Smith Family Short Stories

"I was carved by an angel"

2011-03-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

About a week ago we were having dinner at my in-laws & I was talking to them about the frustrations of having two very handsome youngmen that are also very polite. For McKay this has caused quite a problem at school. He has girls stalking him to the point that his teacher asked for my permission to talk to the class about it. As we were discussing this matter McKay was standing in the doorway & simply said, "What can I say, I was carved by an angel."

McKay's life goals......

2010-05-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

McKay recently got to "bid" for what he would do with his life. Each kid in his class was given $2,000 to bid on what they wanted their lives to become. We of course were anxious to hear that maybe he wanted to be the President or a CEO........Here he is with his buddy Hayden durinng their 4th grade play. McKay was fabulous so maybe he wants to now be an actor.......

Here he is wearing his favorite hat that his Uncle Jake gave him, it's for a football team so maybe a football palyer....

Here he is looking his finest in his suit & tie, so maybe sell men's clothing....

Here he is being a good nieghbor so maybe a service man.....

Here he is flashing his beautiful smile & big eyes, so maybe a model......

These are all great jobs but what McKay really wants......

1. To marry someone good looking

2. To travel the world

Yep those are his life goals & that is what he bid for. I'm gonna be honest & say I'm failing as a mother!

McKay anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it & I know with your looks you will go far!

Love you McKay (Johnny)

Running hair, running there, running everywhere

2010-05-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Taylor's hair is always a topic of discussion. He has a great head of hair & I would give my right leg, arm whatever to have it. It's thick & it curls in all the right places. Hair I will take you on some pretty hairy adventures of his hair. (haha)

You can't see it too well but I love how his hair curls up around his helmet.

Then there are those in the family who dream of his hair!

He often has to do the "flip n fix" to get the hair out of his face & he loves doing that. You can find him spending much of his day flippin n fixin!

Here's Taylor's hair right after having 1/2 inch cut off. He has to get it cut every month so I can be happy & he can be happy.

In this picture we see how perfectly cool his hair looks when in place. I love how his bangs flip out.

When you see Taylor you connect him with his hair. Last night while he was teaching FHE I tried to picture him with short hair & just couldn't. We are often asked how much time it takes to do his hair. Well the truth is 2 seconds. He washes it, brushes it, puts product in it & then flips it & is good to go. He said when he turns 12 he is cutting it off so stayed tune to see if that really happens. I love him just the way he is. His hair truly fits him as a person.

Love you Taylor (Smitty)

Be strong and of a good courage..........

2010-05-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening Eliza was with her group of friends that she loves to hang out with. As they were trying to figure out what to do it was suggested that they do an activity that Eliza knew Nate & I wouldn't want her doing. She told her friends that she wouldn't do it & the reason was because she knew that her parents wouldn't want her to. Her one buddy suggested that she just not tell them as he put it "part of being a teenager is lying to your parents." She said that she would know & it would eat at her & she would have to tell Nate & I that she did it because that's just how she is. They asked her why she tells her parents everything & she told them because I always want them to trust me. Eliza called me to come & get her so that her friends could do what they wanted & she could be faithful to her word of not lying to her parents. I was so proud of her for being strong and of a good courage!

Eliza at the Temple....

2010-05-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Eliza spent a couple of hours yesterday with the youth in our ward at the Bountiful Temple doing Baptisms for the Dead. She was so excited to go again & wanted to make sure that her dress was the most pleasing to her Heavenly Father. She was so excited to be in the Temple & feel of the Spirit & has lived her life in such a way to be worthy to enter the doors of the Temple.

After they finished the Temple work they were doing they returned to our ward building & had lunch. Eliza said it was such a wonderful day. Nathan & I are so grateful for the righteous young woman she chooses to be & her willingness & desire to partake of all the Gospel has to offer. She is such a light in our home & a light to many she comes into contact with. If you know Eliza you know that she radiates happiness. We are so privalidged to have the opportunity to be her parents & have her teach us on a daily basis.

Today was a good day, a very good day........

2010-05-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

Today was a day where you feel the warmth on your face & think, "God is good." it was actually a stressful day but it turned out to be such a relaxing night of the kids sitting around the table doing their homework & singing together while I made dinner & what made it even better is we are in our own place now. They sang & told stories from their days at school.

*****If you know my kids they don't leave a detail out of a story so something you or I would tell them that would take us 5 minutes to tell takes them 25 minutes to tell*****

I love hearing their details to each & every storie. It was so fun also to listen to Eliza & Taylor sing. I could have listened all night. I love to listen to McKay's comedy. Today was such a good day!!!!!!!!!!

Taylor's latest film credits...........

2010-03-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know Taylor you know that he is an actor. This is his most recent work & he thinks it was one of the funnest projects to work on. I'm sure it will be easy to see why.

http://www.riester.com/blog/2010/02/24/the-unexpected-and-hilarious-results-of-visiting-buffalo-bills-yellowstone-country/

How quickly they grow...

2010-02-22T20:17:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe how quickly my three beautiful children are growing up right in front of my eyes. This past December my in-laws had a family conference. At the conference each family told of an ancestor. Our three children together each gave a couple mintues little miny talk about what they learned on the ancestor we were given. It was so fun to watch them together & yet sad that they are so independet & getting so mature. They are all at such fun ages & working so hard in school. We are trying to enjoy every minute we have with them. Eliza thinks we are mean sometimes because some Friday nights we just make her hang out with old boring us. How quickly the time goes & how blessed I feel everyday I get to be their mother.

my siblings....

2009-12-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Brandon & Griffin a few shorts months before Brandon passed away.

six of us @ Devin's wedding in Dallas, TX

all us girls with mom

the family together on the 1 year anniversarey of Brandon's passing.

I am so grateful for my siblings. This Christmas was very quiet with nobody being here except my older sister & her family. It is hard to have life change & us living in different states but it's nice to know that we all value our family traditions & hold on to the great memories. I'm grateful for the example they have each been in my life....I love you Brandon, Carly, Sara, Krista, Devin, & Griffin! My life is so blessed from what each of you have been to me. Siblings are the greatest!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-25T14:04:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! We are so grateful for our Savior & His life. We pray that you will all remember the reason we celebrate today.
Love the Smith Family.

Eliza after auditioning for Den Brother (a new Disney Channel Movie)

2009-11-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

Eliza was auditioning for the part of a 16 year old. She had a lot of fun & it was a great experience for her!

(notice her Hippie Band by Leza, that's her & mine's new business)

football season is almost over

2009-11-10T09:57:00.001-08:00

As the boys get ready to play in their last games of the season this Saturday we all feel a little bit of relief that it is finally coming to a close. It has been a long season & even with all the wins & playing in the playoffs & now the championship games, it has not been what we expected football to be. McKay has enjoyed it because he hasn't had to work hard. They are expected to be lazy by their head coach. (SO FRUSTRATING!). Taylor (Smitty as they call him) has started to loose the love he has for football & wont playfor this coach again because he said that he is still playing for Norte Dame & he isn't letting this coach stand in his way. His coach told Taylor one day he was gonna buy him a pink dress & a tutu so he can dance on the field since that's all he knows how to do is dance. So over the next 2 games Taylor had 18 unasstited tackles & 2 sacks. One someone brought up the comment the coach had made he said that's how he gets Smitty to perform. I am just thankful that our boys have told us that they are unhappy with how things have been. Both McKay & Taylor have grown a great amount this football season.....to bad it has had nothing to to with football.

Taylor's latest headshot.....

2009-09-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Eliza's latest headshot

2009-09-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

It's Football Season....yeah baby!

2009-07-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

Oh the smell of the sweat & the joy of being together as a family watching Taylor & McKay play the game they love. This is truly our favorite time of year. Yes our life consists of practices almost every night of the week & every Saturday we spend at the football fields but the time together as a family & the memories our boys are making learning a sport they love, how to be better people, & developing life long friendships are so worth the hours.

I never thought I would say that give me my family & put me at one of my boys games & I'm good to go. It brings me great joy to watch them having so much fun. Now maybe this year they will even win a few games!

(no injuries so far. see if I feel the same then)

Do you Facebook?

2009-07-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Do you Facebook? I do & I love it. I love being in touch with friends from my childhood, teenage years & now. It is like doing your family history in a split second. It is a great networking tool & you run into friends that you haven't seen in ages & you are all caught up on what is going on in each others lives. I'm telling you it is such a great tool to have.

There is a down fall to Facebook though. It is very addicting & sometimes you start forgeting to even have real conversations with people any more.

So there is my spin on Facebook in a nutshell. I love it & got have it!

A 10 year old in mourning.....

2009-07-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a week since Taylor was sitting in his acting class & his acting coach, David H. Stevens, said: "Michael Jackson died today." We hadn't heard the news & I happened to be walking past the class & heard the news just like Taylor. I was shocked but I was most concerened about my 10 year old son who over the past 14 months has grown to love the skills of an amazing artist. I saw his face & saw the tears coming. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts. That night when we got home he had a good cry & has a few more since. He has literally watched his DVDs & listened to all his CDs 24/7 since last Thursday. He has watched all the specials on TV & is truly mourning the loss of an artist he aspired to be like (not as a person but as talented). Yesterday he had a voice lesson & he has been working on the song "Heal the World" by Michael Jackson. On the car ride home we always listen to their lessons (they are recording on CD to practice) & his was very somber. It made me think that I grew up listening to Michael Jackson & never stop to think "oh yeah he is quite talented or wow I really like him" but here my son is hurting for the loss of an artist. It has also helped me learn to see the good in people. Taylor can find all the good qualities in Michael Jackson even after the world has made him such a freak show. I pray the Michael Jackson will have peace but most importantly that Taylor will feel joy in his talent knowing that are great songs out there because of Michael Jackson.

Random.......

2009-07-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

We have very busy with life lately. Here are a few random pictures of the kids.

Wilhelmina Review

2009-06-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Come to the Wilhelmina Review on Saturday, June 20th from 10-noon. There will be top agents from LA & NYC there to see new talent for modeling & acting. It is for ages 6 & up.

McKay the runner

2009-06-03T09:00:00.001-07:00

McKay has taken up track & loves it. Last night he had his first track meet. He only ran the 100m because of lightening & rain but he took 1st place in that event. He has enjoyed having something to do that is active & what makes it more fun is he gets to do it with his buddies!

McKay warming up

McKay & his friends before their meet @ Murray High

Taylor being the supportive brother cheering on McKay thru sunshine & rain!

Vocal Recital

2009-06-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Eliza, Ali Kaelin (their amazing vocal coach), & Taylor

Taylor singing "Secret Smile" by Rascal Flats

Eliza singing "Soulmate" by Natasha Beddingfield

Eliza & Taylor did an awesome job on their spring recital!

