the SMITHs

My Christmas Baby

2011-12-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

(please excuse the typos and the grammar)

This year the anniversary of losing our 4th child has hit me especially hard. I'm thinking it's because of all the stress of the year. For some reason I have had a strong desire to put my experience down on paper. So this blog with have to do, for I do not dare post anything on FaceBook for fear of people thinking I'm a downer.
This is not a story I have shared with many people only a handful of my closets friends who held my hand at the time know the full extent of my experience.
First off It's not something you work into a conversation. um hey 7 years ago I lost a baby! (Okay crazy lady.. would be the reaction)
Before I start I just want to say...I truly believe our Heavenly Father knows what burdens we are capable of bearing, and what sorrows we can overcome.
4 of our 5 pregnancies have been surprises! The anxiety oh the anxiety of a surprise pregnancy... "can I do this?" "Can I handle one more?" "Can I afford another mouth to feed?" This only lasts for a few weeks then we are good to go and can't wait to meet our new member of the Family.
7 yrs ago Mike and I had a STRONG desire to add a new member to our Family, child #4. We went to the temple, we prayed about it and made the decision to try to get pregnant, surprisingly it took a couple of months. (never seemed to be a problem before) When we found out we were pregnant we were so excited, we could not wait to welcome this new child to our Family. Never in my life have I wanted something so much. I was ex tactic to be pregnant (I usually do not enjoy being pregnant) Sure I had the same issues as my past pregnancies, morning sickness, anxiety. But I was so much more tired with this pregnancy, but hey I had 3 young children at home.
I will never forget the day all that happiness came crashing down. Dec. 16,2004 I sat on the table, answering questions... "have you been taking your Prenatal Vitamins?" "Have you felt the baby move yet?" and to this question I was so eager to give my answer... YES!!!! I had been feeling movement for about a week off and on. You all know how exciting this time is. The first movements... the pure joy of having a baby.

I lay on the table as the nurse was know trying to find the baby's heartbeat... 30 seconds pass, silence, a minute still silence. I was a little nervous, but I know sometimes it's not easy to find the baby (I've heard it at every other check up.) When the nurse called the Dr into the room and she came in with an ultrasound machine. That when I officially was concerned. I lay there desperately pleading with the Lord. "Please", "PLEASE". Then after a few minutes came the words, with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry but we can not find a Heart beat you are going to miss carry this baby." Never in my life have I felt such sorrow, sobbing uncontrollably. While in the midst of all of the initial shock, they needed me to make a decision. I could be admitted and enduse my labor. I could go home and wait until my body naturally gets rid of the baby. (that could take weeks) Or I could go to "another facility" to have a D&E done by a qualified Dr. after I somewhat pulled my self together I decided to go home and discuss my options with Mike.
After much prayer we decided to got to "another facility" and have the procedure done. Mike and I did not feel I could go through the labor, we feared the long lasting emotional scars from that.
When we showed up to the "other facility" (we have Kaiser Insurance... it's not uncommon to be referred to another Kaiser facility) The sign said.. "planned parenthood" um my jaw hit the ground. I was so embarrassed, how could we have been so naive?? I at one point had walked out of the clinic. I just could not sit in there. I don't even remember walking in I was so shocked.
After phone calls from my Dr. and from Kaisers mental health dept.( threatening to have me committed because to them I was not in my right mind.Um yes I am it's Planned Parenthood!) Mike and I quickly said a Prayer and again we felt have the D&E was the "best" option, so we walked back in.

At Planned Parenthood everything is anonymous no names used at all. My procedure required two visits. The first the nurse was to confirm that the baby was dead, through ultra sound and then they inserted sea weed into my cervix to help me to dilate, so they could remove the baby the next day. I had made it through the first part, I felt incredibly guilty, sad, broken. That night we consulted with our Bishop, and family... if we should go back. And we were once again given the answer that we should, if that's what we feel is the best for me. Day two was not nearly as easy as day one. Day two required us to go to another "clinic" because of the holidays. This "clinic" was located right off the street. As we walked in we were met by a lady who yelled at me for choosing to kill my baby. I think this is the only time in my life I did not hold my tongue, I quickly told her my baby has already passed. But I think I yelled, not sure... I was kind of surprised to have her attack me like she did. I walked in and waited for the elevator and someone else had walked in the door by then... great I have to ride up a floor with someone else. Someone who choose to kill her baby. She and her friends were laughing about the lady in the parking Lot and some choice words were used. Mike held my hand as we rode up the elevator listening to her and her friends laugh about how "mom was not going to know she was pregnant" "I get to go home for the holidays and know one will know." I held my tongue and jumped out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened.

