The Schmalz Family

More Proof That I Am OLD

2012-01-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

As if I needed any help in that department! In the past two days I have watched the entire first season of PBS's Masterpiece Classic Downton Abbey. I am hooked... On a PBS Masterpiece Classic... Can't wait to find out what will happen next.

So

When you can hear the volume on my TV set at a 27 and I start falling asleep in my chair at 7:30, you know I have officially turned into my grandmother!

2ND Tooth in a Week

2012-01-26T18:35:00.002-07:00

But this time there was no drama whatsoever and she pulled it out all by herself!

I think we will have soup for dinner...

My Wednesday Friend

2012-01-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Cutie Boy Beau

Love him!

My driveway isn't cleaned off

2012-01-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

but the basketball court is. Go figure.

Testing 101

2012-01-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Oh NO!

2012-01-22T22:48:00.006-07:00

I forgot to take a picture today. This really is a lot harder than I had envisioned it to be. Taking a picture of our everyday lives and trying to write about the stuff that is just the everyday stuff is kinda hard.
I can tell you that today was a pretty busy Sunday. We didn't even eat a real meal today because we had too many people going different directions. Xandi has been very involved in getting our new stake up and running and so that means a lot of meetings. Blessing, right?
I taught my 13 year old Sunday school class today and it went way better than expected. The kids are great kids and they seemed to think I was okay. They participated and didn't throw anything at me, so I think we're good. Of course I started with the best and most important lesson in the gospel, and that is the atonement, so I got to break the kids in early with what I seem to be famous for...crying. I hope they felt the Spirit like I did while preparing and giving the lesson.
Soph got to go to the seminary broadcast with a couple of her cute friends up at the conference center, while Gav and Gray and Xandi went to the church to watch. I think everyone enjoyed it. I know Lanie and Gentry enjoyed having me all to themselves for a bit. We filled up our time reading and playing and making brownies.

Happy Sunday.

One of THOSE Days

2012-01-21T22:49:00.015-07:00

First Sophie's room flooded.

Then the boys worked really hard to try to fix the car with no luck. The darn thing is still not starting, so it looks like I will spend another week stranded at home. Does anyone want to run some errands for me?

Soph and her pal Kylie

How many clowns can we fit in a phone booth?

At least we got to go to dinner at J Dawgs before we went to watch...

Soph and her VHMS Women's Choir sing the National Anthem at the UVU game.

And then we topped the not so great of a beginning of a day off with some Krispy Kreme Donuts!

Fabulous Friday

2012-01-20T19:02:00.002-07:00

Why?

Because Soph and I went and got our hair done. I love a new do!

Isn't she so cute?

Gavin had his big tryouts for the A Capella Choir at school for next year and HE MADE IT! Wohoo! Not only did he make it, the teacher begged him to be in the Madrigal Choir too, but it will interfere with the new radio station that he is partly in charge of at school that will be in full force next year. He is going to be one busy, happy boy.

Grayson was picked to be the star student in his English class. I asked him why just trying to figure out if it's a daily occurrence or what and he said, "it's just cause I'm awesome, mom"! I don't doubt that :)

And the last thing that helped this Friday be Fabulous was the homemade pizza I made for dinner. Chicken Bacon Pesto and BBQ chicken. Yum! Sometimes it's just so hard to be good.

I. HATE. THIS. CAR.

2012-01-19T12:29:00.003-07:00

Or also know as The Money Pit!

After spending $900 on getting this thing up to snuff a couple days after Christmas (ouch!) we went out yesterday morning to find it was deader than dirt. Wont start. Wont even act like it wants to.

I hate feeling stranded.

Pretty Enough Day For This

2012-01-18T12:26:00.005-07:00

but I hear a storm is a coming.

A call has been placed to the Tooth Fairy

2012-01-17T12:42:00.004-07:00

After much STRESS and having her tooth literally dangling in her mouth for over a week I had to chase Lanie Bug around the kitchen and hold her down to help her get her tooth out. It fell out while I was trying to tie the dental floss around it...NO pulling, NO nothing. With tears streaming down her cheeks because I was "forcing" her to pull it out, she didn't even realize that it had fallen out. Complete and udder shock that it would be so easy!

MLK Day

2012-01-16T22:32:00.001-07:00

I had to work today but the kiddos got to stay home from school. LUCKY! When I got home everyone was still in their pajamas except for Soph who planned a fun day with her cousins, Gillian and Aleesha. Party girls! Yep, this is Lanie eating DINNER in her jammies! I doubt one of them even brushed their teeth today, in fact I would make bets on it!

After we got home from work Xandi got to put together his early birthday present with a little help from Ben. So grateful for handy people who always have the right tools. This is his sweet new ride. Happy early Birthday!

A Little Distracted

2012-01-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to this little device. ♥ my Kindle Fire that Xandi got me for Christmas. I have lost 4 pounds using My Fitness App. I play Words With Friends to challenge my mind. Just finished an amazing book, and have started a second that I don't want to put down. Sometimes distractions are good, right?

P.S. I am pretty excited about my new calling I received today. Sunday school teacher for the 13 years olds. As long as they don't throw rotten food at me and boo when I walk in the room, I will really enjoy it, and I am excited for an excuse to delve into my scriptures again. I have felt pretty lost since getting released from my last calling and I am so happy that I still get to work with the youth.

Couch Potato to 5K and other stuff

2012-01-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

On this BEAUTIFUL January day (you can't say that very often) Xandi and I took our run outside. Running on the treadmill and running outside are two totally different parties. Me, I prefer having something doing the running for me and me only having to move my legs vs actually propelling my body forward. It was so hard! Thankful that I went with Xandi so I wouldn't quit because I would have, and to think that it has only been a couple of months since I last ran outside. If you don't use it you lose it I guess the saying says.
Grayson had his first soccer practice of the year today and couldn't have asked for a prettier day. His team is getting ready for the Presidents Cup that will be down in Mesquite in February.
Gavin has been really good about taking Mini on her walks out in the sunshine and with this weather, again, so awesome!
I keep catching Lanie and Gentry running over to their friends houses to play in bare feet and no jackets...in January! This can't last forever, right? We will eventually get real winter weather and then it will probably last till the end of June. No bueno.

I will just enjoy it while we've got it and worry about June when it gets here.

A Day Full of Favorites

2012-01-13T22:23:00.002-07:00

Waking up and getting my run in early.

A doughnut date with Lanie at school.

A trip to the DI looking for treasures, and finding some.

Meeting the man of my dreams at the temple.

Cafe Rio for dinner.

A visit with my sis.

An idea from Pinterest brought to life. Love me an organized toothbrush drawer. Genius idea that I wished I had thought of .

My Bedroom Wall

2012-01-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today's picture is one that I have wanted to put up since Christmas day. For YEARS, every time we have gone to Disneyland I have wanted to stop at the little shop that does the cute silhouettes and have them done of my kids but have never done it. You know, time and money always has something to do with everything I want to do so it has never happened. Well, when I first noticed the present under the tree I was very curious. Sophie has always been very thoughtful and generous with her babysitting money on Christmas but it usually comes in the form of a gift card to go on a date with the big guy which I love, but a big beautifully wrapped present with a pretty bow and a name tag to ME was so exciting. When I opened my gift from my very sweet and thoughtful daughter I was moved to tears. She really thought about me and then worked so hard to make my Christmas special. Homemade silhouettes thanks to Soph is so much more meaningful than anything I could have ever gotten in Disneyland. I absolutely love them!

Goodbye OLD, Hello NEW

2012-01-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

My old friend has been so good to me. A broken handle and years and years of love (if you can call almost daily use for the past 9 or 10 years love) haven't stopped this Dyson from pulling its weight around here. Off to the basement it goes to serve us until the bitter end, but for now...

there is a new kid in town! If you know me at all you must know how excited I am at this very moment. If you need me, I'll be vacuuming!

The Big Day

2012-01-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

Passed the test.

Hands in the 10 and 2 position.

The look of focus in his eyes albeit a slight smile and hint of satisfaction on his face.

Driving his mother home and arrived alive all the way from the DMV.

Stressful? Yes! For both of us.

Just the start of the baby steps to adulthood and responsibility...

♥♥♥

2012-01-09T19:35:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just look at your kids, even though they are just vegging out in front of the television paying no attention to you, and you realize how much you love them all over again. Isn't she beautiful? Sophie is really growing up, and I am so happy with the young women she is turning into. Couldn't have hand picked a better daughter and friend if I had tried.

