My parents who have stood by me through the thick and thin,and my siblings and the bonds between us!

Mom- I am thankful for my husband, aka: best friend, companion, partner, my other half, I just love him!!

Carter-Doughnuts!! not just any doughnut, Krispy Kreme doughnuts. This little boy of mine loves doughnuts and has been asking me for some for a while, so when I found myself if the vacinity of Krispy Kreme, I couldn't resist!

Mason- "wawa" (water, meaning anything to drink)

Gratitude Day 4

2010-11-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Day 4

Things we are thankful for today!

Dad-teeth, they intrigue me
Mom- clean sheets and warm pajamas
Carter- books, slingshots, and bathtubs
Mason- "e mama"

Gratitude Days 1-3

2010-11-03T21:46:00.001-07:00

I'm going along with a few friends' blogs who are posting things they are grateful for, I thought it was a neat idea!

I told my family we need to think of things we are grateful for everyday until Thanksgivng and write them down.

Here is what I got:

Day 1

Dad- Savior and his love for me/Gospel
Mom-My Family
Carter-Computers/calendars
Mason-pop pop (popcorn)

Day 2

Dad- Wife
Mom-Jesus/Atonement
Carter-scriptures
Mason-baw (ball)

Day 3

Dad-My boys
Mom-Prophet
Carter-blankies
Mason-daw (dog)

Journal ~ Nov. 3

2010-11-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided I need to add a little more detail to our blog book, therefore I want to start doing journal entries, weekly.That is the goal, whether or not it happens every week, we shall see. I want to warn you, I am not the best writer or English person, so forgive me in advance.

This past week was pretty busy. It started off with my dentist appointment. I purposefully scheduled it to be during lunch hours in hopes that Matt could come and take the kids to lunch while I went in for the appointment, which he did thank goodness. I had to get a filling, arrrg, Matt said I was talking so funny with my numb cheeks. I didn't eat lunch before I went in so by the time I could feel my face again I was starving!

Matt had his interview at UAB for dental school! What a relief to have it over with. Coming out of the interview he didn't know what to think about it, but in hindsight, he thought it went well. Now we just sit and wait to see if we get accepted!

Mason has started saying a ton more words these past few weeks. He has started mimicking some of the words we say. For instance, "taw waas " (star wars), I'm sure he got that because for Halloween Carter was Darth. He started shaking his head no and yes. He has learned how to turn the TV on and off, which really annoys Carter. Unfortunately, he started hitting and then making this little innocent "mouth open" face, like " i know that was bad, but I'm gonna do it anyway just to see if I can get away with it"

When I put on the movie, "Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer," he pointed to the reindeer on the screen and said, "dog."

He calls both Matt and me "mama" and I'm sure anyone that comes along will be "mama" too.

Carter had his last soccer game! He had a great season and really did a great job. He was really fun to watch. He will be starting ice hockey in two weeks. He had the choice for the fall..gymnastics or ice hockey. This should be interesting, we'll see how it works out. Carter has been really into making a conglomerate of things out of beads that you melt together with an iron (can't think of what they are called) They keep him pretty occupied. He is getting better and better at reading. Preschool helps a lot and we read everyday. I love that time I spend with him.

Grammy, Papa T, Madi, and Hunter came to visit this weekend. They got to see Carter get his soccer trophy, and celebrate Halloween with us. Carter had lots of fun trick or treating with Madi. Mason started to get the hang of it, he'd grin really big as each person at the door gave candy to him. Then when he saw us getting close to another front door, he'd run up there with a big grin. He knew what was coming. After each person gave him candy he thought it would be fine to just let himself into their home. He was probably thinking, " hey, these folks are nice, I'll just let myself right on in!" I had to grab him many times from trying to walk on in to the people's homes. He especially thought it was exciting if there was a dog.

For me, I'm just being mom, which is actually accomplishing alot if I must say so myself. I don't know how quality my work is, but I'm doing my best. I'm sure there are things I need to do better and there are probably some things I'm doing just fine.

I love this time of year when I take the time to ponder about all the things I'm grateful for. I feel like my heart grows a little bit through out Thanksgiving and Christmas, but that is another post in itself!

what a bunch!

2010-11-01T20:59:00.001-07:00

We were excited to have some visitors for Halloween!

It made it all the more fun!

Halloween 2010!

Preschool Halloween Party

2010-11-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

We have such a fun little preschool group. Carter and I have made many wonderful memories doing preschool together. I'm involved with a group of moms who get together and take turns teaching every week. I love being involved and being able to be with Carter as he learns . Next year Carter will be starting Kindergarten, we will miss preschool dearly.
This past week we had our little Halloween party. The kids dressed up, we did a little pumpkin craft, had fun monster cupcakes, and went trick or treating around the house. Carter was Darth Vador and Mason was a giraffe. So fun!

