An Evening Of Romance

After all these years I finally pulled off a suprise for Ryan.I can't believe it was seventeen years ago that I asked him to Sweetheart formal girls choice dance. A few weeks ago I bought two tickets to see Jim Brickman perform with the Teton Chamber Orchestra. I kept it a suprise up until we were supposed to be at the Civic Auditorium. I only told my mom so she knew and agreed to watch the kids. I told Ryan that on February 12th I was taking him on a date. He kept guessing, but had no iea. He was very impressed when he opened his Valentine card I made him and the tickets were inside.







The concert was so beautiful. It was exactly what we both needed to reconnect. As I sat on the edge of my seat, Ryan would put his arm around me or hold my hand. I had goosebumps. There were times when I was crying. The music touched my soul. I could see Ryan looking at me out of the corner of my eye. I looked over once and saw he was teary eyed.

The Teton Chamber Orchestra is the only orchestra that tours and accomponies various artists. Jim also had the very beautiful Anne Cochran accompany him on vocals. If I could sing I would pick her voice. It is very deep, husky absolutely heavenly. Anne sang the song " After all these years". Ryan and I both thought it was perfect for us. Jim told us that he grew up in Cleveland Ohio and went to high school with Anne. They've played together off and on since then. Tracy Silverman "The greatsest living exponent of the electric violin" Julliard graduate accompanied him as well. Ryan and I couldn't believe what Tracy was able to do on what he called a hybrid violoin. It is yellow and he plays it with a bow, it has six strings like a guitar. He could play anything from classical,pop,rock to heavy metal. Ryan was headbanging at one point when Jim was playing very seriously and Tracy was rock'in out. Too Cool! Jim said he thought Beethoven was turning in his grave. Tracy laughed and said Oh well he's already dead it won't hurt him.


Jim Brickman has the greatest sense of humor. He would say the funniest things. He told us that when he meets people and they don't know him and ask what kind of music he plays he said it's hard to explain. So he started telling people he's the world's newest romantic piano sensation. It was so funny. He was making fun of himself...kind of like on SNL they make fun of Celion Dion she is the greatest singer in all of the world. Anne was singing with Jim and told him he's now the galaxy's piano sensation. Apparently one of the Astronaunt's that is up in space requested one of Jim's song's for their wake up call. He said Wow I'm going to start using that. He seemed really humble. Ryan and I both felt he was inspired by the spirit. The entire time we were there we felt close to the spirit and Jaxon. Ryan told me he hadn't felt it for a long time. Jaxon made me a Valentine with Ryan's help and I framed it and it hangs on the wall in my bedroom on my side of the room. He has always been my Valentine. Jim has a beautiful song called Valentine.Jaxon and I used to listen to Jim Brickman cd's all the time. His song Destiny is one of our favorites. I use his music to Escape from reality when I'm having a hard day. He even commented on that's what inspired his Escape cd was it was a way he could give people a way to get away even if it was for only three minutes.


The concert started at 7:30 and went until 10:00. There was a fifteen minute intermission. We saw several people we knew, including Dr. Robinson my doctor that delivered Conor. I spoke to him for a bit. He's such a neat guy. I also saw my ENT doctor that took my tonsils out. I saw Mr. Hinckley my High School Pricipal. When the concert was over Ryan and I talked to Ranae Miner, my friend Kim's mom. Ryan works with her son Brian. We talked about the good O'le days when I lived on Avocet and Stokes was the only thing past the Grand Teton Mall. Her and her husband Lance owned that store. Ryan and I walked arm in arm to the car and felt so uplifted. He told me it was the perfect date and that he would much rather go to something like that than a rock concert. It was a very nice evening. I'm so grateful we were able to go and see this in Idaho Falls. Jim commented on the piano...he said he usually takes his piano on tour with him. However he didn't this time. He said the Civic's piano was very nice and it was nice of them to let him have it. Everyone laughed. Our seats were so good we could see his fingers perfectly. This was deinetly what the program promised "An evening of Romance with Jim Brickman". We didn't get home until 11:00 and it was pretty hard getting up for work this morning. The kids didn't want to get up for pre-school either. Once I told them they were having their Valentine party they were excited.

