Chaffin Family

A Woodland Fairy Birthday!

2012-01-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my not so little anymore 5 year old!!!!

OK, I know it, I went a little overboard.....I just couldn't help myself! It all started with me deciding to make a tutu dress for Penny's birthday and it just spiraled from there!

We had a chocolate fountain with shortbread cookies, pretzels, and strawberries

Banana slush, cracker and cheese platter, and LOTS of my mom's help

A mushroom birthday cake I made out of cherry chip cake and fondant

I also made a vanilla strawberry trifle, a chocolate triple berry trifle, chocolate cake pops dipped in white chocolate, and yellow cake pops frosted with milk chocolate frosting and rolled in sprinkles

I made fairy dust and let the kids rock out with kareokee

I am soooo lucky to have the most angelic little girls!!!!!

I even made Hailey a tutu dress!

I made BBQ chicken wings, cowboy caviar, and homemade rolls (well, my mom made the rolls, thanks mom!)

We invited our whole family with their daughters and our friends, I wish more could have made it!

Penny got lots of awesome presents

We all had soooo much fun! I seriously need to be a party planner!

Also, I LOVE making tutus and tutu dresses! If any one wants to put in an order for me to make them a custom one I would LOVE that!!!!

My 27Th Birthday!!!

2012-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

On January 10Th I turned 27 years old!!!!! I can't believe it! I still feel like I am only a teenager! I was lucky enough to celebrate with my friends and both sides of my family!

We went out with our friends to The Rex across from the train station downtown and had a great night kid free!

Then I got to go out to dinner with my mom and my sister, who's birthday is the day before mine, at Texas Road House. I love sharing my birthday dinners with my sis!

Then my in laws made dinner for me for yet another birthday celebration!

I was so excited to wake up to presents in bed from my hubby. I LOVE me knee high black boots and my new jewelry!!!

My family can't even believe how old i am getting, they thought I was only turning 26! Good thing they had an extra candle!

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!

Thank you everyone for making me feel special and loved!

Happy New Year!!!!!!

2012-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

2011 is over and I am ever so grateful that we got to spend the final days of this past year with some of loved ones on the Chaffin side.

We ended the year with a Murder Mystery Game we played at our place with Sarah and Casey acting as hosts. It was great fun. Never done one before, but I am very excited to do one again and get even more into it!

Sarah and Casey were P.I.'s

BJ was a body guard from another country that was also an excellent skier, I was an FBI agent working under cover as a a stewardess and love interest to a lawyer

Grandpa Chaffin was the lawyer, Grandma Chaffin was a doctor and sister to the lawyer. GG was a young hoochi mamma who was also a double agent.

Michelle worked with FBI and as a private investigator

Michelle's hubby MG played a ski shop owner who dealt drugs on the side

It was a wild and crazy night, but lots of fun!!!!!! The Chaffins are too fun to play games with! Especially Shelly! It was the best at how confused she got!

We also got a few extra special days with BJ's younger brother and his wife. We went out to dinner and my favorite stone fire pizza place where our kids could not get enough of each other!

I think they love each other dearly!!!!!!

Its so funny how things work out out in their own ways. Sarah and I were friends in high school and we had no idea we end up marrying brothers!!!! We went shopping one day and the sales clerk mentioned how nice it was to see sister in laws getting along so well. I agree. Love you Sarah!!!!!

Hailey can't help but dance everywhere we go, I think she is going to be one of those Flash Dancers in the future!

We also got to leave the little ones home one night and go bowling!

We took Penny, she LOVES bowling! She had so much fun and it was sooo cute to watch her get into it

I loved how she would sway the opposite direction the ball was going!

We were also lucky to be able to have a girls night and a cousin sleepover!!!! The girls had lots of fun playing together!

Bathing beauties!

Unfortunately by the time New Years Eve rolled around we were all so tired we didn't even make it to midnight, but the girls got to toot their horns and throw confetti!

I am trying to welcome this new year with a very optimistic approach. BJ and I have some New Years Resolutions that we really would like to see accomplished in the months to come!

SO HAPPY 2012 TO YOU ALL! MAKE IT GOOD, POSITIVE, AND MEMORABLE!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone, but we will always have our memories of the good and the great! This year was crazy, fun, emotional, and tiring!

Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Casey, BJ's younger brother, and his wife came up from Utah with their little girl Emme.

Our brother in law MG who is married to BJ's older sister Michelle came up from Colorado and invited their beautiful mom Joan over for the Christmas eve program at the Chaffin house

We had lots and lots of food Christmas Eve. My favorite would have to be Debbie's oriental chicken wings she traditionally makes every year as well as her banana ginger ale slush!!!! MMMMMM!

I made my girls and my niece Emme some cute little tutus to dance their hearts out while we sang Christmas songs.

The girls got to have some special time with GG, their great grandma who came up from Dillon. It was very precious to watch

We opened a few gifts on Christmas Eve,my favorite being my long awaited gold and silver sparkle heels!!!!

The boys had a lot of fun hanging out and I LOVED all our little girls having to be in the middle of the action!

Christmas Eve went fast and BJ and I sure enjoyed setting out the presents from Santa!

I about died when I opened up these over the knee boots! My hubby sure knows I LOVE shoes!!!

After BJ made some red Christmas pancakes we got in our new Christmas Sunday best and headed off to church!

After church we went back to G and G Chaffins and opened more presents!

We ended Christmas day with a wonderful meal and some sleepy children! Thank you Chaffin family!!!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-29T09:38:00.001-08:00

For any one who did not send me you addresses, here is a look at this years Christmas cards! So proud of myself for sending these out this year! haven't done it for over five years! About time!

Strike a Pose!

2011-12-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

My sister in law Michelle Lemley came up to Billings from her home in Colorado this past October to do a little photo shoot with me and one of my best gal pals modeling some vintage clothing and some new stuff for her photography website. It was a beautiful fall day and we took our photos at Rocky Mountain College campus. There was a big football game going on so we got a few weird looks, but we didn't mind! We had a blast! Michelle Lemley is the photographer to have for all your photo needs whether it be family pictures or for your business. Visit her website at www.michellelemley.com or Google her to get a look at her work or to contact her. She is amazing!!!!!!!I will post more pics as I get them uploaded!I love you Michelle!

I love 50's style! I could wear red lipstick every day!!!!

I want a Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!

2011-12-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a show called My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.......I was FASCINATED. I couldn't believe how extravagant these girl's wedding gowns and bridal party gowns were. I think they were getting married a tad bit too young, average age being 17, but boy they sure knew how to look like a princess. Most of you think this is over the top, but I actually think their style in wedding is couture and mind blowing. The seamstress is amazing. All I can say is...... wow. Talk about going ALL OUT!!!!!

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December Fun!!!!

2011-12-18T19:31:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas time! I love spending time with my friends and family. All the traditions, the laughter, the lights, the food, and the laughs. Live it up this holiday season! Make every day count!

I'm a critic!!!!

2011-12-18T18:41:00.001-08:00

The weekend Breaking Dawn Part one came out in theaters BJ and I were lucky to be able to catch a matinee together. I have always been a huge fan of the Twilight series, but this movie is the best yet. I know the books were a million times better than all the movies and I was disappointed in the first movies that came out, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.

I felt as though the actors were finally starting to connect with the characters they were portraying, almost as if they had more respect for them and they were trying to do them justice.

The wedding scene was so amazing. I LOVED the wedding dress. So much better than I had pictured in my mind when I read the book. Simply beautiful.

I hope the last movie gets even better! I highly recommend seeing this one for sure!!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

A couple days after Thanksgiving BJ and I loaded up the girls to go hunt down a Christmas tree up in Red Lodge.

We hiked on the trail about a half mile or so to find our "perfect" tree!

We ran into my sister and her family and the kids had a blast sledding with their cousins for a while.
My big strong man dragging our tree.....
After a bite to eat at Red Lodge Pizza Company we headed home. Popped some popcorn and spent the night stringing the popped corn.
I also baked gingerbread men and put a bit of glitter on the edges to decorate our tree.
I love decorating for Christmas! The smells and sounds and all the details are so much fun!

This is our other tree. It is fake and we bought it the first year we got married. We hang all the random ornaments we get every year on this one. It brings back so many memories and lets us add to it year after year!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-01T21:16:00.001-08:00

Wow! I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone so quickly! Fortunately, this year was a great one!! BJ, the girls, and me went to my parent's house for the turkey feast. Everyone who lives here in Billings on my side was there including my sister' Jessica and Melissa's families as well as my brother Brandon's family.