Thanks Ali for all your hard work!

1st day at Cherry Hill

2009-05-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Eliza, Taylor, & McKay being silly at Cherry Hill. You know summer is here when it's Cherry Hill time!

My in-laws gave us a GREAT! gift for Christmas this year, season passes to Cherry Hill, our favorite water place to be. It's low key & ever so family friendly. The kids & I were able to spend some time there today. Nate had to work. If you look closely in the pictures you can see how empty the park was. There were maybe 100 people there. It was wonderful. I ran into a friend from North Carolina who I haven't seen in 10 years. The kids are all very sunburned because they have a very neglegtful mother but at least we enjoyed it!!!!!!!!

Taylor, Eliza, & McKay

McKay & I

Taylor & I

Eliza & I (is it just me or does she look really grown up in this picture?)

School is almost out shout horray!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

Taylor & McKay playing trampoline baseball at Grandma Coco's at the "Holy Land"

I am one that hates having kids in school. Not because of not wanting to be seperated from them or never liking their teachers that is completely the opposite of why. It is because I love to let my kids sleep in & for us to do things together as a family on our time frame & because I love the summer fun in the sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah I am so excited for Cherry Hill, 8 hour days of watching my boys sweat to death in full gear at the Utah Ute's Football camp, McKay run track from next week thru the end of July 3 days a week, Eliza, Taylor, & McKay go to Basketball camps, & the best thing is our Cherry Hill passes were a fabulous gift. All the camps & events the kids have had to pay at least half some full & work hard at it. So not only are they working hard but they will play hard too & that is what I call a fun summer.

But what I dread most is in what will seem like just a few hours I will be sitting at this computer writting about what a great summer we had. Why does all that work & play go by so fast? We will love it while we can. Nate & I find such joy in watching our children grow & develop into the people they want to be & we love to support them at exactly that. So this summer will be a great one for the 2 of us.

Bring on the summer fun in the sun!

That didn't sound like it went to well!

2009-05-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

These are my 3 BEAUTIFUL children! I may be bais but I believe & my husband would say the same that they are the best kids on earth. Not only that but they are the most talented in all that they do but they do work HARD at their dreams & talents.

Last night Eliza was helping Nate & I fix dinner & asked me a question in a very manner as to say you already did it. I answered back defensively & then Taylor got into it then went to his room mad so I went into talk to him then Eliza was yelling & upset so Nate was talking to her & my sweet McKay was singing silly songs in the background to try & get someone to start laughing.

After I worked things out with Taylor & Nate couldn't get anywhere with our pre-teen hormonal daughter she went to her room & slammed the door. Taylor had begun singing with McKay & they were both laughing more than singing & Nate & I were ready to yell SHUT-UP but never would use that kind of launge in our home so we both kept it to ourselves. I went in to Eliza's room to "talk" to her but pretty much like I always do I ordered her to do this & that & walked out & sat at the table to have the prayer. Nate said well that didn't sound like it went to well.

That's kind of been my theme as a mom: "That didn't sound like it went to well!"

Life as a mom has been much harder for me than I ever thought it would be. I lived with a family as a nanny for a year & a half before Nate & I got married & so I thought I had motherhood down great. I had grown up with a great mom & felt I had been well trained by this mother of the family that I nannied for. Things went well for periods of time & then I hated it & then they would go well. Doesn't sound like it was going so well.

Right after Eliza turned 7 I was addmitted to LDS for a suicide attempt & remained in the hospital for 2 weeks. I didn't see my kids for the whole time. It was very difficult. But it was a good timeout for me. What wasn't good was the diagnose that came with it: BIPOLAR! I knew life finally made sense to me for how I was feeling since I was about 12 but I knew this road was going to be long & rocky & at times closely resemble Hell. All I could think about was this doesn't sound good for a mother or for my children or my husband. But we slowly started preparing to tell our kids. "It didn't sound like it went too well." was my though after telling them. McKay as young as he was at 4 didn't want anyone to know. But while being in the hospital I had made the choice that if I had to walk this trail I would not walk it silently. I would walk it with a voice to teach others. That burned me for along time but I don't care. I am just sorry that others had to judge.

Nate had the pleasure of telling his family & it also didn't sound like it went too well. 5 years later & I am still just a BiPolar freak even with the education he tried doing. I understand why McKay in his wise 4 years pleaded not to tell anyone.

It is through the sounds of my children's footsteps that all sounds well in my heart. As a mother it has been a very guilty feeling knowing that I am trying these spirits that doesn't seem fair. I wonder how much I am screwing up their lives each day . When I thought I was so prepared to be this outstanding mother & yet I was tackeled by a running back who seemed to come from another field. It's as if my children can do up downs all day & hit the pads as hard as they can. They can run the hill 50 times a day & no matter what they will never be prepared for that running back to come out of nowhere. We have days that no matter what even though I'm on my meds & doing all I can here I come that running back & score when my kids aren't expecting. But my touchdown is a "episode" that can be 6 days or 6 weeks. And there is no victory dance. And when my kids get home from the game everyone says "It didn't sound like it went too well." And their right it didn't. That's what it is like living with a mom who has BiPolar.

God speed to a diease that at this time has no cure. To all those mothers struggling & all the children struggling with mothers. Keep praying & do all you can to make it better.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid............

2009-05-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

When we got a phone call from Taylor's agent saying that he was going to be auditioning for the role of Greg Heffley from the series "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" we thought oh that's cool. Little did we know what we were getting into. Besides the fact that he was 1 of 6000+ boys beeing screened for this part for this Fox feature film we had opened a page to something we instantly fell in love with.

Realizing Taylor should familiarize himself with the character & the story we went & purchased the 1st book. He read it in 2 days. His audition (the 1st one he felt bad about but the 2nd one he felt like it was the best day of his life. We still don't know & we may never hear, we just know he made it in the top 5 that will go to the director so we were proud) Nate read it next in a few hours & then McKay. When McKay started you might as well have thought of him as a stone figure. He read until we forced him to bed.

We went & got the 2nd & 3rd for McKay because he HATES to read & we just had never seen anything like this with him before. As soon as we got in the car he began & stayed up until well past midnight reading. The next day the kids were going to my parents to spend the day & have a sleepover. My mom said all he would do was read. He finished that day & has moved onto book 3 & is almost done. I am not sure what we will do waiting for Book 4 to come out.

We made Taylor wait until McKay finished 2 to start reading it so he is thrilled to have the next one to read now. My advice would be to get the books. They are so funny. Nate dies when he reads it. They are a book every age level can enjoy & it is easy reading also. Now go read it today!!!!!!!!!!!

And the award for "Mother of the Year" goes to....."

2009-04-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

I have been so far from the mother of the year that I know that I do not need to worry about opening the local newspaper this Mother's Day to be surprised by a special submission from one of my children that they have taken hours upon hours writing all the loving and unselfish things that I do daily as a mother nor do I expect a call from the Oprah show asking me to come a make a special apperance for Mother's Day & share with the rest of the world my secret to being the "World's Greatest Mother". And you may be asking yourself why I am so sure that I know this year will not be my year, well because to give you one minor example tonight when Eliza & Taylor came home from acting they were in her room being silly & she being a hormonal girl decided that she no longer wanted her brother in her room so after asking several times for him to leave, she grabbed him & threw him out & then proceeded to kick him several times. Well she seems to think that since the rule of thumb is that a boy must never physically touch a girl she can get away with this over & over so tonight I decided to try & teach some new discipline skills in our own home. I told Taylor to hit her & make it hurt as bad as it did for him. The fear in her face was almost pricless & she turned into an instant drama queen full flooding tears & all. Taylor being the gentleman he is decided against hurting his sister but I think it was enough to make her think before she attacks one of her brothers again. So this year I will humbly stand to the side as the true Mother receives her award. After all, I'm sure the "Mother of Year Award" doesn't constantly speak to her child at 100 decibals & that's when she's in a good mood.

SWINE FLU......

2009-04-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm sure you have all heard about swine flu or maybe you are like me & you haven't. Last night as I was driving home I was talking to my Dad & he was telling me about the fear of this swine flu stuff. When I got home I asked Nate if he had heard of swine flu? He had & acted as if it was no big deal. I laughed at always being the last to know everything. Then I wondered who on earth comes up with these stupid names?

For the last 3 & 1/2 weeks we have had nothing but sickness in our home. It started with Eliza the first day of Spring Break. She had been invited to spend spring break in St George with her best friend & something about it didn't feel right to Nate & I. We told her we needed to think about it & we just couldn't shake it. You have to know we love this friend & her family but the feeling wouldn't go away. When she got sick, BINGO we knew why. She spent the entire spring break in bed even had visits to the Dr. & ended up in the hospital. So I am wondering what exactly would a scientist name her illness..........

As she was getting better Taylor got hit hard by what she was just recovering from. He missed a whole week of school & almost went crazy having to be in the house. He was so sick of his 3 times a day medication we could do nothing but laugh when we had to just say "Taylor it's.........." & he wanted to scream. During his time of sickness he had a once in a life time opportunity to meet an amazing casting director & spend an evening with her & have a one on one audition with her. He didn't want to miss it but he had know idea what could possibly happen that night (no she didn't cast him in a leading role of a huge mega film). During his time he got a bloody nose that seemed to be a side effect of his meds & so he plugged his nose & held it not knowing what to do. Finally blood was squirting out all over & she said oh Taylor please go to the bathroom & get yourself cleaned up. One thing for sure, she will never forget Taylor Smith. So what would a scientist call his illness............

Then half way into Taylor's time down McKay spent a day trying to call home. Bless his heart he knew you now had to dial 801 so he called my cell phone which is a North Carolina area code plus he put the UT area code first. After doing this over & over all day he burst into tears. He was so sick & just wanted his mommy. I was very upset when Eliza called after school from a friends cell phone & asked me to come pick them up. I said come on you can walk two blocks & then I could hear my baby crying & jumped in the car & went got them. In the car he explained that NOBODY in the office would help him. What the heck! I wasn't happy with that at all. He was so proud to tell me he remembered the 801 area code but when we put it together it broke my heart what he was doing all day. He is still running a fever & infact going to the Dr in a little bit for a quick look of his lungs because he is very vulnerable to pneumonia. So what would a scientist call his illness.............

I think that the last 3 weeks have been crazy to say the least. Remembering who needs medication at what time. Thank goodness 2 of the 3 take pills & not liquids. But if you really want a scientific name for what the illness is in our home I would have to say it is Smith sibling enjoyable, loving time illness. They honestly have loved just to be cuddled up together watching movies & reading. You never realize that sick kids can actually bring joy to your home when they are together & too tired to fight. And sorry to offend the scienist who named it Swine Flu but come on name things a little less.....stupid. Do you want to tell your child that they are sick like a pig?