Crazy Week

What a crazy week we have had. I took a really bad fall on the ice. I was returning from lunch and went to get out of my car in the parking lot at my office, and went down in a blaze of fury. There was no time for me to grab onto my car door or anything. The door was open and I went down hard. My head hit the stepside of my Armada. I blacked out went down further to the ground. No one was around I figured from the time I got out of the car and got up it was 15 minutes. I think I was unconscience for 10 minutes. I brushed myself off,I was so nausaus I threw up. My vision was blurred and I was seeing spots like floaters and flashers. After I hit my head I smacked my upper back on the thick ice. I hobbled inside my office. My clothes were soaking wet from laying in the snow. I was in alot of pain. I was bawling. Dr. Fred came back from lunch an hour later. He worked on my head and back. The worst pain was from the back of my head right above the base of my neck. It is still so tender.I called my MD and he said I had a concussion and gave me a list of things to watch for. If I had contiued blurred vision they'd schedule a CT scan. I called and scheduled back to back massage appointments. I am going to continue seeing the massage therapist twice a week until I feel better.

Thursday I was on my way to work, Dr. Fred called me and said he was snowed in.He has never called in ever in the thirteen years I've worked for him. I couldn't believe it. They plowed where he lives and with the forty mile an hour winds all the snow blew in his driveway. He has a huge diesel truck and tried for a hour and a half to get out. I left Jake and Marli homw with Ryan. I dropped Conor off at my Dad's. I went into work to call all of the patients and get them rescheduled for Friday. I worked until 12:00. My Dad said he would keep Conor until he picked my mom up from work at 4:00. I went home made lunch, chocolate/peanut butter chip cookies and got dinner going in the crock pot. It was so nice to be home as a family. I was taking a nap with Marli when my parents came over. They ate dinner with us. We had porkchops, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls and cookies. It was yummy. Marli wasn't feeling well she had a cough for a couple days, but no other symptoms. Now she was bawling her ears hurt. So I took her into the doctor. She has a double ear infection as well as a upper respiratory infection. We went and got her prescriptions, and then ice cream from Reed's Dairy. Went home and we all had ice cream. Jake was a little under the weather,but not to bad. Ryan and I have been feeling a little sick too. I kept the kids home from pre-school Friday.




Here are a few of my favorite photos ..........


My Best Friend Jax




Conor on his blessing day




Marli Pooh




Ryan and Jakey



Ok so last September several friends recommended this book.........


I bought it and it's been sitting on my nightstand. Thursday I was so tired and restless. I COULD NOT fall asleep. I decided I would read. I looked at the books on my nightstand and decided I probablly wouldn't like this one and I'd get bored and fall asleep. So not the case I was up most of the night and could not stop reading. Ryan was at work and I had no desire to take all three sick kids out.Ryan's first day off will be Tuesday. It was pretty rough being home with all three sick kids for three days. I decided after getting the house clean and laundry down I would play with the kids and get them plenty of snacks so I could curl up with cranky Conor (who now was pretty sick, he wouldn't let me put him down he was feeling miserable, so sad it was breaking my heart)and my new obsessions this book. I was afraid I was going to finish it and not have the sequel New moon. I called my good O'le reliable Dad to see what he was up to. He was out and about. I asked him to go to Desert Book and pick up a couple books for me. He said "Sure No Probmem". I called Desert book asked if they had New Moon and the third Book Eclipse. They did I paid for it over the phone and while I was talking to the guy my Dad walked in the store. They handed him the sack and he was on his way to my house. Yippee! I can not believe how into this book I am. Two of my friends are reading it right now. We call each other and go off about certain things. Man I can't believe I finished it.... all 498 pages.


I found these photo's on the author's website.

Bella's 53 chevy truck



Most of the story takes place in a small town called Forks, by the Washington pennisula it's so green,because it rains pratically everyday.










