tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221087092024-03-07T01:15:34.434-08:00Funny Thoughts About Life's Crazy HappeningsA few funny thoughts about the way things strike me in daily life!!Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-39008845454068880042009-06-03T13:05:00.000-07:002009-06-03T13:12:32.182-07:00Butt Beans<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Alaena has reached that nice chatty little age. Some of it is recognizable language, and some of it is jibberish, but she's getting really good at repeating things you say. Well pretty much.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">She repeats body parts. If you say nose, she'll point to her nose and say, "NNOOOOOSSSEEE"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">If you say belly, she raises up her shirt and says, "BEELLLLLLYYYYY!" This turned out to be pretty funny the other day because she had a one piece outfit on. I said belly, and she spent 5 minutes trying to pull up her outfit so she could get to her belly and point to it. She couldn't get to her belly, so she refused to say the word.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">We'll get her to repeat the things she is eating as well. However today mom got her to say butter beans, and it came out "BUTT BEEEEAAANS!" Somehow it doesn't seem quite as appetizing that way.</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-80647665863412040572009-05-27T07:28:00.000-07:002009-05-27T07:50:11.916-07:00A Night in "Future Daddy" Training<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I'm sure all of you parents out there have been where I was last week. Alaena had strep, and she was on several different medicines. And in a word she was ORNERY. She didn't want to be held. She didn't want to be put down. She didn't want her cup. She didn't want her food. She pretty much just didn't want anything. So finally I laid her in her bed because I knew what she really needed was rest. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I must mention that my boyfriend Shawn was at my house while this cry fest was going on. He says he wants children. And he got some training let me tell you. Because he is used to happy Alaena. The Alaena who rarely ever cries. The Alaena who goes to sleep almost the very second you lay her in the bed. </span></strong><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But he got introduced to sick Alaena. And sick Alaena isn't the happy-go-lucky baby I normally have.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So as I said above, I laid Alaena in her bed. As most of you can probably guess, the real screaming commenced. And she put up the battle to end all battles in fighting sleep. She would scream, then she would whimper, then she would hold her breath, then she would stand up and yell "MAAAAAAAAA!" </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And although it was breaking my heart, I knew that I had to hold to my resolve because I know my child, and rarely does she EVER fall asleep outside of her bed. And she was crying even when I was holding her. So it pretty much was just a wait and see how long it takes her to cry it out. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And through it all, Shawn was saying, "I can't stand it. Pick her up. Let her play."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And I would say, "She needs her rest. She was screaming before I put her in the bed, and it's not playtime, it's sleep time."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">To which he would say, "I know you're right." </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">This conversation went on at least every five minutes for two hours. That's right I said two hours. When she finally fell asleep Shawn said, "I know that's what's best for her, but I sure am glad I'll never be a MAMA because I sure couldn't do it!" </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And I just laughed thinking he sounded pretty much like a typical dad!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-11399863284858022612009-05-20T06:09:00.000-07:002009-05-20T06:18:44.417-07:00Being Me, Being Free<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Last night I went to my niece and nephews end of the year program, and if you've never been to a program where 60 to 70 three and four year olds sing and say parts, well let me just say, you haven't been living life! </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Anyway, it was all really cute and sweet about how each of us have a promise from God that He has a plan for our lives. They had little lines about what they wanted to be when they grew up, and my nephew said he just wanted to be bigger. This drew a lot of laughs from the audience because he is quite obviously the shortest child in the class. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But the best moment of the program came during a song called "Being Me." Apparently my nephew really took the words of the song to heart because he broke out of his shell during that song. He was the loudest one of them all. Literally, and it was quite obvious because he held the notes at the end of each and every line at the top of his lungs. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So it went something like this:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">BEING MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">BEING FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">BEING ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL I CAN BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The entire crowd was almost in tears with laughter. Bad part about it? The battery on the video camera died. Hope we can find a copy of it somewhere!! Because it was so adorable. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And of course Alaena danced during the whole thing and clapped her hands. Which I think probably nudged Trace on a bit more. Ahhh, to be three and carefree again!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-5491081976540075222009-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:002009-05-12T10:53:05.403-07:00Once Upon a Time in Raegan's World<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Since moving in with my sister a few months back, I have been driving Raegan and Trace to school each morning. This has led to many interesting moments...some good, some bad. Some mornings the begging not to go to school lasts the entire ride to school. Other mornings the two are totally happy little campers who joke and tell stories. And on mornings like that, I hear Raegan's once upon a time stories. Here are a few snippets I have overheard from the backseat in the last few months:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Once upon a time there was a princess who had to kiss frogs, but it was gross."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Once upon a time Goldilocks went to see her grandmother, but the wolf ate her and said my what big teeth you have."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Once upon a time there was a little baby named Alaena and she had a sister named Raegan." (Raegan is fully convinced that Alaena is now her sister because they live in the same house.)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Once upon a time there was a little girl who had a tooth growing in from behind that went to the dentist." (Some of her stories are based on real life. Her permanent tooth is growing in behind her baby tooth. In her mind this was apparently good story making material.)