As I said be fore everything is anonymous no names, nothing to make it feel personal. I'm now laying on a bed and they roll me into a sterile room. The nurse had told me it would be quick, they put you under for about 7 mins and the procedure will take 5. The last thing I remember before going under is how the Dr. smelled of cigarettes. I woke up remembering labor, I wanted to hold my baby... I was in pain... Then I realized where I was and what had happened. I kept falling to sleep, but then would be woken up by the feel of the curtain sweeping across my body. Every 5 mins they moved you to the next curtained area, simply by pushing you through the curtain. I felt like I was on an assembly line, every 5 mins moved to the next space. After two sweeps across the face. (or 10 mins)I finally was aware of my pain... so much pain physical and emotional. I called out for help, the nurse kept saying I know it hurts, you'll be fine. It's just like bad menstrual cramps honey. Finally I yelled at her and said "this is not my fist delivery I'm having sever after birth pains." Then she listened and read my chart and saw I was not like every one else who was there that day. I was the exception, she did not know how to treat me, not in the medical sense but the personal sense.
At this point all I desperately wanted was for someone to acknowledge what I just went through, to sit by my bed and hold my hand and tell me "it will be okay." Later I sat in a recovery room with 8- 10 other women. Most of them sat quietly, heads down, not making eye contact. A few... including the girl from the elevator sat chatting on their cell phones as if nothing had happened. If I could even describe the evil I felt in this room, there are no words for it. I sat quietly crying waiting to be released. Watching everyone in the room, making eye contact and giving a smile to those who I could tell needed it and glaring at those who had no regard for life. I sat there thinking why? Why would Heavenly Father want me to sit in this room with these women. I just lost my baby, they so easily threw theirs away? It was then that I felt my Saviors arm around me in that room of darkness, and evil. I clung to that warmth I felt knowing I would one day be able to meet my baby, raise my baby... hold my baby!

I have no idea and my never know why I was put in those circumstances. I choose just like those women choose. BUT I choose to listen to what My Heavenly Father had advised me and Mike to do. I will never understand, I only can have faith that I was meant to experience that. I now have complete empathy for any woman who has lost a baby. No matter how they lost it, the lord as given me the ability to understand and have compassion for them. My testimony has been strengthened. I now have a complete understanding of the plan of salvation. I know my Heavenly Father loves me, ME!
I did not write this down to get sympathy. I put this in my blog to acknowledge what did not get to be on Dec. 23, 2004 I lost my 4th child Riley Noel Smith. This child was never held, never blessed, nor ever received a name. I have no tombstone to visit or place flowers next to. Just my memories of the Joy I felt of being pregnant, and the sorrow of loosing something I wanted to have so deeply.

2011

2011-12-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

Ok I know it's been awhile since my last post. Ummm..... 1yr and 5 months to be exact.
Lets just catch up Mike was sick for about 3 months of 2011 (Jan-march). When we finally
got his Chron's all under control he gave us a big scare with is MPE In April. After 4 days in ICU
and a week's stay at Mike's own personal Marriott also known as Kaiser Fontana. He came home
a new man. Me on the other hand I think I mentally checked out for a few months! HAHAHA
June the the kids and I took a camping trip with my sister and some old friends from Upland.
We had a blast it was so nice to spend time with all of them. July my dad had his 3rd (I think)
back surgery to attempt to fix a broken fusion and vertebrae. A simple procedure, and we
thought he'd be in a week... ummm nope just over 3 months of a few battles and a lot of Physical therapy
he finally came home! In September we were blessed with a wonderful GIFT... a vacation!
Mike and I took a week long cruise to Alaska with all of his siblings and his Parents. It was Heaven,
so breathtakingly beautiful and so relaxing! Mike and I really needed that week with out the kids to
recharge our batteries. Also in Sept. Mike turned 40! After all the crazy happenings this year I naturally
threw him a .... 80's Prom Birthday Party. I'm so grateful for all of our friends who came and celebrated
with us. So after a super CRAZY, SCAREY, EMOTIONAL and CHAOTIC year. Mike and I are so glad that 2011 is nearly over.
I'm so thankful for friends who have stood by us through this past year and the NEW ones that were made.
I know this year that me and my family have been TESTED and STRETCHED to the max. But guess what WE made it with the help of FRIENDS and our HEAVENLY FATHER!
Now all we have say is.... BRING ON 2012!

12

2010-06-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

On June 20th my Britton turned 12! Wow how time does fly! His birthday was on a sunday so he was able to receive the Priesthood on his BIRTHDAY, What a great GIFT. Both his sets of Grandparents, and Aunt Barbra, Uncle Rob, Aunt Sonia Aunt Brandie and cousins Brandon, Savannah and Hunter, were there with Britton on this special day. This past sunday the 27th , he passed the sacrament for the 1st time. He was very nervous and excited. Thankfully he has a wonderful YM's leader who took the time to show him how it's done.( his DADDY:) ) Next week Britton will be going to Scout Camp w/ his dad and is sooooo excited!
I am so proud Britton is worthy to have received the Priesthood.

Just the two of us GIRLs!

2010-06-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

The week after school got out SierraDawn and I were able to take a trip to the Baja . We didn't go all alone, (I'm not that BRAVE) we went with Grandma, and Grandpa Ragle, Rob and Cooper. SierraDawn and I enjoyed spending the time together without the rest of the family. It was quite HOT! We swam everyday and played games with Rob and Cooper. She is getting better at Sequence. (now if we could just get her to look at ALL of her cards!) SierraDawn also picked up a new hobby... beach combing. Every morning she was begging to walk the hide tide line to see what treasures we would find. SierraDawn also got to experience sleeping on the roof for the 1st time, I think she'll be requesting that sleeping arrangement from now on! (Under the **STARS** is the BEST)
It was a FUN and VERY relaxing trip. I'm thinking of making this a yearly trip . But of course we will eventually let Carlee join us too:)

Baja Memorial weekend

2010-06-09T21:00:00.001-07:00

Carlee's 1st Quad ride... not a fan!