Edward's Volvo


I'm already on chapter three of New Moon. I brought it to work with me today hoping after I caught up on my work I can sneek a few pages in. Next week I only have to work Thursday so I'm sure by the end of next weekend I'll have finished book three Eclipse. This is so frightening to me how obseessed I am at finding out what happens next. My really good friend Kristi who is also my VT partner and compassionate service partner said that there has been some contraversy on these books, her husband Ken manages both Desert Book stores in Idaho Falls. Some of the employee's won't recommend the books. The author graduated from BYU. I didn't find anything ofensive while reading it. It really takes a lot for me to get into a story, with three kids and work and church and BLAH,Blah,Blah. This was good therapy for me to have something I so look forward to doing that doesn't take much energy on my part. I feel so exhausted lately. This weekend was just what I needed. I feel like my batteries are recharged and I can make it through the week.

Thank You

I would like to thank Cami D. for the fabulous job she did on my blog. It's so stinking cute. She put a lot of time into making it just right. It's so perfect. Ryan & I totally love it. Thank you Cami you are so awesome, I really appreciate you. I want to thank Carrie for finding the perfect picture of Jaxon and getting it to Cami for me. I love that picture of Jaxon. I emailed Carrie and asked her to find a picture of Jaxon. As always she came through. Thank you Care. I love you! Now our blog is complete. I hope it's OK that I cased this adorable picture of Cami and Lucas. I couldn't help myself. They just look so happy!



I have to say that from time to time I see Jaxon in the other kids, but today to see the four of them side by side is overwhelming. I'm bawling right now. I am so grateful to be their Mother. I love them so much and feel so blessed to have such good kids.

Also I would like to thank my good friend Nikki for the pictures that Cami used for my blog header. She is a wonderful friend that is taking the photography world by storm. She lives two doors down from me. She is running a Valentine special. If anyone is interested her phone # is (208)-557-0349 Nikki Foust Photography. I'll be sending out new pictures of the kids via mail soon. I just got my pictures back today and they are really cute.

Jaxon Is My Idea Of Heaven

I was showing Ryan the makeover of our blog....Thanks Cami. We love what she was able to do with the place. Ryan asked me where Jaxon's picture was. I was thinking it too. So this is what I've been doing for the past three hours. Now that I played around with the slide show I think I've got it figured out. I hope everyone enjoys this. I sure love Jax and miss him very much. As I've been looking at baby pictures of Jaxon I can't help but see a resemblance between him and Conor.

Jaxon Slideshow

Big Girl

This is totally how I feel today!

It Must Be Love

Conor loves bath time. He smiles and laughs. He's so happy.
This picture cracks me up. I know it looks like Conor is wearing a bonnet. I promise he's not. I got him this tub. It works awesome. It has a head rest and hammock. It's perfect right now while he's little. It holds his head up above the water. His body weight brings him down a bit so he's laying in the warm water. This is so nice because babies are so slippery when their all lathered up. This tub will grow with him which is really cool. When he gets bigger and can sit up, I'll take the hammock out and he can sit in the enclosed tub.

Papa Bill says Conor's going to grow up to be a traffic cop, he'll do a great job directing the traffic. He's always got his arms and hands swinging all over the place.


Whenever Conor is fussy or having a hard time. We take his feet out of whatever he's wearing. He smiles real big and kicks his legs. He loves not having clothes on.

It Must Be Love
Oh It Must Be Love
I Fall Like A Sparrow
I Fly Like A Dove

It Must Be Love
You Must Be The Dream
I've Been Dreaming Of
Oh It Must Be Love




Little Conor James is 3 months old today. I honestly can't believe how fast the last few months have flown by. Conor is such a sweet baby. He smiles all the time. He's been trying to communicate with us. He mimics the sounds we make. Jake and Marli are always asking me "what did he say"? Then they'll make something up. Conor makes the cutest noises. We are so blessed to have him in our family. It's hard to imagine life without him. He is such an absolute joy.


We love our Little Smiley Pooh. He makes us all so happy.

