DISNEY LAND

2010

The perfect end to our Smitherman Family vacation was taking Gabe to Disney Land for the very first time. It was so memorable to see the look on his face with every new adventure we found. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Smitherman for making this part of the trip so fun for making it so great.

The primary reason we took Gabe to Disneyland was because when we started to potty train, I hung a picture of the Disneyland Castle in Gabes bathroom and told him " when you learn to pee and poop in the potty, I will take you to see Mickey Mouse's Castle." IT WORKED!! He is 100% potty trained now and it is great. Now its time to start working on baby Smitherman #2, woo hoo. I'll keep you posted on our progress. Gabe was so excited to see the Castle all he could talk about was he wanted to go inside, so the first thing we did was take Gabe inside the castle to see sleeping beauty.

This was the first ride Gabe wanted to go on, He was so amazed at the mini worlds of Disney.

Here a few more pics of what we did!!

THE BEST PART WAS THIS SMILE!!

FAMILY VACATION 2010

We spent our annual family vacation in our favorite place, Oceanside California. With fun, sun, sand and surf we got spend 8 amazing days in the town we fell in love in. Many of you know that Bud was stationed at Camp Pendelton USMC base in Oceaside California and it has been our goal to one day return there to raise our family.

We started out at the beach on D1 &D2  and with a view like this who could blame us.

We watched in awe as the beautiful ships sailed the waters of pacific ocean, wishing only to be aboard one of the those boats for just a day.

  Bud and Gabe tried to catch sand crabs and have fun splashing in the water. Gabe loved the ocean and its nice to see that he enjoys it as much as me and dad do. I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband because he is so patient and loves to teach our son things about nature and whatever he finds interesting.

BALBOA PARK~SAN DIEGO

We spent D3 at Balboa Park and Mission Beach. Gabe was super excited to see the dinosaur museum as Balboa Park but who knew it was so exspensive. I remember Balboa have alot more free museums for the kiddos. But despite the cost we had a good time looking at all the achitecture and ever amazing balboa gardens. Gabe enjoyed the fish in the coi pond more than anything I think, which goes to show the event he most inexspenive and seemingly boring activity can be boat loads of fun for a 3 year old.

UNFORTUNATLY MY CAMERA BATTERY DIED AND I WAS UNPREPARED. SO WE HAVE NO PICTURES OF ALL THE FUN STUFF WE DID AT MISSION BEACH.

SO HERE IS A LIST OF OUR ACTIVITES

*RODE BOATS

*BUMBPER CARS

*ROLLER COASTER

* BEER WAITING FOR THE BOYS

*ARCADE GAMES (I WON THE JACKPOT AND GOT HUNDREDS OF TICKETS)

SUNDAY - BIRCH AQUARIUM

Bud, Gabe and I branched off from the group and headed down to La Jolla to take Gabe to the Birch Aqarium. It wasnt as big as we he hoped but it was def fun. Gabe got to see all kinds of see life creatures that he otherwise would never get to see up close. We got to pet starfish, and sea cucumbers. Saw a GIANT octopus and lots of really fast sharks. ( According to Gabe)

 

MONDAY- FISHING ON OCEANSIDE PIER.

THIS IS THE DAY THAT FOREVER WILL BE REMEMBERED AS THE DAY THAT MY NORMALLY VERY CUTE AND SWEET LITTLE BOY DECIDED TO PUT HIS HAPPY EYES AWAY AND WEAR GRUMPY EYES FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE REST OF THE TRIP. IT PROVED TO BE A VERY CHALLENGING NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WITH THIS LITTLE ATTITUDE MONTERS. BUT WE WOULD CHANGE HIM FOR THE WORLD.

WE DIDNT CATCH A SINGLE FISH ON THE PIER BUT WE HAD FUN TRYING.