Look Mom a Rock

Britton's SunBlock

Chilling in the Warm water.

Future Surfer?

Beautiful SierraDawn :)

Farkle, Farkle and more Farkle

Cooper,and his sand creation?

Waiting for the tide to come in!!!

Water Rocket, this thing flew soooo high and Cooper had to go for a swim to

it!

Uncle Rob putting some last minute touches on the Water Rocket, So Fun!

Picures from our Arizona-Nevada Trip

2010-04-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Carlee happy to stretch her legs after a few hours in the car!

On our way to ShowLow Arizona we stopped outside of Flagstaff at Laurel Canyon
and took a two mile hike to view some Indain ruins.

While in ShowLow we spent the day at a park with my sister and her family. Mike was in charge of the camera and somehow this is the only picture from that day? hmmm

The kids in front of the Snowflake Temple

One of the kids took this although I do not remember who's picture it was?

We stopped in Hollbrook, Arizona to visit the Petrified Wood Company.
Carlee keep saying " Crash?, Crash?"
Every animal is Crash our dog!

Ian was in heaven!!!

Funny picture, hahaha!

Also in Hollbrook is the famous Wigwam Motel! On Route 66!
The kids got a kick out of the fact that we followed Route 66. From Barstow, Kingnman, Winslow,Flagstaff and Hollbrook! Let's just say they know all the lyrics to the song!

Ian, Sierra and MATER!

We visited the Painted Desert, very beautiful! Camera does no do it justice!!

On our way to Vegas we spent the Day at the Grand Canyon.
Britton was not too impressed. Some how he imagined it to be BIGGER!!

Ok so we live in SO CAL. Sadly this was my kids first encounter with snow!
They were so excited to play in the PATCH of SNOW!

Somehow we did not take any pictures in Veags? We had a wonderful time visiting with Family.
It by far was a very memorable trip, very last minute! I think that's what made it so fun, we did what ever we wanted. If we saw something on the map that looked interesting we did it. And may I add SierraDawn is pretty good at reading a Map now!
Next month is Memorial Weekend our plans... BAJA!

Spring Break

2010-04-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

So we have been planning our trip to Baja for a few months and were sooo excited to spend time with my Brother and his family. We were mostly packed and had enjoyed a wonderful Easter Sunday at home watching conference. We had one thing left to do. Drop the dogs off at my parents and then back to packing the car. Well apparently while we were driving to Upland we missed something BIG. All of the sudden people in Utah were texting us asking if we felt the earthquake. UMMM NO! I think we were the only people in S. California that didn't feel it. By the time we arrived in Upland the Epicenter had been announced. As we walk into my parents it was kaos! First everyone looked at us and asked if we felt it? again NOO! And we ask so were was it centered and how BIG. 7.3, umm what how did we miss that?? Again we ask were? ummmm 30 miles southeast of MEXCALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA! WHAT!!!!!!!!! Is the BAJA house still standing? or is it in the Ocean? My dad had just gotten off the phone with Ray Harper who was in Baja. The HOUSE is fine! So we talk with my brother and decide to go ahead and leave in the morning like we origionally planned. Well by 6am the next morning all of the news starts reports start coming in. So we decided it was not the best idea to drive through a Disaster Zone, with a trailer full of food , water and fuel. Ummmm lets see,uh NO! And then we here the Highway betwwen Mexicali and San Felipe was closed due to damage. That just made up our minds for us! NO BAJA!!!!!!!! So now what? When all else fails call family! Thankfully my two sisters who live out of state were willing to let us stay with them.
So instead to of SOAKING up the SUN on a beach we were headed to the Mountains of Northern Arizona with the High of 65 and then on to Vegas!

My little Monkey

2010-03-25T01:11:00.000-07:00

CARLEE is no longer human I think she has mutated into a MONKEY.
She is climbing onto the couch, the step stool , the end tables, into the cub boards... EVERYTHING.
This little girl is trying her best to give her momma a Heart Attack! If she can get onto it then she'll STAND on it.
After a very scary fall Tuesday night I'm officially a nervous mamma!
Carlee loves to climb up onto our couch, and it's no small couch either! Last night she was doing her usual climbing of the couch and was walking across and miss stepped and fell head first landing on her neck. I saw her fall and freaked out when she landed in the position she did, And to add to it Mike was right next to her with his back turned to her, heard a "SNAP" as she landed.
I immediately went into mommy mode. I quickly laid her flat on her back and stabilized her neck with my hand.(I had to move her... she was still standing on her head, with her body propped up against the couch) She was SCREAMING of course she just fell 3+ feet onto her head. After a few agonizing moments she calmed down and began moving her arms, but was not moving her legs. Mike and I were repeatedly saying out loud "move your legs, come on move your legs." And meanwhile we have Britton screaming in the background "we need to call 911!" Even Mike was a little panicked.
I remained calm and confident nothing was wrong. As soon as I let go of her she quickly began moving her legs. To make this long story short Carlee is fine and 10 mins. later was trying to climb back onto the couch. I think she just had a nice spinal adjustment, She is pain free and perfectly fine. But talk about giving me a scare! WHEW!!!!!!!!

