Flashback Friday: Uncle Slim Shady featuring Evelyn Ice

Shea, ahem, I mean Rob, has always been a pretty cool guy. Sure there was the fleece sweatshirt/dinosaur period, the airhead/N 64 phase, and perhaps even a chubby stage (Smart Family tradition before you enter puberty), but overall he's been pretty popular most of his life.

Is it his good looks and charm? Maybe.

Is it his tall slender physique? (Minus the chubby stage) Perhaps.

Or is it the fact that all four of his sisters (Kourt, Kim, Khlo, Kendall) are totally awesome? Definitely.

Regardless of what makes Rob bleed an impeccable cool factor, he is just that.

He has helped Kendall make friends despite her lack of social skills.

He has been Keith's favorite uncle since November 1, 2007.

He can be silly.

He can fit in with all types of people including the homeless, the insane, and the PWT. (that's poor white trash for those of you who don't speak Smart Family Acronyms)

He is very strong and can even hold two babies at once!

He is intelligent and was able to graduate from the most difficult High School in the world!

And, Handsome Rob can rap the crap out of most contemporary tunes. Here, for your enjoyment is a video taken this summer of Uncle Slim Shady featuring his 3 month old niece Evelyn Ice.

8 mile? Puh-lease! Yakivegas will destroy you...

Flashback Friday: BSB Dance Therapy

Congratulations Jana and Darcee. You both have received immunity from Flashback Friday for two and one month(s) respectively. Consider this a tender mercy. Flashback Friday will not always be so kind.

Case in point:

At first I debated whether or not this video was appropriate for the blogosphere. Some of you may be wondering if I'm fit to be a mother, why I'm wearing leggings for pants (sick), or if I was single when this video was taken?

The answers to those questions are:

not sure, I just threw up, and isn't it obvious?

For a minute I had a hard time believing the girl in the video was me.

But only for a minute.

Hands down, that night was the best of my college experience. Mary was dating some Apex Hottie and Kiley, being the loyal friend she was, was trying to cheer me up after my first real breakup.

Wow, that makes me sound lame.

Anyway, since my first real boyfriend had left me to serve a mission, I needed some serious dance therapy. Kiley and I made about 15 "music videos" before Mary walked in the door and proceeded to add an additional 10 with us. Needless to say, it was difficult to choose just one for Flashback Friday. (We'll keep the embarrassment to a minimum today)

I know its hard to believe, but this is an "unchoreographed" video.

Yeah, we got skills.

We also may or may not have gone to church with the same hair and makeup used in the videos.

Going to bed at 4 AM + 8 AM church = "sweet spirits" in the back row of ROOM 150 MARB.

As this is the first of many college-inspired Flashback Fridays, I wanted to make sure that my partners-in-crime felt welcomed into this most holy tradition. Since Mare, Ki and I have seen each other at our absolute worst (that's what living together for three years can accomplish) I figured this video will at least make people think we were slightly normal. Riiiiiiight.

I'd like to dedicate this FF to the two craziest gals I know. I can't really describe how much I love you both, but this video definitely can.

You're welcome, girls.

Oh and just in case you thought that I got all the dancing genes in the family, here's a video of BYU's freshest, most eligible bachelorette. Krump it D-roll!

The Bumbo Lover

Glad she loves it.

Flashback Friday: Who's Who, Kardashian Style

The Kardashians are famous for their good looks.

But they are also famous for looking alike. Dark hair, dark eyes, etc.

Growing up Kardashian was tough. None of my teachers knew who I was, the grocery store clerk was NOT my ex-boyfriend, and my parents did not give me permission to get married when I was 14. Those were my sisters, thanks.

I've gotten used to answering to four names throughout my life: Darcee, Chelsea, Sydney or Darel. Our Dad claims were "fungible," that it really doesn't matter what we're called since we could basically pose for one another on a daily basis.

For example:

When my Dad tells Darel she looks beautiful, I say "thank you" because we pretty much have the same face. Or when someone tells me that Chelsea has the most beautiful skin, I say "oh that's nice of you," since my skin is almost as dark as hers. And when people say Darcee has the longest eyelashes and biggest brown eyes, I say "you don't have to say that," as if they were talking to me.

Granted its hard to find your true identity when everyone mistakes you for someone else, but when I really think about it, it has some perks. I can take credit for a million things I never did. I can pretend I'm the prettiest, smartest, most talented Kardashian sister because no one else would ever know the difference.