MOST EVENTFUL AND FUNNY MOMENT:

GABE WHO IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING POTTY TRAINED DECIDED HE NEEDED TO GO POTTY, I RUSHED HIM TO THE BATHROOM ON THE PIER AND AS SOON AS HIS PANTS HIT HIS ANKLES HE PEE'D ALL OVER THE FLOOR OF THE BATHROOM. WITH NO SINK AND NO PAPER TOWELS TO CLEAN THE MESS I LAUGHED WITH TREMENDOUSE EMBARRASMENT AS WE EXITED THE NOW VERY FOUL BATHROOM.

TUESDAY-  MIDEAVIL TIMES

So Bud's brother decided to suprise Connie (His Wife) and take all of us to Mideavil Times for dinner on Monday night. We had a really hard time keeping a secret and also it proved very difficult to figure out an excuse for why would be driving and hour north with definite plan of what to do. She caught wise to us about 5 miles from our destination which was ok at least we made it that far. FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT EATEN THERE,  IT IS DEFINETLY WORTH THE MONEY.

WEDNESDAY- DISNEYLAND!!!!

(pics coming soon)

This is our little motor cycle man at the Clark County Fair and Rodeo two weekends ago. He had alot of fun riding the rides and seeing the bulls and cowboys.

The day after the rodeo Bud and I had to make the long journey to Carlsbad California, which is always so much fun. We left Gabe with Grandma and Grandpa Smitherman for the night and headed south to the beach.

Of course it was supposed to be for business, Bud had a job interview and test with the City of Carlsbad, but I couldnt pass up the chance to leave town with my hubby and go to our favorite place. 

We drove around and looked at Apartments and rental houses, visited our favorite places to hang out when Bud used to live there. Enjoyed Calima's and Harbor Fish and Chips, as well as walking the pier and the beach.

Bud went Monday to take his test, and I went and toured some apartments and the church we would go to if we end up being able to move down. The church was amazing and the preschool was so cute and definitely a place I would be comfortable taking Gabe. I could tell they would really take good care of him, and teach him great values as well as a love of Jesus. 

We will find out in the next few weeks if an offer comes in, I'll keep you posted!!

So we here at the Smitherman household have had a very busy couple of months, and I have not been good at posting so here's a quick update. We spent Buds 26th birthday enjoying some good old fashion "redneck" fun down at Nascar in Las Vegas. My inlaws, Dalton and Carolyn, our little boy Gabe, our friends Lee and Steve and of course Bud and I had a good time tail gating and enjoying some brewskies at the race although it was very cold and windy.

About a month ago Bud and I went to go see Alice in Wonderland which was amazing and very fun to see however when we came out of the movie we were greeted by a nice surprise.

But after more than a month of fighting insurance and dealing the father of the 16 year old girl who hit and ran our vehicle, buds baby is good as new.

Easter was so much fun for Gabe, now that he is the age that he is its a real treat to watch him on such fun holidays. He woke up Easter morning and the Easter bunny had left a trail of eggs down the stairs to a hidden Easter Basket. With every step her took he would make the funniest noise expressing his surprise and dis belief with every step.

We had Easter service at Tuahcan Amphitheater, and I couldn't imagine a more beautiful place to celebrate the resurrection of our lord and savior than Tuahcan. It is simply amazing and if you have ever been there you would probably agree. It truly shows how much our lord loves us, he created gorgeous places like this for us 

.

to enjoy and worship him.

Gabe's Birthday Bash

So its official, my baby boy turned 3 on Feb 13th 2010. We had his party at Highland Park in Washington and it could not have been a better day for him. He had lots of friends and family come to the party and the weather was so beautiful. 70 degrees and sunny, gotta love Saint George weather. Gabe's friends Logan, Michael, Lillian, and Bracken we so cute and they all really enjoyed themselves.

This year we did things alittle different and I went all "Suzy Homemaker" and baked 50 cupcakes, and this amazing spiderman face. I know, I know your totally blown away by my talent. It was actually really cute because when I was done doing it, I held Gabe up to see my masterpiece and he said, "Mommy, It's beautiful, I love it". And that is all that matters so laugh all you want.

