Smith Family

Back to School

2010-09-01T11:38:00.004-05:00

Kids went back to school on Aug. 16th. Ashlyn had a hard time adjusting to the full day of school. The second day she told me the days were just getting longer and longer. She was missing mom and we thought it might help if I came up and had lunch with her. We had to wait a day since I would be actually going to work the next day. So, on Thursday morning I asked her if she wanted me to come up to eat with her. She said "No...it's okay, I don't need you to!" Hmmm!

Summer 2010

2010-09-01T11:16:00.003-05:00

Everyone had lots of fun over the summer. We went swimming...Austin and Ashlyn played baseball...Alexis hung out with friends and went to Six Flags. Ashlyn learned to ride a bike without training wheels! I had my 20 year Anniversary at Maritz. Celebrated all our July birthdays in Kirksville with a pig roast. Had a baby shower for Katie at the clubhouse in our subdivision.

Now, I think that gets us all caught up with the time I have been slacking!

Austin is a Teenager!!!

2010-01-23T15:52:00.004-06:00

We had a little celebration on Austin's Birthday and gave him his gifts and had fresh made brownies for him when he got home from school. They then went to Dad's house for the weekend. They stopped off at Sprint and got Austin a cell phone with unlimited texting!! Oh boy! He hasn't stopped texting everyone since he got the phone. The kids were all off school on Monday, so I took the day off! Took Austin and his friend Patrick, Alexis & Ashlyn, Luke & Taylor (with the help of Grandma & Grandpa of course) to the Mills mall for some indoor go carting, rock climbing, laser tag, and arcade games. They all had an unlimited pass so they were off in all different directions. Everyone had a great time!!

Panama City Beach 09

2010-01-23T14:47:00.003-06:00

We drove to Panama City Beach and stayed in a very nice condo supplied by Mom and Dad and their time share program. We split up a bit so everyone could be comfy. Alexis and Taylor took some bunk beds with Katie and Brendon. Austin and Luke took the bunk beds in the 2 bedroom unit with Me and Ashlyn in a room, and Cindy and Dale in the other. Mom and Dad had their own unit! I guess that's the perks of owning the time share! HA! Had lots of fun, Alexis and Brendon did this crazy slingshot apparatace and Uncle Dale took Austin and Taylor on go carts. We celebrated New Years Eve and got to see fireworks being shot off over the ocean. I hope my children love the beach and ocean as much as I do.

Ashlyn's first trip to The Fox

2010-01-23T14:42:00.006-06:00

Ashlyn and I went to see A Christmas Carol at The Fox with her Daisey troop. We got all dressed up and went to the show. Now the Christmas Carol was no Lion King (Alexis' first Muny experience) but she had a good time. During the second half she wanted to know if they were going to take anymore breaks.

Christmas 09

2010-01-23T13:30:00.008-06:00

The kids spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with their dad. And on Christmas Eve I went to Aunt Marie's church and house for dinner. Mom, Dad, Katie, Brendon, and I have kinda started this tradition with Aunt Marie. She sure looks forward to having us come to church with her and doesn't give me and Katie a hard time for passing notes during church! She had an amazing ham and all the fixens. Even the pickled beets that Brendon loves.

Christmas day and the day after Christmas was filled with family, gifts and good times. We got to see Aunt Diane, Bill, and McKenna which is always fun to get together with them and our rob your neighbor game.

We had a scavenger hunt for the kids that led them all around Grandma & Grandpa's house and back to the family room. Under the tree was a small gift for each of them. They all opened a pair of sunglasses and were a little confused. Cindy had made a banner that said We are all going to Florida! They were so excited about getting outta town for their winter break!!

Okay...Okay!!

2010-01-23T13:12:00.004-06:00

I know...I know!! I have been slacking! So, since Halloween lots has happened in the Smith family. We celebrated two Holidays, took a vacation, and had Austin's Birthday! Lots to catch up on.

Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's house with the whole family. Logan gave a very nice prayer (her Catholic day care would be proud) and Ashlyn decided she would like to give it a try. So she recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by her schools Pledge to be bully free. After a lovely dinner we were sitting around talking and Ashlyn decides she has a funny...well gross story to tell everyone. I try to convince her that now is not the time, fearing what my child is about to say to my entire family. She blurts out that Alexis has fungus on her toe!! Everyone laughed, Alexis turned red, and I was relieved!! I mean I'm sorry she embarressed her sister, but Lord only knows what else that child would find appropriate to share on Thanksgiving!!