One of my FAVORITE Gifts, EVER

2012-01-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

My cute little mother worked her boney little hands off the entire year making each one of her children these beautiful family heirlooms for Christmas. Crocheted by hand and mounted in frames, each one a little piece of love that I know will be treasured forever. I was teasing her on Christmas that she must love me the most because our last name is the longest... I always tease her that she must love me the MOST even when I can't prove it. She says she does, but I know secretly that she must tell all of my sibling peeps the same thing. I love my momma so much and am so happy to have a little piece of her amazing talent and a reminder of how much she loves me hanging on my wall.

What's this I see, a skiff of snow?

2012-01-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful January Day

2012-01-06T11:16:00.001-07:00

and NO SNOW! I cannot remember a winter in my history that has been as weird as this one. Look at that gorgeous blue sky and those cute little boys riding their bikes to school, in January, and I had to beg Gentry to wear his jacket. Hope it snows soon, at least in the mountains so we can all have lovely lawns in the summer.

She's Famous...

2012-01-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

although it says that she is in SEVENTH grade, and she's not. How awfully cool and embarrassing at the same time! I was just thrilled that they spelled both of her names right. That doesn't happen very often. No, actually, I think it says she is in seventh because it was her grades from the last quarter of seventh grade that Zions bank drew her name out of the hat for, they simply just overlooked the fact that she is in a brand new school year. Duh!. Either way it is cool to open the Crossroads Journal to find yourself on the cover. We had NO IDEA because if we had, there is no way in H-E-double toothpicks that I would have posed for that picture! :)
Love you Soph! Keep those straight A's coming, because it really does pay to get good grades!

The (not so) Secret Handshake

2012-01-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

Back to LIFE back to REALITY

2012-01-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

Waking up early is painful. Getting dressed before noon is even more painful.

Remembering how much I hate trying to be creative with my lunch making skills for the kiddos.

Back to school after two weeks off and staying up way too late every one of those days.

Becoming best friends with the treadmill again after a three and a half week break thanks to my nasty cough that still isn't all the way gone.

Getting back to THIS. HOMEWORK!

The dreaded weigh in on THIS, the proof that I pretty much have been eating whatever I have wanted since about Halloween, and it was every bit as bad as I thought it would be.

Doing my best to give up THAT so I can achieve my goal of being 40 pounds lighter by my 40th birthday. Yikes!

Momma ain't cookin tonight

2012-01-02T20:44:00.001-07:00

Del Taco Fiesta Pack X2 and the Schmalz kids are fat and HAPPY and no dinner dishes need to be washed!

The perfect ending to Christmas break because
SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW!

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

2012 is now upon us and with that is a renewed wish for myself to DO a little bit better and BE a little bit better. I sure could go into detail about how exactly I want to do that but I just don't have time right this second and I need to get this post under my belt so I don't start out the year already on the wrong foot.
As I type this my cute little family is gearing up for our family movie night. I love our Sunday night tradition of family time and hope to make that a big part of our year. Time seems to be running out faster than I am ready to accept, and these little times that are so simple are the times that I will forever treasure.
With the new year comes something new I would like to try to help document our day to day lives here at the Schmalz house. At least a PICTURE A DAY is what we will call it. I got this great idea from a friend of mine and took to it. If this idea will help me BE better at keeping up with our lives and making sure that I help my kids remember what a great mom they had (winkwink) then I win. I love our CRAZY, BUSY life and with a PICTURE A DAY we will remember more of what our crazy, busy lives have been like all year long when this project is over.

Without further ado, my picture of the day is how the kids have pretty much looked ever since receiving their various "devices" for Christmas...

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

Or better known as the year that dad had to work on Christmas morning so we had to go to church without him and wait to open presents...but it was still awesome!

Christmas Eve in cute new jammers


2011 cereal picks

How Santa left our tree

No peeking until dad gets home!

After church we had to recreate the entire Christmas morning complete with climbing back into our jamms and even climbing back in bed with Kimmie.

It's time!

The Beautiful Lights On Temple Square

2011-12-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Big #6

2011-12-18T22:04:00.003-07:00

It is hard to believe that my baby is the big six!

He sure was cute all dressed for church sitting all nice and sweet staring at his presents. OKAY you can open one! He had a great day that started with breakfast on the special red plate and Gentry got to choose two of his favorite meals, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and homemade pizza for dinner. Yummo!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GUY!

Sushi, Shopping, and Santa

2011-12-16T21:58:00.001-07:00

Sweet 16!

2011-12-12T22:28:00.002-07:00

And yes, he is still SWEET
and kind and thoughtful of others. He is a hard worker and when he sets his mind on something he works at it until he figures it out. He is very smart and handsome and he gets along with everyone he meets and he is a great conversationalist that knows a lot of random facts. He is so funny and has a great sense of humor. He is artistic and creative. He is the ideal big brother and an awesome example for anyone to follow. He knows who he is and he is an obedient young man of faith. He is a trustworthy friend who is reliable. He is my friend and I love him.

Happy Birthday G-MAN!

I AM THANKFUL...

