Our Family of 5

The Smith Family Update Link

2015-04-19T10:32:00.003-06:00

Please use this link in your feed readers and it will pop up whenever I do a new post on our private blog. Thank you!

http://thesmithfamilyupdatelink.blogspot.com/

Private

2015-04-19T10:30:00.001-06:00

I have felt this way for the last month or so. I have heard too much about creepers and weirdos out there ruining it for everyone to share pictures of their family. So I will post one more time with an link to "feed reader update" blog address so those of you who follow using a feed reader can at least get an update about a new post and then log in to the private blog. Please contact me with your email for blog access.

Thanks!

Visitors from Vegas

2015-04-11T21:37:00.001-06:00

During Las Vegas's spring break (the week before Easter) my sister and her family came to stay with us. It was so much fun! It was fun having extra kids around the house and keeping busy with them.

We went out for breakfast, to the aquarium, to Kneaders, Curiosity museum, they visited some old college friends, they went rock climbing, and we played cards. I love having people come visit! But I didn't get any pictures! Next time they visit I will!

Easter 2015

2015-04-01T20:34:00.003-06:00

April 5, 2015

The Saturday (the week before Easter) before Easter our ward had a little egg hunt at our neighborhood park. Lily and Audrey had a blast grabbing the eggs and eating all the candy. The eggs weren't "hidden" but more spread out over the park grounds. The girls loved it and were excited for the candy.

The Saturday the day before we finally got to color Easter eggs together. The girls had been begging for so long to do that! Lily kept saying "paint the eggs" instead of color. Easter morning was very calm and fun. The Easter bunny brought them some eggs with candy, nee church dress, a book, and Audrey and Lily got a Barbie. It was general conference this weekend so we hung around home on Saturday and Sunday watching conference. Sunday I made traditional conference cinnamon rolls. And then I prepared Easter dinner for Steven's sisters family who was coming over dinner that night. I prepared ham, asparagus, homemade rolls, and deviled eggs and my sister-in-law made cheesy potatoes and a delicious dessert!

It was a good Easter holiday especially having General conference to watch and remind us of the Savior. I always like when General conference an Easter are the same weekend!

Lego Birthday Party

2015-04-01T20:34:00.001-06:00

I didn't do a birthday party for the girls last year. I was too pregnant to want to attempt any type of party. So this year I had to make it up to them because they were still asking when I was having their party. So Lily wanted an equestrian girl party and Audrey want to do frozen party. I decided to have the meet in the middle and do a Lego party because it would be easier plus Lily wanted to invite a lot of boys. So we had their party on March 14 at our house, and it was Lego themed! I figure I should do something a little more creative for them since I'm combining two birthdays in one. Now I have to prep for Claire's first birthday in April and Steven's 32nd birthday at the end of April! Then we get a nice break until my birthday November.

Claire: 11 Months

2015-03-15T17:56:00.001-06:00

March 7, 2015

My baby isn't a baby anymore!

- She call pull herself up and walk along furniture.

- She has 8 teeth, size 3 diapers, 12 (12-18 month) clothing.

- She waves

- She crawls super fast!

- She can stand without holding onto furniture.

- She's walking with her walker you and when you hold her hands.

- She already lost one of her new earrings and now has mismatch earrings. in.

- She loves loves loves table food. Since she has 8 teeth she can pretty much eat whatever she wants.

- She can't drink out of a straw or sippy cup yet. But we got her a new sippy cup and she's getting better.

- She's such a happy, easy, baby. She sleeps great and naps good still.

- She's so funny and has such a cute personality. She's so curious and loves to follow behind her sisters.

- She can crawl up the stairs, but doesn't know how to go down them yet.

Audrey Update

2015-03-09T17:09:00.000-06:00

March 15, 2015

Favorite color: green

Favorite movie: Big Hero 6

Best friend: Daintry, Brooke, Emma, Corby, Levi, Kaden, Lily, and Claire

Favorite Food: Mac and cheese

Favorite snack: Nutella

Favorite TV show: bubble guppies

Audrey, my little fire cracker! She is finally 3! We have survived the terrible terrible TERRIBLE twos! I can literally already tell she is coming off and we are entering age 3 with some light at the end of the tunnel. She was just such a feisty little girl and knew what buttons to push to drive you mad! But it's funny because she is the most affectionate child ever, she just wants to cuddle and give you kisses and have you hold her all day every day. Then the next minute she is dumping cereal all over your couch (true story). She is just extreme at whatever mood she is in, extremely happy, extremely mad, extremely crazy. It is never a dull moment with her.

She still has this thin-ish blonde hair and lighter colored eyes, the mostly look hazel. She wears size 3T, size 8 shoes, ans wears size 4 diapers. This is the time we will fully invest in potty training. It's now or never!

She has this cute little button nose that I just love to kiss. She doesn't like to slow down or be doing nothing. She's a busy busy girl. She's atill attached to her blanket but only at night now. She's been super clingy lately and asking for me to hold her and cuddle all the time. And yes, I love that time but it's hard when 2 other kids need help and the house etc.

She's excited for the weather change and to be outside and at the park. She keeps asking to go swimming. I want to enroll her in swim lessons this summer. She's never done them before.

She loves bath time but hates getting her hair washed. She's the first in the tub and the last out. She loves to grab my face and give me kisses. She's really been into following Claire around and thing to "help her" or carry her or hug her. Claire isn't too thrilled with that attention.

I never did terrible twos with Lily so the last year was full of firsts for me and Audrey. I can already tell bipolar 3s have kicked in though. Emotional, moody, and unreasonable! Bring it on!!

Happy 3rd birthday my little Audrey Jane!

Lily Update

2015-03-09T17:05:00.000-06:00

March 9, 2015

Lily is 5 years old today! I can't believe I have been a mom for 5 whole years. I have managed to keep another human being who has depended on me for everything alive for 5 whole years! Go me! And I was even able to add 2 more kids to the mix and everyone is doing great!

I am so proud of Lily. I can't say that enough, year after year. She is growing into an amazing young girl with so many amazing traits and characteristics that make her so unique. She is honest about a lot of things but when it comes to telling the truth about hitting her sister- she has learned to tell not all of the truth. She loves to say, "Guess what I am thinking... it is brown, etc" and begins to describe something and we have to guess what she is talking about.

She is becoming so social and open and isn't as scared or timid as she used to be. I think preschool is really helping her with that. She is starting to pay a lot of attention to details when it comes to coloring and getting herself dressed and matching.