What a pair...love these boys
(Natedogg and Carter)

One of the moms spent some precious time making these awesome monster cupcakes. Aren't they great?

Tate Farms

2010-11-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun time at Tate Farms, Mason especially enjoyed it this year. We picked out our pumpkins and played on all the fun stuff they have. A great way to get into the Halloween Spirit.

Loving the swings

The corn was the biggest hit, we stayed there for a while

Sorry Kelsey, I didn't realize Carter was jumping over Cole until I saw this picture =/

The jumping Carter

I was proud of Matt for snapping this shot of Mason and I

Not so sure about playing in the cotton

The big thrill...the new slide!

Carter loves to pet animals, but this time was a little struggle because they were a little"stinky"

Little fella on the go- Mason16 months

2010-09-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

My baby is now 16 months old, the time has flown. He is definitely a little fella on the go. He loves to explore his little world. He tries to keep up with his favorite friend, his bubba. His new word lately is nack (snack), he's got a little sweet tooth. I caught him the other day climbing on the kitchen table all the while saying "no no" "no no." I chuckled to myself as I thought, "he knows in a few seconds that is what I'm going to be saying to him.

For fun, he likes to stand on the couch and do head dives off, seriously, I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that he is going to be my little dare devil who I bring to the ER too many times over the course of his life. Fearless!!

He has just started enjoying looking at books. Also, since he has seen Carter play soccer, he has learned to kick the ball himself. They are cute little buddies, but one thing they don't have in common is that Mason LIKES bugs.

Mason also says, "e"(egg). He loves it when I open the fridge because he goes right for the eggs. One day I was cracking eggs into a bowl, Mason was sitting on the counter and grabbed one. Before I could get it from him, he smashed it in to my bowl shell and all, then with a grin says, "haha." So you thought was was funny I take it.

He smiles a lot and runs everywhere. When I am not in the room he often comes to find me, he's just checkin in on mama!

He is dear to our hearts, we love him more than words can say!

Story of my life

2010-09-22T18:57:00.001-07:00

I often find Mason on top of something and he is so very proud of himself.

FYI

2010-09-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! My blog is not private anymore, here's the new link you can paste in your blog roll if you so wish=)

http://www.mattandshauntesmith.blogspot.com/?zx=2da7a82a94aed262

Soccer Season

2010-09-13T20:57:00.001-07:00

Carter is having an absolute blast playing soccer this year. He has learned to use both his feet,pass, and play defense. Most of all he enjoys it and is happy. We love to watch him and so does his number one fan, his brother.

Way to go Carter-man!

Is it for your brain freeze?

2010-09-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

While riding down the road eating a slushy, I said, "Ooo, I have a brain freeze." I didn't even know if anyone had heard me.
After our trip to Costco, I start to turn in to Walgreens. Carter is anxious to be DONE with errands and replies, " Why do we have to go here? I want to go home." I told him I had to pick up my medicine. He says,

" Oh, is it for your brain freeze?"

I busted up laughing! Yea something like that. I really do think my brain is frozen sometimes, the joys of being a mom=)

Pictures by Carnival Photographers

2010-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Triumph

2010-09-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Carnival Triumph

Our home for the week!

On the Triumph we....

danced

ate ice cream

(Carter had the same dessert every night)

celebrated our missionaries

karaoked

were entertained by Mason

(and so was everyone else on the ship)

drank daiquiris

layed in the sun

ate MORE ice cream

played pool games

watched the boys win the pool games

relaxed in the hot tub

went down the slide

took Mason to the kiddy pool

played putt putt

watched Carter get 2 holes in one

dressed up for formal night

and had fun being together!!

Cozumel, Mexico

2010-08-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

I saw mama kissing a seal!

Let's just say Carter was not excited to be interrupted to take pictures, can you tell?

The kiddy beach

A little Latino Musica!

Fountain Fun!!!

Cozumel was our 3rd and last stop before heading back to New Orleans. It is so beautiful there. The boys went on a fishing excursion and my mom and I took the boys to Chankanaab National Park, where we enjoyed another day at the beach and a very large swimming pool. It was wonderful.

The boys wish now they would have joined us because their fishing trip was not a great success. The little brother, Hunter, was the only one to catch 1 fish.