Private

I have known for a while that I have a stalker. Unfortunately it's my crazy neighbor. I have been forced to make my blog private. I hope everyone understands and gets me their email so I can invite them. I can't believe I have been forced to do this. I have been trying to simplify my life and really can do with out all the drama. Hopefully this will eliminate the problem. I love you all.

What Ryan Smith Means

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What does your name mean

I copied this idea from Cami. Thanks Cami! This definitely peaked my curiosity about how others perceive me and what it has to say about everyone else.I agree with some of this,but not all of it.

What Lori Smith Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I hope I don't crush the weak. I actually am most comfortable at home. I hope I'm not selfish and overbearing. If this is true all I can say is Sorry I had no idea. Try this and share your results. It was interesting that it came up with all that just from my name.

Tonsils and Adnoids

On December 20th I had my tonsils and adenoids removed. I had Strep throat 5 times and numerous sinus infections over the last year and a half. The doctor told me the reason why I can never get rid of my sore throat is because my tonsils are so full of infection that as soon as I stop taking an antibiotic the strep comes right back.
The doctor didn't know if he would have to take out my adnoids until he got in there.
I had no idea that when I left Mountain View Hospital after having Conor I would be back less than two months later. Ryan took this picture of me right before I had the tonsil surgery.


Notice I'm smiling real big. Obviously I'm clueless as what is about to happen to me.





Ryan took this picture of me the day after the surgery. I don't remember him taking this picture. As I have talked to my mom over the last couple of weeks I've realized I don't remember a lot of what happened right after the surgery and up to a week later. It's a terrible feeling to not remember things. I've talked to several people about this and they have reassured me that after having surgery it's normal to have memory loss. It's probably all the stupid drugs they give you.We went to the movie National Treasure two the day after my surgery. I don't remember walking into the Theatre or the movie or leaving. I do remember sitting next to Grandma Phyllis though. It's a good thing my parents kept Conor after Ryan had to go back to work. I'm so lucky to have loving parents that love their Grand kids so much. I thought they kept Conor for two nights my mom told me they had him five nights.I guess my dad would come and get Marli and I in the morning and then take us home at night to see Ryan. Jake and Conor stayed at their house so I could rest. I remember being at my parents house,but not going home or riding in the car back to their house. CRAZY!!!! Thursday it was four weeks since the tonsil surgery and I'm finally feeling fairly good. I haven't gotten my appetite back yet. My parents got us a Ruby River gift card for Christmas. Ryan keeps asking me if I'm ready for a Ribeye steak. Not yet, but hopefully soon.
I can't believe how long it has taken me to recover from this. I can breath so much better and haven't had a migraine, or sinus pain since the surgery. The throat pain isn't any worse than having strep either. It's just the ear pain and pain that goes with healing and being really tired that has been the worst part. It's amazing how much better a person can feel when their brain gets the proper oxygen.

Gary & Linda

We have some of the best neighbors on the planet. Our friends Gary & Linda live across the street from us. They don't have any kids, but two adorable female beagle dogs. After Conor was born they brought us a pumpkin roll (my all time favorite thing to eat) and a puppy quilt that the two of them made. It meant so much to us.Ryan and I couldn't believe that the two of them picked out the fabric, bought the pattern and sewed this together. They are so awesome.



The blanket is huge. Conor will be able to use it forever. The ears and paws fold over. The material they used for the paws has little paw prints,so cute. It's so fun to put the blanket on the floor and wrap him up in it. Jake and Marli love to lay on it too.



A week ago Friday Linda, my other neighbor Nikki and I went to a stampin up get together. It was just what the doctor ordered for me. I got a couple projects done. The best part was just hanging out with the girls. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends that live so close to me. Both Linda and Nikki knew I was having a hard time and have called or came over daily to see how I'm doing. I don't know if it's because of hormones or the bitter cold weather,but I have really had the blues. I think some warm weather or a hot tub is all I need.

BrandonBob

My brother Brandon was able to come home for Thanksgiving. I know it was almost two months ago and I'm just now getting around to documenting it. At the rate I'm going it's better late than never right? Anyway it was the first time he's been home in way too long. He lives in Couerd'Alene Idaho. It was so good to see him.




