LASERS

I just took the kids to my lab to take pictures with my Lasers.



And here is a YouTube video of me burning a business card.

Call Out the Marines...

On Thursday, it was sunny and in the mid-60s here. Lovely. So spring-ish.

Then it snowed two inches last night.

Which meant that everything was cancelled today. My hair appointment. Dave's basketball game. Church is cancelled tomorrow. And, no doubt, there will be at LEAST a two hour delay for school on Monday morning.

I just love living in the South. Last night I stopped at the Walmart to grab some junk food and I saw a couple standing in front of the Little Debbie display having an intense conversation. I heard one of them say "Well, how much do you think we'll need--ya' know--to tide us over???" Right down the aisle was a woman following her husband, who was pushing the cart. She was holding up two FAMILY SIZE bags of tortilla chips and saying "Why do you need the 'Scoops' AND the 'Lime Flavored' ones???" To which he so lovingly replied, "Shush up! It's FOOTBALL, Woman!" I held in my giggles until I got out of earshot.

Here are some pictures of our slush/ice driveway. The only one we'll have all year. (And to all the moms who live in cold places--how do you deal with the STUFF? And the SLUSH?? UGH.)

Quote of the Day

"Mom, what does a president do anyway? It seems like his only job is to look good everyday."

Ellie

"Mom, Look at what I found in the garbage at school today!"

Addison.

We spent New Years day with the Hansen fam. Dixie and I realized our kids had never seen chin pupets! LOL They kinda got it. I'm pretty sure we "moms" enjoyed it way more then the kids.

Awwwe...cute.

The girls were just sure their dad had frozen completely after snow blowing everyones drive, sidewalk even a yard for our neighbors dog! bry and I didn't find this note and cup of hot cocoa, well what once was "hot" cocoa, until after they had left to the movies with grandma. What a bunch of sweeties! My camera died before I could get the pic of the entire note inside. They were begging him to meet them for lunch with grandma. We have eat these days up, you know, the ones that our kids actually want to be with us. :) LOL

Right Now in North Carolina...

I got Emily and Ainsley matching "Easter" dresses at Costco this week.

Which would explain why they're wearing them in January. I have no will power.

Wishing everyone sunshine and weather in the 50s. (And if not, then come visit me. :))

Love you!

Becca

You're Welcome.

Your life isn't complete until you've shown this to your kids and let them watch it on repeat while you do the dishes.

Denmark

Aside from getting five inches of rain in the past day or two we also got news that Adam's presence is requested in Denmark! With his ticket and hotel paid for, I decided that I needed to be a supportive wife and join him. I have always been really good about things like that! So we are headed out Monday Feb 8 and coming back late on the 14th. Now we just have to hope Lafe's passport gets here!

this is me with aunt susans dog.

this is my play. the cheetah and the sloth.

i was the cheetah. i had fun.

we went to dinner after to celebvate.

love gretchen

The Last Desperados....

Levi... is continuing to look for work, focusing more up in Salt Lake. It looks like Ashley will be going to the University of Utah after she graduates in May, and is in the running for a scholarship. I asked about Mercedies and he said that she's doing well. She's going to a TK preschool program, it sounds like, and doing really well there. I asked him to send us a recent picture of her soon. Tell Mercedies that her aunts, uncles, and cousins love her!! The most exciting thing coming for Levi is his initial patriarchal blessing interview on the 26th with Patriarch Tischner. He'll let us know when his actual blessing will be. Levi, I think we're all really happy and excited for you. *grin*

Jared...is rebelling against the blog, but that's okay. I'll post for him. He sounded really discouraged, but I think that would be an understatement if I was facing some of his struggles. He's been looking for work for a long time now, and I know that he's fighting really hard to pay the bills on his car and computer. It just has to be really, really hard. He's met up with some of the elders from his district, though, and sounds like that has been a really good thing. Jared--we are all praying for you. I know that we would do more, if you let us know what else we could do. Hang in there, we love you.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday was our kids' school assembly for MLK day. Ellie's class recited a poem, and Addison's class (actually, all the 2nd grade) sang two songs: "Thanks you Miss Rosa" honoring Rosa Parks, and "This Little Light of Mine". Below are a couple of pics and links to video.





By the way, in the middle picture you'll see Addison holding the respectable shirt we sent him to school in. I don't want you to think we consider scroungy T-shirts appropriate performance attire.

Here are links to YouTube for the songs. I'm not promising pure musical entertainment. It will take familial love to make these baby's worth watching.