Roatan Honduras

2010-08-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Cory coming home from his mission and Chase leaving...we went of a vacation together! Everyone came except my hubby=( ,who so diligently stayed home to continue to study for the DAT. We missed you.

We sailed away on the Carnival Cruise line on a ship called the Triumph (which we will discuss later). We cruised for 7nights to the country of Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Cosumel, Mexico. Cory wanted to reunite with people who spoke Spanish since he learned Spanish on his mission, and going to all these places, he was able to do just that.

Our first stop was Belize and unfortunately I didn't take my camera on the excursion because we went zip-lining across the jungles of Belize. What is zip-lining you ask? Well if you are afraid of heights this is not the thing for you. You climp up a mountain( not too strenuous )and they harness you into straps, attach you to a zip-line (like a power-line) and off you go flying over the jungle of Belize. We did 5 diffent lines to get to the bottom, each one being about 10-15 seconds each. I feel priviledged I got to go while grammy and papa T watched the kids. It was a Blast!!

This first post documents Roatan Honduras, which was our 2nd stop on the cruise. Here we visited Gumbalimba Park,(kindof like a zoo/nature reserve) then headed to the beach, where we enjoyed the beauty of the green and blue!

The beach we beached at

Hondurians (I made that up)

Our tour van

oops, chase got cut out

Mason taste testing the sand for us

He's SO 15!

Gumbalimba Park of Roatan

We got to hold the monkeys!

I want this swing!

What they make tequila out of...fyi

We all voted this as our favorite picture!

And we got to hold the parrots

We had to walk the wobbly bridge...forgot the name??

Look closely to see what I found looking at me !!

The view on our way down to the beach

Stay tuned for much more!

2010-07-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

Boating

2010-07-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had a good time boating while we were in MS for Cory's homecoming. Carter loved tubing and when we would ask if he was tired he would say, "no, more!" Mason loved the boat as well, he was very interested in what those crazy people were doing on those things(tubes) out in the water. Fun times!

portraits

2010-07-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home Elder Cory Norton!!

2010-07-24T09:33:00.001-07:00

We welcomed home our missionary last Thursday, July 15! It was so GREAT to see him and spend the week with him. His amazing spirit was so wonderful to be around. Sometimes I just wanted to be in the same room with him because the Spirit was so strong in his presence. I know he was out there serving with all his might.

My parents were able to go and pick him up from his mission in Utah and were able to witness a baptism. A compliment my dad received was, " Elder Norton is Awesome! Some missionaries sit on their suitcases the last few months anticipating the time to go home... not him, he worked til the very last minute."

We were able to listen to his homecoming talk, which was so very powerful. I can't believe how he grew into a man!

He also taught us every night before he went to bed and you could feel the power and Spirit in his words.

Welcome home, thou good and faithful servant!

We love you, Cory!

What has big ears and lives in the jungle?

2010-07-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Carter and I like to play the "guess my animal game" in the car when we are riding around. The rule according to Carter is that if you guess the animal on the first try then you get to describe an animal, but you only have one chance. If you can't tell by the rule, he really likes to be the one to describe and not guess, so I give him a typical, easy animal to guess to make him successful. He gives me animals like this....

" What has big ears, four legs, and lives in the jungle?"

I can tell you I guessed for about 15 minutes and I can usually get it, but not this time.

The answer...

"A Buffalo"

Duh, mom!

Tramp!

2010-07-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the Stars and Stripes

2010-07-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with...

yummy food

big helpers

brothers

the waving of the flag

friends

family

fireworks

tank wars

putt putt golfing

ymmy strawberry slushies

and lots of gratitude for the freedoms we share

Happy 4th everybody!!

A Day At The Park

2010-06-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

It was one of those really hot days...but we needed an out after being couped up with the crud...so I remember a friend telling me about this park that she took her son to because it was shaded with lots of trees...it was heavenly, still hot but at least we weren't frying!! So if any of you are looking for the same, there is a little park in a neighborhood off of Browns Ferry. Pass Dublin on your left and the road you turn on is Sienna Vista, on your right. Go down a little ways and the park will be on your left. If you're looking for a cool spot to play...this is for you=) P.S. If my directions are confusing just give me a jingle...maybe we can go together!

Daddy Day!

2010-06-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

We love our daddy!
On top of working, going to night school, being Young Men's president, and studying the DAT, Matt is a wonderful father and husband. We are so thankful to have him our lives. His example, faith, and love are only a few of the strengths he brings to our lives. You're the best!!

On Father's Day, we were sickies so daddy had to go to church along (sorry=(, and this is what I found when I told Carter he should be here in just a minute...