She says funny phases like "we haven't been there in for ages"

Interview:

Favorite color: pink and rosey

Favorite movie: How to Train Your Dragons 2 (just got it for her birthday so it's a favorite right now)

Favorite food: chicken and french fries from Chick-fil-a (where we are going for her b-day dinner tonight)

Favorite thing to do: play with my sisters, have fun, color, play pretend and dress up

Favorite book: The Book with No Pictures

Favorite song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Favorite TV show: Ever After High

Favorite toy: My little ponys

Favorite coloring book: my little pony book

2010- birth date

2011- age 1

2012- age 2

2013- age 3

2014- age 4

2015- age 5

Claire: 10 Months

2015-02-22T15:21:00.001-07:00

February 7, 2015

My baby is 10 months already! I can't believe she is growing and changing so much so fast. Even by my third baby girl, I am shocked how quickly time flies and how they grow up.

- She crawls anywhere and everywhere! She loves to follow Audrey and Lily all over the house.

- She rode a horse for the first time!

- She pulled herself up to the toilet and fell and got a bloody nose.

- She took her second road trip to Vegas and did so well!!

- She can pull herself up and is moving along furniture a little bit.

- She got her ears pierced on 2/20/2015

- She loves table food and is perfering them over her baby food and formula.

- She loves to drink water from her bottle, I hope she will start drinking from a straw and sippy cup soon!

- She loves to laugh and watch people!

- She can pull herself up and is walking along furniture now. She will even let go and stand by herself for awhile.

- She has enough hair for 2 tiny piggy tails.

- Size 3 diapers and mostly 12 month clothing

- Dark hair and dark eyes

- 4 top teeth and her 4th bottom tooth is coming in!

- She loves to wave (both hands)

- She has said once: hi and bye

- She says mama and dada a lot now! And when she is really upset she screams MOM!

- She's growing so much and I love her so much! She loves opening the garbage can (gross) and is starting to hate her car seat!

Good Bye January/ 3 Kids Is Hard

2015-02-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

*** Let's see, I started this post about January 29th and here it is February 11th and I haven't posted it or even finished it so here we go again***

It's no secret January is one of my least favorite months of the year. My first would probably be February, then January, with August/July next. The coldest months and the hottest month when I am ready for some weather change! January was a decent month. A month of new beginnings and new goals (that hype lasts the first week or two then it's back to normal). This year it wasn't so bad because there was little snow and not super cold like usual. I am loving the weather right now. This month also starts busy season for Steven's work and that is a nightmare. This is the first busy season with 3 kids for me so it's been tougher than I thought. But we are adjusting and surviving well enough.

And here are almost mid-February and life hasn't slowed down much from January. Well, in a way life is moving super slowly since I am pretty much doing my own thing with the kids with Steven working so much. Thank heavens for my neighbor, Jackie. I prayer for a neighbor to move in near me that had girls close to my girls age and got along with me and my girls. Our house was one of the first finished, then they continued the neighborhood in a circle so the left, so when they finished the very last house was now right next to me on the right. Well, guess who moved in in the VERY last house to me? Jackie! She has 5 year old girl and 3 year old girl. Our kids get a long very well, she and I get along well and even our husbands. So it was blessing. And her husband is doing training in CA for the next 12 weeks so she and I have been getting together and she has been helping me out.

Well, aside from busy season having 3 kids is kicking my butt! 10 months in and I am still barely keeping my head above water. I am getting the basics taken care of like feeding them, clothing, playing, etc. I mean, that is what matter most so I shouldn't be complaining but I feel like I am not myself anymore. But I am not a new me either, I am must there. I am in a fog and for the last 9 ish months I was in a fog but had no clue and was just getting by. But now I am finally sensing I am in fog but I can't break free. And now that I am aware in the fog it is driving me crazy! I want to break through the fog and want to bounce back. I want to shower daily, eat better, get dressed and ready, actually clean and be more active with my family and friends. I am just going through the daily motions and keeping my head barely above water. I am getting there. I heard that 3 was the hardest and while emotional having 2 was super hard, number 3 has been a lot harder over all. Claire is an amazing baby so it's not like she is the hard part. Just juggling 3 has been harder. And for some reason it has been harder for me to go back to the baby stage, even though Audrey was only 2 when Claire was born, I feel like I started over in the baby stage.

Overall, we are doing well. We have our health and have been very blessed in many ways. We are doing our best and are grateful for Steven's job and all his hard work. We have some things in the works so hopefully soon he will be around a lot more in the future! All and all, we are hanging in there and hanging in there!

Claire: 9 Months

2015-02-02T09:35:00.003-07:00

January 7th, 2015

Claire turned 9 months on January 7th and had her 9 month check up on January 28th (she was 9 months and 21 days so closer to 10 months stats wise).

Stats:

- weight: 9 months 18.78 (54%) vs. 6 months 15.87 lbs (35%)

- height: 9 months 27 inches (15%) vs. 6 months 25.5 inches (18%)

- head: 9 months 18 inches (88%) vs. 6 months 17 inches (66%)

- No shots at her check up, they just tested her iron levels and she passed. She wasn't at the recommended level for her areas of development (communication, gross motor etc) But the doctor said not to worry, he gave me the 12 month milestones and told me to work from home with her. I am not worried, with 2 older sisters who are constantly in her face and doing things for her, it is a bit harder for her to learn some things.
- She is still growing which is great news! She has tripled her birth weight, short, and got a big head! Lily and Audrey were both long and skinny while Claire is kind of the opposite but all my girls have the big heads.

- Toys, toys, toys!

- I feel like she is very concerned about what goes on her mouth. She's not like my other girls where everything she finds goes in her mouth. She's picky which is great!

- She is so close to crawling! I'll probably hit publish on this post and she will start crawling when I look up. She can totally get around other ways though so she isn't in any hurry to crawl. She is moving all over the place. She often gets stuck under the couch or under chairs etc. **update, I started this post on the 7th and she started crawling the 15th**

- Now that she crawls she is all over the place! She just started fill out crawling one day. My other girls army crawled first and needed some extra time to get up on their knees.

- She loves puffs and veggie straws/

- She had a rough go last month (December). She was sick on and off a lot and was waking up during the night, fussy, crying a lot, just overall sad and grumpy. I felt awful for her. People just told me she was making up for the perfect baby for so long. But now she is back to normal and happy as ever.
- I feel bad because our schedule is only having her get one full nap a day while Lily is at school. She used to sleep before Lily's school, be awake and play, then pick up Lily and she would go down for another nap. But she is making up for that one nap by going to be earlier and sleeping later! I am talking 12+ hours each night.
- Her 2 bottom teeth are in, one too has broken in and the second top is super close. And she is size 3 diapers, 9-12 month clothing.
- She loves baby food and I have started to give her more table foods and she likes table foods more. She likes the baby food fruits more than the veggies.
- She is finally starting to get her laugh. No more cackling like she usually does.
- She's attempting to clap and wave.
- She has some thick hair and it is getting darker! I think the back might be curly like lily's was. Her eyes are more on the dark side but still kind of gray.
- She love standing up and holding onto things. She can pull herself up as of the 28th.