My mom out did herself as usual so we had a very fancy table setting.....

as well as more than our fill of moist turkey, homemade stuffing, potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, salad, homemade rolls, bacon and caramelized onion green beans, stuffed mushrooms, chips and dip, shrimp, deviled eggs, and cranberry slush to drink!

My contribution to dinner was dessert. I went all out on making pies!

I made apple, chocolate cream, banana cream, and cherry!

I think my favorite I made was my chocolate cream. I put a layer of melted Hershey's chocolate on the bottom and let it harden before I put the pudding in......yum!

My mom recently returned from a very long trip in Israel and brought back lots of gifts!

My sister in law Jen, my sis Melissa, me, and my sis Jessica....

Of course we couldn't get a pic without our crazy mom!!!All our husbands......looking soooo ruggedly handsome.Penny and Hailey got to have a sleep over at G and G Smith's house on Thanksgiving night as well. They had soooo much fun! They didn't want to come home!Jessica's dear sweet Ava!The Smith family!

Cousins with matching piggy pajamas!Penny took this pic!Our little fam before BJ and I headed off to stand in line for some black Friday shopping....Us standing in line for over two hours waiting to get into Best Buy to purchase a new computer. Our old one crashed beyond repair. It was all worth the wait though!!!

It also took two hours just to wait in line just to pay for our stuff!We ended up getting home at 4 in the morning. Thank goodness the kiddos were at a sleep over!

And yes, that is a diet Coke in my purse.......I had several to keep me up that night!

Rachel's 5th Birthday!

2011-11-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening we celebrated my niece's fifth birthday! I have so many nieces and nephews that we can't make it to all the parties, but we feel blessed for the ones we are able to attend. This picture warms my heart. My sister Melissa and I were pregnant at the same time (Penny and Rachel are only 2 months and 14 days apart). Its a lot of fun to have a sister pregnant at the same time as you, especially with your first. It makes it easier to know what to maybe expect. I say maybe because all pregnancies are different. It was sure nice though when Rachel came along and BJ and I came home for the holidays. I was able to snuggle with a new born Rachel, aka Ray Ray, and realize that all the pain and emotional ups and downs of growing a baby was going to be worth it. I was also able to teach BJ how to hold a new born. He really needed the practice and I think it helped a lot.
Melissa is doing a wonderful job as a single mom and tries so hard to make sure her kids see how important they are! I know that Ray Ray was so close to her daddy. I can't count how many times I saw her fall asleep only in his arms. Scott is proud as he looks down on his growing children, sad that he can't be there in person, but so happy he can watch over them from above whispering, "I love you" each night to them as they fall asleep.

We had a wonderful Pizza part dinner at Straw Hat Pizza, one of the awesomest and cleanest restaurants for kids I have EVER seen.

Then we all headed back to the Shimamoto home for some cake and ice cream. Rachel requested her mom make a jelly bean butterfly cake. I think Melissa pulled that dessert off nicely. Very cute!

Hailey LOVED the frosting! In fact its the only part she ate!

We love you Ray Ray and Penny will always be one of your bestest friends! I hope you had a wonderful birthday and enjoy the big princess puzzle Penny picked out for you! Remember how much your Mommy and Daddy and Auntie Ashley and Uncle BJ love you!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last year I dressed my kids up as cute little Angels.........
So, naturally this year I dressed them up as little fierce Devils!

Let me tell you.........they earned it!!!

I must say, the are pretty little devils!

Last Saturday we went to the Trunk - or - Treat at our church.

The girls had a blast! I love how everyone totally got into it!

Even the adults dressed up! I wish I could get BJ to dress up and feel "cool" about it! I should have dressed up anyways.

A lot of the members went all out in decorating their trunks.....it was awesome!

We met up with some of our friends at the church and they brought their cute little ladybug

and bunny rabbit.

On Halloween night we had a party! We made home made root beer (or witch's brew) for our first time.....

I had a hot chocolate station......

lots of candy..............

a home made apple pie and vanilla ice cream, corn bread, veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, slow cooked pork, and cookies.

I decorated with lots of orange lights and pumpkins....

and had so much fun!!!!!

We invited my Dad, my brother Brandon and his wife Jen, their kids Josie, Kade, and Chase, and BJ's parents......

Josie as "Flower" from Bambi. Cutest little stinker I've seen!

My Dad, so happy to have a home cooked meal and be with family. My mom is out of town for a while.....

oooooohhhhh, Grandma Debbi and her flashing Halloween vest!

So sorry about the bunny ears John, I couldn't get Debbi to stop that......

Scary fashion show!!!

We also played a few classic Halloween games like bobbing for apples.....

Haliey had a hard time with not using her hands......

and we also played the donut on a string game. I think that was the kid's favorite!

Then we finally went Trick - or - treating!!!!

The girls had so much fun and it took a while to calm them down and get them into their Halloween Pajamas.....

But as soon as they hit their pillows they were out like a light.

Another successful and fun Halloween! Hope you all had a Happy Halloween too!!!!!

Grandma Debbi turns ???????

2011-10-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

We celebrated BJ's Mom's Birthday on Monday night at Texas Road House. I have no idea how old she is, she told the waitress and other workers who came to bring her a free dessert that she was turning 40. Pretty sure that's not right. I would ask, but I guess that's a bit impolite after you go "over the hill".........

My girls sure love their Grammy!

They also loved her Birthday dessert, they didn't even ask before they started to dig in! Sorry Deb! I hope you had a great Birthday!!!!

October Fun!!!

2011-10-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was full of October fun! We wanted to go to the pumpkin patch but the weather was so rainy and wet that we decided just to get our pumpkins at Billings Hardware. They had the cutest little display!

They even had a little hay maze for the kids!

The girls couldn't wait to get over to G and G Chaffin's to start decorating their pumpkins!

We showed them how to dig out the "guts"

Grandpa helped Penny make an outline for the carving...

We let Hailey just color hers and then Grandpa carved a little something into it later.

BJ toasted the pumpkin seeds with lime and salt and ate them all.....

Here they are!!!!! Sooooo scary!!!!

Then we all got into our PJ's and made some Jiffy Pop

and snuggled up to watch the Green Lantern!

Love my little Family!!!

Chicken Pillows

2011-10-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

I love fall cooking! A couple nights ago I made one of my favs, Chicken Pillows!

So easy, cute, and good!

All you do is mix up some shredded or cubed fully cooked chicken (I like using the rotisserie chicken from Costco), some chopped green onion, pepper, a little salt, and cream cheese. Mix it all up and drop into two crescent rolls pressed together to make a rectangle. Fold the corners up, make a little twist on top. Butter lightly and sprinkle with bread crumbs or crushed Ritz. Throw into oven until golden brown. Heat up some cream of chicken soup and drizzle over the top! Add some veggies and your done!!!

Yum Yum!

The Brandon and Jen Smith Family

2011-10-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

Over the years I have fallen in love with photography. I was so excited when my sister in law asked me to take some pictures of her kids at the end of this last summer. I think they turned out pretty good. Someday I'll get a super nice camera and maybe taking photo shoots could be a hobby!

Thanks Chase, Kade, and Josie for being such good little models!!!!! Auntie Ashley loves you!!!

The Lion King

2011-10-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

The other week BJ and I were planning on going on a date. We couldn't get a babysitter when we wanted. We decided to take the girls to a movie and then out to dinner with us. My girls are usually extremely good nap takers and sleep for at least 2 hours every afternoon, but I am trying to brake them of that habit so that they will go to bed earlier now that it is getting darker sooner and so that BJ and I can have more down time at night. So, we decided a matinee would be perfect because they would be tired enough to sit still through the whole movie.
We were right. They did awesome and had a blast! We took them to see the limited 3D release of The Lion King. They had never seen it before. They thought it was pretty cool and BJ and I thought it was pretty cute to watch them be so entertained! I can't believe they kept the glasses on for that long too!

I just love this movie. Such a classic!

My Favorite Fall Treat

2011-10-04T16:39:00.001-07:00

Since it is still pretty warm here in Billings (80 degrees and up) it doesn't feel much like fall, but I have begun making my fall favorites. I have to say this one tops the chart! Carmel apples!!!! My favorite is the m&m's with it, but I tried meting down reisens and doing a second dip in that. It turned out awesome! Yum yum.

Our Newest Obsession

2011-09-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Supernatural! BJ and I bought the first season a month or so ago and just finished it! Last night we started the second season.

