Christmas 2008!

So, Christmas was a little different this year. All of the boys spent Christmas eve and Christmas day with the in-laws so it was just Ali with Jeff and me, but we had a good time. Check out the picture of Jeff with the package on his head - he always trys to guess what is inside - and usually he is right!!



Then on Christmas day we got about 18 inches of snow so we didn't go to Mom and Dad's in Pleasant Grove as we usually do. Jeff kept busy trying to keep up with the snow but the dogs (we had Steve and Brittany's dog also) had a blast in the snow!



Then everyone came up for the weekend and we had a great time!! Lots of great gifts, good food, much too much treats, and more games than we have played in the past five years combined!! It was so much fun having everyone together and having all 3 1/2 grandchildren here. It will be the last time for a while since Steve is going to be deployed to Afghanistan in May and who knows when he will get leave, so that made it even more special.

Hey Hey Hey, It's Ali! Mom says you guys have been asking about my trip to DC, so i figured i could tell you a bit about it. It was amazing! I had SO much fun. I got to room with one of my best friends and then two girls from Texas. Their names were Yukari and Tiana (Yukari was actually a foreign exchange student from Japan, and taught me some new words).

My group had arrived a day earlier than everyone else, so we got to spend a day at Gettysburg. It was so interesting, it really gives you a whole new perspective on history. I loved it.
Sunday we went to the "church of America". it's an episcopalian church, and it was the most beautiful church i've seen. Since we were visitors, they asked us to carry the communion up to the alter. I carried the wine. It was a pretty cool experience, although i had to remember not to inhale too deeply.(i dont really have pictures from there because it felt disrespectful.)
When we got back that night i was introduced to my group that i'd be spending the week with. I'm not going to lie, me and my friend brit got the short end of the stick. We were with a group of very quiet people, with the exception of us and maybe four other people. It made for some awkward moments...... Well, I learned a lot, and got to see a lot of really amazing things. I think I'll just put some pictures up now =)
im not very good at putting pictures up......i give up =(

Look how young we were!!

So I am working on a project for Christmas and I thought it would be fun to share some of our old family photos. I can't believe how much we have changed (the kids, Jeff and I are exactly the same, hahaha).

Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving brings to mind many things I am grateful for but the most has to be my family. Brandon and Andrea surprised us (ok, I have known since Tuesday but I couldn't tell anyone else) and came Thursday morning to be here for Thanksgiving!!! That meant we had the whole family here at the same time for the first time since last Christmas!! It was so much fun. Jeff's Mom, Dad and brother Greg also came for the holiday. As you can tell, everyone took turns holding the Jocelyn. Mady wasn't too sure she like her mama holding another baby but she got lots of attention of her own so she got over it quickly.
Everyone pretty much hung out, played games and helped put together a great dinner. It was fun having all four kids, all three daughter's-in-law and all three and a half grandchildren here for the holiday.
Just a few more pictures to show our holiday. Ian hangining out in the back yard (I can't believe how big he is!); the grand-daughters hanging out at the table. Everyone just spending time together. Isn't that the biggest blessing we have, our family?! I am so thankful for each and every one of them and all they do for me.

First Snow!!

Well, I guess we had a little snow last month for a couple of hours but I think this one might really dump on us. We are supposed to get 6-12 inches today! Jax loves it - as long as he can come inside to warm up when he is done playing. I can't believe Christmas is only 7 weeks away. This year went by way too fast.

It's a Girl!!!!

Jocelyn Mae Smith was born this morning at 9:48 am weighing in at 6 pounds and 19 inches long. Andrea and Jocelyn are doing great (Brandon too!!). This is the only picture I have now but we will post more when we get them. We are so excited to finally have her here - and for her to be a girl - now Andrea won't have to repaint her nursery. Check out her blog to see what I mean. I am going down in two weeks to see all of them and can't wait to hold my new grand-daughter.

Happy Halloween!!