- I love her so much and bless her heart for being so easy and chill.

I can't believe she has spent as much time out of my tummy as she was in. She is such an easy going baby and Audrey and Lily love her. It is hard to think she will be one in less than 3 months.

2015 Goals

2015-01-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Another year, another chance to review my goals and start anew. I always copy and paste my goal list from the previous year to start this post. I like to read through my previous goals because a lot of them will carry over every year. That is why I like a list of 25-ish goals because usually half are carrying over.

1. Go visiting teaching/ help Steven go home teaching

2. Potty train Audrey

3. Read my scriptures & finish the Book of Mormon

4. Read scriptures with my family

5. Daily personal prayer

6. Daily family prayer

7. Cook more

8. Have FHE weekly

9. Read to my girls daily

10. Read 30 book this year (I read 25 last year).

11. Pay off the credit cards and not use them anymore (we got so close to paying them off in 2014. We didn't use them at all but we weren't able to put as much to paying them off as we hoped).

12. Make friends and get involved in our ward/community

13. Blog more

14. Get pregnant by the END of the year (this will most likely be our last baby)

15. Travel more (anywhere)

16. Pick up the house once a day (ONLY once a day)

17. Finish the basement bedroom project

18. Arrange and print out 2014 blog posts

19. Throw the girls a birthday (2014 birthdays I was too pregnant and too sick)

20. Start and finish backyard project

21. Exercise more often (anything)

22. More words affirmation for Steven

23. Learn a new skill/hobby

24. Early to bed, early to rise (my current schedule isn't great)

25. See a dentist (I haven't been in a few years, we don't have dental insurance)

26. Pay a full fast offering every month

2014 in Review

2015-01-01T20:38:00.002-07:00

JANUARY 1, 2015

2014 in Review

2014 was a good year to our family. I have no real regrets or complaints. I look back over the year I am proud of what our family has accomplished, how we have grown, and how we have changed. I am personally proud of my changes and growth over the year. Here's to 2015!

January: This month was pretty slow going. Steven started another intense busy season at KPMG which wouldn't have been too bad if he hadn't just come off a crazy-intense busy season October-December (that is supposed to be there slow time). Plus, it is always hard for Steven to be on PTO for 2 weeks then go back to work. But all in all, it wasn't too bad. I was pregnant and tired, the house was still a major work in process, and I had the winter time blues and was low in the friends department.

February: This was another pretty slow month for our family. The weather was super cold and snowed everywhere. And you guessed it; I was pregnant and not very happy! I won't say miserable but I was pretty close. Steven is working his tail off at work but luckily we were adjusting okay and getting into our own little routine. We finally finished up Claire's announcement song (even though I was 30+ weeks already). My little neighborhood playgroup had a cute little Valentine's Day party with a waffle bar and we decorated sugar cookies with friends.

March: A big month for our family, 2 birthdays! I was going back and forth for a few months now about throwing a birthday party. In the end I decided I didn't have the time or energy or money (we were having another baby soon) to throw the Frozen party they wanted. So in the end we had a little family party with Marie's family the weekend of Lily's 4th birthday at our house. Then the next weekend we had Amy and Rodger over for another little party with cake and pizza. The girls were very happy with what we did. They got to open their new scooters together and they even got to ride them outside because the snow had melted. Too bad I forgot helmets! We were prepping for a new baby coming next month but we didn't know how soon next month she would really be here!

April: This was our craziest month of the year! I am sure everyone is tired of the story but the story will be as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday! I went in for my 36/37 weeks appointment (we weren't on agreement on my due date yet. My OB still said May 7th but the specialist I saw early in my pregnancy moved it to April 28th) and I mentioned the baby hadn't been moving as much as usual and so I was sent to the hospital for non-stress tests (I had Lily and Audrey with me). And after several hours of tests, ultrasounds, and meeting with my doctor they decided at 3 pm (I got there at 10 am) that it was time to take the baby! Everything from there went so fast! She was born at 5:04 pm (we had to wait for my OB and prep for delivery). Crazy adventure but was a great delivery and recovery. The hospital and nurses etc. were amazing! Not to mention this month Steven turned 31 on the 28th. Luckily I had gotten all his gifts purchased and bought before having Claire so we could still have a little party. And we got to celebrate 6 years of marriage too! And of course Easter was this month too. I didn't get Easter all figured out like I had thought I would but we had a nice dinner with our neighbors and got to color eggs and have an egg hunt. And my mom was able to come stay with us (Steven's parents came while I was in the hospital and stayed with the older girls which was a huge help and blessing).

May: I was 6 weeks postpartum and doing very well. My insurance insisted I set up a postpartum "recovery" program they offer. It was called AbliTo and it was a great opportunity for me. I met with 2 people every week for an hour. On Mondays at 8 pm I got a phone call from Jennifer my social worker therapist. Then Wednesday at 8 pm I got a phone call from Mary my behavioral coach. Steven took his last CPA test (there are 4) and he passed! He started studying and taking the test May 2013 so in 1 year he took all 4 and passed all 4! Claire was 1 month and slept most of her life up to this point. I got called to compassionate service as the assistant leader. Happy Mother's Day!

June: We decided we were going to host a foreign exchange student started in July. It was a big decision to have someone else come live in our house for 4 weeks but we felt like it was the right thing. Steven had a tiny break between busy season before travel season. He was working on hedge funds at his office in SLC which was nice to have him "close" and working decent hours. Claire turned 2 months and still slept forever. Happy Father's Day Steven!

July: We blessed Claire this month, had a huge Bradshaw family reunion in Utah, and Maria came from Spain to stay with us. This was the month Steven started traveling for DOE and various traveling for work training. I finished up my AbliTo program and start private practice with Jennifer.

August: Claire turned 4 months and finally started to be awake more. We had so much fun with Maria here fun. She saved me from all of Steven's travels and busy hours. She was so sweet and amazing to have in our home. The summer was going very well and we were looking forward to Lily starting school this month. I can't believe she started preschool and dance this month!

September: We were lucky enough to take a trip with Steven to Idaho this month which was amazing and fun. It was our first family trip in a hotel and for "fun". Well worth it! Steven's travels slowed down a bit. I love the fall but it wasn't getting too chilly yet but the leaves started to change colors which I LOVE! Steven got a week off this month which was great after a long busy and travel season.

October: We hit our 1 year mark for living in our new home! It was an amazing year! We made so many new friends and had a great time getting settled. Claire was awake and alert and doing so well now. She downed in size in the last few months. I loved Halloween and we were able to spend the night with our good WJ friends, Amy and Rodger. Steven got the whole week off of Halloween and got to see Lily in her school parade and do a lot of fun fall activities.

