Blowing Off Steam

Disclaimer: I imagine no one will be interested in reading this post, but I needed to vent some frustration. Thanks.


I have had the WORST shopping experience this holiday season. Part of it might have to do with the fact that I was shopping late in the season, but stores have just not been there for me lately. I left for Arizona the day after thanksgiving and didn't come home until the 13th of December. I really didn't have a lot of opportunity to shop until a couple weeks before Christmas.

After I got home, Adam and I went out and bought a Christmas tree. We needed some lights, so I go to Wal-mart. They were completely out of lights, so I go to Home Depot, also out. After many store trips and phone calls we find that every single store in town was completely sold out of Christmas tree lights, except Big Lots, which had maybe 10 boxes left. We got lucky.

Once our tree was set up, I was feeling pretty confident that the rest of the shopping would be easy. I looked up where to buy Adam's gift online and went out to buy it. The first store didn't have it in stock. Fortunately, I could count on Lowe's to carry BBQ equipment. That was lucky considering it was winter. I totally didn't think of that when I planned his gift. Next, I go to look for Shane's gift. I was looking for a toy truck about six inches long. It couldn't be a dump truck because he gets annoyed when he puts his hand on the back to drive it around and dumper part falls back and it won't drive. Besides, we already have a dump truck. Also, I didn't want a fire truck or ambulance unless it didn't make sounds. (Sirens being played over and over and over again get annoying really fast). I went everywhere I could think of that would sell toys. I even had the courage to go to Toys R Us (that store is crazy, especially right before Christmas). None of them had what I was looking for! Adam ended up finding a little cement truck at a toy store in the mall. It wasn't quite what I was hoping for, but it was the best option. I was so relieved when Christmas shopping was over. It was a nightmare. I hate going store to store hunting for stuff. It gives me a headache. Now I know why my uncle likes to do most of his shopping online.

Christmas is over, but apparently my shopping nightmare wasn't. It has been snowing here lately and I decided Shane needed some snow boots so he could play outside in the snow. My first choice was Wal-mart (practical, Wal-mart has everything). They didn't have anything for kids Shane's size. So I go online to Target.com. They had something that would be perfect! They didn't have his size online, so I head to the store (the internet claimed the stores had them). First Target store: out of stock. They only had pink left. Second target store: out of stock. I asked an employee when they would get more. He says they are discontinued. Their doing spring stuff now. Stupid stores!!! It is snowing outside. You are supposed to carry snow boots, helllooo!

So this same scenario repeats itself when I look for a basic thermal Roman Shade for the window in Shane's room (I really want to replace the sheet I have pinned over the window right now.) I found one (literally one, only one left) at one target store, but they only had chocolate and tan; I wanted Navy. So I go to the other target store near by, none. So, I go back to the other store and settle for the chocolate. I come home and it is 2" two short. And guess what! Yup, they are also discontinued. Few stores sell roman shades in my price range and are hard to find anywhere right now because of the stupid blinds recall. I am starting to think that sheet will be hanging over Shane's window for a long time.

AND the shopping nightmare stories don't end there. I think I have given up on all stores!

What We've Been Up To

Thanksgiving:
The three of us spent Thanksgiving here at home this year. Adam and I worked together to make a delicious turkey dinner complete with a homemade pecan pie. Shane was having some eating issues at the time so he actually didn't eat anything except the rolls. So, I just told him how delicious everything was :) It was a quiet holiday, but we enjoyed every minute.

Arizona:
The day after Thanksgiving Shane and I flew to Arizona. My sister in-law and her husband were headed to D.C. for a very important speaking opportunity at a political conference. So Shane and I watched their 4 children for a few days while they were gone.

I ended up getting very sick during the week, which made for a tough week; however, the kids were very understanding and really helped me out. They were such great kids!! I am not just saying that because their mother might read this :) They were so good. Shane absolutely loved playing with all of them. He definitely needs some brothers and sisters some day. His favorite was when him and little Jackson would go outside together and play in the sand box. It was Shane's first real experience with a sand box and boy did he love it!

We were in Arizona for a little more than a week. We went early so I could join my future sister in-law (and other family members) at the LDS Snowflake, AZ temple, where she was going through for the first time. It was a wonderful experience that I was so excited to be a part of!