Here is a picture I was instructed to hold up of Ashlyn's. I apparently have no photos to post from Thanksgiving!
On to Christmas....

Halloween 09 and Taylors Birthday

2009-11-01T09:54:00.002-06:00

Everyone came in town to go trick or treating together and celebrate Taylor's birthday. Meredith and Katie decided it would be funny to dress up as me and Cindy. It was hilarious!! I was an 80's chic, Cindy was a....well let's just call her a lady of the night?!! Alexis was Snow White and had a little girl come up to her and just stare in awe. She asked her if she wanted a hug and the little girl said yes! Too cute! Ashlyn was Cinderella, and Austin was something scary that scared Morgan so he had to take off the mask! Grandma and Grandpa dressed up as Ginger and Fred Astaire (not sure how to spell that!). Taylor was a photo booth picture, Luke scary guy, Logan was a singer, and Morgan was a witch. Oh and of course there were Hot DOGS!!

Mr. Bills Thrills Haunted House

2009-11-01T09:33:00.012-06:00

Went to Mr. Bills with Cindy, Taylor, Paige, Katie, Alexis, Carlina, Austin and myself. Waited 2 hours in line to get scared! Since it had rained 17 days out of the month and the day prior it was very MUDDY!! A portion of the haunt is through a trail in the woods. They were selling these lovely blue plastic booties to go over your shoes. Katie and Carlina decided to purchase some since Carlina was wearing her sisters shoes (she almost wore flip flops!) and Katie's had an opening that the mud would have just seeped on in.

First haunted house experience for Austin! We all had a great time!

Kindergarten Picture Day

2009-10-16T10:19:00.005-05:00

Well, what can I say about picture day! Let me start by saying that Ashlyn is a very strong willed little girl, just like her older sister. This will benefit her when she is older. I have been saying that to myself since Alexis was about Ashlyn's age. And now I have proof that it will benefit her when she gets older, however it doesn't make it any easier!! Alexis is a very straight forward, no nonsense, go after what you want, don't let people get in your way, leader kinda girl! All good things for a 15 year old girl in her first year of High School.

Now, back to picture day. Ashlyn had picked out her outfit...fine, cute enough. But she wanted to wear purple striped socks with the turquoise and black outfit. OK...I tell myself, no big deal. The socks won't show in the picture...she is the third child...that really was not a concern to be honest. She decides she wants to do her hair herself and comb her bangs over to the side. But not just comb them...no...plaster them down to her head with water. If I touched them, then she added more water. I was pleading with her to let me help...but just more water would be added. By this time she is late for school. We finally get there about 10 minutes late and her class is lined up in the hall to go get there pictures taken. Great....no time for the bangs to dry. Her teacher gives me a grin and off they go. You say, well no big deal, let her just do the retakes...oh no my friends. I bought the package! One day she will be that big shot heading off to High School and I will have those Kindergarten pictures to remind me she too will be okay! Just like her big sister!

Boone Trail Days

2009-10-16T10:06:00.004-05:00

The Elementary school has this event every year. They raffle off themed baskets, have games for the kids, and a chili dinner. The kids learn about pioneer life the whole week and then Friday everyone is invited to school. There is a hayride, kettlecorn, firetrucks, games, chili, and even apple butter! Ashlyn was really excited about going up to her school and the kids are encouraged to dress up. She had her bandana and boots and she was ready to go.

This is a picture she made in art class. She wanted to take a picture of it and I had to hold it up. Sometimes you just have to go with it. She won't stop until you do what she wants!! :)

Homecoming 09

2009-10-16T09:53:00.005-05:00

Alexis went to her first formal dance. We spent the whole day getting ready with her friends and a few other mom's. Pictures were at Kierra's boyfriends house and then his parents took over from there. They went to Max & Erma's for dinner, then the dance, and back to Braxton's house for some movies and snacks. Braxton's mom then took the girls to Kierra's grandma's house. They had breakfast the next morning at Braxton's and then she made her way home. Unfortunately Alexis then came down with the swine flu and was very sick. At least it waited until AFTER all the Homecoming festivities were over.