If you love scary movies that have a great story line like I do you will love this!!!!!

Me and You, and You and Me........So Happy Together!

2011-09-13T15:25:00.001-07:00

My girls can't do anything with out each other! They love each other so much! They are starting to fight less and play a whole lot more. Its adorable!
This just melts my heart!!!!!

Girls Night In!!!

2011-09-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I kicked my hubby and kids out of the house for a much needed girls night in!!!
I hosted this time and had so much fun doing it! From left to right is my best friend Tiffany, Alicia, and Brittany. I LOVE these girls and hope we started a tradition that will last a long time!
I haven't made puppy chow in ages, so that was must have. Everything else was store bought but hey, looks pretty and tasted great! Just love what you can get at the party section at Walmart!

Me and Tiff!

Brittany and I....LOVE her baby! She was soo good and adorable! Doesn't Brittany look amazing?!!!! She should be a baby factory!!!

Alicia and Tiffany getting ready to watch our chick flick.....Something Borrowed. Super cute movie, but I think Kate Hudson has lost her spark, or maybe she just is not ageing well....

Can't wait for next time gals!!!!!!

I'm so excited that I just can't hide it!!!!!!

2011-09-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

is starting their new season this Thursday!!!! I am IN LOVE with this show! I hate to admit it but it is, in my opinion 10 times better than Twilight!!!!!!! Never seen it? Don't just start watching from this season. You have to start with the first or you will be totally lost! Can't wait!!!!!!!

Labor Day Fun!

2011-09-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't really gotten together with all of my side of the family that live here for a while so I was excited to spend Labor Day with them! I took lots of pics of course!!!!

LOVE my little niece Ava......don't you just want to squish her!

The kids all picked the apples off Grandma Smith's apple tree......

I am seeing a homemade apple pie and apple crisp to be made in the future!

The girls had fun playing dress up. Can you tell Hailey knows how cute she is?

we had a BBQ lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, fruit salad, chips, Jello, deviled eggs, some other stuff, and lemonade. So simple and yum!

My niece Josie growing up!

Love how bright it is in my mom's kitchen, but makes it hard to take photos!

Me and my sister Melissa.........still can't believe we are related......we look nothing alike!

My nephews climbing in the trees.

Me standing back to back with my second to oldest niece Audrey. So sad to know she will tower over me soon!

Me and my mom! Sure can tell I'm her daughter! Funny thing, my blonde hair is totally fake and hers is totally all natural. It did used to be dark, she practically went straight to white as she got older! Hope I have those jeans!

The girls having so much fun with their girly cousins! Can't wait to see the crazy things they do when they are older!

Hailey loves those babies!

Seriously the funniest thing ever! Adam, I hope my sister shows this to your girlfriends when you are older!

It was hot as hell out but we decided to take the kids to the corn maize!

Probably should have put the camera down at this point and ran after the kids.....couldn't find them for a while......

This wasn't even the half way point. We kept getting totally lost! It took forever to get out!

My sisters pushing the tired ones along.....

Penny was so excited she could actually peddle this thing!

So much to do, just wished it wasn't so hot! It was 90 plus out!

I almost couldn't get Hailey off the slides! She LOVES them!

What a day! The girls were so tired that they fell asleep right after dinner at 6:45! Sad that BJ couldn't make it though. He had to work..........oh well.........maybe next time!

Camping With Friends

2011-08-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

We got a chance to leave the kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa Smith while we got to have some adult time up in the woods in Red lodge this weekend.

We started out our afternoon at Wild Bill Lake.....

I love that the water is so clear you can actually see the fish!

We met up with our friends Mike and Tiffany while they did a little fishing.

Of course Mike is the only one to actually touch the fish! Gross! They are sooo slimy!

We set up camp by Greenough. Mike and Tiff are so much fun to hang out with and are so adorable. Whenever Tiff wears her pink wool socks mike said that he thinks its so cute he can hardly stand it! Some what of a turn on I guess you could say. Too sweet.

Me and Beej loving the out doors. I don't have a rain jacket of my own, so he let me wear his brand new super expensive Padagonia one while he got soaked in his dad's 1980's wind breaker! Is that love or what?

We were so excited to use our tent we got as a gift when we got married over six years ago for the very first time!!!! It worked great and fit us all with plenty of room to spare!

Tiffany is totally my best friend! I don't know what I would do with out her! She made me laugh so hard my sides still ache!

The best part of the evening was when we tried to cook our dinner. It started to drizzle, then thunder and lightening rolled in. Then a down pour including hail! We tried to save our food by holding a camping table over it. The boys were soaked, they made us women folk take shelter after a bit when it didn't let up.

Finally the storm passed and dinner really started cookin!

BJ built and "oven" that worked awesome and our food was done in no time!!!

Those tin foil dinners were a success! So yum, especially after we had to work to save them!

Of course we all sat around the campfire afterwards chatting and eating junk food and smores!

I was so impressed with BJ. He was the one who prepared the dinner and made sure that we got a chance to enjoy it.

He was also proud of me. There were no toilet facilities up where we were camping so I had to pee outside, three times, and I never peed on my shoes or my pants! Now that is impressive! Seriously. I have not had luck with that in the past. Not proud to admit it........

Then the stars came out. So beautiful! I haven't seen that many in a long time. Almost unreal.

BJ the next morning by the fire while we packed up camp.

We had to take a few pictures of the awesome surroundings! So beautiful!

Mike and Tiffany had to be back for work, but BJ and I hung around for a bit and got some breakfast at the Red Lodge Bakery.

Can't resist me some fresh fried sugar donuts!

We had so much fun and are so so grateful for our parents giving us a chance to be kid free for a night. Our girls had a blast though. They got to go to celebrate my nephew's birthday by going out to dinner, then over to Geyser Park to ride the go carts! In the morning my mom took them to my other nephew's little guy football game and then to the Farmers Market. So spoiled, but sooo awesome! Thank You MOM and DAD!

Soaking up the last rays of summer 2011!

2011-08-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

We decided to enjoy the last few warm days of summer by taking an afternoon picnic to the park.
This is my girl's favorite park, "The Castle Park".

What pretty little girls I have.....

We had a squirrel that was very interested in us so I decided to give it a little bit of crust from Hailey's Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. The girls could not stop screaming with excitment with the furry little creature loving their food!

Pure joy.

Can't believe how fast the summer has gone!!!

A little visit from my bro....

2011-08-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last week my side of the family had a reunion out in Wyoming that BJ and I were unable to attend, but my brother Nathan, his wife Colette, and their baby Lilly came up to Billings to stay afterwards for a couple days. I was very excited. It has been a while since we have seen them.

They were totally annoyed with me taking pictures, but I don't care. One day they will thank me for it!

We hung out at our parents house watching movies and eating pizza.

My other brother Brandon and his wife Jen came over with their kids to join in on the fun. This is me and their youngest Josie.

The girls had a blast playing with cousins as always.

Penny just LOVES her Auntie!

Nathan is such a cute daddy!

So is Brandon. My bros and their lil' girls! Adorable!

We couldn't hang out at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's without s'mores!!!!

Jen with her baby! Doesn't she look great! Wish I looked like that right after I had my babies!!!

Lots of girl fun!!!!!

One of the nights Nathan was here we went to see Planet of the Apes at the Drive In with our sister Jessica and Brandon's fam. Super fun!!!!!

Colette and I also got a chance to hang out by ourselves. We went and did a little shopping for a couple hours, then we got our hubbies and went out to eat at Applebees. I think that the Blondie Brownie just might be the best dessert ever!!!!

I was super sad to see them go. They live in Colorado and we usually only see them about twice a year or so. Can't wait to pay off our dumb school debt and be able to travel more! I was watching a special on TV last night about people who just enter sweep stakes for a living. It inspired me. This morning I entered the Publishing Clearing House Jackpot to win 5 grand a week for the rest of my life. The rules state you can only enter once a day. Maybe I will until the last day I can. You never no, I might just get lucky!!!!!!

McDonalds......Soooo Trendy!

2011-08-11T12:22:00.001-07:00

We went out for ice cream the other night and we were in no hurry so we decided to actually go inside to enjoy our treat. Little did we know.......

Our McDonald's is super trendy! Kinda fun, and super clean!

The girls loved the stools.

They also had a cool out door eating area with interesting statues....

Too fun. I wonder what other kinds of McDonald's are out there?

Family Photos Summer 2011

2011-08-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

It is always a struggle to get family photos when you have little ones, but sooooo worth it! Again thanks soooo much to my sister in law and photographer Michelle Lemley.

