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Congratulations Kjersti!!!

Kjersti was nominated, along with 4 other students for the "Most Graphically Envisioned" Star Award given at White River High School,

AND SHE WON!!!!!

The School had a wonderful Star Award Assembly today and handed out about 20 different awards to achieving students. Kjersti has really excelled in Graphic Design this year. She has designed some really cool art and really loves that class. All her hard work paid off. The school recognized her in front of the whole student body and everyone clapped and cheered for her. It was really wonderful. I was so happy for her!! She was walking on air as she received her award. Her art work will be on display tonight at the High School during a large art and achievement open house. I am so proud of her. I am so happy that she is being recognized for her amazing talent she has in art. Way to Go Kjersti!!! We love you!!!!

(The video is missing the nominee's names, but you'll get the idea.)

Getting Caught Up (Finally!)

I can't believe it is the middle of May already!! Nothing big has happened in our life, we are just busy living it!! We had a great Easter. The whole family was here for a huge egg hunt and we found an egg we hid last year. No one would eat the candy. I am sure we will find eggs for years to come around here!

Katie is still dealing with her migraines. Not as bad as when they started but bad enough to miss school way to often. We ran several test and still can't find anything that is causing them. On a better note, Katie and I, (her mother), signed up for a hip hop class. Other than not being able to move when it is over, it is a fun class and we are both having lots of laughs!! She recently did a talent show where she accompanied another singer and played a solo. All her class mates though it was really cool. Other than that, she is loving her camera. She sees the coolest things through her lens. These are some of my favorites.

Kjersti has been learning to DRIVE!! Want a scary experience in your life?? Sit with a teenager behind the wheel of tons of metal on the wrong side of the road!! AHHHHH!! Now to be fair, she has only done that once. Once is enough!! She has dived into a book she is writing. It's about dragon aliens from space. Have to love her imagination! She has also been working hard at finishing up all her Jr projects before school finishes. I can't believe she will be a senior next year.

Kazia and Connor are going great. They are looking forward to summer and sunshine. (Which we have had very little of.) The recently spent time with the reptile man and loved the snakes, turtles and alligators.

All four kids participated in their piano concert. They all did a great job. Kjersti and Katie are becoming quite the pianists. Kjersti will become Kazia's and Connors teacher next year. They are all excited about that. Katie enjoys stealing Kjersti's music and working twice as hard trying to out play Kjersti. Kjersti does not find it amusing at all!!

Dave and I are keeping very busy. When Dave is not driving the dump truck he has been rebuilding the sawmill and motor. He has over 50 hours on his metal lethe, machining one custom part for the motor to hook to the transmission, or something like that. All I know is he has loved the challenge and can't wait to start turning 4 foot diameter trees into sawdust! I have started getting ready for YW camp this year. I love being camp director. I am also starting to paint the master bathroom. Finish work is the funnest part of remodeling. In the very few days of sun we did manage to get the garden rototilled. Oh how I love the look of dirt!! It is so beautiful.

Dave and I also celebrated our 19th year Anniversary. I got a tractor with a bucket on the front. YAAA no more shoveling for me!! Dave got a lovely bouquet of flowers. We know how to meet each others needs! Ha-ha!!

Anyhow, now you are caught up. Hope everyone is enjoying their spring. Get out in the Sun!!

Spring Snow

I'm Dreaming of a White Easter!! Easter?? See, now that is just wrong! Where are the blossoms, the buds, the sunshine?? The winter weather won't go away. This was last nights snow storm. I hope it is the last!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!

Well, it finally happened -- AHHHHHHH!!!!! I am married to an OLD Man!! Dave turned 40 on Sunday. Forty, how could I be married to a 40 year old man???? I have always wanted a sugar daddy, only, where is the sugar??? Just kidding. Here are some of my favorite accomplishments Dave has accomplished in the last 40 years. A Great Wife, (of course!) and 4 wonderful children. His own business. Built his own house. Has collected numerous cars and tractors. Developed an awesome talent in fixing equipment. He's very creative. Has overcome many personal obstacles. Educated himself at school, through practical application, and spiritually. He is becoming very compassionate, loving and caring. Tries really hard and does not give up. Loves spending time with his kids. Dreams of a sawmill and is following his dream by creating a spectacular sawmill. He is very giving and helps others. He has a funny sense of humor. He works so hard for our family and provides many things for us. He's a great person and I love him very, very much. I am very grateful he is a part of my life!! So, I love you Dave. I hope you enjoyed turning 40!! By the way, where is your gray hair?????

I'm in Heaven with my New Found Hobbie!!

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles!!! I have found a new Hobie. I actually spend hours enjoying it. Installing a new 10 jet, hot tub with it's own heater is the best improvement to this house as far. I can soak for hours and the water temp. never changes. Bubbles are the funnest but adding lavender Epsom salt to soak in feels really good too!!! As you can tell, we have been working on our master bathroom. The walls are not done. They are still in drywall stage and I am mudding and taping all the seams but someday, hopefully by summer, the room will be a warm tan color with one red wall and a soft rose theme going on. I want it to match the bedroom. So far Dave and I have, with the help of my dad, finished all the plumbing in the whole house, the electrical on the second floor and have drywalled our master bathroom and walk in closet, the kids bathroom and shower room and almost finished the laundry room and hallways upstairs. (This is a major reason for not blogging for so long, we've been a bit busy.) It is so nice to have a toilet upstairs for use in the middle of the night and two more showers!! The kids have their own tub now, but can't seem to get them out of mine!! Now the fun start with all the mud and tape that needs to be slathered on the walls. After that it's fun the rest of the way till it is done. The goal is by summer to have the second floor done. Finally some progress on our house!! Anyways, my tub is calling me. A nice, long, hot soak with some candle light and peacefully serenity will feel so good tonight!! See ya!!

Eating Healthier

In an attempt to become a healthy family, we made a few changes in the Smith house. The first one is the way we eat. This was one of my first attempts and the kids loved it. I baked a Chicken breast rolled with a slice of lean ham and Swiss cheese. Topped with a chicken broth and fat-free cream, thickened slightly, sauce with Mushrooms. Then on the side I made baked potatoes, yams, carrots, and onions. I then seasoned it with vegetable seasoning. The kids loved it and ask for it all the time. I thought it was beautiful and colorful.

The second change we made was we joined a gym. I never thought I would with how hard work is just building and keeping up with gardening and the yard, but I have to say I do enjoy the gym. I really enjoy the classes they offer. I go every day, Dave goes when he doesn't work and the girls goal is 3 times a week. We have been working on this now for about 3 months and so far it has been positive. We all feel better and have more energy. I have lost 3 1/2 inches total over my whole self (most of it in my thighs and neck, if I could only move it more to the middle!! ha-ha) Anyhow, hopefully we will keep it up and by summer we should have lots of success.