12.30.2009

Tis the season

to pull practical jokes!
Mom, dad, and the Woods' family brought over this lovely blow
up santa while we were at an ugly sweater party!

We came home to santa staring at us through the window!
Oh how I love oversized Santa yard decorations!
Watch out...someone may be getting a special guest delivered to thier doorstep!

You better be good...Santa's Watching!


Some fun

or funny winter pictures!

it snowed, snowed, then snowed some more! I enjoyed spending time with the
nephew & neices playing outside in the fluff. All was well sledding down the
onto the lake until the sled flipped forward throwing Ellery head first into
the wet snow. . .

then tears & game over!

I just laughed . . .

I couldn't help it!











12.29.2009

It's a . . . . .

BoY oh BoY!
We found out on Wednesday December 23rd that our little package due
for arrival {and according to the ultra sound & measurements is right on target}
May 15th is a very VERY very squirmy little boy! It was amazing to see our
little guy moving around like crazy...must have been all that Oj I drank that
morning! {I was told it gets the baby moving...and I wanted to make sure
baby wasn't cuddled up in a ball and we wouldn't be able to see it's little part
male or female} That wasn't the problem at all...he was so active the nurse
had problems getting all the pictures she needed!

"He's going to be a soccer player!"
I thought I was anxious to see an ultra sound, but acually I think it made
my baby fever worse...and want to meet our little monkey NOW!
Seeing his
profile,
ears,

toes, fingers...I just want to squeeze him!

12.22.2009

An the RESULTS of the baby gender poll are....

even, 50/50, split down the middle!

WoW!

~Had to post an Anne Geddes picture...to cute~

I guess we will find out the true results of the Barrick baby tommorrow!

Our Christmas Suprise!!

How am I going to sleep tonight knowing that at 8am we will be seeing our little one!
Please pray for a healthy baby, lots of pictures, and for little one to cooperate so we seeee everything!

12.15.2009

The theme here....Chocolate!


People were asking for recipes so I thought it was easiest to post on here!
Just beware...you may want to eat them all,
but share!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
1c butter {2 sticks}
1c sugar
1c brown sugar
mix together then add:
2 eggs
2T milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
mix together then add:
1 1/2c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2tsp salt
4c oatmeal
8oz chocolate chips {i added the whole bag..mmm..chocoalte!
375 for 13 min
These turned out awsome...best ones i've made...i guess they better be because usually
i buy premade in a bag and add eggs and butter! lol!
I also had one this a.m for breakfast, they have oatmeal in them so that makes them a
breakfast item right!

Here are my aunts Hersey Kiss truffles...they are to die for!
In pan mix:
12oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4c butter
5oz can of condensed milk {smallest can}
1tsp vanilla
Mix until melted
then add to:
2c flour
It will look like playdough!
Then take hershey kisses {any flavor, i used milk chocolate and mint truffle}
and take a small amount of dough, just enough to bury the kiss inside and make a ball.
Place on cookie sheet and bake.
350 for 7 min.
{they will feel doughy, but after they cool they get harder}
So back away from the cookie till cooled! I know it may be hard to do!

And Chocolaty Marshmellow Fudge
In sauce pan add:
3c sugar
3/4c butter
2/3c evaporated milk
bring to a boil stirring constantly for 5 minutes over medium heat
Remove from heat and add:
12oz semi sweet chocolate chips
7oz jar of marshmallow creme
1 tsp vanilla
1c chopped nuts {optional, and not used by this girl}
Line a 13x9 baking pan with tinfoil coming up the sides
Pour, let cool, eat, eat, eat!
Happy Cookie Exchange!

12.14.2009

Cookie Monsters


Cold winter day outside....
Warm oven inside with a bizillion batches of cookies!
I love baking, but decided after almost 2 hours at the grocery store
that shopping for supplies isn't so much fun.
After arriving home. Unloading bags. I decided I needed a rest.
Soooooo....
my WHOLE day of baking began around 3 o'clock!
Just in time for my little helper to arrive!
And what a great helper he was...including helping his aunt eat them
along with goofin' around!
We had the Christmas tunes cranked up singing to "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer"
talked about what we wanted for Christmas. Calvin said "I want a telescope, so I can
look at the earth" and delivered our freshly baked goods to the neighbors. I had changed
into comfy clothes {stretchy pants} for baking {and eating} and before we left to run
to the neighbors houses Calvin says "are you really going to wear that!" And so those
manly comments begin at age 4, good thing he's too cute.
And the end result...yummy chocolate heaven!