Alexis and Katie Birthday

2009-10-16T09:49:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Alexis and Aunt Katie's Birthday together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Both girls got lots of nice things!

Ashlyn performs at THS Football game

2009-10-16T09:40:00.003-05:00

Ashlyn was able to dance at halftime at the football game. She was very excited to get to come to the game. I have been going and helping out in the concession stand at the home games, so she was thrilled to get to come along! Dancing was a bonus!

Alexis' Volleyball

2009-09-03T14:00:00.006-05:00

Some pictures to share from Alexis' volleyball game. This was their second game...did better than the first. I'm sure they will get it together soon! First year they are playing together, so I'm sure they will make great progress as the season goes on.

Kindergarten

2009-08-17T08:35:00.005-05:00

First day of school for Ashlyn. Watch out Boone Trail here she comes. We were trying to go to bed last night and her little brain must have been working! She asked if it was going to be okay that she didn't know how to spell...and what if she couldn't make a "J" or "Z". Of course I reassured her it would be okay. She was concerned they may call off school because it was raining. Too funny!

Ashlyn's Birthday Party

2009-07-12T10:35:00.013-05:00

We celebrated Ashlyn and Morgan's birthday at Grandma and Grandpa's house Sat. night. Grandma made the girls their cakes and quilts for their babies. I think she is enjoying retirement
The girls opened their presents. Ashlyn got lots of things she has "always" wanted!! And things she can use for her Kindergarten!

Tigers Baseball 09

2009-07-10T22:02:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures of Austin in action. Hopefully next season we can get him in a little more competitive league. He sure is a great baseball player and most importantly he loves to play!!

Branson...a little late

2009-07-05T11:44:00.012-05:00

Well, I'm a little late with this post but just swiped pic's off of Cindy's computer from Branson. She is much better at taking pictures and getting them all uploaded then I am. And I think my batteries died while we were in Branson so I didn't have very many. Story of my life...I need a new camera!! Anyway, we had a girls and kids weekend in Branson June 12th - 14th.

Silly Ashlyn!

2009-06-30T09:14:00.004-05:00

Ashlyn gets ahold of my camera and takes pictures of herself like the big girls do. Here is a sample:

I'm not sure where she gets these ideas?!

Water Park

2009-06-30T09:04:00.008-05:00

Spent the day with the kids at Waplehorst Aquatic Center. There was something for everyone and they all had a great time.

Anyone want a snack?!

2009-05-11T16:54:00.003-05:00

Ashlyn can make some really yummy peanut butter bananas with sprinkles. Alexis was brave enough to try some and thought they weren't too bad. Mom just thinks she is a pretty messy cook!

Ashlyn can tie her shoes!

2009-05-11T16:47:00.006-05:00

Ashlyn learned to tie her shoes before she learned how to skip! I don't believe tying was a prerequisite for Kindergarten, but skipping was! (She can skip now too by the way!)

Easter 2009

2009-05-11T16:29:00.008-05:00

We celebrated Easter this year at Cindy & Dale's house. Dying eggs and decorated sugar cookies on Saturday. Sunday we had the Easter egg hunt. Everyone had a great time.

Circus!!!

2009-03-29T10:18:00.002-05:00

Our last outing for Spring Break was the Circus!! Everyone was very excited and had a great time!! Austin and Ashlyn were amazed by all of the stunts and Alexis thought they were crazy! She also thought being a clown may be a good career choice?! Aunt Cindy told her they got paid in balloons!! Ashlyn thought she could do the things the performers were doing! Oh....and who knew there was Pony and Elephant rides, face painting, snake photos, and inflatables at the Cicus?! Not me!

Trip to the Arch

2009-03-29T10:05:00.004-05:00

We lucked out with another nice day for our trip to the Arch! Going down hill to get closer to where we needed to park I realized Alexis was a little freaked out. She was nervous that I was going to drive into the river!! I'm not sure what gave her that idea...I may have let go of the steering wheel for a minute. We parked on the slanted coblestone road right by the river. She was sure the car was going to be swept away!

