The Smith Crew: "We're all in this together!"

The Boys Went Shooting Sept. 2010

2010-11-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

Heidi's Baptism Day Sept. 2010

2010-11-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Heidi was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was baptized and confirmed a member by her father who held the priesthood. I am so grateful for Heidi and her decision to follow the example of her Savior to be baptized. It was a wonderful and spiritual day. We love you Heidi!

Aunt "Beeta" Betsy came up from Las Vegas just to see Heidi get baptized!
Heidi with her daddy dressed in white, before she entered the waters of baptism.
Heidi with her "Papa" Bill and "Mom" Candy and daddy and mommy.

Joe's family has a tradition when someone in their family gets baptized they receive a "comforter" (quilt) symbolic of the Holy Ghost. I asked my good friend Ellie Fitzell Roberts, who is married to my cousin Chris Roberts, to make Heidi's quilt. Ellie is an amazing fabric artist. She started this quilt for Heidi (she has finished the edges and made decorative pillows too since the baptism) and we presented it to Heidi after the baptism and confirmation. She was so excited!

Our whole family.
4 generations on my mothers side. My Grand Aunt-Janet Lish Robinson, my mother-Candyce Lish Fowler, me-Katie Marie Fowler Smith and Heidi Anne-Marie Smith.

Ashlyn's 11th Birthday. Jumpin' Jacks Here We Come! Aug. 2010

2010-11-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful Ashlyn is 11 years old!!! We had a fun birthday at Jumpin' Jacks! (Notice the Sunflower picture behind her above. Her own artwork. Ashlyn is such a wonderful, thoughtful, bright and very talented daughter. She is a good friend and hard worker. She loves soccer, dance, piano, flute, art, swimming, reading and making friends. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our first born daughter. We love you!

Picking Sunflowers Aug. 2010

2010-11-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Bathtime, Bubbles and Too Much Fun! Aug. 2010

2010-11-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Too much fun and yes, my floor got mopped! :)

Stories, Trains and Sailboats Aug. 2010

2010-11-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

I think that a day in the life of Joseph Mack is pretty great! Nothing better than reading stories with dad, playing with a train set and setting sail with your boat for an adventure!

Front Yard Fairy House and Fun Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

A fairy house fit for a queen!

TARZAN @ Tuacahn! Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Joseph Mack loved it! We all did!

Last few days of summer pool play and slip-n-slide time. Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Heidi's 8th "Art" Birthday Party Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Heidi decided to have an "Art" Birthday Party this year. She is turning 8 years old. I can't believe my Hootie Doo is 8! We had the party at the ranch. We did a couple of art projects, opened presents, hit a pinata, ate cake and went swimming! TOTAL PARTY! (I made the birthday cake by the way....)

Lottie's Story Time with Mickey Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Takin' Out the Trash (The coolest job ever!) Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Joe's parents have a little Japanese truck that they got to use as a run around vehicle at the ranch. We have borrowed it to take our trash cans out to the road. Joseph Mack and Lottie "help" Daddy take out the trash and think they are pretty cool. They both have to put on their work hats like dad too. Had to capture the moment.

Heidi and Jennesee- Back to School Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Heidi and Jennesee and Lottie on the first day of school (and no, Lottie isn't going to school....)
Jennesee, 1st Grade.
Heidi, 3rd Grade.

So clean and new.

Flower Bow's Gone Crazy! Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hyrum wasn't in school yet, (Enterprise starts a week later), so he kept himself busy by applying all the girls newly made flower bow's all over Lottie's head. It looked like a bad swimming cap from the 50's. She loved it! Only Hyrum would come up with this!

Joseph Mack and his "Army Guys" Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how much fun the Dollar Store can provide.............. :)

Summer Rain Storm Aug. 2010

2010-11-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

A summer storm went through Southern Utah and that is a rare thing to behold in itself. The girls ran outside to play and watch the clouds, lightning and then a rainbow came out. I just had to grab my camera and take a few pics. So beautiful!

Fowler Family Pine Valley Reunion July, 2010

2010-11-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

The whole Fowler Family comes together to celebrate our love for one another and just have a great time at Papa and Mom's cabin in Pine Valley!

First thing we went on a hike!
Betsy just couldn't resist getting into the water!

