Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my Grandma! She is 96 years today and is still requesting a "coke" at every meal. What a delight to spend tonight with family and celebrate a healthy and full life!!!

Thank you...I Love You

Thank you…I Love You
I have been blessed with the most wonderful husband….patience beyond measure, loved above all others! I was in a different place the day of his birthday so today I celebrate him with reasons I love him.

RJ I love you because…
You lift me up
You are caring
You pass me the ball
You smile at me
You support me
You let me taste your food
You read to me
You let me warm my cold feet on your legs
You believe me
You are trusting
You growl when you eat sometimes
You get scared
You scream like a little girl
You make me laugh
You recycle
You make love possible
You call me babydoll
You are spiritual
You love Ginger like she is a daughter
You accept all people
You are the hardest working person I know
You sleep with a pillow over your head
You hold my hand
You open the door for me
You remember
You still want to slow dance with me in the living room
You throw me the ball
You are delicate with me
You will wrestle with me

Smithers!!!

The Smith family minus three of our guys (Justen, Jared, and Jordan) all got together at The Olive Garden for dinner. It was a night of laughter and funny stories. We celebrated RJ and Jen’s birthdays and the FACT that Wanda is truly bionic. Wanda had hip surgery the very next day and was walking within 3 hours of surgery…c’mon!!!!!!!

I am grateful for a wonderful family and love them all. Here are some of the fun pictures!

Charlee and Chelsie

Me and Wanda

Chelsie and Me

Charlee and Brandee

Lexi and Alyssa

Wanda, Libby, Me and Charlee

Randy, Jen, and Neil

RJ and Alyssa

The Worm

I was shopping last November and I ran right into one of my favorite memories. My grandparents had this worm toy that all the cousins and I would ride around on. It was at their house ready and willing each visit. I believe my Aunt has it now and is passing on this great tradtion.

Well, after the tears passed, I decided I was going to start that tradition at my house as well. Not only did I beg RJ to let me buy this bright green worm, but it sits in my living room. It's the first thing you see when you come in my home, and yes, I have sat on it.

I love memories!!! I love the way you walk through them and each time your heart reafirms the reason they are there

Bran and Just

Happy Anniversary to Brandee and Justen!

One year strong!

I love you both and am thankful for your friendship, love and support!

Time Is On My Side

I'm staying up late to sing along to slow songs and miss all of you...whoever you are, wherever you are...xoxo

The Brothers

Here they are...4 months old already!!!

Ashton

Corey

Ashton & Corey

Corey

Ashton

It Ain't Easy Being Green

I was with my dad the other night and he said the funniest thing to me..."here, take a picture of my bandaid." Now, I don't know much about being a dad...but I think he's a great one and going to be an even better dad to little boys!!! I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!

My President

I can't name all the Presidents of the United States...not even in order...I just can't name all of them. Can you name them? In honor of Presidents Day I decided I would post them all, in order on my blog and make it a goal to learn them all.

1. George Washington
2. John Adams
3. Thomas Jefferson
4. James Madison
5. James Monroe
6. John Quincy Adams
7. Andrew Jackson
8. Martin Van Buren
9. William Henry Harrison
10. John Tyler
11. James Knox Polk
12. Zachary Taylor
13. Millard Fillmore
14. Franklin Pierce
15. James Buchanan
16. Abraham Lincoln
17. Andrew Johnson
18. Ulysses S. Grant
19. Rutherford B. Hayes
20. James Garfield
21. Chester Arthur
22. Grover Cleveland
23. Benjamin Harrison
24. Grover Cleveland
25. William McKinley
26. Theodore Roosevelt
27. William Howard Taft
28. Woodrow Wilson
29. Warren Harding
30. Calvin Coolidge
31. Herbert Hoover
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt
33. Harry S Truman
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower
35. John F. Kennedy
36. Lyndon Johnson
37. Richard Nixon
38. Gerald Ford
39. James Carter
40. Ronald Reagan
41. George H. W. Bush
42. William J. Clinton
43. George W. Bush
44. Barack H. Obama

