We've got a full day ahead of us at church, but wanted to get some photos up. Here's Kadence sitting on top of the car and Tayah...just sitting! That's right, our little nine-month old has mastered the art of sitting.
We're write more tonight!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Pretty in Pink
We've got a full day ahead of us at church, but wanted to get some photos up. Here's Kadence sitting on top of the car and Tayah...just sitting! That's right, our little nine-month old has mastered the art of sitting.
We're write more tonight!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Kadenceisms and Tayahisms
Kadence:
-"Daddy's a boy! Daddy's not a girl" or "Mommy's a girl. Mommy not a boy!"
-"Do you know color rainbow? Red...blue...orange.." (from Signing Time)
-"Horses are eating lunch!"
-"I'd better pick it up!" or "I'd better find it!"
-"It's mine!" (just naturally comes when you hit two-year old territory)
Tayah:
-"Aaahhhh!"
-"Dadadadada..."
-From time to time I sing this song from the movie Big (Tom Hanks). Every time I do, Tayah start convulsing her body and shaking her head and arms as if she's dancing. So fun!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Catching Up...
First off, Elizabeth and I need to remember to bring the camera with us 24/7. The reason being: our girls do cute things 24/7. Easter was an amazing day. The talks and lessons in sacrament meeting were inspiring. I personally learned more about the Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. We cancelled many meetings and, film at 11, got home a little after 3:00...Bishop Hansen included!
We went up to Grandma Nelson's for Easter dinner/Elizabeth's birthday celebration. We had a wonderful time, including a very creative Easter egg hunt my cousin Lori devised. Some of the eggs included items from Christ's last week with scriptures to read. We loved it. We also had the second annual ward Easter egg hunt/brunch. It was sunny but absolutely frigid. Utah weather will do that to you. That evening, we attending my cousin Emily's reception. It's always wonderful to see extended family. We even followed the newest driver in the Smith clan, Carissa! She did a fine job. Hard to believe my baby sister is 16!
Kadence and Tayah wore matching yellow dresses we chose. Do we have photos? No! Do we have photos of Kadence holding an Easter basket as big as her? No! Is there a single photo in this post? Obviously not! Thank heavens there's time to repent. We'll become much more photo happy (and we'll even get the girls back in the dresses for a photo op...20 years from now, we'll never know it was a week after the fact!)!
We went up to Grandma Nelson's for Easter dinner/Elizabeth's birthday celebration. We had a wonderful time, including a very creative Easter egg hunt my cousin Lori devised. Some of the eggs included items from Christ's last week with scriptures to read. We loved it. We also had the second annual ward Easter egg hunt/brunch. It was sunny but absolutely frigid. Utah weather will do that to you. That evening, we attending my cousin Emily's reception. It's always wonderful to see extended family. We even followed the newest driver in the Smith clan, Carissa! She did a fine job. Hard to believe my baby sister is 16!
Kadence and Tayah wore matching yellow dresses we chose. Do we have photos? No! Do we have photos of Kadence holding an Easter basket as big as her? No! Is there a single photo in this post? Obviously not! Thank heavens there's time to repent. We'll become much more photo happy (and we'll even get the girls back in the dresses for a photo op...20 years from now, we'll never know it was a week after the fact!)!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Birthday Bash Recap
We had a wonderful day of it, or at least we hope our Elizabeth did! The girls and I went and picked up a few last gifts in the morning, namely some roses Kadence chose. It was amazingly rainy and blustery, but I do believe the girls loved it :).
We all went shopping and managed to find some cute Easter dresses for the girls...finally! You can never go wrong with Tucano's. It's one of our favorites. Kadence really enjoyed it, especially when the drummers came and sang to Elizabeth.
We spent the afternoon weeding and planting our trees. We bought three beautiful trees Monday--two Maple Autumn Blazes and a Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree (to appease my love of Japanese cherry blossoms), for those with a green thumb. Thanks to Kristi for taking Kadence for a while, allowing us to get a lot done! She received many calls last night from family.