Pretending this little grove of trees was the Sacred Grove.....is that naughty? (Look at Avery on the right, taking this photo so seriously! He. He.)

After the hike we pulled out the Slip-n-Slide! Coldest water ever!

Papa, Kip and Preston, just being normal...............

The tradition of making fairy houses has been a favorite. The kids run through the sage brush next to the cabin and create such whimsical little hide-away's for the visiting fairies.

The THREE MUSKETEER'S-Avery, Clara and Jennesee.
The tree swing was a hit.
Time to HULA!

Hyrum had just arrived with Joe from Thunder-Ridge Scout Camp. Hyrum had earned 6 merit badges and one of them was for marksmanship the first time he tried. Papa was very proud of his grandson.

Aunt Betsy and Uncle Matt initiated the kids into the "Pine Valley Sliders Club" on the Slip-n-Slide.
Little Lottie Kate. Pure joy on the swing. :)

Papa Bill we love you so!
Mom and dad got a couple of these water balloon launchers and we had a blast having competitions to see who could send it across the field the farthest.

Craft time.

Aunt Bernice and Aunt Janet came up for dinner and family time. We love them both so much!

Our favorite game is the "Funny Face Game". We mix and match picture parts of everyone's face to make "new members" of the family. IT is soooooo funny!

Our first time using the fire pit that Papa, Betsy, Kip and Matt helped to put in. So cozy!

Papa and Mom shared some wonderful stories about our pioneer ancestors around the camp fire.
Mary Anne put together a fun slide show of all the pics from the weekend.
Cousin sleep over on the last night. A great way to end the reunion!

Summer mornings are so simple.....July, 2010

2010-08-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

You can't tell me that you don't miss the summer days of catching "rollie-pollies" in nothing but your p.j.'s or church dress and cowboy hat! Joseph and Lottie sure know how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

My Boys Are Growing Up Too Fast July, 2010

2010-08-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Joseph Mack loves to work outside with Joe. He always has to put on a hat when they do a chore or yard work or anything. He adores his dad and always wants to be with him and just like him. Joe is so patient and enjoys showing Joseph how to do things and how to work hard. I love my Joe for being a good father to his boys.
Hyrum left for a week long Scout Camp called Thunder Ridge. He was able to get quite a few merit badges from this camp. I was so proud of him. Joe went up for a few days as a leader. It was great for them to spend that time together.

Hyrum passed off his marksmanship merit badge the first go around and the leaders in charge were impressed with his shooting skills and that he was so accurate the first time. I am so proud of my Hyrum!

SWIMMING! July, 2010

2010-08-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is basically what we did all summer! SWIM! I loved this time with the kids. They all are really excellent swimmers and just loved coming to the pool at Granny and Grampy's.

Smith Generations......July, 2010

2010-08-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Joe's mother took this photo of Hyrum (Grandfather), Joseph (Father), Hyrum (Son). Three Smith Generations. The view of the photo is taken through the bullet hole on the door of the room that held Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith in the Carthage Jail.

A Quick Trip to Nauvoo, Illinois July, 2010

2010-08-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Joe's sister Stacie and her family were serving a mission in Nauvoo this summer. Joe's parents and his other sister Glenna and her family went to Nauvoo to be apart of the pageant and serve as well. Joe decided he wanted to give some of our children a chance to see where their pioneer ancestors from both my side and his side came from and figured he should go while his family was there also. He took our older four children and they had the time of their lives! They felt the Spirit and beauty that is Nauvoo. Here is their journey..........

Las Vegas Girls Retreat! July, 2010

2010-08-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

These are some of my greatest friends from when I danced at BYU and even before that! We have been through a lot together and have a bond that can not be put into words. We have had a "girls retreat" planned for months and it finally happened. We each had some major obstacles to get through to be together, but it was so worth it! We stayed at THE hotel in Las Vegas. SO nice! Stephanie, Sarasue, Lainie and me finally all together!
When girls get together you gotta had the goods! Stephanie provided. Thanks Steph!
Poolside and lovin' it!
Lunch at the grill and then back out for more sun and lazy river time...........
Lainie, my crazy, funny, super great friend.
As Stephanie so nicely put it, "These bodies have been busy. 19 children between us! :)
What hotel? THE Hotel.
The gorgeous lobby that even smelled divine..........
Lilith Fair goers.

