Smith Family- Puerto Rican Style

My "Hollywood" delivery

2010-08-09T13:57:00.001-07:00

Samuel Clifford Smith was born to us July 20, 2010. I got my perfect labor and delivery story that I have always wanted! (I have been induced with all 3 of my previous babies.) In the middle of the night I start feeling labor pains... I lay awake for an hour... pains actually not going away this time... this might be it! I take a shower and contractions are less then 5 minutes apart. I actually get to wake up my hubbie (just like all the movies) and say: "Honey- IT'S TIME!"
We get my packed hospital bag that has been sitting by the door for 2 weeks and head out the door at 4:30am.
We drive up to the emergency room entrance, park and see the security guard chuckle as I waddle in at Jake's side. He said "I suppose you are looking for the labor and delivery" and we headed up. I got to tell the front desk "I think I am in labor" and they said they would check me out. I put on the awesome hospital gown that never quite covers properly and by then contractions are 2 minutes apart. Jake is cracking jokes and charming the nurses as we settle in. I sip on cranberry juice and we send out the big news via text to all of our family. By then contractions have slowed down and so we walk the halls to get something going again. Nurses gave me pitossin to speed things up a bit and the pain starts pretty intense. I decide on the epidural. I was contemplating being tough and going natural but I already proved that I could do that when I had my 2nd son Luke so I decided since this was my last one- why not enjoy it pain free? I was a little nervous because I had a bad reaction to the epidural with my 3rd son and ended up screaming at the Dr. to yank it out. But Jake made enough jokes about suing the anesthesiologist that he did a fantastic job! (I did pass out for just a minute from low blood pressure but he said that was a common side-effect.)
So pain free, sipping on cranberry juice and my wonderful mid-wife Anita Sheetz tells me she thinks it is time to push. I pushed through 4 contractions and probably would have been less but the babies hand was up by his face through delivery, making it more difficult.
Our beautiful baby boy was born at 11:33am perfect and chubby at 21 inches and nearly 9lbs. I cried at how perfect and wonderful he was and how much I already loved him! They gave him to me right away and did all the tests on him right in my arms. Jake cut the cord (now an expert!) and made all the calls. I can't even tell you how happy this baby makes me and we are loving every minute!

Advanced Maternal Age...and its benefits!

2010-07-07T13:12:00.001-07:00

When I went for my first prenatal visit last December my doctor referred to me as "advanced maternal age." Very nice way of saying "kinda old to be having a baby!" She informed me of my risks etc and let me know that everything would be just a little bit harder. True- it has been 10 years since I had my first child. The first 2 semesters of all my pregnancies have been full of mad dashes to the bathroom to throw up on a daily basis, and this one has been no exception. I think I have thrown up on every street corner and gas station in Idaho, Utah and Las Vegas. (By the way- my gas station of choice to throw up in Flying J because their bathrooms are usually pretty clean and the stall door goes almost all the way to the floor so that no one sees me crouching before the toliet.)
As the pregnancies have progressed through the years and especially this last one noticed that I had an even bigger problem to deal with then throwing up - that is peeing my pants while throwing up! I wised up with this last pregnancy and began grabbing the garbage can or a plastic bag while actually using the bathroom and it has significantly raised my spirits and reduced alot of tears.
One big advantage of having this baby at age 36 is that my other 3 boys are a HUGE help! They are so concerned for me and the baby and would do anything for me. They do all my "up and down the stairs" errands and will pick up anything off the floor for me because they know that I can't bend over. They bring me water and make sure I rest. Luke reminds me that I can't lift anything over 20 lbs and Tommy lets me know he has a fat belly just like me because he is growing a baby too. Jett will babysit for me anytime I ask without ever complaining and will even call me on the phone while I am out to tell me to "take your time...everything is fine here!) I can nap almost anytime I want to and the boys are quiet and take care of themselves.
All my family members and friends are wonderfully supportive and make sure that I am resting... allowing me to take more guilt free naps!
I indulge my absolute (almost daily) need for cheeseburgers and really don't feel that bad about it. I know it will be a hard habit to kick once this baby comes but for right now - I do it and I guilt free enjoy it!
And when else in your life does every random stranger feel free to pat your belly or make a comment or wish you well?!? How boring life will be when I don't have random strangers making funny comments every where I go?
Yesterday as I was walking though Home Depot a clerk yells out "Hang in there honey.. you're almost there!" Walking across the street to get the mail a neighbor lady, 5 houses down, who I have never met, screams out "been there- done that- wouldn't want to be where you are again!" At Walmart last week the clerk told me that she couldn't even believe that I was out of the house!
But the truth is - I am not that miserable! Everyone keeps asking me if I can hardly wait to be done or if I am walking around trying to get this baby to come - and the answer is "No- I am not." I don't know if I am just a wierdo or something is wrong with me but I am actually enjoying these last few weeks of pregnancy. I love feeling the baby move around and wonder what he is thinking inside there. I love napping everyday. I love having my husband and sons be so excited about the upcoming baby. In fact I am not sure that I am really in such a hurry to give it all up. Yes I waddle terribly, my ankles are swollen and black and blue, I get up to use the bathroom a minimum of 5 times per night and then cant go back to sleep... but its all worth it. I think in part I am enjoying this because I know this is my last one.
Now- next week at this time I might have had another hormonal wave swinging me the other way and you could find me out on the trampoline and yelling "to get this baby out!" but for now being an old pregnant lady ain't so bad.. so I am at peace and relaxed... taking one day, and one cheeseburger, at a time.

I DO!

2010-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Who gets a baby shower for their 4th child, their 4th boy at that? I DO!!! My great friend Sierra threw me an awesome baby shower last Saturday.
She went all out with cute invitations, decorations, and the BEST food! Course it helps that her awesome husband is a professional chef- who gets coconut shrimp (my favorite) at a shower? I DO!
She also did lots of other yummy food including strawberry and lime daquiri's.

Lots of generous gifts, games and lots of fun! And to top it off the cutest cake I have EVER seen made by friend Casey.

Seriously- who has some of the greatest friends in the world? I DO!

Yes I am

2010-01-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

Yes I am eating way too many cheeseburgers.
Yes I am having dreams about cheeseburgers.
Yes I am currently into the $1 Jr Sonic Burger.
Yes I am spending way too much grocery budget money on cheeseburgers.
Yes I did throw up in the Burger King drive- thru ordering a cheeseburger today.
Yes I am pregnant.

Ghosties in the house

2009-11-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

So this past week has been pretty strange in our house. Weird writings have appeared on the wall, toilets have been overflowing with whole rolls of toilet paper stuffed inside, blue markings all over the carpet and furniture. Kinda strange. And of course to top it off, 3 year old Tommy wearing his scary Halloween shirt all week long, explained to us that he was wearing his "Holy Ghostie" shirt.

Dirty Jokes and the Round Swing

2009-09-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Every summer my family made the 13 hour trek to Mexico for our summer vacation. Suddenly all my parents strict checklist of rules didn't apply when we were down there. However one rule that we were constantly reminded of was not to tell any dirty jokes to our cousins. This was always funny to me because I don't think I ever knew any dirty jokes as a child and if so why would I tell my cousins? So as long as we refrained from dirty jokes we were free to roam the Mexican countryside.
Besides being taught to drive at age 12 by my dear cousins, one of my other favorite memories was of the round swing. We would cross the street to uncle Herman's (I have the best names in my family) and climb the hill. We would jump on the rope swing and swing out over the irrigation ditch and out over the hill. It was exhilarating and always a good time.
This past summer my dad just built a round swing in his backyard. He even built a little platform stand to swing off of. I got on and swung out into the ravine and don't think I have screamed that loud in 15 years! My kids love it and we all cant get enough of it. Of course everyone who comes over has to take a ride. We have even had a few Tarzan moments. Thanks dad for building the swing and I promise no more dirty jokes!

My boricua heart hurts today.

2009-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today my little boricua heart hurts. I just heard that Hermano Victor SotoMayor passed away. He was one of my favorite people in our ward in Puerto Rico. My heart aches for the loss of him personally and for our ward Ponce I. He was one of the first members in Ponce. He was 80 years old and very spry. He made us laugh. He was very kind to Jake as a new Bishop, taught him many things, and was very patient. I feel privileged to have known him and had him in my home. Thinking of him makes me smile and I will never forget him. I know it means nothing to anyone who may read this but somehow it makes me feel better to put it down in writing. Te queremos mucho Hermano SotoMayor!!!

Saturday morning on Horse Poopy Trail

2009-09-12T17:52:00.001-07:00

This morning I took the boys out for a little hike. I am not a hiker, not an outdoor granola but these Colorado surroundings are really getting to me- I really enjoy being outside. Anyways on today's particular trail there seemed to be alot of horse poop, almost marking the path for us. Tommy was much more fascinated with running to find the next pile of poop then he was doing anything else. We didn't make it very far but saw beautiful scenery, climbed a few rocks, ate a few Teddy Grahams. Best thing- Horse Poopy Trail is only a 5 minute drive from my house!