Me and my very good and dependable friend Charlie baked and frosted all of the cupcakes on Friday night, it took a total of 5 hrs of continuous baking and frosting to accomplish this amazing feet. 

Uncle "Johnny Rock" was able to come into town from California this weekend, as well and Aunt Taryn and Mackenzie which was a real treat for Gabe, He really enjoys when they come to visit.

Uncle Dennis and Aunt Sherri and their granddaughter Trynity came from Phoenix Arizona as well this weekend so it ended up being a great party with lots of family in town.

Nana was amazing and such a trooper, he back has been really hurting since Papa passed in November. They think that lifting him those last few days caused her De generative disk disease to really speed up. She wasnt sure if  would be able to come, but as usual she was there and smiling the whole time. I love how close Gabe is to all of his family. WE are truly blessed to have such amazing family that we can count on.

 

We got Gabe a Spiderman Pinata which was lots of fun, somehow I managed to cram 2 five pound bags of candy into the poor guy which made him really heavy. The plastic thing that you tie the rope to broke through because of the weight and that is why in the picture with Uncle John he is tying the rope around spidermans neck. It was the only way for the kiddo's to keep trying to break it open because it fell the ground still intact.

Eventually after much perseverance on the kid's part they eventually got  every last piece of candy out of spiderman.

Luckily I came prepared with lots of shopping bags for the Kiddo's to load up there candy in so everyone got plenty. I am sure that there parents were super stoaked that each of them got at least a pound of candy to go home with.

Our good friend Lee, the manager of a local pizza store here in Saint George, was amazing as usual he came to party bearing every child's favorite food. PIZZA and one of the pizza's had a special message for Gabe. If you look closely its say's Happy Birthday Gabe. It was really thoughtful of him make a special one just for Gabe, not to mention the 8 pizza's he he provided for the party for FREE.

Yay for free pizza!!

And lastly before we enjoyed our cupcakes and Rootbeer floats and sent every one home we opened presents, presents and more presents. Gabe got so many new toys and clothes that it took two cars to take it all home. I am not sure Gabe needed that much stuff, but he sure has enjoyed each and every presents he got. His favorite present being a golf club set from Kaley, Bernie and Logan Buhler. It was so difficult to keep his attention on opening presents after he saw that, he ended up heading up the grass with Logan to play golf as I finished opening all of his presents.

In case anyone is wondering, Bud was the cameraman for most of the party so I dont have any pictures of him yet. Troy took many great pictures of the birthday party so I am sure we will have some fun one's of Daddy real soon.

So after a very long and eventful day full of family, friends and good times we headed off to my friend Troy's photography studio to get family photo's done.

Look for our family photo's in just a few days.!!

Bed Time Prayers

Gabe's bedtime prayer went as follows:

Heavendy fader, thank you for mommy and daddy, thank you for da puzzles a class.
Thank you for gamma and gandpa, and my oder family
thank you for my makayla.
heavendy fader, keep the bad dreams away and keep me safe
so i can wake up happy, and gamma and gandpa move to pine bally, so i can wake up to the deers.
AMEN

Gotta love his sweet innocence.

So one of our favorite places to visit is the Southern California Coast. This particular picture was taken at my personal favorite place which is Morro Bay. As a little girl my family used to take the two hour drive from our home and go feed the seals at Morro Bay.

This last summer I had the chance to take Bud and Gabe to see this place and Bud fell in love. Ultimately we want to have our dream home here over looking the waters of this beautiful place but for now we hold it dear to our hearts and visit often.

 Leaving Southern California to build our life together outside of the military was a difficult but very rewarding decision. We were able to come "home" and build a life together with our friends and family close by. However I cant wait to be able to call this amazing place home. Someday!!

Lately my very smart, very mouthy little boy has said and done some pretty funny things that I feel compelled to share with all of you.