We got to see Sarah McLachlan LIVE! So amazing! I was so happy! Just love her music and voice.

Sarasue and I spent some good quality time at this spa and oh my! It was so worth it! Loved every second I was there! Isn't it beautiful?
Our float tubes, thanks to Steph and Lainie, for the Lazy River. So fun!
Delicious dinner at Japanais in the Mirage Hotel. Mmmmmm!
My cute friends taking a picture in this beautiful................bathroom! He. He.
Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity at 11:30 p.m. I ate the whole thing! Yes, I love and adore anything chocolate. The bar tender told me that I couldn't finish it! HA! I showed him! I figured it would help me stay up until 3:00 a.m. And, it did.
We didn't want to see it end and leave. So sad.............
So we said good-bye with one last crazy moment. Yes, we are dancers! That was a blast!

We had such an amazing, fun, relaxing, rejuvenating, wonderful time. I love these gals dearly and will forever be grateful for their friendship. It was the best weekend EVER!!! Thanks gals! Love ya!

Gunlock-Town 4th of July Children's Parade and Rodeo (last night) July, 2010

2010-07-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Otter Pops and shade. Best seats in the house to watch the parade.

Joe and Kip announce the parade.
Let the Parade begin!

Heidi and Jennesee bringing up the rear.

Tthumbs up from Hyrum and Joseph.
Lottie looking on to see if another float is coming.
Some of the spectators.
Joseph Mack even got a cool motorcycle as a prize from one of the floats that went by.
These purple boots covered a lot of ground this weekend and were the talk of the town! Lottie looked so darn cute in them.
Me with my Joe. :)
Lottie hanging out with Bishop Elkington. Such a great man.

Come on dad! Let's go to the rodeo! Yee Haw!

Here are two reasons why Joseph and Lottie want to go to the rodeo: Snow Cones and more Snow Cones!
Ashlyn. I took a picture of Hyrum, but for some reason I didn't focus it right and so I don't have one of him. I feel so bad. He did get a chicken in the chicken chase for his age. This is his last year he could do it too. It was a proud moment for Hyrum!
Heidi.
Jennesee Jane.
Joseph Mack
Lottie Kate.
Heidi was so brave and rode a calf twice! Here she is riding while Jarold Leavitt helps her stay on. She is even doing this one handed!

Lottie in the Chicken Chase again.

65th Gunlock, Utah Annual 4th of July Rodeo July, 2010

2010-07-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

First day of the Gunlock Rodeo! Yee Haw!
Lottie in the Chicken chase.

Snow cones please. Thank you Jessica!

Joseph loved holding the chickens. Hyrum caught a chicken and let Joseph hold it.
Jay Leavitt will buy your chicken back and give you a dollar.

Ashlyn and her good friend Katelyn.
I think this was Joseph Mack's 100th Root Beer!
Chillin' with my Joe and Heidi at the Rodeo!
Lottie in her hat and boots! So cute!

Becca and Adam are moving to Virginia. June 2010

2010-07-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

Joe's sister Becca said good-bye to us on Fri. night. Her husband Adam got a great gymnastics coaching job in Virginia and he has already moved out there. Becca stayed behind to finish things up here, pack etc. Joe, his family and I and many friends have been helping Becca get ready to go. We said good-bye the other night. I had a hard time thinking about the fact that my best sister/friend will be gone for a while. Joe too has had a hard time saying good-bye to his sister and close friend.
Adam and Becca are in for a new adventure with her boys Devan and Josh and their little daughter Avenna. We are so happy for them and will miss them. Travel safe and stay in touch Becca! We love you all.

A couple of "First's" for Jennesee Jane May/June 2010

2010-07-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Jennesee graduated from Kindergarten in May. My Photo program had a problem and I couldn't download the pictures form that day. I have found a couple that I was able to retrieve and thought I would post them in honor of her special day. Each student got to announce what they wanted to be when they grow up. Jennesee chose to say that she wants to be a "Gardener" when she grows up. They shared the song's they have learned this year and some poems as well. It was a darling program. I couldn't believe that my "Jen-Jane" is done with her first year of school. She had Mrs. Adel Clark for her teacher. Adel has also taught Hyrum, Ashlyn and Heidi. We are crossing our fingers that she will hang on to teach Joseph Mack and hopefully Lottie. She is an outstanding teacher for these new little school children.
Congratulations Jennesee! You are now officially a full school day girl!