November: Thanksgiving in Las Vegas, my birthday, new minivan, and it was finally starting to cool down. And Elise took some fabulous pictures of the girls for us which made it perfect for our Christmas card the next month.

December: Christmas on own this year was great and we finally got snow on the ground this month. I got to review my 2014 goals and we worked on our 2015 goals (coming soon) and celebrated New Years with the Browns again.

Every year I write a previous year in review. It's nice to read through the years’ worth of post remember all the fun things we got to be a part of this year. 2014 was a good year and I am excited to see what 2015 holds for us! Thanks for sticking around with us through the years!

** And I would like to remind everyone I do majority of my blogging on my phone which makes for several grammatical mistakes and auto-corrects but trust me, I am doing my best! I should probably proof read more often. But I am must happen to write something. So please excuse my writing issues. Sorry **

A list of my blogging since I started back in 2009. I was going really strong but this is my lowest posting year yet! I guess having 3 kids to take care of takes its toll. Plus, I don't do monthly updates after the girls turn 2 so that cuts down my blogging a bit.

· 2009 (120)

· 2010 (108)

· 2011 (80)

· 2012 (135)

· 2013 (69)

· 2014 (58)

2014 Goals in Review

2014-12-30T10:14:00.001-07:00

Black writing is my previous goal and red is my report for the year on each goal.

I have been working on this list for awhile now and I keep changing things but I decided that what I have is good enough. So here we go!

1. Support Steven and be more kind and understanding (his work schedule is so hard on our family but I have to remember it is equally hard on him because he is working his tail off 14+ hours a day to support this family and at least I could stay in my PJs all day if I wanted).

Every year this is on my list and I still stand by it. It is a work in progress but I feel like I can say DONE!

2. Get assigned ladies to visit teach (January 2014)

DONE

3. Do homework every day

Well, I did this up until April when I quit the program. It's a long story but in the end we decided with how sick I had been my pregnancy and I wasn't as far enough in the program as I hoped, the move, and then having Claire early. Then being a mom to 3 kids 4 and under was tough on me.

4. Complete program before baby comes (April 2014)

Read above...

5. Set up the girl's room for new baby (April 2014)

DONE

6. Have a successful c-section and a healthy baby (April 2014)

DONE- She came early but was still pretty darn healthy!

7. Sign Lily up for preschool (school starts in August 2014)

DONE

8. Potty train Audrey (December 2014)

Still a work in progress

9. Read my scriptures every day finish the Book of Mormon Challenge on instagram in 2014.

I got lost along the way, I am still strong in my reading but not as strong as I was.

10. Learn to use my sewing machine and make stuff.

DONE

11. Stick to my chore chart (daily chores, weekly chores, and monthly)

DONE- I tend to go off what needs to be cleaned more badly instead of my list. But I still stick a basic list of daily To- Do's

12. Read scriptures with my family every day.

Hit and miss but we are doing really well!

13. Pray at least twice a day.

Again, hit and miss (having a new baby really through me off my game this year)

14. Family prayer twice a day.

Every night- yes

15. Cook more, I love cooking and I wish I would have cooked more in 2013 even with Steven not being home for most meals.

DONE

16. Go visiting teaching/ make sure Steven goes home teaching.

DONE

17. Have FHE every Monday

Hit and miss...

18. Start and do our Saturday personal days.

Nope

19. Read to my girls at least once a day.

DONE

20. Establish a better routine/schedule for my family and myself. With the lack of routine/schedule we had in 2013 (we really had no control over that) I have learned we all do better with one.

DONE

21. Read 50 book this year (I read 47 last year).

I only got to 25...

22. Stick to our new budget so we can survive 2014

DONE

23. Pay off the credit cards and not use them anymore (we used to be really good about using them and paying them off each month just so we could get reward points but when we just use cash/debit system we spend less overall).

DONE (we haven't used them all year but we do still have a little to pay off which should be done in the beginning of 2015)

24. Make new friends and get involved in our new ward/area.

DONE

25. Focus on being happy and healthy. I had a rough recovery with Audrey so this time around I want to stay out of the postpartum depression slump I am still fighting. I want to work out, eat better, be a little more selfish (yes, selfish).

DONE, thanks to my wonderful insurance I was able to do the AbliTo program and now I am in month 8 working with my personal therapist.

Audrey Update

2014-12-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Interview (12/30/2014)

Favorite color: gray (that's what she said but I think it's blue)

Favorite food: cereal

Favorite movie: Rise of The Guardians

Favorite toy: Anna dolls

Favorite activity: jump on the couch, throw things, color on anything that isn't paper (i.e. my walls, ground, couch)

Favorite drink: juice

Favorite dessert: candy/chocolate

Favorite book: Frozen book

Best friend: Corbyn and Lily

Clothing: 3T

Hair and eye color: light blonde with green/brown/hazel eyes

December 28, 2014

Audrey,

Time is flying by and you amaze me every single day. Sometimes you are a little bipolar, happy one second and next ripping Lily's hair out. The say terrible 2s and bipolar 3s but you are doing it all!

You are so smart and really quick to learn new things because you want to do everything Lily is doing. You want to keep up with her and challenge her at the same time. You guys have an amazing bound that I am jealous of. You can laugh and play one second then be screaming and fighting the next. But then 10 minutes later you are buddies again.

We have a special bound too. You are my little shadow who wants to walk to the mailbox with me, will play in the bathroom while I get ready, crawl into my lap whenever you sees its open. You just want me near you. This may have been a tough year for you with becoming the middle child. But you are adjusting better each day. You love Claire so much. You are always sweet with her and want her to be happy.

I am excited to have you start dance and preschool next fall when you are 3. You are craving the outside attention and want to see what's outside the walls of our house. You love being social but always stay close to my side.

You can count to 13, know several colors, knows how to sing her ABCs. She loves singing songs and being sung to. Lately it's the ABCs and Twinkle tinkle little star.

Your hair is still blonde and doesn't seem to be going brown anytime soon. Your eyes change color daily: green, light brown, or a nice hazel mix.

You can be hard to read and figure out at times. But usually you always want the same thing, to snuggle and get some needed attention.

You get obsessed over movies where all you want to do is watch it over and over. A few favorites were The Wizard of Oz, Rise of the Guardian, Madagascar 1, Hocus Pocus, and of course Frozen.

You still have your blanket you sleep with every night and when you are super emotional you have to have it near by. You were super interested in potty training this year but now you could careless.

I have never seen/heard a child demand chocolate and candy like you before. You will scream at the top of your lungs for candy. It's scary!