Roy Rodgers and Coconut Shrimp

2009-08-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have about the coolest and funnest sisters in law around! This last week 2 of them came for a visit. My husband succeeded in staying away from the house as much as possible as there was major estrogen overload for a change, as I am usually outnumbered here in the Smith household. Dont think I have been to bed before 1am since they got here. We did all the necessaries of good girl time such as staying up way too late giggling every night, watching chic flicks, playing games, going shopping and eating dessert all the time. "One" of us of course mooned the rest of "us" and one of us even stole the phone from another one of us threatening to call a certain boy late at night. Since two of us are married, I wont say who did what.
The must do, which we did do, and declare that we must always do on future meetings is head to Red Lobster for diet Roy Rodgers and Coconut Shrimp. Their coconut shrimp is THE BEST and the pina colada sauce is to die for. The waitress did not disappoint when I asked her to bring a bowl of it as I had every intention of downing it like a bowl of soup. Loved every minute and love my girls!

Fat Boy factory

2009-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

My son Luke absolutely loves the ice cream sandwich called "Fatboys." The first time he ate one and I told him what they were called he didn't believe me, he thought I was joking. And then when I told him that I actually knew the people who owned the icecream company that made Fatboys he went crazy and had to point out anytime we saw "Fatboys" in the grocery store.
Well a few weeks ago my childhood best friend Sherrie was up in Logan Utah for a visit to her sisters. Sherrie's family the Hatches have always been my second family- we did everything together growing up. I was driving up to see her and asked if we could maybe get a tour of the factory. They were so cool and arranged for all of us to go get a behind the scene tour. It was so much fun and Luke was absolutely amazed the whole time. He is already set on his new career of becoming a "Fatboy maker." All I know is with all of the icecream I ate that day I was already a "fatgirl maker" - but it was SOO worth it! Thanks to Paul and Stephanie Merrill for an incredible time!

11 years...11 reasons

2009-07-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

So exactly 11 years ago I was married to Jake. He NEVER lets me compliment him but since he does not read my blog I get to do it here. Soooo many reasons I love and cherish him but here are 11 really good reasons:

11. The best snuggler in the world. Yucky but true- we snuggle ALL night!
10. He would do anything for anybody- anytime.
9. He thinks I am beautiful and tells me EVERYDAY!
8. He is so freaking smart. Honestly. I really don't ever have to look anything
up- I just ask him!
7. When we are at a restaurant and I order and we get our food and his looks better
mine- he always lets me have his food instead. (this says alot about him!)
6. His strength! (Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually)
5. He always calms down my anxious heart.
4. He has integrity.
3. He is 100% committed- to me, the boys, and the gospel
2. He makes me laugh, everyday, all day long!
1. He knows me better than I know myself and he still loves me with all his heart!

Baking with Lady GaGa

2009-07-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been absolutely ADDICTED to "Poker Face" by Lady GaGa. I dont know why but I want to listen to it constantly. I turn it up loud and dance around like I am still 18 yrs old.
For quite some time now my inner Martha Stuart has been wanting to come out. I decided to start by learning how to make homemade bread ( I think I am the last mormon stay at home mom who does not know how to make bread!)
I grew up on homemade bread and have wanted to learn how to bake bread for a long time. I guess I am scared of the whole yeast and rising thing. I decided that today was the day to conquer the fear of breadmaking. After consulting both my mother and mother in law I nervously went to work. I completed each step of making the bread and then finally breathed a sigh of relief as it went into the oven. Then I went up to my room and to unwind a bit from the stress of trying to bake bread I turned on a little Lady Gaga. I danced around a bit, listened to the song a few times, then danced some more, turned up the music and continued to hit replay. I kept turning the music up a little louder, getting a little more bold with my dance moves, and finally getting some lyrics right when it hit me that I had bread in the oven. I guessed I had hit play a few too many times.
I burnt the bread- like the type of bread so crusty that it tears the roof of your mouth just biting into it.
I will try the bread another day-I am not giving up. But just so you know- I'm not giving up on Lady GaGa either.

My man loves me

2009-06-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

So the other day my husband came home with this:
a box of my favorite almond chocolate covered toffee.
What can I say?- My man loves me!

No news- just feeling good.

2009-06-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

So tonight I am blogging because I feel content. For a rare moment I feel at peace with the world and my place in it.
Could be because I just ate a huge brownie with ice cream and chocolate syrup. Could be because my 5 year old belted out the 3rd article of faith in the feminine hygiene aisle at Walmart today and turned a few heads. Could be because my husband came home early and set up the trampoline for the boys and solidified the "hero status" in his sons eyes.
Whatever the reason....I'll take it!

Luke you are so grounded when I find you!

2009-04-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

Today I am watching 2 little girls. Luke had been so bored all day and had been waiting to go to the park when his big brother got home from school. He was mad that I made him wait to go to the park. Well I am giving everyone snacks and I am talking to them saying that after snack time we will go to the park. I realize Luke is not there. I am calling for him and no answer. We are looking everywhere for him thinking he had gone to the park on his own without telling me. Then I see his shoes are still here so I figure he is hiding from me. I am looking everywhere yelling "Luke if you are hiding from me and not coming out when I call you - you are grounded!!!!"
Then I think of one more place to look and this is what I find:

Anything for a cubscout!

2009-04-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

We're busting trying to get that wolf badge for Jett before his birthday in a couple of weeks. Since Puerto Rico doesnt participate in cubscouts, Jett just started the program in January. So we are doing double time but I think that we will get it done. One requirement that Jett had was for bike saftey. I love our little town of Fruita and it actually had a little bike rodeo today all about bike saftey and gear. (Check off the list!)
He also had to help in an outdoor meal so yesterday evening we headed to the Red Cliffs. They are so beautiful and right on the Colorado River.

The boys had a blast roasting hotdogs and smores and climbing the rocks and trees. U had to add a picture of the perfect smore. BTW- the secret for extra sinfulness is to spread peanut butter on the graham cracker!
I cant wait for the warmer weather and camping and rafting down the river. Seriously guys- you have to come visit. I know we are no longer on a tropical island but minutes from the Red Cliffs and the Colorado River aint too bad!

One Happy Turtle !!!!

2009-04-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I ran in my first 5K. This has been a goal of mine that I started back in Puerto Rico over a year ago. My sister Renee has been diagnosed with MS and this was the 20th annual 5K for MS in Salt Lake City. My whole family participated and even my best friend Collette and her husband Jared.
There were over 3500 participants. At the start there was such a mob of people that we were kinda forced into walking until we could break out. All of a sudden I see my brother in law Ryan just take off (he later ended up finishing 4th place!) Then it was evident that all runners were passing me up. I run VERY SLOW but my goal was just to keep running the whole time. I kept my turtle pace and was cruising along even with some unexpected hills. When I reached the top of one hill I saw volunteers with waters and snacks and I thought to myself "I made it and it wasnt too bad!"
Well it wasn't too bad because it was only the freaking halfway point!!!!
After I got over the initial shock and kept going only to see more hills. I was determined and kept going. Finally I was on the last downhill to the gateway center and I was looking around and I was all by myself. I thought that I had taken a wrong turn but figured out that the runners were way ahead of me and most walkers were still behind me. Anyways I turned the corner and there were volunteers lined up on either side of the finish line cheering and applauding and I just burst into tears. It was nice and embarrassing and I am sure everyone wondered what was going on. I was just really overwhelmed with emotion. #1 It really hit home the whole reason that we were there and that my sister and best friend Renee really has MS. Then #2 I had finally finished my goal to run in a 5K! It was an awesome feeling that even though I was super slow, that I hadn't stopped running (never been able to do that before!). Incredible feeling!
So next year I invite everyone to participate- it is a great cause. Now I think I've caught the fever and I am looking forward to my next 5K here in Fruita next month.

Red sand everywhere!

2009-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday we went to Moab for the day. Jake used to love going there mountain biking and now we are only 1 1/2 hrs away. The weather was beautiful and sunny. We went on a fun hike at slick rock and had a picnic.
We also climbed up a giant red sand/ dirt hill. Well I shouldn't say "we" as only Jett and Luke made it to the top! It felt like it was straight up and you just sunk down even though the climb was so vertical. The sand was so soft and cool that we finally just kicked off our shoes. Tons of people and their kids just pull over on the side of the road and watch people climb up and then run, roll or jump down. I think the boys made it all the way up 3 times, which was amazing. So fun.

When we got home that night and the boys got out of the car there was literally piles of sand in the car. In the bathtub there is still rings of red sand. On the bathroom floors I keep finding little mounds of the stuff! Our clothes, shoes and socks are still red dirt tinged. But the best is when I just took a load out from the dryer and I open up the door and tons of red dirt just comes pouring out. Can't get rid of the stuff but definitely worth the fun we had!

