The Family Formerly as the Sheldon Smiths

Not ready for bed

2010-07-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

An hour after putting the twins to bed I heard them laughing and walked into this....

Davin was using the changing table to get into Ammon's crib.

I separated them back in to their own cribs and took advantage of their smiling attitudes for a photo opp.

Ammon

Davin

I USED to like Howie Mandel

2010-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

HOW DID RNG NOT GO ON??!! I am livid.

Camping Adventure

2010-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend was time for our annual Fathers Day camp out at uncle Art's. Unfortunately, the camping trip was canceled, so the boys and I decided to go to Preparation Canyon for a two day adventure of our own. The camp site was a one mile hike in, so I was reluctant to bring 3y/o Preston along. Ultimately however, we decided he would be crushed if he did not come along, so Thayne, Raiden, Quinton, Preston and myself headed out 8:00 Friday morning, and returned at 4:00 pm Sunday night. With out going into great detail the adventure went something like this: Arriving around noon to find the hiking trail mostly under water. Not finding a suitable campsite for two miles instead of one. Waking up @ 2am Saturday morning and hiking all five of us back to the car, driving 2 hours home to get Thayne's inhaler and immediately heading right back. Constantly picking ticks off of our extremities despite the unhealthy amount of DEET lathered about our bodies. Receiving 6.5 inches of rain Saturday night and then finding out that our new jumbo family tent is not quite water tight. Hiking back to the car in more water than hiking in.

And I would not have traded a moment of it for the world! We had so much fun. Preston was born for the out doors. I was very worried when he insisted on bringing a back pack like his brothers, but he made both the hike in and the hike out with out a single complaint. We ate very well and through the amazing generosity of a few inhabitants of the nearby town of Pisgah we had plenty of dry precut firewood.

NOTE TO MY SIBLINGS:
I have new admiration for our parents. I remember countless camping trips to Payson Lakes all throughout our youth and have nothing but fond memories of such outings. Camping with four small children was enjoyable but grueling. it was doing everything 4 times and being the last to fall asleep and first to wake up. I can defiantly see myself investing in a tent trailer in the near future!

Like Heavan in a cup

2010-06-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

I am not a fan of Rachael Ray and I do not record her daily talk show so that I can watch it after the boys go to bed. I just happened to turn it on one morning and just after the 15 minuet meal segment and right before the snack of the day she had a guest chef. She was this goofy middle aged woman with a store bought personality but her cooking creation.... well I liken it unto the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Are you ready for it..... MUG CAKES!! OK I agree it doesn't sound right but try this and then tell me it is not inspiration!

1 Coffee Mug

4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising)

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) mini chips would be the best

Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate and ice if desired.

Another tip, any instant cake mix will work in the same fashion. I put a Twinkie standing up in the middle of a spice cake... WOW

(Tessa this is posted with you in mind)

The first REAL action sci-fi movie... Please don't ruin it Fox!

2010-01-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

I put up a few similar posts on a couple of other blogs but it can not be said enough.... AVATAR IS AWESOME!! I have been following this movie and its process of live capture animation for a few years now and was not a bit disappointed at the final product. I thought a few really key scenes were cut from the script but with a three hour run time they obviously had some serious deliberation when came down to the final rendering. I have not been drawn in and moved by a movie in such a way for a long time. Enough can not be said for the crew that put this movie together.. beginning and ending with James Cameron. In one interview he said that he has been holding on to this idea and a partially written script for more than 12 years, but was waiting for a time and technology to do his dream justice.

I am absolutely fascinated by live capture animation. It has been around for a few years now. the first movie I saw that I thought was well done with live capture animation was Monster House. And ironically enough the movie that honed the process enough for James Cameron and his team to be able to adapt it for Avatar was one of my pics for the worst movie of all time (Beowulf).

Anywho, Cameron has now confirmed that an Avatar sequel is eminent, and Fox Searchlight has already laid down the payroll. Avatar was so well conceptualized and more than just a movie, it was an enthralling experience that transported you to another time and place for a full 162 minuets demanding that you forget all that is not Jake Sulley, Pandora and the Na'vi. Now, because of the success of the movie (well over $1billion global now), they are, as an after thought, going to try to transform this movie into a franchise. Does any one remember the Matrix? That amazing movie that was ingenious and years ahead of its time. It was written and filmed as a single movie, and then, because of the tremendous success of the movie and greed of the Goof brothers and their studio, they made not one but two PAINFUL sequels. I now fight my gag reflex any time some one mentions "the Matrix Trilogy".