2011-11-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Nov 1. That Gavin is such a great big brother! I know he is not always perfect, but I just walked in on him playing with the littles and it is cracking me up! He has the hugest imagination of any nearly 16 year old I have ever met. He is going to be an awesome dad one day. How many big kids will take the time to really play with their siblings the way he does? ♥ him!
Nov 2. That I get to love on my baby nephew Beau! Having him here on Wednesdays takes me back to the days when I had little ity bity ones at home. Time goes soooo fast! How I wished I could turn back time and snuggle all my babies just one more time. I am so grateful to be a mother!
Nov 3. That Xandi and I both have great jobs. As much as I complain about wishing I could just stay home, I am still grateful that I have worked for Dr. Gorang for the past 20 years. I have learned so much, and am so grateful for the knowledge that I have gained. Besides, I have a pretty sweet gig only having to work 2 days a week.
Nov 4. For my AMAZING kids! Each one of them are so different and I am amazed at each and every one of their unique traits. How did I hit the lottery five time? I ♥ them!
Nov 5. That my husband still likes to hang out with me! I love our Saturday day dates that have become a tradition. One on one time with my best and dearest friend is the bomb!
Nov 6. For family movie night! Popcorn, snuggies, a movie, and all my kids in the same room at the same time...Hard to come by these days, but I will take it when I can get it and lately that has been every Sunday night down in the basement. Priceless!
Nov 7. That my kids can give me such great advise. Sometimes they are more mature than I am! Not hard I know, but still! I count them as some of by dearest friends in the whole wide world, and I am one lucky momma.
Nov 8. That I have had the awesome opportunity to serve with some amazing women in my callings. Women that I might not have ever gotten to know, but so grateful that I did. Women that will be endeared to me forever. True examples of what service and sacrifice are. They have helped strengthen my testimony.
Nov 9. Today I am grateful that I am 5 months free from my Diet Coke addiction. No I didn't lose any weight like I thought I would. It didn't help me with my stubborn belly fat like people said it would (by the way, I have come to the conclusion that no amount of diet, exercise, or Spanxs will remedy what I have going on! Saving my money for surgical intervention, and by the time I have enough money I probably wont care what my belly looks like :) BUT I no longer wake in the morning with a headache, needing my fix and I am so thankful for that.
Nov 10. That my cute mom has stayed pretty healthy and is doing much better than I expected considering what seemed to be a grim diagnosis. I love her so much and am so grateful for every day that I have her at a phone calls distance when I need her. I will always need my momma!
Nov 11. For my freedom. Freedom isn't free, It's paid for with the blood of those who fight for it and I am so grateful for all the brave men and women who have fought throughout history for what we enjoy everyday.
Nov 12. I am so grateful that I have the kind if relationship with my kids that they can talk to me about all sorts of things and that they trust me, and I pray I never give them a reason not to.
Nov 13. I have the BEST husband in the whole wide world for me. I love him so much that I'm pretty sure I am going to really like having him around, for like forever! I sure can't imagine not having him right by my side in this life or any other.
Nov 14. For an amazing father-in-law. He comes twice a week just to spend time with his little bud Gentry. How awesome is that? How generous he is with his time and his love to help us out so I can go to work and not have to worry about daycare for the kiddo for the few hours he needs someone before school. ♥him.
Nov 15. That my kids are SO MUCH smarter than me!
Nov 16. Looking at the breathtaking sunset this evening has reminded me of the gratitude I have for this beautiful world that I live in. First I saw the sun setting on the mountains east of us and thought to myself how lucky I am for the amazing view out my kitchen window, then I walked to the front of the house and saw what was one of the most beautiful skies ever painted by mother natures hand. "I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world, Heavenly Father created for me!"
Nov 17. For the everyday stuff that me as a mom gets to do. Clean, help with homework, make lunches, laundry, cooking and doing the dishes. I am so grateful for this stuff (cough,cough) even though sometimes I complain because I feel like a maid. I know it sometimes feels like a never ending chore but I know that these are the things that remind me that I am still in the thick of it all. Motherhood. I know a couple of people that would trade me in a second to get to do these never ending chores to serve a family. This is the stuff that makes me take moments that I say to myself..."I'm gonna miss this one day!" and I will!
Nov 18. Today I am thankful for warmth. The warmth of my cozy house as is blows gigantic, fluffy snowflakes outside my front door. The warmth of my fireplace first thing every morning as my children pile in front of it deciding if they want to get ready for school. The warmth of my alone time in a steamy bath of hot water and no place left to go except bed. The warmth of "the cozy", Xandi and I's favorite blanket, not because it's pretty but because it's cozy. The warmth of a yummy cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows galore after playing outside in the freezing wind and snow. I am so thankful for this season of warmth in the midst of so much that is chilly and cold.
Nov 19. Saturday mornings, and that my hubby is always the big spoon.
Nov 20. I am so grateful for all the different callings I have had especially my most recent one, although each one has taught me so much and helped me progress and do things that I'm not sure I would do unless is was for the Lord. The wonderful people that I have grown to love from serving my father in Heaven will always have a mark on my heart. ♥ you forever, you young women and leaders in the SS north stake.
Nov 21. That I can walk and run and feel my heart pounding in my chest. That I am strong even though sometimes I am mentally weak. That I keep trying even though I am not the perfect picture of health and fitness. One day I will get all my ducks in a row and get my eating and exercise all in sink so it looks like I am doing some good. Until then, I will just keep trying.
Nov 22. For my faith... A Favorite on Gratitude: And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:15-19) I will forever be grateful for the Lords hand in my life. I hope and pray that I will always show him that I love Him, because I am trying to be like Him.
Nov 23. That my big boys are spending the day with Matt hunting. He is such a great guy to my kids and we love him so much. I hope they know how lucky they are to have such a great uncle to help them and encourage them in their interests. He has even been teaching Gavin how to load shells, and has been taking the boys shooting to practice for this big day for weeks. Now I just need to keep my fingers crossed that Gavin gets his elk.
Nov 24. On this Thanksgiving day I am so grateful for my siblings. I love them to pieces and am so grateful for a day that brings (almost) all of us together again. Not sure how many of these opportunities we have left anymore and I cherish them when we have them. They make me laugh so hard, they make me smile, and sometimes they even make me cry. I am so happy that I was raised in the family I have and can't imagine a life without each one of them in it. Secondly, it's about my parents...They are amazing people and I love them so very much. I am so grateful for each day that I get to have them here on this earth. No matter how old I get, knowing that I can call on them for ANYTHING is priceless.
Nov 25. For Gentrys prayers, they make me smile. He never asks for anything unless he thanks Him first and he thanks his Heavenly father for everything. It is a great reminder to me to be more grateful.
Nov 26. For Kim. My sis. My friend no matter what. She is always so generous with her time and stuff and love for me, my sweet, and my littles. I love her so much and I am so grateful for all she is for me.
Nov 27. For days that I don't have to do one darn thing!
Nov 28. That I am still completely and utterly in love! I don't know if anyone out there has as good of a relationship with their spouse as I do. We have been blessed with many years of loving each other and after all that it just keeps on getting better :)
Nov 29. For great neighbors and friends. I think we live in a pretty great place with some pretty good eggs, and I am so grateful for the friendships I have here in Saratoga Springs.
Nov 30. I keep catching myself wishing that I had better "stuff". Stuff is just stuff, and in reality I have everything that my heart has ever desired. How many people can actually say that their dreams have come true? I know I have said this before but somethings you just can't say that you are grateful enough...I am a wife to my best friend in the whole entire world. I am the mother to five incredibly smart, thoughtful, respectful, spiritual, beautiful children. I have a lovely home with the most amazing yard to run a play. I was blessed to be born in this country in this time of history. I am so blessed to have a testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and have the priesthood in my home and men who honor it and use it to bless our family. I am blessed by the people I surround myself with and am so grateful for everyone of them. My life is so full and I am so blessed. My dreams have come true.

THANKSGIVING...

2011-11-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

Was AWESOME! Picture in your mind if you will because I don't have an actual picture because my camera is broken (I have the worst camera luck)! The turkey was the best, most yummy turkey ever made. The rest of the spread was Ham, Brians mashed potatoes, Jenns sweet potatoes, a new sausage stuffing Xandi wanted to try that turned out to be so good, carrots, asparagus, Kims rolls, a huge veggie tray, moms jello. Mmmmm, everything was absolutely delicious. We missed Robert and his family. They were going to drop by but never did and that made me sad because it would have been a perfect day if they had, if only for a minute. Ended the day with pie and Jenns pumpkin roll cake that we have all decided needs to be a reoccurring tradition...I am thankful that my family came over and didn't feel like they needed to rush off after feeding their faces. They are some of my dearest friends and I love them!

The Great White Hunter

2011-11-19T20:44:00.023-07:00

Gavin has been working really hard to get ready for the Big Hunt and has become quite a good shot. He must take after his mother! :) I am just saying that because he has so little me that I have to take what I can get! Gavin loves shooting and has loved getting things all ready. He drew out for an antler-less elk tag and thankfully Matt has been helping him get used to the gun, teach him how to load shells and will be taking him up on the mountain to look for his prized animal. So so so grateful for my Matt. What a great uncle he is for my boys in helping them and teaching them. I am glad they are interested in some of the things that I grew up watching the men in my house do, and without my brothers I am not sure my boys would have such awesome opportunities when it comes to hunting. Go get em Gavin!

And The Winner Is...

2011-11-15T20:28:00.001-07:00

SOPHIE SCHMALZ

Soph had a pretty great day today. She not only won $100 from Zions Bank for her good grades, but right after this amazing surprise she got to go to the orthodontist to get her braces off! I am not sure which one she was more excited about. Here she is pictured for the very last time with braces (unless she forgets to wear her retainers) with her principal, two big wigs from Zions Bank, and of course her adoring parents and little brother. I am sure she is so grateful that she decided to go to school today. She couldn't figure out why I made her go for ONE HOUR! Sometimes you just need to listen to your mother I guess, because good things come to those who mind their mothers!

A Month of Thanksgiving

2011-11-01T13:20:00.001-06:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

I hope that I can be the kind of wife and mother and friend that people know that I love them, not by how often I tell them, but by showing them. I have so much in my life to be grateful for. My cup truly runneth over with blessings, from the tiny insignificant ones that I don't always notice, to amazingly grand ones that I don't feel I deserve.
On this month of Thanksgiving, I would like to dedicate my sidebar to just a few of the blessings in my life that make my heart happy and my life full. Gratitude is about the attitude, right? And gratitude turns what we have into enough!
I am blessed beyond measure.

Halloween Bash With The Schmalz Bunch

2011-10-31T22:31:00.003-06:00

I have no words...

The Flapper and the Cowboy


A Guy You Can Count On! Numbered with post it notes...

Little Miss Matched

Isaacstein

Army Guy Zach

Heading out to Trick-or-Treat

Cute Bat Beau, or is it Beau Bat

Mmmmmm! And Grandma's chili was two thumbs up! Perfect for a chilly night.

The Great Candy Exchange 2011!

2nd Grade Spooktacular

2011-10-21T14:19:00.013-06:00

We had a great time listening to Delanie and her fellow 2nd graders sing their guts out about spiders, goblins, and witches! Sure got us in the Halloween mood.

My cute little flapper!

Boy! These kids can sing loud!

Girls Night Out

2011-10-01T19:41:00.057-06:00

While the boys are away (at the priesthood session) the girls will play!

We had a blast together with Kimmie going to dinner and shopping and taking the girls to punch some holes in their heads. It was awesome! I am so grateful that I have my best girls by my side in this life. They are my forever friends and I love them so. Highlights of the evening other than the above mentioned was almost hitting a shop lifter running away from Walmart in the parking lot with a couple security guys chasing him, and then the girls getting to have a sleepover with Kim. I think our girls night out should be a tradition from here on out!

You can almost see the anxiety in her eyes pre-piercing!

Oh no!

All done!


Soph is in deep concentration and she might just be doing some deep breathing!