Those are my thoughts on being a mom of sick kids over the last month. It hasn't been fun but I have seen the funny things & been able to laugh & hold my sick babies. Soon we will all be swimming at Cherry Hill & this too shall pass.

Update on My Perscription addiction.........

2009-04-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

After posting my story of my experience with being an addict to perscription medication (drugs), I have received a number of calls & emails reguarding either someones own struggles or that they are dealing with a close frind who is in the same boat & they are at the end of their rope trying to "save" that person. Which leads to me feeling the need to post a little advice on what those in either situation may or may not want to do.

The very first step is that you cannot "SAVE" that person. It is only through the Attonement & Grace of our Savior that they can be SAVED. Do not loose yourself in the addiction or pretty soon you will become addicted to their problem & forget what your life has to accomplish. When I was going through my addiction I had friends leave me left & right. I thought yea right some friends. If they were true friends they would have stayed by til the end. Now I know more & know that I was taking them down & they had small children at home and that they couldn't do it all & their committments were to their own family. Remember that it doesn't make you a bad person because you aren't there for the addict 24/7. Who you need to be there for is your own family as hard as it may seem. Pray & listen to the spirit of when it is a critical time for you to drop everything and go but I promise that will not be everyday.

The second thing is for those who are searching so hard for answers generally they are right in front of your face. I learned this the hard way. You, the addict has given all power to the meds. So to just say "no" isn't even a thought they can mustard. Don't judge them. Instead set up plans. For me it was that all meds were to go into a double locked safe & my husband keeps the key with him at all times. Don't for one second think if they really do need medacine for something that you can leave out the days dosages. DON'T DO IT! Talk to the phramsist and let them know that your wife/husband isn't to pick up any meds period! Talk with your doctor. Talk to your insurance company & have them flag their card so when they try to get meds they have to have a password that only you would know & then it alerts whom they are buying from not to sell to them. Lastly cut off their financial means. This may all seem harsh but it works & you have to decide if you want a dead spouse or BFF or a live one. The other one that I highly recommend is take away their liscence & the keys. You are allowing them to drive with a DUI. They are at risk of killing someone. How would you feel living with that the rest of your life knowing you did nothing about it.

In conclusion please contact me at anytime. I am an addict. I still fight it & will the rest of my life. But it is everywhere & we need to educate & you aren't trash because you fell to a very easy trap. Just except the help to get out & those who are there to help, THANK YOU!

God speed,

Leah

Jr Jazz comes to an end.........

2009-03-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

If you ask Nate if he got his Eagle he will tell you no but that he did play more basketball than probablly any other teenager you know. So it is no surprise that our boys would play. But it took a lot of convincing to get them to play. Once they got the ball in their hand it was instant love & that made Nate very happy.

There is nothing more fun than watching 3rd grade boys take on basketball for the first time. McKay had a great season of a lot of laughs, learning, & a wonderful and patient coach. For Taylor's team most of them had played last year but there were 2 boys from Thailand who hand never seen a basketball & so I'm not sure which was funnier, them or the 3rd grade boys.

Taylor with his caoch (George Richards)

Taylor with his team. We had to beg Taylor to play basketball. He loved it & was a top scorer!

Taylor was always having a great time.

I'm not sure if Taylor got sweatier in basketball or football?

McKay with his coach (Tim Jackson) getting ready to start the game. McKay fell in love with basketball & has decided that he wants to play at Wake Forest. He even had his retainer made black with gold writing for Wake Forest.

McKay was the top rebounder every game!

He played great defense. It helps when you are so tall.

Nice game face.

Always concentrating.

Get it McKay!

I hate when things so fun come to an end. It was a great season and both our boys learned so much. Jr Jazz is a great program. They also got to go to a Jazz game which they had a blast at. Thank you so much to 2 very wonderful coaches, Tim Jackson & George Richards. Now we wait for football to start up in a couple of months.

Preparing a Temple of the Lord.....

2009-03-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

For the last 2 months I have had the blessing of working at the Draper Utah Temple. During this time we have been busy with the open house & today we started preparing for the dedication. I have never realized what it truly takes to run a Temple. It is so well organized down to the littlest detail. It is hard to think that what I am doing as work when I am in our Father's House each day. I just cannot descirbe how truly blessed I feel.

Another baby!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

My little sister is such an amazing mother. She does a celebration everyday with her kids for something. She makes the funnest arts projects with them. She is just the mom that every child dreams of having. Her kids are 5 & 3. We were so excited to find out that in October they will be adding to their family. It is so great to have a baby in the family again. We cannot wait.

Sara you are such a great example to me & I love you!

Taylor gets a part.........

2009-03-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

We got a call yesterday from the Taylor's agent that he got a part in an up coming LDS Church production called "The Story Lives Here". He will be in the studio all day a week from tomorrow to film. He is excited because it is set in the late 1890's & that is the time period he is studying in school right now.

A new arrival.........

2009-03-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

We can hardly believe that it has been 3 years since Kami joined the family. We absoultly LOVE her! We are so thrilled with their wonderful news!

This beautiful couple will be adding to their family in October! They are 2 of the most stunning people I have ever met so I can only imagne how stunning this baby will look.
Paul and Kami we are so thrilled for you guys & we love you so much! We are a little sad that most likely you will not be living in Utah when the baby comes but thank goodness for air travel & that law school is quick! We cannot wait to meet the newest Smith:)

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need a great photographer?

2009-03-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

With Eliza & Taylor working with United Talent Group we have had some fun opportunities. One was working with a fabulous photographer who did their headshots. Even though McKay has no interest in acting or singing she did get him to do some shots for her. I love this picture. McKay has eyes that often get him out of trouble. We have become dear friends with Marcel. She is so talented. If you are ever looking for a photographer I highly recommend her & so does our kids agency.

www.marcelwalker.us

www.marcelwalker.blogspot.com

Cherry Hill.........

2009-03-03T20:15:00.001-08:00

Oh summer time fun at Cherry Hill.....need I say more? It has been 3 years since we have had season passes to Cherry Hill so we were so thrilled to get passes from Nate's parents for Christmas this year. Now if summer would just get here! We just love being at Cherry Hill and being lazy in the sun. Our kids think they are fish any time they are around water. Oh what wonderful memories! We are anxious to make many more!

Now staring......Taylor Smith

2009-02-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know our family well you know that Taylor is a very well rounded young man. He acts, sings, plays football, basketball, gets straight A's, has his future planned out...... okay that is a little over the top on bragging.

In reality he is just like any other 9 (almost 10) year old. He has just had some lucky opportunities. One of those opportunities was a couple of years ago he played the lead in a short film called Butterflies. It was a wonderful experience, one we all enjoyed as a family as Eliza & McKay both got to be extra's in the film & Nate & I were fascinated on set with all that went into making a movie. It has also opened many doors to new friendships & other opportunities for our children.

Butterflies has spent the last year traveling the United States & even Australia at Film Festivals & winning many awards. The director and writter, Andy Bailey, did a wonderful job & no matter how many times we watch it we still laugh & love it. So we were thrilled when he contacted us to let us know that it is now available to purchase on DVD. It is a great children's film actually it is fun for the whole family & not because Taylor is the lead but because the story is so fun. You actually may not even recognize Taylor because he has grown up so much. But if you are looking for a good film for your family pick your copy up today at:

www.butterfliesmovie.com/store/

No we aren't making any money off of you getting it. You can just say, I saw that directors first project. The behind the scences are a lot of fun too.

To Ask or Not to Ask....That is the Question

2009-02-24T22:39:00.000-08:00

So I have for the last few years had wondered why the Church has not made an open statement about Mental Illness & the reality that it truly is & how it is NOT cured by reading your scriptures & going to church. While at Nate's grandfather's funeral we were seated next to Sister Beck & her counselors. I thought wow Here I am sitting next to the General Relief Society President of the Church & I have this burning question when will I ever be in this situation again? but this isn't really the place to ask. When the funeral was over & we stood for the Pall Bearers to take their place, Nate walked out with the others & she put her arm around me & said I didn't know your husband was a grandson, you have the most beautiful little family. I thought score she has made conversation so maybe I can get an answer to my burning question. She then asked me which child Nate belonged to & how he has taken care of her down at headquarters. So I went in for the move. I know not the place but like I said when was I ever going to have the chance again to know where they stood? So I asked her & was so thrilled for the revelation that I had been waiting for the last few years. What she said was ever so disappointing. She simply said that they feel that it is like any other illness & that it takes faith & a testimony. I told her I didn't think she understood me. I explained that I wanted to know why they didn't define the reality of it. As we stood there she just wrapped her arms around me & told me that she loved me & that she knew the Lord loved me & that that's all she knew as tears began to role down her checks & then mine as well. I wasn't sure what to think. Surely she had to have something more profound for me than that. I already knew that my Heavenly Father loved me. As I have thought about that conversation the last couple of weeks I have pondered on somethings are not as important as we make them out to be. We can spend so much time worring or wanting something that really isn't there to want or need. Though it was comforthing to have her assureance of love & support what she told me I already knew. I know for myself there is a lot in my life that is stuff that is matter I don't need to foccuss my thoughts & time on or things because they cluter my time & energy. I need to be more simple minded. Pick my issues wisely.

A glimpse of Heaven.......

2009-02-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

Never in my life did I think that I myself would meet the Prophet of God but when my children did & he took time with them it was even more over whelming. The pictures I really wanted to take were too sacred to take. When he took McKay under his arm & told he & Taylor of the from mud balls he made when he was about their age. After a good 20 minutes with them talking and laughing I could see why the Savior loves the children. I think this experience will forever be in their hearts as I ask them what story they loved the most they have a hard time picking. Taylor was shocked to know that the Prophet of God played so many pranks as a boy. McKay loved when he sang the fight song for Michigan because that is his favorite school. Eliza loved when he told the boys that they should always have her back as well as each others. Nate of course liked that he was so impressed with how sharp their suits & ties looked (that's Nate's style department). I sat back as a mother & soaked in the beauty of my three precious jewels mingling & joking & being taught by God's mouth piece here on this earth & thought, can I be any more blessed?

My rock!

2009-01-26T21:38:00.000-08:00

After this ever so crazy weekend I have to thank Nate for his encouragement, support, patience, love, & most of all encouraging me to follow my dreams.

I am bleesed to have him not only for a husband & the father of our children but also my best friend!

We are coming up on our 13 year anniversary in May. He has been my rock through all these years & I am so grateful for our road together no matter how many bolders we have had to climb.

I LOVE YOU NATHAN!

Reality TV. Do you love it like I do?