Funniest thing about Spring Break

2009-03-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

It seems that Colorado has a pretty early Spring Break. Luckily it coincided with a business trip to the Big Dog cabin in Island Park, ID (right near Yellowstone). We dropped the boys off at my wonderful in-laws house and headed to the cabin with our best friends from Puerto Rico, Rafael and Osiris.

We had a good time snowmobiling (a 6 hour ride) to the top of the "Two-top Summit". It was pretty cool.
We stopped back to the in-laws to pick up the boys, who were happily running through the house with dirty faces and ice cream sandwiches in hand and they were NOT happy to see us. They have so much fun at Grandma's house and are spoiled rotten.

Picture included of boys hanging off the newest apparatus my father in law bought off an infomercial for my mother in law.
Anyways I took the boys over to the park real quick so they could run around for a few minutes before the long drive back. Jett, who makes friends everywhere he goes, was talking to a girl he met on the playground. She was pointing out some graffiti that was on the slide. Then I hear the following from Jett:
" MOTHER F***er.... I think that is the name of the ship that the Pilgrims sailed over on."

His shoe runneth over...

2009-03-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I saw Tommy holding his tennis shoe up to his mouth. I thought he was trying to play like the dog again and biting the shoe. Then I saw him drink from the shoe. I went over and the shoe was dripping wet. Tommy had gone to the bathroom sink and decided to fill up his shoe with water and use it as a cup. Today I found his shoe again soaking wet. Maybe its time to put some cups out by the sink....

Time with Jett

2009-03-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

This week I got to spend some fun time with Jett. I can't believe that I am old enough to have a kid in cub scouts but when he comes home telling me we have have to bake a cake for the blue and gold banquet cake auction then I guess I am officially a cub scout mom. He decided on a cake with a sports theme. I have never decorated a cake beyond using frosting amd m&m's so this was all new to me. I got some cake decorating tools and we made a basketball cake. I think it turned out pretty darn cool for my first time.
On Saturday Jett and I got up early to go hiking. There is a group that started going in our ward and I invited our neighbor and her son that is Jett's friend to come along. It was hard to get out of bed and pretty chilly but it was such a great way to start the morning.

The red rock are beautiful and less than a 10 minute drive from our house. I never have been a hiker or much of an outdoors girl but I think I could get used to this!

Vail...15 years later

2009-02-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

When I was a a Senior in high school my best Eleanor and I decided that we were too cool to stay in high school a single minute longer and we moved to Vail, Colorado. We left just after Christmas for our senior venture. The idea was that we were sick of high school and really didn't need any more credits to graduate from high school so why stick around? Anyways my friend Eleanor's family had a condo there so we thought it would be the perfect place to go work and save money for college the following Fall.
For a Texas girl moving to a Colorado ritzy ski resort town (the biggest ski resort in the U.S.) was a big adjustment. I think I spent the first week just playing in the snow. Right away we started working bagging groceries at Safeway. (Hey it was $8 an hour which was good money in 1992!) After pushing the mop and gathering too many grocery carts out in the freezing snow, we quickly found jobs working in the Vail Village gift shops. Those were the days of selling ski clothing and souvenirs to rich snobby people, coming home and soaking in the hot tub, and surviving on diet coke and pretzels. We lived there from Jan- April and had so many incredible adventures, which one day I will have to write down. Two of the most memorable involved me pleading guilty to using a fake ID (to get into a night club) and the other involved me and Eleanor going to Kansas city with several bands that we had met when we were at their concerts. After a semester of fun, and before we got into too much more trouble we returned home to graduate with the rest of our Senior class.
It's been 15 years since I have returned to this venue of my wild and reckless days. Yesterday I took Jake and the boys up to Vail, a 2 hour drive, to show them where I used to live and work. The town was incredibly busy with tons of skiers and snowboarders. We found where I used to live and then parked our car and took the bus down to the village. (The whole town caters to the skiers so the bus is free and goes all around town).
The memories came flooding back and it was great to reminisce. We walked into Vail village, and of course all of the shops have changed and it has all been remodeled. The place I worked isn't even there anymore. We grabbed a great little lunch at a Mexican restaurant as we watched all the skiers and snowboarders racing down the hill. I swear we were the only ones not in ski boots.
Of course my boys have never even seen skiers so they were all fascinated. After Vails Village we caught the bus down to Lionshead where we caught the Gondola ride up to the top of the mountain.
The views were amazing and the ride was so much fun! Then we headed back down the mountain for an icecream cone at Haggan Daz. We caught the bus ride back to the condo and took a quick dip in the hot tub before heading home.
It was a great day trip, and it made me of course think of how much my life has changed in 18 years. I don't think I would but oh to go back to the days when all you really worried about was whether or not your hair looked good and whether or not I had enough diet coke in the fridge to last me through the week...

Where's my cabana boy?

2009-02-08T20:44:00.001-08:00

I think that my favorite place to be is Culebras. Culebras is a little island off of the East side of Puerto Rico. My first trip to Culebras was as a single gal with my friends about 12 years ago. When we moved to Puerto Rico I insisted on taking my husband and boys and sister in law and we had a fabulous time. Then a few months ago when we decided to move we knew the one thing we HAD to do before we left was head to Culebras. You drive to the east side of Puerto Rico to Fajardo and pay about $3 to jump on the government owned ferry. It is about a 90 minute ride on the ferry. This last time we went some of our best friends on the island, Rafael and Osiris. Born and raised in Puerto Rico and they had never been to Culebras. Most Puerto Ricans dont even know their own island and haven't even been all the way around it. (The whole island of Puerto Rico is only 115 miles by 35 miles!!!!)
Once you arrive on the dock of Culebras island there are several buses waiting to take you wherever you want to go. My favorite place is Flamenco beach. It is the type of beach that you see on post cards. It is the type of beach that you dream about in the Dasani water commercials with the hot cabana boy bringing the lady on the beach her water. The sand is so white and fine and soft. The water is the most amazing color of turquoise and green that you have ever seen. The waves are great to play in but not so rough that they send you doing nose dives to the bottom or knocking your swim suit bottom off. The water is the perfect temperature. You can swim out as deep as you want and you can still look down and see the color of your toe nail polish. There are picnic tables set up under the palm trees or you can rent giant umbrellas and lounge chairs to sit right out under the sand. You are welcome to pack a picnic and cooler for the days adventure but if you're not up to it you can eat the wonderful authentic carribean foods from the vendors and stands under the trees.
So right now as I shiver in my flannel pjs in Colorado knowing that I should be at Culebras right now sitting under the umbrella on the sand listening to the waves roll in and wondering where the heck my hot cabana boy is with my bottled water....

Rico in the slammer

2009-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

So if you don't have a dog probably not worth your time to read the following post. In fact it annoys me that I am even writing it but here goes:
Never a good thing when a policeman shows up at your door. But I knew immediately why he was there. Alot of you know that we have a little white poodle named Rico. He is a great little dog and we all love him. I was never a dog person before but 5 years ago my husband begged and begged me to get him. Just like a little boy he promised, "I will do all the work and walk him and feed him and clean up after him" etc etc. Well just like any little boy in this situation, he indeed did not like all the work involved and since day #2 I have been the one to take care of him. Rico is very loving but true to all Smith males, has a true independent streak. He thinks he can come and go as he pleases and roam the neighborhood. We had a huge problem with it in Vegas, with him always getting out. Then in Puerto Rico he kinda had free reign and went wherever he wanted. But here in Fruita where we live there is a really strict leash law. Rico gets out every time the door is opened. He always comes back but I guess some neighbors are complaining and a policeman showed up at my door today, letting me know I had been warned and next time it is a huge fine.
Here is my dilemna. Rico has never been trained as far as not leaving the house or coming back when we call him. He has been a free spirit too long. I could probably just get really strict and train us all to put him in the laundry room when we are going to open the door. But then what about using the bathroom? Our backyard has a little white picket fence that he can fit right through and he will not go to the bathroom when he is on the leash. And I CANNOT have accidents in the house. UGH! My boys will be devastated if we get rid of him. What should I do? I admit that this is a lame post so anyone who has a dog and has an idea let me know.

Ahhh. Together again.

2009-01-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

After 6 long lonely weeks, we are reunited and it feels so nice! I thought I was never going to make it through this separation but I survived! I finally have my computer back!!!!!
Shamelessly I admit that I have felt quite lost without my computer. I really felt so out of the loop. Seriously I think that I check my email, blogs, facebook and bank account atleast twice a day. You would think that with all of the time I saved being away from the computer I would have learned how to bake bread or something useful or constructive. Nope just transferred that time to more tv and reading cheesy little 18th century romance novels (although my husband approves of the latter!)
Anyways I am connected again and it is wonderful.
We are adjusting to our new life in Fruita (right outside of Grand Junction). We are all happy but really miss Puerto Rico, especially Jake. Jake is trying to get used to all of the lame white people. I am trying to get used to putting lotion in new places that I had never even knew I could get dry skin! Jett is getting used to speaking English again in school and not being the gringo superstar of the school (although he already has made a ton of friends). Luke is getting used to being home with me again after having been in all day kindergarden and Tommy is just getting used to wearing clothes again. Seriously it is so wierd to see the boys all bundled up, wearing shirts and shoes etc.
Now that I have the computer back I have to back track on tons of pictures to blog etc so more Puerto Rico adventure posts on the way!