*while saying our prayers before bed on Sunday night Gabe prayed for "Jesus to love the penguins", I am not sure if he is talking about actual penguins of which his has yet to see, or the cartoon penguins of Madagascar. Either way I couldn't help but chuckle at his love of wild life.
* At the Temple  Nativity  I told him a short, toddler version of the true Christmas Story, which he quickly followed with " Does baby Jesus and the fake cow live in that castle?"
*  At Chili's on Saturday he peered over the booth wall to the floor below yelling "Mommy, there's a humpedbacked whale" I chuckled and asked were did you hear about Humpback Whales, to which he replied in CAL--IF--ORNIA.
* Everyday he reminds  Bud and I that he either needs "another Sisher" or he needs his "SISHER MTayla"
* Bud and I were talking about the condo in Oceanside and Gabe said " I wanna see the Condor" I said Gabe its the Condo, the place we live at when we go to the beach, is that what you mean, He quickly answered. "No mom, the Condor, CAWW-Caww duhhhhhhhhh."
*The other day he was playing with his toy riffle he got for Christmas and accidetally cut himself on some glass, he said " Mom, I shot me, I shot me in my foot"
*oh and apparently I am Gabes daughter and his dad is his Husbin. Bud and I are not Married because Uncle Darren's wife is Mary and his sisher Mtayla is not daddy kid, she's Gabe's. He not quite grasping the concept of how the family fits, but at least he know we all fit somehow.

You never know what this kid's gonna say, you just have to be ready to explain to people it's it way off the wall. Like lately people are "creepy", how do explain that to the old man in Walmart that wants to say hi to Gabe.

Ok so it's official, I am the worst blogger, facebooker, and myspacer on the planet. I never update status or post new pics and after looking at alot of friends pages I have decided that I Ashley Jo Smitherman will do better this year, this I swear. Now that I have have taken the oath of the new age mommy/wife it's time to get down to business and update all of who have, I am sure, been anxiously awaiting my update.

The first thing I feel compelled to share, for those of you who don't already know. On November 13th 2009, the dearest sweetest man I ever knew quietly passed away in his home after a long and difficult battle with lung cancer. John C. Dewey, was in so many ways my friend, father figure and mentor. He was always so full of life even in the very end. Weeks before his passing he would crack jokes and dance his little dance in the kitchen, barely able to walk he would still try to stop, shake his little bum and make me laugh. I was raised by my grandparents and owe so much of who I am to them. I have to thank my sweet husband for being so understanding when I would spend most of free time with my grandparents after Papa's diagnosis in June of 2009. He stood by my side through the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. It's because of my family, my husband, my little boy, my amazing friends and last but not least my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that I was able to brave the roughest storm. I love you guys!!

While going through this very difficult time I felt compelled to reestablish a relationship with Christ. However I wasnt sure how to go about this. After many family prayers around papa, most of which were led my Uncle John, I felt compelled to talk to him about helping me find a church for me, Bud and Gabe. My Uncle John and his sweet wife my Aunt Taryn took Bud and me around town to find a Christian Fellowship that would "fit". Bud has such amazing instincts, he picked the Calvary Chapel of Saint George to visit first and after meeting the pastors there we knew that it was the place for us to call our spiritual home. We have been attending this church for several months now and it has been such an amazing experience for us to share. Already we have had such blessings in our life, and I know that many more blessing are in store my family. Thank you Uncle Johney and Aunt Taryn for being such examples to us and helping us to find this amazing church. I love you guys so much and owe each of you the world.

ICE FISHING IN OTTER CREEK

We just went up to otter creek last weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Smitherman, to ICE FISH!! This was mine and Gabe's first trip ice fishing. Lucky for us, my all knowing father in law is a pro and I feel completely safe with my husband around. Even if that leaves me standing on a foot of ice in the middle of an ice cold lake!

Now that warm weather is somwhat on its way, I am sure we are in for plenty of adventures and I look forward to all this St. George warm weather has to offer.