2009-01-24T05:34:00.000-08:00

So I got a call fom our kids agency about an audition for a reality TV series & I though what the heck. Well here's looking at your nect reality TV star. It's called Power Plaers & is a take of The Apprentince & Oprah's Big Give. We started filming today. It is so unreal that I wonder how it can be reality.

Can you tell I always wanted to live the lime light?

With my childhood friend who is famous. He is one of the top animators for Pixar.

I always wanted to be a famous singer but I'm best at listening rather than hurting others ears.

After spending the night at Sundance tonight with some of the cast I wonder what is famous? Who decides who is famous? I love to people watch & I had a great time watching people who wanted to be someone. One girl had her 15 minutes of fame when she was so drunk she fell flat on her face on the middle of the pavement on Main St & tore up her beautiful dress, broke her shoe, & gave us all a nice little show we would rather have not seen. To me I look at people who have high values & morals & accompish great things & I think they are famous. So what do you think is famous?

Persciption Drug abuse the fastest growing addiction

2009-01-22T01:08:00.001-08:00

How quickly this once need has become a want even a killer. Prescription drugs destroy the greatest of people & families. It is the number one drug killing our youth right now. Why you may ask because they pop some pills from mom & dad's medicine cabnet with some alchohol & boy what a high. The problem they have no idea what that medicine was for. It is scary. It is the easiest drug to get your hands on. The most justifiable because hey it's from the doctor & it is also an addiction that thousands of housewives are struggling with. If you are LDS it is also easy to justify with the Word of Wisdom because you start taking them for health reasons & it goes from there. Even over the counter drugs are addicting.
I ran into a dear friend the other day & asked how she was doing & she told me her story of the mess they were in right now with her father-in-law who is suffering from this very addiction & all the money he has lost to it. I cried & hugged her & told her my story & I want to share it with you.

First of all we all have closets & we all hiding things in our closets that we think are the worst & ugliest ever but at some point they need to come out either to be thrown away or to be let go of or in my case to hopefully help others.
I know that many will look at me differently & I can accept that because I know where I stand with my Savior & how he looks at me is all I care about.

Five years ago this April we were adopting a baby boy. I was at every doctors appoinment, the ultrasound, in the delivery room, cut the umbilacle cord, gave him his first bath, & spent his first night with him. Then the next day his mother changed her mind. I was numb. That's the only word I can think of to describe it. How could the Lord take away this righteous desire from me. I couldn't have anymore children & I yearned for a baby yet she was out getting pregnant by different men (last count she has 4 with 4 different dad's. still not bitter). I was angry at her & the Lord & everyone around me. In June I had a suicide attempt & spent 2 weeks at LDS. They had me so drugged that I don't remember being there. They sent me home with A LOT of meds. Two days later I went in for surgery & the doctor messed up. So in 7 days my stomache had eaten it's self open. I went back in for emergency surgery & spent a week in the hospital so dopped up I didn't know what day it was or what was going on. Then for 3 months I had my stomache cut from hip to hip with a vacuum in it to drain all the infection. Everyday I went to a wound doctor & he gave me meds, the surgeon I saw 3 times a week & he would load me up with med, & my doctor I saw 1 time a week & he gave me meds. Of course I didn't say anything to any of the doctors because I loved the feeling of the medication & not the fact that it took away my physical pain away but my emotional. So I just kept taking it. I OD & woke up in my bed with the police & EMT's at my bedside. I took my kids all shopping at Dick's and took pills half way through & by the time we got to the car I went unconcinous & was for 17 hours. I totaled 2 cars when I was high. Once when I was dropping McKay off at school & I passed out & my foot slammed on the gas & a tree stopped us before we went over a bridge into a gully. I was out for 15 hours. Another time I had both boys in the car thankfully nobody was injured. I went to a school carnival so gone that someone went & found Nate & asked him to please take me home. There are 2 1/2 years of my children's life that I only remember bits & pieces of. I can never have that time back. I watch home movies & I cry as I watch myself at Christmas' high or out of it & think what a shamful disgrace. When my brother died I hit a year of hell. I don't know how Nate stayed. Then Nate found this doctor who was our angel. He was mean & I would cry just driving there but he turned my life around to where I am a wife, a mother who is a part of everything my kids do & I love life & I still have a lot of emotional pain but pills aren't going to take it away. This Dr Sean Ponce truly saved my life. I will forever love him. So I feel that the hard lessons I've learned on my path are for sharing & hopefully helping just one person down their path. I hate that I am an addict because once an addict always one but I have been sober for 2 years. But I am greatful that I know what other addicts are going through. Once you start you are a slave to what ever it is, whether it be drugs, smoking, pronography, eating, shopping, or even gossiping. We all have our addictions. You may think it isn't as bad as someone who drinks beer but if you cannot put down that diet coke think about that. My message started as please don't leave medicine lying around your house. Even those in grade school are starting it. And DON"T ever think it won't be your kids. One other great piece of advice I was given while getting sober is we are all about substance in this day & age. "We say to our kids I need a Diet Coke I have a headache. We need to stop refering to substances & material things to fix our headaches or our upsets." That has been one of my most profound lessons so I share that with you.

She has grown up way to fast

2009-01-20T23:17:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we got a shocking invitation. We got an invitation for Eliza & us to attend New Beginnings. I teared up as I read it. Could it really be that my beautiful baby girl will enter the Young Women's program this year. How the time has flown. But you know they say time flies when you are having fun. I must admit I am proud to be her mother & the choices she has made. She is the most beautiful young woman I know & I am not just speaking about the outside but inside as well. Her heart is of gold. I love you Baby Girl!

Royal Bliss 1/13/09 Releases their CD with Capitol Life in Between.....

2009-01-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

Okay so this is the most exciting day of my bro-in-laws life. Jake the drummer is my bro & so I go to go party at the release show. Boy did they rock. It was a blast!

Jake taking his little boy out to Granma's car after the exciting evening

At least Aiden heard a couple songs

Chad Milton (Eliza & Taylor's agent with W Talent), Sam Salisbury & Jason Steadman owners of Rock Star Shows. All very awesome guys!!!!!!! They were our guests.

Jake doing his thing! With Tommy joing in

Jammin Jake

I love this shot, the colors & the movment

Here you can see his ture love in his face for what he does

Tommy & Jake are both so naturally talented

He is just AMAZING

Niel can bring some power

I think this was a first show in a long time that it was just his pure natural talent

Franchesca (Jake's girlfriend) & I hanging out

Becky cheering on her little bro

Grandma & Aiden enjoying the show

Aiden trying to stay awake

Now go get your copy of Life In Between! Its great. If you haven't listened to Royal Bliss do!

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T00:20:00.000-08:00

Here is to wishing you all a Happy New Year. We are excited for a new year & new opportunities. Nate & I spent New Year's Eve at dinner & seeing Seven Pounds. We highly suggest it. We spent New Year's Day celebrating my sister-in-laws birthday and had a ball! Sunday we are looking forward to going on a VIP tour of the new Draper Temple. Then Monday we start our no soda & no sugar for a year. Wish us lots of luck & hopefully we will be in great shape when we roll in 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smith family updates

2008-12-27T22:07:00.001-08:00

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

We miss you Levi

2008-12-17T00:49:00.000-08:00

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.

My Star Student

2008-12-15T12:12:00.001-08:00

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!

Our homemade Christmas

2008-12-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2008-12-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

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!

A Great Fast Sunday

2008-12-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2008-12-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2008-12-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2008-12-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

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!

Hair today gone tomorrow...

2008-11-30T20:05:00.001-08:00

Taylor as a blonde. I love this preppy picture of him! HAIR is a big thing in our home. It brings us the most contention. Because Nathan works for the church he cannot have long hair or grow out his curls. So we went through a stage where he lived his hair day rebellion through our children. Thanks to my sister-in-law for being a great hair stylist she helped them to look great. I will tell you I have spent more time styling my boys hair than Eliza's (that's sad). They now have their own way & I am realizing that their hair was so much easier to deal with than Eliza's curly hair. When she wears it curly it is easy but when she wants it straight it is hours of time together that ends generally with tears from one of us. Almost 2 years ago I lost all of my hair with in weeks. It was half way down my back. I learned to have fun with wigs for 8 months but am so grateful for my hair. The joys of the simple things in life.

Give thanks.......

2008-11-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

my family

(My family playing games aroung the table. Taylor is in the red hat, Eliza in the navy sweatshirt & I am next to Eliza)

We spent this Thanksgiving with both sides. We first ate at Nate's parents & then we went up to my parents for pie & games. We had a great time spending a day with those we love. We are so blessed that we have so much to give thanks for.

My Angel..........

2008-11-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

These past few days as I have watched Eliza deal with another passing of someone that she loves & has been so close to her I am so amazed as a mother at what a grown up 11 year old girl she is. As I held her to comfort her when we told her that Grandpa was dying it took me back to just a year ago to the phone call I got from her when she was calling from school bawling not even able to talk & asking me to please just come & hold her. They had just found out that her teacher had passed during the night. Two years before that I had to make a phone call to her to tell her that her Uncle had passed & her daddy sat & held her. Then a couple of years earlier it was her special Grandma who passed & I held her while she asked why she had to leave? Not only has she had to deal with times of death of those she loves so much but she has faced a lot in her short life. With all of my health issues and having to see your own mommy in the hospital a lot is hard for a little girl. I am so inspired by her and the love with in her. The way she cares for others and how she is always looking for the good in others. I love to stand by her door way & listen to her practice her singing. I believe that her lives experiences give her the emotion that she feels when she is singing. She is my little golden angel. She is such a care taker of her brothers. I just pray that as she goes through her life she will always be the angel she is and always has been. I love you Lize

Bringing sexy back!

2008-11-23T23:43:00.001-08:00

Can we get any hotter????????? This is Nate's Jr picture.

This is his friends senior picture. Can you guess the year?

We moved the middle of August & the 2nd week I was outside & met some of our great nieghbors. Come to find out that Cameron & Nate went to high school together. They had us over for dinner a couple of weeks later (which still is the only time Taylor will eat squash) & out came the year books. With the year books came the stories of what girls were hot and so on and so on. So I thought while the year book is still sitting out, here is a reminder to how hot these guys were for all the ladys at Highland everyday in 1989.

I know payback will be nasty from Nate but I just laugh to think how cool he must have been with his curly hair mulet. That's why I love him so!

Yes I did it....

2008-11-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

So I never finished even the 2nd book of the Twilight series but my sister-in-law & I still had a great time at the midnight premier. She was so sweet to buy us matching Twilight hats. I was very impressed & for those who know me well, I HATE intense movies but I made it through! So it was fun to see that the weekend posting was over $70+ million.

And they sang on.............