Smith Family- Colorado Style?!?

2008-12-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

No. I dont think it works. I think I will stick with the Smith family- Puerto Rican style although we have indeed moved to Colorado. It happened incredibly fast and since moving we are still waiting for our computer so I have not had internet access at home for almost a month and it is killing me! So I do apologize for going a month without updating my blog. I hope to be up and ready blogging our new Colorado adventures soon.
Around Nov 15th my husbands business partner called and offered him a nice piece of pie at his Colorado office, running the internet business. Although it was the last thing Jake wanted to do to leave Puerto Rico, we both felt like it was the best thing for our family to do. The only thing is that Jake had to be there right away so we had 2 weeks from the time we found out until the day we caught the plane back to the states. I think I cried everyday during that 2 weeks. Although it was one of the hardest times of my life it was also one of the best times of my life. (Don't the two go hand and hand?) Puerto Rico was a wonderful adventure for our family, and a time that we were richly blessed. We learned so much and loved so many wonderful people that it will change who we are for the rest of our lives. I know that I am a better person for my time that I spent there both as a missionary and then 12 years later as a wife and mother. I FREAKING LOVE PUERTO RICO and it will always be a magical special place for me. Thus I chose to keep Puerto Rican style blogging because it is who I am forever now! And PS all you suckers who never came to visit missed out but I love you anyways!!! And for those of you who did come... thanks for coming and sharing such a wonderful place with me!

Elcetion day in Puerto Rico

2008-11-17T04:43:00.001-08:00

Election days in Puerto Rico are the best! It is a giant party and the entire island shuts down. No school, all offices are closed, in fact illegal to make anyone work this day. Even the day before people start celebrating. Politics are huge here, 3 different political parties. One party is for Puerto Rico becoming a state (PNP),one party is for staying how it currently is as a US territory(PPD), and the other is a independent group that wants to be separated from the United States. Anyways Puerto Ricans are very passionate about politics. Since we could not vote we headed to the beach and had a wonderful time. All up and down the roads people were having ralleys and lined up and down the streets like a parade. Everyone hangs out their car windows and waves flags with their political parties colors and signs and honks their horns and makes lots of noise. It is a big festive day. We of course love that Puerto Ricans will celebrate anything. I think that when it comes to celebrations the United States could learn a few lessons from Puerto Ricans!

Tailgate trick or treating

2008-11-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

We have been here for 2 halloweens now. It is funny because the stores are stocked with costumes and decorations but not many places actually do trick or treating. Our neighborhood does however and it is a big party. Our gated subdivision is divided into 2 sections, one "richy" section as I like to say and the other part (where we live). Every year it seems like the whole town heads over to the richy section of our neighborhood. Those houses who want to give out candy sit out on their lawn chairs on their driveways. The trick or treaters then just go out to the people sitting in their chairs and get their candy. Here the children have to sing a little song to request the candy. It goes like this:

"Trick or treat, Trick or treat
Da me dulce and no mani"

Trick or treat, trick or treat
Give me candy and not peanuts!

Anyways the whole thing is like a giant parade going through the neighborhoods. Those who are handing out candy turn on their music and set up tables with beers, sodas, chips and snacks for whoever is hanging out with them. I even saw a few people with grills set up! Droves of people just move up and down the streets. I would say atleast 50% of the adults are dressed up to. There was one house who had set up a haunted house and were letting kids go through. One house had even hired a dj. It was all very fun to watch and be a part of. I bet that there were way over 500 people going through the streets! Easy costumes this year. Jett was a lifeguard (very smart since last year he got so hot going outside trick or treating the boys had to take off their costumes!)Then Luke was a sheriff and Tommy was "Woody" from Toy Story. Fun night. I would pretty much say it was a Halloween tailgating party!

"Los Americanos"

2008-10-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Another funny thing about living in Puerto Rico. Wherever we go I am used to hearing people saying something about "Americanos" as we walk by. I don't know if I have mentioned this before but on the whole Puerto Ricans love Americans and are quite fascinated by them. We are used to grown men reaching out and tousling our boys blonde hair in the grocery store. We are used to people excitingly pointing at our boys shouting "mira que tienen los ojos azules" (look they have blue eyes!) as if it was as exciting as someone having purple eyes and green hair or something. Like Jake says, taking our blonde- haired, blue- eyed little boys anywhere is liking walking around with minor celebrities. We are used to the attention and to be quite honest, we really get a kick out of it. In the states no one think twice about my kids unless Tommy was throwing one of his famous Wal-mart- floor, fist-pounding- fits.
Especially here in Ponce, where we live, they just are not used to seeing many Americans. Last christmas I took our neighbors some cookies. A week later she brought over a package of cookies with a card labled "los ninos Americanos" (to the American kids). Once Jake had his car at the mechanic, and he got the keys back to the car, the name tag on the keys said "Gringo". Well last Saturday we went to a birthday party for a little girl we did not know but the grandparents to the girl and the grandpa being the stake patriarch, was very insistent that we come. The boys had fun at the party and at the end they were handing out the party bags to all of the party guests. When Tommy brought us his little bag the tag on it said "Americano Pequeno." (Little American boy) Lukes said "Americano Mediano" (Medium American Boy) and Jetts said "Americano Grande" (Big American Boy).
I thought this was hilarious! I mean in the states you would never make a gift tag to "the little chinese boy" or the "big Mexican kid." Oh well- you gotta love it!

Jugo de Pais

2008-10-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

This morning I had dropped the boys off at school and was heading to the the Holsum bread store. I was talking to Jake on the phone and this noxtious smell enters and stings my nostrils. I slam on my brakes to backed up traffic in both directions. There was a terrible smell, worse than any sulfur drive by you have ever smelled. I started gagging and throwing up in my mouth and all. I am not sure if Puerto Rico was being attacked and gassed or what the freak was happening. As I inch along in bumper to bumper traffic I see that the road is flooded up ahead. As I get closer I see that it was a broken sewer access hole in the middle of the road. Now we here in Puerto Rico are used to a little bubbling sewer in the middle of the road now and then. As missionaries we lovingly referred to it as "jugo de pais" or the " our land's native juice".
But this was above and beyond! This was brown freaking water gushing across the road and flooding it. I just held my breath as long as I could and drove through it all. I was never so happier than at that time to be sitting up way high in our Explorer as I watched the brown sewer "jugo" slosh up on the windows of the lower riding cars. From now on I think I will stick to milk...

The voyage of the blue Mimi

2008-10-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today is my sister Renee's birthday. She is an incredible person that I dearly love and this post is dedicated to her.
Thanks to a Jr. High. Science video series and Shayne Hatch, I have lovingly referred to my little sister as "Mimi" for over 22 years. Renee and I fought like cats and dogs growing up, until college. Since going away to college in Utah we have grown to be best friends. We talk on the phone almost everyday. I don't know what I would do without her.

She is turning 32 today so here are 32 of my favorite things about Renee:

1. She is probably the most thoughtful person I know. Never forgetting a birthday or any special occasion.
2. She makes me laugh
3. She didn't blow the whistle on me when in high school mom and dad would leave town and put me in charge and I would let a college grunge band practice in our living room.
4. She makes the best pot roast I have ever eaten
5. She is beautiful both inside and out
6. She is fiercely loyal to her family
7. She was cool enough to receive a rose from the lead singer of Depeche Mode (my high school obsession)
8. She won't put up with any American cheese at resturaunts
9. One summer in college when all my roommates were gone for the summer she left her own friends to come live with me for the summer. (One of the best summers of my life!)
10. She is the reigning champion of "Settlers of Catan" in our family
11. Incredible mother and wife
12. Always up for something fun
13. Capable of driving herself to the emergency with a broken baby toe
14. When Jake and I were dating and she first met him she pulled me into the back room and said "you better not mess this one up- I like him!"
15. She has incredibly beautiful straight hair
16. She has courage and inspires me
17. You never leave her house with dirty ears!
18. She got me watching "L's" kitchen
19. She took me to get my very first pedicure
20. She agreed to go out with all of the dorks that we set her up with when she was single
21. When I was first married she would come up and spend weekends with us
22. She loves cats
23. She is extremely organized and tidy
24. She has a great decorators sense
25. My boys adore her!
26. She is my biggest supporter
27. She is very smart and always has good ideas
28. She married a guy we all love
29. She is an incredible hostess and makes you feel so welcome in her home
30. She is willing to do my dirty work if ever need her to
31. She bought brand new bikes for my boys just so they would have them to ride whenever they came to her house.
32. She is the best little sister in the world and I don't know what I would do without her!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENEE! I LOVE YOU!!!

