Smith Family Values

Where did I go?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:10:17 -0700

Sorry friends- I’ve been out of the blogging loop for quite some time. Being pregnant and running around with 3 kids kept me super busy! But on the bright side of things (not that running around with 3 kids isn’t bright) Shann and I had our baby boy on March 6th, 2013 at 8:05pm. “S.J.”, short for Shann Jr. was 8lbs, 8oz. and was 21 1/4” long. Delivered by cesarean (because he was stuck). I’m probably not going to post anymore for a while, since this ‘meatball’ of mine keeps me super busy.

Here he is, almost 7 weeks old. :)

Bed Rest?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:35:21 -0700

It’s possible… More news to come in the next 4 weeks. ((sigh))

It's a...

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:44:17 -0700

I had my ultrasound appointment this morning. Shann, Nathan and Caitlynn came along (because they’re home sick from school). I got right in to see the technician and made sure to drink my 2 Capri Suns 30 minutes prior to my visit to ensure the baby would be awake and responsive. It worked! We were placed in a huge, cozy room that allowed family members to sit and watch the ultrasound on a big screen TV. The kids were amazed - Shann was nervous. The ultrasound technician checked all the baby’s vitals and organs and everything looked great! The baby was sitting on it’s feet, so in order to check his toes, etc I had to lay on my side while she took pictures. Then the technician rolled right over the baby’s ‘happy spot’ ….

Before she could even blurt out the baby’s gender - I shouted with tears in my eyes “It’s a boy!” She confirmed. ;) Shann came over to me and gave me a huge hug. We’re beyond delighted! After the tearful moment, the technician rolled over the profile of the baby’s face - he already looks like Shann. Little guy was moving around so much, that the profile picture the tech attempted to take, came out blurry. Above is a picture I took of me this morning - It’s not the greatest but I’m definitely filling out. Ha!

Fall 2012 Update

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 09:48:50 -0700

It’s a cool sunny morning here in northern Arizona. It’s nice not waking up to intense heat, walking out your front door and feeling like someone’s got an enormous hair dryer pointed at you. It’s in the low 70’s now and temperatures rise to about the mid 80’s throughout the day. It’s still warm, but it’s comfortable.

It’s also Fall which means we’ve been decorating for Halloween since the middle of September. There’s just something really humble and refreshing about this time of year. We are almost done decorating the house and we’re just waiting for my brother to come over and help clean up the front yard so we can put our inflatables out. Our trees out front have thorns, the bushes have thorns and well, I don’t want to risk one of inflatables tearing because of them. My brother needs a few extra bucks which is why we are having him take care of it.

Parent-teacher conferences are also coming up. Thanks to the school’s online scheduling website, I was able to make appointments for all three kiddos on the same day around the same time. I’ve already had to meet with Nathan’s teacher and the vice principal already this year due to his rude behavior towards his instructor. Nathan is apparently being made fun of by other boys at school for being short, etc. He’s reacting and taking it out on his teacher, who he feels isn’t helping him much - with his academics also. It’s a tough ride being a parent and wanting the best for your children. To see them struggle in any matter is awful and I really hope that this crap subsides quickly because it stresses me the hell out and it hasn’t been healthy for Nathan either.

Moving on… I am now 17 weeks and 2 days pregnant. The bump is showing and the baby is moving! I have an ultrasound on Wednesday the 17th to check the baby’s organs and gender. I am really hoping the baby cooperates with the sonographer! I tried finding out if Caitlynn was a boy or girl but she didn’t want to show and I had to buy green and yellow clothes for her before she was born. I would love to be able to shop for boy or girl clothes this time around!

Caitlynn is becoming more excited about having a little sibling. She rubs my tummy every time she hugs me and talks to the baby. She’s so sweet. Chelsi is excited about the new addition to our family and so are her friends! She’s really hoping she won’t have to change a diaper though. Nathan is neutral and not showing much interest. He does ask a few questions every now and again… And then there is Shann who is lightheartedly complaining about having to put baby gates everywhere, move wires and pick up electronics, buying large amounts of diapers again, shampooing carpets, etc. In the mornings he’ll scoot over to me and put his arms around my tummy and hold position for a few minutes before he gets out of bed. It’s almost like he’s trying to bond… It’s cute. As for me? I am feeling just fine! Energy levels are good and my appetite is roaring now. I haven’t gained any weight yet and will continue to focus on healthy eating/drinking to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

That’s it for now… I will be sure to update in a few more weeks with a new ultrasound picture of Baby Smith!