A Tolley Visit from Colorado!

2011-07-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

This past week BJ's sister Chere and her four kids came to visit us and G&G Chaffin. We had so much fun! My kids LOVE playing with Elise, Ethan, Elizabeth, and Evin.

We started out the week by going to the Spray Park.

Penny couldn't contain herself. She was ready to go hours before we left. She thinks she is such a big girl to hang out with her older cousin.

Hailey played so hard she wore herself right out!

I swear, this child of mine WILL be doing some sort of modeling someday! She struts her stuff and she is only 4!

All the girls sun bathing.......There's Elise on her phone as always! Wish I had that kind of luxury at 13! I didn't have my own Cell until I was almost married!

The second night the Tolley's were in town we had Elizabeth (aka Beano) spend the night. Those girls outlasted us staying up way past the time BJ and I fell asleep!

The girls, enjoying their donut breakfast.

Then it was off to a fun day at Lake Elmo complete with lots of water toys and a picnic lunch.

G Chaffin was all about getting in on the action! The kids loved it!

Chere and Evin floating around....

Me and Elise! This girl blows my mind! I can't believe how mature she is. I have to keep reminding my self she is not at least 16!

Us mommies taking care of kids and having fun in the water!

My little Hailey, what a turkey! She kept dipping her chips in the lake water before eating them.......gross!!!! As soon as I realized what she was doing I forced her to finish her lunch at least 6 feet from the water.

Just soaking up the sun in this pic. I have just one question, why do guys think its a good idea to hit on you while you have children crawling all over you? Does that not raise a red flag like.....hmmm...those kids are calling her mommy, maybe just maybe she might already be involved with someone.......possibly even married since she has a ring on her wedding finger!!!!

Ethan havin fun searching for fish.....

We also spent a lot of time hanging out in G and G Chaffin's back yard doing everything from playing on the swing set, jumping on the trampoline, playing games, and chatting the hours away!

Of course the girls had to play dress up...

And to end the evening right we all sat around a fire making way too many smores!

I had a blast hanging out with Chere. Awesome sister in law! I can talk to her about anything!

These two are going to cause some serious trouble when they grow up....
Grandma Greta (aka GG) evan came up for the week to visit. It was so much fun talking to her about so many topics. I could sit and listen to stories of being in high school during the 50's for hours!

BJ trying to look sexy with out smiling........ I think he just looks mad.

We also had time to get in a little exercise! I can't believe just a couple years ago these two were just tiny little newborns!

So sad to see the Tolley's go! Can't want to get together again!!!!

A Day on the Water

2011-07-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago our good friends Mike and Tiffany took us out on the Big Horn (Yellow tail Dam) to do a little sea dooing.....

I packed us a lunch and off we went.......

Tiffany and I thought we looked pretty cute in our wet suits ......

Here is Mike and Tiff......

Me and Beej......

We had soooooo much fun! I can't believe how beautiful it was up there!

I could have stayed out there forever......

We also went cliff jumping. Double click and look real close and you will see BJ and Mike.

Tiffany and I tried to jump too....just a little lower down.....

We also broke out the wake board...... Bj went first.

Then Tiff tried.....

unfortunately, after a lot of hard work she couldn't manage to get up.....but did swallow about half the water up there! Poor Tiffany! I'm glad you didn't drown!

I felt awesome after getting up on the knee board and the wake board....FIRST ATTEMPT!!!

BJ told me I'm a hotter wife now that I can wake board....ha ha ha!

Here's Mike showing us how it's done...

What a perfect day. The water was warm, the day was hot, and the scenery and company was spectacular! Can't wait to do it again!!!!!

Can't forget about Wild Bill!

2011-07-25T12:11:00.001-07:00

We are trying to squeeze out every last bit of hot summer weather as possible! A couple days ago we decided to take the kids up to Red Lodge for a little hike around Wild Bill Lake then back into town to eat at Red Lodge Pizza Co.

Our girls love this place. It has an awesome, and very inexpensive kids as well as adult menu.

The girls wanted to ride the animals this time. Penny loved it, Hailey wasn't too sure what to think about it.

And of course we stopped for giant ice cream cones on the way home. The girls were a sticky mess, but it was all worth it!

They grow up so fast.......

2011-07-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Be sure to capture as many memories as you can!

Week Night Dessert!

2011-07-20T19:01:00.001-07:00

This afternoon Penny and I picked some fresh raspberries with my mom so I decided the best way to enjoy them was to make a raspberry sunday!!!!

Penny and Hailey loved it!

Hailey didn't understand why I was taking a picture of her eating"bazurt", as she calls it.

Yum, Yum. I think I'll freeze the rest of our pickings for smoothies! I love summer dessert!

Sunday Cuteness

2011-07-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have the most beautiful girls in the world!!!

I can't tell you all how happy it makes me that they LOVE to get all dressed up and they LOVE to get their hair done!

My little Penelope is going to be a heart breaker, she already knows how to work her magic!

This is us Chaffin girls all ready for church the Sunday before last. Couldn't resist snapping a few pics!

I am also very proud of myself for finally having a tan!!!! Having babies and being prego or trying to keep the little ones out of the sun made me white as a ghost for a few years. So happy to be able to soak up some vitamin D and let my kids run wild! Don't worry we use sunscreen too! I just put higher SPF on my kids.....

I love my girls so much. I couldn't imagine my life with out them. It sure hasn't been easy having them so young and close together, but now I am totally seeing the benefits for me. I love the fact that I am a young mom. I love that I will still be young through their teenage years. I am so excited for their futures and that I will be full of energy to be able to be a part of it all.

I am so happy that my girls are now old enough for me to be able to have more ability and freedom to work on myself. If I am well, physically, emotionally, and mentally, I am such a better mother. It gives me more patience, strength, endurance, and over all, self accomplishment and joy.

I feel like I am learning and growing with my girls. We are kind of like the three musketeers. I really hope that they stay close their whole lives. Strengthening one another. Its really cute how each of them is always very concerned and aware of how and where each other are at all times. They fight like crazy some times, but always hug and kiss and make up. So adorable.

I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!!!!!!

How can I have "s'more" if I have not had any yet?

2011-07-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

You can't go through summer with out having hot dogs and s'mores cooked over the fire pit at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house!

My mom bought these ginormous marsh mellows that were very tasty but enough for 4 s'mores in one!

So messy and sticky even BJ and I had a hard time eating them with out making a mess!

Grandma Smith roasting the hot dogs....

Grandpa Smith and Penny, too cute.

Love that my parents got a new swing set last year, my girls LOVE it!!!!

Penny just being Penny. I swear, she is a quadruple threat. She can sing, dance, act, and model like a pro!

Thanks mom and dad for a very nice Sunday evening!

Six Married Years Together And Counting......

2011-07-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have felt really bad that BJ and I have not been able to truly celebrate any of our wedding anniversaries (honestly, something always comes up or we are out of town or something) and I can't get it out of my head so, I decided to at least blog about our current thoughts at this time of year for us. Next year I am determined to have at least one day truly devoted to celebrating our marriage!

As for now I am reflecting on BJ's and mine conversations we were able to have here and there while we had a few moments to ourselves during our little Big Sky vacation the other weekend.

First off, I always like to tell BJ how out of reach he seemed to be for me. Like he was on a whole new platform I could never be invited on to. BJ is three years older than me and when I noticed him when I was a freshman in high school and he was a senior cool guy football player and amazing pole vaulter with a great group of friends, I thought FAT chance. He was way too old and cool for me. He had cool friends, pretty girls that loved them, and what seemed to me all the confidence in the world!

I even remember serving him and his friends and their dates dinner at one of my really good friends house's on their prom night one time. Oh how I wished I was one of those pretty girls all dressed up on a night out with a bunch of hunky great guys!!!!!

But, I had some major growing up to do, and really so did BJ. He says he remembered me, that I was cute, but way too young. Figures.......

So here BJ was at his prime in high school. This is his senior picture. Taken right before I completely forgot about him and his unobtainableness.
I had three more years of high school to grow up a little more and worry about everything a normal teenage girl worries about. Balancing boyfriends and best friends, homework, my extra curricular activities like dance, singing, track, my job at the mall, and church.

When I finally graduated, I felt pretty grown up. I was ready to take on the world and was super excited to date college boys and get a degree as well as build amazing friendships with my roommates!