She's Got A Way-Billy Joel

1. How would you describe yourself
Maybe we should just sleep on it-Tim McGraw

2. What do you look for in a guy/girl?
Paperback writer-the Beatles

3. How do you feel today?
Don’t Stop-Fleetwood Mac

4. What is your lifes purpose?
Only a Memory-Yanni

5. What is your motto?
White Ladder-David Gray

6. What do your friends think of you?
My Kind of Town-Frank Sinatra

7. What do your parents think of you?
Run Through the Jungle-Credence Clearwater Revival

8. What do you think of most often?
I’ll stand by you-Carrie Underwood

9. What describes your first kiss?
Like a Star-Corinne Bailey Rae

10. What do you think of your best friend?
Voodoo Doll-Fergie

11. What is your life story?
I don’t Care-Fall Out Boy

12. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Forever My Lady-Jodeci

13. What do you think of when you see your significant other?
Make a Memory-Bon Jovi

14. What song will be played at your funeral?
Waiting on the World to Change-John Mayer

15. What is your hobby/interest?
Sing For the Moment-Eminem

16. What is your biggest fear?
End Credits (from the Prince of Tides)-Barbara Streisand

17. What is your biggest secret?
Damn Girl-Justin Timberlake

18. What do you want right now?
As Tears go by-Rolling Stones

19. This song is the title to your note/post:
She’s got a way-Billy Joel

Lost In Thought

I feel an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for my family and friends tonight. I know that I am fortunate to be surrounded by giants of faith, pillars of light and the genius of love. I believe I have a unique understanding of my world and the people around me. I am thankful for these gifts and acknowledge that I am only given what my Heavenly Father feels to give. Be that what it may.

Lost in thought tonight and most likely thinking of you, my friend!!! I love you!

G I N G E R

I seriously CAN NOT believe I haven't posted this before. RJ and I have a dog named Ginger. We adopted her from a friend of ours when she was a puppy. She is THE most amazing little thing. She started out 50% German Shepherd, 50% Husky...aka ALL dog. Then she slowly morphed into 20% German Shepherd, 20% Husky, 20% DIVA, 40%Human. Now she's just a really hairy teenager that talks a lot...seriously she will talk to you...and basically knows more about me then any other person, place or thing.

So, my tribute to Ginger, gigi girl, G-String, G-ja, gigga boom, G-Money, G-unit, G...pick your name is that what I get to learn in life I get to learn from Ginger! Here is part of the list so far. Feel free to add...

unconditional love

happiness

acceptance

dance

listen...intently

keep a constant vigil (two words for those of you that know her...window and tower)

lick your own wounds

snuggle

spread the love

sometimes you run but mostly saunter

cherrish the treats of life

catch snoflakes

sing with the music

confront the challenge

someone is always there to assist you...just look

tolerance

patience

kisses with morning breath aren't THAT bad

let your parents dance with you (yes, this is true)

be a pillow for a tired head

just go with the names you get called

enjoy nature

get your beauty rest...all day...every day

blow bubbles in your water

food is just food

sit under the Christmas Tree

chasing your tail (the past) will just make you dizzy

always take your wallet (dog tag) with you

shake it...you know you've got it!!!

smile

just BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Under Construction

How many times have I told myself that I was going to sit down and update my blog...hmmm, keep counting! I'm under construction, so I thought I'd leave a quick note just to let you all know that I'm alive and workin' on it. At least I left some new music : )

"I've got dreams to remember!"

Love ya in 09!!!!
Chels-amia

I know him as Daddy

I have experienced many rare moments in my life but am now witnessing the most precious of gifts...the making of my father. Never in a million years would I have guessed I would have this opportunity, however, never in a trillion years would I give this away!!! What a beautiful window to look into...to open my eyes and see my father loving my brothers, his new baby sons and becoming a daddy all over again!

I grew up knowing my dad was the only person that could teach me how to enjoy music (the right music), throw a football, build a sandcastle, strum a guitar or play a perfect game of 21. I also know now that I learned how to show compassion, smile, LAUGH, feel and treat people fairly from observing his kindness and consistancy.

My dad is THE funniest person I know! I have never laughed like I do when I am with him. He is in so many ways my friend, confidant, hero and my dear, dear love. A bond between a father and daughter is unbreakable, irreplaceable and eternal. I don't go a day without feeling his love and this year, especially, I owe my life to him. He has given to me so many gifts but none as precious as his thoughts, feelings, friendship and a shoulder to cry on.

Dad, I love you more than these words can say! I celebrate you and share you with the world each and every moment I get...but today I hold you on the pedestal high above all others and say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Ti Amo!

The Little Tykes

All the new music is inspired by the little tykes! Aston and Corey seem to be growing by the minute and are so sweet and snuggly. Like my dad has said, "they are in high demand" so I don't see them as much as I'd like...but I love them more and more each day. They are the most handsome and beautiful little boys. So good to their sisters!!! Much love!

Rock STAR!!!

Happy Birthday KP da Shelly!!! Casey, Casey, Casey (shaking my head) what can I say? Even though I am the younger sister I have watched you go from sweet and innocent to complete ROCK STAR (still sweet...)!!! You are one of the people that keep my life entertaining, always movin' along and completely FUNNY!!! I love you. I love your sense of humor and all the ways you bring that out in others.

You are a very powerful woman, love. You give so much to those in your life and bring such joy to the world! You are always inventing new ways to assist others with your forward thinking and creativity. I love your authenticity and the vulnerable way you open yourself to me as your sister. I cherish our talks and consider you my dear friend.

My emotions catch me off guard at times when I allow the complete love I feel for you and Stacey to consume my soul. Thank you for sharing your love with me. Thank you for teaching me. You are beautiful and shining in this great life you live. I know I will always be able look to my side to see you standing there offering your advice and support as only a big sister can.