New Family Pictures

2010-01-30T23:49:00.001-08:00

Here are some of our shots from our Family Photo shoot in October. Some silly and some fun! We did this for my parents all six of my siblings and My Parents had photo shoots with Leanne Price and she photo shopped together all the Family potriats into one large photo . It turned out soo nice I wish I had copy to show. Well I guess you could go see it at my moms. he,he
The Last shot is the one used for the Family Portrait you can tell because it's of balance, but it fit so nicely with all of my siblings!!

My Baby is 1!!!!!

2010-01-30T22:34:00.000-08:00

January 2 2010 Carlee Bryn Smith celebrated her 1st Birthday! She has grown so much in the last year. We are so glad to have her in our Family, all of her siblings SPOIL her rotten:) There is no shortage of love for this little Girl. We LOVE you Carlee B!!!!

Birthdays x 3

2010-01-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

Since planning Bitrthday parties
can be over whemling to our
budget. Mike and I made a deal
with the kids a few years back.
That they can have Birthday Party
for their 1st, 5th, 8th, 10th, 12th,
and 16th birthdays. Maybe we
should have thought that through a
little better.
With three birthday's in January...

Ian Jan. 1

Carlee Jan. 2

SierraDawn Jan. 11

... and with ....
Ian turning 10,

Carlee turning 1 and

SierraDawn turning 8

they had no choice but to do
a combined BIRTHDAY PARTY
this year.
We are so glad that Family and
Friends made the drive to come
celebrate this BIG day with us.

Christmas

2010-01-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was small and simple for us. Santa only brought a few things this year. Everyone was happy with their gifts... yes Ian didn't cry for the first time ever on Christmas morning. Wew!

Britton and Ian opening gifts on
Christmas morning. Santa brought
Britton Star Wars Galaxy Hereos!

Carlee Crawling out of her Christmas
PJs. I honestly think they will fit her
again next Christmas.

Carlee opening her Gift from Mommy.

Mommy showing off The Reindeer Candy cane Britton so cleverly wrapped in a shoe box! Sneaky boy!

SierraDawn looking pretty for the
camera. Daddy took pictures while
playing Santa! I think he caught her
mid sentence. LOL

This year we were able to go to Mike's Aunt
Janet's house on Christmas. We had a
wonderful dinner and the kids got to
spend time withe their Grandma Great!!

Before and After

2010-01-30T19:09:00.001-08:00

For all of you who wondered why I was going crazy in my last home!!! and I hardly ever cooked a real meal here maybe 2 times a week?

The fridge didn't even fit under the cabinets!! Which made it even worse.
I do not miss this kitchen!!!!!!!!

I LOVE THIS KITCHEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The picture says it all:) I cook Dinner 7 nights a week in this kitchen. YAY me.
I haven't even filled all the cabinets yet! LOL
Give me time and it shall be conquered.

CRUISE to MEXICO

2010-01-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

Mike and I on our BALCONY!!

Mike and some of his "NEW" friends he made in Cabo. HE HE! This actually was for our Week Long Scavenger Hunt.

Yep you guessed it another Scavenger hunt photo.

Mike singing a Sinatra song during Kereoke!

Me and my new friend Samantha @ dinner on Rio night

Me Debbie and Samantha showing off our masks. Every one else on the Cruise was Jealous. They didn't get to have themed nights at dinner like our group ;p

Showing off that I found a Dr Pepper at the Wal Mart in Puerto Vallarta

We were in Puerto Vallarta until 10 pm. Our group decided to go to a neat resturant. We ate at tables on the beach . The water was not ten feet from us. REALLY COOL place to eat.

One of our S.H. photos again (we had to get a picture of us in the Ocean)

had to have aPhoto of a Donkey Bonus points for being on a Donkey!!

Lands End at Cabo San Lucas

Again from our balcony:) BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

My impression of Madussa.

Mike and I and our NEW FRIENDS James and Samantha
(we think they are the younger and skinner versions of us!)

Just TWO weeks after we moved into our 1st home. Mike and I went on the 2009 West Coast DJ Cruise. We spent a relaxing week kid free thanks to Mikes mother Linda who gladly came and stayed in our home with the kids. I have been a several cruises before, in fact have done this exact trip before. We truly had a GREAT week. We both came home so refreshed and ready to take on the Holiday Season. Mike had the opportunity this year to teach one of the Workshops for his fellow DJ's. He talked about Public Relations and Crisis Management. From what I hear his workshop was a hit!!! (I was too busy soaking up the sun, he he :p) It was so nice to catch up with old friends from previous DJ Cruises and to make NEW friends. We had a week long Scavenger Hunt we were participating in and took a very disapointed 2nd place. Mike was de throned this year:(

All settled in

2010-01-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

We are settled into our new home! We moved in at the End of October and the kids started school in November. The kids love their new schools. 6th Grade here is middle school and Britton loves it. You all know he is not the social type so he thinks it great that he doesn't have recess anymore. More time to spend in the Library:) It's been a busy few months and I have a ton to catch up on. Now that I have internet again. So Bear with me here.

Shades

2009-07-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

Carlee Bryn 6 months

The other day Brandie and I wanted to get out of the heat so we took our kids to the mall. And I scored with these cute sunglasses and jeans from the Children's Place $8.00 for both. I just could not pass up these darling sunglasses. So far she keeps them on!