Braces

2009-03-29T10:00:00.002-05:00

Second day of Spring Break Alexis got her braces. She has to go back on the 31st to get the "Expander" put in. We will have to use a key and turn it every night. OUCH!! She will wear that for about 6 months. We (me and her friend Ashley) told her at least she didn't have to wear head gear! We are very supportive!

Spring Break 09

2009-03-29T09:51:00.003-05:00

We started the week off at the Zoo. Packed our lunch and headed out for one of the "free" attractions St. Louis has to offer. Face Paintings and Train rides not included!

Rolla Part 2...Roller Skating!

2009-03-10T12:09:00.003-05:00

My children are all balance challenged!! Apparently they have not done much roller skating....I, on the other hand am a Roller Skating Dancing Queen from way back!! Okay...that is an exaggeration...but I was better then my kids! I was also a lot sorer then my kids as well!! Isn't getting old fun!! :)

Rolla part 1

2009-02-17T12:56:00.010-06:00

Austin had a successfull day of wrestling! First match went into overtime and his opponent won with a takedown. The next match he won 15-0...tech! He has ended the season with a Second place medal! Next month he hits the batting cages!

Ashlyn has started Preschool at FHC

2009-02-07T22:53:00.000-06:00

Ashlyn wasn't so sure about going to preschool her first day. She was a little concerned that she didn't know how to spell. I assured her that she would not need to know how to spell, and then she wanted to know if I would be giving her lunch money! She didn't want her picture taken, so I will be forced to post one of the many pictures she has taken of herself with my camera. Yes, she is showing an interest in photography. Speaking of her recent interests....she seems interested with the Wentzville Police Dept. That's right....she called 911 AGAIN!! I left her home with Alexis and apparently in the 15 minutes that I was gone and her sister was in the shower a monster got in the house and scared her! I thought we had cleared up what an EMERGENCY was....apparently we need to talk some more. We now have post it notes posted with my cell phone number should anymore monsters come around when I'm not home. I have instructed the older two to make sure that Ashlyn feels very secure and well taken care of if I should need to leave her in their care!!! You just never know with kids! I just hope this isn't signs of what's to come with my little Ashie!! I never had to call poison control until I had her.....she took Austin's ADD medicine, got ahold of nail glue, and bit through a glow bracelet!! WOW! Come on kindergarten!!!! Look out Boone Trail!

911 what's your Emergency?

2009-01-26T10:16:00.000-06:00

I'm home alone!!!

Ashlyn thought when she woke up Sunday morning that everyone had left her home all by herself. She called 911 and told the operater she was home alone. Since we have recently changed our home phone number, the address was not coming up correctly. The 911 operater had her turn the front porch light on and off until help arrived. Ashlyn said "I had to turn the light on and off, on and off, for a berry long time." The police man arrived and since there is a child proof knob she had to let him in through the garage. I'm not really sure how the conversation between Ashlyn and the police man went, but she did lead him upstairs. Alexis was very confused hearing a guy's voice as she was just waking up. She heard Ashlyn say this is my mom's room, and then Ashlyn and the police man were standing in her room. Alexis got up and answered many questions the police man had.

Ashlyn knows what to do in an Emergency....now we just need to work on what exactly is an Emergency!!!!

Another Wrestling Sunday

2009-01-26T10:08:00.000-06:00

Austin got 3rd place at the Missouri National Challenge this weekend. He won 2 out of 3 matches! Luke and his friend Andy were there to coach him! He is really listening to the coaches and doing the moves they tell him to do! Way to go Austin!!

Ozark Championship Rockwood Summit Jan. 18th

2009-01-19T11:34:00.000-06:00

Austin got his first pin!!! Way to go Austin! He won 2 matches and lost 2 matches! Getting better all the time!! He has added a 4th place medal to his colllection!

Austin's 12th Birthday

2009-01-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

Austin turned 12 on Jan. 15th. We celebrated with Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Cindy, Luke & Taylor. Ashlyn took most of the pictures herself. I think I may just give her the camera from now on....she seems to do a better job than I do!

2009-01-05T09:07:00.000-06:00

I'm gonna try my hand at blogging and keeping up to date with the many milestones that kids reach. It's a new year and it's time I start documenting among other things I have reminded myself I need to do! I will be 40 this year.....I'm hoping the wisdom that is supposed to come with the age will come! Here's to hoping........