During my first year in college I fell in love for the first time. It was amazing! Well, amazing until he broke up with me and was engaged to another girl a few months after that. I was utterly crushed, but dated a lot trying as hard as I could to get my mind into a better place.

During all this time my future hubby was doing all sorts of things like taking in a year of college, working his brains out, dating a few different types of girls, and then served a mission to Brazil for our church.

Well, when I returned home for a summer break to work BJ was just released from his mission. We got set up on a group date and the rest is history. I fell completely head over heels for this guy......

We dated all summer. He was the first person to make me completely forget about my first love. He was my new love, my TRUE love. As much fun as we had together that summer, hiking, swimming, going out to eat, watching movies, playing miniature golf, and spending every free moment we had with each other and our families we decided that we needed to break up come end of summer. BJ was going to school in Salt Lake and I was going back to Idaho.

Here is our last date before we left to go to school.

I didn't want to let him go, but BJ surely ended things. I thought my life would never be the same.

Obviously BJ just couldn't bare the thought of being apart, so he started to call me a lot, making sure I wasn't getting too serious with any other guy. He came to visit me a few times and I visited him.

Then a little out of no where we went home for BJ's younger brother's mission farewell and BJ popped the question........I was so shocked I didn't know what to say!!!!! BJ tells me it took a good five or so minutes for me to respond. All I can remember was......do I say yes, do I say no? Am I ready for this? Is he serious? Finally I blurted out YES!!!!!! At that moment all was right in the world and I knew I made the right choice.

Here we are moments after he proposed!

and here we are again later that day.....

He proposed in March of 2005 and we planned for a July 1st, 2005 wedding.

We remember taking our engagement photos. It seemed so surreal at the time to both of us. Especially since we were doing the long distance relationship thing.

Then I remember having BJ help me pick out my wedding dress. Of course I was going to get something I loved, but I also wanted BJ to like it for reals. I wanted to look the way way he envisioned me.

I think I pulled it off..........

Here we are the night before we got married. I was so nervous I think I could only stomach a cookie for dinner. BJ on the other hand seemed as calm as a cucumber.......

The next morning I remember waking up to smell of pancakes. I was so excited that my brother in law forced me to eat! Good thing we got married in the morning, I don't know if I could have waited all day!

Here we are taking pictures at the Billing, MT Temple where we were married for time and all eternity.

Later that night we had an awesome reception and at very good friend and our employers home.

We had a tropical theme and LOVED it. My mom and aunts who helped out with the food did an amazing job. I just wished we had more pictures! We had soooo much more food than this, including roasted pig, rolls, yummy topical drinks, etc.

My favorite was our "wedding cake" BJ is not really a fan of cake in general, but he loves cheesecake, so that is what we did! It was awesome!!!

We both wished we made more time to enjoy our food.

we were so grateful for our friends who all made it to our wedding.

My bridesmaids were so adorable. I love them to pieces!

One of my favorite photos of the night!

My family was all there. My sister Natalie even had a baby like a week and half before and still came!

BJ's whole family was there too.

Its funny to think that since our wedding our family has grown with 17 more people and more on the way!!!!!

That night we stayed in the honey moon suite at the Sheraton Hotel and then off to Las Vegas for our honey moon. We had soooo much fun, but I wish we had a better camera. These pictures were taken with a disposable camera. Seems like we were from the stone ages.

We stayed at the Venetian.
We remember it being incredibly hot so we spent a majority of the time at the awesome swimming pools.

I can't believe how awesome BJ looks here! He worked out so hard and was taking weight gainers like crazy while we were doing the long distance thing. It certainly paid off and I was very pleased!!!!!!! What a hunk!!!!!!!

We loved going to the wax museam. Can you tell who we decided to take our pictures with?

and now here we are taking on lifes adventures together still

as well as weathering all the storms that come our way side by side.

I can't believe all we have been through in the past six years we have been married. I can't imagine what the next six years will bring! We disscussed how different our view on life is now. We think having kids has a lot to do with that, but also just being completely responsible for ourselves and our family has made us really look at things in a new light. Our marriage has had its ups and downs, but we are still in it together. After all ,its our trials and struggles that define us. I think we have managed to do pretty well.

We both can honestly say we love each other more with each passing day. We have shed many tears and also had many laughs and smiles. We are so proud of ourselves for both of us graduating college with degres, making it through 12 moves, having two beautiful healthy girls, and starting our own business.

we are busy bees and excited for what the future holds!

Wish us luck!!!!!

Sisters

2011-07-10T08:21:00.001-07:00

So, I got a new combination copier, scanner, printer (at a garage sale for $10) the other day and was going through photos I had been wanting to save on my computer when I came across all of mine and my sister's bridals. Here we are, all about the same age at the time when the photos were taken give or take a year.

Melissa Smith Shimamoto

Natalie Smith Boles

Jessica Smith Hein

Ashley Smith Chaffin

I love seeing the different styles in dresses we wore. totally fitting each of our personalities to the T! Melissa, she is so very tailored and sophisticated. Must be why she is so dang smart. Natalie, so beautiful and romantic, like she just stepped out of an Anne of Green Gables novel. Jessica, so simple, classic, and easy on the eyes. Then there is me, as princess like as I could get, of course following one of the biggest trends of 2003, swag waist, square neck, corset back, and plenty of beading and sparkle. A bit hard to tell in this picture, but it is very intricate.

I love seeing us all lined up like this. I think we look almost nothing alike. I'm not even sure one would know we are all sisters, but that we are. We share many similar behaviors. So odd yet fascinating. Ya think?

More Fun in the Sun!!!

2011-07-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

What do you need for a great day in the sun at the lake?

Family you LOVE.....
A Grandma Suzie that models her beachwear for you.....

life jackets for the little ones......

cute little babies to snuggle under the shade....

sunscreen covering every inch of you.....

lots of floaty toys and buckets and shovels to build a sandcastle....

and a yummy picnic lunch packed by Grandma!

I don't think I ever want summer to end!!!!

4th of July 2011

2011-07-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had as great of a 4th as we did! We started out the day with the Laurel (little town right outside Billings) parade. G and G Chaffin came with us. There is just something about small town parades. So much fun!!!!!
BJ and his dad wearing the exact same shorts........awesome. I don't think BJ will ever wear a hat like John's though. I could be wrong, ya never know........

Just waiting for the fun to start!

The people in the parade handed out flags, necklaces, and candy to the kids lining the streets. My girls loved it!!!!

Our favorite floats of the morning!

After the parade we walked around at a little craft fair Laurel had and we were going to grab lunch there, but it was so stinkin hot and the lines were long so we decided to go to Straw Hat Pizza instead. Love it!

Then, after a looooooong nap, we headed over to G and G Chaffin's house for a BBQ. After that we went to go see the fire works!!!!

Hailey, not wanting to be bothered while eating her snacks Grandma Chaffin packed her.

The fire work show was great, but got started super late. We lasted until 11:45 pm or so and then took off right before the finale. I also wanted to beat the traffic out and get my extremely exhausted kids to bed!

What a great day! Whenever the 4th rolls around, that song, "Proud to be an American" always runs through my head and when I think about the lyrics, "I'd thank my lucky stars to living here today, cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can't take that away." I think to myself truly, GOD BLESS AMERICA! May this land always be free and may we always keep GOD in our Pledge of Allegiance! Land of the free and the land of the brave. Lets hope that our country can always stand for honesty, integrity, love, and truth.

Big Sky Weekend

2011-07-04T15:42:00.001-07:00

So, this past weekend BJ and I were supposed to go on a little anniversary trip up to a friends condo in Big Sky. I had the weekend all planned out. I had reservations for horseback riding and dinner, and all sorts of fun outdoor activities planned. Unfortunately, My in laws were going to watch the girls for us and it just wasn't going to work out well. My mother in law got delayed a couple days on a flight back from Denver and hadn't seen her hubby for a couple weeks, plus she had stubbed her toes really bad and they were giving her all kinds of pain.

So, instead of dropping of our high energy, constant attention seeking children off on their exhausted grandparents we decided just to take the kids with us. I would have had my parents watch them, but they were in Colorado visiting my brother and his family for the 4th.

I cancelled our reservations for a few of things I planned and just decided to make the best of it. I was a little sad. BJ and I have been married for six years now and have never spent more than one night away from our kids, and we never have gone out of town with out them.

I just couldn't relax though, knowing that my kids would drive their grandparents nuts. Thus, we made it into a family vacation.