And she looks so cute!

Hiking Timpanogos was AWESOME...

2011-09-27T09:14:00.001-06:00

and incredibly hard, but amazingly worth the view from the top.

Here comes the sun, do do do do, here comes the sun

I'm on the TOP of the world looking down on creation

2011-09-24T23:26:00.000-06:00

There is nothing in the world that steals my happiness and contentment faster than comparing myself to others. Why do I do this? I swear, at times I feel like I must have a mental disorder. I know it drives my family crazy, my husband, and myself, but I do it anyway. My thoughts often get side tracked in the wrong direction...How could my husband love this? I often feel like I am selling him short. That he could have anyone better than me. This kind of self talk robs me of enjoying what I have in this life, and who I am. There ALWAYS seems to be someone that is prettier, still has a great body, smarter, has a better house with better toys. Someone that has it all together. Tonight I was reminded that I need to step back at truly look at things differently. Things are not always as they appear, with others, and with myself. I need to remember that I am blessed beyond what my mind can comprehend. I am loved just the way I am. I CANNOT let these feelings of discouragement, inadequacy, and insecurity drag me to a place that I cannot feel the Spirit in my life, and the love of my Father in Heaven. A reminder I needed.

Slide of all Slides

2011-09-17T20:28:00.000-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa Bass are so fun for providing an AMAZING afternoon to celebrate Birthdays!
Lucky September girls!

I do know this for sure...No matter where Grandma and Grandpa live, they will always have a fun backyard, and this just proves it. I am so blessed to call these two amazing grandparents my mom and dad. Thankful that we had this ray of sunshine on what we thought would be a gloomy day.

Thanks for the memory

CONFESSION

2011-09-12T20:53:00.002-06:00

No matter how hard I try, following her recipe exactly, my zucchini bread will never taste as good as my mommas. My poor kids.

18 Years of Wedded Bliss

2011-09-10T08:50:00.004-06:00

You are the cheese to my macaroni, the horizon to my sky, the bacon to my eggs, the jelly to my peanut butter. You are the gravy to my mashed potatoes, the bubble to my bath, the milk to my cookies, and the ink to my pen. You are the ketchup to my french fries, the icing on my cupcake, the water to my ocean, and

the smile on my face.

I love you, my sweet husband!

Birthday Bash

2011-09-09T23:45:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you have...
11 CRAZY teenagers
4 pizza's
enormous amounts of sugar
The Princess Bride
A pool table
Dance Dance Revolution
and a BIRTHDAY GIRL?

Sophie's 14th Birthday Bash!
and a really loud house

I am so grateful that Sophie has these amazing friends. Great kids, this group is!

14 Reasons Why I Love YOU

2011-09-08T07:04:00.000-06:00

1. You are beautiful, inside and out
2. You are kind
3. You make me laugh, sometimes without trying
4. You are smart, even though you think you are not
5. You are always willing to help out, especially me
6. You are great with kids
7. You are so talented
8. You have integrity
9. You know who you are
10. You have a cute laugh
11. You are not afraid to try new things
12. You are a people person
13. You are the BEST chocolate chip cookie maker
14. You are my eternal friend and my daughter

Happy Birthday Sophie Girl!

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Suess

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T07:51:00.000-06:00

Making some fun memories with the people we LOVE!

Chillin' at the Manila parade

Playing at the lake

Fishing

We ♥ Flaming Gorge

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-31T11:59:00.002-06:00

“My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,You never need to carry more than you can hold,And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,Yeah, this, is my wish.” -Rascal Flatts

We tried so hard to get a good picture of the first day but the sun was too sunny and poor Gentry just couldn't open his eyes...He was cracking me up!
I knew this day was going to be tough. I just wasn't mentally ready to accept that my last little one was off to face the real world of school, and growing up, but it came anyway. For five and a half years now he has been my best little buddy. My constant companion. My sidekick. I cant help but feel just a little sad that this chapter of my life is now over. My little kids are growing up. I am so excited for him, for all of them, but at the same time I have decided that letting go has got to be one of life's most difficult challenges. It is so hard to send your little ones out into the world whether they are five or fifteen years old, it never get easy.
Gentry is one awesome kid! He has grown into such an independent little guy, and he has no problem at all leaving me. He feels so big, and he ready to take on the world. I would be lying if I said this wasn't hard. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't make my heart ache when his cute little teacher had all the little Kindergarteners turn around and wave goodbye to their moms and dads. The world is ready for Gentry Hewson Schmalz!. Good luck, little buddy. And just like the song says "and while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,I hope you know somebody loves you".

Gentry and his little buddy, Dallin

Seven Years Ago...

2011-08-30T15:24:00.000-06:00

The world became a sweeter place

when

Delanie Ann Schmalz

was born!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

MONSTER SURPRISE

2011-08-27T17:16:00.001-06:00

I can hardy believe it but 7 of Delanies little friends kept her 7th surprise birthday party a secret! It worked. We surprised the pants off her! Not really, but close :)

We made monster pillows out of felt. We ate a lot of pizza and cake and candy. We opened presents, We laughed. We talked and talked and talked and talked some more. And we watched a movie, Monsters Inc. for a monster bash. In the words of Lanie..."a perfect day" and "a very sneaky surprise", and "I can't believe you were tricking me this whole time!!"
Thanks you Cooper, Kylie, Gentry, Alivia, Mikell, Sarah, Sadie, and Millie for making Delanie's day so special!

Back To School 2011-2012

2011-08-23T13:00:00.003-06:00

Gavin the sophomore! He already has girls asking him when he will turn 16! The mom in me is screaming, ahhhhhh! I tell you one thing though, if this kid could keep his room clean he would be pretty close to perfect in my book. He makes me laugh. He helps me with whatever project I put in front of him. He is always willing to help around the house with the yard or with tending the littles or even doing the dishes. He is a great playmate to his siblings to the point of still being willing to play dress up with Gentry. He has a strong testimony and he honors his priesthood. And to top it off he is one of my dearest friends. How many moms can say that about their teenager son?

Sophie the 8th grader! Isn't she such a cutie? Inside and out I think this girl is a beauty. I can't believe that in just a few short weeks my baby girl will be 14 years old!

Sophie, Kylie, Brady, and Connor

I am so grateful for the friends Sophie has. All of them are such a good group of kids that I know will help her survive her junior high school years. Because that is what junior high is all about...survival!

Delanie the 2nd grader! Hablas espanol? Pretty soon she will! Delia (her Spanish name, pronounced like Daya) is super excited to start second grade and the Spanish immersion program. She knows it is going to be really hard and a lot of work but she is super smart and I know she will do great! Te amo Lanie bug, my darling sweet almost 7 year old!

Look who's a sevie

2011-08-22T07:30:00.000-06:00

Grayson is headed out the door this morning for seventh grade day and his first day of junior high school. I still remember the day that Grayson first went to kindergarten. Well, not actually. I was giving birth to Delanie the very first day Gray started school, and in a way I still feel a little guilty about that... I do love this kid! He has a great big heart and is such a great example to me. I know he is going to just keep on being as awesome as ever, even though right at this very moment he probably just wants to throw up because he is so nervous about not getting his locker open this morning, or that he wont find his first period class. I remember that feeling. This to shall pass. Just like the past seven years have passed all to quickly.

CONFESSION

2011-08-19T14:01:00.007-06:00

After ironing all morning, I will purposely leave all the ironing hanging on the door jam until after Xandi gets home from work just so he will notice how hard I worked. Same goes for laundry day...all clothes folded and waiting in the middle on the kitchen table.

2011-08-16T16:52:00.001-06:00

They know me in way no one ever has.

They open me up to things I never knew existed.

They drive me to insanity and push me to my depths.

They are the beat of my heart, the pulse of my veins, and the energy in my soul.

They are my kids.

Service and Swimming

2011-08-14T16:15:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the Fidelity Investments service day at Bryant Elementary School in SLC. We painted, organized school supplies, did a greenhouse makeover, sweated, and had a great time helping a school that needed a little pick me up...

am I really that short?

and then we rewarded ourselves with a little swim and a barbeque at the Yocoms house! They are super cool friends anyway, but with a pool they are even cooler!

I ♥ family time!

The Ward Campout

2011-08-12T22:56:00.002-06:00

Bennion Creek

Sending the kids out to explore in the canoe

My guy!

Ewwww, at least the guy I am with is cute!

More proof I was there

1,2,3 jump!

Tarzan yell...