2008-11-22T23:29:00.001-08:00

Grandma Coco, Cache, Brooklyn (world's greatest hair stylist), McKay, Taylor, & Eliza

Taylor, Ali Kailen (their voice coach), & Eliza

Eliza getting ready to blow us away with "On My Own" from Les Mis

Taylor getting ready to melt my heart by belting out "Out There" from Hunch Back of Notre Dame

I am a proud mom but I think at the ages of 9 & 11 they do pretty amazing with these songs that are just a little challenging but with the gifts the Lord has blessed them with & their amazing voice coach it was a wonderful night. It was fun to have so much family come & support them. Thanks to my parents & Nate's parents & for my little sister who drove all the way from Vegas to see them.

Stewart R Pendleton 02/24/1913 - 11/22/2008

2008-11-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

A full Letterman at the University of Utah in Basketball.
Pendleton, Stewart
1935, 36, 37, 38

Today Nathan's Grandfather passed quietly to the otherside to be with the love of his life. It will be sad to have gone but it is also happy to know that he once again with Grandma. When Nate's mom called the kids were setting the table for breakfast & so Nate spoke with her for a few moments & then we went into the front room and spoke with the kids & said a prayer to thank our Heavenly Father for the time we had had with such an amazing man. We shared some fun stories & then talked about how happy he & Grandma must be to be together again. Then we went on with finishing breakfast. As we sat down Nate asked McKay to say the blessing on breakfast & I swear that child has such a vision of what Heaven is really like. Before he closed his prayer he blessed that Grandpa & Grandma would have a wonderful day in Heaven together today.

I have never thought that way about the after life. About it being fun & joyous. His prayer just made it all right.

Nate's Gradnfather was an amazing Basketball player and lettered at the "U" so I think it only right that they would win today even if it were foootball.

Dying isn't always about saddness when one has lived such a great and glourious life & when we have the Gospel & we know we will be together again & for this I am so thankful. I also look forwaord to when it is my time to go & I have a wonderful day in Heaven.

Trails or Gifts?

2008-11-21T11:45:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I had the very special time to sit with Nate's Uncle Steve & visit with him while Nate's mom & the other siblings went to lunch. Nate's Grandfather is dying in a matter of days or even hours. As we sat in the quiet of that home & spoke where the spirit was so easily felt because I believe the Viel is truly so thin, we spoke of trials. As we spoke of life & things that we endure I was able to speak to him about things I have been really struggling with & praying about & never would I think to share with him. But he was the Lord's tool. As we spoke & cried he asked me a simple question that I cannot stop pondering in my heart. Has the Lord given us Trials or Gifts? How profound to look upon the things we go through that weigh us down & cause us pain as a "GIFT". But as I have pondered I do believe there is so much truth to that because in all those times of pain & sorrow & times where I want to give up this fight, my Lord steps in & I reach a new level & it is there that I climb and I become who I am. Stonger with each experience & so yes they are gifts for what we are when the trial is over & we have allowed ourselves to come unto Christ and let Him make us better. If we can remember during these times it is a gift because there will always be joy at the end, just maybe it will make the journey a little bit easier. Yes it will still hurt, I know that for sure but know that joy will come.

What could I have been?

2008-11-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

As Eliza & Taylor have been getting ready for their recitle that is this Thursday night I marvel at the sound of their voices. All of my childhood life I wanted nothing more than to be a singer. I sang at the top of my lungs & would often go into the bathroom & hold a hairbrush & sing into the mirror pretending that the world was watching & I was touching each & everyone of their hearts. When I was a young girl I had preapared a song to sing for someone that was ill & as I sang they told me I wasn't very good. Then in highschool a group of my friends put together a singing group. One of my friends knew how bad I wanted to be in it & asked me to join. At a practice another friend said, Leah you sound terrible. I was heart broken. Needless to say I left right away & never sang with them again. Infact while in the singles ward I attended I was called to be the choirister in Relief Society. I first laughed & told the councelor he must have been distracted when praying. But I also had been taught to never turn down the opportunity to grow. Oh how I grew, I grew by lipsynicing the songs every Sunday. I had been made to feel like a fool twice & I wasn't going for a third. Little did I know though that children are so wonderfully honest & my dear sweet McKay reminds me that I wasn't blessed with the gift of singing. You know I can hear it in my head & I can feel it in my heart but it just doesn't seem to come out that way. Then I turn to my children & what noise they make is the same beautiful sound I have always been hearing & feeling & I thank the Lord for finally giving it to me. It may not come through my voice but I can sit and listen to it for hours on end. That was the fisrt thing that attrackted me to Nathan was the sound of his voice when he would sing to me. I know that when the resurrection comes I too will join my family & sing out Hossana & it will sound as angelic as they do. Like Brother Anderson quoted in church yesterday

"It is never to late to be what you might have been."

Warning this is my mind and heart speaking...you may be offended

2008-11-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

So Eliza tells me that I am the meanest mom in the whole world. Why? Because we give her boundries that she is expected to follow. No other kids her age have to make their beds before they can go to school, turn the lights off when they leave the room or pay $.10 to the power bill, redo thier chores for not doing them right the first time, etc. So she would be better off in a slave camp. My tears runnenth over for her. She has no time in her life because she chooses to take voice lessons & we make her practice daily just like her brother & he also has football 4 days a week for 2 hours but seems to have plenty of time. I think it's more of an issue of time management. When dinner dishes need to be done someone is magically in the bathroom, McKay. So we sat down for FHE last week & decided things were going to change in a big way at the Smith home. We listed all chores and the amount they are worth. Then posted them. We made job applications & the kids got to choose what jobs they wanted to interview for. We made some real job rules. They had to come to their interview in their Sunday best, if they didn't do the job properly they would get one warning & be docked pay. ($.50 for a bathroom makes you really want to get it done right). We went over all the expectations for each job. If it wasn't done right the second time they would be fired. Now so you know we don't just give our children money. There is and never has been allowance at our home so if they want something they have to figure out hoe to earn it & we thought this would be a great way to introduce them to the working world. Eliza is already in debt in the bed making. Tomorrow she will actually be kept home from school. Remember we are the mean parents. Bed making comes before socializing.

Now my next rant. Friday night Taylor & I were at a party for his football team & a woman that I have the highest reguards for had a boy coming to pick up her 15 year old daughter to take to a party. It sat so wrong with me. I grew up in a home where there was no dating before you were 16. My brother got asked to a dance that was the night before his 16th birthday & my parents didn't let him go. I didn't turn 16 until I was a junior. I missed every dance of my sophmore year. It was hard. I remember one night going into talking to my dad & crying and saying how I was so mature so really what did an age have to do with it. He said something to me that I will never forget. He told me that if we cannot obey something as simple as waiting until we are 16 to go on a date, then how can we ever do anything greater that the Lord asks of us? He said because truly it'sour obediense to the simple things that make us who we are. That was so profound & I never once questioned him again. We can justify it all we want they were just driving to a party together or it was a group of couples going to a dance together. It is still a date. When you are one on one you are dating & that has to go with adults when they go to lunch with just another person of the opposite sex or long walks alone.

SOS Carpet Cleaning Special Offer

2008-11-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is the Gines family that started SOS Carpet Cleaning 10 years ago that Nate has the privilage to work with.

If you read my blog you are in for a SOS Carpet Cleaning special.
Beginning today until the 25th of November have your carpet, tile, or upholstery cleaned and receive $50 off. There is no minum amount. Plus put a link on your blog to the SOS blog and receive an additional $50 off. This is a great time to have your cleaning done while you are getting ready for the holidays and your holiday entertaining so take advantage of this great opportunity.
www.soscarpetcleaning.blogspot.com
To set up a time please send a comment or email & I will contact you. Also on the blog there are the phone numbers to call & book your appointments & be sure to tell them you are booking from Leah's blog.

There is one more great way for you to earn. SOS works off of referrals. For any referral you give you will receive 10% commission of that job. That's great for you stay at home moms.

Remember this $50 off is good for now until the 25th. The $50 off for linking SOS blog to yours is good for any time & the referral program never expires.
There is nothing like clean tile grout, carpet, & furniture.

For the freedom of speech & the right to believe what we know is right

2008-11-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Jim Neugent is a coach in Childress, Texas.
Jim writes:
My name is Jim Neugent. I wrote to ABC (on-line) concerning a program called 'THE PRACTICE.' In last night's episode, one of the lawyer's mothers decided she is gay and wanted her son to go to court and help her get a marriage license so she could marry her ' partner. ' I sent the following letter to ABC yesterday and really did not expect a reply, but I did get one..
My original message was:
ABC is obsessed with the subject of homosexuality. I will no longer watch any of your attempts to convince the world that homosexuality is OK. 'THE PRACTICE' can be a fairly good show, but last night's program was so typical of your agenda. You picked the 'dufus' of the office to be the one who was against the idea of his mother being gay, and made him look like a whiner because he had convictions. This type of mentality calls people like me a 'gay basher.' Read the first chapter of Romans (that's in the Bible) and see what the apostle Paul had to say about it.... He, God and Jesus were all 'gay bashers' . What if she'd fallen in love with her cocker spaniel? Is that an alternative life style? (By the way, the Bible speaks against that, too.) --Jim Neugent
Here is ABC ' s reply from the ABC on-line webmaster:
How about getting your nose out of the Bible (which is ONLY a book of stories compiled by MANY different writers hundreds of years ago) and read the declaration of independence (what our nation is built on), where it says 'All Men are Created equal,' and try treating them that way for a change! Or better yet, try thinking for yourself and stop using an archaic book of stories as your lame crutch for your existence. You are in the minority in this country, and your boycott will not affect us at ABC or our freedom of statement. Jim Neugent ' s second response ! to ABC:
Thanks for your reply. From your harsh reply, evidently I hit a nerve. I will share it with all with whom I come in contact. Hopefully, the Arkansas Democrat Newspaper will include it in one of their columns and I will be praying for you. - -Jim Neugent- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: Wouldn't Satan just love it if people stopped using the Bible for a crutch? Please resend this to everyone in your mailbox. -- Thanks, Jim Neugent

I wonder if the person from ABC considered how many people would read this e-mail! This is one we should definitely pass on.

This is who I am

2008-11-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know yes I am Bi-Polar. When we moved into this ward I told Nate I didn't want anyone to know. I was diagnosed 4 & 1/2 years ago. I had a suicide attempt & spent 2 weeks in the psyc unti at LDS Hospital. When I came home I decided that I couldn't change this trial in my life but I could change m outlook on it. With that attitude I made my mind up to be very open & try to help others. That back fired a great deal. I lost almost every friend I had. I think that they were scared of what it all ment. To me it was hurtful. Here we had been friends for all this time & I had this illness during our friendship I just didn't have the label. For 3 years I continued being open about it because I strongly believed that there was good I could do. Just over 3 years had passed & I got a phone call one morning from a paniced mom whose daughter had just been diagnosed. As I listened to her talk I cried & could feel all over her pain but I was so worried for her daughter. This mom need council on what she could do. I simply told her I didn't know but Nate would so he spent the next 2 hours on the phone with her. I think about that phone call a lot. For all the ridicule & pain I went through loosing friendships, it was all worth it to help one suffering mother.