I love you sweetie!!!

Introducing...

My baby brothers were born today...10.9.08!!! They are beautiful...BEAUTIFUL. I was caught up in the moment so pictures will be coming shortly but I get to announce it to the world...I AM A BIG SISTER!!!! Life is amazing! God is all knowing and loving!!!!

Animal Cookies

RJ and I went to the Zoo on our anniversary. It was so much fun! We were like two little kids! One of the most fun anniversary ideas EVER…thanks RJ!!

The Penguins really inspired RJ to get in tune with his inner self. I begged him to let me buy this penguin hat...NEG...cute picture though. He got a little "Hogle Zoo" hat instead.

I kept telling him that this wasn't a real lion but did give him an animal cookie for risking life and limb for this picture. Those teeth are pretty sharp and what if the water turned on...that could take your eye out!!!

When we walked in the gates the first thing we saw was the Train...we both turned to each other and said "let's ride the train." It was hillarious!!! This train is made for little people...like little kids...we were scrunched next to each other and lovin every minute of it. I couln't have been happier!
This elephant is too awesome! It was showing all these tricks and playing...yes, that's right...SOCCER!!! At first I felt bad that they had to put on a show for us...but then I was ready to throw money!!! So talented and I love elephants anyway because they mate for life...like me!!! (this is the ONLY time you are allowed to think of me in elephant terms :) )

My absolute favorite...the carosel!!! This was my favorite "ride" as a child. I even believe my parents would put me on this and tell the ticket taker to let me go around for an hour or two...I would have been completly content!!! RJ stood close just to make sure I didn't fall off...

These are some of the other animals. Seriously, this was a FUN day!!!

RJ's magestic pose with a Rhino statue...

I finally found a statue of "Thunder Cat" from He-Man..."I have the POWER!!!"

What a great time! We are goof balls and this was the perfect place for us to celebrate that! I had such a good time and we were laughing the entire time. I just felt like sharing our dorky moments and knew you would enjoy this as much as we did!!!

Love you MUCH

From the moment I joined my family I have been a sister but I have always been the little sister, the one everyone attempts to protect from the lessons in life, the one that will always be symbolically hoisted above the flooding waters and kept dry (or so you “think”). How wonderful is this feeling? How great is it to delight in the core defininition of words like family, love, compassion and sisterhood? IT IS ASTOUNDING!!! IT IS BREATHTAKING!!! IT IS TRULY BEAUTIFUL!!!

I love my family beyond measure! My sisters and I, as separate and unique as we are, share the same heartbeat and the same devotion to each other. I live in a space of gratitude and appreciation for this gift but believe it or not…I now face the most humbling and divine experience of my life.




My little brothers, bless their sweet souls, have NO IDEA what they are getting into…unless they do!!! They are entering a family that is mostly crazy but completely unique!!! They are completing a family that is rare in its compassion and way too close with its disclosure. My dad can confirm this…three very loud and open daughters will teach you this quickly!

It humors me to feel that it’s taken me this long to figure it out. I have “titles” that are offered by the levels of life that open themselves to me. I have accomplishments and I have successes that could carry me all my days but I have yet to fully experience the one that has impacted my life so intimately…that of sister…big sister!

Time has allowed me the chance to let this change permeate the layers of my life and I am EXCITED!!! I know I really have no idea what to expect or how to really feel. However, I do feel love and a tangible connection with these spirits that I know are “old souls.” I know what they have already taught me and I marvel at the possibilities of what they will continue to unveil.

I know that I will absolutely lay my life down for them. I know I will be the best example I can be to them. I know I will be the crazy, wacked out sister that only I can be for them. With a little help from the other “sisters,” and by this I do NOT mean nuns, these little boys are going to be the most spoiled, most carried, most sporty and most LOVED little brothers in the world. So to my dad and Amy I say…“Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones (Gen 50:21).”

Love you MUCH!!!

Only The Beginning

RJ and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary on August 28th. I can happily and honestly say, this is only the beginning. We have grown up together in so many ways and it's hard at times for me to tell where we are two in the fabric of one. My life memories are scattered with the laughter, the smile and the love of the most amazing person. If you are fortunate enough to know RJ, you know these qualities. His laugh is infectious. His smile is unforgettable and his love is perfect!

RJ and I have been through lessons that have challenged us, brought us closer together than most people would ever "hope" to be and yet today I feel closer to him that I did yesterday. I have known RJ for over half my life. I have had daily contact (for the most part) with him for the last 16 years and I ache and desire to be near him, to learn of him, to feel him and to continue to know him.

It is my blessing to be "married to my best friend!" I have the opportunity to stay up all night and giggle about the most obsurd situations with him...to hold his hand through tragedy...to see him succeed with honor...to hold him close when we dance...and to begin our life together. I am grateful!

RJ, I am in love with you! Ti Amo!!!