GETAWAY TODAY

2011-07-28T15:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks to an awesome grandma and grandpa, we got to go spend a few days up in Park City again this year and we LOVED it! It really is one of the highlights of the summer every single year. We get a lot of our school shopping done at the outlets. We get to spend time with the extended family, going on walks and going to lunch. The girls get to get all pretty with a pedicure night and of course lots of games to be played. Best of all though was the swimming! I think we broke our record this year and the kids were in heaven.

Thanks you so much grandma and grandpa Schmalz!

You are the BEST and we appreciate so much the fun times and the memories :)

GRAYSON

2011-07-18T15:25:00.063-06:00

Bear Lake Aquatics Scout Camp

July 2011

Grayson preparing to get his horsemanship merit badge

The four horseman!

Grayson, Conner, and Brady

Cleaning Foxys shoes

Grayson on his horse

Say cheese!

Beautiful Bear Lake

Grayson had a blast up at scout camp. I do have to say as hard as it is to be the mom and send your boys off for the first time for an entire week alone, I am so happy that I did. What a great opportunity our boys have to learn and grow. I probably wouldn't be so thrilled had it not been for the fact that I knew he was in extremely good hands. I am so impressed with Graysons scout leaders. What a commitment these men make by taking off an entire week of work to devote to their callings and to help these young men grow in to the amazing men and fathers and leaders that they will be one day. So impressed.
Gray had an awesome testimony building experience up at camp. He also had an experience that was kind of scary not only for him but for me. While up at camp a young man that was 12 years old actually drown in the lake. When I read the news on KSL I literally lost my strength and had a hard time thinking straight. I did give his leader a call (yes, I am one of those moms) and he made me feel a lot better. I am so very grateful for every one of my children and this experience sure made me remember that and did get things running through my head that just brought me to me knees thanking my Father in Heaven for every single day that I get to be a mom. My heart aches for the mother of that young man...and I was even more excited to see Gray walking through the door on Saturday afternoon so I could give him a giant bear hug.

Been seeing a lot of these, and I LOVE it!

2011-07-13T17:31:00.000-06:00

Been Making Me SMILE

2011-07-12T16:35:00.001-06:00

Two new nephews... Beau Daniel Schmalz and Cutler Cameryn Bass. ADORABLE

Grayson: "Lanie, we have a lot in common."
Lanie: "Do you like dresses?"

BBQ's on our deck and the view from my backyard.

Scrabble competitions with the hubs.

My hubs, and that he works so hard EVERYDAY for our family. He does so much for us and I know I don't tell him enough how happy he makes me. I love him!

Been kissing the same guy for 22 years now. I am one lucky chika!

Talking about the phases that the kids have gone through I mentioned Gentry and his current jammie phase and how he seems to want to wear them everywhere. Overhearing me talking he ran into the room and said "are you talking about my jammie face? Do I have Jam on my face or something?!!"

Speaking of Gentry and his choice in clothing, been thinking about staring a What Not To Where kid addition. I can say that he is one of my more creative children and that makes me smile :)

Fresh peas from the garden. Yummo!

My new bike. It makes me feel like a kid again.

Homemade strawberry jam from fresh picked strawberries in my back yard. Mmmmmm

Not having a headache in THREE WEEKS since saying goodbye to my addiction. I used to suffer with headaches almost everyday, not huge ones, but still headaches nonetheless. So happy that I am caffeine free now. Next on my addictions... SUGAR. Wish me luck.

Having the little five year old neighbor boy come over and ask Gavin if he can play...and he says yes!

Been making me cranky... Weeds, lack of a dishwasher, cars-we need a new one, sprinkler trouble-broken valve, my toothache that I am scared to go back to the dentist for, lack of money, and the fact that I still want to drink Diet Coke even though I know it's bad for me! Good thing I can find something to smile about :)

A New Addition

2011-07-10T16:31:00.002-06:00

Matt and Jenn welcomed a new little dude into their family

Cutler Cameryn Bass

He is such a cute little guy that always has a smile for anyone that will take it and I love him already!

Let Freedom Ring

2011-07-04T17:17:00.010-06:00

Nothing says July 4th quite like Darth Vader and doughnuts! The day also included a parade and BBQ at grandmas house, a nap, and some pretty cool fireworks at uncle Ben's. Awesome!

Happy Independence Day

Get Used to It Kids...

2011-06-20T15:51:00.000-06:00

because Soph and momma are off to girls camp!

Dad has threatened to cook hotdogs for every meal. I am sure he was kidding...I think.

While you are missing us we will be learning how to Lengthen Our Stride by having an attitude of gratitude. We will learn the importance of being a lovely daughter of God. We we learn that through prayer, we can draw closer to our father in Heaven. We will come unto Christ , and seek for virtue. It will hard to be away from all of you for the week, but know this, we will come home being a better mom, wife, sister, and friend and our testimonies will grow and be strengthened.

Christmas In June at the Bees Game

2011-06-18T22:19:00.001-06:00

Family fun night was a BLAST!

Hotdogs

Kettle corn

Icy cold sodas

Christmas music in June

Fireworks

A great game, even though we lost

Getting to run around the bases

and just being together

made for a perfect Saturday night!

My Christmas Letter in June

2011-06-18T21:21:00.001-06:00

The Schmalz family has been pretty busy with the end of the school year plowing us over before we even realized that it was here. Summer is once again upon us and we are looking forward to what lies ahead. Here is the latest buzz...

Gavin is a stud! When he asked me what a stud was and I told him, he suggested I not call him that anymore. Smart kid. Put that on the list of things I need to do (come up with new nickname for cute oldest son)! He has been working his fanny off the past few months getting in shape to play football by going to early morning workouts and conditioning. After all that hard work he has decided not to go the football route which is fine by me. I just want him to feel involved and I want him to be happy. I never thought football was the answer and as many friends as Gav has I am not too worried about him not being involved. He prayed about what to do and has decided to focus on things that will help his future and knowing that football is not really in the cards for the future, has decided to focus on other interests. Art, grades, girls, training for a tri with his dad, and maybe a job. He does have a summer job tending a little neighbor boy a couple days a week and is looking forward to the rewards $ of that. I love him so darn much, and I am grateful that he works so hard at school and that he enjoys it. I am so happy that he is finding his niche in the world and that he has great friends and that he is happy. I know that he is a great kid first hand, and he has a sweet and kind heart. This above anything else is what is most important to me, not if he can play corner-back!

Sophie is a tending mad woman! She also has a part time job this summer watching a cute and very energetic little girl a couple days a week. Since school got out she has had so many jobs that she currently has $100 in checks hanging on the refrigerator door and that is not counting the cash. She loves the little ones so much and she is such a good little worker. Speaking of working, she has been working so hard at the goal of reading the Book of Mormon before she leaves for girls camp next week and I am pretty sure she will make it. I am so proud of her and I love her guts! We also got her report card in the mail and it had a big ol' 4.0 on it! Yee haw! She is so smart for such a little thing!

Grayson just got back from his first official overnighter as a scout and he came home with the conclusion that he didn't pack enough candy. You did read that right... My little boy that was such a health nut that he wouldn't order pancakes at IHOP but instead would get the kid cod has decided that candy and sweets are where it's at! School was awesome for him this year and he proved that by bringing home straight A's the ENTIRE YEAR!!! He is also Mr. Olympian and came home from field day with THREE gold medals around his neck. One for winning the mile run, the second was for 100 meter hurdles, and the third...wait for it...wait for it...was for the long jump! The littlest kid in the 6th grade won the long jump!

I have an announcement...Delanie finally grew a front tooth! Thought we would never see the day beings she has been toothless for so long, but sure enough, they finally are starting to come in. We have been teasing her that she looks like Nanny McFee with her little snaggle tooth, but she takes it in stride and just teases us back. I love that girl and her sense of humor. She is so quick witted that little one, and sooooo tan already even though summer has just begun. I can't see even one ounce of me in that girl. It is hard to look at your kids and not see anything that might come from you even though I gave birth to her. I love her all the same though and can't imagine not having her around to make me laugh, or to add that little bit of spicy attitude that she has.

Now onto my little Gentry boy. He won't let me call him my baby anymore and that makes me sad :( Just between you and me I am still going to call him that when he isn't listening :) Now this boy is a character! Plum full of imagination. Plays hard. Bursting at the seems with independence. Super tender hearted. Sweet. Works so hard at trying to get out of work that it is actually more work than the work itself (sound like anyone else you know? Perhaps his twin separated by 7 years?). He refuses to dress like it's summer because he is so attached to his half zip sweaters and winter jammies and it's driving me ca-razy! That's my Gentry...and I love him!