My new skinny best friend

2008-10-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

So I have a new skinny best friend. I don't hate her though because she is too darn helpful. She helps me with the impossible everyday task of keeping the standardized Puerto Rican white tile floors clean.
My wonderful mother in law actually introduced us when she was last visiting here and could see that I needed some help. For some unknown reason I ignored my friend for the first few months. But we have recently become reaquainted for which I will be forever grateful.

Still sneaking into pools

2008-09-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school and college we used to sneak into hotels and use their pools. I guess I still am.
On Saturday we went to the east side of the island. Jake did a few things for the business and then we went to our favorite resort beach. We have stayed there a couple of times before and so we know our way around. Not wanting to spend the $300 a night cost, we helped ourselves to the facilities anyways. Sad to say but since we are gringos no one even thinks twice or questions us about being there.
It is a beautiful coastline with awesome sand perfect for sand castles and laying out on one of the many lounge chairs under an umbrella. After playing in some pretty fun waves we headed over to one of the many pools to the kids area. They even have a water slide. The kids had a blast and we did too! Come visit us and I promise to take you there!

Ok....I'll do it!

2008-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

I love reading other people's tags but for some reason I have never responded when people send it to me. Here goes:

1. What is your occupation? Short order cook to 4 hungry boys

2. What color are your socks right now? BAREFOOT (almost always!)

3. What are you listening to right now ? "Nasty Girl" the club version playing in my head from the most recent movie I saw (see upcoming answer)

4. What was the last thing that you ate? McDonalds snack wrap

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes (Thanks Eleanor!)

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? green

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? sister in law Valerie

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes!

9. How old are you today? 34 years

10. Favorite drink? Milk

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football and Basketball

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes

13. Pets? Dog "Rico

14. Favorite food? Mexican

15. Last movie you watched? "Dan in Real Life" (LOVED IT!)

16. Favorite Day of the year? Thanksgiving

17. What do you do to vent anger? Hide my husbands remote control

18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Strawberry shortcake

19. What is your favorite season? Fall

20. Hugs or kisses? BOTH ( Everyone in Puerto Rico greets you with a kiss and hug!)

21. Cherry or Blueberry? cherry

22. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes- I love learning new things about people!

23. Who is most likely to respond? Collette

24. Who is least likely to respond? any guy

25. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday at a fireside for the youth at our house

26. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes and scrapbooking stuff

29. Favorite smells? rain in the mountains, Jake's deodorant

31. Who inspires you? New members of the church

32. What are you afraid of? tire falling off (Thanks Collette!) and snakes

33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? double double animal style

34. Favorite car? Any car that I can keep out of the mechanics

35. Favorite cat breeds? big fat orange and hairy

36. Number of keys on your key ring? 7

37. How many years at your current job? this profession? 8 yrs

38. Favorite day of the week? Sunday

39. How many states have you lived in? 7

40. Where's the most unique place you've traveled to? Agua Azul (Chiapas Mexico)

41. Favorite game? Settlers of Catan

42. Favorite TV shows? Lost, the Biggest Loser, The Amazing Race, HGTV

43. Are your fingernails fake or real? real

44. Favorite hobby? playing games, and girls night

45. Do you think you're funny? I think I used to be

Jett's baptism

2008-09-08T07:27:00.001-07:00

Jett was baptized on August 3rd in Utah while we were on vacation. I (selfishly) wanted to wait and do it when we were on vacation so that we could share it with our family. Jett is the oldest grandchild on both sides so it was the first baptism in the family. It was pretty incredible because all of my family (minus little brother who was on honeymoon)and all of Jake's family traveled to share the day with us.

The baptism was great and one of the best parts was when Jake was baptizing Jett and Luke yelled out "Don't drown him Dad!"
Jake's aunt Kay was so great and was able to arrange us having the baptism at her church building and afterwards we went to a really nice pavillion- park area right behind the church. Everyone brought treats to share and we had a great time. All of Jett's cousins were there and it was fun to see them running around having such a good time. It was a really special day and everything went great! Despite the spirituality of it all I couldn't help but think Am I really old enough to have a child getting baptized?!?

Jurassic Park and Gilligan's Island

2008-09-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

We kept pretty busy over the Labor Day weekend. On Saturday was the stake celebration of the birthday of the primary. It was hotter than freak but the surroundings were so beautiful that it was hard to complain!

To me it seemed right out of Jurassic park minus the dinosaurs. It was like a giant crater had crashed in the middle of the jungle and left a gigantic circle and they decided to build a park. The kids ate pizza and played games. Kudos to Jake for successfully completing an entire church activity (first time ever!)
Then on Monday we went to Gilligan's island with our friends the Rowletts from San Juan. (Yea- more friends!!!) It is about a 45 minute drive from our house and then you hop on a little ferry and it takes you over to the island.

Other than Ashley and I looking at least as good as Ginger and Marianne, Gilligan's island itself was a little disappointing. It was super crowed because of the holiday, but we managed to find our own little cove of the island, and it was very overcast. But it was very relaxing and we had a good time.
The coolest part is that when we were waiting on the dock for the ferry to take us back to the main land we saw dolphins!

Conversations with Luke

2008-08-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Jake and I have to take turns taking Luke (5 years old) to school because we love our morning conversations with him. We just never know what will come out of his mouth but apparently here is what has been on his mind lately:

*The eternal salvation of dinosaurs

*Why Jesus did not create a "Lagoon" here in Puerto Rico. (Lagoon is an amusement park in Utah).

*Old people watch old tv

*Who is the coolest person in the world and can dad please look it up on the internet?

*Concerns that dad has not bought the "ab coaster" for his big belly.

*If pirates came to our house could dad beat them up?

* After a visit with his great grandmother he says "She smells funny but I still like her."

Bishop Jake?!?

2008-08-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's true! Jake was sustained the Bishop of the Ponce I ward yesterday. I am still trying to get used to it. Cycling through feelings of wanting to vomit, cry or just numb. He is handling it much better than me.
Of course my Jakey is special - but come on he's Jake, "crossing the line" Jake, moon my own mother Jake , "buy a new car without telling me" Jake, and and now Bishop Jake?!?
Truth is he is wonderful and he will do a wonderful job.

Another crazy thing about Puerto Rico

2008-08-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you that Puerto Ricans are afraid of the rain? I mean really afraid of the rain. They believe that if you even get sprinkled on that you will get sick. And they believe that if you are ever sick it is because you got sprinkled on within the last few days (or that there is too much dust in your house but that is another post for another day!)
I remember that once I was at a church primary activity it had been sprinkling a little before but when it let up I let the kids go outside. My friend told me that if any of the parents saw that I had let the kids out that they would be really mad at me. Another time I saw a friend who had a cold and when I asked her if she was sick she told me she was because she had to run outside to get her dog's food and in the process she got a little wet and of course was then sick. So rainy days are the absolute best days to go out because there are no long lines to wait in at the stores or banks, or anything else for that matter. Everyone is at home waiting out the rain.
And the really funny thing is that Puerto Rico is a tropical island in the Carribean. It is raining everyday on some part of the island. We have a tropical rainforest for crying out loud! You would think that they would be used to this by now!
But no. This morning I woke up and it was raining and I thought I bet they cancelled school so I am not even going to bother taking them. Sure enough my friend called and let me know that they were sending all of the kids home because it was raining. Glad I didn't go through the whole ordeal of getting them ready and taking them.
Of course rain means one thing for my kids- PLAY. I am sure the neighbors are ready to call me into to child protection services!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Home from vacation one day and on to the first day of school! Jett started the 3rd grade and Luke started kindergarden. We actually have them at 2 different schools, which is a headache, but a decision we feel good about. They are both all in spanish but their teachers each speak some English too. Jett's spanish is really good and his accent is far better than mine. We just kinda threw Luke into to all day kindergarden in Spanish but feel confident that he will pick it up fast. In Luke's class there are only 8 other kids, including his best friend Manuel so we feel like he will really get a lot of one on one attention from the teacher. They both reported that they had a fantastic first day and made lots of friends. I mean who doesn't love a little gringo in their class?

Luke turns 5!

2008-07-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

July 16th was my Lukey's birthday. It is amazing how important birthdays are to a young kid (and I was no different!). They just wait all year in anticipation and then it is over. I hope that we made this one special enough so that he waits atleast a month until he starts asking "How many more day until my birthday?"
I made about 60 cupcakes and took them to primary camp for everyone to have and sing Happy Birthday to Luke. Last night we invited 2 of his best friends and their families and went to the bowling alley and had a great time!
Luke was such a fussy baby and toddler that it is hard to imagine that he has turned out to be such a easy going great kid! We often wonder what is going on in his little world when we get such killer one- liners from him. One of my favorites is the time he announced " Jesus loves everyone but Satan and Hyrum." (Hyrum is this little boy in Jett's class that was always causing trouble.)
LOVE THIS KID!