Avatar is a blazing movie because of its innovation, originality and unique plot/story line. It will not have those things going for it a second time, at least not to the same degree. I really hope I eat my words but I think that James Cameron and Fox are on a path towards ruining a great thing.

If you have not seen the movie yet.... WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!??!

2010-01-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

I really thought that I completed this post on Christmas day. Apparently I was mistaken. Anyhow... better late than on time (that is kind of the motto we live by).

It began to rain the morning of Christmas eve and continued to do so all day. That night it turned to sleet and later to snow. Needless to say we lost power but the weather also brought two Christmas firsts for our family. First; opening presents Christmas morning to candle light. Second; snow falling while we opened presents.

First we opened presents (minus the twins who we gladly let sleep in).

Then outside to dig ourselves out.

It was a GREAT Christmas. Double great for the boys because they got a generous Christmas from

G-ma/G-pa on Christmas eve as well.

Happy Birthday Thayne

2009-10-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

I think it is about time to throw up another post. It was Thayne's B-day yesterday and we just had a small family celebration. Because of scheduling conflicts we planned his party 2 weeks from now. His reaction to his presents led us to believe that he was happy with them and he LOVED his card.

We tried to get a little creative for his B-day card.

We might as well call this cake the Thayne special. A yellow marble cake with double milk chocolate frosting and topped with Reese's mini cups.

Grandma and Grandpa Bennett know the key to his heart.....

and a touching card.....

and some really cool walkies.

Thayne has been asking for a "real" gun since he was 5. We agreed that he can have a BB rifle for his 10th B-day but he was not very happy about that. Recently I discovered the world of Airsoft and their surprisingly realistic replicas of real military grade rifles. As a matter of fact a lot of the Airsoft replicas are manufactured by the same company that makes the real ones.

I think He was happy.

Getting geared up.

Thayne with his new A-4 Tactical Assault Rifle complete with 5x20 scope and laser sight. We removed the action so he cant fire anything but it still makes a pretty awesome toy.

I now pronounce you 'Jeff and Steve'

2009-03-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

We recently made an appointment for Preston at a speech and hearing specialist. Jess made the appointment via a third party and gave her all of our information. A few days later the clinic called to confirm the appointment. The woman on the phone then began to confirm Preston's information. After the first few questions the lady said: "So, obviously Preston is adopted", not as a question but a statement of fact. In blatant shock on curiosity Jess asked the lady what she was talking about. "Oh, I am not passing judgment", she said. "I just noticed that his parents are Jeff and Steve."

Happy 'B' Day Preston!!

2009-03-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

It was Preston's birthday on Saturday. In celebration we went to kiddie heaven (yes Chucky Cheese's) Friday night. In retrospect I can not pretend to understand why Jess and myself chose such punishment (even though I have a brother that insists that I run a Chucky Cheese franchise out of my home). We spent the night, each with a twin strapped to our breast, chasing kids around and trying to remember the best way to gather mass amounts of tickets in order to get that little Chinese looking lantern with a cricket in it. The boys sure had a great time and that makes it all worth it........ right?

Preston getting Birthday wishes from Gma and Gpa Bennett.

Thayne has been more helpful with the twins than we ever could have imagined. The other night as Jess and I were fixing dinner, we asked the Thayne and Raiden to feed the babies. As Ammon was finishing his bottle Thayne got up and took him into the other room announcing as he went: "I am going to change his diaper".

After about ten minuets Jess and I realized that he was still in the bedroom. I went in to find him and discovered that he was having a slight powder crisis.

"We are the chapions my friend"

2009-02-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

It was Pinewood Derby weekend at the Spencer branch this last week and they made it a primary activity as well. We entered a car for each of our three oldest children and took 1st and 2nd place. Raiden was beat in the third round by Thayne. We sure had a lot of fun!

Quintons car. He was quite excited about 1st place.

Raiden was disappointed not to place, but was very happy to have the best fuel economy :)

Thayne had a bum wheel and thinks he was robbed, but he patted his younger brother on the back and said "Quinton, some day I hope I am as fast as you!"

Money doesn't grow on trees... but purses do

2009-02-23T14:24:00.001-08:00

We took a drive to Ashton (the next town north) with the babies in order to get them to sleep this morning. While meandering threw town I discovered Sunny Dell.

I think it is safe to say that this is the strangest tree that I have ever come across.

