My Husband

I talk a lot about my kids and myself but I don't talk nearly as much as I should about Jeremy. Jeremy is my rock. I know he will always support me, he will always be there for the kids, and he will always put us first before himself.

Other things I love about Jer....he is a leader. We are complete opposites in this field but that is why we work well together. Whether it is at work, home or with complete strangers he knows what he wants/needs and won't back down if he knows it's right.

The kids love to have him around. I know that I can go to work, the store, or to get my hair done and the kids will not only be taken care of they will have a great time. He plays baseball with them, he plays the tickle game, he watches their favorite movies with them. He also encourages them to be responsible for their actions and for their stuff. He teaches them leadership and how to go for what you want. In fact the only time Jer and the kids clash is when they are all being headstrong and no one wants to give in.

I love the way Jeremy treats marriage. This is what he decided to do so he will stick to it no matter what. Family and our marriage is important to him. He works hard to get along with me. Even if he has to listen to my incoherent babbling sometimes...okay, all the time.

I love that he is strong. Not only physically but mentally too. That is why I call him my rock. No fickle behavior for him. Speaking of strong, I also love that I feel small next to him. His (rock hard) legs are almost as big around as my waist. His shoulders are broad, his neck is thick, and his chest is bigger around than mine! I love to try to wrap my arms around him and barley be able to. No skinny twigs for me! I like 'em thick and strong like the tree trunk.

The best part about being married to Jeremy? I get all of the things above but when it comes right down to it he is sensitive, caring, and vulnerable too. I can take care of him just as well as he can take care of me. He is my rock and my loving teddy bear, a leader and a committed spouse. He is strong and sensitive, and the best daddy our kids could have.

I love you Jer. Thanks for being the best thing in my life.

What's with this weather, it is so GAY

My cute Tre comes home from school yesterday and asks in an exasperated voice, "Mom, is it spring or is it winter?" I wish I new the answer to that question. Welcome to Utah! Maybe you can wear shorts to school again in May.

Another funny story...Tre was watching The Simpsons on T.V. last night. The episode was about Marge's sister wanting to marry another woman because she thinks she is gay. I am not sure if Tre understands the whole "gay" thing. So they show a bunch of men holding hands and hugging and Tre says while rolling his eyes and shaking his head, "This is so gay!". Although he didn't mean it as homosexual, he meant it as lame. I guess we have some explaining to do about acceptance and different lifestyles.

Anabelle

I don't get this girl. She may look cute but if what is on the inside that counts then we are in trouble. Ask anyone that knows her and they will tell you that she has serious attitude. Nothing really wrong with this for the most part. Sure you want your girl to be outspoken, outgoing, and not a pushover. But what about the mom that has to deal with that DAILY? I have tried ignoring it. I have tried punishing her when she gets sassy (aka rude). I have tried nicely telling her that it is better to be nice then mean. No go. This hasn't worked.

So where do we go from here? I am so frustrated today! I tried to pick out two (favorite) outfits for her to wear today and I got brutally rebuffed. So she picked out her own outfit. Okay, I guess I can overlook this. The problem lies in that this is a constant struggle with EVERYTHING.

Recent example...She wants to come with me to work so she doesn't have to stay home with daddy, but doesn't get her way on this. So, when I tell her that she gets to come with me to a baby shower this Saturday I thought she would be happy. Oh, no. She wants to stay home with daddy because she hates baby stuff. Whatever.

I know this is not 'just a phase' because it has been going on since birth. And really got bad at about age 2. She is 5. The only thing that helps me feel better is that she is an ANGEL at preschool. She loves it and her teacher says she is so well behaved and helpful to the younger kids. What? My Anabelle? So what does that say about me. Am I doing something wrong or does she just not like me.

Reverse psychology is where it is at. I have to make her think that it was her idea or that I don't want her to do something so she will do it. Example...we are going to Hawaii in a couple weeks. I am really excited so that means she isn't. She doesn't want to swim in the ocean, she doesn't want to ride on an airplane, and she doesn't want to stay in a hotel. Just typical Anabelle, so I told her that she is too young to swim in the ocean and has to stay on the beach. I will also tell her that they might not let her on the airplane so we will have to sneak her on. Then if I tell her that I don't like the hotel we are staying in then she will want to go there.

This is too much work! Can't I just have a break? Is this going to end or am I in it for life.

Easter 2008

We LOVE Easter in this family!! What's not to love? Candy, coloring eggs, candy, spring, candy, flowers, candy, and candy!! Oh, and new summer clothes and shoes. This year Easter came early...a little too early! March 23th is not quite Easter weather but at least there was no rain or snow, only bright blue skies and sunshine.

Coloring Easter Eggs:

Easter Morning:

Easter Egg Hunts (at the park and Nana's):

Jeremy in his Easter best (behavior)

Notice there is no bird in site!!

Take the Poll

We can't let the kids have all the fun so I am trying to figure out what cartoon character best mimics mine and Jeremy's personality. Take the poll to the right and let us know your feelings on this very important subject. Visual aids are below

Thanks!

Gaston

The Beast

Betty Boop

Miss Piggy

Princess Fiona

Tigger

St. George Home Show 2008

Every year we like to go to the home show in St. George. I like the decorating ideas....like indoor slides, trampolines, and rock walls. The kids like the free candy in all of the garages, including the fresh warm chocolate chip cookies baked on a BBQ grill. My mom likes to take pictures (including the ones below). Jeremy likes to check out the cabinets and talk to potential clients and Roger is just a good sport and likes to hang out. And if we are lucky enough to get some sunny weather in February then we'll take it! The kids will even swim in 50 degree weather at the hotel pool. Crazy kids!

Tre, Belle, and Brooklynn in one of the many walk-in showers
Brookie and Belle playing on a fence outside one of the homes
Tre and Brook hanging out on the fence
The whole crew!!

Mom, Roger, Jeff, Braden, Steph, Jason, Kara, me, and Jer

Welcome

Welcome to our family blog. Not to be confused with Tough Girl, which is now only my personal training blog. I love my family so much and am so glad that I can keep a record of the crazy things we do, the holiday's we celebrate, and the ins and outs of life in the Smith household.

The kids made up thier own names (Tink the Stink and Taz the Spaz) after Jeremy got a tattoo of them on each arm when they were little. For some reason, when they were only babies we knew what kind of cartoon character best described them. Or maybe they turned out that way because we labled them as such. Either way I wouldn't trade them for the world. Hope you find our lives as exciting as we do.