Colorado Sunset

Brandon had to drive to Colorado AGAIN yesterday for an on-call emergency, so I insisted that this time he was taking me. I got to see one of the best sunset shows I've seen in a long time! It was gorgeous! I got a couple of pictures, but it really doesn't do it justice. Now I've spent two days "on the job" with Brandon... it's a lot of endless driving through nothing, but a lot of that nothing is pretty. I definitely would not like to do it every day, though!

Family Photo Fun

Jason wanted to see some of the pictures from the photo shoot I did of an EXTREMELY adorable family last Saturday (thanks, Tari!!) Here are a few of my favorites... critique away, Jas!

I'm going to do another shoot with their adorable little girl sometime, just for fun. She LOVED getting her picture taken! Definitely a model in the making!

I couldn't help but take some pictures of this cutie drinking hot chocolate! He was definitely enjoying it!

You can see their valiant effort to open their eyes in the harsh sunlight! It wasn't a great picture taking day... cold and sunny sunny sunny!

We Love Christmas

"You're going to shoot your eye out with that thing!" Cooper got a "practice" gun, and Tyler inherited his dad's shotgun. They were both very excited!

But not as excited as I am about my Christmas gift... how many girls are lucky enough to get a camera for Christmas? (Me and Melissa, that's who!)

The boys have wanted robes for a long time, and they got great matching robes. Now I don't have to look at their ugly pajama shirts anymore!

Aubrey got a comfy new mattress and new bedding! She said she had the most comfortable night's sleep of her life that night. The quilt and sheets are SO cute!!

This is what happened when I wanted Cooper to let me take pictures of him. He threw a fit, and ended up throwing himself on the floor. I'm getting a picture one way or the other, dude... you can decide how you look in it.

My favorite picture of the day... all of our feet in hand knitted slippers from grandma! Ah, what a great Christmas!

14 Years With the Love of My Life

Today is December 21st... the exact day 14 years ago (an icy freezing cold day) that I married the love of my life. Since Brandon is on call today, and had to go to Colorado for work, (nice on our anniversary, huh?) I thought I'd celebrate the day by sharing 14 things about Brandon Christopher. Brandon has always loved nature. He thinks the best sermons happen when you're alone in the mountains. I have loved our time together enjoying the great outdoors, camping, hiking, walking, driving... I love this about him, that he is an outdoorsman.

I love that he knows how to do anything and everything. (At least it seems that way to me... I'm sure he'd say differently.) I love watching him do those manly things... cutting wood to keep us warm in the winter (he actually enjoys splitting logs out back), fixing things, building things (he builds GREAT things, and by great, I mean fantastic, and BIG... he always ends up with a bigger table/chest/armoire than he planned on.)

Even though I pretend to hate his dogs, I love to see him with them, and I'm glad he loves animals. He is like a little boy when he gets a new puppy.

Brandon loves fishing. Loves. Fishing. But this is what I think is amazing... he got to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Canada to fish, and he chose me to go with him. He has fishing buddies... guys who would fish all day, never complain that they were cold, never toss cookies over the side of the boat, never miss a day out on the ocean to read a book because they were queasy from the day before, and never end up catching more fish than Brandon did. He didn't choose those guys, though, because he loves me. I love that he loves to fish, because I love to eat fish. I wish that he was able to go more often.

Brandon doesn't quit, or give up early on a job. When I'm doing something hard, I take "breaks" far too often, or decide that I can "finish tomorrow". Brandon starts a job, and finishes a job. He also sticks with his money-making jobs far longer than most of his co-workers do. He's just the kind of guy that when he starts something, he wants to make it work, and sticks with it to the end. He's an amazingly hard worker, and puts more effort in than most people would. I always know that he'll take care of us, no matter what.

I always want to be around Brandon. We have been lucky enough to take a few trips together, like this one to Mexico, the trip to Canada, and California. I enjoy every minute with him, and wish that we had more of these trips together. I crave time with him, and never get tired of being with him. He's funny, he's smart, and he agrees with everything I say. (Okay, I just threw that one in for fun... he definitely does NOT agree with everything I say, but that's what makes our conversations so much fun.) Sometimes we'll both be exhausted, but we stay up waaaay too late talking. Even when he's too tired to talk, he enjoys listening to me talk, and tells me not to stop. I know he's really sleeping, but sometimes I have to talk anyway.

Brandon is a cowboy. The kind of cowboy who feels the wildness in his soul but has to live a different life. I hate that he can't live the life that is so much a part of him, and I'm hoping that heaven can be all the things he's missing out on. I want him to have a ranch, horses, land... lots and lots of land. I want him to be able to spend his days doing the things he loves. Someday, babe, someday.