As it turns out this also happens to be where pumpkins come to die.

If you look closely at the bags and purses you will see that they were not carelessly tossed into the tree in hopes that they would stay. All of the bags are well hung on a branch or limb. I knocked on the door to get a statement but no one was home. Hats off to the nut that put the time and effort into this work of......... art?

Spring?

2009-02-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

We are really missing all the family we had out last weekend. It was a lot of fun and the blessing(s) were wonderful. After the blessings, during testimony meeting, sister Peterson (whose husband is the 2nd councilor in the branch presidency and was in the circle) bore her testimony. She related an experience she remembered from her ward growing up. She told of a young boy getting up in testimony meeting and simply and completely stating "I love Jesus!" She then said "I got to witness that young boy now a father, bless his twin babies today". Danielle Peterson was formerly Danielle Parrot for those of my siblings that remember.

It was a great weekend, only we made one great over site. We were all having so much fun that everyone completely forgot to take any pictures of the open house/Superbowl party. Oh well.

Here are some pics of the twins and such.

Ammon eats or sleeps.

Davin was not too happy about the hat

They chill together pretty well. We hope that continues!

It's a giggle I swear.

Last night we had a thunderstorm. I mean a real Midwest thunder, lightning, trees blowing over, significant down poor thunderstorm. Then today it was 55degrees!! It felt like spring. But poor frosty had a very violent and sudden end to his short life!

How cold is too cold?

2009-01-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

The official temperature at the Sheldon airport this morning was -27.... no that is not Celsius and no that is not wind chill. That was the actual air temperature.

EXCITING!!

Running in the dark

2009-01-12T09:44:00.001-08:00

I ended up having a number of meetings after church this week that kept us there for a couple of hours. We set the boys loose in the cultural hall to let them entertain them selves. I had finished, and Jess and I were chatting with some friends when we heard Raiden's unmistakable howl of pain. I ran in to the room the find the lights off and told Raiden to come to the door. He walked towards the light with his hand extended and I saw that it was covered in blood. Before looking him over any further I picked him up and ran him to the bathroom to wash him off and assess the damages. It wasn't until I stood him in front of the mirror That I realized what he had really done.

A gash lay open just above his eye.

Dad: What happened?

Raiden: (Sobbing) I ran into the piano.

Dad: Didn't you see it?

Raiden: No, we were playing hide'n seek in the dark.

Dad: Maybe that wasn't a very good idea.

Raiden: Why not?

We got him off to the hospital where he received 6 stitches from a doctor that Raiden promptly declared to be too old to be a doctor. That brings Raiden's stitch tally to 27... and counting.

Some pics

2009-01-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

About 30 seconds later Radien was asleep as well.

Suddenly the house was quiet. Then we found Preston, devoid of all clothing, cuddling with a stuffed rabbit and knew why.

Preston has an obsession with other peoples shoes. Here he is trying on Grandpa's boots.

The only posed shot we got on Christmas morning.

We started them out separated by blankets, but Davin found his way next to his brother.

We put all the snow we have to good use. A snowball fight of epic proportions!

Helping hands

2009-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

I left the house at 12:00 noon to run some errands. I returned home at 2:30 and found this.

The conversation went as follows.....

Dad: Hi boys. Where is mommy?

Raiden: Sleeping.

Dad: Oh did she just lay down?

Thayne: No. She went to sleep after lunch.

Dad: Have you been holding the babies that long?

Raiden: No. The babies started crying so Thayne made the bottles and changed Ammon's diaper and I put on a movie for Quinton.

Dad: That was very helpful. I am very proud of you!

Thayne: Does that mean we get special privileges?!

We are very very thankful to have loving and helpful big brothers for the twins. They have been a lot of help! And on occasion, Preston even relinquishes his plans to destroy the babies.

More Baby pics

2008-11-25T07:44:00.000-08:00

Mama and babies are home and doing well. We are all impressed that Preston has not attempted to destroy either of the babies yet. In fact, He actually is quite gentle and seem to really enjoy helping out. Thayne, Raiden and Quinton all are quite indispensable.

We have had no shortage of help at the house. It seems that every one wants an excuse to see the babies and are more than willing to volunteer their time to do so. Last night we officially ran out of fridge and freezer space do to all of the meals being brought, including 3 turkeys, 2 pumpkin pies 3 pots of soup 2 lasagnas and at least 300 pound of cookies and such. We are considering opening a foodbank.

