Wimp

I am officially a wimp when it comes to dead animals. Right now I am a relieved wimp though. One of the girl's stinky gerbils died. Friday morning Grace told me that Sprinkles was not moving, she had even picked up and shook the cage. Because we were involved in our daily frantic race out the door to catch the bus, tears were shed by Sophie, but nothing else was done.

All day while the girls were at school I knew the dead gerbil was in that cage. I just couldn't make myself go and take it out. When the girls came home Grace matter of factly picked up the dead gerbil and deposited her in a shoebox. She wouldn't even wear rubber gloves. In a voice that was a bit exasperated she said that it is not gross, dead animals just feel cold and hard like metal. Eww. I made her wash her hands twice. Surprisingly, Sophie did not want to have a funeral, but Grace was insistent that we burying Sprinkles.

After some negotiation I told Grace she could bury the gerbil in the woods behind our house. When I went out a few minutes later there was the shoebox with about 2 inches of dirt piled on top in some dirt, but only about 10 feet from the house. Grace was no where to be seen but I could hear squeals of laughter from our neighbor's trampoline. When faced with a warm, sunny winter afternoon to play I guess her sentimentality only went so far.

Is it horrible to be relieved that a stinky, mess maker has departed this life? Am I horrible to have my 7 year old deal with a dead animal because it gives me the creeps? I think that fact that I have patiently allowed rodent pets into our home figures into this equation somehow.

so overdue...

On our way home to NC from Utah during the Holidays we stopped for a day in Nauvoo. It was New Year's day, sunny with a very, very cold wind. It was such a great break to be out of the car and we learned a lot. The temple is so beautiful. I am grateful our kids got to see so many large temples on this trip. The feeling of reverence for me seeing the house of the Lord does not fade.

One of the things we learned was that Brigham Young designed a wagon specifically for the saints.It was a more narrow wagon so the oxen would break trail for the wheels.

I felt such reverence and respect all day for my ancestors, genetically and spiritually. The middle of the winter is a great time to visit. We basically had the senior missionaries all to ourselves. We only saw a fraction of everything we wanted to, but had a great time.



 Luke asked me to take his picture with Jesus. I know my little point and shoot does not do justice recording our time in Nauvoo, but just looking at the pictures again reminds me of how I felt that day. Calm, happy, blessed, extremely grateful. It was a good start to the new year.

Please Don't Carpe Diem me...

My completely wise, funny and connected sister Heather posted this on her blog. It is the best thing I have read about parenting for quite a while. Enjoy.

 Don't Carpe Diem from a blog called Momastery

Happy 5th Birthday Luke & Noah!

My Hardy boys discovered a new love this year. Our home has been obsessed with galaxies far, far away  for quite a while now. Noah and Luke had a Star Wars birthday party with their Smith cousins a few days early to celebrate turning 5. Luke woke up and asked if it was his fake birthday that day.

 

Anna, Sophie, Lukie Vader , Issac, Eli Vader, Olivia, Grace, Noah and Keenyn.

After constructing a Jedi training course with Jason, Chris became General Grievious with a few of Heather's arms. Serious skills were demonstrated.

A new Smith favorite was discovered this trip. Emilee taught us reverse charades and the kids loved it. Here is Luke and Joel as Storm Troopers battling Leah and Queen Amidala. The girls look like they are doing a good job convincing Keenyn that they mean business.

We also had a birthday party to celebrate with the Hardys. Jayden turned 14 on Jan. 1st so he and Luke and Noah shared a cake, pizza and a bowling lane.

 Noah was determined to bowl all by himself. He did pretty well too. After we were done he asked me if he could be on a bowling team "Because I know how to do it and I am good."

 

I think eating the pizza was as much fun to Luke as bowling.

Aunt Heather and Jason

 Gram and the Birthday boys with their cake.

How grateful I am for my boys. They make me laugh, and cry and teach me so much. Our lives are better because they are a part of our family.