The Three Amigos!

2009-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Ragle side of the family has been particularly blessed in the last 6 months. 3 new grandkids for Grandma to spoil. Carlee(mine) 6 1/2 months, Zach(Whitney's) 5 months and the newest.... Oliva(Kenny's) 1 week! Saturday was the first time we had all three babies together and as you can tell Zachary is in for it=)

Baby or Doll?

2009-07-12T04:21:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture for all of you who say Carlee looks like a "little doll".

Carlee is 6 months old, is eating all her baby food, SITTING up and has gotten her 1st tooth already. She is such a sweetie pie and we all love her to death!!

SierraDawn playing "Mommy". Her and Ian were actually fighting over who got to watch her on the couch today... while I changed the laundry.

Home SWEET Home

2009-07-12T04:06:00.000-07:00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE........ after 12 years of renting Mike and I are FINALLY purchasing our FIRST house. On the fourth of July (my favorite day of the year!) we officially went into contract to buy a brand spank-en NEW house. Our HOME will be ready for us to live in at the end of October. We will be moving to Menifee! We are going to miss being around the corner from Grandma and Grandpa Ragle and my sister.We will still be close to family we will now be 10 mins. from my brother Rob. WE love the area we will be around the corner from the community Lake, new elementary school, PARK and Community Clubhouse. We are so excited!!

This will be our view from our front door. Not our ideal spot to be located... at and entrance to the community....but we bought the last house in the community!

And yes that is a DIRT road across the street!

They have started work! Not a bad view out our back Door. October get here already!!

Disney California Adventure

2009-07-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

At the end of June my sister and I took our kids to DCA and Disneyland.

We all had a fun time ... my kids were sooo excited to go with Savannah and Hunter. They have only been one other time with Savannah a few years back. My kids get to go all the time with the Smith side of the Family.(we all have passes) So this was a real treat to hang out with my sister and her kids for a day full of Disney fun!

Carlee at the end of a looonnggg HOT day at DCA. She was a trooper she did pretty well. I think MOM had a harder time than she did.

Brandie and kids on Screamin they are there some where?

SierraDawn, Savannah, Britton, Ian, and Hunter! I think this was the highlight of Hunter's day! He LOVES the movie CARS. The smile on his faces made the whole day worth fighting the summer crowds.

Britton and Savannah waiting for the others to ride Screamin=(

No More CUB SCOUTs For BRITTON

2009-07-12T03:41:00.001-07:00

It's official Britton has Crossed over the bridge from Cub Scouts to Scouts. He was just shy of earning his Arrow of Light Badge.TOO BAD=( He did earn his Weblos badge before moving up to Scouts! Britton has endeavored through a bad Cub scouting experience... he has been cheated of a real experience all along. No one else his age until they made a STAKE den last year. Hopefully he will have a better experience in the 11 year old Scout program.

PARK FUN

2009-07-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

Ian, Hunter,Savannah, SierraDawn, and Britton at Heritage Park

What a Beautiful Girl=)

Serenella, SierraDawn, Savannah, Zander, and Britton at Beyrl Park

More pictures from Beryl Park!

We have been spending alot of time in the park this summer. The park has been our favorite place to hang out. Let's see how many parks we can visit?

Las Vegas

2009-07-12T03:10:00.001-07:00

In June we took a trip to Vegas for Zack's blessing. We stayed in a condo hung out with the cousins and went swimming in the pool. Did I take pictures? NO! I always forget to. We also spent a day with Bridget and her clan on the STRIP... But no pictures! Here are pictures of our last day in Vegas.

We visited the Aquarium located next to Outdoor World Brittton loved it

This as close as we could get them.... Yeah one of those days!

Ian so desperately wanted to see the Flamingos at the FLAMINGO hotel. He was happy for the rest of the day

Carlee hanging out in her stroller. It rained off and on all day. Sadly she spent most of the day in here!

This Video says it all. Britton is 11 and such a joy! I love his simplicity!

Easter

2009-04-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

We snapped this photo right after church... it's not perfect but it has character. SierraDawn and Carlee were so stinkin cute in their dresses.

Saturday was our annual easter egg hunt at Aunt Janet's house. I think we had 150 eggs or so to find they found all but one.(and it had $ in it too!) The kids had a blast. They look forward to this event every year. Of course after the hunt is the "swim" Thank You Aunt Janet we had fun.

Only Ian would wear a Pirate hat and a Sheriffs vest while hunting for easter eggs.

Jackpot... Britton found alot of eggs with $ this year.

Just for FUN

2009-02-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

Crash and Carlee

I spent this evening learning how to use my new Camera so her are just a few new photos

for you to enjoy .... just because.

Carlee with Curly Hair!

This one is for you Jordan! SierraDawn was holding Carlee and we started playing around! But the picture didn't turn out to good . SORRY

Asleep in Daddy's arms.

SierraDawn and Carlee... notice those blue eyes!

Ian and Carlee. Really those eyes look much more BLUE in person.

GG meets Carlee Bryn & Carlee and Terrible Hurbst Truck

2009-02-16T23:16:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Mike and I took a last minute get away to Vegas for Valentines. Since GrandmaGreat spends the winter in St.George we took a side trip so she could meet Carlee.