Bi-Polar is a very scary word & it is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Bi-Polar is also manageable. I still have days that are very rough. For the most part my medications & therapy work very well.

You are probablly wondering why I would just write about this. This topic has come up quite a bit lately. I have a sister that believes it is all made up. I promise you that it isn't made up. Mental illness is as real as you & I. There is such a stigma on what people with mental illness are like & yes some are that way but it is because they choose they not to follow their Dr's care plan. At the same time, don't baby someone with mental illness because the will take full advantage of you. Just treat all of us like any other normal person.

I guess my biggest motive for blogging about this today is to let you know about my illness & that if you know someone I am always happy to talk. If you know someone & they won't get help there is an amazing organsation called NAMI. Contact them & get there free professional help. www.nami.org Please know that you can talk to me about anything. Please don't judge me because I cannot control what trials the Lord has given me all I can choose is making the best out of the situation.

My name is Leah, I am Bi-Polar

All good things must come to an end

2008-11-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

All good things must come to an end but it is so hard to see them go. It was a very emotional day for me today having football season being officially over. Since the 26th of July we have spent 5 days a week at either practice or games. Your teams become a family & you build lasting memories. Plus we spent a session at the Univerisity of Utah doing their football camp which I highly recommend. The boys are already counting down the weeks until next season starts. They didn't have winning seasons but they had seasons of great growth & they became better players & leaders. So until next year they will take this opportunity to explore other things. After all they are only 9 & 8 years old & there is a whole world to explore.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's the day to be spooky so have fun & be safe.

But most importantly it's the day to be whatever you want to be so take advantage of it & be who or what you have always wanted to be.

Halloween allows you to be a kid again.

Live the day to it's fullest & love it!

Voting

2008-10-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

This election has been the most stressful for me. As I study each canadite it scares me even more. Do I choose the lesser of two evils or do I follow my heart & not choose either. I think this picture puts it straight forward. They are all hiding something from us. They can not just be honest with us the American people. But I think the thing that bothers me the most is how they attack each other. How nice it would be to have them be mature Christlike adults that would be honest & focus on their ideas & goals for what they will do as President of this country. Instead they continually attack each other. Don't we teach our children to "Love One Another"? Then how is such a basic teaching thrown right out the door to 2 people who are supposed to be these great examples & trustworthy men. If we cannot look up to them in such basic principles then how can we trust them when it comes to major issues? Like the scriptures teach us, "......it is by the simple things great things come to pass." As far as I am concerned they aren't capable of even doing the simple things. Our country is doomed with these men. I urge you if you haven't voted, make it a matter of prayer. You don't have to vote for McCain or Obama. You have the right to write a name in. What ever you do though, VOTE!!!!!!!!!!

HSM 3

2008-10-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

My sister & I getting ready to enjoy HSM 3 at midnight

Adree, Eliza, Abby, Annie, & Rylee all set with Mountain Dew & Cherry Coke for the long awaited High School Musical 3 at midnight. We had a great time and Eliza & Adree even got up at 6:00am to go to orchestra even though we didn't get home until 2:35am.
It was a great girls night out & my sister and I even enjoyed ourselves and even managed to stay awake in our old age.

A house full of boys.....

2008-10-27T09:06:00.001-07:00

Nathan grew up in a family of 1 girl and 6 boys. He is the oldest of the 6 boys. I am always amazed that his sister was able to survive her childhood & even with fond memories ;)

When Nate & I began dating I was terrified of going to his home. Then as I was the first daughter-in-law I realized very quickly that I didn't have 5 brothers-in-law but 5 new brothers. The relationship that exists between Nate & his brothers is so unique. When they are all together it can be kind of scary because they do feed off of each other but in a very fun & loving way.

As we sat in Sacrament meeting yesterday and RaShawn & her beautiful family sat in front of us I couldn't help but think of how her boys are together & the joy she must feel from a house full of boys......

English Muffin Pizzas

2008-10-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

English Muffins
Prego
Chesse
Pizza Toppings

Put english muffin half open on baking pan. Spread prego, sprinkle cheese, add toppings & bake at 400 degrees until cheese is melted & golden brown.

These are great fun to have at a party and let the kids decorate their own pizza with choice of all types of toppings!

TAG.....7 things

2008-10-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

This is my first "TAG" from my darling friend Laura.

It's 7 things that you don't know about me & then I "TAG" 7 people.

7. I ice skated with the Govenor of California (The Terminator) & his Family in Sun Valley, ID

6. I am a championship clogger (not of plumbing)

5. I have lived in 5 states. CA, NV, UT, ID, NC

4. I hope to one day have a home for young teenage girls to live

3. I am still afraid of the dark. When Nate works late I sleep with the light on.

2. Six years ago I wieghed 270 pounds

1. When I was babysitting in 8th grade I saw a strange car pull up to our house & I didn't call the nieghbor or get out my Red Ryder I just called the cops to come check it out.

Okay there are my 7 strange or facts you didn't know. Now I "TAG" RaShawn, Robyn, Sarah, Carly, Angie, Becky, Ashley

If the Savior Stood Beside Me....

2008-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I so love being in Primary. It is fun to watch how they interact with each other & what they have learned about the scriptures. They are so smart. The thing that touches me the most though is the music. There is so much power in music but when you have children singing songs of gospel truths it is a burning in your heart. There is one song that I could listen to them sing over & over. If The Savior Stood Beside Me. I am so grateful for the primary songs.

"Should we shoot them?"

2008-10-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a most crazy day for us. Nate had to go into work early to help train. Eliza had voice lessons & her 3 hour starlets practice. Taylor had a scrimage in Centerville & McKay had regular football practice. I had a Primary Presidency meeting & a Stake Leadership meeting. The only dilema was all these events were happening at the same time. Nate had to be in Salt Lake, Eliza in Sandy, Taylor in Centerville, & McKay & I here in Bountiful. Thanks to family & friends everyone got to where they needed to & home safe & sound..... I was almost not so lucky.

When RaShawn dropped me off we sat in the driveway for 15-20 minutes max talking. As we were talking Erica came running across the street & up to my front door. Then I watched her go inside. She then came out & headed towards RaShawn's car. When she realized it was us she told me what was going on. Taylor & McKay were home alone (I know he is only 9 but it was for an hour). He didn't recognize RaShawn's car & got very concerned. He called Erica sobbing. Erica went & got the boys as I got out of the car. They were shaking. Thank you Erica for being the greatest nieghbor! The boys & I went inside & I got them calmed down. Then the best part of the story came (I know I shouldn't laugh at a time like this but innocence is so dang cute). Taylor & McKay had their Red Ryder Rifle's ready to go. They were going to come & shoot RaShawn's car.

HSM 3

2008-10-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

High School Musical 3

So Eliza & I are going to our first midnight movie premier.

My sister thought it would be fun to do a girls night to HSM 3

with our girls (they are 4 months apart)

so tomorrow night at this time we will be at the theater waiting for the big show.

Are you jealous?

I looked in the cupboards & what did I find?

2008-10-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

So what are we having for dinner? One of my personal favorites! Tuna Corn Bread Pie. If you haven't heard of it you are probably not alone. We grew up eating it because it was cheap & with 7 kids cheap was good plus we all loved it. The first time I made it after Nate & I got married Nate was very nice to taste it. To his surprise, he loved it. It is now a favorite at our home. The greatest is it is a staple in my food storage. So if you are needing a quick and easy dinner try this yummy idea:

***I don't use recipes (I grew up with a very talented mother who cooks b just adding stuff together so I will do my best to give amounts)***

fresh ground pepper
1/2 lime
1/4 chopped onion
1 egg
2 cans albaqure tuna (I use Costco's brand)
Marie Calenders corn bread mix (I get the big bag @ Costco)

Drain your cans of tuna. Mix with chopped onion, fresh squezzed lime, egg & pepper. I then put about 1 & 1/2 TBSP of corn bread mix in the Tuna mix & mix that up. Spray the bottom of your deep dish pie dish and flatten down. Put in the oven @ 375 while you begin mixing up the corn bread mix. I use the 8x8 measurements. Take out your tuna mixture & pour in the corn bread mixture in then cook for 30 minutes.

Little brothers.....gotta love them!

2008-10-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Devin is 4 years older then Griffin but Griffin will always try to kick butt!

Devin is being nice because he is getting married in the morning :)

My little brothers are as different as their hair styles but bring so much joy and laughter to our family.

While I was going through stuff yesterday I came across this picture & had to laugh. For those who know my little brothers, you are blessed because they are the funnest people you will ever know. We can not have a family function without hours of laughter with the 2 of them. They truly finish each others sentences. I am not sure how my mom survived those years with just the 2 of them at home & all of their jokes & movie lines. I am grateful to my bro's for adding so much laughter & joy to my life.

SISTERS............

2008-10-20T22:55:00.001-07:00

I have been blessed with 3 amazing sisters in my life. This picture is not the best of us but it is taken at a time that we were all going through stages of healing. We are all still on that road, some of us are further ahead on the road & some are having to be carried.

One summer while traveling home from Yellowstone my older sister & my youngest sister & I ver fighting in the car. My dad decided in order for us all to survive the 5 hour drive home he needed to be creative. He pulled over to the side of the road & told us to get out of the car & run to the bottom of the hill & back up 3 times. It was raining outside & we thought for sure this was a huge joke. He was serious. We were a bit shocked & got out of the car & began our punishment & by the time we were at the bottom of the hill we were laughing.

I share that story because I feel so often with my sisters that when things are rough we worry & rally together to help & bond together & there is great joy at the end. When this picture was taken though it was about 6 months after my brother had passed. All of us girls withdrew from each other at a time that we needed each other so badly. It took me a very long time to realize the gift that my sisters were in my life and that the saying "Time heals all pain" is so not true. No mater how much time passes it doesn't take the pain with it. It should be "The Attonement heals all pain" & yours sisters will help you through it. As I reflect on each of my sisters & their strength I am in awe. I am so blessed to have each of my unique sisters & the memories that we share.

Happy Birthday Coco!