Icecream = Romance

2008-07-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

The other day I reminded Jake of those romantic days when we were first married and shared a car and he would get off from work before me and walk down to the store and have flowers waiting for me when I got home. I asked him whatever happened to those days.
Well last week he came home from San Juan and he walked in with something behind his back and told me had something romantic for me. It wasn't flowers but it was even better!
It was a tub of my most favorite ice cream in the world- Baskin Robbins Deep Chocolate Peanutbutter. (He drove to 3 different Baskin Robbins in San Juan to find it which I find very romantic!) I have been waiting for 2 years to eat some of this ice cream. Does my baby know me or what?!?

MY PARENTS ARE HOME!!!!

2008-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

My parents are finally home, well not home, but back. They have been serving the last 3 years as mission presidents in the Mexico Tuxtla Guitierrez mission. They got the surprise call over 3 1/2 years ago when living in San Antonio Texas. My dad was a professor at the extension of Texas A&M and my mom was working in the school district's administrative offices. They left everything, sold their house, their cars and headed out to serve. I didn't think that I would ever survive them being gone for 3 years and now they are home. They had some incredible experiences and worked incredibly hard. They and their missionaries survived the 2 worst natural disasters to ever have hit the area. I know that we had an incredible time the 2 times that we went to visit them. They worked in a beautiful part of the world with beautiful people as well. I know my parents were well loved by all of their missionaries too. On their trip home they had a layover in Mexico City and had 15 of their returned missionaries come meet them at the airport. At the Salt Lake City airport yesterday they had 12 of the returned missionaries as well as all of my brothers and sisters waiting for them to greet them.
(I wanted to be there SO bad but I will see them at my brother's wedding next month!)
My parents have always set a wonderful example for me and I couldn't be prouder of them! Way to go Mom and Dad!

Crazy Puerto Rican Libraries!

2008-06-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

I really miss the public libraries in the states so I was so excited when my friend Lucy said that a library had opened here in Ponce. By the way, Ponce is the 2nd largest city in all of Puerto Rico and they just got a library! Besides the fact that there was a security guard at the front door everything else seemed pretty normal. It was set up really cute and the librarian had story time with them and then had them color a picture about the story etc. The kids had a great time and they picked out their books to check out and we go to the counter and the lady looked at us like we were crazy. They don't let you check out books at the library! My boys were pretty disappointed (nothing a trip to McDonalds could not fix) but I left shocked. I guess I still have quite a lot to learn about living here! Which by the way I am going to start blogging about all the crazy stuff here. I think some things are really interesting, if not comical, so I thought you might be interested too!

So bad- but try it!

2008-06-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling so guilty about this that I have to get this out in the open. Well I try not to have sweets and stuff in the house because I eat them, and eat them until they are gone. No self control. The result of this however is having to take drastic measures when I get a craving for sweets, especially chocolate. So it is late at night, watching So You Think You Can Dance, the boys are finally asleep, hubbie is out of town and the cravings start. (No- not pregnant just love sweets!)
So I rummage everywhere and curse myself for not having anything sweeter than peanut butter in the house. Finally I remember that my wonderful friend Collette had sent me a big box of chocolate chips (hard to come by in Puerto Rico) last Fall and that somewhere in the back of my freezer there was an almost empty bag of chocolate chips left. I found the bag and sure enough there were at least 30 chocolate chips left in that bag. Not enough to make a dessert or anything but I thought I surely could come up with something. So I whipped out the bread and peanut butter and sprinkled the chocolate chips on it and made myself a big old peanut butter and chocolate chip sandwich.
It is embarrassing to admit how much I enjoyed it. However I do believe that I am on to something. Try it and tell me if I am crazy!

You got the wrong baby!

2008-06-11T06:32:00.001-07:00

So Jake has been in San Juan (2 hours away) for most of the week and I am about to put my 3 boys up on EBay. Last night I had thought that my sweet but very naughty Tommy was being awfully quiet but I ignored the feeling that he was probably into mischief and went on enjoying the silence (kickback to my Depeche Mode days!)
Anyways, Luke, (my 4 yr old) comes running in and screams "Mom- you got the wrong baby! This one does horrible things!"
Tommy had gotten Luke's favorite Cars book and ripped out all the pages.
Somedays I have to agree with Luke- maybe I did get the wrong baby, but I love him anyways!

Promise not to skip over the woman speakers in conference ever again!

2008-06-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

So I don't know about any of you but whenever it is general conference time and a sister speaker gets up, we always jump up and run to the bathroom, or put something in the oven or whatever, so that we can be back in time for the next talk. Well I vow to never skip a sister again! About 2 weeks ago we found out that the General Young Womens President, Sister Dalton was coming to Puerto Rico to talk to the young woman of our stake. Puerto Ricans love gringos almost as much as they love themselves. And if these gringos come from Utah- well all the more celebrated they are! So you can imagine everyone's excitement. Sister Dalton was at our stake center all day and did 3 different sessions. She first met with the class presidents. Then she had a training with the ward presidencies, and then later that night she had a fireside with all young women and their leaders.
Can I just say how impressed I was? This woman is an angel. She was the kind of person that you meet and instantly love. She radiated light and was so down to earth. She hugged everyone she saw and when I spoke with her she made me feel like she had been my beloved beehive advisor from a long time ago and wanted to catch up on my life and see what I had been up to. Of course she had a translator so that everyone else could understand what she was saying but I loved hearing her first hand. She is definitely an inspired leader and I can't wait to hear her again! Here are a couple of pictures of Sister Dalton with a few of our young women.

it could be worse....

2008-05-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

So today started out kinda poopy. I was feeling a little poopy, losing patience with my boys, stuck in a hot house with no car (car at mechanic again!) etc etc. I was going down that downward spriral of feeling sorry for myself and why can't things be like how I want them to be. So in the middle of my wallowing, just as if God was saying "you know it could be worse..." the power goes out and it was out all afternoon! So this means of course no light, no fans, no fridge or microwave for lunch, no tv, no computer and so on, and more importantly no car to get out of the neighborhood. And as my luck would have it Jake was 2 hours away in San Juan. So the boys and I opened the front door and with that and some window light we played games all afternoon. All in all not a bad way to spend an afternoon. Then hours later the power comes back on and suddenly I'm thinking things aren't really so bad after all...

I'm a hypocritical blogger

2008-05-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well I love to read everyone else's blogs. I have to say I get so irritated when people don't update theirs, because they really are entertaining. So I am going through my blog list and I am like- wow- they really need to post something new.
Then it hits me that I don't update very often myself and whats my problem and maybe other people are irritated with me!?! I don't know if everyone else feels that way but maybe I am waiting for a really cool picture or a funny story or something cool to post and so then it never happens. So I applaud all of you who make new posts and I vow to do better!
PS How wrong is it that I think Disney's "the Jonas Brothers" are really hot?

Field Day in Puerto Rico

2008-05-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was Jett's field day which field day here in Puerto Rico is yet another ridiculously embellished event. First the school decides on a theme for field day and then you have to buy your kid a t-shirt that they design for the field day. The whole family takes the day off and also buy field day t-shirts that match their student's team color. They bring in lawn chairs and line up around the streets surrounding the school, and all the students and classes do a parade on the streets (that are closed off by police escort). The classes have banners and the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles (EVERYONE!) has horns, whistles, bells etc to cheer on their kids team. Then after this everyone goes into the school and you watch each class, grade by grade all the way up to 6th grade do a race, and then it starts all over and you watch class by class participate in a tug a war.
So all this to watch Jett do 2 things! The students participate in the events under a big court with a roof, but the parents had to sit around the ropes in the sun. Tommy of course managed to bust through the ropes and find Jett to be the center of his class's attention. Another tradition is to sign each others field day shirts (weird!). There were concession stands selling popcorn, hot dogs, and pina coladas. I swear it was like a day at the county fair! But he was happy and that is what is important- not 5 hours of sitting in the hot sun chasing Tommy and Luke around. I don't know about you but my field day was never this exciting!

Jett turns 8 years old!!!

2008-05-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little guy turned 8 years old today! Of course I have known the day by day countdown to this day for the last few months, as birthdays are the most important event of any 2nd grader's life and Jett never lets us forget! So somewhere between beaming with pride and getting weepy at how much I love this kid, I must admit that Jett is a pretty special boy and makes everyone around him happy. Ok bragging time over.
We've been celebrating his birthday it seems for the whole weekend. On Friday I took cupcakes to his class and they sang happy birthday to him. (I can so vividly remember my mom taking cupcakes to my 2nd grade class at South Knoll Elementary- so this rite of passage officially makes me FREAKING OLD!)
Yesterday we went to the beach with some friends and had a great time.
It is such a crime that we live on a freaking island and have not been on the beach as a family since before Christmas!
Sunday was his actual birthday (always lame for a kid!) We are hopefully planning on having him get baptized in July in Utah. My parents are getting home from their mission and my little brother is getting married. Since the whole family was going to be together for the first time in 3 years we thought that would be a good time to do it.
Anyways he opened presents and had cake of course. His grandma Linda made him an awesome space blanket which he quickly replaced his old comforter with. But the present of the day was a Nintendo DS. We broke the bank with this one but he literally was the last kid in his class to have one and all of those childhood memories of wishing for that one special toy and not getting it, came rushing back and well lets just say we have one happy little 8 year old! Isn't it funny how life cycles?