You refuse to smile for pictures, you look away from the camera on purpose. Unless someone is jumping up and down behind me, you won't even blink at me. When you want my attention you grab my whole face and turn it to look at you. Then you put your face super close to mine, touching noses, and tell me what you want.

You are a child of mystery. I love learning new things about your every day as you discover new things. You are a tornado of emotions and actions. Just the other sag you climbed on the table and kicked and threw everything off it just for fun. Or to see smoke come out of ears...

You are the cutest when you wake up in the morning and you are so shy and calm, it is a rare sight to see! You love to cuddle and just want to close.

We love you so much. Your personality and attitude make me smile and laugh even when I should be ticked. Thanks for bringing some craziness and adventure into our family. Without you we would probably be pretty calm and normal. You were exactly what we needed.

Love,

Mom

Lily Update

2014-12-28T22:53:00.004-07:00

Interview (12/28/2014)

Favorite color: rosey, red, and pink

Favorite food: sausage

Favorite movie: Hotel Transylvania, The Lego Movie, and Happy Feet

Favorite toy: My Little Pony

Favorite activity: going swimming with Vivian, going to the curiosity museum

Favorite picture: grandpa and grandma getting married

Favorite drink: water bottle

Favorite dessert: fruit snacks and pop tarts

Favorite book: the chapter book "Dolls and Fairies" that her dad reads to her each night

Best friend: Lily Sophia (the first) but I like all my friends like Casen, Emma, Vivian, Audrey, Eliza

Clothing: size 5/6, XS/S

Hair and eye color: dark brown

Lily,

You are my first born and you are growing up so fast but you will always be my baby! You made me a mom almost 5 years ago and I will never forget that. I have some funny stories about you I have jotted down over the last few months. I wish I had a better record but I guess something is better than nothing.

You are super girlie and love dressing yourself now a days. You used to just love to wear whatever I laid out but now you insist on picking something out. You hate jeans and only want to wear skirts and leggings which is a minor issue because I got you all jeans for this winter. We are managing and you will sometimes wear the jeans if I beg. Your outfits usually speak true of your personality... I have learned to just roll with it.

You came home from church one Sunday talking about the scriptures and how you wanted your own set so I gave you my old seminary scriptures and you carried them everywhere! You were constantly begging me to read from them, we have already read three separate times in one day! Anyway, we are currently reading from the book of Genesis and you are loving the story of the creation. You asked me if God made aliens and zombies when he made the animals... You are your dad's kid for sure!

Steven sent me a text the other day while I was at the doctor's office:

Lily: where is mom?

Steven: She had to go to the doctor.

Lily: okay... what about dinner?

"Lily has been begging to dress up like Elsa from Frozen for so long! Finally the month arrived where she could wear the dress. She insisted on LONG white hair like Elsa with glitter and small snowflakes in it. I got her the wig but the glitter and snowflakes never happened, every time she put it on she would say, "I love it, but it would be better with glitter and snowflakes." I tried..."

You love life and discovered this year your love for traveling. We were able to tag along with dad on a few business trips where we got to stay in a hotel for the first time as a family. You keep begging to go back to the "new-tel" (hotel) so we can watch cartoons (cable) and go swimming, and see daddy everyday! You loved exploring the hotel and areas around it and going everywhere as family.

Your LOVE to say things like, "can we do ____ as a family?" Can we eat dinner as a family? etc You are in love with being a family right now. Family this, family that. You keep asking about your baby brother and when he is coming to our family. I told you that God decides if we will have a boy or girl come into our family. So if we have another baby, it could be another girl. But the other day you told me that Jesus told you we were going to have a baby boy soon.

I cut up a pancake on your plate and it had Nutella on it, "mom! It looks like poop on my plate!"

A package arrived at the door and I brought it inside and the girls are asking if it's a gift for them. I said no, I bought a gift for me. And you said, "then it's not a gift." Once she's married with kids, she will learn!

You went through a stage where all you talked about marriage, A LOT! And you wanted to do was marry our neighbor Casen and you even said he was going to give you a ring!

You were star student at school in October/November and you filled out the entire star student page on your own (with me helping with spelling). You told me when you grew up you wanted to be married and be a mom with lots of kids. I tried to talk to you about going to college like I did even when you are married with kids, you insisted on just getting married and having kids. I will keep working on the college thing. You love carrying around a note pad and pencil just writing random letters trying to make words and stories.

You are a daddy's girl and love to do anything with your dad. You love playing Lego's with him the most.

You like to point out people's sizes just because you are learning about shapes and sizes like small-medium-large. But once you said to me, "Sam's mom is huge. She is large and you are medium and I am small. I am teaching you about proper manners and not pointing at people.

I have a million stories I could share over the last few months. Your personality has come alive since you started preschool in August. I was in your classroom helping out with your Halloween party and you were a different kid in there! I had seen you like this at home and with close friends but never in public. I asked your teacher about your behavior and she said in the last week or two you had finally come out of your shell and she was so proud! You are working so hard at learning to read with your online preschool and you love all the social, musical, and hands on activities in your other preschool. You are a sponge learning so much at once! You come home every day with a new song or new fact like you learned the entire Pledge of Allegiance, Oscar the Octagon, Cindy the Circle etc.

Always be yourself and be happy with life. You are the oldest child, we are still new parents and learning and figuring out things. Be easy on us and know that we love you and we are doing our best. You are a great daughter, sister, friend, and person. We love you so much

Love,

Mom

Christmas 2014

2014-12-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

December 28, 2014

I can't believe another Christmas season has come and gone! I love this time of year (although, fall is still my favorite season). A lot has been going on this month which has helped make the Christmas season great. I am going to take this month kind of day-by-day to help me keep track.

December 1st: We decorated the house and set up the tree for Christmas. There hasn't been much snow which makes for a sad season. It will snow in the morning and be melted the next day. It's a blessing and a curse. I love snow for the holidays.
December 3rd: It took a little time for our Elf, Crush to make his return but he finally did!
December 7th: We did our tradition of decorating the gingerbread house. The girls loved it!

December 10th: We got to attend KPMGs BYU holiday concert again this year. I love listening to William Joesph play every year. I really love the violinist who plays with him too.
December 13th: We were able to attend our ward's Christmas dinner party and see Santa there. This was the time time the girls got to see Santa this season and Lily and Audrey were a little shy but were able to talk to him (they wouldn't look him in the face though). Claire didn't cry or really react at all to Santa. It was a fun holiday theme, adults wore ugly Christmas sweaters and kids wore PJs.
December 12th- 15th: And then we had some visitors come for the weekend. Grandpa and Grandma Smith came to stay with us for a few days. The girls LOVED having them here. They read books, brought Christmas gifts for under our tree, and told great stories. They also celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on the 12th and took the adults (Steven, me, Marie, and Ben) out to dinner that night to celebrate. We did some Christmas shopping and had a nice Family dinner on Sunday with everyone at our home. We also got to make new the baby Christmas stockings.