Dallas, Texas:
We flew home from Arizona, had one day to rest and then flew to Dallas, TX (All three of us). Nick (Adam's Brother) was getting married in the LDS Dallas, TX Temple. Adam's Dad is serving as mission president in Dallas and is unable to leave the mission. So Nick and Melissa got married in Dallas so his parents could attend. It was a beautiful wedding! Adam and I felt so privileged to be there.

We had an awesome week in Dallas. Shane was the only kid there so he got lots of attention, which he loved. All of Adam's siblings were able to be there. It was the first time the entire family had been under the same roof for many years. It was quite the party. We had so much fun! We got to get to know Melissa a little better and also our other future sister in-law Alexa (Adam's brother Morgan is engaged). I also got to know Morgan a little better. Adam and I got married while he was on his mission and moved to Ohio right before he came home. So I didn't have much of a chance to meet him until now.

We were sad to go home, but Adam had a test coming up. Since we both had seen our families fairly recently (my family in October), we spent Christmas in Ohio with just the three of us. More on that in the next post.

Now for some pictures. Enjoy! (Sorry there aren't any from Thanksgiving or Arizona, just Dallas.)

Christmas Pajamas (Smith Family Tradition)

For more great pictures from the wedding go to: Jenna Cole's Photography Blog

Medical School Update

Well, I never thought it would actually happen, but Adam DID start school again in August. In the back of my mind I was sure the administration would come back and say "oops, sorry we are kicking him out of school after all. Tough luck." I am extremely grateful my worst fears didn't come true.

Even though Adam HATES getting up early in the morning, he loves being back in school. He might not actually admit that he loves it, but trust me he does :) The first quarter was tough for him because he was having to retake Anatomy for what seemed like the third time (he did a lot of Anatomy in undergrad along with his first year of Anatomy at OSU last August). However, Anatomy is finally over and he did really well. Now he is happier than ever because he doesn't have to do anatomy anymore AND he gets to sleep in a whole 30 more minutes in the morning :D

Adam is also taking a Golf class this fall. He absolutely loves it! Columbus is really into golf. There are tons of Golf courses all over the city. Adam has some buddies that really like golf too that he goes out and plays with.

Shane is always really excited to see Daddy when he comes home from school. Adam gets home around lunch time most days. As soon as the door opens, Shane runs to the door, gives Adam a big smile and then runs away hoping Adam will chase him.

Oregon

Shane and I just got back from visiting my family in Oregon. I didn't take my camera with me, but I included a few pictures family members took.

We had a great time! We went swimming, rode on the local carousel, visited friends and just chilled. Shane really loved playing with his cousin Addy. He always wanted to do what she was doing. My grandparents came to visit us while we were there. It was so nice to see them again and have Shane get to know them and the rest of my family.

Now for the pictures (I know that is all anyone cares about :D ).

I thought this one was funny because Shane normally doesn't like to sit still. But he loved lounging on my sister-in-law's legs.

My grandparents.

My mom
When I saw the picture above I remembered a similar picture from when Shane was born. My mom came just after Shane's birth and this is a picture from her visit. Crazy how things have changed so much since then.

There are some pictures of us swimming too, but I don't have them yet. I'll post a few when I get them. Shane loves water, but he wasn't into the swimming pool. He kept trying to climb out when we got close to the edge. I tried to keep him in, but he was not happy about it. Finally he got a big ball to carry around in the pool and then he was happy. Strange kid.

Thanks to everyone you helped us get to Oregon! Thanks for letting us come visit!

Soon to come: posts with pictures of our new apartment and an update on Medical school.

Dreaming...

... of getting one of these chairs for Shane (not the pink of course)...

...and getting this table for me...
I want to put it next to the rocker in Shane's room with a small lamp. Unfortunately, this and the adorable chair above (which I think Shane would LOVE) are WAY out of our price range. Honestly, they are pricey for just about anyone. Why does Pottery Barn have to charge so much money for everything?! Ugh!

...and dreaming of decorating Shane's room like one of these...
...maybe one day?

Vote for Shane!!!!

To be the next face of BabyGap!!!

I'm crazy and entered Shane in the Gap casting call for 2009. There are some really amazingly beautiful kids entering, so who knows if we will win. However, if Shane gets the most votes from all of you, he can be the "Fan Favorite." The Fan Favorite wins a week vacation to Jamaica!

Voting ends November 17th, so hurry!
The kid with the most votes so far has 7034 votes. We need more than that!

Each person can vote ONCE EACH DAY.