First day of school! I have a 6th grader, a 4th grader and a 2nd...

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:12:34 -0700

First day of school! I have a 6th grader, a 4th grader and a 2nd grader! Yes, my second grader is taller than my 4th grader too. Poor Beau. ;) (Taken with Instagram)

My chunky monkey. Just cut her hair and she’s ready to...

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:59:23 -0700

My chunky monkey. Just cut her hair and she’s ready to meet her teacher tonight! Big girl is going into the 2nd grade.  (Taken with Instagram)

8 weeks 6 days! Baby has a healthy heartbeat! (Taken with...

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:23:31 -0700

8 weeks 6 days! Baby has a healthy heartbeat! (Taken with Instagram)

Saw this today. Eerrmehgawd, so cute!!  (Taken with Instagram)

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:48:21 -0700

Saw this today. Eerrmehgawd, so cute!!  (Taken with Instagram)

Breakfast. Yummy! (Taken with Instagram)

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:57:25 -0700

Breakfast. Yummy! (Taken with Instagram)

July 28th, 2012

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 09:12:42 -0700

Nothing new to report, other than us getting ready for the new school season to start. The children will begin school on the 13th of August. Caitlynn will be in second, Nathan in 4th and Chelsi in 6th! I can’t believe how quickly the time flies!!

I’ve been laying low lately - thanks to morning sickness. I don’t get it any particular time of the day, just whenever it wants to hit. I don’t throw up either, just feel super nauseous. I purchased this loose tea from “The Spoiled Momma” called “Happy Mornings” - it works wonders. ((7 1/2 weeks along today))

Stayed over at the parent’s house for a nice dinner and to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympic games last night (with kids - Shann was working). We were all pretty impressed. Good job London!

Shann has been working his tail off lately. The heat wears him down quickly but he’s able to cope. He was out until 1am last night and has more calls to run today. I think I’ll have some breakfast and some tea and take a nap.

Absence

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:32:14 -0700

I’ve been feeling very tired lately. I’ve also been in bed with Mr. Christian Gray and his 50 shades. Just finished the first book and would love to start on the second, but I think I’ll wait until the weekend is over - when daddy is back to work and the kids are playing. It’ll give me something to do when I’m bored. Shann teases me about the book - he should! I can’t believe I am reading such graphic hotness, but I’m close to 30, an adult and PREGNANT. Why not. :) Today was the first day in a while that I’ve felt good enough to get up and do anything. I cleaned the house, the pool and tidied up the front yard, washed laundry, made dinner, watered the plants, etc. I feel like I might have overdone it - I’m going to regret going full speed tomorrow.

It’s a quiet evening now… just took a warm shower and put fresh linens on the bed. I love the smell of fresh laundered sheets - it’s the best. Shann took Caitlynn on a daddy daughter date to an amusement park, and Chelsi and Nathan have friends over this weekend for sleepovers. They’re occupied with games and such. I will put the rugrats to bed soon and tuck myself in as well…

Breakfast!  I love this yogurt. (Taken with Instagram)

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 08:10:09 -0700

Breakfast!  I love this yogurt. (Taken with Instagram)

“Hoping For A Boy” I’m not going to lie -...

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:39:24 -0700

“Hoping For A Boy”

I’m not going to lie - Shann and I want a baby boy. Of course we’ll be blessed and pleased either way. It would be so cool for Nathan to have a little brother… Melts my heart just thinking about it.

I’ve been busy running errands today, but I’ve mostly had my nose in research. I’ve been looking into the “what I can/cannot eat” stuff - It’s been 8 years since I’ve been pregnant, a lot has changed! Gotta start off smart, ya know? I found myself getting a bit sidetracked and bookmarking websites that I want to buy cute baby things from. I also asked a friend about cloth diapering - believe it or not, I’m gonna give it a shot! Seems like it would be dirtier task then necessary, right? Nah… after years of research and trials, companies have made it so easy for parent’s to diaper their baby’s with cloth. A friend turned me onto this website, and she’s given me ALL the information I need to know… Keep in mind she’s got 2 twin 2 year olds and a newborn - all in cloth diapers! Super momma! http://www.diaperjunction.com/

As far as any side effects with this pregnancy, I have had close to none. Sure, the boobs have hurt and I am already crying at commercials and Disney movies. Oh, and I’m craving cucumbers and pink lemonaid. That’s about it. No morning sickness (thank GOD) - I never had that when I was pregnant with Caitlynn either. I feel pretty good physically, and of course mentally! Lets just hope it lasts!