December 16th: Today was the last day of Lily's dance class before they went on break. They had been praciting mainly the basics of dance up until this month. This month they learned a little dance routine and they let the parents come in the last 10 minutes of class and watch. It was so cute! Lily has improved a lot since last year. We were lucky enough to have Steven work from home today so he could go and watch Lily.
December 17th: I got to go her holiday sing along at school. I didn't realize how big of a deal it was until I got there. Of course, Lily's preschool/kindergarten singing slot was the very end. But it was fun to watch all the grades see different songs.
December 18th: We made neighbor goodies and delivered them to all neighbors.
December 20th: This was the last day before school break and Lily got to wear her PJs to school for the polar express and to see Santa again!

We were lucky enough to have Steven home from December 20th until after New Year!

Since we weren't leaving town this year for Christmas we were kind of confused what to do. We usually do whatever traditions the family we are visiting do. So we decided to break out our own traditions and do what we wanted.We waited until Steven was on PTO to get our holiday activities going.
Saturday 20th: Riverwoods: We did our yearly tradition of going to the Riverwoods mall to see Santa, ride the horse drawn carriage, and go to the toy store. It was a lot of fun and it is crazy to think we started this tradition when I was still pregnant with Lily.
Monday 22nd: Temple Square: We made the trek up to SLC for our tradition to walk around Temple square. There still was no snow at this point but it had been raining that day but by the time we made it up there, the rain had stopped. We learned our lesson and got there just before the sun set and were able to walk the grounds just as the lights were turning on so it wasn't super cold or crowded yet. We even got to see the awesome displays in the outside Macy windows.
Tuesday 23rd: Zoo Lights: My brother had a special gift for us this year. Jason and Justin took us to the Zoo Lights! It is something I have always wanted to do but just kept putting off. We met up with them at Pei Wei (a Bradshaw family Christmas Eve tradition) and then went to the lights. It was pretty crazy but it was a lot of fun! The girls didn't want to leave. Maybe we can make this a new tradition.
Wednesday 24th: Christmas Eve: The Smith family always makes pizzas for dinner and Bradshaw side always does Pei Wei. Well, since we had already planned a big Christmas dinner at our home the next day we decided to keep it simple but still special. The girls and I went to Marie's house that morning to help wrap gifts and play while Steven finished up some things Christmas on his own. Then we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, drove through the Thanksgiving Point holiday lights, and then made and decorated sugar cookies. Then we watched the Christmas Nativity video, opened PJs and read the Grinch. It was really a perfect Christmas Eve. I was worried I would miss family but it was great being with just our little family.
Thursday 25th: Christmas Day: It finally snowed! We woke up to a white Christmas! It was an amazing day that Lily tried to start at midnight, 3:30 am and finally at 7 am we agreed to go see what Santa brought. The girls had a wonderful Christmas and didn't complain once. They loved everything they got and were so happy. We hosted Christmas Day dinner at our house this year which was great and tiring. We had Marie's family over around 5 and I made ham, orange rolls, regular rolls, Nutella fudge, scotcharoos, sugar cookies, and homemade Oreos. Marie made cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole and a chocolate cake (which we forgot to eat). We played games, the kids played with their new toys and had a lot of fun until after 8 pm.

It really was a great month! Despite someone being sick at least once the whole month (I got a stomach bug the first week of December and I am fighting a sinus infection still). I feel very blessed we got to stay home and spend Christmas together in our new home as a family. It is the start of many new traditions for our family.

The pictures uploaded in an odd order but either way, enjoy!

Smith Family 2014 Christmas Card and Letter

2014-12-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Here's a little update on the members in our family and how the year 2014 treated us. Enjoy!

Steven: Steven is in his 3rd year at KPMG and still enjoys public accounting. He rekindled his love of Legos this year and has shared his love with the girls. This year he had the opportunity to work on some side music projects with friends (a recording which he plans to release early next year). He also got a new calling as the ward Gospel Principles teacher and really loves teaching. He's on a quest to collect all first edition Stephen King novels. He loves taking the kids to the library and reading to them. Some accomplishments this year include: reading over 70 books, officially getting his CPA, and always doing his best to love and provide for our family.

Jenna: Jenna became a mom of three this year and she has adjusted rather well. The jury is still out if she's up to trying for that boy. After the one-year mark of living in their new house this year (September 2014) she finally decided it was time to make the house feel more like home and she's really enjoying that process. She loves to read but didn't quite make her book reading goal of 50 books this year. She's really gotten into baking and cooking again. She loves finding new recipes on Pinterest, blogging, Facebook and Instagram stalking and her new calling as compassionate service leader. She's excited for the new Cafe Rio to finish across the street from her house. Some accomplishments this year include: watching the entire series of the Gilmore Girls in less than 3 months, finally sticking to a budget, and becoming a minivan-driving mama.

Lily: Lily has started preschool this year and has done really well so far. She is really interested in learning (she must take after her dad in that regard). She is taking dance again this year and things seem to be going a lot smoother than last year. She loves to sing and learns so many cute songs in preschool. She started Sunbeams this year and loves everything pink. Some accomplishments this year include: learning to spell and write out her name, learning the entire Pledge of Allegiance, and not being scared of our neighbor’s dog anymore.

Audrey: Words cannot properly describe this child. Audrey is the most loving, stubborn, and wild child you will meet. She's dying to take dance lessons or go to school like Lily. She's a mama's girl all the way (Jenna's shadow). She's a middle child and craves attention (good or bad). She's fearless and loves to run around with no pants on. She is still working on being fully potty trained. Some accomplishments this year include: learning her ABCs and her numbers up to 13, dressing herself, and coloring all over the floors and walls in the house.

Claire: Miss Claire Bear joined our family this year (much earlier than planned)! She joined us April 7, 2014 weighing in at 6 pounds even and 19.5 inches long. She was grandbaby #15 on the Smith side and #23 on the Bradshaw side. Claire is literally the most easy-going baby. She's just happy to be around. Some accomplishments this year include: sitting up, eating green beans, passing a toy from one hand to the other, and having her 2 bottom teeth.

We feel very blessed to be a growing family. We are grateful for our family and friends near and far. We wouldn't be where we are today without their influence. We are especially grateful to be members of such an amazing and true church. The real reason for the season is our Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope this letter finds everyone happy and in good health. Thank you for taking the time to check in on our family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Smith Family

Steven, Jenna, Lily (4), Audrey, (2) and Claire (8 months)

Claire: 8 Months

2014-12-14T22:43:00.001-07:00

December 7, 2014

- Claire loves to growl! She's very loud at it too!

