Saturday, December 27, 2008

Smith family updates

We have kept very busy these last few months. Here are some pictures to show you all that we have been up to!
Halloween

all the family watching cousins play football



the boys last day of games



cousins coming to cheer on the boys



more cousin time




Nate staying busy with carpet jobs




Thanksgiving point. Eliza sang there & we even got to meet Shawn Bradley




waiting for Eliza to go on stage




I want a car like that. (Taylor)




McKay loving being able to drive




Aiden loves or I should say LOVES the Jonas Brothers so he was thrilled when we surprised him with this



What a good looking group of future missionaries!




The boys showing their Chuck Taylors in honor of Grandpa @ his funeral. He lettered all 4 years at the U and played professional ball before the NBA




After Grandpa's funeral














Wednesday, December 17, 2008

We miss you Levi

Our dear friend.

Levi's Obituary
Levi Johnson Snarr, beautiful son, steadfast brother, exultant uncle, joyful friend, world traveler, conqueror of the continents and lover of life, slipped away to greet a new day and a new adventure in the early morning hours of December 17, 2007. Levi is our gentle giant and our best buddy; our hearts are broken that he isn’t here. At the same time, our thoughts are joyful as we imagine Levi’s reunion with his brother, Zachary, other loved ones and with our Savior.Levi was a shining star, full of energy, enthusiasm and the desire to fill each day with extreme enjoyment by partaking of the wonders and beauties of this world and through nurturing and serving those around him. Levi was as big as he was beautiful, in stature, generosity and heart. He lived more than a lifetime in his 27 short years and was molded into an upstanding young man by the choice experiences he pursued and by the way he handled difficult and refining experiences that came his way.He was born into a loving, energetic family on October 26, 1980, the youngest of four. With his siblings, Trent, Sydney, and Zachary, Levi was nurtured, loved and embraced by devoted parents, Ronald P. and Sy Johnson Snarr. A beloved grandmother, Cynthia Johnson, survives and misses Levi, as well. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with work, play and adventure. He learned the satisfaction of hard work beside his dad and brothers in the family business, Snarr Brothers Landscaping. He had a wide circle of close friends and proved throughout his life to be a true and loyal friend. Levi loved his family, sought them out, and spent his most choice hours in their company.Levi did everything with great enthusiasm. He never held back and pursued his dreams and quests with determination and joy. An example of this drive was fulfilling his goal to visit all seven continents of the earth on one passport. He and his mom completed their goal together mere weeks ago as he celebrated his birthday and toured the African continent with his family and close friends. Levi sent a daily blog of his trip so that he could, virtually, take everyone he cared about with him. The trip, itself, was a miracle for Levi and his family during his last days and it exemplified so much about Levi: exciting, exotic, extraordinary, enmeshed in nature, beautiful, unusual, a little bit dangerous, challenging and, seemingly, out of reach—yet completely palpable and real. One of Levi’s last great walks was to Victoria Falls, a celebration and triumph.Levi’s life has not always been easy and we look to him as an example of living a Christ-like life. The sudden and horrific loss of his brother, Zach, eleven years ago was devastating to his whole family. Levi worked hard to resolve his feelings about this injustice and set an example to all when he declared five years ago, “I am not angry anymore.” He demonstrated, again, just how choice and refined he is as he worked and fought over the last ten months to be here with his loved ones and to continue his grand adventure in this life. He lived on fiercely, without complaint or bitterness in spite of extreme pain and suffering. His essence is joy in living.Levi loved being an uncle and was proud of his nephews and niece, Zachary and Grady Snarr and Taylor, Paige and Logan Davis. He leaves them with his stewardship to live life fully every day and to embrace each new experience with wonder and passion. His creed, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” will be a figurative cairn to mark the way for these young souls he loved. Their parents, Trent and Heidi Snarr and Brian and Sy Davis will ensure that the legacy of their brother and friend will live on through their children.An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Levi found purpose and solace in his belief of a living God and eternal life.Levi and his family express their gratitude to many who have loyally loved and served them throughout Levi’s life, particularly in the past several months. Tributes in Levi’s honor could be directed to http://www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org/ or 801-584-5800. Services will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Edgehill 2nd Ward, 1500 E. 1780 South, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT and before the service from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the ward. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Monday, December 15, 2008

My Star Student

Nathan & I got a phone Friday afternoon from McKay telling us he was in the Principals office. Last time we got this phone call it was from Taylor & it was because he had pounched a kid in the face. McKay had good news for us & we were so excited. He was calling home to tell us he was choosen to be the Star Student. He was choosen as someone who had shown true friendship, was a hard worker, & was always honest. I must admit I am a very proud mother. McKay is our baby & just a few posts earlier I posted about how hard it is to get him to stay foccussed on his homework. I am grateful to know that when he is away from us he is obedient & remembers who is. I love him so much & I am so proud of him. I cannot imagine my life without him. He was our "SURPRISE" baby & the last one I could ever have. I know the Lord has a plan for each of us. McKay brings so much joy to my life. I am grateful that he is always so supportive of Eliza & Taylor's acting & singing stuff & I am grateful that he loves to be a ham at home. He is an amazing son. I love you McKay!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Our homemade Christmas