Ellie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kypd55eXdzA

Addison (Miss Rosa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5k_kholwhI

Addison (This little Light)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KVF-JZ0Z3M

Just Amazing

I am just amazed with each of you and the good that you are doing in this world. This weekend was Stake conference and what great message were delivered. I learned a great lesson from President Slicox, " This generation will wake in paths that I will never see" This has help me to understand just how special each of you are to come forth at this time in the worlds history because of your ability, skills, and faithfulness to the Father in the preexcetance. He knows that you can do all thing in Him. it's just amazing to me that I get to be a part of your life's thank you for being pation with me. Love Each Of You Very Much...
Dad

Right Now in North Carolina...

This is our house, right this second. Ainsley is eating her salad with Miracle Whip, Emily is coloring, and I couldn't take a video of Caleb's current activities in the potty. (I know, you're grateful. You're welcome.) Ainsley loooooves Miracle Whip. So we let her eat it with a spoon. (FOR BEN: "This yogurt tastes funny." "Uuuuuh, that's because it's mayonaise." "Oh.") She also loves salad. She does NOT like rice with soy sauce. Just rice with butter. She is obviously Dave's child. *roll eyes*

I got a new calling today--Compassionate Service Leader! Wooohooo!!! Uuuuuh.... what does a Compassionate Service Leader do exactly? Oh well! New adventures are always good, right? (Apparently the last two were some serious slackers, so at least it'll be easy to look good. And I'm all about appearances. *snort*) I also started my own Etsy business. Doing some graphic design, as well as labeling wedding invites, etc. Someone is going to PAY ME to fifty cents an envelope. Can you believe it?!?!? Easiest way to make fifty bucks EVER.

I have to mention, because I love it, that Emily has been leaving little incoherent notes in our neighbor's mailbox. Our neighbor is named Miss Kim--an older massage therapist divorcee who lives alone. The latest was a pasta box with a crayon in it. Tonight, Miss Kim knocked on the door and had a coloring book and some chocolates for Emily. She looked tired and sad, but handed to me and said "Give this to your little girl. Please." and walked away. I was very touched, and Emily was delighted. Emily shared a chocolate each with Caleb and Ainsley. She is very loveable these days.

It's in the 60s here right now, which is lovely. I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't handle more than a week of cold. It's seriously overrated!!

Speaking of things that are overrated--tomorrow is Martin Luther King Day. NOT Civil Rights Day. Nope. Martin Luther King Day. And you know why I think that's overrated? Because Dave doesn't even get the day off. I just get a bonus day with all three kids, no spouse, and no special food. I can get behind ANY holiday if there is special food for it. Hmmph.

Rignt now on Facebook...

Bryan... I sure do feel old today, My Gracie is 9. She is the best big sister and daugter that anyone could have, I love you Grace.

Adam... Just finished watching The Neverending Story with my kids. Wow. It is way more lame than I remember as a kid. It is, however, equally creepy.

Lesli... "I don't know karate, but I know Crazy and I am not afraid to use it." Name that movie and you won't regret it.

Becca...Biggest Loser workouts make my arms shake like a bowl full of jelly. :)

Levi... Is in love with my best friend (Awww. Yay!)

Jared... Am I destined to walk and wander through this life of mine alone? (That's up to you, I think)

Grace is nine Years Old Today!

Happy Birthday to Gracie today! (well, it's her birthday now in Omaha where I hope she lies sleeping, though we still have an hour to go before midnight...) I have spent some time today remembering the day that Grace was born- becoming a grandma for the first time was one of the funnest things I have ever done (and it has never lost it's charm for me!) She was early, so she took us by surprise, and she was tiny- a delightful first for our family- well, except for dad- who was 4 pounds (by the birth certificate, not grandma's telling) Becca and I hit ZCMI the next morning (Grace was born on a Sunday)- and we looked at every piece of cute, little-girl, preemie sized stuff we could find, and we found a lot. Jen & Bry were pro's from the start- there was a nice note on the door of their home asking sick people to come back when they were well, and well people to step into the bathroom to wash their hands before even peeking at this tiny new person. Everyone (and I mean everyone) was in love with Gracie.
Gracie, just think- it has been a year now since you made the decision to be baptized...time really goes fast, doesn't it? Have fun today being with family and friends, eating cake, and opening presents - remember that I and the rest of your Smith family, though far away, will think about you today and will smile. I love you!