There you go folks. The Schmalz kids update. I will keep you all posted as our summer gets underway. I ♥ summer and spending time with my kids. No more homework, no more books, just Otter pops and night games, and maybe just a few books!

Girls Day Out

2011-06-15T20:33:00.006-06:00

Whose Toes Are Whose?

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.

I'm not sure what to say...

2011-06-07T15:58:00.001-06:00

but thanks to Gavin, things are never boring around here! Or at least when he gets bored, I certainly am not!

A Special Day For Gray

2011-06-06T16:45:00.000-06:00

For one he graduated from primary, for two, he received the Aaronic priesthood and was ordained a deacon today. Words cannot say how proud I am of him and the young man he is, and the man he will be one day.

Purpose of the Aaronic Priesthood

Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live it's teachings.

Serve Faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices.

Give meaningful service.

Prepare and live worthy to receive the Melchizedek priesthood and temple ordinances.

Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.

Obtain as much education as possible.

Prepare to become a worthy husband and father.

Give proper respect to women, girls, and children.

I think he has these pretty well covered...

The Dance Festival

2011-06-03T15:46:00.001-06:00

Harvest Elementary has redeemed themselves. I am so impressed with the cute dance festival they put on to end a great year, and it was a great way to send Grayson off his very last day of elementary school...busting a move!!

somewhere in this sea of first graders is Lanie Bug dancing to Rub-A-Dub-Dub

Grayson has turned into a zombie and Thriller was the order of the day!

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-31T15:26:00.004-06:00

He Did It!!!

He knows his letters
and his numbers too

There isn't much in preschool
left for him to do

He's ready, he's ready
for a brand new day

Watch out kindergarten,
he's on his way!

A tood a tot, a tood a tot

a tood a tot tot!

Miss Jodi and Gentry

12 years ago TODAY...

2011-05-30T11:02:00.004-06:00

We were officially outnumbered!

But with these three cute kids, all we really considered ourselves was blessed.

Grayson was born on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Jordan Valley Hospital in West Jordan Utah. I felt my first contraction at about 10:30 in the morning and by 5:30 in the afternoon I was holding a little pink bundle of joy with strawberry blonde hair and a clogged tear duct. You were a healthy, happy baby and you tolerated two older siblings and two parents that just wanted to love on you all the time.

You have always been sweet and oh, so kissable

Today Grayson is a handsome, athletic, blonde haired, blue eyed, buff, soccer playing, back flipping twelve year old. He is an obedient and loving son, a well-behaved and hard-working student, and an all around amazing kid! To have him in our family is such a blessing. I can't imagine a life without Gray in it making me smile. We love you so much Grayson Kent Schmalz, and Happy Birthday to you, baby boy! Okay, you aren't a baby...this is a big day for you and your dad and I are so proud of the young man you are and the choices you are making in your life. But...you will always be my baby boy anyway!

Memorial Day Weekend at the Gorge

2011-05-29T21:00:00.000-06:00

Lots of rain
Lots of mud
Not having three TV's to choose from
No friends
No internet
Scrabble losers and scrabble winners
Sitting right next to each other in the car

May seem like TORTURE

But guess what?

It's actually kinda fun!

I Love To See The Temple

2011-05-26T10:40:00.001-06:00

I had an awesome experience last night with the 10th ward young women and their leaders. We went on a "walk out of this world" and walked to the Timpanogos Temple clear from Harvest Hills! And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek after the things of a better. D&C 25:10 As we were leaving and seeing the temple so far off in the distance sure made it seem like it was a daunting task. It was hard work. Our feet hurt and it got to the point that our legs felt like concrete. Smelling the rolls and steak at the Texas Roadhouse made us want to veer off course, but turning the corner and having the beautiful temple in our sights was so sweet and rewarding. It took us 4 hours to complete our journey. At the end we walked silently for the last ten minutes up to the temple. The Spirit was so strong. It was amazing seeing their sweet leaders drawing the similarity of getting to the temple physically as we walked, to getting to the temple spiritually and seeing a light go on in these girls. Life is hard, and knowing that I have the blessings of the priesthood and the blessing of the temple make me so grateful. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel and the plan of happiness. I am grateful for the chance whenever I can to put aside the problems of this world and seek for the things that are better.

I ♥ my calling!

U2

2011-05-25T10:47:00.002-06:00

What time is it in the world?

It's SHOWTIME!!!

And because I am a winner winner chicken dinner and the ultimate fan, Xandi and I got to bring along two of our favorite peeps...Gavin and Sophie!

Soph and I got to be in awesome seats with a great view. Lucky row 13!

And Xandi and Gav got to stand waaaay down there in GA. Both places have their advantages. The point being we got to go see the BEST band ever and all because of Gentry who actually made me be the ultimate U2 fan! I hope they thank their baby brother one day.

Being the coolest mom in the WORLD is awesome and I hope it lasts longer than a week!

2011-05-21T11:11:00.002-06:00

Rain rain go away.

Come again another day.

And if you don't, that's okay.

We will still play anyway!

La Fiesta

2011-05-20T21:03:00.014-06:00

Grayson had his spanish immersion dance festival and it was really fun to watch all the kids hard work, each grade learning a different style dance from a different country. I was really proud a Gray--- not one of my finest moments though. I was SO IRRITATED by all the people there. I am a horrible person really. I even complained to the principal about all the people saving seats. We were there 1 hour early and all he could say to me was that we should have gotten there earlier. Grrrrr. I know, right?! Annoyed. Annoyed. And annoyed. I know I had no right to complain, but don't invite a butt load of people that don't even have kids performing to come watch because the people that do have kids performing can't even get close enough or even have enough seating to see our kids. Have I mentioned that I was annoyed? This was not my finest hour and a moment I wished I could take back... Oh well. So be it.

At least we had one of these to offset my crankiness...

and after a while of trying to watch something that you can't really see anyway you end up with one of these...

I do feel bad for Gray that we all didn't enjoy the night more. After all, I gave up my Friday night date night to go and I tried really hard to start out with a good attitude, but BA came out anyway. He did do an awesome job though. From what I could see anyway :)

Have you heard?

2011-05-18T14:30:00.001-06:00

There's a new soccer star in town...

Preschool Adventures

2011-05-17T14:28:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum

Gentry with some of his preschool pals

A couple of his best buds, Haley and Dawson

Ollie, Dawson, and Haley in the cave

Da dum......da dum....da dum..da dum..da dum da dum da dum


Dawson and Gentry got a raptor claw necklace from the gift shop. AWESOME!

The Saratoga Springs Fire Station

Look at all these junior firefighters

Gentry and I have had such a great time together going on all of these adventures. I can't believe that my days of being a preschool mom are numbered. Where has the school year gone? Where has my last little baby gone? Chalk these sweet experiences up on the list of the last time I'll ever get to that, at least with a preschooler. Kindergarten adventures await us and I am sure it will be just as fun!

BOYS!

2011-05-11T14:32:00.002-06:00

I went to go load my pictures on the computer this morning and guess what I found? About 30 pictures that look EXACTLY like these. I will say it again. $ for these blocks truly is the best $10 ever spent!

The BEST Day

2011-05-09T07:20:00.003-06:00

I have just now decided that Mothers Day is one of my favorite holidays! For one, I was greeted with these beauties first thing Mothers Day morning. Breakfast in bed complete with a DC! Grayson braved spitting bacon grease to make his momma some bacon, and Xandi mastered the art of french toast. All for ME! My breakfast was accompanied by cards that made me laugh so hard I cried, and cards that reminded me of the sweet calling I have as a mother, and what a great but rewarding responsibility I have to raise these beautiful kids. I received sweet gifts from my children that were store bought with their hard earned money, and homemade treasures that I will forever cherish. I feel spoiled and loved, and so very grateful.
I haven't always felt such happy thoughts about Mothers Day. It really isn't a day designed to make me feel guilty about all the things I don't do right. Come to find out, it's just a day to feel appreciated for all the things I do do right.
I first became a mother 5,627 days ago to my sweet little monkey Gavin. That day was one of my happiest days, along with the days I became a mom again five times over to Sophie, Grayson, Delanie, and Gentry! Those days and the day I married the dad, and my best friend and eternal companion, will forever be my BEST days. I never knew what would happen to my heart on those amazing days in my life. Being a wife and a mother is what I was meant to do. I can't express enough the gratitude I feel toward my Father in Heaven for allowing me to walk beside these amazing children and help raise them and guide them through this life. THAT is the ultimate Mother's Day gift!