And a face full of chocolate, a big grin, and full tummy!

12.13.2009

Lucky.


I couldnt' have asked for a better weekend with friends, family, and my husband.
hmm. maybe for it to warm up a bit, but we do live in Minnesota.
Jerod & I spend some much needed time together this weekend starting with
a day of Christmas shopping! How did I convince him to go along with this I'm not
quite sure myself, but whatever it is I cross my fingers it continues in my favor!

After letting time get away, rushing home, shower, dress, we were off to a BEAUTIFUL
evening winter wedding! I'm suprised myself how good of a time I had, yes watching
everyone sip on cocktails and dance the night away, but couldn't have been much better
hanging out with good friends....and FuNny conversations that shouldn't be repeated. I'm
starting to like this no drinking/sober cab thing! Blackmail people blackmail! Only thing
that got me thinking was..do I really act/sound like that when "I" have a couple?! ha!

Out till 1am ish which used to be early back in day, up at 8am because why would I want
to sleep in when I can, off to Church to watch Miss Ellery sing in the Joful Noise choir. It
was great!
After church the family went to visit Grandpa Erv for thier Christmas open house with
awsome music {can't remember the families name...but WoW} treats galore, and time
with grandpa. On the way home we discussed how talented that families was with i
nstruments, voices, and rythm, and decided us "Smiths" really got jipped! We got nothin'!

Busy weekend equals lazy Sunday evening starting with pj's at 3 o'clock! Jerod and I
sat around all afternoon cuddled in blankets him glued to to football games and me
editing our soon to be Christmas cards with little help from J. Not even sure he's sure
what he agreed on! All I can say is I'm Lucky to have the people I have!





12.07.2009

Christmas...

On the FaRm...
Saturday afternoon on the old Farm.
M
aking our way through the woods exploring.
Inquiring children learning about the farm days.
Trudging through the fresh snow.
Helping cut down the perfect tree {ones we planted many years ago with grandpa}
Five arms reaching around the large old tree.
A
sking a million question. "What did you think of the old house"...."creepy"
Riding Uncle Zach's old orange tractor.
Many great memories.


HolidaZZle Parade!

Girls Night Out On the Town....
started with meeting a good friend I went to college with and some shopping!!
Great to catch up on eachothers busy lives.
Then dinner at Champ's....
and if it wasn't entertaining enough with five conversations that had us all
laughing like the order of minimal turkey on a pita, there was the T-wolves
dancers giving away tickets to tonights game. And guess who won! Lucky
Shannon got us five tickets near the front of the court! So off to the parade first...

{First timers}

{and again..us gals}

{Meghan I enjoying the choir}


{Then Meghan...being Meghan..."oh Meghan"}
{They must have planned winning those tickets, they wore the T-Wolves colors}
Then a quick stop at the Timberwolves game...
Acually we went to see the dance teams perform and throughout the game
there was these tall guys...Gomes and Love...who were wearing these blue
jersey's with wolves on them throwing around an orange ball??!!??
It was a great day hanging out with the girls...doesn't happen as much as
we would like, but lifes busy! and I'll end it with...
"Nice meeting you today"
"But we have met a million times"!

12.03.2009

Change....

Many things are changing all around me!
Mostly all for the good although some would agrue that when it comes to {snow}

It finally begining to feel like Christmas as the snow began to fall
yesterday and waking up to a fresh layer of white fluff! Still wish there was
enough to make a snowman for my front yard, but this is where patients
comes in....
My perfect winter day woud be a wintery blizzard where all a working are
sent home, schools closed, and the ONLY thing to do is snuggle up in a
blanket, with a cup of cocoa, bag of popcorn, and a good movie {home alone anyone}!
Why would that be any different then my Sunday's at home...
Oh because those usually include 7 three year olds learning bible stories
from yours truely & sissy Stacie {who are also learning each week with them}
then home for pj's and football, football, football there could NEVER be time
slot between games for a good flick! Oh well...I'll keep dreaming! I still love the snow!