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Once upon a time Raegan and Trace went into the forest and saw deers, and they dropped the hammer on the four wheeler." (This story was a bit disturbing to my mom since she's told my dad in no uncertain terms that "dropping the hammer" on the four wheeler is strictly forbidden)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The best thing about these stories is the tone of voice she takes when telling them. She could definitely have a career at Disney one day because a story teller she is. I'm just glad I get the chance to smile at these little stories now!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-6517895581266550992009-04-20T05:56:00.000-07:002009-04-20T10:55:38.060-07:00Moon Sand: A.K.A. the Ruin of All Things Neat and Tidy<p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">If any of you have children around the age of 5 or so, I'm sure you've heard of Moon Sand. Nifty sand that molds into shapes and gives children hours of enjoyment. But this wonderful invention for children is the cause of many hours of cleaning for parents.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">My sister had the idea to get an outdoor table for Moon Sand that had a lid. A great idea in theory. But a 3 and a 5 year old get little enjoyment out of keeping Moon Sand IN the table. It looks better to them on the Carport. Because who doesn't love a multi-colored sandy carport?</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Especially when it starts raining? My poor boyfriend. He had just blown off the carport and had everything looking really good. He said, "We'll have to make some ground rules for when I clean off the carport." But he was laughing. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">If he can lay down ground rules on getting Raegan and Trace not to make any messes on the carport, we're gonna get him to lay down some rules for the inside too. For example, "Don't take your change banks out because Alaena may try to eat pennies." Fortunately she's never swallowed any, but it hasn't been for lack of opportunity.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Aahhh life with kids. Definite fun times!!</span></strong><br /></p>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-48955688974464759132009-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:002009-04-09T07:59:47.595-07:00Don't Drink and Drive<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, Alaena is only 14 months old, and I thought I had raised her better, but she had a drinking and driving mishap today. My mom babysits her, and she gave her some milk, and Alaena was sitting on her little car drinking it.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">She has a habit of leaning way back when she drinks her cups. Well, this time she leaned a little too far back and fell off the car. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So my mom said, "Alaena, don't you know you shouldn't drink and drive?"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">My nephew heard this, and he is now following Alaena around the house saying, "Don't drink and drive, Laena. Don't drink and drive."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">At least she's learning early I guess! Guess I'll have to check that milk...</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-38133438839731250092009-03-24T06:14:00.000-07:002009-03-24T06:23:48.430-07:00Ha! Ha! Ha! Grammy!<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, yesterday I learned that my child has quite a sense of humor. My mom didn't quite see it that way, but everyone else got quite a laugh out of it. My mom comes to mine and my sister's house to keep Alaena everyday.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">A few weeks back we re-did all of the locks at our house. And the new locks don't have to be unlocked to open the door from the inside. Which may not be a good thing apparently. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">We have a gate that closes on our driveway where we can let Copper roam the backyard. Yesterday morning my mom went out to close the gate to let Copper out, and she left Alaena standing at the kitchen door watching her which is what she always does. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">However, just standing there wasn't enough for Alaena yesterday. She wanted to play with the door. So she pushed the door closed. Unfortunately mom hadn't unlocked it to open it. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So she got locked out, and her key was on the kitchen table beside Alaena. Thankfully the next door neighbor was home and was nice enough to allow mom to call me. So I ran home on my break and let mom into the house.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Alaena was standing at the door laughing at mom when I got there. Here I was expecting her to be screaming or to have fallen down the steps, and she was standing there laughing. So I laughed with her!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I believe I have some quite interesting years ahead of me!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-61378063178465774272009-03-17T05:36:00.000-07:002009-03-17T05:46:18.949-07:00She Made a Break for It<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">During the last month Alaena has become quite mobile. She's only slightly slower than a bolt of lightning when she gets down and going. This becomes a bit of a problem at church.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Yes, she has definitely hit that age where the nursery is a heaven sent blessing, but Sunday night was a bit different because Alaena's dad came to church to meet her for the first time. So the nursery wasn't really an option.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I learned that my child she has learned some conniving skills. She can turn her beautiful baby blues on some unsuspecting person (a.k.a. Papaw) and slide down to the floor during the church service because she just looks so cute that you want to give her what she wants. And she can within 5 seconds flat be at the front of the church trying to climb onto the stage.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">However, when mommy gets ahold of her again, she can also get her little leg popped for using her cunning skills during church time. Mommy just has to avoid that accusing look in those beautiful baby blues! Hard as it may be!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-87931612798986267322009-03-03T09:13:00.000-08:002009-03-03T09:28:23.723-08:00Promised Pics of the Snow<center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=SDC11786.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/SDC11786.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">This is the only pic I have of Alaena in the snow because she had bronchitis last week, so I bundled her up quickly, sat her down, and took the picture. Apparently she doesn't have a high opinion of snow.</span></strong></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=SDC11760.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/SDC11760.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Here's Raegan preparing to go down the slide that is full of snow. I don't know that I've seen either her or Trace on the slide in a good while. Apprently snow adds joy to sliding.