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T09:10:00.015-06:00

The greatest compliment any women could receive is to be considered a good mother.

I hope these women know how grateful I am for the influence they have had on me. My children have a better mother because of you, and my husband is the kind of man he is because of the great example in his mother. I love you all dearly and am so grateful to come from a long line of good mothers.


Four Generations Picture-Kim, Grandma Farol, Great Grandma Abby, Momma Bass, Stacy

Four Generations Picture- Grandma Shirley, Momma Schmalz, Sophie, Great Grandma Farol

Four Generations Picture- Grandma Shirley, Great Grandma Farol, Delanie, Momma Schmalz


Xandi with his cute mom! Real men can wear pink :) You don't need to have given birth to have an awesome influence on children. I'll share my babies with you anytime aunt Kimmie!

Vista Heights Middle Presents...The Music Man

2011-05-02T20:13:00.003-06:00

"Papa, papa, the Wells Fargo wagon is just coming around the depot...it could be the band instruments!" Sophie~Playing Gracie Shinn

"I am so proud of my budding thespian granddaughter Sophie who gave a great performance as Gracie Shinn in "The Music Man, junior". Your part was much bigger than the few lines that you had." Grandma Schmalz

"Sophie, you were marvelous, simply marvelous....We loved it, you were GREAT. Sure do love you!!!!!!!!!!!!" Grandma Bass

Wow! Words cannot express how proud I am of YOU Sophie! You amaze me! Watching you grow and transform into the beautiful young woman you are, inside and out, has been such a joy in my life...and you can act! I always knew you had a flair for the dramatics :) I love you! ~Mom

JUMP TEAM

2011-04-28T21:36:00.048-06:00

You are looking at

The

Double Under Champ!

It was so fun to go to the school tonight and finally see Grayson in action. I have heard about all the stuff he has been working on and we have been watching him practice at home, but to be able to see him with the entire team in action was awesome!

Some of Grayson's classmates with his teacher Sra Prince.

Oh yea, that was me that you saw tearing up in the corner watching my boy kick bootie in the double under competition. You wanna make something out of it?!! It's so silly isn't it? Every time I see any of my kids do ANYTHING from jump rope, to talking in church, I will tear up. What is with that? I get so embarrassed that I wear my emotions so close to my tear ducts...but gosh darn-it, I was just so proud!!

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T20:06:00.005-06:00

The Bass Easter Bash 2011

Complete with hotdogs, chips, yummy salads, raindrops, cute kids, some Easter eggs, a football, and family. Put it all together and it spells FUN!

Taking My ZOO To THE ZOO

2011-04-15T14:40:00.001-06:00

Spring Break

My Busy Life

2011-03-22T13:57:00.004-06:00

I am alive!
I have, however, been on a blogging hiatus these past few weeks. Just too much to do in this whirlwind month. I feel like I am being pulled in so many different directions. I feel like I live in my car. I feel like as soon as I climb one mountain, I have another one looking right at me. Looking forward to a little relaxation. Not sure where it is coming from yet, or when I might get it, but mark my words, I will relax the first chance an opportunity arises.

Here is a little glimpse into what we've been up to.

The Schmalz Family Good News Minute
Gavin went out for football!!! 6 a.m. conditioning and after school mandatory track practices means a happy and tired and hungry kid. I think he is grateful to be involved and is loving all the new things he is learning. He ran in his first track meet last week and is learning how to throw the discus and the javelin. Go Westlake!
Sophie made the school musical - The Music Man!!! She is playing Gracie Shin, the Mayors youngest daughter. She has a whopping three lines and gets to learn all the songs and cute dances. She is thrilled to be involved, even though the grueling practices are almost everyday after school. She also started back up with piano lessons. She loves the piano, so much that she is trading babysitting in order to take lessons. I have always told her with those long beautiful fingers she was blessed with, that she better be a piano player! We have loved being the beneficiaries to her piano practicing. I LOVE piano music!
Grayson has been busy with Jump Team and all the practices and field-trips to be able to perform for other schools. Futsal season just wrapped up and spring soccer is well on it's way, which means practices three days a week, even out in the cold, and games starting up here really soon. Go Arsenal!
Delanie has been a reading wild woman! Her first grade teacher set a class goal to have every student read at least 1200 minutes in the month of February. Lanie ended up with over 1400 minutes! I am so proud of her and how hard she worked on this goal. This poor bug has also had some bad luck with her teeth again. Her and her not so good teeth. She ended up with an abscessed tooth and it needed to be pulled. Not a good day for my bug. I sure hope her big girl teeth have a little better enamel and that she won't have to struggle with bad teeth her entire life. All I can say is yeah for tooth fairies, getting some cash for her pain is the only thing good about it!
Gentry just had his kindergarten check up and rocked it like a champ! Two shots, and had to get his blood drawn without so much as a whimper! I was so proud of him! Another AWESOME thing is that he graduated from speech therapy. He was so excited. He still has some bad habits that we need to continue to work on, but this boy is a talker. Oh yea, and have you seen him break dance? If you want to learn some new moves, Gentry is your guy!

Now this is just a glimpse, if I listed everything that has been going on it would just make Xandi and I out to be super heroes or something, and we don't want to make anyone feel bad. (wink,wink)
We love our busy life!

Service with a Smile

2011-03-20T13:20:00.001-06:00

Xandi made KSL.com... He's famous, and oh so handsome!

Alex Schmalz of Fidelity Investments carries a new bass to a student from Lakeridge Junior High School in Orem, Utah. A group from Fidelity Investments surprised the music students with a donation of new string instruments valued at more than $20,000. Wednesday, March 16, 2011.

Our family also got to be involved in this little project thanks to Xandi's work. We often get to do service when it comes to our church, but when we get to participate on a community level and see the impact you can have, it is very rewarding. We spent the Saturday prior to this day doing service for Lakeridge Junior High School. We painted music stands, We helped paint and clean up the orchestra room, and Sophie even helped the music teacher organize all her supplies. Right up Soph's alley and expertise. Hard work, but a fun day, and knowing you are helping kids appreciate beautiful things, it's worth every sore muscle.

Team Taylor

2011-02-22T15:52:00.002-07:00

CANCER SUCKS!

We can say this now because we know first hand how bad it really sucks. Gavin's best friend and pretty much his older brother from another mother-Taylor was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma around Christmas time and has been going through a lot of poopy stuff ever since. Surgery, chemo, lots of doctor and hospital visits, mixed with extreme fatigue, mental exhaustion, and a complete change of life. I think Gavin has suffered some of those things just for the fact that he has had to give up his best friend to cancer for a while. Nobody wants to let cancer win though so how can one boy help another boy in the fight of his life? Fight with him I say.
In honor of Taylor, Gavin shaved his head! In honor of Gavin, who is honoring his best friend, Grayson shaved his head, and in honor of his two boys Xandi claimed his natural hair loss was in honor of his boys honoring Taylor! The point is, Taylor is not the only baldie in town and if that is one way friends can show support for friends fighting a tough battle, then go for it.
Gavin also decided he could help earn some cash to pay for some of the cost in this cancer fight. He came to us with a few ideas and we decided together to order some silicone bracelets that say "Team Taylor" in his favorite colors (red and black) and then Gav took the idea to the principal of his school to see if he could sell them at school. The principal loved the idea but said that Gavin would have to do a presentation in front of student counsel to get their approval. That went off without a hitch and the student counsel is working on a plan with Gavin to get this fundraiser going. If anyone is interested in joining "Team Taylor", you can contact Gavin and he will hook you up with the official club bracelet.
I am so proud of Gavin. He has such a good heart, and he is the best friend to have. It has been hard for him, as it would be for anyone I think. Often times you have no idea what to say or what to do. You really can't make anything better, no matter how you wished you could. The best thing you can do is keep a prayer in your heart always, love the people around you for as long as you can, and shave your head if you have to.

Story Time

2011-02-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sounds in the whole world is listening to Lanie read to her little brother. Every single night it's the same little routine. Both of them getting cozy in jammies and snuggling up in the big chair with a blanket and a stack of books. Love it!

Did you feel that?

2011-02-15T20:28:00.002-07:00

We did!