Jennesee has been anxious to loose her first tooth. Then last month her bottom tooth began to wiggle! A few days ago my parents had stopped by to say hello, and while they were here Jennesee's tooth came out! She was thrilled to have an audience to tell the news to. The tooth fairy came that night and gave her one whole dollar bill! Lucky girl!

Don and Betty Fowler Family Reunion-Lehi, UT June 2010

2010-07-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

My dad's family grew up in Lehi, Utah and have started to gather for a family reunion around the same time as the Lehi Round-Up in July. My kids love to go and play and I love to go to see my Aunt's, Uncle's and cousin's that I love and just sit and visit. I have wonderful memories growing up with this family and feel so loved by each one. My dad has a great family. Thanks to my Aunt Donna, Jane, Suzy, Ann and Sally and Uncle Jim and John and Dad for making this a great weekend!

The next day we had a Daryle and Kate Fowler extended family reunion and dedicated the grave they had made. It was a great day to celebrate this family. Such a wonderful Spirit was with us that day!

Sun and Sprinklers! June, 2010

2010-07-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Father's Day in Pine Valley June, 2010

2010-07-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Joe! I love you! Our children love you! You are a rockin' dad!
Three Fathers I love: My Joe, My brother Matt, My Dad Bill.

Me with my dad. I love you dad!

Southwest Contemporary Dance Theatre- Spring Dance Concert May, 2010

2010-06-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our dance concert this year was centered around a children's book titled: "The Quiltmaker's Gift". It is a tale about a selfish Queen and a giving quiltmaker. The quiltmaker teaches the queen about the joys of giving to others with love.

Dress Rehearsal of Sydney as the Queen with her soldiers when they meet the quiltmaker for the first time.

Stefani was the selfless quiltmaker. Here she is with the teddy bear's she made as her friends. She gave them all a picnic blanket.

Lovely Ashlyn. She was in the concert quite a bit this year. She was a soldier to the Queen and in an Israeli folk style dance as well.

Our beautiful Heidi. She is such a talented dancer! Her dance was titled "Royal Island Builders".

My stunning Jennesee Jane. She was in the Merry-Go-Round Dance. I loved her costume the most.

Stefani Schramm (Senior Dancer), Lainie Garrett (Faculty), Sydney Baker (Senior Dancer), me (Faculty). These two senior girls have grown up in our dance program and were beautiful performers in their last dance concert with Southwest Dance. We will miss them both very much. They are also wonderful people inside and out. Lainie and I have been dancing together for a very long time. I love teaching with her in the studio. I don't know what I would do with out her! Great job Lainie.
Daddy surprised his girls with his traditional flower gift. They were thrilled to get such a lovely performance gift.
My sister Betsy came to see the girls dance. What a treat for them. They sure love their Auntie Beeta! Thank you Betsy for making the trip up to see our show. It meant the world to all of us.

Hyrum's Enterprise Elementary Year End Band Concert May, 2010

2010-06-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hyrum has enjoyed playing the clarinet this year in band. The band has improved so much and they shared a wonderful band performance. Great job Hyrum!

Fifteen Years Ago May 13, 2010

2010-06-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago, Joseph and I were sealed in the St. George LDS Temple for time and all eternity. I love him more than I will ever be able to express. Six children and some life experiences later, we are still very much in love and so full of gratitude and joy. Happy 15th Anniversary Joseph!

I always wanted an older brother... May, 2010

2010-06-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I wished I had an older brother who would play with me and pal around with me. I hoped to have someone to protect me and tease me and just talk with. I now know that my dad was that for me and much more.
My Hyrum is really a good big brother and fulfills the big brother role on all levels, especially teasing! :) But, on this day he chose to sit down and play with his youngest sister Lottie, with the help of Jennesee too. I tried to capture some of the moment.

Hyrum~6th Grade Country Report on France. Scouting 2nd class and Physical Fitness. May, 2010

2010-06-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

Hyrum had to do his 6th grade country report this year and chose FRANCE. Joseph was thrilled because he served his 2 yr. mission there. The two of them enjoyed gathering information and preparing for this report with a little help from "the mom" too......On the day that the reports are presented, Hyrum's 6th grade class also held a "foreign food tasting". Hyrum asked Joe if they could make crepes for the whole class and visiting parents. We all love it when Joe makes his famous crepes and Hyrum loves to cook in the kitchen with his dad. Here they are getting started. They made a ton of crepes and filled them with either chocolate Nutella spread, strawberry jam or sprinkled cinnamon & sugar on them. YUM!!!!!