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=SDC11759.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/SDC11759.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And here's Trace, the human slide snowplow. </span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=SDC11727.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/SDC11727.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And here's Copper, Crystal's basset hound just before he bounded off through the snow like a rabbit. He ran around like a crazy dog for at least half an hour. You see my car in the background. It was covered with snow UNDER THE CARPORT because the wind was blowing like crazy.</span></strong></center>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-89132218872909582442009-03-02T07:09:00.000-08:002009-03-02T07:21:21.931-08:00Don't Even Think About Taking Our Snow, Mister!<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, it finally came. A few weeks before spring, we here in NC finally got a big snow. To all of you out there who get "real snows" don't laugh when I say that this 7" of snow is a big snow. Because to me, and all of my fellow North Carolinian friends, it is. And it is GORGEOUS! I will post the pics in a couple of days.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But for now, a couple of funny Raegan stories. Before our beautiful snow came freezing rain. An entire day of freezing rain. The temperatures hovered close to freezing, so it didn't really affect the roads much, but the powerlines and trees were covered in ice. And you know what that means, power outages. So while I was in church yesterday morning, our power went out. Much to my sister's dismay, since she was at home in the cold house because she now has the bronchitis funk.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">We had plans to make Sunday dinner at our house, and I had my mind all set for the roast, pinto beans, deviled eggs, creamed potatoes. The roast and pintos weren't a problem, because they'd been in the crock pot since the afternoon before, but I didn't get my deviled eggs!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The funny thing was that as soon as my dad pulled into the driveway, our power came back on. And Raegan said, "Paw paw turned our power back on, LOOK!"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Because apparently just working for a power company makes you all powerful at turning power back on, and all you have to do is simply pull into the driveway of the house you want to have power! LOL!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Then later last night the snow started pouring down, and we were watching it out the window (because that's what people who rarely ever see the white flakes do, we watch this rare marvel as it comes down!) And the man across the street started putting salt out on his driveway.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Raegan said, "What is he doing?" And I said, "He's melting the snow on the driveway." </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Raegan almost went into hysterics. She said, "But I want the snow, don't let him take our snow!!"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I assured her that the tiny bit of salt in his bucket couldn't possibly take our snow. And we wouldn't let him in our yard with the salt. It's a shame I have to work today and miss so many silly little comments I'm sure that Raegan and Trace will be making about their first big snow!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But I plan to be home early enough to let Alaena see it for at least a few minutes!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-51794338676464216072009-02-27T04:50:00.000-08:002009-02-27T05:04:55.289-08:00You're Not Taking Her!!<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, it's been another week that I haven't posted, but Alaena and I have both been down with the bronchitis funk. No fun at all. I stayed home from church on Sunday, and I stayed out of work Monday and Tuesday. Due to the fact that I work for a company who has laid off workers this year and may lay off others, I decided I was going to drag my sick butt to work on Wednesday. So my mom offered to let Alaena spend the night with her Tuesday night so that I could get some rest.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Now this was not an easy offer to take. Alaena has NEVER stayed away from me overnight. I cried at the thought, and I cried when mom and dad took her. But Raegan's reaction was classic. She carried Alaena into the bedroom, locked the door and said, "You're not taking her!!" </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So my daughter has now been part of a hostage situation. Crystal negotiated Raegan out with the promise that Alaena would be back the next day. But it was still a very begrudging handover.</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-32011998391641586902009-02-16T05:08:00.000-08:002009-02-16T05:15:18.276-08:00Watch That Attitude Baby 'Laena<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well it is official. My child has my attitude. Send up the prayers now, would you please? And if I haven't told you lately, Mom, I'm really sorry for all that backtalking when I was but a youngster!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Alaena and I are spending some time at my sister's house, and unlike my house which is one level, Crystal has stairs. And the stairs draw Alaena like a beacon, saying "Climb me, Climb me!" So she flies towards the stairs oh about every second and a half. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I've said "NO!" about a million times. I've picked her up and carried her elsewhere. I've popped her hand and even her little backside. But still the stairs have a pull that seems to be unconquerable.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But what's worse is that the other day I pulled her away again and then turned around, and my sister said that Alaena gave me a look and mouthed toward me some undistinguishable baby talk.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So pretty much, she told me off in her little language I guess. And she's just one. Boy I've got some interesting times ahead of me. I just pray that I can keep from laughing while I'm trying to teach my little girl that it really is in her best interest to listen to me!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-63362291170488395662009-02-11T06:04:00.000-08:002009-02-11T06:21:45.841-08:00Alaena's One Year Old Pictures<center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=0001.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="340" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/0001.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a><br /></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=0007.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="340" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/0007.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a><br /></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=0014.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="340" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/0014.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=0035.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="340" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/0035.