They were just little ones (2.5, 2.7,and 2.8!) just enough to scare the pants off of us, that's all. Come to find out, the epicenter was right here in Harvest Hills. Perfect. No wonder we felt them even though they were little guys. It took three of them to finally make us break out the 72 hour kits and get them updated and then put them in a more accessible place. Boy, that sure needed to be done. The clothes must have been about two or three years overdue to be updated. Gavin couldn't do up his pants and it looked more like we were preparing for a flood. Soph had a High School Musical t-shirt in hers and that was so four years ago. Little Lanie and Gentry's clothes were so teeny tiny and cute that it made me long for the good old days.

After all was said and done, and the shaking stopped, it sure felt good to get thing updated and it was a great reminder and motivator for me to keep getting things like our food storage built up, even if it's just little by little.

You are an 80's child if...

2011-02-11T19:10:00.003-07:00

You wore jelly shoes and jelly bracelets
You thought Ghostbusters was by far the coolest movie
You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off
You rolled up the bottoms of your splatter painted jeans
You owned a doll with 'Xavier Roberts' signed on it's bum
You fell victim to 80's fashion : big hair, crimped, combed over to theside, big hoop earrings, and possibly the worst, you worespandex pants in neon colors
You wanted to be a Goonie, or Elliot from E.T.
You wished you could break-dance
Poltergeist freaked you out
Pizza Hut was the coolest place to hang out
You owned cassette tapes
You owned a Swatch Watch
You believed that "By the power of Greyskull, you HAD the power"
Partying "like it's 1999" seemed SO far away!

The other night Sophie got to go to 80's night for young womens and she nearly had to hold me back to keep me from going. We got her all gussied up for the big night in a total flashback outfit and did her hair a totally cute way with crimps and a side pony. I thought she looked adorable. Like totally!

The Best $9.99 Santa Ever Spent

2011-02-07T21:49:00.001-07:00

Grayson and Gentry are obsessed with these wooden blocks they got for Christmas. They love them so much we probably could get away with another set so the options could be limitless. The other day while building, Gray needed a few extra blocks so he asked Gentry if he could live without this one little wall, and Gentry replied, "I can't live without that, that's the tv!" Anyway, every day I come across some new army fort, house, or ship, and the list goes on and on. When I went to load all my pictures onto the computer this evening I literally had about 50 pictures of block creations. Apparently every time they impressed themselves they would take a picture. I love it! Now Gray has added another thing to what he wants to be when he grows up, an architect joins a doctor or a detective.

LOVE THIS

2011-02-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

"I have just two things to say to you who are troubled about the future. I say them lovingly and from my heart.

First, we must never let fear and the father of fear (Satan himself) divert us from our faith and faithful living. Every person in every era has had to walk by faith into what has always been some uncertainty. This is the plan. Just be faithful. God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—that is the first principle of the gospel. We must go forward. God expects you to have enough faith, determination, and trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. He expects you not simply to face the future; He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it, rejoice in it, and delight in your opportunities.

God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe."

--Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Happy Birthday Husband!

2011-02-01T10:42:00.007-07:00

I want to spend a few words swooning over my husband. Why? Well, he did choose me, so I don't have to tell you that he is a smarty smarterson. That's obvious! He is also very cute, and he does a stellar job at being the dad. He is the BEST! The best choice I ever made was loving him and I love him with my whole heart. He is patient. He is kind. He is funny and I love his sense of humor. He is perfect for me because we are so great at being completely imperfect together!

I am so thankful that my Xandi was born. I am thankful for the life he has lead, and the life he desires to lead. I am so thankful for all he does for me, for our family.

Thank you my love for working hard...not only to support us, but also in your efforts to be the husband and father that you are, and that we need.

Happy Birthday to my sweet man! I definitely married up when I married you, and that's not just because you are 6'4 and I'm 5'2!!!

P.S. I am not even going to mention that the cute little sign that Grayson made to decorate the birthday boys cake went up in flames when we lit all those candles. I am sure it has nothing to do with the sheer amount of candles, merely coincidence!

Look what came in the mail today...

2011-01-31T19:13:00.009-07:00

Thanks be to Xandi for wanting to be a part of something big, like
The Chip Of The Month Club!

We belong.

Sometimes I have nothing to say, all I can do is giggle.

He's not little...He's fun sized!

2011-01-28T23:34:00.003-07:00

It was probably a few years ago that we really started to get a little concerned with Grayson's size. I never really worried much about it. I have always had tiny kids. Even with a big ol' dad, my kids have always been below average in height and weight. Just fun sized, nothing to worry about. Besides that, because of Gray's size, he is an awesome athlete. Super fast, and really good at most everything that he tries. Why mess with that? That is until Gray himself started to get a little concerned. When you start getting made fun of for your size by 2nd graders and you are suppose to be the big 6th grader, it's time to worry. I remember a few years ago when Gray came to me and asked if he could just be tested to see if he was a "little person". He was going to be fine with that if he was, he just wanted a definite diagnosis. I guess we better get the ball rolling...

We first started the testing process back in late July last year. The doctor did a group of tests to see what was going in the way of growth hormones, and then he ordered an x-ray to test Gray's bone age. When the results came back and were all pointing to fact that he was not going to be very tall at all (5'3" at the tallest), and that growth hormones could give him a little extra boost. With that, the Dr needed to make sure that his body could handle the growth hormone with some of the side effects that it can cause. It can make your blood pressure drop, it can effect blood sugar, and make you very tired, and there is a good chance that your body won't even know what to do with it and so it is pointless to even take it. In order to gather the required info, we spent much of the day today up at Primary Childrens Hospital to get these tests done. It involved not having anything to eat for 12 hours prior to the tests and then not being able to eat until it was all over, and then an IV to administer the medication and draw blood every half an hour. Six blood draws in all. By the time he was done, the poor guy looked like he needed a tan! So pale. Thank goodness he got to order a big lunch before we left to make sure everything was still working. He was grateful for the entire hospital experience, just once! He will be fine with never doing it again though!

We won't get any of the results until next week. To tell you the truth, we aren't even sure what we are going to do when we get them. It is such a big decision to make. It is very costly and insurance won't cover the medication as far as we know. Maybe we can get into some kind of study or something. Gray at first said that he didn't care if he only got to be 5'3", but that is because he was concerned about how it would effect the family. As we explained to him that we would make it work, and the family wouldn't go without because of our decision, he breathed a sigh of relief. He is so tender to think of others before himself, and that makes me want to help him all the more.

Delanie's New Years Resolutions

2011-01-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

So, I went to Lanie Bugs parent teacher conference last night. While waiting for my turn with the best first grade teacher in town, I was very entertained by the wall outside her classroom. New years resolutions through the eyes of 6 year old kids. Lanie's went something like this...

I want to help the pore. I want to help my mom not get so mad. I want to help my mom with the dishes. I want to help my dad keep his room clean.

Now the entire world thinks I get mad all the time, and her dad has his own room. The whole neighborhood is talking...

Cue the circus music...

2011-01-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

for Gavin, the 15 year old unicycle enthusiast.

It all started on an innocent trip to the DI last summer to look for treasures. The DI is a great way to keep kids busy on those boring summer days when all your friends are busy and you have nothing to do. Who knew we were going to run into the very object that would change the very course of Gavin's life. Okay, it wasn't that amazing, but when he laid eyes on his very first unicycle there was no turning back.

The first week trying to figure it out we heard nothing but frustrated cries of "I'll NEVER get it", or "It's sooooo hard"! Now we are answering polls on facebook about whether or not he should ride his unicycle in the seminary talent show. Answered of course with a "heck yes you should"! How many people can actually say they can do that? I've tried and about killed myself, and I would consider myself pretty coordinated. I'll blame it on my core strength ;)

There are many great reasons to ride a unicycle. It’s great aerobic exercise (have you ever seen a fat unicyclist?, and Gav has lost five pounds since picking up the hobby!) It’s a lot less expensive and has fewer unnecessary parts than a bicycle. And it’s a great way to attract potential love interests (ok, I made that one up).
Next on the list is learning how to juggle. Put the two together and he could work the birthday party scene!

What do you need to have fun in the snow?

2011-01-17T14:42:00.001-07:00

Just the fun friends we have in
The Davis Family!
and
14 warm boots
14 cozy gloves
7 pairs of snow pants
long underwear
extra socks
hot chocolate
a big steep hill
and a sturdy sled!

We had such a fun weekend up at Tysson and Mare's family cabin. What a beautiful place to visit. I can't even remember the last time that I played with the kids in the snow and I am pretty sure it has been about that long since our big ol' dad has played with the kids in the snow. It was great to just be able to let our hair down and relax, eat good food, and play games. Sure sign of a fun weekend...when you come home smelling of snowmobile exhaust and bacon!
Great fun was had by all!