I love that we fit together perfectly. I have a hard time sleeping without Brandon next to me, because he's so comfortable. We fit together perfectly in every way... he's the sweet to my sour, he's the calm to my storm. He balances me out, and makes me a better person.

Brandon's only fault as a dad is that his work takes him away too much. He loves his kids so much, and has always been amazing. I love that he was there for me through every pregnancy... through bed rest, bed pans, and numerous trips to the hospital to stop early labor. I love that he mourned with me the loss of three of our babies. I love that he's always been happy with what we've been blessed with. He teaches his kids so many things, and he blesses our lives often with priesthood blessings and guidance.

I love to listen to Brandon play his guitar and sing. He started late in life, when I got him a guitar for Christmas one year (oh boy, was that fun! He was so surprised!) He sings from the heart, and I love the songs he "writes" for me on the spur of the moment. I love how supportive he's been of me, and my music, and everything I've done with the violin.

I love his adventurous spirit, and his willingness to try things. He tortured his mom at times when he was a kid... climbing up tall trees, getting on top of the fridge when he was teeny, and getting into one scrape after another. Sometimes, after listening to his stories, I am amazed that he made it through childhood at all.

Brandon makes friendships slowly, but when he makes a friend, he's loyal for life. He's definitely not a social butterfly, and will usually avoid being around a lot of people if he can. He'll do anything for you, though, once the bond is there. Landon is one of those friends... Brandon will drive hours to go hunting with Landon, and looks forward to opening day for pheasant or duck hunting.

Brandon loves little kids. Sometimes you wouldn't know this, because one of the ways he shows it is to tease them mercilessly, but he has a way with most kids. He can calm just about any baby, and has nephews and nieces that call on the phone for Uncle Bobo. I often wish that there were more babies in our future, partly because I love watching Brandon with them. I guess I'll be content with the babies-on-loan.

There are so many more things I could say about this man... I love him more every single day. I love him more now than I ever could've known 14 years ago. I am grateful every single day that I married him, and I am even more grateful that our love will never end. I love you forever, Brandon!

Snow Babies

I've got some cute snow babies, don't I? Tyler was probably my most willing model. The boy needs some chapstick. Cooper kept doing the winking thing, because I was doing that to look into my viewfinder. The boy needs a kleenex.

I need to learn some photoshopping stuff, because Aubrey's eyes really looked much bluer than this in real life. She's one beautiful, tall, gorgeous girl. She gets her looks from her Dad, obviously.

If anyone wants to come be a model for me, I'd appreciate it. My kids are going to kill me if I make them do this too many more times. Let's just say that I don't get very many happy shots.

I Need a Job

Okay friends and not-so-friends... I need your help thinking of a job. I don't want a job, but I need a job. I am in the process of trying to get more violin students, but with the poopy economy I'm thinking not a lot of people will be interested. I also only want to work while my kids are at school, which limits how many students are willing to do that. I do have a sort-of option at the Rec center, but it makes me laugh to think of it... they need lifeguards. My boss thinks I could pass, but he's never seen my swimming skills. Heehehehhhehhe... skills. Hoohooohoooo. Ahem. Anyway. Maybe I could squeak by and be a lifeguard. I've also thought of waitressing, teaching music group classes to homeschooled kids, working at the (gag) school, working as an un-degreed and unqualified music therapist at the old folks home (If I could get them to pay me for it). I really don't want to work for hardly any pay and work hours that somebody makes me. I've been my own boss for far too long. Does anyone else have any ideas? Something with music that could pay a lot? Something that just plain old pays a lot?

For All Who Care...

I cut my hair! Well, technically, I didn't cut my hair. A girl named Jana cut my hair. Aubrey took the 360 degree pictures, so it's almost like you're here with me, admiring the new cut! :)

Mother Nature's Christmas Decorations

When I went to the library last week, I almost passed right by this tree, but then had to stop for a double take. It's full of apples, but the leaves are all gone! It really looked like a bunch of red Christmas balls hanging from it! I went back the next morning to take pictures because I thought it was so cool (and there is nothing cool in my yard to take pictures of right now!) I think all the people inside the building thought I was a little nuts, but who cares? I guess I am a little nuts, so I might as well flaunt it...

I'm a Good Mom... a Tale of Diet Pepsi

Before you read this post, you have to promise me that you'll finish to the end.... I know you'll be tempted to say, she's a horrible mom! and immediately quit reading, but then you'll miss the good part. With that introduction, I'll begin my tale of a good mom.

We went to the big Jarvis family Christmas party on Saturday, and received a 6pack of diet pepsi (20 oz. bottles) from one of Brandon's sweet aunts. (We'll leave her name out to protect her, since this is all her fault.) My kids really really really wanted to share in that gift, and I thought, well, it probably won't kill them to have a bottle of caffeine once in their lives. So, being the good mom that I am, I gave them each their own, which they drank ALL of in one afternoon. Then comes bedtime... and 9:00... and 9:30... and 10:00... and 10:30... and Cooper is still awake. He finally went to sleep, but that's not the end of the story.