Then we hid under the kitchen table and surprised him when he walked in the door and sang "I'm so glad when daddy comes home." Then he got biscuits and gravy as requested and I have to say Carter made the biscuits all on his own...seriously!! Then he opened his gifts ! yea for Fathers!

2010-06-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just a a little bit on what Mason is doing lately... knows how to knock on the doors, played rock-paper-scissors with daddy and carter- says, "ha" (hot)-does the "all done" sign when he's done eating (twisting both hands)- still weighs 18 lbs. still- has been very sick the past few days with the Crud as diagnosed by the doctor- has had tubes now for 12 days- I guess that's all for now!

Little Swimmer~

2010-06-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Carter's T-ball Party~Botanical Gardens

2010-06-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Carter had a great t-ball season. It was fun to watch him because he actually understood how to play the game and jumped right on in to make some awesome plays. He learned to tag the base to get an out, how to tag the runner to get an out, how to stay in his position, how to catch the ball in the outfield and throw it to first. I will never forget his reaction the first time he tag the base before the runner got there, he started doing a little dance on the base right in the runners face, there's no telling what he said to the runner. Probably something like "nanny nanny boo boo. " Carter has a VERY competive spirit and he gets in honestly, both Matt and I are pretty competitive.

The best part of it all was to see how excited he was for every practice and every game. His coaches were awesome, keeping the boys motivated. They were very enthusiastic which is what you need at this age. You were so fun to watch Carter-man!

This picture coloring turned out weird, but I'm glad I captured this smile. This was the face he had because he knew his name was about to be called to get his trophy!! Giddy, boy!

Strawberry Strawberry where art thou Strawberry?

2010-06-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Picking strawberries was fun even though it took us an hour just to get one bucket. We went at the end of strawberry picking season and got "what was left." We got enough to make some jam, freeze some to make smoothies, and have a little extra to just pop in your mouth. Both my boys love them and Mason was in strawberry heaven.

The Celebration continues...

2010-06-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is the BEFORE...

not bad for someone who is definitely not a cake decorator, who barely bakes at all in fact

This is the AFTER...

This is the In Between...

Needless to say...he leaps everytime he sees cake now, literally he leaps!

He's ONE folks!!

2010-06-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Mason turned 1 while we were in Utah, so we partied! He put on a great show as we all watched him dive into his giant cupcake! I can't believe my wittle guy is a year old already. He melts my heart daily. I wish I could freeze him at this age with his cute little smile, his sweet little disposition. He has been trying to walk now for a few weeks but the past two days were the breakthrough, when he started walking everywhere his little mind wondered to. His little woddle walk reminds me of a little duck walking.

he says, " baw"(ball) non-stop all day and even wakes up in the morning saying it... it is his very favorite toy
when Carter aggravates him he opens his mouth wide and takes a deep breath with the expression "I can't believe he just did that!
" he is learning to defend himself through very expressive yelling "ah ah,"
Mason is never ever still, he is constantly going and going and going (yes, I am worn out, but loving it at the same time)
he has to know everything that is going on...doesn't miss a wink
words-"mama, dada, buh-buh, eee, tank(thankyou),baw, whoa whoa, uh-oh,ooo"

Happy Birthday little one! We love you!

"This is gonna be fun"

" Can I touch it?"

"I'll just put the whole thing in my mouth"

"Why is that person laughing so hard?"

" Just a few more licks"

"Hey, this is pretty fun!"

"Ooo I think I need another lick"

"Hey this is REALLY fun! I LOVE attention!"

"Now I think I'll just squish it, yeah squish it"

"Why are they still laughing?"

Stay tuned because we partied some more back home!!

Jordan + Brittany for all eternity

2010-05-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

high school sweethearts

Justin Smith Family

Cousin Nick

Flower Girl Victoria

Sweet Baby Lucy Kate (one month older than Mason)

2 babies of the family; Mason plotting how he's going to pull at her dress!

The Nate Smith Family

All the boy cousins

Sisters-in-laws + niece Heaher

Elder Norton meeting Baby Mason

We had a wonderful time going to my nephew and his new wife's sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. It was great to visit family and celebrate the union of Brittany and Jordan. They are a beautiful couple and so perfect together. It was good to see family we haven't seen in forever. Carter had a blast playing with his cousins. We enjoyed a dinner celebration the night before, the sealing the next morning, and then the wedding reception that night. The "after" party continued throughout the weekend with swimming and BBQs. Mason, turned ONE while we were there, and got to meet his uncle, Elder Norton, who is serving in Taylorsville, UT only 20 minutes away. We had a wondeful trip!