On the same weekend Hyrum was awarded his 2nd class scout rank and his physical fitness merit badge. It was a stellar weekend for Hyrum. Here is a picture of Hyrum with his tri-fold FRANCE report-display. You can see he put a lot of time, energy and effort into this project and into his scout advancements. We are so proud of you Hyrum! Job well done!

Joseph "Mischief" Mack May, 2010

2010-06-22T23:36:00.000-07:00

His eyes tell all!

An afternoon photo shoot with 2 yr. old Lottie Kate May, 2010

2010-06-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

Which one is your favorite picture? I love doing this........I love my Lottie "Kiss"!

Happy 2nd Birthday Lottie Kate! April 23, 2010

2010-06-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Joe is famous for rough housing with the kids and trying to find their "tickle button"and they just adore their dad giving them such love and attention. Today was Lottie's special day and boy did she get attention! :)

Happy birthday to you!

Lottie wasn't sure if she liked having messy chocolate fingers, but got over the feeling really quick.

The whole gang celebrating Lottie turning two.

A talking dolly from Granny and Grampy.
Another dolly wrapped with love from Heidi.
What surprise will Lottie find inside Hyrum's gift?
New sundresses from Papa and Mom!
Joseph Mack gives Lottie his gift too.
Dress-up shoes! This girl is in Heaven!

Joseph Mack shows Lottie her new cell phone too.
Family, Balloons, Dress-up Shoes....now that's what I call a party! Happy Birthday Lottie Kate!

Guess What? Spring, 2010

2010-06-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

Lottie is turning 2 years old!

"Naughty Lottie" May, 2010

2010-06-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is powdered sugar........so white, so messy. Yes, that is Lottie........so cute, so almost 2 years old!

What more can be said? She is just Naughty! :)

The Uni-Brow is Gone! April, 2010

2010-04-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Because Joseph is her dad and I am her mother, Ashlyn was born to have a uni-brow. A uni-brow, (for those of you who don't know), is when your eye brows grow hair to extend into the middle and meet together to create one eye brow. Ashlyn has one, her mother had one and her father had one too.
She has been the brunt of too many jokes from family and friends alike soooooo we decided it was time to get rid of the uni-brow once and for all. Her Auntie Becca has a license to do hair etc. and said anytime we were ready to do "the deed" to come on down, so we went on down! Above and below are the "before" pictures of the brow.
Auntie Becca contemplates the approach................
Time for the 1st application of wax and the painful removal of hair! OUCH!

Auntie Becca showing Ashlyn some of the hair she removed while her cousins look on.

Tweezers are wonderful to get the hard to reach, little stubborn hairs, and to shape the brows up just right.
So what do you think? Didn't Auntie Becca do a great job?
My beautiful, not so "fuzzy" Fuzzy Bear.
Daddy says she looks too grown up and beautiful and I agree.
Welcome to "pre-teen" land Ashlyn. We love you. Stunning, just stunning!

Library Laundry Baskets April, 2010

2010-04-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ah, the simple joys of childhood! Just toss a blanket, books and a stuffed animal into a laundry basket and reading suddenly becomes fun!

My Little Professor.

Cute, Crazy Friends :) April, 2010

2010-04-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

How can such darling girls be not so darling?! Seriously their funny faces are scary! And their cute smiles are soooooooooo cute!

Joseph Mack is such a big boy!

2010-04-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Joseph Mack is totally potty trained and has been for a while......I just think it is soooo funny when he hollers, "I'm DONE!!!" :)

Hyrum sings and square dances at Tuacahn with Enterprise Elem. April, 2010

2010-04-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

All of the elementary school choirs in the St. George area had the opportunity to perform in a huge choir concert at Tuacahn on two different nights. It was a wonderful concert! Hyrum was involved with Enterprise Elementary 3rd-6th grade choir. His school made it a great day with swimming at Sand Hollow and a pizza dinner for part of the event. It was a full day and Hyrum had a blast! I was so proud of him!