2008-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Coco's birthday & we love our Coco! Coco is a very special person to us. She is like a second mother to me & like a grandma to our children. Grandma Coco's home is the "Holy Land". I know that we moved to Bountiful because Coco was supposed to become a part of our lives & our lives have been changed forever because of her love & example. While my parents were living in NC & I was having a very difficult time after a surgery Eliza was sitting on the side of my bed & said to me, "Mom I know Heavenly Father sent Grandma Coco to us for you to have a mom while Grandma Susie is so far away." Coco is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She is always serving & doing for others. Shortly before her son Brock left on his mission he shared the most moving count of his mother:
While sitting in the temple waiting to join his family he caught a glance of his mom dressed all in white & broke down in tears. He couldn't contain himself because it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen to see his mother who had always been his constant example looking so pure and beautiful.
That story is moving to me. I pray that I can be that kind of mother to my sons. Happy Birthday Coco & thank you for bringing us into your family while my parents were away & for still allowing us to be apart of your beautiful family. We love you.

"..............except ye become like a child......."

2008-10-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

".................except ye become like a child.........."
I woke up at 5:35 this morning when Nate hit my leg while talking in his sleep. I couldn't fall back asleep so I went in the front room to enjoy the peace & quiet of the beautiful fall Sunday morning. McKay had a talk today & Eliza & Taylor were singing "A Child's Prayer" in Sacrament Mtg. & today was my first Sunday being in Primary. I was excited and nervous. As I read & enjoyed the quiet of the morning I thought about what it would be like to be with the children. The boys got up & McKay & I worked on his talk. He is our child that is very quiet outside of our home but he ponders gospel topics deeply. He has been doing missionary work with a little boy on our street & loves to tell me each day how it's going. So we talked about D&C 18:10, 14-16 & D&C 4. As I watched him understand that the joy he was feeling inside by sharing the gospel was the blessing of obedience, was awesome. The killer was though "Mom what are you doing?" McKay wanted to know who I am working on. We then talked about "........except you become like a child........" & in that moment I realized what serving in Primary was going to be like. It is exactly what I need in my life right now. I need to be as close as I can to spirits so prescious & examples of who the Lord would have us be like in the way of inocence and kindness and love. As I sat in there with the beautiful children in our ward today I got goose bumps. I felt the spirit with every song. It took me back to my childhood & I fought back the tears. I am so excited to be taught by them every Sunday. To grow through them. I cannot wait to learn about the Savior through the eyes of a child with different needs. It was a joyful moment to sit there & watch my own children participate in the blessings I was given as a child. How truly blessed we are.

Family Memories.........

2008-10-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

This is us at the family cabin summer of 2006

Here we are in Pine Valley, UT in May of 2008 (notice Nate's fabulous face expression)

Cherry Hill summer of 2006

Royal Bliss concert summer of 2005 (Nate's brother is the drummer you should check them out at http://www.royalbliss.com/)

So as we drove home from Park City this afternoon I reflected on what a great day it was to have the five of us there together. It seems lately that we are all going seperate places & I wonder how much longer it will be that we will enjoy Saturdays together. I know my children have to grow and I have to allow them but it is hard to let them start to soar. I love family time & I love just hanging out with Nate and the kids. I was the mom on McKays first day of kindergarten crying so hard that another mom said oh it's okay it is always the hardest with your first. I didn't say anything because I didn't care if it was my 1st, 2nd, or last. I was still letting go of one of my babies to this big world. I pray that we have taught them well enough that they will make the right choices. I pray that they will remember all the mistakes I made that I told them about & what it taught me yet I know they have to make of their own. It is scary and so I cherish every moment we have together & love them as much as I possibly can. According to Eliza I even take stupid pictures to the extreme & record stupid things but you just never know when that may not seem stupid. Nate & I both grew up with parents who were always there to support us & so that has been so important for us. My goal is to just keep making all the family memories we can the time is golden.

Brandon Neil Delozier Feb. 23, 1973 - OCT. 17, 2005

2008-10-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

My brother passed away 3 years ago today. It is hard to believe that it has been that belong. We miss him so much but we are so grateful to know that we will be with him again. Today we went out to lunch and sat and shared our favorite memories of Brandon's life and what we most loved about him. We enjoy celebrating his life. It was fun to hear what the kids remember about him.
My brother died at a young age but he accomplished a lot in his young life. He was always the center of attention and everyone enjoyed being around him. He would light up a room. I had the special experience of being at his side with my parents and my little sister as he took his last few breaths and slipped peacefully through the viel. Although it was very hard it was beautiful and peaceful to know he was physically out of pain. He had been in pain for 1 year so we were grateful for his pain to be over.
I am so thankful for the gospel. I am not sure how people have loved ones die with out the knowledge and belief in the gospel. It brings complete peace knowing that one day we will be together again. I am grateful for the good times I had with Brandon and I look forward to that day that we are reuntited.
Love you B!

Who is telling the truth?

2008-10-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

So after watching some of the debate last night I had to turn it off. It makes me sick to my stomache to listen to 2 grown men be so mean to each other. I love how McCain doesn't address his issues of being an unfaithful husband and that his wife he met and had a relationship with while still married yet he calls Obama a dishonest person. Now I am not saying that I am voting for Obama I just think that we foccuss so much on other peoples wrongs that we forget our own faults and I believe this election has truly been an example of that very thing. McCain and Obama are both humans and they both naturally make mistakes and bad choices but their actions are ones that we all reflect on because their character is something for us to judge as to who will be the best to run our country. I wonder if either will be good enough but that is another topic for another day. We need to remember that our choices will always have an impact on us at some point in our lives but also we need to foccuss on our own faults instead of pointing out others. So who is telling the truth? That is for each of us to decide but most important make sure that we are always truthful in our own lifes.

You want to be Bob Marley????

2008-10-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Eliza started telling us out of the blue that she wanted to be Bob Marely......... Nate & I thought it was a little weird that just out of the blue she would choose to be Bob Marley for Halloween. We kept teasing her that it had to do with the boy she likes at school. She insisted it didn't but wouldn't tell us why out of the blue she wanted to. She finally gave in. Her teacher had her radio on after lunch & a Bob Marley song came on & a boy that sits by her said it would be so cool if someone was Bob Marley for Halloween. Then I found these pictures of her from 3 years ago & realized she had already dressed up like Bob Marley dred locks & all.

Nate the Great!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oh how truly great is my Nate! I have been so blessed to have Nate come into my life. When Nate & I first met I was attrackted to him right away. He would talk a lot about his mission & I had always wanted to go on a mission so this was thrilling to me. I knew now I was going for sure. I was 18 and after one year and a half my life was going in a different direction & soon I would be going to the Temple but not in preperation to go on a mission but instead to marry my eternal companion. It has been a most wonderful ride. I am not going to lie we have had our ups & downs & sometimes our downs seem like they are so far down that there is no way of going up but then through faith, works, & the grace of our Lord we change direction. There is so much I love about Nate. When you meet him you just can't not like him. He is the full deal. I love you babe:)

Nate soaking in some sun at Cherry Hill

Nate making waffles for McKay's Kindergarten class for "W" week

Nate spending quality time with my Grandma (my Grandma adores Nate)

Nate wanted all the kids at our childrens old elementary to have the chance to explore their talents so he put on a musical that any child who wanted to could be a part of. He did all of this with only 1 parent volunteer her mother & Nates mom. They had 100+ children. It was awesome

I love that Nate is a great cook. Here we were eating out but at home he creates the best dishes

Nate loves Christmas not for what he gets but for us going shopping for the kids 3 gifts

Nate playing a game of trampoline baseball on the "Holy Land" The "Holy Land" is one of our most favorite places to be

I love how much Nate loves me & takes care of me. This is the 2 of us in Dallas (we are at South Fork) for my little brothers wedding & our 10 year anniversary

Where is Fall?

2008-10-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season. I love the beautiful colors of fall. For some reason it seems to have skipped straight into winter. Two weeks ago it was in the high 80s & now we have a couple inches of snow :( Hopefully this is a very quick taste of winter to come & then it will be gone & fall will come to show its beautiful colors and paitings. I love the smell of crisp trees that are all shades of yellow, orange, red & some brown. I love the smell of hot chocolate on Saturdays at football games. I love the feel of being wrapped up in a flannel shirt or a warm cozy sweater. I love to see children jumping in piles of leaves & then raking them up again to jump again & again. I love the taste of warm apple crisp. Fall is a time of year that you feel so carefree. It truly is the most beautiful time of the year.

A tribute to my dad......

2008-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

If you know my dad then you know his obsession with music. We joke with him that when he drives he watches the radio rather than the road. He loves having his sons & son-in-laws around so he can talk music with them. Ask him any music trivia & he will give you the answer.
Our kids are sure that when it is my Dad's time to go he will die laughing. When we spend time with my parents their goal is to see how soon til Grandpa laughs. He makes you laugh when he laughs. He stops breathing & looses all control. It is a great show. My parents home is a home filled with much joy & laughter:)
My Dad is wearing the tie-die shirt. My Dad would wear one to work if he could. I am sure he will wear one in his coffin. When my little brother had back to school night one time he begged my Dad not to wear his tie-die shirt & of course my Dad did. Griffin was horrified.
My Dad is a great uncle.
Most of all my Dad is an amazing grandpa. Our kids love him & we are so glad to have them living back in Utah.

I am so thankful to have been blessed with such a great DAD! He always encouraged us to go after our talents & develop them. But most importantly I am glad he taught us to laugh & laugh hard.

A Picture book......."The Smith Family Keeps Busy"

2008-10-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is me with baby brother Griffin on the NAMI Walk
This is me with my sister Carly & my mom after the Relief Society Conference. We were in the conference center & sat on the 3rd row. It was a fabulous meeting.
Taylor getting a little air with his scooter.
McKay also trying to get some air. We moved onto a flat street & all the kids on our street spend all day outside riding scooters. Our kids love it
Family time, lots of family time
We just love to be together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Taylor with his buddy Cooper @ our all time favorite movie Forever Strong
McKay & his buddy Bronson. If you haven't seen Forever Strong what are you waiting for. It is fabulous. GO!!!!!!!!!!!!! My sister Carly, my Dad, my brother Griffin, & I @ The NAMI walk. It was so great to have my family put a team together in my honor !

Our good friends little guy Tex. We love when Tex comes to play.
Taylor is the captain of his football team & gets to do coin flip. He is #74
I love this picture. Taylor is the one holding on to the shirt of #50.
Okay I would die to have her curls & she hates it. She thinks its a curse.
Eliza is only 11 but every where we go people think she is 14-16. It is kind of scary.