- She is moving around more and more. Crawling seems to be on her mind but she hasn't mastered anything really. She has her ways to move around that make her happy.

- She has her first 2 two teeth coming in on the bottom.

- She loves to copy whatever you are saying. But mostly she likes to copy "screaming /yelling" contests to see who can get louder and louder.

- She loves to laugh but doesn't do it all the time.

- I can't walk into a room without acknowledging her or else she freaks out until I come over and hang out with her a bit.

- No real stranger danger yet but she will reach for me if someone else is joking her.

- She's trying to fight over some nasty sickness / virus she has right now.

- Her reflux is pretty much gone aside from some gag reflexes when she eats her hands.

- Big hand sucker.

- Loves toys and having people Around her and/ or playing with her.

- I moved her to size 3 diapers and 9-12 clothing.

- She wears headbands and bows still pretty well.

- Has enough hair for a little top pony.

- She wasn't afraid of Santa this year.

- Has dark hair and her eyes are pretty dark too.

Thanksgiving 2014/ABCs/ November Wrap Up

2014-11-27T08:14:00.001-07:00

This month has gone by so fast! The fall is my favorite season so October and November seemed to fly by!

Highlights from this month in no particular order, just as I remember them!

- November 1st hit and it got super cold! It's been up and down weather wise, pretty warm and the next day freezing. We got our first real snow that stuck to the ground this week. It was beautiful. It's snow several times this month but didn't last long.

- Lily was the start student in her class for a week and it was so fun for her. She got to bring in her favorite toy, favorite book, and then we got to come in and share stories about her and pictures. And we got to bring donuts in for her favorite treat.

- We got to travel to Vegas for Thanksgiving and it was great. We got to use Steven's Marriott rewards points and stay 5 nights in a hotel. It was so fun! It was a suite with a kitchen which made life a lot easier with the kids. We ate breakfast every morning at the hotel (we would just bring food up from the lobby breakfast). And they attempted swimming one night but it super crowded and cold. We all shared a HUGE king bed. It as just nice to feel like we were on a little vacation.

- I finally got to meet my new niece Harper! She's adorable! And my brother Jason and Justin came too and they are always a hoot. Jason helped with get hooked up with my minivan! And I got to see my sister Heather between her nursing night shifts. We went to the Belligo gardens which were amazing and a fun tradition. We didn't make it to the Catus Gardens though. We did go to Outback for my grandma's and my birthdays.

- Steven spoiled me for my birthday. A few days before our Vegas trip he set up a great musical scavenger hunt with s play list with songs that tied into our relationship and were the clues. I got a lot of a candy and a beautiful necklace and earrings set I had picked out over the summer on one of our trips to Idaho.

- I probably waited too long and can't think much else what happened in November. It was a great month of Fall weather, my birthday, thanksgiving, family and fun times!

A: Audrey, words can not properly describe this girl. She can be a little devil one second and an angel the next. She's my cuddle bunny and my sweet talker.

B: Bradshaws, my family may be crazy but they are my family!

C: Claire, our baby, our angel.

D: Dessert, enough said.

E: Entertainment, we haven't been able to branch out much aside from our good old TV shows. After the kids are in bed we like to eat treats and catch up on Hulu.

F: Friends, we have had some good and some bad experiences in the past but right now, it's all good.

H: Honda, I have dreamed (literally) for the day that I would be a Honda owner- specifically a Honda Odessey owner. And this WEEK that dream came true!

I: Internet, the powerful World Wide Web that keeps us connected!

J: Jenna (ya, that's me)

K: KPMG, it's such a blessing to have Steven work for a great and stable company.

L: Lily, our first born. The one who made us parents. She is so bright and witty and amazing.

M: Maria, an amazing experience we had this summer.

N: Nevada, home means Nevada home means the hills! The lovely battle born state will always have a place in my heart. And it's where Steven and I met and married, where we started our lives together.

O: October, still one of my favorite months! Especially in Utah.

P: Parents, we feel blessed to be parents to our 3 girls. And we are grateful for our own parents.

Q: Quietness- hard to come by these days.

R: Rain

S: Steven! My love and soulmate.

T: Therapy, I love my therapist! We have weekly phone calls for an hour and it's been so helpful! We have been chatting about 8 months now and I have grown A LOT!

U: Utah, our home for the last 4+ years.

V: The Voice, our new favorite show.

W: Water, it keeps us alive, it's fun to play in, and I couldn't think of anything else for W.

X, Y, and Z: Really there isn't much left to say at this point and seeing how this post is almost a month late anyway. This marks...

THE END

PS: Pictures to come

Claire: 7 months

2014-11-15T00:07:00.001-07:00

November 7, 2014

I love this age! She's growing and learning and her personality is amazing! She's such a great baby and hilarious!

- She's fully sitting up in her own. I can just place her on the ground with some toys and she's totally happy. She is much happier when she has toys and her siblings in her view.

- She is a grunter! She loves to grunt while she's eating baby food.

- She drinks 3-4 6 Oz bottles and 3 jars of baby food a day. She has tried SO many fruits and veggies and hasn't spit out a thing. She keeps her mouth wide open, begging for more.

- She gets so excited to see her bottle/

- She's in 6-9 month clothing, size 2 diaper but needs 3 soon.

- She got her flu shot and has the second round next month. This last shot update at 6 months was the first time she didn't swell up on her legs! Or get super cranky after.

- she likes to put everything in her mouth. Her favorites are things that shouldn't be in a mouth like my car keys and wood train tracks.

- She loves the middle sit in the car so she can have Lily on her right and Audrey on her left. She's doing okay with her car seat. She gets a bit grumpy here and there but the girls can usually keep her happy.

- her reflux has finally calmed down with all her baby food. The doctor said once she started more solid foods the reflux would get better.

- she is trying to pull herself up, she can just barely lift her bum off the ground and then she gets tired.

- She still has such great chunky cheeks!!

- She loves to roll around and can move around the room pretty well by just rolling around.

- she's growing every day and changing so much! I do miss the tiny newborn stage, I love seeing her grow up and change!!

Halloween 2014

2014-11-05T22:44:00.001-07:00

I can't believe another holiday has come and gone! And having 3 kids makes the holiday even more special. October was a busy month full of travel, Steven going back and forth and we got to tag along again. We did some fun activities like Nod to Oz at Thanksgiving Point, Evans family farm to pick pumpkins, drives up the canyon, our ward trunk or treat, Steven's work family party, and many other fall activities. The girls had a blast the night of Halloween with our good friends the Browns. For the second year in a row we went to their house, had papa murphy's pumpkin shape pizza and went trick or treating around their neighborhood. It was a lot of of fun! Lily was Elsa, Audrey was Anna, and Claire was a black cat.