Sadly we didn't take any photos of our weekend in Vegas. Sorry.

GrandmaGreat and Carlee

We stopped at State Line to use the bathroom and this is what we found in the Terrible's Casino...

Mommy telling Carlee all about how someday when she grows up she can drive one of these.

If you already didn't know I love off Road racing. This is the Terrible Hurbst Pro Truck. I was introduced the Baja 1000(SCORE) when I was a child on one of our trips to Baja. I love watching the races and especially love the Pro Trucks as they go roaring by at 60 miles an hour on a Bumpy Dirt road. There is nothing like dust in your teeth. My dream is to one day be a co driver in a SCORE race. Any one can race as long as you pay the fee... they have a Quad and Motorcycle class and many many more, The interesting racing class is the VW Bug .. those are so hardy men who race those completely stock with no improvements

SierraDawn's 7th Birthday

2009-02-16T23:05:00.000-08:00

SierraDawn and her Polly Pocket that mommy gave her. I think this wa the only toy she received for her birthday. She received a ton of new outfits for school. Which she was very excited to show off to her Friends at school.

SierraDawn was so excited to be turning 7. She is the oldest girl in her class and is very proud of that! Next year she will be getting baptized and she just can't wait to be 8.

Happy 7th Birthday SierraDawn

Jan. 11th 2009

Just a little late... Ian's 9th Birthday

2009-02-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

So Ian's Birthday post was put on hold because of the arrival of his sister the following day.

Here are some photos of the big day that Ian turned 9! My baby boy is no longer a baby. He now is a Bear Cub Scout and in the 3rd grade. Wow how time flies.

Ian with his New remote control Black Pearl that Grandma and Grandpa Smith got him.

If you know Ian this picture describes him to a T. He always posses for photos but as you can tell It might not always be how a normal person would pose. I love my Ian! He always can make you SMILE:)

Happy Birthday 9th Birthday Ian!

Jan 1 2009

Prego Pictures

2009-02-16T22:41:00.001-08:00

This was at the beginning of my 14 hr labor. How Do I know? I'm STILL smiling:)

This is the only photo that came out good and sadly I had to spend the whole time in bed soo you really can't see my belly.

After a date with Mike.. This is the only time I wore this shirt. I didn't like how it hung on my belly. We had gone to the ADJA(american disc jokey association) Christmas Party @ Pirates Dinner Theater in Buena Park. This is as fancy as I get:0 I was 7 months in this photo.

Just For You Jordan!!!

2009-02-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

My friend Jordan has been bugging me to update my blog... so I am ! She asked me to post photos of me during my pregnancy and this is what I have. So here you go ... Now you have seen me PREGO!

Carlee is 1 month old

2009-02-16T21:47:00.001-08:00

I love pictures of crying babies.. I think they are just too cute

CarleeBee is 1 one month old! Yay

(this is known as the Ian Face)

stare you down until she gets what she wants

Our Little CarleeBee.

Final Score.... Boys 2 Girls 2

2009-01-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

After a 14 hr labor Carlee Bryn Smith is finally here. She weighed 6lbs. 8 oz. 20 1/2 inches long. Daddy, Grandma Ragle and her Aunt Brandie were there to welcome her into our Family.(of course mom was there too) She spent her first week in the NICU... she still had some fluid in her right lung. For some reason her mommy can not carry a baby past 36 weeks and they have all had fluid still in their lungs. She broke Ian's NICU stay by 2 days. After a long week of traveling back and forth from Upland to Fontana Mom is glad to have her home. Her older siblings adore her and spoil her!!! Britton has even tackled a dirty diaper! What a an awesome older brother he is. Carlee has her dads long toes and finger's and his BLUE eyes!!!

Mom has quickly been reminded of the fact that you do not get anything done with a newborn in the house. But I would never trade a clean house for my Litttle Carlee.

Mom and Baby Carlee

Carlee in the NICU w/ her oxygen and feeding tubes

Daddy's 1st visit w/ Carlee in the NICU

Dressed and ready to go home!

Just chillin at home

Back to School

2008-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

The kids all started school last

Monday. SierraDawn is in Mrs.Guererro's

combo class again this year. She enjoys

being a first grader and helping the

Kinder's in her class. Ian is in a combo

class also this year.

He is in Mrs. Yoshimura's

2/3 combo. He also enjoys

being one of the oldest in

the class. Britton is in the

5th grade this year and we

absolutely love Mrs. Krogh.

He just turned in his application

for the 5th grade Band he is

hoping to play the Saxophone

or the Trumpet. we will know

in a few weeks. It's has been

hard for mom to be alone all

DAY long. I think I need some

new hobbies, better yet any

Hobbies would be great.

( if you have any suggestions let me know)

Excuse me I'm Pregnant!

2008-09-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

So I finally am posting some pics. from Memorial weekend. We all had a good time.

Our BIG News!

