As most of you know, I am new to this BLOG thing. A few days ago I was "tagged" by my friend, Mandy, down in Texas. I guess that means it is my turn to write 6 things about myself-or share 6 bad habits. To help me brainstorm, I asked my husband what my bad habits were and he said, "I'm not playing that game!" He proceeded to tell me all the wonderful traits I have instead. Is he good or what? So, I will just share some interesting or random things instead.
1. I have never made a microwave popcorn without burning it. I know, it sounds stupid-but it is true. I always think I can get just a few more pops in before I have to take it out of the microwave. In the Canary Islands (they have higher voltage there), I started a package on fire...it actually had flames shooting out the center! I had to go to a meeting a few minutes later and everyone was asking what the funny smell was in the room. They said it smelled like a campfire. My hair and clothes smelled so bad. My companion and I burst out laughing everytime someone said something about it.
2. Even though I can't remember anything from a movie I just saw 5 minutes ago, I can't stand to watch the same movie twice. I don't know why. It really bugs me. I always feel like I am wasting time and I feel anxious. I know there are people that have their fav's and they watch them over and over again. I married someone just like that and he gets very frustrated that I don't enjoy watching the same part of Starship Troopers where everyone is being blown away by giant bugs. I have never seen that movie, but I always seem to walk by the TV during the same part.
3. One of my biggest pet peeves is when my socks get wet. If I am at home walking around and happen to step in a melted ice cube or a leak from a sippy cup, I get so angry. I have to take them off immediately!
4. I love the smell of the ocean! I remember stepping off the plane in the Canary Islands at night time and smelling the air. I couldn't see the ocean but I knew it was near because the smell was so strong. Some days here in Utah, if there is a strong wind, I can smell the Great Salt Lake too. It has the same smell but not as strong. Everytime I smell it, a flood of memories come with it.
5. I LOVE homemade treats. I hate packaged cookies, cakes, brownies and snacks from the store. I can turn those down with ease...but a homemade chocolate chip cookie???? YUMMY.
6. Ben and I both love to hear our kids chew. I know some of you know what I am talking about. It is so cute to hear their little chomps. It makes me remember they are real little people with needs and wants.
By the way, I tag Jaime, Melissa, Torrey, and Lyndi to list 6 interesting facts about themselves. I know Jaime has already done that before, but if you can come up with more things-that would be great!
After we put up our Christmas decorations, Luke decided he wanted to write Santa a letter.
This is the picture he drew for Santa. How exciting! His drawings are not just scribbles anymore. I can actually see what each drawing is. He is only 3 1/2 years old and I think he did a good job.
This is the letter he told me to write. Please read it...it is hilarious! Luke insisted that he draw a picture of Santa's mommy. She looks rather scary and I think she has a beard too!
The other day I was doing laundry and noticed my piles were disappearing. I went upstairs to check on Luke and this is what I found...napping dinosaurs! Is that cute or what??? Each one had a blanket and pillow made from underpants, socks or washclothes. I love Luke so much. He is so fun, unique and caring. No one makes me laugh the way he does.
"Mommy, did you know that your stapler has a 'slinky dog' in it?"
Yep, it is still Halloween at our house.
Luke asked for one last chance to dress up for Halloween before we pulled out the Christmas decorations. He wanted to be a lion and acted out his part quite well.
All the "Fall" decorations are put away except for these pumpkins. Luke cannot part with them. They even get baths every now and then...the pumpkins that is...not our kids:) 
I found this photo the other day while I was updating my profile on a Class of '93 website. I thought it would be fun to post this and have a 'remember when' moment. Ben and I have been greatly blessed since the day of this photo. So many blessings and things to be thankful for-especially during this week of Thanksgiving. What a great holiday!
How fun!!!
This was Luke's idea to pile the leaves at the bottom of the slide. They had so much fun! And, for any of you wondering why our child still has a pumpkin costume on...our Luke Pie loves Halloween and always has. He is in denial about his favorite holiday being over. Every night when it gets dark he says, "OOOOOOoooo it's Halloween time!". 
Ashlynn Berry looking pretty brave for once! 
Yah! She did it!
What a cutie. He had so much fun. 
Luke's photography skills quickly turn into...
...some form of sister torture. I don't have any brothers, but I am starting to realize all the ways brothers can torture their sisters. Man, I really missed out!
One more of Luke's shots. He had to include his pumpkin too.
Hello Rachel Butterfield! She is the third granddaughter for the Smith Family. There are 6 grandsons too. That makes 9 grandchildren so far! Rachel was born on October 26th.
The proud grandmas, Sharon Butterfield and my mom, Marge holding Rachel.
My dad...aka...Grandpa Ed.
My sister,Danielle, holding beautiful Rachel.
My brother-in-law, Michael and Rachel.
I am a little behind on the things I wanted to put on our blog. Ashlynn turned 18 months old on the 16th of October! The doctor says she is around the 150% range for her height-so she actually looks like she is atleast 2 years old.
Now that she is 18 mos. old she can go into nursery at church. This is her first day at nursery and she did quite well. She didn't even cry. What a miracle! She is the only girl among all boys. Poor thing. One of them has tried to kiss and hug her. She got angry and pushed him away. Good girl Ashlynn!
Look at those blue eyes! Who would ever think I'd have a baby with eyes like that. Especially since her daddy doesn't have blue eyes either. 
These two are ready for some candy!
Ashlynn enjoying the attention but still not sure why she has to wear this costume.
Luke loving his costume!
Yeah!!! I just figured out why Halloween is soooo fun!
Luke's favorite holiday has finally come! A few months ago we asked Luke what his favorite holiday was and of course he said, "Halloween!" So we gave him some more options and asked him the question again and this is what he said,"Halloween...but I do like Christmas too...if it was scarier!"
