I'm still here

Hello friends. I'm sure all your Google readers are firing alarms that Shauna has actually posted something new. Well it's not going to be much, but just wanted to do a little rambling mostly for myself. I hope you don't mind.

Life is a little different than it was a few months ago, but instead of focusing on the changes, I am focusing on what I've learned. I've learned that what's most important to me are the people I hold in my arms everyday- my boys. I love them more than I love anything else. We've been so busy in the last few months that I sometimes forget they're the reason I wake up every day.

I've also learned that every challenge and every hardship is for our good. We have learned a lot in the last few weeks about ourselves and the things that really matter. We needed a good kick in the rear, and we got it. I welcome more challenges if that's what I need to be a better person. After all, that's the goal, right?

And a word to my mom and sisters who are actually probably the only ones reading this post, I love you. I think of you all the time and feel so grateful for your constant love and support.

As my dad would say, life is good.

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Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin Carving
Tobin is all smiles when his cute Amanda nanny is by his side. He LOVES her!

The kids didn't know that pumpkins don't smell very pleasant. They faked a smile long enough to snap a photo.

This was the reality of the event.

Seriously delicious.
Is there anything more festive than carving pumpkins the day before Halloween? We had a pumpkin carving party with Christian's friend, Justin, and our cute nanny, Amanda, and Kaylee. So fun.

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Tobin turns 3!

Tobin turns 3!
Shooting at Boondocks

Tobin's smashing spiders...ewwww!

Christian was in charge of all the tickets. Isn't he creative?

Cheers to Tobin!

Check out Tobe's Hulk cake... Our dear friend, the Sweet Tooth Fairy (aka Megan Brown), made this for him. She's AMAZING!

I'm fwee!

Tobin's Birthday

I'm cutting myself a little slack, but all the while feeling a bit guilty that I'm just now getting around to sharing Tobin's birthday memories with all ya'll. It was back in September. I've been a bit busy. But here it is, in all it's glory... a glimpse into Tobin's third birthday. Tobin wanted to go to Boondocks, play games, ride the bumper boats, and have dinner at his favorite spot, Noodles & Co. Here are a few snapshots from the evening. Thank you, Grandmas and Grandpa for all the wonderful gifts. Tobin loved his pile o' presents.

And to my little monkey, I love you. I love your little cheeks, the way you smile at me when you know you're being naughty, and the way you smell when I kiss your cute, little head. But most of all, I love the how your perfect blue eyes melt me. I love you, Tobe.

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The wait is over!

KNEADERS is officially open! YAAY! We have been counting down the days and we are finally here. We did our employee training all last week and ended training with our VIP luncheon and Friends & Family night. Things went smoothly and deliciously.... at least I thought so. Our employees seriously rock! Doors officially opened on Friday. Everything we've seen and experienced so far makes for a promising future! So to our patrons in northern Utah County, thank you for such a warm welcome. We're happy to be here.

ps-- to all our friends and family...thank you, thank you for your love and support. thank you for the words and texts of encouragement, the offers to help with manual labor, children, and anything under the sun, and for being the genuine and dear friends you all are. We couldn't have done it without you.

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I'm still here

Hello friends. I'm sure all your Google readers are firing alarms that Shauna has actually posted something new. Well it's not going to be much, but just wanted to do a little rambling mostly for myself. I hope you don't mind.

Life is a little different than it was a few months ago, but instead of focusing on the changes, I am focusing on what I've learned. I've learned that what's most important to me are the people I hold in my arms everyday- my boys. I love them more than I love anything else. We've been so busy in the last few months that I sometimes forget they're the reason I wake up every day.

I've also learned that every challenge and every hardship is for our good. We have learned a lot in the last few weeks about ourselves and the things that really matter. We needed a good kick in the rear, and we got it. I welcome more challenges if that's what I need to be a better person. After all, that's the goal, right?

And a word to my mom and sisters who are actually probably the only ones reading this blog, I love you. I think of you all the time and feel so grateful for your constant love and support.

As my dad would say, life is good.

my new crush

So I'm totally hooked. I just finished Twilight and can think of nothing else. Is Edward ever delicious or what??? I asked my husband if it's considered a crush if it's a character in a book. He just laughed.

A flag mistake

Warning: this next post is not for the hypersensative.

Anyone who knows Tobin knows that he and his cousin, Tav, share a love of flags. But Tobin hasn't perfected actually saying the word FLAG. Instead, it sounds like FAG. So today we were at Costco. Yay, we love that place. As we were walking down an isle, Tobin spotted a flag on a man's hat. He pointed to the man and said "A fag. A fag." Can you imagine!?! The man was actually a good sport and just looked at Tobe with a half smile. Oh brother. That poor guy.

Failure is not an option

Andrew was reading an article about the very impressive President of Disney-ABC TV, Anne Sweeney. He read part of it to me which included a quote that had made an impact on Ms. Sweeney's life. This was the quote:

~What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

It's got me thinking. Hopefully, it will do the same for you.