Lots of Halloween spirit here! At least with the kids. Ali was Minnie Mouse, Mady was a monkey ( a really cute one) and Ian was a Transformer (of course)! Everyone had a good time and we actually had some trick-or-treaters this year.

Life is Good!!

So I thought I would share a couple of thoughts I have, sorry no picture to go with it. I had a scare this last couple of weeks with an abnormal mammogram and ultrasound so they decided they needed to do a needle biopsy on Tuesday. Ok, in my mind I knew that this had to be leftover stuff from my reduction surgery last year but it was really hard not to be scared.

I started thinking about my priorities and wondering if I am doing everything I should be doing. Am I the kind of person Heavenly Father wants me to be? What do I need to change? It made me think about what is most important in my life. My family - both immediate and extended; my testimony of the gospel; my friends and being able to give back to others. That pretty much boils it down. Everything else is extra, maybe nice extra, but extra nonetheless. With my family at my side I can get through anything. There isn't much sweeter than cuddling with my grandbaby or watching my sons and their families as they are growing and trying to figure things out, or watching Ali as she gets ready to move on to college and life beyond high school. They are my greatest gifts (challenges too but we're talking about our blessings right now). Jeff is my best friend and is always there for me. I love his quiet example and strong arms when I need them. I couldn't do much without the support of my sisters and all they do for me. They are always there when I need a shoulder.

When the pathology report came back yesterday saying "NO CANCER" I was so relieved. We didn't tell many people but I knew I could if I needed to. I have one of the best support systems I could even imagine and am so thankful for all of you.

Almost Halloween!!

Becky dressed Mady up so cute that I had to share some of her pictures. She had a cold so I didn't get much of a smile but she had a good time with all of Grandma's decorations. She really wanted to eat that pumpkin though!!

What a great 18th!!

Just wanted to brag on what a great mom I am!! haha. I always like to decorate for the kid's birthdays - I started when I worked nights so they would know I was thinking of them first thing on their birthday. We had a lot of fun, everywhere she turned Ali found another sign, balloon or streamers. We went out for dinner as a family the night before then Ali's friends surprised her at school with pizza, cupcakes and balloons for lunch.

Then I took her and a couple of friends to lunch after school. Next they all went to the Sky View/Mountain Crest football game - biggest rival ever, we ended up losing in overtime so they didn't cooperate for her birthday, but then some friends took her out for pie after the game so overall it turned out pretty well. A few glitches here and there, Kevin had to work and couldn't go to dinner, best friend had allergic reaction to lunch and had to go to hospital during the game and many friends left for 4day weekend right after school so they weren't there for her day, but I think overall she had a good day. Better than the next day when she had all four impacted wisdom teeth removed!!! Not a good day.

Alicia Renee Smith is turning 18!!!

Here are some pictures of my beautiful baby girl born October 15, 1990. She always had a smile and was sure to brighten up any room she entered. These are a few pictures of her this last year. She has had some fun adventures and is still a beautiful young woman. She always has fun no matter where she is.Miss Alicia Renee Smith born October 15, 1990 at 9:15 pm is turning 18!!! I can't believe my baby is getting so old - how can she when I am NOT!! Oh well. I thought I would share some pictures of her so you will all know how gorgeous she is. We are really proud of her and all of the plans she has for the future. She will make an excellent special education teacher - they will be lucky to get her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALI!!!

I did it!! Red Ribbon Run

So I finally did it - I ran a 5K this morning!!! We had our Red Ribbon Run this morning and I went to represent Sky View High School - I figured it was the least the PTA president could do!! Not great pictures but they prove I was there. The temperature was 41 degrees and about half way through it started snowing!! Only in Logan. At least I was dressed warm for it and now I can say I have done it and I don't have to ever do it again. It was actually kind of fun - a couple of girls from my exercise class did it with me. I couldn't talk Steve and Jeff into doing it with me in the bad weather. At least Jeff had a good excuse - he ran 11 miles yesterday in his marathon training. He is getting ready to run in the Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon in January. It should be a lot warmer there.