Sorry Mary-Kate and Ashley, but identical twins switching places? That's child's play! We'll double the bet, thanks.

And now for Flashback Friday. We're gonna switch it up a bit and Snick is going to have its first giveaway. Huzzah!

The first person to correctly guess the order of the sisters in the picture below (from left to right) gets a prize. The second person to correctly guess the order also gets a prize.

First place: Immunity from Flashback Friday for two months.

Second place: Immunity from Flashback Friday for one month.

For some of you these prizes are pretty desirable, for others, not so much. But if you don't get immunity, then as Heidi Klum would say,

"One day you're in, the next day you're out."

Here's the pic:

And it wouldn't be fair to leave the only male Kardashian out of Flashback Friday would it?

You're welcome "Rob."

Chuck Testa - Nope!

Growing up, we had a "taxidermized" porcupine in our den. After seeing this commercial, I wonder if Chuck Zesta was the man who stuffed our pokey friend.

Nope!

The Zoo

Last week, Ev and I drove up to visit the Burnetts. Some of you may wonder why, so I'll tell you. Brent was out of town, my mom and Chelsea were galavanting through Europe, Ellen (Brent's mom) started teaching again, and Darel is at BYU. Therefore, Darcee had no choice but to ask me to come help with her kids. I know I'm a last resort, but hey, it felt good to considered amongst so many impressive candidates.

When I told Darc I'd be happy to come as long as I good bring Ev and my breast pump, she seemed pretty at ease. (and possibly excited?)

4 kids under 3? No big deal if you're Superwoman and Wonderwoman.

(Darc already claimed Wonderwoman since she wears the red boots. But I think she just wants to have that whip in case the animals get too out of line. First born, first served I guess...)

Anyway, many of you are probably wondering how much help I could possibly be. I mean, I have a an almost five month old, I pump 5-6 times a day, and I know nothing about what the Hulk eats for breakfast, what Spiderman's real name is, or what in the hells bells La Chupacabra is.

(For the record, the answers to those mind-boggling questions are as follows: Grilled cheese, Peter Parker and a monster in Scooby Doo.)

The next time I'm at a souvenir shop in Tigard, Oregon I'm going to request they make a t-shirt that contains the following:

1. Must be dirty and smelly.

2. Must be previously slept in. (Preferably the night before)

3. Must have Mac'n'Cheese, bran flakes, cupcakes, and juice stains all over it.

4. Must be covered in Spiderman and Batman stickers.

5. Must have these words stamped in VERY large letters on it: I survived the Portland Zoo.

If this t-shirt existed, I would have purchased several of them to take home with me. It was crazy, but nothing beats spending time with the Portland animals. They are just too much fun. When else would you get to see Superwoman and Wonderwoman in action like that?

The Burnett kiddos are mildly (and when I say mildly, I mean completely) obsessed with Evie and it was so fun to see all of the cousins in action. Darc and I were even able to sneak in a couple episodes of Project Runway and Dance Moms.

Debbie bought Evie and Ally matching outfits (see picture below) and I'm pretty sure they should be forced to match everyday because its just so stinkin' cute. Ally insists on helping me change Evie's diaper, put her down for her nap, and bathe her. Its adorable.

Here's what our week looked like:

Even though we're not that helpful, we hope the Burnetts will invite us back soon. We are still craving "Pancake Cupcakes" and breakfast Burritos, Burnett style.

Breakfast of Champions.

It started way back in 1933,

on a cereal box for the hungry.

Adorned with an athlete, stamped with a seal

reading "Breakfast of Champions" for your first meal.

Everyone wanted Wheaties cuz it gave them power,

Without sweat, they could do a million push-ups an hour.

They could be like Mike, and score like Hamm,

One thing was certain, this cereal's no scam.

A lot of kids these days do a whole lotta skippin'

Now we know why they ain't shootin' like Pippen.

If you don't eat your breakfast, then you'll never be your best,

according to Wheaties you'll just be like the rest.

Now I want to rival Magic and Ali,

so I'm gonna do whats best for me.

Except my "Breakfast of Champions" isn't the Wheaties,

my favorite meal is a new kind of sweetie.

Without the calories she's got tons of fat,

her anterior thighs are where its at.

I squeeze 'em and eat 'em and devour them all day,

Its natural energy so I can play.

If I don't skip Evie Breakfast then I'm good to go,

I can cook, clean, do everything, be Superwoman fo' sho.

With my "Breakfast of Champions" I'll always succeed,

my favorite chubby snack is all I need.