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Sunday in the canyon

When my family first moved to Utah, we spent a lot of time up the canyon. Whether we were having a picnic in Vivian Park or 4-wheeling at Tibble Fork, there was always an excuse to escape to the mountains. This last Sunday, Drew & I decided to take our boys on a drive up American Fork canyon and enjoy a little nature. As we were heading toward our destination, Christian kept asking "why are we going to Uncle Aaron's?" We passed "Uncle Aaron's", paid our six bucks, and drove slowly on the windy road, ending up at Tibble Fork Reservoir. The kids were anxious to get to the water and possibly spooked a couple fisherman on the way. We threw rocks in the lake and laughed at each other for a bit. Andrew even taught Christian how to skip rocks on the lake. We hopped back in the car and after driving for a bit, stopped at one of the newly remodeled campgrounds. We got out and headed straight to the river. Again, more rock throwing and splashing, but this time the kids actually got in the water and completely soaked eachother. Andrew and I didn't care one bit. We were just enjoying an actual conversation while the kids were playing...ha ha. Eventually, we walked back to our car, stripped wet clothes off of our cold littles, and headed for home. It was such a simple activity, but already a great memory. Christian is still talking about our little trip up the canyon and "next time". Run up there if you have a chance. So worth the effort.

Tobin with a rock in hand. Ready, set, throw.

Cute brothers.

My adorable husband. He's such a good papa.

Heather Stokes

Heather Stokes
I told a few people that I would post Heather's blog information. Check it out for daily updates on her condition. For those who don't know, my friend and neighbor, Heather, had a stroke on Wednesday. We are all very concerned and praying for a speedy recovery. Check out her blog....heatherstokes.blogspot.com. (In the picture above, Heather is the one on the far left.)

Cool kids

Cool kids
This is Christian with one of his cutest and best pals, Call. Call was baptized today. They look so much alike they could almost be brothers. Such handsome boys.

Here's the rest of the crew from the baptism. I have this funny little dream that these kids will still be running around with eachother in high school. Aren't they all so precious??

Back to school

Back to school
One of my favorite memories about starting school was that when the first day was over and I finally got to come home, my mom would have my favorite treats waiting for me. This is our third year of continuing the tradition. Christian was so happy with all his goodies.

He also got the Iron Man action figure he'd been eyeing at Target. I am totally spoiling my children. Since when did kids get rewards for going to school? I'm a softy for those brown eyes.

John Mayer Concert

John Mayer Concert


Andrew & I went to the John Mayer concert with Aaron & Courtney a couple weeks ago. We loved every minute of it! Colbie Callet opened and was divine. John Mayer is such a funny guy and so enjoyable and entertaining. Great memories.

The Kneaders ladies

The Kneaders ladies
Some of you may be wondering where I've been lately... I've actually been in training with these four fabulous ladies getting ready for our Kneaders store opening in the fall. So exciting and so surreal!

Andrew featured in BusinessQ magazine

Andrew featured in BusinessQ magazine
I always get in trouble for not telling all my friends and family when things like this come up, so I'm covering my bases on this one...Andrew was just featured in BusinessQ magazine for all his hard work with AxisPointe. It's a cool article and a fun read...so check it!

http://www.uvmag.com/summerbiz08/32_33.htm

I'm so proud of my Drew. He is amazing and such a positive person. He can make anything work!

For you, Mom. Here are a few pics of the latest at the Smith house. Love you. Have a great day!

For you, Mom.  Here are a few pics of the latest at the Smith house.  Love you.  Have a great day!
We took the kids to Circus Circus in Vegas. Tobin loved the 25 cent ride the most!

Christian recently saw the movie "Big" for the first time and thought it was so cool to see a real Zoltar machine.

They have all the good ole' carnival games at Circus Circus. Christian totally beat everyone at the water gun game! Good job, dude.

We took a hike on the Alpine trail (the one right behind our house). The boys took pictures, found bugs, threw rocks and even stopped for a snack.

We took the boys to the Strawberry Days rodeo in Pleasant Grove. They went crazy when they brought out motorcycles and ramps. Tobe loved all the cows...Moooo.

It's pretty funny when the two year old can take down the eight year old. The boys do a lot of wrestling these days. I guess that's what boys do.

The last three kittens...We sent the others to their new homes and didn't know what to do with the rest. So we sat in front of our local grocery store and gave these last three away. It was so fun to have all the kittens arounds. We miss them!

First snow cone of the summer

Since it is finally starting to feel like summer (yahoo!), the boys and I decided to kick off the dog days with a snow cone at the Peppermint Place. It's a darling little store with enough treats to make you think you have died and gone to heaven. Anyway, we walked out to the patio and had a snow cone made for each of us. It was the highlight of our day. Except the part where we had to buy a ceramic angel that Tobin broke...I spent far more than I was expecting on our little trip to get a snowie. Gotta laugh!

The Peppermint Place in Alpine

Christian & Tobin observing the snow cone constructing process.

Tobin was so stoked. He was smiling the whole time.

Christian picked watermelon and Tobin did banana...actually, he just wanted lello (which is yello in Tobin).

At last, we sat down and enjoyed our first snowie of the summer.

Christian's Baptism Day

Christian was baptized on May 31st. It was a great day. He is so excited to start Scouts and do all that comes with turning eight. We're so proud of our boy!

All set in white.

A day to remember.

Spencer & Emily tie the knot

My little brother, Spencer, got married last week and we now have a darling new sister-in-law, Emily. My mom came out from Florida to be here for the wedding and we have been playing and partying since she arrived. We have had so much fun together. Our peeps are so cool!

Spencer & Emily making a bubbly exit.

Here are a few pics from Spencer's big day...

Here are a few pics from Spencer's big day...
Bree's husband, Brandon, & my mom at the temple

Tobin was uncharacteristicly well behaved.

Mom & the Boshards

Inseparable sisters.

My two little golfers managed to hit a few balls before the reception.

Hello handsome hubby!!!

It's always a delight to visit with all our darling family. We love ya'll!