Heidi? Will you play "Moon Sand" with me? April, 2010

2010-04-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Heidi and Joseph are very much a like and get along so well together. She loves her little brother and he thinks she is so cool, crazy and funny. On this day Joseph asked Heidi to play Moon Sand with him. And so she did......

I decided to take a day to play............. April, 2010

2010-04-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

The weather warmed up a bit, and my little ones wanted to get outside! I let them out and went along to take a few pictures. I ended up getting wind blown and dirty with them both and loved every minute of it! (Although I didn't eat dirt with Lottie, just couldn't bring myself to do that.)

It has been a long time since I have stopped what I was doing to do what they were doing. They couldn't believe that mommy came out to play.
We dug in the dirt, played on the swings and slide, rode scooters and the wagon, colored with chalk, blew lots of bubbles and chased them all over the yard and then had a snack. It was a very good day. We need to do this more often.

Thank you for playing with me today..............

Easter Sunday - Dinner April, 2010

2010-04-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

My parents, my brother Matt and his family, my sis Betsy and her friend Chris all came to our house for Easter dinner. It was soooooo good and sooooo great to be together as a family. (We missed my brother Kip and his family. Next year we hope to see you.)

Dig in!
Hugs and kisses from Papa for Joseph Mack.
Me and my Joe!
Easter dinner table.
The kid table.
Lottie and Heather. Such darling friends already.
The grown up table.
Betsy and Chris. Cute!
Hyrum wants to grow up to be just like Uncle Matt and Papa. I think he is on the right track. ;)
My children love there grandparents so much!
Grown up Hyrum playing cards with Mom.
Jennesee and Clara were inseparable the whole afternoon. Darling cousin friends.

This was a wonderful Easter Sunday. Filled with family, playtime, laughter and delicious food. I love my family!
Later, I found Lottie hidden in the corner of Joe's office surrounded by Easter baskets, candy wrappers, opened plastic eggs and spilled candy. Caught! The best part was the drooling chocolate and blue malted milk ball dye running down her mouth. Priceless!
To me this moment is pure joy. I wish I could sit surrounded by chocolate goodness and eat all that I wanted even to the point of drooling chocolate down my mouth....... :) Happy Easter!

Easter Sunday-"The Hunt!" April, 2010

2010-04-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Decorating Easter Eggs (It has been a while....) April, 2010

2010-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

My sister Betsy and her friend Chris came to our home for Easter weekend. We decorated Easter Eggs for the first time in a long time. The kids really had fun doing this and we enjoyed an ice-cream treat after.

Life...........April, 2010

2010-04-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

I happened to come upon a blog today that broke my heart. I young beautiful mother passed away recently and her blog had been periodically updated by her or her husband leading up to her unexpected death.

I sat in my computer chair and cried....I do not know this woman, but I felt so sad and helpless as I read her posts and her husbands words. I felt as if I did know her because her life is like so many of us - wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, child of God. It was so real. She was gone so quickly.

Why is it that death causes us to suddenly think about life?

After reading about this death, I immediately felt a rush of extreme love and tenderness to all of my family and loved ones. I realized how much I take for granted. I have forgotten that what I have right now is so precious, so real, so amazing, so wonderful, so simple and so good.

I want to hold my little ones tighter and tell them I love them. I want to call my husband, my Joe, and share my thoughts and deep, true, love for him. I want to call my parents and family and express my love and tenderness for them......the list continues.

I choose to do these things more often. I know I need to do these things more often.

I want to serve my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

I want to serve my friends and family.

I know I must show more love and compassion to all.

Each day is a gift, a present. I will enjoy the journey.

My heart is so full and I feel so much gratitude for so many things.

The knowledge of eternal life is what gives me joy and hope.

I am grateful.

A budding artist's creations.......Mar. 2010

2010-03-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more wonderful to experience while raising children than the discovery of talents......
Joseph Mack has become an artist of many sorts, talents ranging from spills of glue on carpet, to drawing on the walls with permanent marker. We have been astonished with his secret creations! I thought I would include in a post some of his latest creative works.....
We call this one "Pink Road Runner" or "Ten Minutes in Time Out!"

The above drawing resembles railroad tracks or an attempt at the letter H. I especially like how he included the electrical socket. Shocking isn't it?!