We stayed at this cozy little condo that belongs to a very good friend of ours. It had a kitchen, living room, two master bedroom, a loft, a couple decks, four bathrooms, and a huge plasma screen TV, as well as toys for the kids, games, books, movies, you name it they had it!

It was so beautiful up there. This is the view off the family room deck.

They also had a swimming pool and a hot tub that we very much enjoyed!

There were two places we decided were our favorites to eat at....

One was the Blue Moon Bakery, I HEART YOU! The best sandwiches, pizza, and goodies ever!

Luckily I found that Big Sky Resort does day care for only $10 an hour, so we decided to let the kids play at the "Fun Room" and we could have a couple hours to ourselves.

The day care was AWESOME! I highly recommend it! It was super clean. The lady that worked there was super nice and there was only a few kids in there that day. My girls made quick friends with the kids there and didn't want to leave. They had an indoor and outdoor playing area and they even fed them lunch!

While they girls were preoccupied BJ and I decided to take a chair lift ride up the mountain and then hike down.

The only thing that would have made it better was if BJ could have mountain biked down it!

So Gorgeous. Montana you can be so beautiful and breathtaking!

I love this pic, it almost looks like I am super imposed.... ha, ha!

Soaking it all in.......

The condo neighborhood was a great place for a nightly family stroll.

The girls were very excited to ride their bikes.

Penny and I resting after a full day. I am soooo out of shape. Hiking and swiming in the same day totally made me sore!

This was our second fav restaurant. Choppers, it is new and big and has a motorcycle theme to it. It had great menu items and was pretty cheap for the most part. I loved me some sweet potato fries!
BJ trying to take a picture of all of us. Too cute honey!

The girls had so much fun the whole time being in a new environment that they didn't want to ever go home! Penny asked if we could just stay and live there forever. She said her bed at the condo was much more comfy than her toddler bed at home.

Me and the girls right outside Base Camp at the resort.

The girls loving the playground!

So, no the trip did not go exactly as planned, but we sure had fun! We truly loved seeing our girls enjoy the outdoors sooo much. They were also pretty darn good the whole trip. I was pleasantly surprised. It's nice to create memories with my own little family. One day BJ and I want a cabin, but we are huge water sport fans, so it has to be next to a lake. We already started planning it out. Maybe in the next ten years it will work out. We are thinking Henry's Lake next to West Yellowstone. Anyone want to go in on it with us?

We drove back Sunday evening and the girls stayed the night at G and G Chaffin's so we could have one night kid free. Thanks guys! That was much appreciated!

You Might Be A Redneck Mommy If........

2011-06-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

You might be a redneck mommy if.....
This is your definition of a spa treatment....
and your bikini is $6 from Wal Mart......

Seriously. I ain't no high class broad!

I think I should be on Real Housewives Of Montana!!!!

Summer is finally heating up!!!

2011-06-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

It seems like it has taken Montana forever to heat up!!! So much rain, rain, rain!

Finally, I am able to lay outside and work on my tan as well as play with the kids!!!!!

BJ was just wrapping up a project today around lunch time so we decided to take advantage of this hot summer day and visit Lake Elmo.
Of course my girls LOVE playing in the sand.

And they Love floaty toys too!

Their favorite was this lounger.....

I think Hailey could have fallen asleep out there!

Great way to get some sun!

So shout hooray for good weather and many more lazy days of swimming in the sun!!!!

So, You Think You Can Dance?

2011-06-22T19:44:00.001-07:00

Ok, so its no surprise that I LOVE the TV show So, You Think You Can Dance, but this season it has a whole new meaning for me.

I grew up going to dance class every week and continued it through my first year of college. I always thought it was fun and a great work out, but it was never something I truly succeeded at. Or, at least no one gave me a second look. It always seemed as though the really popular girls that had parents as well as themselves who were great friends with the dance instructors and had known them and had been dancing since they were two got all the attention.

I think I always felt somewhere in the middle. I never really got my chance to shine or be noticed. I don't think I really tried as hard as I could. I just figured it was who ya know, not what ya know and even if I didn't get a step, it didn't matter. No one wanted to take the time for me to get it.

The other night I was at my private dance lesson learning, as slow as a turtle, some new turns and floor work that are going to be Incorporated into my routine I am working on. My very awesome, very talented teacher, and friend told me she was finally starting to understand how I learn.

She explained to me that throwing a bunch a stuff my way and hoping I would sooner rather than later catch on was not how I learn. I learn count by count, step by step, over and over again until my brain retains it fully and I begin to create muscle memory.

She also started to stop doing everything with me and began watching me do it myself again and again, only stopping to correct me until I had it.

After I left class I was contemplating how I learn the best and it reminded me of Math class. I always struggled with math each time we would learn a new concept. It always took me doing a problem over and over again with someone very patient until I would finally have a light bulb go on in my head and I would get it. Then I was excellent!

I am excited about this epiphany I am having. I really have been enjoying my time dancing lately, but something struck me the other night. I was truly getting it, well some of it any way. The movements felt different to me, they flowed, and most amazingly I felt a sense of passion and calmness.

Dance has a way to let me express my emotions as I truly feel them when I can't find the words. I sure have a long ways to go before I perfect my routine and then record for all to see. But, I am proud of myself.

I adore my teacher Tiffany.
This is her at dance class a couple weeks ago. She is so graceful, talented, and beautiful. Penny and I just love her to pieces!

My little girl truly is my inspiration. She LOVES to dance. This girl is going to be a triple threat. She can dance, sing, and is super dramatic as well as very good at lying,hhmmmm, but that sure makes a great actress!

I hope she continues her love of dance all through her life. I know she would be spectacular!

Just doing some stretching before class. Tiffany had her baby Whitney there with us that day. Simply adorable!!!!! Can You believe how great that girl looks after having a baby! I should have been dancing before I started having kids!!!

Me just enjoying my class and running through my routine.

You all can't wait to see it.........right?

I have sooooo much respect for those talented kids on So, you think You Can Dance. Their love for dance is astonishing and they are amazing. What an awesome opportunity they have been given. If ya haven't checked this season out yet, you all have to, its the best by far!!!

Fathers Day 2011

2011-06-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!!!

This year for father's day I tried to do some extremely traditional stuff. It was fun and the girls had a blast helping me. Sometimes ordinary can be extraordinary!!!

Doesn't my hubby make the perfect trophy husband? Hubba hubba!!!!!

The girls were so excited to wake "Papa" up and show him his presents!!!!

The girls helped me pick everything out. I might have persuaded them just a little for the things I thought BJ would actually use and wear.

Penny made BJ a card all by her self, she sure has some drawing talent, seriously, and was so excited to give it to him.

The best was the CANDY GRAM. Anyone remember making these when they were in high school? I had a lot of fun with it. I let the girls pick out the candy and then I came up with the letter. It took some major thought......my brain still hurts.

This gift was great because not only did BJ love it, but I benefit from it too. No way he can eat all that candy by himself!!!!

I also got BJ a tie, some cologne, a new wallet, pajama shorts, a pair of shoes, a change counter/container, and a shirt. Gotta love Kohl's! Totally had to go all out on my Kohl's cash I had, plus a $5 coupon, plus 30% already marked down merchandise! I am an awesome shopper! I should write a book......

Anyways back to Fathers Day......

We also made a visit to my parents house so I could drop off a a candy gram I made for my dad and so the girls could give him fathers day hugs and kisses.

And last but not least, BJ's dad stopped by for some homemade peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream and so that my girls could give him loves and I could present him with his candy gram.

What a full day we had!!!! I made a yummy, simple daddy pleasing meal of BBQ beef sandwiches, chips, watermelon, grapes, and salad.

Like I said, very traditional, laid back, but oooooohhh so good!!!!

Wishing all the Papas out there a very.........

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!!!!!!!

My talented husband....

2011-06-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know that my husband is extremely busy with work right now so I extremely appreciate the fact that he took last Friday night and a couple hours last Saturday night to complete a few projects for our town home.

The first is by far my fav. I thought that the wall over our bed was really plain looking and I was trying to decide what I should do to decorate with out pictures. I always feel like they are going to come crashing down on me while I sleep.........so my friend Tiffany suggested a head board. I started googling headboard and was shocked at the prices, so I asked my hubby to look into building us one himself.

This is what we came up with. Isn't it awesome?!!!!! It is actually two plain closet doors that BJ painted with a dark brown mahogany. As they were drying he made them look textured just by smearing his fingers all over, giving it almost a leathery look. He attached the doors together and then added some two by fours and mounted them to the wall. And to make it extra cool he attached rope lights behind the head board to light up our bed. Kind of hard to see in this pic, but really awesome in person.