McKay's first love, drawing. He & I had a date night & went to Discovery
This is a face that just makes it so hard to get mad at. He is just so dang cute. His eyes just melt you.
Taylor is such a Smith & a very good looking kid. When he sings he has you hocked
Eliza is a beauty & loves to have her hair straitend
Nate showing off for his boys. The boys were very impressed that Nate could get off the ground. I was glad he didn't break anything

www.foreverstrongmovie.com

2008-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

This movie is a MUST SEE!!!!!!! We had the chance to see this movie in Jan. at the LDS Film Festival & Ryan Little did an amazing job directing it. It is a great film & you will really enjoy it. It is filled with an all star cast........ Sean Astin, Penn Bagley, Sean Farris, Big Budah, & many others.

Forever Strong

Who is RESPONSIBLE?

2008-09-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

With all this

"BAIL OUT"

talk I ask what is your opinion on who really is responsible for this mess our country is in? Do we really put billions into the pockets of the wealthy & trust them or is there a right answer? How did we get to this point in our country? I think it was best discribed today on CNN:

"We were all enjoying the punch at the party until the punch bowl went empty & now everyone wants more of the punch."

So I would love to hear what you have to say. There is no right or wrong answer. It is time to voice your opinion.

Dear Family & Friends,

2008-09-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Family & Friends,

I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in Salt Lake City, UT at Franklin Covey Field on September 27, 2008.

My family has put a team together in my honor in helping to understand what it is like for me everyday dealing with BiPolar. I am excited to have the opportunity to share this experience with them & to walk side by side with them for something that is so real in all of our lives. If you cannot join us I hope that you will take the time to look at the website & learn more about all that NAMI has to offer you & anyone you may know struggling with any type of mental illness.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. If you would like to register to walk with me, visit my team's page at http://www.nami.org/namiwalks08/SLC/LovelyLeah. Or if you just want to make a donation to sponsor me, visit http://www.nami.org/walkdonation.cfm?id=69010. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Leah Smith

THANK YOU!
If you have questions about the NAMI Utah Walk, or your participation in it, please contact Mary Gully at mary@namiut.org or (801) 323-9900. Remember, you may access and manage your online registration anytime by visiting www.nami.org/mynami.

For technical questions regarding your custom fundraising link or collecting online donations, please contact walks@nami.org.

NAMI walk for life.........

2008-09-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is a big event in my life & the life of my family. It is the NAMI Walk. For those who don't know what NAMI is it stands for National Association of Mental Illness. My parents and siblings put a team together in my honor to help support BiPolar. I am excited to walk together with them & have their support & love with me this weekend. It has been a long 4 year road. (Really it is a life time) but since m diagnoses 4 years ago it has been a growing time for all of us. If you know anyone who struggles at all with any kind of Mental Illness I encourage you to be proactive. Get educated. Ignorance is the worst medicine. You can go to NAMI.org & get involved. Our team is LovelyLeah (that was what my Mom called me when I was little) & you can come & walk with us or make a donation in our honor to help with education research & all kinds of things. Most of all I would encourage ou to go to the website & become familiar with how real it is all around you.

Weekly Football Update

2008-09-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

So this past Saturday the boys played much better but still no wins. The important thing is they still LOVE it. Nate & I ran into Taylor's coach's son yesterday at the store and he made a very smart comment. He said if they win a championship when they are 8 or 9, what do they ever have to look forward to? How nice it would be but I would much rather they be learning the skills of hard work & they are boys enjoying the game which is the whole picture and purpose of why they are playing no matter what the parents want to admitt.

You can check out their website for the scores:
bountiful.utefootball.com

What's a MOM?

2008-09-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

My cup runneth over.....
Eliza & I at the Great Salt Lake.....
They grow so quickly..... Easter of '06
Being silly at the family cabin
Lovin life down in Dixie!

Six months ago while sitting in m daughters maturation program the school nurse said that anyone can be a mother, but it takes someone special to be a "MOM". I do agree with her up to that point. But what she went on to sa next offended me & maybe because I didn't fit her picture. She then went on to say that you cannot become a "MOM" without finishing college, getting married & spending a couple of years alone together in your marriage together first before starting a family. With that experience than you are prepared to become a "MOM". See I got married at 19 & three months later was pregnant & only had one semester of college done. But I would have to say over the last 11+ years that I have had many moments with my children where I feel like I truly am a "MOM". I see people who are very well educated & have years behind them yet when it comes to children & how to raise them have know idea what to do. So is age & schooling really what makes you a "MOM"? Or is it how you were raised & loved & nurtured or for those who weren't raised with love do they learn to love because they yearned for it so much as a child? What truly makes you a "MOM"? I have been reading the book Latter Day Strippling Warriors by Ardeth G Kapp & she interviews a lot of the Elders & Sisters from their mission about what things did their mothers do that left lasting impressions on them. It has been so interesting to hear the simple things that effect a childs life. It has caused me to think back on m own life & my own mother & if there is a word about the home I grew up in I would say a home of laughter. We laughed so much growing up. My childhood is a happy one. That is something that a lot of children cannot say. I think of all of our family vactions in the car. We used to beg to fly. With 7 children that was a never going to happen sort of thing but still fun to dream about. But now I am so grateful we didn't because those car rides are long lasting memories of laughter. What things will my children remember about our home? If anything the one thing I try to stress the most with my children is you aren't competeing with anyone but yourself. Just try & do better than you did last time. If you are always improving yourself, that's what's important. I hate that we live in a world where we always think we need to one up someone. My beliefe is being a "MOM" has no degree or age. It has heart and love, unselfishness, unconditional love, heartbreak, lack of sleep, pain & lots of it, but most importantly, JOY! The job never ends. My "MOM" is still working at it full time and we are all out of the house & most of us married. It never ends once you you start so be prepared to hold on for the ride but the blessings & benefits last a life time & into the eternities.

Time..........

2008-09-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

32..........that's how old I am. It may not seem very old to many & it may seem ancient to many but to me it is a nmber to ponder. You may wonder why. My brother passed away at the age of 32. I think this was all of his life he got to live before returning home to his Father in Heaven. It makes me ponder & ask myself "am I prepared if this was my moment?".... "or what dreams have still yet to achieve?".......... "who have I offended that I need to make right?"....... "have I done everything I could to share the Gospel?"...... etc. I think that until someone so close dies, death doesn't seem real. Even after my brother died it still didn't. But as I let go of my anger & pain & started healing I could evaluate m life & see WOW,, I have changes to make. With just turning 32 this past week it really struck a chord that I truly have the rest of my life ahead of me so I need to live it to the fullest.

We all have time in a bottle we just don't know when we might fall & break that bottle or have someone steal our precious bottle

Mrs Mary Selin

2008-09-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

This week marks the one year anniversary of Mrs Mary Selin. One of the most important people that has been a part of Eliza's life. She was her teacher 2nd grade - 5th grade & then this week of 5th grade last year she past away due to cancer. I will never forget the phone call home Eliza made & hearing her crying on the line. I ran to the car to get to the school as fast as I could. She just wanted to be held. It was so quick & sudden for her & she was very caught off gaurd. I knew that Mary was sick but felt that Eliza was better not knowing because cancer to her means death ever since my brother died. Mary was still teaching full time & led us on to believe that she wasn't as sick as she was so we didn't tell her. IT WAS ROUGH! It was that same day she had her 3rd call back for "Taylor" in HSM on stage & she said she couldn't do it. I told her that Mrs Selin would want her to. It was her best audition. She now dedicates all her shows to her. We celebrated her birthday this past spring & talk about her to keep her memory alive. She brought so much joy in learning to Eliza's life that school became a place to go & explore not to go & work. They would go outside & find their own areas & sit & write in their journals about the world around them out in the fresh air. She wasn't a text book teacher. She was a teacher who got in their with the kids & got her hands dirty & worked right there with them. Her love & passion for learning was so powerful. Taylor & McKay both cried as they were told of her passing. They were so excited to have her as a teacher. She is a woman that I pray Eliza will always remember & cherish. That she will carry those memories in her heart forever. We will always love & cherish you Mrs Selin.

1 2 3 Zwoosh!!!!!!!!!

Football Update.....

2008-09-15T21:33:00.001-07:00

McKay #5 running during his game!
McKay & Taylor before their games. Can you tell it's 6:00am?
McKay, Cousin Aiden, & Taylor after a Saturday of football
Taylor with his buddy & quarterback on his team Cooper

This Saturday was so much better..........TAYLOR'S team played 75% better than last week. They lost 7 to 20. They worked much better as a team & Taylor was glad to come out for a couple of plays. Hopefully next week will go even better..............McKay'S game was rough. His coach that does most of the coaching was out of town on business so that was a huge strike. They have only ever worked with 2 boys as quarterbacks. McKay & then another little. Well the other little boy was playing quarterback & McKay was playing running back. The line wouldn't block & Easton (the quarterback) got hit HARD. He was down for awhile. He was out the rest of the game. McKay stepped in as quarterback. The line still wouldn't block so he gave up finally & just tucked the ball & ran to get what ever yards he could. They lost & thank goodness McKay didn't get taken out too or really would have been hurting.

But we just love going & watching them & cheering them on & grateful to them enjoy it & we are so thankful it isn't snowing YET!

I'm the big 32! WOW

2008-09-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Here I am the day I was born 9/15/1976
I have always LOVED music. Got that from my father.

I LOVE pig tails!
I think these pants are like the funkiest you have ever seen.
This swing is at my G&G's & it's a cherished memory in my life.

This is my baby blanket that I had forever.
I mean can we say style or what?

This is my favorite school picture. It's kindergarten. Hated my teacher.
This is my famous dear family friend Matt Nolte. He is an animator for Pixar. He worked on Cars & is the head of there big movie coming out in 2011.
My Farrah Fawcett hair do
Classic not only the Flinstones but also Little Miss Shy jammies!

And here I am all these years later @ 32!
We have a tradition in my family that the night of your birthday you choose what you want for dinner. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted hamburgers. When I married Nate he has always been great to continue that. Tonight my paretns took Nate & I & the kids out to dinner @ Five Guys Burgers & Fries. They have been just back east like many other wonderful resturants & so it just opened here & we were thrilled. We had a wonderful time & I highly recommend you go. We then went & got ice cream. Thanks Dad & Mom for a fun night out!

Me having my first bite of an amazing burger!!!!!
Nate, the kids, & I at Five Guys
McKay & I enjoying some yummy ice cream
Me enjoying my 5th birthday with a yummy popcorn cake:)
Iam not sure if this is my second or third birthday but there's chocolate cake & ice cream so what more can you ask for?

So I had an AWESOME day. I spent time alone & went to lunch with Nate, got a fun call from my BFF Steph, got a sweet email from my KAK. Then we did dinner & made a Costco run. Last night we went to my in-laws & had dinner & yummy homemade peach pie;). So far I don't feel any older it just sounds so old. Some days I do feel 80 but I am thankful for each & everyday I have. I love birthdays & to think about how it seems time stands still while so much happens.