2008-07-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

So after my brush with Manazumma's Revenge. I took what seemed to be forever to get back to normal. I kept wanting to take 2 naps a day. Well I hadn't had my period yet, and thought It was because I was soo sick. And my sister's all have had early pre-menopaus symptoms. I thought that's what it was for sure. Yeah, no more periods!! Until just a week before Mike had to have his final surgery. I started feeling nauseous late at night. And then it hit me!!! Ahhhhhhh, I might be expecting. I kinda felt real stupid, We were so set on us being done. I never would have even considered the fact I might be Prego. So it's official we are expecting baby #4 in January!! Which means December (for those who know how my pregnancies are anything but normal.) So here is my GOOD excuse for not updating my blog since may. Oh yeah and there is nothing like a 7 yr. gap between kids. Oh and better yet we gave everything away!! We have no baby items at all. Heavenly Father must be L.O.L.

It's been way too long!!!

2008-07-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

So it has been awhile since I have updated my blog. I'll start off with our Memorial weekend.
4 out of 5 of my siblings all spent the weekend down in Baja (where else?) Most of us has a great weekend, with the exception of Rob and I. We both came down with what we call Manazumma's Revenge. We were down the whole weekend!!! (and longer!) All in all everyone else had a great time. My three kiddos had a blast playing with all their cousins. Whitney and Chad we missed you!. Maybe next year eh?

My Favorite Baja Pics From The Past

2008-05-03T00:53:00.001-07:00

Spring Break

2008-05-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

SierraDawn after a fun makeover with the Tuttle Girls. Ahh so pretty!

Yes , there are 10 kids in that Jeep! Can you find my 3!
Brother Tuttle was a very busy man all week, driving the Harper's Jeep around. with at least 4 screaming girl's, standing up in the backseat holding on to the roll bar!
(sound familiar to anyone??)

Siesta time! Mike always finds time for a nap in Baja!

The whole gang is here! Even Crash made an appearance in the photo.

This is long over due, but I just got the photos off my moms camera. Can you believe I forgot to take mine down to Baja.(that has never happened before)
We spent our spring break down at Grandpa Ragle's house in Baja. (what a surprise) The kids just love spending time down in there just running wild. That is was I love about it now.
When I was a kid everyone had the same spring break in Cali. (always around Easter) and the beach was always busy (but not California beach busy...) most of you know what I'm talking about. Baja beach busy means there is someone else on the beach, how dare they encroach on our 1/2 a mile of beach... they are way too close. No seriously it can get a little busy on holiday weekends, with vehicles going up and down the beach all hours of the day, and you have to keep an eye on your kids. Now it's completely different. We were there the week after Easter, which meant it was soo quiet. I think we were the only Quads and Jeep on the beach all week. Ahhh so nice. To have miles and miles of beach to our selves. Upon our arrival to the house we were surprised to find out that a Family from our stake was staying at The Harper's beach house next door. So much to my delight and my daughter's the Tuttle's were there all week too. The Tuttle's have 11 children, 8 were there. 5 of the 8 are GIRL's, SierraDawn was in heaven all week. The best part is Krii (mom Tuttle) is so used to having a ton of kids my 3 just blended right in. But my kid's are also finally to the age that they can go off down the hill all by themselves and stay out of trouble. They have been so many times they know the rules, (Stay away from any reptile!!!). It is nice to have that freedom, from constantly having to entertain them. All though the constant quad rides does get a little old after a while. (who am I kidding I love it and so does Grandpa Ragle) It was a nice relaxing week, of soaking up the sun, swimming, 4x4 rides, quad rides, campfires, and smores... who can ask for anything more? Oh and after 30 years of spending evey Spring Break in Baja I finally found Starfish. Yay for me, I had to leave them there to dry out in the sun. So everyone, (Family) hands off at Memorial weekend. Just kidding there is plenty to go around we found at least 20. For all of my siblings see you all at Memorial weekend I can't wait.

It's not Rocket Science!

2008-04-24T00:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you who didn't already know our oldest son Britton (10) was diagnosed last year with Aspergers Syndrome. A.S. is on the Autism Spectrum, and is affectionately called the "little professor" syndrome. So needless to say a child with A.S. is quite smart, but not very coordinated. (Family think of our cousin Sione!!!)oh how we tortured him:(
Last week I picked the boys up from school and Britton insisted we go to the park. "Mom I want to show you something" ...I'm thinking I have already seen every rock in the park! "MOM I have a surprise for you!" "OK"
We get out of the van and I'm expecting him to show me something he saw on the ground through the school fence. I'm not kidding!! To my delight he jumped up on the swing and away he went. I asked him where did you learn to swing, who was finally able to get you to move your body the right way? (if you have seen my sweet boy try any type of movement which requires coordination before, you know what I mean) he proceeds to tell me in his best Rocket Science Language ( believe me I was lost) of how he figured it out by watching other kids. I was so lost I can't even come close to repeating it.
Then on Friday he mastered his BIKE. (I didn't get so lost in the Rocket Science Language this time . Yeah me!) Mom is so proud of her sweet boy! These are huge steps for him. and As SierraDawn put it "It's about time now we can ALL now go on a bike ride!!!"
Now if we could only get him to catch a ball?

SomeBUNNY came...

2008-03-29T20:39:00.001-07:00

We came home after church and there was an egg sitting on our porch. And when we opened
the front door our dog was in the house, how weird we left him outside!? Who do you think let him in? The kids quickly ran out back and soon realized that the Easter Bunny came.
How did he know we were at Church mom? The Easter Bunny just always knows!

Sierra and her new Hello Kitty sunglasses.

too busy looking through my Easter bucket.