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a></center><center></center><center></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=0074.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="340" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/0074.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=0094.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="340" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/0094.jpg" width="225" border="0" /></a></center>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-72843634640010963162009-01-06T05:34:00.000-08:002009-01-06T06:46:55.826-08:00Christmas Pics<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC10987.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC10987.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Getting some love from Mommy!!</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11036.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11036.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">She liked the bows better than anything.</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11059.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11059.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Getting her great uncles to let her do whatever she wanted!</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11077.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11077.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Tearing off that first tiny piece of wrapping paper cautiously since we'd been telling her "No, No!" for days!</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11087.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11087.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">How 'bout you hold the box, Ma?</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11101.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11101.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Another dress? Really?</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11100.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11100.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a> </center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Really ripping into it!</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11149.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11149.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Showing off her new "pony"</span></strong><br /><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11153.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11153.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Trying to find a way to escape the Smith clan!!</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11171.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11171.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">With my Grandma Smith</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11184.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11184.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Trying to figure out if the bag is worth her time!</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11201.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11201.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">With the Hurd cousins.</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11207.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11207.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">With the Smith cousins.</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11211.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11211.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">With Aunt Crystal</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11212.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11212.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Colby trying to sleep amidst the chaos!</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /> </center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11215.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11215.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I love Christmas!!!</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11218.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11218.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a></center><center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Playing with some of her new stuff before opening gifts from Grammy and Pawpaw!</span></strong><br /></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/?action=view&current=SDC11232.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="225" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Christmas%202008/SDC11232.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a> <center><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Okay, Ma! I know how this works now, get these little people OUT!!</span></strong></center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families!</span></strong><br /><br /></center><center><center></center></center>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-3466465247006322692008-12-17T05:31:00.000-08:002008-12-17T05:38:26.489-08:00How Old Is Jesus?<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">My sister and her hubby have done a great job teaching Raegan and Trace about the true meaning of Christmas. They believe in Santa, but they also know that Santa isn't what Christmas is really about. They know it's about Jesus' birthday.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">As a matter of fact, they may have done too good of a job driving home the fact about Jesus' birthday. Because the other day while driving down the road, Raegan asked my brother-in-law, "Daddy, how old will Jesus be on His birthday?"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Like any good husband, He turned the question over to my sister. He called her at work and handed Raegan the phone, and Raegan asked Crystal, "Mommy, how old will Jesus be on His birthday?"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I'm not really sure that they gave her any kind of definitive answer. I think saying "Over 2000 years" would have been a little mind boggling to an almost five year old. But hey, at least she knows whose birthday we'll be celebrating!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-23750407685656368452008-12-16T05:30:00.000-08:002008-12-16T05:40:39.152-08:00Tuesday's Top Ten<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">For today's top ten I give you the top ten things I have to do before Christmas:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">1. Buy a gift for my mom and dad. I have bought a few little things for them, but I'm stumped about what to get them...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">2. Buy a gift for my brother. This is easy. He takes money or gift cards from anywhere.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">3. Buy a gift for my brother-in-law. This requires going to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a gift certificate because this is what he wants. I really should have already done this, but I never go to Dick's so I haven't.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">4. Buy a gift for my sister. She wants a gift certificate from the Spa Personal Appearances. The trouble with this one is that I'm not quite sure where this place is. Finding new places is not one of my strengths...