Sunday Dinner & Chocolate Cake

This is little Evi "cooking" in my kitchen over the New Year's holiday... it was so fun to watch her busy-ness. It affirmed my belief that there is no better toy than things that are nested- especially if they look like baby pans. I did some baking today for myself- I tried out Betty Crocker's new gluten free chocolate cake mix. Now, at 5 bucks for the box this cake was really on trial- you don't pay that much for a mediocre cake. But, I am happy to say, it is a 5 star cake. Yep, you can whip one up for my birthday anytime- and I am glad for it. Things are definately getting better in that way... If I could just find a good can of Cream of Anything Soup. Ah well, someday my soup will come. In the meantime, your dad and I whipped up an invention for sunday dinner that was not 5 star. It was okay- but for all the great ingredients we put into it it should have been memorable- too many chunks and not enough herbs and spices is not a great recipe. It's fun sharing the kitchen with dad- except when it's not. I can say that because he can honestly say the same thing about me. It's one of the things that makes our marriage work. >wink!<>

an ode to saving money

Reading Becca's post reminded me of my own mid adventures in the money saving arena. I could fill a few books with times I have tried to save a buck at a much greater expense. One of my family's favorites to bring up at family parties is the time I decided to start taking the bus from Provo to SLC.

I was living with my brother Sam in SLC--again to save money--and commuting to BYU. In the great age of public transportation, I figured it wouldn't be too bad. There was an express bus that picked up at Southtown mall and went to campus. Perfect. About two days into my adventure; I realized that I could perhaps shave even another dollar off of my budget by taking the "regular" bus rather than the express. And so on a rainy Tuesday afternoon I boarded the UTA 19 and sat back happily thinking of my mansions on high.

The next stop, there were about 23, netted 7 or 8 mentally handicapped individuals. They had quite obviously ridden this bus before what later become obvious was that they were actually the only people in the greater slc/utah valley to take the 19 to and from SLC everyday. They knew every stop and the which businesses were off each spot.

It really wasn't all that bad, I learned some interesting facts, until somewhere in Lehi when we got close to a Smiths. One of my fellow travelers started to get worked up about the Smith's and their umbrella policy, remember it was raining, and this fellow was not sure if they could take umbrellas into the grocery store. This in turn got the other 7 passengers worked up about Smith's and the safety of their beloved umbrellas. Would Smith's have a bucket to place umbrellas, would they make patrons fold their umbrellas up, could anyone take an umbrella from the bucket, was i.d. involved? Things started to get ugly, some of the less seasoned 19 riders were in tears about the possibility of loosing their umbrellas to the wiles of society, some were yelling that they weren't going to fold their umbrellas up. I will be honest I was slightly nervous that I and the seemingly unconcerned bus driver were in way over our heads.

On we plodded and on the fight went. It may well have been the the slowest time to make it over the point of the mountain ever recorded. The fight eventually turned to other pressing matters namely who was ordering what the the Chinese restaurant they were headed to and the umbrella frenzy only came up five or six more times.

I made it off the Bus 2 hours later than I had expected and 1 dollar richer. Let's just say it was the last time I took the 19.

The other one that Jenny has been good enough not to bring up at every family gathering is the time I decided to dye my own hair. It was a Saturday and after going over our budget the night before I had decided that I too could give to the cause and clipped the coupon from the paper for bombshell blond hair. I called my sister and she came to help administer my five dollar dye. About 20 minutes into to fiasco we realized that my hair was more of an orange than blond. She remembered something about hair going orange before it went blond, so we decided that we just needed more bleach. Somehow we got a hold of some concoction from the local Sally's and started anew. This time my hair went the most interesting shade of glowing green/yellow I had ever seen. Not ideal for the teacher of a bunch of twelve year olds--or for anyone who might actually be seen by others.

It only took Jenny about 5 hours and six different colors to come bring back my old color. She made me promise not to EVER do it again--and I am proud to say I have kept my word (mostly)!

Lesli

Pseudonyms...

Have I told you guys that I've started my own Graphic Design business?

Well.
Sort of.

I have a graphic design blog. I even use a pseudonym. I'll bet none of you can guess. (NOT YOU, MOM.) If you can guess correctly, I'll send you a King Size Candy Bar of your choice.

I've also got a "shop" on etsy, and have had 4 people (FOUR!) look at my designs.

I have never been more proud.

Now start guessin'. Those King Size Candy Bars aren't going to send themselves.

Bored.

Dave is gone to a "presidency meeting"/"basketball" so I'm home alone. And bored.

So I'm eating Fat Free Cool Whip.
With my finger.

I got in a fender bender today at the gas station. That put a "dent" in my day. *snort* But it was all because I was trying to save money and pay cash only, which is why I went to the gas station in the first place, so that will teach me to save money.

Did I mention that Caleb cried today for 12.5 hours? Maybe a little more. It felt like more. At one point he was crying because he didn't want to breathe.

I kid you not.

This is why Ainsley's my favorite.

I'm bored.
Maybe if some of you would POST SOMETHING AND GIVE ME SOMETHING TO READ. Hmmph.

It's the new security, isn't it?

I'm out of cool whip... maybe there is something else in my fridge... *grin*

Where'd the time go?