Then there's my growing baby!
I can't help but think about it 95% of my day because I have waited for this for
so long and after much patients we are finally going to have a little Jerannah of
our own! {no that is not an option for a name even though it begins with J} You
will have to wait till his/her birthday to find out that one! Every day it's
becoming more and more real especially when my clothes become more and
more snug yet to the eye of others I beleive I just look like I put on holiday weight.
I can't wait till i start to show...really SHOW...but until then I have to stay
patient. And it you know me: IT's DiffiCult! I don't keep any secrets, suprises,
gifts, a secret! That is why I can't wait to find out in a couple weeks if I will be
decorating for our little girl or baby boy. Of course with the help of my mom
and sister who have ideas coming out of thier ears...and thier handy
sewing, knitting, scrapbooking skills in which I haven't picked up yet,
I have one lucky little baby that is going to have an awsome room and spoiled
rotten with love from all!

And...I'm so happy, proud, excited to have accepted a postion
with the County as the 4-H Program Coordinator starting December14th! I will
be working part time there as well as continuing part time daycare in my home!
It works out perfect, doing two things I love {well I am positive I will love my
new position} according to the prior Program Coordinator and a great friend of
mine who is taking time off to be with her growing family and baby due
March 9th/my birthday...ok thats a little early...she is due April 1st and I know
our babies will be good friends and hopefully wont' take after thier mothers
..land themselves in In-school {just for cutting class to get some subway,
nothing BaD bAd}...and left in the theater all day without lunch!
{thats another story for another day, let just say, I cried...AloT ask the counselor}
I couldn't have asked for a better job: Children, County, 4-H, Programs,
Coordinator, equal P-E-R-F-E-C-T! So wish me luck with all this change and
I will keep you posted! xoxo

11.30.2009

My Love for Christmas!

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" la la la!

For those of you that don't know...now you do...I LOVE Christmas!

I look forward to the music played 24-7 and just informed I can tune into
102.9 & 107.9 already pre-set on my radios!

Can't wait to decorate the outside with lights galore....if only the ppl would
come finish our siding so I (Jerod) could get on that!

Want to go cut done a REAL Christmas tree...but still trying to convice Jerod,
friends, family, seems like the whole world that a real tree is the only way!

And decorating the house with Christmas with santa's, snowmen, bells,
ribbons, maybe even bowballs (if my cousin's would just let me know what
one was)! I'm sure Jerod would be very excited too!

Also hoping for another year of my beautiful friends getting together in thier
outragously ugly Christmas sweaters along with good food and beverages
(apple cider for me)!


Now all we need is SnOw...sNoW...SnOw!

The Smith side of the family is growing and growing so for the last few years
we have been doing games/drawing to exchange a gift with one person instead
of buying for 10 +! This year to mix it up we drew names and we have to get
a $10-$20 gift for that person, but the tricky part is it has to be something
that goes with thier initals! So Hannah Barrick...they have to find a gift that
starts with an H & B so a Hand Bag, or a Huge Bra (my mom got my name
and those were some of her ideas...nice
huh)! So you get the point...but I got my brother Ty's GF Zarie VonderHaar!
Z-V-H/Z-V?! So I'm asking for help...ideas...help. Anyone?! Much thanks! xoxo

Thanksgiving


~Thanksgiving Day at mom & dads with all the Smith cousin's & second cousin's~
Zach,Brian,Stacie,Calvin,Zarie,Ty, Hannah,Maizy,Nicole,Ellery,Miah,Patty


My Thanksgiving vacation went like this~

Two Thanksgiving feasts in the same day filled with turkey, mashed potatoes
+ gravy, stuffing, and DON'T hold the desert!

Three adults/four children in the "Lightning Bolt" for movie and Christmas
sing along! Don't forget the bag of popcorn!

Three pound "Hero Burger Challenge" that caused leg cramps! Way to go Jeff!
Not by me, but yes we it involved us eating out again!