Ian and his bandanna again

SierraDawn and her pretty white dress.

Pre Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

This year we were home to enjoy the Easter egg hunt at our aunt Janet's house the day before EASTER. The kids swam all afternoon and then went to Chad's Baseball game and finally just before dark got to hunt for 139 hidden eggs. And then some more swimming until 9PM. They look forward to this every year, and so does mom she loves hiding those eggs. The kid's love spending time with there 2nd cousins.

Britton and Sierra hunting for some eggs!

The whole gang after the hunt. We are all 2nd cousins!
Chad ,Riley, Rex, Sierra, Lilly, Lexi, Ian and Britton

Sierra looking cute for the camera

Ian and his infamous Capt. Jack Bandanna, he does not go any where without it

Disneyland

2008-01-29T01:03:00.000-08:00

Check out the terror in Ian' eyes! And can SierraDawn look any more relaxed???
infact it looks like she is looking around, just for the heck of it.

Ian and who else but the one, and the only...... Capt. Jack Sparrow!
Argh!

Hey Capt. Jack........ get us outta here!

I is for.....IAN!

Mike's parents and siblings all chipped in and got our entire family Disneyland annual passes for Christmas. The best gift Ever!!! thanks . So we had to wait for the holidays to end so we could go. So last Tuesday the kids had teacher in service, and Mike wanted to go be fore he has surgery on the 30th. We had a blast, it had been so long since we have been ,the kid's didn't even remember it. SierraDawn is now a roller coaster Freak. If we would let her she would ride over and over(until she gets sick). Britton and Ian on the other hand went on Space Mountain and Indiana Jone's, and once was quite enough for them. Sierra cried her eye's out because she was just shorter than the height limit for I.J.
Mike's parent's met up with us in the afternoon and we stayed until way after the kid's bedtime. Needless to say they had a hard time getting up the next morning. Sierra wanted to ride S.M. again, so Sierra, Grandma and Mommy decided we will ride it again. While those boring boys go on Nemo!(Blah) I convinced Sierra she wanted to ride next to me, and as we were heading out in space I told her you have to put your hands up, when a roller coaster goes up a hill.
she kept her arm's up the entire ride. What a brave little girl.

Ian got to meet his Idol........ Capt. Jack Sparrow, but he was so afraid he couldn't say a word he just looked terrified. I wonder what he would like like when he meets his enemy?

SierraDawn watched the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 parade at California Adventure. She had a Blast, she went out and danced every time they would ask kid's to come out and participate. Finally a child who is not like her mother in that respect.!!!

Britton was just his usual self, just so happy and Thankful to be there having a good time. He couldn't even decide which he liked most.( we asked him at the end of the day)

We had so much fun Mom decided on Friday we needed to go back. It had been raining and she knew it would be empty. ( she was right) Much to there mother's surprise Ian and Britton requested we ride Sapce Mountain first! So now we have 3 roller coaster freaks. Friday we had enough time after school to hit all the major attractions, Space Mountain, Indiana Jone's, Pirate's, Thunder Mountain, Soarin just to name a few. And yes SierraDawn had her hands in the air on every ride the entire time.. Can I say it again, what a brave little girl. I must say it's so nice, that my kids are finally all big enough to really have a good time. (I don't miss the stroller). Sierra wore her boot's which made her tall enough to ride Indiana Jones. She loved it!! It was a great day and we all had fun hanging out with daddy before he goes under the knife. (ahhh)
We love our daddy!

Ian's Baptism

2008-01-29T00:48:00.000-08:00

Ian and Daddy before the big Plunge!

Got to love Ian's cheezy smile!

Ian was so excited to get Baptized. His Grandma Great came down from Utah, which made his day. He sure loves his G.G. After his baptism we had a PIZZA party at Grandma Ragle's house, family and friends all gathered. It was so neat to see how many people came out to support Ian on his Big Day.

Crash

2007-10-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Crash and his new Girl Annie

Crash the LIFEGUARD !! Watch out he may
actually try to rescue you.

Crash in Baja, his favorite place... birds, fish,water, oh and more BIRDS!!!

Playing the endless game of fetch!

It's a BIRD, I see a BIRD.

I think I see another bird...

Just finished chasing a Bird, can you tell??

Ball what ball???

Weekend Get Away

2007-10-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

This the view of Half Dome From Glacier Point, can you believe I've climbed Half Dome 3 times in my lifetime.

Mike and Nat in Tuolumne Meadows, with fresh snow on the peaks.

I took Mike on a Quick trip to Yosemite for our 11 year anniversary. Mike has never been before and loved it. Although he has not been feeling too well he still was a trooper and tried to keep up with his wife.

Soccer

2007-10-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Soccer season has started, and is keeping us quite busy with practices 3 nights a week and 2 games on Saturdays. Here is some pictures from SierraDawn's first game with the "Stingrays."
I do not have any pics from Ian's game!! They both were privliged to have GrandmaGreat , Grandma Smith and Aunt Janet attend the games.

First Day of School

2007-10-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

This being SierraDawn's first year it was quite exciting starting the new school year. Britton is in 4th grade ,Ian is in 2nd grade and SierraDawn is in Kindergarten! Mom now has 3 whole hours to her self 2 days a week.(she babysits 3 days)