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">5. Buy a gift for my cousin Scott. I have NO IDEA what to get him. None at all. He never asks for anything. Ever.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">6. Buy some stocking stuffers for Alaena, oh and also a stocking. I've been stocking slack...</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">(There is certainly a money spending trend going here...)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">7. Buy some wheat bread for our Christmas party here at work on Thursday.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">8. Go to my Raegan and Trace's Christmas program at school on Thursday.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">9. Go Christmas caroling with the church.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">10. Be in the Christmas play Sunday night.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So it's gonna be a little hectic around here before Christmas. What last minute things are you guys gonna be doing?</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-43910641206489558892008-12-15T05:14:00.000-08:002008-12-15T05:42:09.207-08:00Monday, Monday!<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, here we are at Monday again, and I can hardly believe it. This past weekend was a little hectic. But I've learned several things. First, I learned that Alaena is apparently going to be very likely to get bronchitis. That is something that is not going to be much fun, but at least now I know so I can watch her very closely and at the first sign of a wheeze, she'll be headed to the doctor.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I also learned that my child gets very hyper after a nebulizer treatment. I mean, we're talking feet can't be still, crawling and walking around in circles hyper. I would go to put her down, and her feet would be moving a million miles a minute. It was hilarious, but also very tiring because I had to chase after her making sure she didn't get into the Christmas village, the Christmas tree, etc. But it was a fun weekend.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Lastly I learned that a night of sleep after a night of no sleep is heavenly. So I'm in a great, well-rested mood this Monday morning. I hope all of you are too! Have a good one!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-57161426303120657172008-12-09T05:42:00.000-08:002008-12-09T06:34:35.691-08:00Tuesday's Top Ten<strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Today for my top 10 I give you my top 10 favorite recent pictures of Alaena:</span></strong><br /><p> </p><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Just kicking back, this may be one of my favorite pics all time of her:</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Alaena-kicking-back.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Alaena-kicking-back.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></strong> </center><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Bring on the grub! She may not have gained weight very fast, but she is serious about some food!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></strong><br /> </div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Alaena-getting-ready-to-eat.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Alaena-getting-ready-to-eat.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Crawling, this is a rare site. Normally she is trying to walk around things, so my crawling pic opportunities are rare!</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Alaena-crawling.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Alaena-crawling.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Excited to see mommy! That is the smile I come home to every day. And the smile that makes it SOOOOO hard to go to work in the morning.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></strong><br /> </div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Family204-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Family204-1.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Ma, put the camera down! I'm trying to eat!</span></strong><br /><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Family192-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Family192-1.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Hmmm...if I'm really sneaky, maybe I can get this block from the nursery into my diaper bag...</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></strong><br /> </div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Family180-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Family180-1.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">These teeth are good for something...</span></strong><br /></div><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Family151-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Family151-1.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">This is one of her favorite things lately. Since she's dicovered her tongue, it's rarely in her mouth.</span></strong></center><center></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=Family092.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/Family092.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><center> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Another fine example of showing off the tongue!</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></strong> </center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=12-07-08040.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="260" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/12-07-08040.jpg" width="350" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">And finally, Christmas card pic 2008. Showing off all eight of those pearly whites!!</span></strong></center><center><br /><a href="http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/?action=view&current=12-07-08122.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="350" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/smithhe_2006/12-07-08122.jpg" width="270" border="0" /></a></center>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-16613274050540920582008-12-08T05:02:00.000-08:002008-12-08T05:38:53.316-08:00Life in the World that is Trace<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">This past Friday I went after I got off of work at 12 to pick up my niece and nephew from school for my sister. My niece was going to her cousin Emma's for the night, and Trace was coming to my house. Now normally picking them up from school is no big deal. They usually say that they've both been great, and they both usually have stickers in their folders.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">USUALLY.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Not so on Friday. Apparently Friday was Raegan's day to test the limits of the K-4's rule about talking during lunch. It was also apparently her day to pick up her "BEST FRIEND EVER" who is apparently a K-3 student while they were in the bathroom. I don't believe it's a specific rule, but apparently it is frowned upon to pick up K-3 students in the bathroom. In any event, Raegan ended up with 2 demerits, marring a week of demerit free perfection.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Let me just say, it is not fun to pick up my niece when she has gotten two demerits. It puts me in the "bad guy" position with her, and I do not like it. I guess I've got to get used to that position though considering Alaena is quickly learning to test her limits.