Then we had two floor lamps that used to have cool glass tops. Unfortunately, Hailey pushed one over and it shattered before our move. I tried to reorder the same top, but couldn't find a match, so we just bought two lamp shades on sale ,turned them upside down, glued them to the posts and there you have it!

Last but not least we had some silver touch lamps that had a plastic top that didn't match our stuff and the plastic tops somehow did not survive our most recent move, so BJ revamped them. He painted them and again we bought some lampshades on sale ($8) at target to be exact and turned them upside down and glued them to the top! Awesome!!!!!

I love how handy my man is. He can fix almost anything and if he doesn't know how to do something he starts those gears in his head and before ya know it he turns into a pro!!!

Can't wait for the next project.....refinishing a rocking chair.......so cool!

Spending Time with the Girls!!!

2011-06-11T16:16:00.001-07:00

I am totally LOVING the fact that my girls are growing up! They are becoming more and more interested in making sure their hair is done beautiful, that they get to wear a dress as often as possible, and they are totally annoyed when their toes are not painted. It is sooooo cute! I always wanted girly girls and I think I've got them!

When I do their hair on Sunday for church they sit (usually very patiently now) on the bathroom counter while I curl and hairspray and add hair accessories to my hearts content. So much fun for me!

I can't believe my two year old has this much hair! It's as straight as a stick and will only hold curl for a few hours, but I love it! Penny didn't have hair forever, so this is a treat.

We love to go to I HOP! My girls are obsessed with pancakes and eggs!

I swear, one day Hailey is going to turn into a banana! She eats them everyday!

Today was lots of fun. We took the girls to the Strawberry festival down town. We ate lots of yummy food and........

we did FACE PAINTING!

I wanted in on the fun too so I got an air brush tattoo! It will last about 5 days or so, wonder what people will say at church tomorrow.........hmmmmm, I think I am turning into a wild child!!!!

Me and my hubby, so happy he could join us on such a beautiful day!

BJ and I can't believe how full of life and crazy our two lil girls are. I swear they are constantly sneaking caffeine soda behind our backs! The first video is of them before bed one night last week. We had to let them wind down somehow!

This other is of them at Papa T's in Dillon. They love it there!!!!

To Sleep: Perchance to Dream?

2011-06-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of one of many tornadoes that came sweeping through my hometown two nights ago. I had no idea the weather was getting so bad until my little Penny came running downstairs in tears saying she couldn't fall asleep because of the sound the "big tomato" was making and it was scaring her and Hailey. A bit confused BJ and I took Penny upstairs back to bed and assured her it was just a silly thunder storm. As soon as we got back downstairs and continued watching our movie, BJ and I started to get a bad feeling. We opened the curtains and watched the storm while we tuned into our local news. With in minutes of the tornado warnings we began preparing for the worst. We grabbed a bunch of blankets and pillows and our almost asleep girls and headed down to the basement. We waited down there and talked to our family living all over Billings to see if they were safe and if they were close to the action. My sister Melissa was very close to this particular tornado I have posted a picture of. I am so glad it didn't harm her or her children as well as their home. My other sister Jessica that lives up in the heights next to Sky View High school described to me in horror all of the tunnel clouds she was witnessing right outside their front door! Sooo glad they were safe. She even watched as neighbors put there babies in their car and booked it out of their neighborhood! Something really bad should have happened to their house and to them. So happy it didn't harm them!

We all stayed in our basements until the storm blew over. That night I definitely had to have some anxiety meds.

I am afraid to go to sleep now. Every time I do I have horrible nightmares of seeing thousands of tornadoes and debris flying all over the place while I am stuck in my home that has been swiped up in a giant tornado swirling around and around and around. I thought I was over this crap!!

Last year we had a tornado on fathers day and I had horrible dreams for months!

I used to be so excited to see what my dreams could produce. I have had so many wonderful ones of me hanging out with movie stars, flying over unicorn filled vallies, and enjoying the most delicious of meals. I have dreamed of people who have died and chatted with them, I have over come amazing obstacles, and I have seen myself perform as a prima ballerina all dressed in white.

Now all my dreams are dark and scary. I hate things that I can not control. My little Billings is supposed to be a safe place. What happened?

Your only young once....

2011-06-06T15:44:00.001-07:00

So it was about time that I needed to head into the salon to get my roots touched up a few days ago. I wanted to change it up a bit. I guess I felt like being a little crazy and my hair dresser talked me into doing a pink peek a boo.
I LOVE it!!!!!! I know most of you all think it's silly and too punk or juvenile, but I think it actually fits my personality well. Sometimes ya just got to be spontaneous!!!

Plus, I think its kinda something you can only do when your young. I don't want to grow up, so here is me, hanging on to my youth!!!

The only problem is now my 4 year old Penny wants to dye her hair purple!!!! I guess when she is old enough all I can say is, "more power to ya!" Or maybe when she gets older she will just be completely embarrassed by my behavior.......

Taking after Mommy?

2011-06-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

Any body remember these?
Penny just got one from a friend of ours whos kids didn't play with it any more and she couldn't be happier!

She LOVES to help me in the kitchen and was sooooo excited to make something pretty much all by herself!

Her first item, sugar cookies.
She was sooo excited she shared them with Papa!

Great job Penny!

Family Visits

2011-06-06T14:59:00.001-07:00

I Love it when family comes to visit!

My sister in law Michelle was up last weekend and we had a blast. She is a photographer and took a bunch of fun pics for us that I can't wait to see. We also went shopping, went out to lunch, watched scary movies, and she even came to watch me and Penny at our dance lessons!

She always spoils my kids rotten when she comes and we love it! She is such a great auntie who will play even dress up with my girls!

BJ really loves it when he gets to be with his family too!

Soooo cute, brother and sister!

One of the nights Michelle was here BJ and I made a great big dinner for everyone.

Our favorites from the meal were my strawberry donut chocolate kabobs,

Great Grandma Smith's baked bean recipe that I made, loaded with brown sugar, bacon, and green peppers, cooked for many hours,

and best of all BJ's famous grilled ribs. It's so funny to watch him as he treats them like his babies, rubbing brown sugar into them, sprinkling them with secret spices, and babysitting them with a very watchful eye as he adds our favorite BBQ sauce.

My sister Jessica came over for dinner the other night. Her husband and four other kids were out of town so she came over with her youngest Ava for some quality time.

My girls love Ava!!!

and I love Ava and my sister too!!!!!

My girls couldn't stop hugging their baby cousin.

I Love her cute little chubby face and all her super blondie hair!!!! Hope it stays that way!

Great Grandpa Chaffin 1932 - 2011

2011-05-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago BJ"s Grandpa and my kid's Great Grandpa Chaffin wasn't feeling very well. He went into the hospital for treatment and just couldn't seem to fight the mysterious infection spreading through his body. He was life flighted to a bigger hospital with Great Grandma Greta and was met by their children. They spent about a week or so hoping their father would pull through.

Larry was ready to let go.

He held on long enough to be driven back to his home town where he died amongst his family.

BJ was very close to his Grandpa and was very sad about losing him, but so grateful he did not have to suffer anymore. Last weekend we packed up the kids and headed down to Dillon MT to attend the funeral services.

Dillon is a small town with beautiful surroundings. I can see why his Grandparents love it there so much. There is something about small town charm and hospitality you just can't find in bigger cities.

The funeral service was lovely, and very well time managed. Larry Chaffin was stickler on timing. He said that if his funeral service program went on and lasted longer than an hour he would sit up in his casket and scare everyone out of their chairs!!!

I learned more about this man and how he raised his family in the four days we spent in Dillon than I have ever known the past almost 7 years BJ and I have been together. His family truly loved him and he truly wanted the best for his wife and children.

As said at the funeral....

Larry was born and raised in Idaho Falls, ID. He was very active in high school football, basketball, and track. He graduated from I.F. High in 1950 and acquired his pilot and radio broadcasting licenses shortly after. He married Greta Kenny August 28, 1951. They settled in Dillon, MT where he was a partner in Chaffin Land and Livestock with his brother for 23 years. Larry was known as "the Voice of the Dillon Beavers" and became the owner/operator of KDBM Radio from 1978-1998. He served the community as a member of the Jaycees, President of the Farm Bureau, a director of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Dillon City Council. He was very active in the LDS church, serving as a member of the Stake Presidency, Bishop, and later he and Greta served a full time mission to the Washington D.C. Temple.