“We’re expecting!” I should really be getting...

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:10:18 -0700

“We’re expecting!”

I should really be getting my ass to church. I have so many “thank-you’s” to say. I need to go to the highest mountain in Arizona and thank a higher power! It’s been five years (5) that Shann and I have been trying to conceive without the medical/professional help of doctors. I have a disease called Endometriosis that has given me chronic pelvic pain. The disease is hard to explain, but if you go Google, I’m sure you’d find something… Endometriosis can cause infertility. I have been to the doctor for numerous surgeries to cauterize it (due to the pain), and aspirate hemorrhagic ovarian cysts over and over again. I even had my left ovary and Fallopian tube removed in 2009 because a cyst which was attached to my ovary, also decided to attach itself to my uterus - causing a constant twisting/burning sensation. I was told by my OBGYN that if I wanted to conceive, that I better hurry up and try, as scar tissue could build up and eventually prevent me from becoming pregnant. After years of nothing, I finally came to accept that I may not be able to conceive ever again. My hope was lost, and my husband’s heart was crushed.

In 2011 I was sent to pain management and put on 4 different (very expensive) types of pain pills to help me cope with the pain on a day to day basis. The pills helped rid me of my pain, but they also prevented me from being active as all energy seemed to deplete. You all know I have 3 beautiful children (2 step children and 1 biological) so I cannot even think about having a little “down time” - OK, that’s an exaggeration. They’re older now, so they’re good at keeping themselves busy for an hour or two - But then they depend on me for giving them rides to friend’s houses, going to the mall, shopping, sports, entertaining friends here, etc. Long story short - the medicine was not a better alternative. I was now ready for a full hysterectomy. I also decided to rid my system of the medication. After a few weeks passed, I noticed that my “chronic” pain wasn’t so “chronic” anymore. Sure, my pain came in spurts and was enabling at times… but it wasn’t constant. “This I can definitely live with” I thought to myself.

As the pain faded away, our reservations for a hysterectomy were put on hold… Now, we are almost 6 weeks along and we are tickled and amazed beyond belief that it’s really happening. We understand that we’re still very early in the first trimester and ANYTHING could happen - but with our prayers and yours, and a little help from the big man above, we’ll be alright. ;)

Children’s Museum of Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ The kiddos and...

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 11:21:19 -0700

Children’s Museum of Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ

The kiddos and I went to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix last night. Target hosts a free admission night once a month and I thought I would take advantage of the offer. Doors were open for this special event from 5pm - 9pm. We waited until 6:30 for Shann to get off of work in order to leave, but he was stuck on a call and wasn’t able to make it. By the time we got down to the museum, the children had about an hour and a half to play. The museum was extremely packed and it was hard for the children to thoroughly enjoy themselves. I was appalled at the lack of mannerism the general population doesn’t have. People didn’t say excuse me, would stand right in front of incoming-ongoing foot traffic, children would push and pull others out of the way. Parents acted aggressive towards one another… It was just a mess. The time we spent there was enough, and maybe we’ll make it down there again on a day when we have to pay the admission fee and when Shann is available- I’m certain it will be much more enjoyable then…

http://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/

4th of July

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:20:56 -0700

I’m a little behind on posting and updating you all on the current events of the past couple of days. I do apologize to those that come on here every day and check in with me.

Wednesday the 4th, was such a great day. I took my brother to the Phoenix Art Museum and we spent a couple of hours there. I saw so many beautiful and intricate pieces of artwork. I could have spent hours gazing at certain pieces. There were even a few paintings from the early 1700’s that took me by surprise. The composition and attention to detail in things such as the fabric in a woman’s gown, were just amazing. I found myself lost, gazing into the eyes of sorrowed women, gazing at colors used, studying religious pieces from the 1600’s that seemed to be painted with so much love and appreciation. I was even taken back by the smell that permeated throughout the air… The smell of acrylics, temperas, canvas’, resins and clays; it all took me back to my own art classes that I had back in high school. Inspiring and appeasing. My brother and I enjoyed viewing pieces in the Modern Art section of the museum. Here are a few pictures that we both really enjoyed:

These were pieces of burnt wood - seemed to be strung together by thin acrylic wire. Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of this piece or the artist.

Here is another interesting piece. My brother sits off to the left viewing the art in front of him. “Face Me I Face You” is lit in the background.