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Anyway, I had to drop Raegan off at her house with her dad. I didn't stay long. I didn't want to see her get into trouble. I mean, it wasn't really bad things. After all, she didn't hit the kid, she just picked her up because she was her "BEST FRIEND EVER!" Apparently best friend exuberance isn't appreciated in K-4. Oh well.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Trace rode on with me, and we hadn't even gotten out of the driveway before he said, "I had a good day. I got a sticker. Sissy had a bad day. She had a bad day." </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Now this wasn't said in a cocky tone. He sounded pitiful. He felt so bad that Raegan didn't get a sticker or candy like he did. He may be only 3 years old, but he has more compassion than most adults. Well, he has compassion for his sister at least.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">His love for the deer isn't quite so obvious. My dad is a hunter, and he was out hunting when Trace and I got to the house. This was quite upsetting to Trace because he LOVES his Paw-paw, but I promised that he would see Paw-paw soon. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">When my dad got home, Trace asked him, "Paw-paw, did you shoot deers in the forest?" </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And my dad told him that he saw some deer, but he didn't shoot any. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Then Trace said, "Paw-paw, when I get big like you, I'm gonna take my water gun, and shoot me a deer." </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Because apparently water is lethal to deer. Who knew? </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The next morning Trace asked dad to take him to the ocean on the tractor. We live about 5 hours from the nearest ocean, so dad was like, "Huh?"</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So Trace said, "You know, the ocean in the forest." So our lake has now been upgraded to an ocean. Maybe I should keep this a secret. I don't want Ruffin becoming a hot tourist spot. It ruins it for the locals. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So don't tell anybody about the Ruffin ocean okay?</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">What funny things happened to you guys over the weekend?</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-31753856914576617562008-12-04T05:07:00.000-08:002008-12-04T05:34:41.180-08:00Thursday Thirteen<center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">For this Thursday I give you Thirteen Things I'm wondering about:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">1. I'm wondering why I haven't gotten back some wrapping paper that I ordered for a fund raiser back in September (apparently no one has gotten anything back and the guy is contacting the school!)</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">2. I'm wondering why in the song, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" there is a line about scary ghost stories. I mean the song is about Christmas, not Halloween. I guess it's possible they are talking about the story, "The Christmas Carol" but I wouldn't consider that a scary ghost story. So still I wonder if they just put the line in the song just because they couldn't think of any other line to put there.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">3. I'm also wondering why in the song, "Up on the Housetop" poor little Will got a hammer and lots of tacks. Maybe I'm too modernized, but I just can't imagine that at any time in history tacks were considered the best gift ever by any child. I feel a little sorry for Will myself.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">4. That brings me to the song, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." First I wonder why someone would actually want a Hippopotamus for Christmas enough to write a song about it.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">5. Then I wonder how many children have pitched super tantrums to their parents begging for a Hippopotamus for Christmas since this song was written.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">6. I also wonder if anybody likes the song, "The Little Drummer Boy" Now, I have heard that Mandisa has a great version of it, but I'm talking about the original slow, seemingly eternal version of "The Little Drummer Boy" where these shrieky sopranos say, "Cooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeee they told meeeeeeeeeeeee, Par Rum, pum, pum, pummmmmmmmmmmm" while the basses in the background go, "Pum, pum, pum, pum" I really have never gotten this song...</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">7. Now I'm kinda wondering why I listen to so much Christmas music I don't understand...</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">8. And I wonder if any of the rest of you have turned your radios to the 24/7 Christmas music station in your area.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">9. Or if any of the rest of you have been seen going down the highway belting out, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause"</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">10. I'm also wondering when I'm ever gonna find time to get Alaena's pictures taken so I can send out Christmas cards.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">11. And when I'm gonna find time to wrap gifts (especially considering I haven't gotten my wrapping paper yet, see #1)</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">12. Then I wonder if the Christmas play at church is going to come together before December 21.</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">13. Then I wonder why I'm wondering about all of this stuff. And why I'm not just taking time to enjoy this wonderful season. So that's what I'm gonna do now...</span></strong></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">What do all of you have on your minds today?</span></strong></center><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </p><center><br /></center><div align="center"><a href="http://thursdaythirteen.com/"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /><br /><br /></span></strong><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/thursday+thirteen" rel="tag"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">View More Thursday Thirteen Participants</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></strong></div><center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-16252209451946757922008-12-03T04:42:00.000-08:002008-12-03T04:52:37.940-08:00Taking Things Into Her Own Hands<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is now behind us, and we are charging toward Christmas full steam ahead. Last weekend was spent by most of my family members putting up the Christmas decorations, getting the ornaments on trees just right and such.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, at my house the ornaments were added to the tree. My sister had no such luck. Her husband had put the ornament box in the top of their building where only he could get to them, and he was on duty (he's a policeman). So she just put up the tree, figuring he would get the box of ornaments later.