My favorite find on our bedroom wall is called "Forever in Blue." (P.S. Does anyone know a way to remove permanent marker? GRRRRRrrrrr.)

I think the background gives this next one a more earthy, woody tone. We call it "Seashell Star on the Dresser."

This last design gives you the impression of "Tigger Bouncing Away." He's bouncy, bouncy full of fun, fun, fun!

Yes, I think we will be re-painting soon, oh wait Lottie is about to turn 2 years old. I think we may need to hold off on the fix up jobs for a bit. I'm sure that the creative talent runs in the family! :)

Spring Break - San Diego Post #1 A (Thurs.- The Beach) Mar. 2010

2010-03-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

All loaded up for our Spring break Adventure to San Diego! Our kids have become good travelers for long road trips. (I am so grateful for DVD players in the car!)

My mom and dad were already in San Diego. They had come over earlier in the week. We decided to surprise the kids and not tell them that they were there. After checking into the Hotel, we asked the kids if they wanted to go "find" a beach to play on. Of course they cheered "YES!" And so we "found" a perfect beach and the kids just burst out of the car and ran down to the beach laughing with delight. After a few moments Hyrum looked up from finding sea shells and saw some people walking towards us, then it dawned on him that it was Papa and Mom! What a great moment! I filmed the whole thing. Priceless. Here are a few photos when all of the kids ran over to great them. It became a perfect evening on the beach at sunset with my mom and dad. Cold, but just stunning and exciting and fun.

Look at the sheer delight on Joseph's face. I love that!

The night ended with a pizza party in our hotel room. Thanks Papa and Mom for dinner! SO excited to be here in San Diego.

Spring Break - San Diego Post #1 B (Fri. Sea World) Mar. 2010

2010-03-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Breakfast in the hotel room in front of a T.V. It can't get any better than that!

Grampy has a connection to Sea World with a friend who works there and we were able to take our big family to Sea World! It was a really fun day.

Spring Break - San Diego Post #2 (Saturday-Jennesee's 6th Birthday) Mar. 2010

2010-03-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jennesee woke up on her birthday to a present from Joe and I. It was a sea turtle necklace from Sea World. Joe secretly purchased it while we were there yesterday. Such a fun surprise.

We promised Jennesee a birthday party in California and we delivered! Mom and Dad bought a Birthday Cake, we brought presents and lunch stuff and went to a fun park right by the beach and the hotel to celebrate!

Happy 6th Birthday beautiful Jennesee Jane!
She got a light up bear and a lovely seashell and other fun simple gifts.
Oh Joe! You are so weird!
It's a party!
We even had races in the park with Papa. Now off to the beach for the rest of the day.............

Spring Break - San Diego, CA Post #3 (Saturday-The Beach!) Mar. 2010

2010-03-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah! The Beach! Pardon me while I post a million pictures on this entry.....because I can! I loved taking photos and capturing these special moments. There are no bad pictures when they are taken in such a beautiful surround. I love the beach!
For part of Jennesee's birthday she requested that we play at the beach and so we did just that! Such a simple request. We couldn't have been happier!

Jennesee loved finding seashells and sand dollars.
My cute dad and Joseph Mack not far behind.

Joseph Mack finds a treasure and has no problem throwing it up in the air!

Lottie didn't want to get wet. She just wanted to play in the sand. I don't blame her. There is not greater feeling than digging your toes in the sand!

Such happiness in Hootie Doo's jump! I love the sail boat in the back ground.
I loved how the sail boat lined up right behind these 3 as they were playing.

Me and My Joe. :)
Ashlyn, Mom and Hyrum.
H & A.
Heidi and Joseph.
Five of our six children braving the cold water. I love how they are each stacked up in the water according to age......younger-older.
Hyrum and Papa.
Playing the sand circle game with Mom.
Time for a snack back at camp.
Heidi pointing out the sail boat in the ocean.
Fuzzy Bear with her Daddy......
This sand hill kept the kids busy when it just got too cold to be near the water.

Time to was up!
Saying good-bye and good night to Papa and Mom............We love you. It was a perfect day.

As if we didn't get enough water time! When we got back to the hotel we immediately ran down to the pool and jaccuzzi area to "rinse off" and "warm up". Dinner came later and then we tumbled into bed. A fun birthday for Jennesee full of water, sand, and best of all family !

