This day was such a special one

Jacob is 33 today. He enjoyed his presents (after making sure it was the correct one), had a delicious Indian dinner made by Betsy (Chicken Makhani) and one of his favorite cakes (applesauce). To make it even better, the past couple days we have been at South Padre Island with Betsy and Nate finishing our stint of the Texas trip. How could you not enjoy being at the beach on your birthday? Jacob is a wonderful father and a hardworking, caring, and loving husband. Happy Birthday!

Question of the day?

Question: What do you do when the pool is closed and the sprinkler park is closed?

Answer: Click here

they don't make them like they used to

I've posted about hand-me-downs before but I think this one is the winner.... This swimsuit started with Aspen and then made it's way down through McKay, Karolina, Kirsten, Amalia, Hazel, and now it's on to Katanya. I love getting hand-me-downs from Betsy! Katanya will never have a shortage of dresses, that's for sure.

For more of our pool fun, click here.

2 birthdays for 2 people 2 days apart

This is my little brother, Mikey. (Yes, I still call him Mikey. It's used to be a distinction between two Mike's, but he is still Mikey to me.) Growing up there was just three of us, me being the middle. It's weird to think that he is 27 today. It's even weirder to think that he is a now a dad as of two days ago. In my mind, he is still my little brother. He's not suppose to be growing up either. Seeing his pictures makes me realize just how fast life is going and how we need to make the most of it.This is my newest niece. She's adorable! I can't wait to see her and be able to hold her. It's funny how excited you get around other babies when you know you are done yourself. Olivia Zoe Smith

6 lbs. 13 ounces

19 1/2" long

a week has passed

A week gone by since the last post, but our everyday life is usually the same thing. It's funny because all winter in Idaho is so cold that we spend most of it inside. Here in Texas it's just the opposite. It's been 100+ degrees (not including the heat index) so most of the days you spend inside until night when it cools off.

The kids have enjoyed playing in the little pool as well as the bigger neighborhood pool. The little pool didn't last very long as the big kids gave it a bigger "stress" beating.We've also done lots of different crafts (as Betsy is very creative), lots of coloring, and playing. The older kids invited their own 7-up club. (They tried to ban the younger kids from joing. As grow-ups, we had the ultimate say and the 7-up club allowed all.)

McKay and Aspen tried to see who could keep their grapes in their mouths the longest without biting or eating them one afternoon. What I want to know is where is McKay hiding her grapes in the next picture?My other amazement has been Katanya. She has been, by far, my most pickiest eater. She only would eat a handful of foods before she came here. She was getting better but it was still a power struggle for us on getting her to eat vegetables, meats, and other foods. Since we've been here she now eats almost everything. Vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, broccoli, raw carrots and cauliflower, to fruits like raisins, honeydew, cherries, bananas, mangoes and more. Whole meals (down to the plate cleared) of chicken masala (she beat some of the other kids), lasagna casserole, pot roast, Linda Brown tacos (which Nate now calls "Amy's tacos), pasta, and more. I guess it's been a positive peer pressure influence to her down here. I still just shake my head and wonder how much of it was a power struggle between us and her.

P.S. We also found out that the Texas tooth fairy was a lot nicer than the Idaho tooth fairy.

Two for the price of one?

Kirsten finally lost her first tooth tonight while getting her pajamas on. (I am still trying to figure how that made it come out.) She was the ONLY person in her first grade class to not have any stars on her "smiling" poster for losing teeth.

So while we were looking at the hole from the missing one, we noticed the teeth coming in already. The one next to it was really lose to so we helped that one out as well. She is now snug in bed and waiting for the tooth fairy......how lucky will she be?

P.S. I know losing a tooth isn't that exciting for a blog, but I also do this for Jake as we are seperated by 1600+ miles.

what not to wear

Cruz gets this from his dad. Sandals and socks just don't mix in my book. But, what dad does, the son does too. I guess this isn't too bad. So....Our family arrived in Texas early afternoon on Saturday. After dinner, we got ready to go to the pool. Now you can see where Cruz gets his fashion faux pas' from.... I guess it's better than the time in 2004 when we went to South Padres. Jake will never live the cowboy boots down.

Four....

The Monday before we headed down to Texas, some good friends took us golfing. I've never been a big fan, and had never played the sport (miniature golfing doesn't count). It turned out to be funner than I thought. I think as long as you have the right company and can be patient and laugh with Jake's over powerful swings that send them into the canal, we could enjoy this more often. Jake actually did really well. It was firsts for both of us. Although I have to step in and brag that I got 2ND place out of the four and I managed to keep my ball the whole time. : )

Now it brings me to a different point. If you notice it was June 22ND, that we went. I was wearing a sweater because it was chilly and a little breezy (I wasn't the only one who was wearing one). It's now the beginning of July and we have yet to be in the 90's. By the time I get home it will be another month of good summer weather and the cold starts in again. Now being in Texas it's over 100+. I know they have a few hot months, and they have the heat index, but I would take Texas the whole year round instead of the Idaho weather anytime. I'm not too happy that the year is half over and summer has yet to show it's face in Idaho.

inside those tiny little brains, the wheels keep turning

After one day of watching 3 of Betsy's kids and all of mine, I am still going strong. It's actually rather simple. Although McKay had the nerve to ask....(seriously)

Me: (I was tucking in the girls and giving them hugs.)
McKay: Mom, how was it with 7 kids today?
Me: Easier than I thought, it was great.
McKay: So does this mean you will have at least one more, maybe 2?
Me: (LOL.) Nope.

Gotta give it to her for trying, she never gives up.