TO VOTE:
1. Go to http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/
2. Register with family.go.com (Disney Website) (I know people hate registering for things, but isn't Shane worth it?!)
3. Go to the "Gallery"
4. Search for Shane using his entrant ID#: 465985349
5. Click on his picture
6. And click "VOTE"
7. Then vote again the next day!

Spread the word!

I entered a couple of pictures. This is one of them. I know he is in his pajamas,but it is the best photo I have right now. I tried to get something in "real" clothes the past couple of days, but Shane was not cooperating. Wouldn't he look so adorable in Gap clothes!

12 Month Stats:

Weight: 21lb. 4.5oz (30%)
Height: 30.5in (75%)

Shane is actually 13 months old now and the list below is of things he is doing now, but most of them he was doing when he turned one too. We only get him weighed and measured at his doctor's appointments, so the next update on his development will be around December.

These pictures were taken a few days ago. I hadn't taken photos of Shane in awhile, so it was time to change that. Shane had just woken up from his morning nap. I wasn't doing much to make him smile, but he just kept on grinning for me. Other than when he is in pain from teething he is such a fun, happy boy. I love him so much!


My favorite things he does is laying his cheek on top of mine when I am laying on the floor, cuddling with me at night (cause it doesn't happen often), the squeals of joy and laughter when we chase him around the house or rough house with him, and the big smile he gives me every time he sees me after being gone.

Things Shane is doing:
- Walking: he can walk on his own for a few steps. Each day he practices he can go a little farther. Currently he can walk across the living rm, turn around and walk most of the way back.
- Babbling, but no words: It is so cute, he will look at us and nod his head while he babbles like he is telling us a story. Since he still doesn't say any real words we've started teaching him a little sign language to ease the communication gap.
- Getting a little shy and bashful: he doesn't smile quite as quickly at strangers anymore, but after a little warm up he is still friendly with everyone.
- Loving Water: He LOVES to take baths. He throws his toys in the tub and tries to climb in while I am filling the tub up with water. Every time I turn on the sink he wants to put his hands in to play.
- Playing Chase: His favorite game! That and wrestling.
- Drinking milk: in a sipping cup. We are completely formula and bottle free :D Yay!
- Teething: He's getting his molars.

1 Year Old(er) and Wiser Too, Happy Birthday To You!

Shane turned 1 year old on August 22nd. (Awhile ago, I know.)

I took him to the zoo/aquarium for the first time a few days before. Shane was a bit tired when we went, but he really enjoyed watching the monkeys, gorillas, and the tiger. His favorite was definitely the fish at the aquarium. They call it the Discovery Reef. The room is kept dark with a big wall of glass where the fish are swimming in the "reef". With the lights in the water all the fish look like they are glowing. Shane loved watching the fish. There were lots of big ones so they definitely weren't hard for him to spot.


For Shane's birthday we got him some Hot Wheels cars, squirty bath toys, and "stack n' count" cups. He got the cups a couple weeks later actually because when I went to buy them, the store was sold out. He loves all of his new toys. It took a little while before he knew what the bath toys did. Now that he has it all figured out, they're the first toy he grabs when he gets in the tub. He doesn't know how to fill them up with water yet, so I do that for him.

We had a few friends over for cake and ice cream. I think Shane was too distracted by all the people to give the cake his full attention. He was thoroughly confused when we all gathered around to sing him Happy Birthday. When I gave him the cake he didn't really know what to do with it. I think it was because it wasn't cut up into small pieces like his food usually is. He just sat there and stroked it with his fingers. Adam took a fork and broke it up a bit for him and that was when he started really eating it. He definitely enjoyed it, but I think he enjoyed all the people/attention just as much because he ate the cake rather slowly.

A Little Bit of Summer

Book Junkie

Shane loves books! He likes to sit and turn the pages as you read or just quickly flip the pages himself and then move on to the next book. We can't pull out the hymnal to sing in church without Shane wanting to flip through all the pages a hundred times.

Shane goes to his room almost everyday, straight to the bookshelf to pull all the books off the shelf. Some he flips through, some he just leaves there.

New York City

"Look at this! "Baby Born with Two Heads"... must be from Brooklyn." -Racetrack "Newsies"

At the beginning of August, right before Adam went back to school, we took a trip to New York City to visit some old roommates. Nathan and Nicki were such wonderful hosts! We had a really great time catching up and seeing NYC for the first time.