At 6:00 a.m. I heard a noise... it was Cooper walking around the house. I called him into my bedroom, and he's completely dressed, to the shoes. Now, you'd have to know Cooper to know that this is something that NEVER happens. It's usually 5 minutes before they have to leave for school and I'm begging him to get out of his pajamas! He told me he had been up since 5:30, and got dressed, and was ready for school. I made him take his shoes off and lay next to me, and we talked for a minute. He said, "Mom, I didn't get ANY sleep last night." I said, "Coop, do you know why? It's because of all of that caffeine that you drank. That's why mom and dad tell you not to drink it, because it messes up what your body and brain are supposed to do." Cooper said, "I know, and I don't want to drink it again."

See?? Now all along you thought I was a horrible mom, but look at what he learned... finally a child of mine actually learns something from experience! I do feel sorry for his teacher today, but hopefully it will be a lasting lesson, and hopefully he'll have a GOOD night's sleep tonight!

Life is Good

House is clean.

Kids are happy.

Ate chocolate today.

Going to bunco tomorrow.

Just finished a good book.

Christmas decorations are up.

Listening to Christmas music.

Happier Stuff

In all the excitement of the plumbing yesterday, I forgot to blog about the good times. My sister, Brenda, came to visit me Monday through Wednesday this week, with her three adorable kids. (That's her 11 year old, Kaitlyn with me in the picture I stole from Brenda's blog... I forgot about cameras the whole time she was here!) We did all sorts of fun crafty things, like scrapbook paper magnets, menu organizers, etc. We also went to kickboxing, and spent some time outside in the gorgeous fall weather, and I got to fix Kaitlyn's hair twice!

I wish I could see them more often! At least we live a lot closer to each other than we used to! (Thanks for putting up with cold and snow so that can be possible, Brenda!) I need more of those laugh so hard you almost pee your pants moments...

The Grinch Stole Christmas

The plumbers just came to assess our leakage problem in the kitchen. The "home warranty" that was purchased when we bought the house doesn't cover ANY of it (surprise surprise). Apparently they'll cover plumbing problems, but not if the pipes are rusty, or corroded, or too small, or hindered by tree roots. Those are the problems we've encountered so far... none of which have been covered. They also don't cover roof leaks, or anything caused by snow, wind, rain, age, bad construction, etc. I think they should make a booklet... wait, no... a post-it note with everything they DO cover written on it, instead of a booklet with what they don't. This warranty is seriously a joke. Anyway, it'll be $750 just to fix the pipes so we can wash dishes and use the sink in the kitchen and the bathroom again. That doesn't even touch fixing the buckled floor, the giant hole in the wall they cut to get to the pipes, or a new dishwasher. The moral of this story is: do not buy silly home warranties when you buy a house. They are worthless pieces of sh*&. Also, do not think that you just might have money for Christmas... the grinch hears these thoughts, and finds a way to take it away! ;)

I know this post is gloom and doom, but really, we're okay. I'm thrilled to be able to use my plumbing again, and I will be thrilled to have a new kitchen floor... you all know how hideous it is. I was telling a dear friend my woes, and she said that somehow they made her feel better. See, that alone is almost worth going through this crap! I love to ease the burdens from others' lives, even if just a little bit! We will figure out a way to have Christmas... I'm thinking Little House on the Prairie style... a shiny penny, a candy stick, and some mittens. Oh, and the tin cup!

For Jake

My mean brother in law, Jake told me that I'm the boring one in my family, not the rest of them. Well, all I have to say to Jake is that if he didn't have three of the cutest girls in the universe, I wouldn't even LOOK at his blog. (Jake, I miss you... when are you guys moving back?) Cooper is one amazing kid. He's 7 1/2 and he is barely getting his 6 year molars. He's only lost two teeth. This has to be some sort of special talent... hanging on to baby teeth. I went on a field trip with Cooper's class and saw for myself that he's like the most popular kid in school. Especially with the ladies... Funny story... last year a little girl came up to me and told me that she had a crush on Cooper, and thought he was cute. She went on and on about him, and I'm like, You're in 1st grade! Cool it a little, will ya? I'm going to be beating them off with a stick.

Tyler is turning 11 this month. How on earth did THAT happen? He's finished all of his requirements for Webelos and his Arrow of Light. He loves Scouts... which makes me ask again... how on earth did THAT happen? ;) I took him to the orthopaedic surgeon for a check up on his leg that he broke, and everything is fine. (Except the cost of the lamest dr. appt. I've ever been to... I could've done the check up myself.... he looked at both knees for about 5 seconds, had him walk (Tyler stumbled a few steps because his pant leg was still up... the dr. said fine and went on) then asked me if he seemed okay at home. That's it. Seriously.)