Twelve Thirty lunch date with friends! Got to see and hold the cutest chubby
2 month baby boy Brock...makes me want my baby NOW! and of course lunch
out again again!

Thirty'ith suprise birthday party that was a sucess for all! Happy Birthday Sarah!
Of course filled with yummy appitizers and birthday cake!

Eight friends getting together for night of board games and an unexpected game
of "hide n' seek"! As Ros continued serving us food throughout the night!

One wall getting painted TWICE after a small meltdown...one of many to come
is what they say! Hmm this one didnt' involve food, but I'm sure I thought about
it while I painted!

Two naps on a Sunday afternoon with the husband watching football...and I STILL
slept through the night! This is after I finished off half of a pizza!

All in all...it was a wonderful four day weekend break making me thankful for my
life, family, friends, health and happiness!

Sixteen week appointment today and was SURPRISED by~

Zero weight gain! It can't be did you see what I ate above! I'm sure it will all
come at once..so I shouldn't brag now!

One Hundred Fifty beats per minute! Tried to hear the little one move around,
but she/he wasn't in the mood! Still AmAzInG..
Everything is on track!

Three weeks till we find out the gender....right before CHRISTMAS!! Sooooo Happy!
Let's hope the baby wants us to know :)

11.03.2009

i HEART baby!

On October 5th we had our first doctors apt at 8 weeks! It was so exciting to visit
with our doctor, ask questions relieving some of our concerns, and SEE the baby
and the HEARTBEATING! It made it so real seeing that tiny little flutter of the heart!
Which was a strong heartbeat of 151. Jerod was with me for the apt but unable to
make it to our short noticed ultra-sound that day, but I got to bring home pictures
to show him! At that point I told our families...but tried and almost achieved
waiting to tell our friends till closer to 10 weeks!
Yesterday we had our second apt at 12 weeks! We got to ask more questions....find
out if this or that is normal (which it all is) and chat with our doctor whom I love!
She's great! We also got to HEAR the heartbeat and Jerod was there too! It was
amazing...and a racing heartbeat of 170 (wives tail says it's a GIRL) but would be
happy with either as long as we are all healthy! I guess we will have to wait to find
out in 8 weeks right @ Christmas Time!


It's ALL so NEW and exciting I want to share it all and get all the good advise!

Our Anniversary Gift

Jerod and I got married May 12, 2007! Which seems like light years ago since
we have been "together" since 1999 and took 8 years to make it official. So those
of you discouraged with your man and the "commitment issue" don't worry it
may happen someday...like after 8 years of dating! Actually the last five years
and continuing on EVERYONE seems to be getting married. This year I have
the honor of being a bridesmaid in 2 of the 5 weddings taking place from
December~September! One being in February and 6 months pregnant....
Soooo lets hope I'm not to big at that point and can fit into slimming black dress!!
Good luck to me :) and the other being this summer...3 months post baby...
I hear the ching ching of money going to the gym! Which brings me to the point
of this post!

So for our THREE year anniversary this year I was thinking it would be nice
get-away! Even if it meant just driving to the middle of anywhere for a mini
vacation! BUT that doesn't seem to be in the plans this year because of a better
ANNIVERSARY GIFT.....A BABY! We are due May 15th! What a perfect present
to ourselves!

10.04.2009

Little bity Twins Fan......

Jerod and I went to a Twins game with some friends about a month ago and had a
blast. I always enjoy watching a game with a cold beverage, oversized servings of
good food, and a large crowd with cheering fans! Thats exactly how this game was
...it was the 2nd to last game in the dome and we were lucky enough to be there!
Very excited to go to a game next summer OUTDOORS!

This was the LAST baseball game at the metrodome to:

to eat a giant sized prezel...in which I devoured...I shared, some of it!
sing my heart out to Take Me Out To The Ball Game

pay $25.00 for vallet parking because it was SO crazy to park

be a married women with no children!

Thats RIGHT...we are having a baby! SO next year at the outdoor stadium
we can bring our little Twin's fan!! and BaBy already has Twin's gear to wear
thanks to my sister who found the cutest Twin's on onesie and gave it to me more
then a year ago!! BaBy's already a fan...he/she doesn't even know it yet!