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The rest of the weekend was busy for them, so the ornaments never got added to the tree. Apparently this distressed my four year old niece a little more than my sister and her husband realized. A fact they discovered on the way home from church Sunday night.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">My niece has hit a prissy stage, and she has begun carrying her little purse everywhere she goes. And it is often filled with random things, from fake lipstick to my nephew's little cars.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">But Sunday night on the way home from church, she told my sister, "Mommy, we can decorate our tree now!" And as she said it, she pulled several icicle ornaments that she had "borrowed" from the Christmas tree at church out of her purse.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Apparently she thought the church's tree was quite overloaded while her tree at home was completely barren of ornaments! Crystal of course told her that she shouldn't take stuff, but I'm pretty sure she had a hard time not laughing while she was doing so!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-31739677426899953052008-12-01T05:16:00.000-08:002008-12-01T05:18:13.642-08:00Random Number Picker Says the Winner Is...<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well, as promised today is the day that I announce the big winner of the giveaway, and the winner is...Crystal!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And I promise, there was no partiality in this drawing. I simply put everyone's names in order of how they were given, and her number was the one randomly drawn. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Thanks for all the participation. And keep looking out for more giveaways. I may just do this again!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-78740922500439997112008-11-19T09:47:00.000-08:002008-11-25T05:55:27.387-08:00Tuesday's Top Ten<strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">My cousin Christy started something on <a href="http://brunettebrain.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3366ff;">her blog</span></a> a few weeks back called Tuesday's Top Ten. So, I'll go with her on this one, and today I give you the top ten things that will bring certain death to your cell phone!!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">1. Dropping a phone in a swimming pool. Now, one of the great things about cell phones is that you can use them anywhere, but if you happen to put your cell phone in a towel, be sure to tell someone it's there before they pick up the towel to use it and sling your cell phone into the pool. (This happened to my mom's cell phone.)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">2. Dropping a phone into an electrical pipe that holds wire. Now the phone may still be usable, but you will not get it back. Due to the fact that you could possibly be electrocuted in the retrieval. (This happened to my brother's cell phone)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">3. Dropping a cell phone into a man-hole that is filled with rain water. The nasty gross rain water will surely ruin your phone quickly. (Also, to my brother)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">4. Snapping your phone in anger over something the person you are talking to said. (My brother, again, do you see a pattern here?)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">5. Dropping your cell phone into a toilet. Now this is completely avoidable, NO ONE should talk on a phone in the bathroom. (My brother however doesn't adhere to this rule. Hence the toilet water ruined phone.)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">6. Dropping a phone in a dog's bowl. This doesn't cause immediate death, but it will shorten your batteries life, and you will barely be able to get one call through without recharging your phone! (My niece did this to my phone)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">7. Throwing your cell phone against a brick wall (my cousin did this.)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">8. Allowing a three year old that your are babysitting to remain alone in the room with your phone. Especially if said three year old has anger issues and didn't want you to leave the room. (This happened to my sister in law's phone.)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">9. Washing your cell phone in the washing machine. Again, no immediate death, but a short life is predicted for your phone. (My sister in law did this to my brother's phone)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">10. Spilling corn on your phone. This results in immediate button death. Apparently corn juice has more lethal powers over phones than water. (This happened to my phone last week)</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The upside of cell phone death? Getting a new cell phone. Thankfully, I got a really good deal on mine. Have any of you ever had a cell phone ruined somehow?</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And a reminder, there are only five more days to enter the <a href="http://heathersfunnythoughts.blogspot.com/2008/11/bloggy-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3366ff;">GIVEAWAY!</span></a> Be sure to get your name in by the 30th!!</span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-79991014568774181212008-11-14T05:34:00.000-08:002008-11-14T08:43:54.485-08:00A Bloggy Giveaway<div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQptwgt2t1Ik8VloU0eqff4yOgIRUwPpbLUVoxhAJFIiIR7JdovuRFG1OK0Dv0AAVaWCmndt3sp6a98_Y7aJxdd_gcHep3qt4S8jXvaYV2P9QvgVt-2dzdciFsHil0hWBEPUO/s1600-h/Snowflake+Body+Wash.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268513037581341922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQptwgt2t1Ik8VloU0eqff4yOgIRUwPpbLUVoxhAJFIiIR7JdovuRFG1OK0Dv0AAVaWCmndt3sp6a98_Y7aJxdd_gcHep3qt4S8jXvaYV2P9QvgVt-2dzdciFsHil0hWBEPUO/s400/Snowflake+Body+Wash.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Well guys, in the spirit of the soon approaching Christmas season, I have decided to do a bloggy give away. I will be giving away a <a href="http://shop.beauticontrol.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10551&langId=-1&catalogId=10551&parent_category_rn=44206&categoryId=44207&productId=" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Beauti Control Snowflake Set</span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">.</span> It will include the Snowflake Body Wash pictured above.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4p0wq1ZamdOvcdwgzRg4TqhxCdhjobvBuxhV1-RcSf_6-cQamqAeduuyoWWxGmG3eutXqaVza6DbvnYnmU9zX2hwSWCWEAkKey_ATX7P16ZmC62GsdFOUIYSJYit0B05K0zO/s1600-h/Snowflake+Body+Wash.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268509588781903954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4p0wq1ZamdOvcdwgzRg4TqhxCdhjobvBuxhV1-RcSf_6-cQamqAeduuyoWWxGmG3eutXqaVza6DbvnYnmU9zX2hwSWCWEAkKey_ATX7P16ZmC62GsdFOUIYSJYit0B05K0zO/s400/Snowflake+Body+Wash.