Spring Break- San Diego, CA Post #4 (Sunday) Mar. 2010

2010-03-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

All dressed up and heading to church in San Diego. A good adventure for the all. I love the moment with Jennesee leading Lottie into the building.

Sacrament meeting. Daddy gets to sit with us! Yeah!

We had a nice Sunday dinner at the Olive Garden. We used this as an opportunity to teach the kids some etiquette. Not sure how much they learned, but they really enjoyed the food! :)

Next stop is the LDS Mormon Battalion Visitor Center in Old Town San Diego. It was a great experience. The church has done some major renovations to this visitor center and the kids really got into it. They had a place you could look up your ancestors that joined the Battalion and another place you could pan for gold! (Fools Gold) It was a wonderful way to spend Sunday afternoon.

It was such a wonderful vacation. We will definitely return to beautiful San Diego.

Breakfast Buddies Mar. 2010

2010-03-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know quite how to express my feelings....I think it is so cute when children wake up all puffy eyed and are independent enough to be able to feed themselves. Joseph and Lottie have graduated to the big counter and high bar stools. They are growing up so fast. This morning scene reminded me of that. Had to post. (By the way the bottle is now out of the way and Lottie is a tippy cup drinker!)

Snowy Spring Weather Mar. 2010

2010-03-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a cold, snowy spring and yet, I just love the change in our landscape when the snow falls and leaves a white layer over everything.

Enterprise Elementary 5th-6th Grade Valentines Day Dance Feb. 2010

2010-02-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

At Enterprise Elementary the 5th and 6th grade students learn different dances like the swing, waltz, Cotton Eye Joe, Virginia Reel and Boot Scootin' Boogie. The students each have a dance card and the boys learn the etiquette of leading their dance partner out onto the floor on their arm and then leading the girl back to her friends after the dance. The parents are invited to attend the dance to watch and are also invited to dance at the end. Hyrum had a great time. He was a bit shy, but had fun learning the dances. He got annoyed with Joe taking pictures though. I can't believe my boy is old enough to go to a dance! What a good lookin' dude!

Much needed outdoor play. Feb. 2010

2010-02-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Lottie receiving instruction from Joseph Mack about the fine art of sword fighting.

Lottie tries her skills with Joseph.

Now he seeks his revenge. But, Lottie is too fast! :)

Yes Lottie is wearing a dancing suit...............

They both love to dig in the dirt and get very dirty. Lottie actually likes the taste of dirt also. YUM!

A stunning sight out the back window..... Feb. 2010

2010-02-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

I looked out the back window while doing dishes and saw this wonderful view of the Gunlock Valley. There was a thin cloud wrapped around the southern mountain range. I just had to capture it all. I love where I live. So unique and raw and beautiful.

Friends and Fun Feb. 2010

2010-02-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

A rainy day with friends over. It was a fun day. I am learning that sometimes the more the merrier! I just set out the "yummy goods" and the kids pretty much entertained themselves.

Jennesee and Lainie are so silly. They made Valentines and played chase and just giggled the whole time.

Hyrum and Devan finally got to have a full day of D.S./Wii time. It is not normal at our house. Saturday is the only day that gaming stuff like this goes on and we haven't been home most Saturdays. The boys really enjoyed the down time. Hyrum has a new Prince Caspian Wii game and Star Wars The Clone Wars Wii game that kept them entertained for a while.

Ashlyn and Ceili. It doesn't take much for these two cousin buddies to have fun! Chillin' in Ashlyn's room in their P.J.'s.

The "Reading Fort" Feb. 2010

2010-02-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

In order to keep my little ones excited about story time, I try to approach reading to them in different ways and new places in the house. This day I decided to make a "Reading Fort".
We brought in some "friends" (dolls and stuffed animals) to read to and snacks to keep our stamina up. :) It made for a fun adventure. Reading is fun!

Enterprise Jr. Wolfpack Basketball -Hyrum, Ashyn and Heidi. Feb. 2010

2010-02-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

Our kids have really enjoyed learning and playing Basketball up in Enterprise. Here are a few shots of each of them playing ball. I must admit, my kids are pretty darn good! Make sure and watch the short video clip I took of Hyrum playing and making a basket as you scroll down the pictures. He has a nice natural touch don't you think?