All in all, a great day as Elizabeth begins her 30th year!
We all went shopping and managed to find some cute Easter dresses for the girls...finally! You can never go wrong with Tucano's. It's one of our favorites. Kadence really enjoyed it, especially when the drummers came and sang to Elizabeth.
We spent the afternoon weeding and planting our trees. We bought three beautiful trees Monday--two Maple Autumn Blazes and a Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree (to appease my love of Japanese cherry blossoms), for those with a green thumb. Thanks to Kristi for taking Kadence for a while, allowing us to get a lot done! She received many calls last night from family.
All in all, a great day as Elizabeth begins her 30th year!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
How do we love thee? Let us count the ways...
Happy 29th birthday to Elizabeth! Kadence, Tayah, and I have been having a rough go with the blog today. We wanted to post many more photos, but it's being testy! We thought it'd be fun to list 29 reasons we love our Elizabeth, but that's a bit cliche (perhaps next year when she hits the big 3-0). Suffice it to say, words cannot express how grateful we are for a wonderful wife and marvelous mother...for an amazing Young Women's leader and a huge support...to an expert chef, a master gardner, a brilliant homemaker, and an even-keel influence on us all. Her love, patience, hard work, sweet spirit, and smile brightens our lives.
Mommy, please know that the three of us love you!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Whirlwind of a Weekend
Do you ever look back on a weekend and wonder to yourself, how did I/we fit all that in? Well, Elizabeth and I had such a weekend. On Saturday, we had a fantastic time with many of my closest friends from high school. Patrick and Anna Dinsmoor were here on business and we used Patrick's 30th to get together. It was great to see the Waltons, Gordons, and Liz Bell. I've been blessed throughout my life to have the greatest friends one could ask for.
After working for a bit, we made an excursion looking for Easter dresses. One of our family traditions is Daddy buys his girls dresses each Easter. No luck, so we'll keep on it this week! We went to Red Robin for dinner and found out that Darrell and Tanya (my brother and sister-in-law) are expecting in August! The Smiths are growing, although we'll never catch up to the Torgesens :).
Sunday was a day of excitement in the ward with changes in the bishopric (new 2nd counselor), Relief Society, Young Men, Ward Mission, Activities, etc. I don't think we've ever had that much ward business in one day. We finished the day with a youth mission preparation fireside. Made me want to go back to Japan! What a wonderful ward and stake Elizabeth, the girls and I are blessed to be in. Such great people, youth, kids, Stake Presidency, etc.
We are loving life!
After working for a bit, we made an excursion looking for Easter dresses. One of our family traditions is Daddy buys his girls dresses each Easter. No luck, so we'll keep on it this week! We went to Red Robin for dinner and found out that Darrell and Tanya (my brother and sister-in-law) are expecting in August! The Smiths are growing, although we'll never catch up to the Torgesens :).
Sunday was a day of excitement in the ward with changes in the bishopric (new 2nd counselor), Relief Society, Young Men, Ward Mission, Activities, etc. I don't think we've ever had that much ward business in one day. We finished the day with a youth mission preparation fireside. Made me want to go back to Japan! What a wonderful ward and stake Elizabeth, the girls and I are blessed to be in. Such great people, youth, kids, Stake Presidency, etc.
We are loving life!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tayah's Mentor
Kadence is always helping teach Tayah the right things in life...things like the importance of the Jazz Bear!
We had a great day yesterday as a family, including a fun trip to BYU campus and the Creamery with Kara. We're looking forward to today and all it'll bring!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Kadence in Action
Here's Kadence, first, reading a book to her baby ("just like Daddy and Mommy") and second, creating some culinary creation in her kitchen set. What a fun girl!
