Madelyn Elizabeth Smith

Madelyn (Maddie) was born on July 28th 2011.  She weighed 7lbs 13oz and was 19.5 inches long.  Ever since the first day home from the hospital I have had lots of mother's helpers.  She fits right into our family and all her siblings love her dearly.  There is nothing like having the sweet spirit of a newborn baby in your home!  We love you Maddie!

In this video she is about a week and a half old.  Enjoy the video!

Another Hat?!

My latest, and most favorite hat creation!  I made it for my friends daughter, as per her request.  This is the second time I have made something by request, and I am wondering if I should start making things on a bigger scale and sell them?  I would love any feedback and/or suggestions from my friends and and family.  Click on my "Crochet" tab at the top to see more of my completed projects.  Thanks everyone!

Preschool has begun!

Kaitlyn is officially in preschool!  She is so excited to finally be in school like her big brother and sister.  She is growing up too....going to school everyday for a half day.  We are lucky enough to have a preschool at our elementary school, so she feels right at home and comfortable there.  Even before she started she already knew the teacher, Ms Lynn, her classroom, and a few friends.  I am so proud of her!  She wasn't the least bit nervous on her first day.  Way to go Kaitlyn!  I love you!

The First Grade

Since everyone else has made posts about the first day of school, I thought I would be different and take a picture from the third day of school....or was it because I forgot to take a picture on the first day of school?  Either way, first grade has officially started for Alex and Anna.  I've been looking forward to a full day of school for a long time (six years in fact), but this year I surprised myself when I started feeling sentimental and anxious about it all. For some parents, preschool or kindergarten bring about these sorts of feelings, but for whatever reason, 1st grade did it for me.  I suppose it has something to do with them being gone all day, but I all of a sudden realized how much they have grown up.  My babies aren't babies anymore!  Alex and Anna have always been special to me, partly because they were my first, and partly because they are twins.  I love them so much and I am so lucky to be their mom!!  For them, this is an exciting year.  All they can talk about is how cool it is to eat lunch at school everyday, and see all their friends at recess.  They haven't been anxious one bit.  They love their teacher, Mrs Whitaker (as do I), and it is a comfort to me that they will always have each other in class.  I love you two!  First grade here we come!

Parties, Presents, and Cake

Birthdays, birthdays, and more birthdays.  Having three birthdays within a four day period makes for a hectic month for any mom, but I feel like I have been living and breathing birthdays for weeks.  Somehow not only did I make it through, but the kids had a lot of fun too. 

Anna and Alex turned 6 on August 20th.  We started the day early by opening presents, and ended the day with a trip to McDonalds.

Here are the kids sporting their new scooters!

Alex may not have nunchuck skills, but he  has serious Lego skills!

The Birthday Duo!

To prevent us from having multiple birthdays cakes in our house, I had to get creative.  So, this year I made an extremely yummy Cookie Pizza, and I decorated it to look like their pet turtle.  It was so good, I had to include the recipe.  Enjoy!

Cookie Pizza Recipe:

1/2c Butter

1/2c Brown Sugar

1/4c White Sugar

1t Vanilla

1 Egg

1 1/4c Flour

1/2t Baking Soda

1/4t Salt

1c Chocolate Chips

Frosting:

2c Powdered Sugar

1/2c Cream Cheese

1/4c Butter

1/2t Vanilla

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Frost when cool.

The following day Alex and Anna each had their individual parties.  Anna went with some girls to the movies to see Shrek 4, and Alex went with some boys to go bowling.

In lou of cake, they had a doughnut tree.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA & ALEX!!!

Kaitlyn's birthday was on August 23rd.  This year she turned 4, which means she got to have her first birthday party with friends.  She had a princess party; everyone dressed up, and we did crafts, makeup/nails, and dancing.  The girls had a great time!

The Birthday Princess!

Kaitlyn and her cousin Whitney

Now, for the best part...the CASTLE CAKE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAITLYN!!!

Super Mario

At last I have finished Mario!  Alex has been anxiously awaiting its completion, and he is absolutely thrilled!!  This was a very labor intensive project, but well worth the effort (although I can't say I will ever do it again).  Every body part (with exception for the eyes and the letter M on the hat) was individually crocheted, stuffed and then stitched together.  And let me tell you, when it comes to crochet, small does not equivocate to fast!  All and all I am very pleased with out it turned out, grateful to be done, and thankful to know that Mario will be throughly loved and played with.

Washer Necklaces

I just wanted to post a quick picture of the cute necklaces we made at Bear Lake.  It's a great craft for kids ages 8 and up (adults included).  Thanks Julie for the great craft idea!  Here is the link for instructions: http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/turn-washers-into-jewelry/index.html