Claire: 6 months

2014-11-05T22:15:00.002-07:00

10-7-14

How has my baby already been with us for 6 months! She is still my newborn! It's hard to go through this stage right now because to be honest, I don't know if we will have anymore. I know, I know, she's only 6 months why am I even thinking about it? Well, after Lily and Audrey and I was in the hospital recovering I had strong spiritual experiences that we would have another baby. To be honest, I am getting mixed signals after having Claire. Is she the last or not? Either way, I am enjoying and soaking in every minute of her and the little time she has left as my baby! Once she can crawl then I feel like the baby stage has ended!

Her doctor's appointment was late this month so she 6 months and 3 weeks when these stats were done. Close enough!

Stats:

- weight: 6 months 15.87 lbs (35%) vs. 4 months 13.05 lbs (19%)

- height: 6 months 25.5 inches (18%) vs. 4 months 24.5 inches (40%)

- head: 6 months 17 inches (66%) vs. 4 months 16.25 inches (62%)

- between month 5 to 6 I feel like Claire literally doubled in size! It was actually probably in a week she went from sleepy and tiny Claire to huge and playful and wise away Claire! She likes to move and roll!

- She gets upset when the girls aren't near her and interacting with her. She lights up when she seems them.

- She was eating 6 oz and jumped to 8 oz 4-6 times a day but then I introduced baby food in the last week or two and she's back to 6 oz 4-5 times.

- She has had variety of baby food and seriously loves it all! I can't get the food in her mouth fast enough!

- It's funny (and maybe a little sad) how by the third kid the mile stones are still great but not as grand. I just mean, I just got out baby food and feed it to her one day. No video, no pictures of the first feeding, didn't wait for Steven. It's still an amazing experience, every single smile stone. It's just funny how it's just second nature now to me.

- She loves to smile and knows her name!

- Her laughs are still rare, she more crackles. But Lily and Audrey can get her belly laughing a bit.

- She is getting better at holding up her own bottle for feedings.

- She loves her bumbo and high chair. She's getting pretty good at sitting up on her own.

- She loves eating puffs and yogurt melts (I break them up tiny) and at church I gave her tiny crumbs of a cheese it and she LOVED it. My dad feed her pancakes and syrup last week and she LOVED it. She cried whenever he took too long to fess her another bite.

- She loves sucking on her hands and toys. I gave up on the binkie long ago

- Still sleeps like a champ! She gets in 2 full naps a day, LONG ones!

- Size 2 diapers and 6 month clothing.

- She finally discovered she has feet with toes! She loves them a lot.

- She doing great with coordination.

- We finally adjusted her car straps from "newborn" to a bigger size. (She started with "premie" straps that were so tight!)

- She's just a happy and amazing baby.

- I say this every time but I still miss the fact I didn't nurse her. But the formula and bottle set up has been an amazing blessing. Having Steven to help me and babysitters, and Lily! And it's easier when we are out. Plus, the reason we did formula was so I could take a certain prescription that wasn't good for nursing babies. All of those make this a great experience. I still get to bound with Claire in many other ways.

- we love her so much and it feels like she has always been with us.

1 Year

2014-10-07T08:20:00.001-06:00

I can't believe we have been in our house a whole year! The fact that we bought our first home still amazes me. I love our home every day and I am so grateful for it.

In the last year...

They have finally finished construction in our neighborhood! I actually kind of miss the Latin music and sounds of saws cutting.

We have met a ton of new neighbors and we still have some moving in. Our ward has gotten so huge!

I have held 2 callings in the last year. I didn't getting a calling for several months then probably 8 months ago I got called to be a visiting teaching supervisor. Then I had Claire and when she was about a month old I got called to compassionate service assistant leader. I have LOVED this calling so much. It was a little intimidating at first but now we have a good flow and it's amazing!

We found Lily a dance studio she loves! It's just down the road and it's in someone's basement. She loves it and did a dance camp there in the summer and is signed up again this year.

We are slowly adding our own touches to the house to make it feel like our own. I have been so worried about painting or anything too personal because we have moved so much. But this is our house, we aren't going anywhere soon (unless of a job change (which isn't what we want)).

I never felt scared in my house, even on the many nights Steven is working kate or traveling. I have decided 2400 feet is a lot larger than you think. And I have a cleaning it, 4 toilets to clean is rough. Thankfully I have girls.

I have made some friends, lost some friends, and I am discovering what true friendship is. I am still on my journey to find where I fit. I need to remain true to myself and not change for the company I am with just to fit in.

My girls still say how much they love their "new big house" and Lily even Susa thank you! My girls have also go through a hard time in the friendship department. But we are learning and growing.

And they are building like crazy around our house like they added a Wendy's and Taco Bell and Panada Express within the last year. And they are building a cafe rio across the street! Plus many other new roads and shops and places to eat near by.

When I first walked into this house last summer, I knew. I knew this was where we were supposed to be. The interior of the house was just icing on the cake. Steven felt the same way and even started the buying process without even seeing the house (he was in another state on business but he trusted me). Even though this year has had many ups and downs, I still know that we are here for a reason. I love my home, my growing family, and my husband who provides so much for us. Our dream wouldn't be a reality without his hard word and dedication to providing and protecting us. And he leaves every day knowing that he is leaving the house and kids in good hands. He knows that what I do to take is this house and kids is hard work. And it isn't always fun. And he thanks me for all info for him, kids, and for making our house a home.

Buying a house was a roller coaster ride but it was worth it. So so so worth it.

Our first family trip

2014-09-11T22:04:00.001-06:00

I kid you not, we just for back from our very first family trip that wasn't to visit family. We usually only ever go somewhere as a family for holidays or to visit family. This last week Steven was traveling to Idaho falls for work so at the last minute- literally Sunday night and he was leaving Monday in less than 12 hrs. We just decided it would be a good idea for the whole family to go out of town. Since it was a work trip his gas, meals, and hotel were all covered so it was perfect. We usually don't travel because of his costly it is so we had to jump on this.

We didn't really do much in particular. We checked out Target one day. Went to Walmart for some supplies and checked out a few locals spots and a park. Steven worked every day but it was nice to just lay around the hotel, not cook or clean the whole trip. We had lunch with Steven every day and he was "home" by 5:30-6 every night.

We visited his family in rexburg Monday night for dinner and that was great. Tuesday we just hung out at the hotel after work and Steven took Audrey and Lily swimming. Wednesday we met up with friends for some good BBQ at pit masters and hung out at their house. The girls loved to play and the guys got out Legos. And then Steven worked a half day today and we headed home. Traffic was bad when we hit SLC around 5 pm and then we had to detour because Audrey puked in the car twice!

Now we are home and back to reality once more! Steven isn't traveling for a while and he has all next week off PTO so that will be fun!