What Evie Eats

Last Christmas, when I was pregnant with the Ev, my sister gave me this cookbook.



I devoured the book promptly upon receiving it. My other sister made homemade baby food for her daughter and had a lot of success with that, so I knew it was something that I wanted to try.
This cookbook is a really good book for beginners. It explains the benefits of homemade baby food (nutritious/inexpensive), and has a lot of great details as far as preparing, storing, thawing, and serving it.

Today I made homemade baby food for the first time.

On the Menu?
Organic Sweet Peas



Looks nasty, yeah? Well, it probably is. Except anything tastes better than cardboard rice cereal.

Here's the best part. Its so easy.

Step 1: Steam sweet peas.
Step 2: Puree sweet peas.
Step 3: Dilute the puree to desired consistency. (I used breast milk, but you can use formula, reserved sweet pea water, or just plain water if you want)
Step 4: Freeze or store in fridge.

*I also added part sweet pea mixture to some rice cereal in hopes that Ev would enjoy it a little more.

Its no secret that I'm not the most frugal person on this planet. Sure, I love a good deal and I try to shop the sale racks at Nordie's, but I loathe couponing. Its probably because I'm not patient enough to subscribe to a bazillion emails and newspapers and then cut, clip, and organize everything. I have tried to do it, but I usually just give up. On top of that, we like to eat healthy, which is code for expensive. So, making homemade baby food is my way of saving on our food bill.

I've always wanted to use more nutritious, organic products in my cooking, but its hard to justify that at this point in our lives. My sister has an old college roommate who is from Eugene. She is always posting amazing recipes on her blog using quinoa, agave, homemade protein bars, and she even grinds her own wheat! Its hard not to try all those things in Eugene because its so accessible. I'm hoping that I'll be able to use some of those ingredients in my cooking someday. For now, I'd like to try a "Eugene-inspired" dish once or twice a month.

But I digress. I calculated the how much we saved by making our own baby food. (Nick checked my math) You get about 33% more baby food for the price, plus there are no preservatives. I'd say its a win-win.

And now for some cuteness:

Ev was a little unsure at first. Probably because the puree was a little thick. Once we adjusted, she seemed to do better.

Next week on the Baby Food Menu:

Pureed zucchini.

Flashback Friday: Hungry Dogs Win the Race

My Dad coached me in basketball from YMCA league until I tried out for school ball in High School. As a young girl, I thought he knew everything about basketball because he was my "coach." He frequently used phrases like,

"Syd, I don't care what it takes, but go get the ball. Scratch and claw your way to that ball."
"Don't brush your teeth or put on deodorant today, you have to play defense."
"Get on the floor! There should be blood on the floor when you get up."
"Get mean!"
"You are a winner. Now get out there and prove it!"
"Hungry dogs win the race!"

Some of you may be chuckling at the profound advice given by my childhood basketball coach, but today I still believe my Dad is the best coach I ever had. Sure, he knows NOTHING about basketball, but he knows everything about desire. If you want it, you can have it - you just have to work hard enough.

I loved playing sports growing up and I excelled at many of the things I tried. However, I was never the best girl on my team. I was never the fastest, the best shot, the tallest, nor the strongest, but I excelled because I wanted it more than everyone else. I don't say that to be prideful, I say it because its true. That's what my coach taught me. My Dad told me I could get the ball if I wanted it and he told me I could win if I tried my hardest. I never doubted I could do those things because my coach told me it was so.

That is why my Dad is the best coach I ever had.

Which brings me to Flashback Friday. I've probably played thousands of basketball and soccer games in my life. The State Championship is nothing compared to the games I played in YMCA ball. In those scrubby Elementary school gyms, I learned a valuable life lesson that's transcended way past High school sports.

If you want something, go get it.
If you think you can do it, then you can.
Having confidence in yourself can make your aspirations a reality.
Even if you loose or fail, if you believe you are a winner - you are one.

As cheesy as all this sounds, its true for me. And I think my sisters and brother would say the same thing.

Our Dad is crazy, but he knows more about inspiration than most.

How else would you inspire a child as swirly and awkward as this?





Nick never needed to be pumped with motivation as a child. I think he was incredibly confident from day one.
I mean seriously, look at that face!





So if you're having a bad day, look at my dorky picture and remember that I felt like a million bucks the day that picture was taken. And I still feel like a million bucks looking at it right now.