My Noah. This boy has an incredible imagination. He still dresses up and plays imaginary games daily. He cracks us up with his jokes that are completely nonsensical and just from being silly. His laugh is contagious and he can get everyone going pretty easily. Noah is so loving, he give loves, hugs and kisses freely to Jason and I. He loves to play with his friends and pester/play with our dog Molly. How things work fascinates Noah and he can figure out mechanics beyond his years. He is a blessing in our home.

My Luke. What a boy. I can't believe the grown up things that come out of his mouth. He loves to read books and play video games. Luke's bed is decorated with Yoda, Mr. Fishy, Fluffy and other special friends. Every trip Luke crams his backpack full of stuffed animals because he needs them all. This year Luke has discovered a love for sports. He is aggressive and tenacious on the soccer field and basketball court and a really good sport to boot. He also has some pretty serious dancing skills. He is a blessing to our family.

Happy Holidays...

We had such a good and exhausting time traveling this Christmas and New Years. First off- so sorry to any friends we didn't get a chance to connect with. Trying to get to all the holiday gatherings for 2 families plus 3 birthday parties and a baptism filled our calendar completely and we just didn't have as much time as we thought we would. This always happens when we travel, not sure why I thought this trip would be any different.

The kids were amazing. Seriously. 34+ hours or so in the car each way and they did really well. Having the DVD player helps immensely. Mom - and any others concerned - we didn't watch movies the WHOLE time. Having games on an Ipad was wonderful along with audio books. I now have some serious Mahjong skills going on.

Is there anything more fun then playing with cousins?

 

 We made the best of the little bit of snow in Utah. Even a sprinkling is fun for us southerners. On the drive out in Kansas or somewhere, the kids and I had an impromptu "snowball" fight with some slushy snow we found in the shade of a sign. Grace, Luke and Taryn made a "Snow Bunny". Noah was outside as much as possible.  We had been hoping to snow shoe and sled while in Utah, but settled for hiking. We went  up the south fork of Provo canyon with Heather and her boys.The beauty of western mountains never loose their magic for me.

 

For Jason's 40th birthday we went to see the lights on Temple Square. It was super cold. I guess to be expected. Lindsey and her family was able to come and join us. The kids made the cake and crown and decorated with black at the Hardys.

We were able to attend the 2nd annual Smith Family white elephant party. Super fun. Crazy. Loud.

Christmas Day 2011with the Hardys

  

 Polly, Lindsey, Heather, Me, Emilee, Kate - 6 of my 7 sisters.

All in all a wonderful trip. Thank you to all who let 6 extra (4 of whom are very loud) people stay with you. I would love to reciprocate. Come to North Carolina. Anyone. Please.... 

Riding Lessons

This fall Grace and Sophie took a few riding lessons. They LOVED them! I loved looking at these pictures today too. They are from October and it was so warm and sunny.

Dessa was visiting, picture of us courtesy of Luke.  Both girls really loved the horses and their teacher. Her name is Katie Smith.

Grace really was a natural. She was not nervous or scared at all. This is her first time on her horse. Can you see how relaxed she is? My little animal lover. I have to admit that there is a part of me that is scared of any animal bigger then me, and some that are much smaller. Not my Grace. 

 Noah and Luke had a ball playing around the farm while lessons took place. They ran and swung on the tire swing, chased the barn cats and dogs, played many versions of Star Wars on a small playground, fed rabbits and goats and visited a rather loud donkey each time. Even mom got to enjoy and have fun because all kids were happy and busy.

First Love

So far this is my all time favorite picture drawn by Noah. It is him, his Dad and Molly.

Noah adores Molly. Perhaps too much. She can't even get a moments rest in her crate. When she has had enough she goes under my bed, right in the middle. Away from little fingers trying to play, annoy and love her. I am amazed at how much a part of our family she is now. My sister told me once that pets are magical for children. I completely agree.