New York City is very cool. It is a lot older than most cities I have been too. I LOVED walking around Manhattan and seeing what everything is like (I have always enjoyed downtowns). I like the hustle and bustle and the fun things to do. However, I would never want to live there long term. It smells bad, people are rude (especially when driving), their toll roads are expensive (ok everything is expensive), there is constant noise everywhere you go, most things seemed so dirty I didn't even want to touch them, and while I like cities and lots of people New York had a few too many people for my tastes.

Everywhere you go every thing is crammed together. Even in the Bronx (1 hour via subway away from Downtwon) the houses have very little space around them. I don't think you'd even need a lawn mower, scissors could probably get the job done :-) It was neat (because I love people and being around people) but it gets to a point where you just need a little more space to your self for daily rejuvenation.

The culture is very different in New York vs. all the other places I have been. Parts seemed to line up perfectly with what you see in movies (old Italian men sitting outside their little shops in the evening smoking and talking). Other parts were completely different. There were a lot of cool cultural things I wanted to take pictures of, but I didn't have much opportunity for that.

In the morning Nathan would get up to go to work and Shane was always so interested in what he was doing. He was especially interested when Nathan would eat breakfast. :-)

Shane does this cheesy smile a lot where he wrinkles his nose and squints his eyes.

Shane loved exploring Nathan and Nicki's apartment. He especially liked these little boxes in the bookshelf. They were just his size and he always found something fun inside. :-)

Adam went with Nathan and his ward on a temple trip to the Manhattan Temple. This picture is the ward walking to either the temple or the subway to get to the temple, not sure. I didn't go because Shane was having a rough time sleeping on our trip so I wanted to give him every opportunity to take good naps.

We went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was kind of like a maze that never ends. We loved it, but navigating through all the rooms was overwhelming. Adam could have spent a couple of days there.

This is Nicki and Shane. So cute!
These were on display in the African or Oceanic section (not sure which they were practically the same room). Nicki and I liked this display the most. They were so funny looking! We are trying to make the faces we thought these characters would make jumping out from behind a tree at someone. I think we should work in a haunted house because we are pretty darn scary if you ask me! :-)
This was when we were touring downtown with Nicki. You can't see the statue very well, but this is where George Washington was sworn into office as the first president of the United States.

We got to see both Downtown and Midtown. The two are quite different. Downtown seemed older and has a lot of tourists. Midtown is newer and flashier. I saw a lot of young business people in Midtown, lots of shopping. It kind of felt like old New York vs. new/modern New York.

This is right next to the site of the World Trade Towers. It gives me a more real perspective on the event seeing where everything happened and to imagine what it was like.

Adam and I went on the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour. Thanks to Nicki for being so nice and watching Shane while we were gone! We really enjoyed it. We especially enjoyed Ellis Island. They have it set up to show what the immigrants went through when they came through Ellis Island. It is amazing what people did and still do just to come to the United States.

This picture was taken on Liberty Island. It is not the greatest picture, but the nice man who took it really was trying.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty was really cool for me. I had never seen it before in person. Being reminded of the founding of our country and what it meant to Americans at the time was inspiring.

This picture is for Adam's brother Morgan. Enjoy! :-)
Slideshow of pictures of the city:


We attempted to get in to a taping of the Colbert Report. We were obviously unsuccessful. It was a bummer. There is so much to do in New York that we couldn't possibly do it all. I figure it just gives us another reason to go visit Nathan and Nicki again (Not that we needed one :-) ).

Things I Love

(Besides family, friends and the gospel of Jesus Christ)

Home Depot
Recently I have been looking for tools to fix up my yard. The previous tenants decided that growing out the weeds along the fence would be a great way to provide privacy. Home Depot has great tools for great prices. They had a much better selection AND price than Wal-mart.

AND

theseadorable toddler backpacks at Made by Rae. I have loved them since they were first posted and was so excited when the pattern (to make one) was passed on to the public. Unfortunately, they cost money. Totally worth it, but I'm poor. However, another blog I love (Grosgrain) is giving one away free! Two winnera get a backpack made by Rae herself or the pattern!! I was so excited when I found this out. I want the pattern so I can make backpack for Shane just like the one above. Cross your fingers that I win!!


P.S. I promise I am in the process of some new posts to update everyone on what we have been up to. Since we just moved (more on that later) I am still putting most of my energy into straightening things up. However, I will soon post updates and pictures (of Shane).

San Fransisco

Adam had the wonderful opportunity to go to San Fransisco in June with his brothers. Here are a few fun pictures from their trip.

Just Me and My Dad