HELP! I need some ideas!

2008-04-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ok so quite by accident I found out that the elders Quorom (basically Jake) is in charge of the ward Mother's Day party. So basically this means that I am in charge of the ward Mother's Day party. Most of you have probably never even heard of such a thing but here in Puerto Rico Mother's day is huge! Everything, all stores, are closed and you are expected to visit and bring presents to all of the women in your life (sisters, aunts, grandmas etc).
We have a very small budget, extremely small, so I will probably have people bring potluck style dishes to share. I am thinking we will probably have like 10 kids, 10 youth, and maybe including adults around 75 people. Puerto Ricans love music and love to laugh. They love the cheesiest things and games etc.
So please brainstorm and share any ideas that may come to mind on possible themes, games, programs, decorations etc!
THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!!

My baby's two!!!!

2008-04-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well Tommy turned 2 years old on April 20th! I think he actually turned two at his first birthday (meaning he entered the terrible two stage) a whole year ago. For those who don't remember he was the sweetest baby ever! Slept through the night at one month, always healthy, always smiling- a pure delight that made us so happy. My aunt called him a "sucker baby" because he was so easy it makes you think you could have another one right away with no problem. Somewhere around his first birthday my little angel did a complete 180 degrees and turned into my most mischievous, in dependant and stubborn baby yet! We have to admire his strength as he has somehow "outsmarted, outwitted, and outplayed" his 2 parents and 2 older brothers and completely rules our home. We love him to death but we all rejoice at the 8pm hour when the king retires to his bedroom for the evening. Some of his accomplishments this year include, pulling off the lid to the tank on the back of the toilet, resulting in 5 stitches to his mommy's toe,learning how to make his own toast, learning how to unlock the front door and escaping into the neighborhood, learning to do the dishes (only 6 dishes broken so far!) destroying all of his brothers most prized possessions, and mastering walking in his moms high heels even better than she can. And my personal favorite- drinking out of the bidet.

Nasty Cheetos Confessions

2008-04-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

So who doesn't like Cheetos? Very few people right? It was my favorite snack as long as I remember. I have vivid memories of carefully placing my Cheetos bag in my cubby drawer in kindergarten.
My favorite way to eat Cheetos have always been with a big cold glass of milk. My sister in law Anna said she would get the Flaming Hot Cheetos at the 7-11 store and then get a side of Nacho cheese sauce to dip them in. My son Luke has recently asked for peanut butter and Cheetos sandwiches. Well of course my sons love Cheetos, and in an effort to keep their mom from eating the whole bag I have recently started buying Walmart Brand (Great Value) Cheetos or "crunchy cheese snacks." I am fiercely loyal to the Cheetos brand and would never consider another kind. My little Tommy force fed me one of these walmart brand Cheetos that really tasted like crunchy Styrofoam with a light dusting of cheese powder, and a terrible aftertaste. The kids didn't mind them, they were not tempting to me, so I had found a Cheetos solution for my household.
Well sometime in the last 2 weeks I found myself in some sort of emotional crisis requiring food, angrily threw open the cabinet doors and there were those nasty walmart Cheetos. I reached in and after a few bites, I started getting used to them.
Halfway through the bag, I thought "hey these have a good crunch to them!" And by the end of the bag well...lets just say I was licking my fingers and it wasn't pretty. Ashamed of my dissension, I vowed never again.
Today was the weekly trip to Super Walmart. I had half the bag of these delicious "crunchy cheese snacks" gone by the time the groceries were put away.
So please tell me someone else shares a dirty Cheetos secret too?!?

Look quick- it might be another 10 years!

2008-03-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

So it has really been about 10 years since Jake and I got dressed up so we decided to go all out for the cruise (well of course it was me that decided this.) But Jake agreed and he went James Bond and got a tuxedo. So it was fun to get dressed up and not worry about getting pooped, peed or thrown up on. Anyways her we are...

Cozumel

2008-03-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I am still new and I have not been able to figure how to edit dates, so my "Grand Cayman" and "Flordia Keys" entries are below the "I love Cruising entry" If anyone knows how to rearrange posts- let me know.
Anyways on to Cozumel. We loved this port too. It was our 2nd stop on the cruise. That morning as we were waiting to get off the ship, I ran on to the previous nights entertainment. I used to watch this guys show when I was a kid. Extra points to anyone who can tell me who this guy is. A little hint: Lets just say all the old ladies on board were dying for this teen idol band member!
I loved the water in Cozumel! We went snorkeling that morning in the clearest water and then relaxed with my favorite drink- pina coladas. Later that afternoon was a once in a lifetime opportunity- I swam with the dolphins! My sister in law Valerie and I went to the dolphin marina where they put us with a dolphin trainer in a group with 6 other tourists. We worked with 2 dolphins. We each learned the hand signals and received a handshake from the dolphin, a kiss from the dolphin and then we got to ride the dolphin! I love the dolphins, they seemed to be quite intelligent and friendly. For quite a while we were able to just float in the water and have the dolphins swim around us and brush up against us (almost like a cat brushes by your legs). Their skin was incredibly smooth and soft. Valerie and I totally fell for the tourist trap and ordered the video they took of us and the dolphins, so I even have it recorded for all posterity. (sorry Val- I promise to send it this week!) Anyways- another incredible once in a lifetime experience!

I LOVE CRUISING!!!!!

2008-03-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

I love cruises! I seriously could not have even dreamed of a better time! I highly recommend it to everyone! Here are some details of our cruise for anyone who is interested or thinking of going on a cruise.
Our cruise (Royal Caribbeans Radiance of the Seas) left from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on a Sunday. Getting on the ship was a breeze, we just checked our luggage at the dock and ran onto the ship as I could barely contain my excitement (and the ship was even bigger and cooler than I imagined!) We checked out our room which was great, not as small as everyone complains about. We had a balcony with a fantastic view which made it all the more spectacular. After checking out the room we headed up to the Windjammer cafe which is like a Vegas all you can eat buffet that is open all day. After that we explored the ship a bit waiting for the rest of our group to arrive. The ship set sail at 5pm and I really did feel like a guest star on "the Princess." There were 5 other ships that set sail that day too and we all pulled out of the harbor in a line enjoying the "set sail party" with live music and pina coladas on all the decks as passengers lined the parameter of the decks waving like fools at the other ships and feeling the excitement of the new adventure. Every night you go to a formal dining room. We were at the 8:30pm dinner sitting which was perfect for us. Since we were cruising with our company group we were seated at the same table, but otherwise you are assigned to sit with other random passengers on the ship. Dinner time was always fun, a chance to dress up. We had a head waiter and an assistant waiter and every night there was a different menu with 5-6 appetizers, entrees and desserts to choose from each night. And yes I did order atleast 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts each night! Who wouldn't when you got to try all these cool things that I would never have ever ordered or paid for in any other sitting, like raspberry soup and escargot?
Every night when you returned to your room, your "state attendant" had been in and turned down the bed and the lights and yes, a chocolate mint on your pillow. They also left a different "towel animal" on your bed every night. Along with that was the cruise compass for the next day. This was basically an itinerary and schedule of all the available activities for the next day both on the ship and at the port.
Every morning, we woke up when we wanted, opened the drapes to our balcony and we were in a new place! We then could head up for breakfast at one of the cafes or order room service. Did I mention that there is totally free 24 hour room service? Yes this feature just added to the total luxury of it all. If I felt like chocolate chip cookies after my shower I just ordered and there they were to indulge in as soon as I was out of the shower- it was beautiful! And yes my tight pants confirm that everything you hear about gaining weight on cruises is true but wonderful at the same time!
There is always something to do on the ship. There is tons of shopping, movies in your room and also in the theatre, tons of bars and lounges, game rooms, a spa, an awesome gym, a rock wall, pools, hot tubs, a library, basketball and volleyball courts restaurants etc. There is also live music in the main lounge at all times. Jake and I even took a salsa dance class! The ship itself is beautiful and huge, there is no way you could even get to it all in a week. There are elevators staring right out of the ocean as you ride up and down the 13 floors. They also have fun games and activities like "the bellyflop contest" and "hairiest chest contest" headed up by the cruise director. And of course every night there is dancing, comedy, karaoke, and other shows in the bars and lounges, - always something to do!
So if you are at all interested or even if you are just bored- you can check back as I have so much more to rave about the different ports we visited and all the other things I didn't mention here that made this trip so fabulous!- Will be posting soon!