Jacob couldn't look any more like Brandon if he was his kid. My mom is always telling Jake he reminds her of Brandon so much. He likes to tease and joke around just like my brother. Now Jake is totally into Lego's just like Brandon was. He has those dark brown eyes that are gorgeous and that smile that will always get him out of trouble too.



Marli wouldn't let him out of her sight she wanted to sit on his lap and be right next to him.



Me and my little brother. I love him so much. I wish he lived closer so my kids could hang out with him on a daily basis. When Jaxon was little Brandon would watch him for me and loved spending time with him. Jaxon loved Uncle Brandon and would laugh and tease just like him.

On December 29th (my dad's birthday) Brandon was in an accident where a guy accidentally cut Brandon's right hand across the top of his knuckles. It's pretty bad. He'll be off work for a few months. Brandon has a really cute girlfriend Kayla that has been taking care of him. I've never met her, but talked to her on the phone. She seems like a sweetheart. I'm so grateful he has her.





I have lost so much sleep worrying about him and praying his hand will heal properly. He had to have surgery on it. The doctor told him it was the worst cut he had ever seen. For the most part the surgery went well. Brandon's tendon in his pinkie shriveled up and went back up his arm. The doctor had to make several incision to repair it. I wish so badly I could be the one that is taking care of him. I was eleven when he was born and always loved taking care of him.

Here's some pictures of his hand. This breaks my heart that this happened to him. I have had to pray continuously to forgive the idiot I mean person who did this to my brother.



My brother told me he was awake for the surgery and could feel what the doctor was doing. He begged them to knock him out and they told him they couldn't. After having Conor I had my tubes tied. I was awake and could feel what the doctor was doing and it was awful. I felt so bad that my brother had to go through this.




My mom and I put together a care package for Brandon and Kayla. They got it and loved everything we put in it. I wanted to do something nice for Kayla to let her know how much I appreciate her. I hope we can meet her soon.

Marli Pooh

These are some pictures of Marli with her dance class. She loves dance. It's a jazz/ballet/tap class. The last couple weeks they started using their tap shoes in class. It's so fun to watch her. I took dance and loved it and it brings back so many memories when I watch her. She is in her element when she's in class. She listens to her teacher and watches her very closely. Most the girls in the glass goof off and could care less. Marli wants to be right next to Miss Stephanie and do exactly what she does.



The girls got to wear their Halloween costumes to class for the Halloween party.




Marli's class has performed a couple of times. They danced three songs at the Festival of Trees and then at Hillcrest Highschool for a fundraiser for a family that was in a bad car accident.

Marli cracks me up. We never know what is going to come out of her mouth. Today we were downstairs hanging out. She comes over to me and tells me her night light is broken and it needs a new battery. "Mom can we please go to the store and buy a new battery...PLEASE"? Well the funny part is that it plugs in to the outlet it needs a new bulb not batteries.





Lately Marli has been my big helper. She loves to help me in any way. She has always helped me do laundry by throwing the clothes in the washer and then handing me the clean clothes out of the dryer to fold. A couple weeks ago she asked me how to fold the towels. I showed her once and now she folds all the towels. If I grab a towel out of the dryer she grabs it from me and says " NO MINE". If I need something for Conor she is more than willing to go get whatever I need.Conor loves his big sister even though she is always up in his face singing and bugging him. She loves her baby brother. Papa Bill taught her a song to sing to Conor. Let's just say it sounds like a broken record at our house 90% of the time. She calls Conor Baby and wants to be right next to him. She's a total sweetheart. I'm so grateful to have a daughter, I always wanted a sister and never got one. I really wanted Marli to have a sister and she's not going to get one either. I was talking to her the other night about this. She said "Mom I don't need a sister because I have you and your my bestest friend ever". Yeah I cried. She always makes me feel good. Whenever I try to kiss her she tells me she can kiss me, but I can't kiss her. Oh Marli Pooh Mommy loves you.