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br />The Snowflake Body Polish<br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0leGrDx_-HhUWvl9wxCmggIhPtXytd15LrFL9gyL2YVpMrxdmUenK6CBFpKKyroA0IyYp2-W5Ezz7G1FTUgbYXp3CX-jTu4SlmZabCzC8Mt-exoHNtIg7mn6Mh785MlgVOhIE/s1600-h/Snowflake+Body+Polish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268510832800349842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0leGrDx_-HhUWvl9wxCmggIhPtXytd15LrFL9gyL2YVpMrxdmUenK6CBFpKKyroA0IyYp2-W5Ezz7G1FTUgbYXp3CX-jTu4SlmZabCzC8Mt-exoHNtIg7mn6Mh785MlgVOhIE/s400/Snowflake+Body+Polish.jpg" border="0" /></center></strong></div></a></span></strong><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Snowflake Body Creme</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R41gdulLpW90l8f-TC6rGdH3a64U7l65qlR-b3qfDLRJIp91NREP5r9jHoEOqZNo_vzAPOXxR5YOuyfbOpUqSP7FXq6RxRgift5bC7U6has__mBC6qf4nvAtvr2D_spdbIdQ/s1600-h/Snowflake+Lip+Conditioner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268512114763826866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R41gdulLpW90l8f-TC6rGdH3a64U7l65qlR-b3qfDLRJIp91NREP5r9jHoEOqZNo_vzAPOXxR5YOuyfbOpUqSP7FXq6RxRgift5bC7U6has__mBC6qf4nvAtvr2D_spdbIdQ/s400/Snowflake+Lip+Conditioner.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">The Snowflake Lip Conditioner</span></strong></div><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjIRLVvGjwZ0nuHqAK5p_g-CWTWGOZbGL8crWiZLDB5yxXUQ16aPDeY1x2hmKd6m5-pzqDOJEAMVDCHvX5fMvFDadfA7V2d8ht8Sj08DaDQ9ZLz_eNltKrfR6F8bEkOvMjxkc/s1600-h/Snowflake+Show+Of+Hands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268513304269962130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjIRLVvGjwZ0nuHqAK5p_g-CWTWGOZbGL8crWiZLDB5yxXUQ16aPDeY1x2hmKd6m5-pzqDOJEAMVDCHvX5fMvFDadfA7V2d8ht8Sj08DaDQ9ZLz_eNltKrfR6F8bEkOvMjxkc/s400/Snowflake+Show+Of+Hands.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></div><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">And the Snowflake Show of Hands</span></strong></div><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">All you have to do for a chance to win this giveaway is go to <a href="http://www.beautipage.com/heather_smith/index.asp" target="_blank">my Beauti Control Page</a> and come back and leave a comment about one item you might like! Also, if you mention this giveaway on your blog and let me know, you'll get two entries! Entries will be taken until November 30, and I'll announce the winner on December 1!</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </p><p><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Added note, also, if you could leave your email address in the comments so that I can contact you if you win, I would appreciate it!</span></strong></p>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108709.post-19304548182105932062008-11-13T04:58:00.000-08:002008-11-13T05:22:47.182-08:00Thursday Thirteen<center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Today I present to you Thirteen random thoughts:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">1. I'm really into the <a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Biggest Loser</span></a> this season. I DO NOT like Vicky though. She is EVIL. I really hope she gets voted off soon.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">2. Alaena has recently learned that she can put her arms through her crib and reach the Diaper Champ. I'm trying to double and triple check that I don't leave any diapers sitting in the top because apparently 9 month olds don't know you shouldn't play with diapers (thank God she hasn't gotten any dirty ones!!)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">3. I just found out that my friend Christa is having a little boy. So exciting, a future hubby for Alaena! LOL! Seriously though, I'm really excited for her.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">4. Not only that, but my friend <a href="http://farleydiary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Allison</span></a> is having a girl so Alaena gets a best friend and a hubby all within a couple of months! </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">5. I'm seriously glad I have friends having babies because that means I have someone to share the baby wealth with. People were seriously generous when I had my baby showers for Alaena. But now that she's outgrowing stuff, I am quite short on storage space. So they are getting the mother load of stuff, Christa will get the neutral stuff of course. For some reason she didn't feel her little boy needed a pink swing! LOL!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">6. I went the other day to buy my dress for my friend Leah B's wedding in June. We're on a downswing of the bridesmaid thing I think. Only a few single friends left. But this actually was a pretty dress, AND I got to buy it 2 sizes smaller than the one in the wedding I was in BEFORE I was pregnant, so I'm very excited. That means all those salads are paying off!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">7. Not only have I been eating salads, but I have been working out on the <a href="http://us.wii.com/soft_wiifit.jsp" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Wii Fit</span></a> which really makes working out fun, but I have been bad this week because when Alaena was sick I got out of the groove of daily workouts. I've got to get back in the groove.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">8. Speaking of groove, for Christmas I asked for the Dance, Dance Revolution game, so that I would have a variety of work out options.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">9. I also asked for the <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9107977&st=jillian+michaels&type=product&id=1218024214057" target="_blank">Jillian Michaels</a> game because after watching her on the Biggest Loser, I seriously think her workout would really whip me into shape!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">10. Of course, I may not need all of these workout things because chasing Alaena around is becoming quite the workout in and of itself. She is pulling herself up walking around stuff, and she is INTO EVERYTHING. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">11. Because she is into everything, she has learned the words, "No, no!" And she is doing her part to teach them to my dog Colby. She chases him around going, "no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" Poor Colby, but he loves her!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">12. Because my child is so hyper, I am looking for active toys for Christmas, in order for her to put her energies into something that it's okay for her to get into!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">13. And believe it or not, it's not even Thanksgiving yet, and I am almost done Christmas shopping. Now this may not be amazing to you in any way, but I have never finished shopping before the week of Christmas. This is truly a momentous occasion!!</span></strong><br /></center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong> </center><center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">So, what's been going on with all of you?</span></strong></center><center><br /><strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /></center><div align="center"><a href="http://thursdaythirteen.com/"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /><br /><br /></span></strong><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/thursday+thirteen" rel="tag"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">View More Thursday Thirteen Participants</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></strong></div><center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></center><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></strong>Heather Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018641352722945047noreply@blogger.com5