TJ Ranagan

I got the opportunity to go to Primary Children's Hospital today to visit with Jade and TJ. I can't believe how much he has grown in the two weeks since I last saw him. He is definitely one sick little boy but he is gorgeous. He has dark hair like his daddy and looks like he is getting a double chin already!! OK, so it may be the fluid retention but whatever . . . He is still on the vent but the settings are very low, almost to room air. He is getting food again through the NG tube and the nurse said he was tolerating it well and they would be increasing it today. Jade and Tim are so positive and I know that they have the holy ghost with them to support them through these hard times. I sure don't know what we would do without the gospel in our lives. Remember to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks - I know you already are. I am so grateful I live close enough to be able to go down and visit when I can.

Sky View Homecoming 2008

This weekend was homecoming and Ali dressed up for school support for the football game Friday night. I didn't get any of her with her face painted but she definitely dressed the part!

Saturday was the dance and she definitely cleans up well. Her date was a good friend named Kyle Parkinson and they had a good time.

Powderpuff Football!!

This week is homecoming and Ali played in the Powderpuff football game. Her team lost but she had a lot of fun and her brothers were impressed with how tough she was. (She came home with a few bruises but not as bad as the girl that broke her collarbone!!) Supposed to be flag but there sure was quite a bit of contact. You can see by the pictures that Ian and Mady weren't very impressed - it was really cold!! I will put more pictures on later of events throughout the week. The dance is Saturday and she is going with one of the cheerleaders!! (The one on the far right in the picture below!) haha

Grandkids are great!

So now that Ian is home again we have been having lots of fun with both grandkids. As you can see, Ian and Grandpa have been having great fun on the four-wheelers and motorcycle and he loves his cousin Mady. She is getting so big - she stands whenever and wherever she wants to now. We are just waiting for her to take a step, I bet it won't be too long. She turned 9 months old on Saturday and Ian is 4 years and 8 months old. Can't wait for the two new ones on the way - ok, Jade, we really do want to wait longer than TJ waited!!!

September 10 - They're Back!!!!

They are finally back from Germany!! We are so glad to have them home. Steve, Brittany and Ian are back in Utah and I can't believe how big Ian has gotten. I think he has grown at least three inches since January. We are really looking forward to spending some time with them over the next month and Colorado Springs is sure a lot closer than Germany!!

LOTOJA/Jackson Hole

Well, Jeff did it again!! He raced in the LOTOJA (Logan to Jackson 207 miles) this weekend. Some people do the hole thing but he did it on a relay team with three other guys. Jeff did the third leg which was probably the hardest with 49 miles climbing over 2700 feet over part of it. It was the section called "King of the Mountain". He was afraid he wouldn't do very well but cut over 1/2 an hour off the guy's time that did it last year. Then he joined his teammates for the final leg. He was pretty worn out by the time they finished but it was a lot of fun (especially for me and the other support personnel!!

We spent the night after the race and then took a long sight-seeing trip on the way home. We also followed the route that the biker's had taken the day before - it was long in the car, I can't even imagine riding it on a bike!! It sure is a beautiful part of our country. The colors are just starting to turn, it will be even more gorgeous in a coupl of weeks.

Miss Mady and the backyard

Mady loves being outside and here are a few pictures her grandpa got of her in the back yard. She doesn't like the feel of grass on her knees so she likes the walker (and it keeps her contained). Check out the teeth!!!

Also, check out my new waterfall Jeff put in for me!! The chicken is to remind us of Hawaii - there are chickens everywhere and when Jeff saw it on sale at Home Depot he had to bring it home. Mady thinks it is pretty funny!! These pictures were taken a few weeks ago - yesterday it was 90 degrees - today our high is 55 degrees and there is snow in the mountains!! Only in Logan. It will be in the 80's again tomorrow.

Hawaii June 2008

I finally got the pictures Ali took on her camera from Hawaii and she got some amazing shots. I know they are a bit late but I wanted to put them up. Be sure to note the ones of Ali driving our rental car. She really got a kick out of that.