This man left a true legacy of warmth and kindness as well as musical beauty. He was a wonderful singer and I got the chance to listen some recordings of his beautiful voice. He sounded like he came straight out of those old fashion musicals.

My sister in law and his grandson's Casey's wife Sarah sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" from the musical Carousel dring the service.

It was a beautiful tribute to Larry. I still can't get those lyrics out of my head,

"When you walk through a storm keep your chin up high
and don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
and the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
walk on through the rain,
Though you dreams be tossed and blown
walk on
walk on with hope in your heart.
And you'll never walk alone,
you'll never walk alone."

Watch this old movie and surely you will see why he loved this music so much. It sure brought tears to my eyes.

Here is a picture of all Larry's grandsons and his granddaughter's husbands. They were the Pallbearers. How appropriate that they carry this man to his resting place only to go on, to live on, carrying with them in their spirits Larry's legacy and love to spread amongst all their families.

Not only is a funeral sad, but it also joyful. We all got to be with loved ones we hadn't seen in a long time and for some of us even met! My girls had so much fun being with their cousins. I wish I had more pictures to show. We just were so busy I didn't hardly stop to pull out my camera.

I think one of my girl's favorite parts was staying at the hotel with all the family. They got to roam from room to room playing with different cousins and seeing what snacks and drinks they could get their hands on. They played in the pool, watched movies, and even had "sleepovers"

I just love this. Penny, Hailey, and Emme, all clean from their splashing fun time bath and snuggling up together with snacks to watch a movie on the hotel bed.

I think My favorite night was our last one there. A bunch of us Chaffins ended up in Dave and Chere's (BJ's sister and husbands) room where we had so much junk food it was almost overflowing out the door. Grandma Chaffin (Debbi, my mother in law) decided to tell us all a story. We were all rolling on the floor laughing at her efforts to create a tale of enchantment that we couldn't help but bust out on all the adult innuendos. I know someone was recording it. I need to get a copy!

So, Larry. I know I didn't know you well. I have stayed with you and Greta a small handful of times for various holidays, but I know you were a good man with a wonderful supportive family. Everyone is going to be all right.

I think my father in Law John said it best during the service.

Behind every great man is an exhausted wife.

Greta was so strong during the funeral and so supportive of you throughout your life, and she will continue to care for your children and grandchildren and will always be here for you, waiting to join you when her time comes.

So rest in peace Larry, rest in peace.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here I am today, Ashley Smith Chaffin. A wife and a MOTHER of two children. I have dreamed of becoming a mom ever since I can remember. I don't think I was ever really career oriented, at least I thought. I always knew that my goal was to be a stay - at - home mom to at least 4 children.

I had many thoughts of a well kept home, a healthy home cooked meal on the table every night. Being barefoot and pregnant baking cookies in the kitchen. Having lots of kids who were so well mannered and who never made a mess, slept through the night, and were so well behaved that they never had to be punished or never embarrassed me in public.

Wow, I was sooooooo not ready for what I got myself into!!!!

Nothing has ever really been as I have imagined it. As soon as I clean one room and move on and finish the next my children have already destroyed the clean one, and on and on it goes. When I was pregnant I could hardly stand the sight or smell of most foods for more than half of my pregnancies. There for I don't think I cooked much, unless you count pouring a bowl of cereal, or heating up some chicken nuggets.

My kids were not the easiest babies. Luckily for me they were good sleepers and still are. I thank my lucky stars for that. As hard as I try my clothes and my children's clothes end up with stains of who knows what as soon as they have been washed. Some nights I am so tired that dinner is either take out or Ramon noodles. On occassion I don't even attempt anything and let my kids snack on whatever they can find in the pantry (nothing too horrible, just fruit snacks and cereal).

My kids throw fits in the middle of the grocery store. Screaming their heads off, while everyone watches in disgust. I have been pucked on, peed on, and pooped on several times. I have to fight my kids to wear matching clothes almost every time we go out. My husband and I maybe go on a date once a month, if that, and it usually includes going to the grocery store.

But, I wouldn't change a single moment of it all.

I love my girls more than life itself. I am overjoyed to see them grow and learn, and follow my footsteps. They are so precious to me and if anything ever happened to them I think I would lose pieces of my soul. They are my light and love me no matter what. I would do anything for them and in return love to them no matter what.
My wonderful hubby is a great Daddy and tells me all the time how much harder a job I have than he. He thanks me for all I do for our family and this mothers day he sure surprised me with a lot of gratitude. I woke up to a large vase of roses, mother's day cards, a new dress and shoes, and eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast.

My girls have the ability to melt my heart and they can be so cute and loving.

I can't believe how old my little Hailey is getting. She amazes me at what she can do.

BJ and I are pretty sure we are done having children. We are very content with our little girls. They are plenty for us to handle and we want to be able to give them every opportunity possible as well as have more than enough time to be supportive and attend all they chose to be involved in. I was so happy to have my girls so close together. They are a little over two years apart. I hope that they are always close friends and help each other through thick and thin.

They are always so concerned for one another. Hailey always has to know where "Pen" is all the time and Penny is always very concerned that Hailey is always in danger. She hates Hailey's new favorite place to rest on the stairs. Penny sits and watches her to make sure she doesn't fall down. It is super cute.

We invited my parents over to celebrate mother' day dinner with us.

Here is me and my mom. I am the youngest of six children.

BJ did a great job with dinner and made most of it himself. I only helped with dessert, and my mom brought a salad and some chocolate dipped strawberries.

The best part is the steak skewers BJ made. He marinated them in lemon and lime juice and Caribbean seasonings. Then he added purple onion, peppers, zucinni, and cherry tomatoes to it and brushed the veggies with butter as they grilled.

Here's my mom's salad

and the yum chocolate dipped strawberries (that was my present from my mom to me) I LOVE these!

Golden garlic, hand mashed potatoes.

This I made , a strawberry shortcake and berry pudding trifle. Yum!

Roasted garlic bread from the bakery.

and some yum appetizer. I think Penny ate most of the sausage. She sure loves meat! Daddy's girl for sure!

and last but not least, citrus water to drink. Yum.

All in all it was a great day and I was sad to see it end.

As I was getting ready for bed last night I thought about the kind of mother I am. Nothing the way I pictured. But, I am true to myself. I am very honest with what I believe in. I try my hardest to be a good parent, some days better than others. But I am who I am. Crazy, full of life, immersed in all things deep and artsy. A bit liberal at times. I want to be more career oriented once my kids are in school. I am worry wort, a perfectionist, and a bit strict on certain things too. Life is like throwing glitter in the air. Beautiful and messy all at the same time. You just have to see the beauty in it all and take it for all its worth!

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!!!!!

Good Times

2011-05-07T16:38:00.001-07:00

BJ letting Penny use his power washer to help clean the truck...
The coolest park I have seen in Billings, actually Laurel, but close enough. It looks like a giant castle. We took the girls there this morning before a Walmart run for a bit.

The girls look like little scraggly muffins. BJ got them dressed ( and didn't do their hair) while I was at dance lessons, I didn't see them until we met up, I was a bit disappointed in their public appearance....

I don't think they cared one bit! At least BJ remembered to put shoes and jackets on them!

I even jumped in for the fun!

Another Smith Grandbaby!

2011-05-06T20:08:00.001-07:00

Tonight I went to go visit the newest member of my big brother Brandon's family. Little Josie Lynn was born two days ago. What a cutie! I love holding new babies!!!! Mommy Jen was only in labor 6 hours! I wish I had that luck!

Our New Town Home!!!

2011-05-06T11:52:00.001-07:00

Finally! Pics of our new town home!!!!!

This is the entrance way

Combo half bath and laundry room

Living room

Kitchen

Dining area

Living room looking to our back yard patio

More living room

Back patio

The unfinished basement

My favorite about this is all the storage room, room for my kids to ride their bikes,

and the food storage shelves my hubby made. Its awesome having a true handy man around the house. This was just a morning project for him!

Heading upstairs

Master bedroom

Favorite part, double closets

Wedding pic wall

The loft

Perfect place for our office

and to use as a reading area

Girls' Bedroom

Upstairs full bathroom

Well, that's it! I skipped showing any coat and storage closets, but there ya have it, our new place. We plan on living here for a year while hopefully at the end of our lease or house that BJ is planning to build next spring will be finished enough for us to move in!

As for now I am enjoying this new space and all the room that comes with it! If any one has any good decorating tips, let me know!!!