10.02.2009

Dancing a little jig...or something!

Thats just what my dad is doing on this United Way of Central Minnesota
Campaign video that was done last winter. I think this is just to good not to share
with everyone because this sums up MY DAD! He was the perfect canidate for
being part of the United Way campaign dance moves to represent LITCHFIELD!
I wanted to post this so then I will always have this link to look back at and see the
humour of my dad that makes everyone smile :) and it's for a great cause!

Fan reviews
"what a ham"
"was he a former Big 10 Drum Major for the Gophers Marching Band"
"priceless"
"future on dancing with the stars"
"Tom is awsome"
"NIce moves"

So this is where the family gets our dance moves? Runs in the family I guess!
Maybe we could all use some lessons...anyone intrested?!


Check out the video: dad's @ 3:40
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9mJGgWYMZ_8%23watch-main-area&h=d90825465a3a2902f54e4864405ebe61

9.28.2009

My Sister Stacie....

Is Very Special To Me!

I really appreciated the blog my sister wrote for me "my wish list" that I thought
that she deserved her own "special" blog just about her and how "special" she is!
Although she is MUCH older then I am, we tend to get along...most of the time.
Hmmm there is that time she threw me out of her house that she so generously
opened to me for summer living while back from college that ended after a short
week stay. I got the hint when I found all my clothes draping from branches
scattered across the lawn. But for the most part she is very "special" to me.

Over the years she has taught me so much...so much I'm not sure where to start....
She taught me to ride a bike....
~You may need a helmet and a third wheel?~
She's perfected the FULL MOON.....
~poor elderly people at the Shanty just trying to enjoy their St. Patrick's day with a
glass of green beer~
And ALWAYS in style with her lavish fashion sense....
~puffy headbands MAY be making their way back~
I'm just so lucky to have such a SPECIAL sister!
~Even when she continues to zip her coat up halfway up her head (as shown below)
time after time! Drrrrrr.
Love,
Yours MUCH younger sister xoxo










9.17.2009

Ho Ho Ho.

My Christmas wish list:

1. my two front teeth
2. learn how to drive stick shift without causing neck injuries
3. a case a kraft classic ceasar dressing
4. a pony
5. moon boots
6. tickets to go see Hannah Montana
7. stretch pants
8. a pattern so I could make my bush (in my front yard) in the shape of a
christmas tree
9. toe socks
10. jerod wrapped in a bow with just one sock on...his foot of course.

This is what I get for leaving myself logged in on my sisters computer!!

Party Pictures!

Aunt Sharon took many pictures capturing all moments of our WoNdErFuL parent's 35th wedding anniversary party! Thanks everyone again for a great night!

Click on link to view pictures:)

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d54457a4e6a63314e44633d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_instructions_directurl_makeyourown

9.14.2009

September 14th 1974

35 years ago.....

This weekend we threw them a semi-suprise 70's themed PaRtY!
It turned out to be a beautiful night for dancing & bonfire...
delicious food....
cold drinks......
groovy costumes...(and some not so groovy)
GrEaT friends & family!
Pictures to come!
Happy Anniversary M & D! and many more! xoxo

8.26.2009

Little Miss Maizy


I know these are a little outdated....mmm...about a year, but I had to post them
because they are just toooo dang cute!
Look at those eyes...those cheekies!


Grandpa grins when the grandbabies are around....pinchin' those cheeks!



And grandma's all smiles!


We love Miss Maizy...We love her much!

Dress up Days

EvErYday has turned into dress up day since I went through the back of Jerod's and my closet!


Makes the rock stars come out! Even I get to participate sometimes...most of the time I'm a judge watching them dance, sing, and play guitar!

Make's the crazy game show contestants come out....here is Billybob and Santina!
Then there's the winter basket they found in the closet and here's what happens...
E:"Guess how many scarves I have on"
Me:"3"
E: "Nope" giggle "5"
ran away.
E: "Guess how many gloves I have on"
Me: "8"
E: "Nope "6" giggle.
Ran away.
E: "Guess how many hats i have on"
Me: "2"
Then I got this face above.
E: " 5 my head is sweaty"!