After my brother and I left the museum, I drove us back up north to our parent’s home. The youngins’ were there swimming with their grandparent’s and enjoying breakfast and lunch while we were out. When we arrived the children were happy to see their uncle. Mom and dad were happy to see him too. We had such a nice afternoon watching black and white movies from the late 30’s while lounging with iced tea. Dad and Trevor BBQ’ed Tri-tip for dinner and also made spaghetti - the kids love it. For the most part, the day was calm and very enjoyable. It does my mother’s heart a lot of good to have us there and it does my brother good to be close to his family.

There weren’t any fireworks on the 4th up in Anthem, however there was a community 4th of July celebration that was held the night before. Here are a few pictures from that day. There family and I had a lot of fun - as always! :)

Calm Evening

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:40:42 -0700

Today has been a calm day. With Shann back at work and with the children’s help, I managed to drag my butt out of bed at a decent hour to take my medicine and do a little laundry. I feel a whole lot better today - I can’t really talk much yet, but that will come soon enough. Shann says he’s enjoying the ‘quiet’. Hahaha! Silly hubby, be nice! I’m going to chat your ear off sooner than later.

I had the opportunity today to briefly chat with a close friend of mine. I haven’t kept in contact with her as much as I would like to. I think it’s just hard to really find a moment of silence without the kids nagging for something, or find the time to get into a deep conversation. There is so much that we have yet to talk about. It’s been months since I’ve last spoken (on the phone) with her. We have a phone date tomorrow that I’m looking forward to. I still need to figure out what I’m going to do with the kids… Maybe I’ll throw them in the pool and sit on the patio swing while I chat?

All is well over in our neck of the woods… it’s 10:37pm and Shann was called out over an hour ago to South Phoenix to run a service call. I love my hard working - money making man… Just wish his on-call schedule wasn’t 24 hours a day. I will sign off for now, and stay awake as long as I can waiting for him to get home. Good night friends and family.

I love my girls. <3 (Taken with Instagram)

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:13:17 -0700

I love my girls. <3 (Taken with Instagram)

I’m feeling pretty good today. The swelling in my throat...

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:33:02 -0700

I’m feeling pretty good today. The swelling in my throat has gone down (thank you antibiotics) and my kids have been showering me with extra love. They went with daddy yesterday to grab a few things that they thought would make me feel better (listed in the picture above). Good job kiddos, and daddy too. I’ve been able to eat outside of my Jello diet today - I had the noodles in the chicken noodle soup! I could swallow them without grasping tight of something and baring the pain. On the road to recovery!

Other than that, it’s been a very unproductive weekend. I laid in bed for the 4th day in a row and slept a bit. Judging by the way I felt today, I should be back to my somewhat, normal self tomorrow. I’d love to get out and take the kids to the art museum but I might wait on that until Wednesday when I see my brother. I’d like him to come too and it would be good for him. The kids and I will just have to find something else to do, which in this town, isn’t hard to do. :)

Progressing

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 14:30:27 -0700

Holy swollen throat, Batman! Yeah, still feeling the pain. This Oxycodone crap that the doc gave me works just enough to take the edge off. Swallowing this Amoxicillan is a tough thing to do too - it feels like I’m choking down a quarter! (Wah wah wah) - I’m done complaining!

Kids are having another quiet day inside. That is a good thing, considering how hot it is outside (110°F)! Chelsi and Nathan have been tidying things up around the house and have started the laundry; Caitlynn is working on her room. The dogs and I have been resting on the bed, fading in and out of sleep. Just waiting for daddy to come home now - not sure when that’ll be since he’s on-call for the next week. Hopefully he’ll be home before 5 tonight, that way he can rest up before any possible calls come in and take him away from the home-front.

Speaking of the hubby and his work: we are starting to save money with the intentions of owning and operating our own HVAC company. We are hoping that it’ll be up and running by Fall of 2013! Shann and I have always gone back and forth with the idea of owning our own company but we haven’t really gone through with pursuing it. The idea is to keep the company a small, family-based business. We certainly don’t need a huge franchise to pay our bills, but we’ll gladly accept the huge workload that will come our way. Shann and I know just the right people to talk to, to help get us started - especially the CEO & founder of the ACCA. With both of our knowledge in the HVAC industry, Shann’s knowledge out in the field, his credentials and mine in the office and, we’re destined for success!

I suppose that’s all I’ll write for now… Hope you all are enjoying your day :)