Aubrey is doing awesome with Swim Team. She goes three times a week, and will be moving up a group next week. We do need to get her a new swimsuit though... three times a week is rough on a suit. She's getting taller every day, and I know one of these days I'll wake up and she'll have passed me up. She is getting all A's in school, which isn't unusual. She's a smarty pants. She also just got called to be Beehive President.

Last but not least... the sexiest man in the universe. Here he is dressed for church... ha! Of course, dressed for hunting. He's had a good time hunting the last month or so, although he has only been able to go a few times. I wish he could have a lot more free time to do what he wants. He works insane hours, and then is on call all of the time on top of that. When he mentioned that he would like to have Thanksgiving off, and maybe a weekend every once in awhile his boss told him to just be glad he has a job, since people are getting laid off in other parts of the country. I say, they should just be glad they have an employee since they've hired five guys since Brandon and every one of them quit because of the insane hours. Brandon's just the most awesome guy in the world, and I think every business should see that and pay him a billion dollars. If only I ran the world....

Scattered Randomness

It's your LUCKY day! You've just won another post about NOTHING from yours truly!! You can go celebrate as soon as you've read it and left a random comment. Have some Cold Stone for me, okay. Just don't tell me about it, because I might cry, since there are NO ice cream places in this godforsaken place I live in.



I didn't realize that I have a slumping problem... until I went to Silver Sneakers training. This is a fitness program for "older adults" (that's what they tell us to call them. I prefer grandma and grandpa!) Anyway, I'm doing the practical test, which we were all freaking out about doing (TEST!? In front of EVERYONE?!) and I got great scores except on one thing... my posture! I was perplexed. Me? Posture problems? I was kind of like, whatever... until it made me start paying attention. Holy cow, do I ever slump! I'm working on it as I speak. Or type. Whatever.



I'm wondering what this blog really is. It seems to be mostly about me me me, but it's called Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop. Am I cheating the rest of my family? The truth is, they're just boring. Believe me, I have to live with them. Should I rename it Mindy Smith Ice Cream Scoop? The subtitle could be "Because the rest of the family is boring". What do you think?



Why does everyone hate to do the plank? I made my class do the plank between every set of exercises last Thursday and they gave me dirty looks the whole time. We'll see if anyone comes back next week.

How come the only people who call me want to eliminate my credit card debt or sell me satellite tv? That's how you really know you don't have any friends. That and when the only thing that comes in the mail is junk mail addressed to someone else.

Our "Quilting Retreat"

by Aubrey

Today my mom and me had a sewing day. We both did projects and had lots of fun. There is our work area. My stuff is already put away. So it was actually messier than that. We also finished off those PB M&Ms.

I made a bag that I got fabric, a pattern and instructions for for Christmas. My mom had to help me alot but I did it!

My mom made this table mat square. (note from Mindy: I finally made something with the Prairie Paisley fabrics that V and Felicia sent to me!!)

So that is what we did while the boys finished the shed roof, and then my brothers went to an activity at the library. So we had all the time to ourselves.

Joey + Rory

I have been listening to this cd all today and yesterday, and I LOVE it! If you like traditional country stuff, and people who are good, down to earth, married people who love each other... you should check this album out.

Joey and Rory were on CMT's Can You Duet (they totally should have won), and they were such neat people. You also might have seen them on the Overstock commercials. When I saw that they had a cd out, I was going to buy a song or two, but I ended up liking so many that I bought the whole thing, and boy, am I glad. My favorites so far are Heart of the Wood, Loved the Hell, and Free Bird.

Grumble Halloween Grumble Grumble

I hate Halloween. Sorry to all of you Halloween lovers out there.... but, since my kids are cute, I thought I'd show you their costumes. Cooper wore Tanner's football outfit... Sorry, Tanner, I know you were probably planning on wearing it! ;)

Here's our 80's girl. How is it that I'm old enough that people are dressing up in the era I grew up in? I told Aubrey that she could go to my jr. high with me looking exactly like this, and people would say she looked cute! I'm just sad that she can't own a pair of rad jeans like I was proud to own... They had a zipper that went up the back at the ankle with a bow at the top of the zipper. I had to unzip them to get them over my feet, because they were so awesomely tight at the bottom!

You're probably wondering why there are no pictures of Tyler... just imagine a black flowy costume with a scary mask. That's it. Ugly scary thing. I didn't take any pictures, because he got ready later, but you really couldn't tell it was him anyway.

I dressed up as a voter. Complete with a sticker on my chest. Brandon dressed up as an employee of R & H, complete with a polo with R & H embroidered on his chest. We go all out, I know!

Look What I Woke Up To

Hell froze over.