Summer at the Smith's

Well, I am finally getting some pictures put up. It has been a busy couple of weeks. First of all, two weeks ago we all went down to Provo to celebrate Jeff's dad's 72nd birthday!! We went out to dinner and then back to the house for presents and visiting. It was fun to see he and Mady get to know each other and everyone had a good time. Ali is a very proud aunt and loves playing with little Miss Mady.

The following week (last Saturday) we went back to Provo and picked Brandon and Andrea up at the airport and then went to a baby shower for her at her parent's home. We really had a great turn out and it was fun to see everyone. Jade was getting some practice holding Mady. Andrea got some great gifts and Little Miss Jocelyn is going to be one sharply dressed baby!!



We had to get at least one picture of the two pregnant ladies tummy to tummy!! They are both so cute and only due two weeks apart.
On Tuesday we all went to Hyrum reservoir here in Cache valley. We put up our sunshade, had a picnic and played in the water. It was lots of fun. I just realized that I didn't get any pictures f cute Andrea in her prego swimsuit!! Maybe next time. It is really weird to think that they will be parents next time we see them. We sure missed having Steve, Brittany and Ian there but only a few short weeks and they will be here too.

Grandbabies all over the place!!!

So we have number 3 and 4 grandbabies on the way!! Everyone knows about Brandon and Andrea and baby Jocelyn - now we just found out that Steve and Brittany (and Ian) are expecting next March!!!! Brittany is due March 17 so she is 6 1/2 weeks pregnant. They are hoping for another boy but it will be a while before we find out for sure. I am just glad they are moving to Colorado Springs in September so they will be a lot closer. Germany is just too far away for my grandbabies to be - and the kids too.

Steve, Brittany & Ian

Well, even though we are excited to get Steve, Brittany and Ian back in the states they are having a great time in Germany. In the past few months they have had the opportunity to travel to Czech Republic; Amsterdam; Belgium and a few others. Most of their scenery pictures don't include them so I am passing on the most recent pictures of them. We really miss all of them but we are proud of all of them. (Ian isn't a ham or anything)!!

Hawaii

Ok, one more for right now. Ali still has most of the Hawaii pictures on her camera but here are a few. We took a boat ride around the Napali Coast on the north shore of Kauai which you can only reach by boat, helicopter or an 11 mile hike on very narrow ridges, very high up. We chose the boat ride. We had an escort of about three dozen spinner dolphins!! It was really neat to watch. At the end of the ride we went snorkeling and saw big turtles as well as lots of other fish. Sorry, no pictures of that. Kauai is a beautiful island and we love to go exploring but I think my favorite part is that this is probably the only place where Jeff really will just sit and relax. It has that affect on you. More pictures when Ali gets hers on here.

PS, we talked to Steve yesterday and he, Brittany and Ian are doing great. They are sending some pictures soon of a great trip they took in Europe (you know he is stationed in Germany) so I will post those as soon as we get them.

Look What I Can Do!!!

Can you believe Mady is already 6 months old?!?! She cut her first tooth and is sitting up (almost) all by herself. You can't leave her alone yet but she does really well. If you lay her on the floor she turns herself around and is learning to scoot. The cat and dog are getting nervous!!

Brandon & Andrea's House

Jeff and I were able to help the kids out by driving the moving van down to their new home in Arizona. It was a fun (hahaha) drive but it was great to get their stuff down there and get it in for them.

Andrea is a new GRADUATE!!!! She finished her Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management on June 18th and is really glad to be done with school. She didn't walk so we don't have any cap and gown pictures but we are really proud of her. Just the day before she had an ultrasound and found out they are having a GIRL!!! Hurray!! Our family is growing. Jocelyn Mae Smith is due on November 2 and everything looked perfect.

Brandon flew back to Utah (he has already been working and going to school in Phoenix) and then he and Andrea drove home to their new house. I can't wait to see how she decorates it - she has the magic touch. I will let her update their blog with more info but I will put in a few pictures of the moving in stuff.