Any how... here are some baby pics to enjoy.

The baby blessings will not be until Febuary so any one that has the urge to expirence NW Iowa at its prime we would love to have you!

BABY PICS!!

2008-11-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

Official stats on the babies:

Ammon 7:49am, 7lb 8oz, 20.5"

Davin 7:48am, 6lb 11oz, 19.5"

Ammon is on the left Davin on the right

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

Davin Cleo Smith was born at 7:42 weighing 6.9lb 20.5 inches.

Ammon Wayne Smith was born at 7:43 weighing 7.11lb 21inches.

Both babies and mama are doing very well.

I am getting good pics and will post them this afternoon.

NOTHING YET!

2008-11-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

I think that Jess was about to perform a self C-section last night. We will be going in to the hospital at 6:00 Thursday morning. Otherwise all is well and our boys are making sure that every person they come into contact with understands that they are having twin brothers this week.

Quick update

2008-11-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

We are still alive and the babies are due any day now. Jess is currently plagued with the third urinary tract infection of her pregnancy. Once that is cleared up the doc will see her, and if all is well, go ahead with the c-section. Otherwise, she is scheduled to go in on Thursday the 20th. I am at the college now but will post "big bellie pictures" as soon as i can.

Baby crack?

2008-09-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

We were just goofing around and Preston just kind of went crazy, but then again he has 3 brothers (soon to be 5) to compete with!

I guess he wanted to take the pictures.

We have a lot of fun just hanging out after the boys get home from school!

Why didn't ford mass produce these?!!?

2008-09-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Last week on labor day Sheldon had it's Celebrations Days, the towns annual city wide celebration. There were all the usual festivities such as carnival rides, parade, fire works, craft fair, balloon animals and so on. All were very nice for the kids but I was particularly interested in the car show that promised to be one for the books. The big draw was a special tribute to Dodge/Chrysler muscle cars. Which I must admit was more than impressive, HOWEVER there was one car that could have provided a swell enough show all by its self.

As I walked up to the massive crowd of drooling mid-western car nuts, I asked a friend of mine standing on the out-skirts what all the fuss was about. This was his reply; "Have you ever wondered what would happen if an eccentric millionaire told a team of the most capable car designers in the world to build him a one of a kind mustang and spare no expense? This car is the answer."

And that, I must admit, is an understatement. This 1967 Mustang Fast-back is the only one of its kind (even though the only thing '67 about the car is the body style). As I found out, "The engine is Roush's new show-n-go 427 R crate motor that produces 552 horsepower and 535 ft-lbs. of torque, but still looks good enough to win awards under that vented hood!"

Anyhow, if any one is wondering what to get me for Christmas... let me shorten the list.

What an exciting weekend!!

2008-08-27T14:02:00.001-07:00

Friday morning Thayne brought a sore on his thigh to our attention. It looked like little more than a zit and we told him we would watch it. By Sunday afternoon it had grown to quite a substantial size and we decided to heat and drain it. By 10:00 Sunday night we were in the ER and the doc was treating him for a staph infection. It worsened over night and he was back in the hospital Monday morning to have his leg cut and drained. The meds seem to be doing the trick now but the doc is still seeing him daily to make sure that the infection does not spread.

In addition to that, Saturday afternoon Preston got a up-close and personal introduction to a wooden tree swing.

All is well and life is again returning to the usual semi-survivable chaos.

OH BOY!!.......and OH BOY!!

2008-07-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

What is more exciting than finding out that we are pregnant with our 5th boy? Finding out that we are also having our 6th! That's right... TWIN BOYS. Everyone thought that we were crazy before, I think the insanity has just begun! The official due date is Nov. 28th but with twins it is very likely that she will deliver a few weeks early.

Quick Trip

2008-05-19T08:35:00.001-07:00

Presto!

Sound the trumpets and roll out the red carpet! We are heading to Utah on June 4Th for Baby Adams blessing. Most of the time will be spent with the Bennett clan but we have reserved all
day Friday for the Smiths. We are very excited! Who wouldn't be? 4 small children and a 32
hour round trip...... well we will have fun out there anyhow!

A Saturday morning.

Teachers pet.

Not even Daddy could resist a good puddle!

A few pictures.

2008-05-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

The time is long overdue for us to get pictures to family and friends, so lets just start there.

The whole gang.

Thaynes first lost tooth.

Yup, he's all boy!

Thayne loves to talk on the phone.

Preston and Raiden acting silly.