Out of the mouth of Carter...

2010-05-03T20:13:00.001-07:00

This kid keeps me laughing...

We have had a problem keeping Mason off the stairs at my parents house. It's like the funnest thing in the world to him right now but the problem is he can't climb down the stairs once he climbs up them. So Carter is at the top of the stairs and yells," Mom!... Mason's at the top of the stairs, you have to catch him when he falls down to the bottom, okay?" I guess that was his way of telling me Mason was trying to come back down. We got a good laugh.

We are just piddle paddling in my parent's backyard around the pool and I wanted to take the oportunity to tell Carter of a time when I felt the Holy Ghost. Here's the story the way I told it to Carter...Me:" When I was a young girl (17 years old really) I was about to jump in this pool when all of a sudden I heard something tell me to "STOP!" Carter's eyes got big and said, "was it God?" Me"close, let me finish telling you the story" " I didn't know why I heard this voice, but I soon found out as I walked to the other side of the pool that there was a snake in the pool." Carters eyes got even bigger and said, " There was a talking snake in the pool?"Me "No no no" as I laughed histerically, "it was the Holy Ghost warning me of danger that there was a snake in the pool. It wasn't the snake talking...silly boy."

To preface this story... Carter's name is Carter Stephen Smith and Mason's name is Mason Timothy Smith. I can tell from another room, Carter is starting to get frustrated with Mason. The next thing I hear " Mason Stephen Smith!!...No No" Does this give you insight into what I yell when I get frustrated? You guessed it...all three names come out, guess I need to teach him Mason's middle name is not the same as his=)

Birmingham Zoo

2010-04-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Riding the train!

Carter demanding that I not take another picture of him!

I took the kids to the Birmingham Zoo 2 weekends ago by myself which explains why I only got a total of 4 pictures. It was all I could do to keep up with both of these guys. They are a handful!! It was as nice day, not too hot,however every elementary school in Alabama showed up that day on their fieldtrips, so it was packed. Carter loved looking at the animals. He even wanted to look at animals over getting wet in the fountains. The wind was blowing so after getting wet it was cold and of course I didn't know there was a place to get soaked so I didn't bring clothes into the zoo. Luckily we were on our way out of town overnight and I had extra clothes in the car. I asked Carter what he liked the best and he said the White Tiger. I would have to agree. Mason just chilled in the stroller and was very excited to ride the train.

B&W Fun

2010-04-28T22:12:00.001-07:00

Uh-oh Spaghetti O

2010-04-27T19:36:00.001-07:00

Mason loves spaghetti !! As you can see he loves to throw it, which is what he was doing when I snapped this shot, in fact I think he was aiming straight for the camera. It is so cute when his little lips slurp up the noodles. I could do without the mess I have to clean up afterwards, he's at THAT stage where every meal ends up on the ground rather than in his mouth.

He is starting to say words and I'm hoping to catch it on video and post them soon!! tahtah for now

Madi Claire

2010-04-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of taking some pics of my little sister this past weekend. I can't believe how much she is growing up. She is maturing into a beautiful young woman. We are proud of her in all that she does. She is one who lives what she believes and is an inspiration to us all. She is a great aunt, friend, sister, and daughter. We love you, Madi!

My boys

2010-04-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

Opening Ceremonies

2010-04-14T19:50:00.001-07:00

Carter had his first t-ball game Saturday! He did a great job and was very excited for the occasion. He hit a triple and rotated between pitcher, 1st base, 2nd base, and short stop. He still reminds me, " mom, do you remember that day at my baseball game when I hit a triple?" I don't think he will ever forget it, well probably not for a long time. He had his game face on, only getting distracted a few times. Unlike last year when playing in the dirt seemed more fun than baseball. Even though they don't keep score, it was aparent the Rockies took the cake. They were sending in runner after runner. In the dug-out I overheard Carter look over at his friend with a huge smile and say, "Our team is Winning this baseball game!!"

Way to go Carter-man!!

I love suckers!

2010-04-07T20:46:00.001-07:00

easter 2010!

2010-04-05T14:52:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter spent enjoying time together as a family and with wonderful friends. It was very uplifting to listen to conference and the messages given on the Savior. What a great weekend!!

"Say It!"...............Vampire!

2010-04-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

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I realize this is not the most attractive picture on my little innocent baby, but I couldn't resist. He got is K-9 teeth first. Matt and I laugh to each other that maybe he can play the part of Renesme' in Breaking Dawn when it comes out. He's pretty enough to be a girl, isn't he? Silly mom and dad. One day he will look back at this and be like "mom, seriously"