This my kids with my sisters kids 5 years ago (McKay & Taylor are in white shirts & Eliza is next to Santa)
This Christmas we decided to try a new tradition in our home. We are having a "Homemade Christmas". We aren't buying any gifts. Everything has to be made for each other. Since we started our family we have decorated our tree in all pictures of the Savior. We did our first year because we couldn't afford ornaments & then we have never changed it. It has really helped us keep the foccuss on the Savior. We also write a letter to the Savior the FHE before Christmas & say what we are going to work on for the year to become more like Him & that is our gift to Him. I have saved those letters every year so that when my kids are all grown they can have those to look back on. This year we wanted to do something to help us stay foccussed with all that goes on to commercialize Christmas. We asked the kids about it & surprisingly they were very excited. They have been so lost in what they are doing for each other that they aren't asking for this & that. I love traditions. I don't know if this is one that will stick or not. It is fun to try new things & it is important to keep the old as well. I love Christmas for many reasons but one is because of all the traditions!

Singing with Grandpa Gary


Eliza & Taylor went on Tuesday to the Weber State Faculty Christmas Social & sang with my dad. They had a great time & I was so proud of my dad for playing & singing. Thanks dad that will always be a cherished memory for them!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

My Strippling Warriors..........

McKay & Taylor love being together 2006

McKay & Taylor are warriors on the field 2008


Last night McKay & Taylor went on their 1st discussion



They each gave out their 1st Book of Mormon They were SO excited! We have 2 boys in our ward investigating the Church that are Taylor & McKay's age & so they had the privilage of going with the Elder's as part of the discussion. They each took a Book of Mormon for the boys. They loved the experience & cannot wait for next Tuesday to go again.
At our home we love the movie "The Best Two Years" in that movie there is a scene where they Elders ask the Zone leader what the mission record is for the Book of Mormons passed out in a week is. Last night Taylor said "hey McKay we should call the Mission President & ask what the Mission goal is for 8 & 9 year olds passing out Book of Mormons." I was shocked that they were already planning on who to give to next. Then they were talking about who else they would like to start teaching.
I am so grateful for my calling in the Primary. I am also so grateful for two Elders who have given their time to come here & serve the Lord & teach people. I know how hard it is to come to Utah because my little brother served in Utah. These Elders were Awesome. They said they teach a lot of new member discussions to children who are getting ready to get baptized. I thought that was so awesome. I wish I had done that with my children so if any of you have kids who are getting ready or just have they would love to come. Let's all keep them busy doing the Lord's work! As well as ourselves!




Sunday, December 7, 2008

A Great Fast Sunday

It was great today to have so many children bear their testimonies. We are told to become like little children & I am so grateful to have children teach me everyday.

We had a great Testimony meeting today. I love being spiritually feed by those I love and admire. It is so nice to surrounded by so many who are so uplifting.


Friday, December 5, 2008

Homework can wait...........

McKay at the Tracey Aviary spring 2008 McKay was up until 12:05 last night (or I guess this morning). He gets a homework packet every Monday that is due on Friday morning. He has all week to do it & we have him do a couple of pages each night. Since football has ended it has been harder to get it done. I am not sure why. So this week has been the biggest fight & I came home late last night from a Primary Presidency meeting & then from a most wonderful Enrichment night & he still had more than half of his packet left plus his poem to memorize. He was frustrated, I was frustrated, Nate was frustrated, & he couldn't figure out why we wouldn't let he play all week. It clicked last night that friends come after home work & so the sooner the homework is done the sooner he finishes it in the week the more time he has to play. He asked before bed if he could ask his teacher if he could get his packet on Friday's so he could get it all finished over the weekend. We told him no he had to wait just like all the other kids & learn to use his time wisely. Hopefully next week will run mutch more smoothly!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

"Come what may & love it!"............Elder Wirthlin-

Elder Joseph B Wirthlin





Elder Joseph B. "Speedy" Wirthlin, apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-day Saints, and former running back for the University of Utah, addresses the team before this year's Spring intrasquad game.




I knew there was I reason I loved this guy!
I was so saddended to hear this morning that Elder Wirthlin passed awa last night. It is ironic that I just gave a talk on Sunday reguarding his past Conference address. I am so grateful that I was able to study this message & come to love him so much more. It is also fun to know that he played football at the "Lord's School".
I pray that his family will feel comfort but know he is gratefull to be with his sweatheart again!

Monday, December 1, 2008

How they grow.........

Eliza, Taylor, & McKay at LaJolla Cove Wow after a crazy night I have to take time to remind myself how fast they are growing & how quickly they will be grown & on their own. Last Christmas my parents took the kids for a week to San Diego, CA & it was the longest Nate & I both had been away from them. It was great time for us but we missed them & when we called they could careless to talk to us. I am grateful for the great days as Taylor reminded me tonight that we laugh all day!