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.