Hey! Wasn't Christmas Eve just yesterday? It felt early to take my tree down this week-end but we've had it going on 4 weeks... or is it 5? Isn't it funny how the days seem full and busy and so NOW, and then it all blurs together and you find yourself standing on the other side of all those things looking back... it takes me by surprise every time. So, looking back- the above photo was taken out the back door early Christmas morning. Of course for those of us without children "early Christmas morning" can be as late as, oh 8 or 9. Go ahead, eat your hearts out- I got up with YOU all those years. Pretty picture, yes? I loved the clouds.... The morning was very cold, very quiet, very special.
This is what Temple Square looked like when dad and I exited the Choir Broadcast on Sunday morning, the 20th. Magic! It had been a lot like this on the day we married... we watched it get worse as we walked to the car- not 5 minutes passed before the temple was a shadow in a wall of wet, cold, white. (I tried to take another picture of the temple and missed! Go ahead and laugh...) Ice crystals falling gave it an dreamy touch- it was a very nice way to end our runaway weekend.
Here we are- Saturday morning in front of our first apartment building, Caithness, on B street in Salt Lake City. It looked nice- it has been turned into condos. We found out 2009 was it's century birthday- so it was 60 years old when we moved in. I had worried about what condition it would be in- it was a nice surprise to find it well cared for. (that way we didn't have to leave the car running as we took pictures) Dad and I had a great time- and a wonderful christmas. I will post more this week- I have new pictures of Evi and Mercedies to share as they each came to visit. What's Christmas without kids? Love you all.

Nicholas Nitrogen

We blessed lafe this last week and the big question was whether or not Adam was going to stick with his name. The thing is Adam had been tasked with naming number three as I felt I had been given the final say on both Ellie and Addison. My only caveat was that he couldn't have the middle name Nitrogen. Nicholas I was fine with--I had even told the nurses that was his name, but alas in the 2 and a half minutes before the birth certificate office shut down, Adam went with William Lafe. And somehow it became just Lafe. I admit, it is sort of a ridiculous name and somehow not a person in the world can say it--he will always be called leaf by well meaning people trying top pronounce it correctly--But he remains still our Little Lafe. We are not sure if the red hair comes from my dad or Grandma Arlene but both seem(ed) to enjoy life to the fullest, so we claim it comes from both sides of the family.

Here are a few photos of the day, and one of his first name sake my great grandpa Lafayette.

Infinite Power of Hope, found this on LDS.org

Right Now in North Carolina...

What a perfect day in North Carolina.

Ainsley is just as charming and winsome as ever. She loves to sit in her high chair and scream at us, while throwing her food on the floor. She pelts the banana at the wall. Hucks the waffle at Caleb. Squishes the orange into smithereens. Then, when she's thoroughly filthy, we put her in the bath. Which she screams about and then poops. Removing the delightful little screaming banshee from the tub so we can scoop out the poop, she proceeds to demonstrate to us how a naked baby crawl can be a strut that demonstrates the completeness of your control over all you see.

Caleb, meanwhile, is showing off his newly acquired stitches, located on his second chin. He is very proud of them, as they are a trophy that demonstrate that he was The Chosen One to initiate us into a new year of medical bills. And all because his mother was being a neglectful wretch at the store and trying to find some gluten free cereal instead of getting him the FAMILY SIZE bag of Cheetos he was so quietly and calmly requesting from the shopping cart. Not only did he get the Cheetos as his mother ushered the bleeding child out of the store, but he got four lollipops as a reward for three stitches. We are grateful for his jowls, which shielded his writhing body in the shopping cart from coming into contact with anything more important. Like an artery. We are truly blessed.

Emily looks over all she surveys and nods. She has taught them well. They are perfect minions. Although she is going to have to work on her elders, who seem to have this "thing" about not telling Mama that Daddy told you "Yes, you can have a purple jolly rancher" when he actually told you "No, you need to eat breakfast." Honesty is such a nit-picky thing to worry about compared to stitches and poop, don't you think?

Yes, the song is right when it proclaims "Making life a bliss complete, when there's loooove aaaaat hoooooome."

2010 Year of all Years...

Well,look what has happened,2009 went by so very fast and now the year of all years 2010 has just arrived, and what are we to do with it? Will let me see,we can just stay home and sit around, na, or we can plan activities with are family's that are close, no mean of them around this Utah area. So hear is my thoughts how about we plan some time that we can get on Skye, say Sunday Night. send pitcher to us on the blog or on the e-mail, me could every start a long range came of some kind and make the mover all over the USA, and of course I mom gets to be the big winner. or how about a talk with dad once a month for 20 minutes, I proms that I will Lesson more that I talk, and will not try to fix all of the stuff, RSVP with any of your ideas. I love each of you very much. So let's all plan to have a GREAT 2010!!!! ya
Dad