Eugene

We moved to Eugene on a Monday night. Nick started Law School Wednesday morning. I'd say its been a crazy two weeks, but we're grateful to be here.Here are my initial impressions about Eugene, Oregon.

-If you are not a Ducks fan, you should probably do one of two things. 1) Move to another city, or 2) Punch yourself in the face. People here are crazy about U of O. I would compare how U of O fans feel about their school to how Mormons feel about their testimonies - being a fan is a religious act for many Duck supporters. Today I went to the grocery store and everyone was decked out in Duck gear. I also went to the grocery store yesterday aaaaaaaand everyone was still decked out in Duck gear. It doesn't have to be game day for someone to show some quacky pride.

-Speaking of pride, Nick went to a famous donut place called VooDoo Donuts today where you can order what's called a "gay bar." He claims he was afraid to ask what kind of a donut warrants the name "gay bar," and I'm grateful for that.

-A man told Nick the other day that ten years ago it rained day and night for 43 straight days in Eugene. I don't want to jinx us, but it hasn't rained since we got here. Its even been in the 90's which is extremely pleasant when you live on the 2nd floor and you have no A/C.

-We are the only Mormon people in our complex. Its a nice/weird change coming from Provo. I sometimes forget that not every young person I see is married and I am utterly offended when I see people in booty shorts! Just kidding, there is a lot more going on in Eugene than booty shorts. After our first few days here, I commented to Nick that there were a lot of homeless people in Eugene. After two weeks here I realize that those people were not homeless, but simply loving life in their own way. (Nick says everyone in his law class has a ponytail or an earring or both.)

-And while I'm on the subject, Nick is loving law school (thank goodness!). He's busy and I'm starting to understand why the Law Wives Club joke about being widows and single moms. There are 9 Mormon guys in Nick's class of 183 people. I think about 5 or 6 of them are married, which is nice because we've been able to make a few friends here. And when I say we, I'm mostly talking about myself since Nick has no social life. Luckily, Nick has been able to make a few good buddies too.

-I can now get to these locations without getting lost:
Albertsons
Pottery Barn
TJ Maxx
Goodwill
Home Depot
BJ's
Target
Costco
I'm hoping to add 2 destinations to the list each week. There are SO MANY one-way streets here. It gives me an anxiety attack each time I turn down a new street. I'm hoping that someday I will be able to navigate my way around this beautiful place.

-It is so green here. We are heading to the coast on Monday and I'm excited to see that as well. I'm amazed at how much I'm loving the lushness of Oregon despite being an avid bug/animal hater.

-People love babies here. Every time I go to the grocery store people obsess over the Ev Machine. People open doors, carry my groceries for me, and offer to push my cart (seriously!) wherever I go. I think its safe to say that no matter who you are (tree-hugger, hippie, druggie, homeless) you can love a baby. One man even commented that my baby would be the cutest baby he'd ever seen, IF she had a Duck hat on. No surprise there.

I hate to argue with my grocery store friend, but seriously, she is the cutest baby I've ever seen.

Our apartment looks less like Storage Wars and more like a home. But its still ugly. I think I just have to force myself to give it time. We really do love it here however. It already feels like home, which is surprising because I don't know how to get anywhere and we have nothing on our walls, etc. I think it has something to do with the fact that we're all starting to get into a routine. Evie still hates napping, but she'll come around someday. I'm mostly grateful that she is sleeping through the night like a champ. (8-5!)

Other news in the Snick Household includes:

-Evie HATING rice cereal. I'm going to be making baby food for her, so I'm thinking about mixing part sweet peas with rice cereal to make it more appetizing, even though I'd like to wait until 5 or 6 months before giving her solids. Nick thinks I'm one of those weird creepy "organic" moms, which is partially true. I don't want to give my child preservatives in a jar. Once he heard it was much cheaper to make your own baby food, he jumped on board though. Plus I want to fit in here, so I've decided to grow my leg hair out and replace my wardrobe with tie-dye t-shirts in addition to mixing my own baby food.

-Ev had to go back to the doctor this week and she weighs 13 lb. 11 oz! Her chub is so delicious.

-Nick rides his bike to and from school everyday. Not to offend his masculinity or anything, but its freaking adorable to see him with his sack lunch and school supplies riding away. Oh, and he eats nothing but raw meat for lunch because he's that manly.

-We like our ward. A good mix of old, young, and in between.

-Ev Machine and I are driving up to Portland on Tuesday to spend most of the week with the Portland Zoo. We can't wait to see our cousins!