That's what we do best

I always thought the families with all the handsome boys were so cute.

The Lord Will Provide

I remember a few weeks ago having a discussion with Mark about how much there is to worry about in this world and what we would do if there was a major disaster, etc. Of course I was the one with all the worries, and he mainly just listened to me but we'll still call it a "discussion." I mentioned that we are trying to do all of the right things like save our money and store food and water in case of an emergency and yet it seems like we are so behind in relation to people that are older than we are. I felt like being fairly new in the game we've kind of just gotten settled and started to get a handle on some of these things but it almost wasn't fair if there was an emergency at this point in our lives because if only we had another five or ten more years we'd be in a better position to handle something. We've got a decent amount of food, but there's lots more to do.

Yesterday the bishop of our ward challenged the congregation to go for a week living off of what we had on hand and not to go to the store to buy food if we could help it. We're suppose to pretend as if there was an emergency and we couldn't buy anything. Probably along with others in the crowd I silently assessed what I had in my home. One of the first things that came to my mind were the four gallons of milk I had sitting in the fridge. I don't really know why I bought that much milk at one time--it just seemed like the right thing to do. In addition, I had bought a big flat of four dozen eggs just two days before. When was the last time I bought that many eggs at one time? Actually, never in my whole life. Also I had recently bought quite a stash of canned tomatoes in addition to our other food storage items.

That's when I realized that no matter what trouble comes, if I am on the Lord's side He will take care of me and my family. He will make sure we are provided for if I am listening to His voice.

Obviously this was not a real emergency and we would have survived this week without the extra eggs and milk, but this was a great reminder of what a kind, gracious Father we have. Just a simple blessing only to show me that He is watching out for me and cares about our family.

So this week should be interesting. Tonight we had the obvious: spaghetti, canned corn, and homemade bread. I am trying not to use any of the meat I have in my freezer and actually use mainly nonperishable food items. Mark and I figure that I can make refried beans and rice every night and at least our kids won't be unhappy.

Snow Day

For President's Day we took a mini vacation for a few hours to let the boys play in the snow near Woods Canyon Lake.

Do you like our makeshift sled? Cute guys, don't you think?

After getting cold in the snow we picnicked in our car.

Fun times!

You've Got to Plant It to Kill It

Introducing the Smith family's very first garden.

We thought for our first try we'd start out small. That way if we kill everything it's only a small amount of everything.

Here's what we planted: 3 tomato plants, parsley, basil, peppers (jalapeno and serrano) and from seed we did snap peas, zuchinni, and spinach. We'll see what happens. There was also a plastic ball planted in one square. And some random beans and seeds which were gathered in pockets from off the garden center floor and then made it it to various spots in our yard.

We used the square foot method and we still have six more squares in which to plant something interesting. Will our garden survive?

Only time will tell.

Particle Man

I had a hard time even letting Dallin finish this sentence when he said it this morning:

"All of the particles inside my body are getting excited because we're going to the park and because my finger is getting better!"

And aunt Courtney thought she wasn't getting through to him last Sunday with all that chemistry talk.

Cool Enough For a Dance Party

There's only one family we were absolutely certain was completely cool enough to be invited to our first ever dance party. Your family probably is cool enough too. We just weren't sure. And it's awkward when you put yourself out there like that with, "Hey do you wanna go to a dance party with me?" and then the person won't even tell you to your face but hands you back a little handwritten "NO" the next day in algebra class.



We just didn't want to take any chances. And since between the gals and the guys we see the Johnstons about eight times a week we knew they would not let us down. Or at least since Coy's "boss" until his next leg of medical school is my very own Mark then Coy could get fired if he didn't show up and/or didn't totally get his groove on while at our first ever dance party.

Did you know that if you add in some little people then suddenly the Bunny Hop is fun again?

Swinging to the music

The kids were cool enough to do some breakdancing.

Thanks for the good times Johnstons. Who's cool enough for the next one?

February Challenge

This month I am challenging myself to not buying ANY fast food. We don't eat the stuff very often, but if I am out running errands or coming home from somewhere around lunchtime I am often tempted to stop and get something. I usually succumb once, sometimes twice in a week. So, for one month I will refrain.

Makes it easier that it's a short month.

It's even a shorter month since I just thought of this today and it's already the 3rd. Let's pretend yesterday wasn't February yet, okay? Besides it was only small ice cream cones from McDonald's while we were waiting for Mark to finalize documents for his "new" car. Necessity, right?