The Flordia Keys

2008-03-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Our first stop on the cruise was to the Flordia Keys. Key West is of course home to key limes and we went to the key lime pie factory for a little slice of heaven. I swear it is one of the best desserts I have ever had!

One of our favorite things we did on the whole cruise was para sailing. The day was perfect, the water was beautiful and the whole thing was exhilarating! We just chartered a little boat for $35 per person and they took us out on the water. A giant parachute opened. When it was Jake's and I's turn we just stood on the back of the boat and they harnessed into a swing type thing and as the boat pulled forward we were gently lifted into the air until we reached around 400 feet. The ride was awesome and the boat driver even took us down and dipped us into the water. Can't wait to do it again!

The Grand Caymans

2008-03-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our third stop on the cruise was the Grand Cayman Islands which was definitely one of my favorites. We snorkeled in the clearest water I have ever been in and also we went out to "Stingray City" and fed the stingrays. The 45 minute boat ride out to the stingrays was absolutely beautiful! The water was so clear and so turquoise! Of course everyone was worried about the whole Steve Erwin thing but our guide told us that as long as we stayed fairly still we were in no danger. The minute the boat pulled up the stingrays swam over (as they are now dependent on the boats of tourists feeding them everyday!) We got out into water slightly above our waists and instantly had stingrays swimming all around us. They kinda feel like a cat when it comes and rubs against your legs, but much more slippery of course. We each got a turn to hold them, to feed them squid, and also to give them a kiss! As legend goes kissing a stingray is 7 years good luck!

My turn on the Love Boat!

2008-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

So as a young girl I watched "The Love Boat" every Saturday night. My mom would line my 2 sisters and I up in front of the tv to put pink sponge rollers in our hair that we would sleep in all night so that we would have curly pretty hair for Church on Sunday morning. So as a little girl with a weekly date with the Love Boat (I really wanted to be Julie McCoy) I could not help but dream about going on a cruise someday. When I got married I told Jake that a cruise was big on the dream list before our 10th anniversary. Well here it is the 10th anniversary of our engagement and I am going on a cruise. Yipee!
We leave a week from today. We are actually going with people from Jake's company and everyone's store that met its goals within the company is going. The best part ever is that my sister in law Valerie, and her husband (Jake's brother) Jed are going too. Val and I are good friends and our husbands have been known to be fun haters in the past, so when they are being poopy, we leave our husbands in their cabins with free room service and Val and I can go have fun. Plus my wonderful sister and mother in law are coming to take care of the boys so I know they will be happy and well taken care of while I am gone.
I seriously don't remember the last time I have been so excited! I must admit I have stayed up way too late, way too many nights, reading cruise reviews and happily planning with my sister in law about what we will do and what we will wear. I know that our rooms will probably be so small that we sleep on our suitcases and that I will probably gain 10lbs from the buffets and that I probably won't be able to actually kiss a dolphin but for right now I dream in ignorant bliss! So watch out Captain Stubing and Gopher and Doc- Here I come!

Bratty Beehive

2008-02-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

So I was a bratty Beehive....and a bratty Mia Maid.... and pretty much a bratty Laurel too. In fact, at one point in my Young Womens career I even had a leader call me up and tell me that she was going to call the Bishop and ask for a release because of me. Didn't help matters much that the Bishop at that time was my dad.
I did have fantastic leaders in Young Womens and ones that I will always remember and love. So ever since I have been out of Young Womens, which I really think was just a few years ago but my current lack of coolness reminds me that it has indeed been 16 years?!?, anyways since then I have always thought that it would be really fun to work in the Young Womens program. Well it finally happened a moth ago and I was called as 1st Counselor for Young Women here in our ward in Puerto Rico. And of course out of years of waiting for this opportunity of course I would be called at the time in my life where it would be the most out of my comfort zone.
I am in a different culture and still struggling with the language. Especially teenage girls talk so fast that I swear that half the time I have no idea what they are saying and I know half of what I say makes no sense to them. Most of the girls come from broken homes and have some real issues that they are struggling with. Over the past month I have wondered if I could ever earn the girls trust or respect.
Well today I had my first celebratory breakthrough. I had 2 Laurels (ones that refuse to come to our weekly mutual) call me up today and ask me to help them make some chocolates for a school project. Looks like there may be hope for this bratty beehive after all....

Love this island!

2008-01-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon we went with some friends to the center of the island, near Adjuntas, up in the mountains to a forest area. We stopped at a little shack and had some awesome ribs, arroz con gandules, batata and lots of other good Puerto Rican food. Then we hiked through a beautiful forest. The boys also found some little caves that they were pretty excited about. Nearby we found a stream that emptied into a little swimming hole area with a little waterfall with big boulders for the boys to climb on. My little safety monitor Jett always surprises us at how adventurous he is and he climbed up the giant rocks and jumped off and also did the rope swing. Luke and Tommy just had fun throwing rocks in and a few at eachother.

Tommy doing dishes

2008-01-26T15:26:00.001-08:00

So I am doing the dishes and Tommy wants to help so I pull up a step stool and give him a scrub brush and some bubbles. I left him for a minute to change the laundry and I come back to this...

I guess he decided to climb into the sink and finish the job. Not sure where this kid comes from.

My favorite thing about Mexico

2008-01-20T18:41:00.001-08:00

Here are a few more of favorite things from our Mexico trip. First the market. This is a huge tourist trap where the Tzotzil Inidans come down and set up their tents with all of the textiles, jewelry, wood carvings etc that they have made and try to sell as much as they can. It is pretty amazing and you could spend hours going through all the tents and trying to decide what to buy and bargaining down to a good price. We also saw some beautiful waterfalls, one of which we even got to walk behind. Of course my favorite thing in all of Mexico is my parents. They love their mission and I can see how much their missionaries love them. They work so hard and go the extra mile everyday. I could not be more proud of them!

Naturally selected out of the Mayan gene pool

2008-01-20T18:13:00.001-08:00

So how many of these indians actually died from step climbing related injuries? That's what I wanted to know as I climbed up these pyramids that were pretty much straight up and down. The steps were so narrow that I had to climb up sideways (granted I have big feet and some of you size 6's probably would have been fine!) My kids were up at the top in no time and once I reached the top it was a pretty awe inspiring. You can't help but sense the incredible amount of history and civilization that happened thousand of years ago. Coming down was the scary part!

Most spectacular thing I have ever seen?!?

2008-01-20T17:40:00.001-08:00

Agua Azul. Even if you have never even eaten at Taco Bell you can probably translate this. But just in case, it is means blue water. On our last day of our trip to Mexico my parent took us to what I think is the most spectacular thing I have ever seen. The pictures don't even come close to how pretty this is and how blue the water is all the way down this river. I live in the Caribbean for crying out loud and I still have never seen water as pretty as this! Of course my four boys (3 sons and husband) had to jump in! To top it off we got to sit alongside and eat some of the best tacos I have ever had in my life. Incredible site- definitely took my breath away!

For all you Johnny Lingo fans

2008-01-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

One Sunday my parents took us into the mountains to visit a branch of Tzotzil Indians (descendants of the Mayans). We drove to the end of a dirt road and parked the car. We walked down a dirt trail for about 20 minutes passing corn fields and very humble adobe homes until we reached the little church building. The branch members all of course all walk to get to church too, many having a long hike to get there, but they always come and they are always on time. They speak Tzotzil (nothing like spanish!). It was so neat to interact with them and see how they live. We had brought little bags of toys and candy to pass out to the children and they were so grateful for something so simple. My brother in law took off his own tie and gave it to one of the little boys and the boy was so proud! My parents had told us so many stories of these wonderful people and it was so neat to finally meet some of them. The little branch has been through so much. Just a year ago their branch president was murdered on his way to deposit the tithing money. But still they come and with so much reverence and faith. We also had bags of groceries that we delivered to some of the members home. It was very humbling to walk into their home with dirt floors and a fire pit in the middle of the room to cook on. And I complain about what?....
On a lighter note for all of you Johnny Lingo fans... In these communities you don't buy your wife with cows- you buy your future wife with cases of coke. Which begs the question....how many cases of coke are you worth?

Bet you don't know where Tuxtla Guitierrez is!

2008-01-20T15:26:00.000-08:00

I love reading everyone else's blog so I figured I would give it a try too. I'll probably make some things up to make it sound as cool as everyone else's... but the following is true-
For this past Christmas we went to visit my parents in Southern Mexico. They are in their final year there as mission presidents in the Tuxtla Guitierrez Mexico mission for the states of Chiapas and Tabasco (places I would have never known about and certainly never visited had it not been for their mission call!)
It was our second visit there and we absolutely love it. The people are warm and friendly and the weather about the same. My parents mission covers some pretty spectacular sights and terrain, reminding us a lot of Puerto Rico. We had some pretty incredible experiences and things I know I will probably never see or do again. I wanted to post pictures of some of my favorite places but I am still trying to figure this blogging thing out, so more to come....