We continue to get settled in our new building. It's been one thing after the other, but what a blessing it is for us. We had half my staff over to our house for our monthly training meeting. I think they all enjoyed meeting in a much cozier, different locale and we love having them here (we do this annually). Lastly, the funeral for the sister in our ward was a beautiful experience. The Gospel is true.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A Good Hecticness
Our girls are so cute right after baths. First, they love them! Second, you can't go wrong with baby lotion. Third, Elizabeth always tries something fun with their hair. Here you see Kadence's braids and Tayah's baby mohawk (although this photo doesn't do justice).
It's been a hectic few days, but a good hectic. Yes, there is such a thing as good and bad hectic, the former being a business causes by good, fun events. My main news is moving into the new LDS Philanthropies building. It's a wonderful new location and we are enjoying it so far. We've been out and about extending callings, trying to restaff our ward as well.
We had a fun visit with my mother, who had recent surgery. She's doing really well! We also had a fun Sunday dinner at Grandma Nelson's. Family brings so much joy.
The girls continue to do new things each day that have us constantly smiling, laughing, or crying (from laughing so hard). Everyone needs the joyful experience babies bring!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Circle of Life
Kadence has only watched bits and pieces of the Lion King (Cinderalla is her favorite by a mile). Given the events of yesterday, the Circle of Life came to my mind. Our ward (specifically two families across the street) welcomed two babies into the world...the same day a sweet elderly sister passed away unexpectedly. Because we have a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, we can feel peace and reassurance that Heavenly Father is in charge and that He certainly knows what he's doing.
Insert this in the "just-for-fun" file...Elizabeth donning the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ears. She's a big fan of the show too. Oohhh Toodles (or as Kadence likes to say "ahh Tootles!")!
Insert this in the "just-for-fun" file...Elizabeth donning the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ears. She's a big fan of the show too. Oohhh Toodles (or as Kadence likes to say "ahh Tootles!")!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Kadenceisms, Revisited
"That's my Tayah!"
"I doin' exercises!" (she does this anytime she gets on her tummy, kicks her legs, bends over, etc.)
"I no Daddy go to work/church!" or "I no Tayah go to bed!" or "I no Mommy take shower!"
"A...b...c...d...won't you sing with me?"
Lastly, our prayers go out to my mother today as she undergoes some surgery. We love you Grandma!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
February Nuts and Bolts
We know you've been waiting on bated breath. Here's the monthly synopsis of our month for the family newsletter.
February’s always the short month, even with the luxury of a Leap Year. That said, it seemed like it came and went before we could blink! Here’s what we can recollect:
It is difficult to believe that our Kadence is now a bouncing, adorable two-year old. It took her daddy a while to accept the horrible fact that she (and Tayah) are purposely disobeying his request that they stay little! We had several of her neighborhood friends for cookies and playing and then we celebrated that evening with dinner out (she chose McDonalds…better enjoy the inexpensive tastes right now!) and presents. We also had a family get-together, celebrating the big days for Kadence, Aubrey, and Grandpa Smith (Lynn). She came away like a bandit, receiving many books, stuffed animals, toys, and games. She constantly entertains and amazes us with the things she says every single day. Kadence continues to do a good job in nursery, although her nursery leaders are astonished when she actually will talk in there. We love our precocious two-year old!
While sitting up isn’t her forte just yet, Tayah has mastered the “leaning on one arm” look (our young women say she looks like she’s modeling!). Her army crawl is quite the effective mode of transportation for her and she’s adept at getting where she wants to. She continues to experience new foods and is a good little eater. We’re thrilled that she’s finally nearing 16 lbs, our petite one. She makes diaper changes and getting dressed absolute chores for her parents, for this is when she shows the most attitude. There is an indescribable joy when the two sisters see each other in the morning. No one brightens Tayah’s day that her big sister. She continues to do well with her sleeping patterns. What joy she brings us!
Elizabeth’s big event this month was an unfortunate one—a root canal. She had been experiencing some severe pain for over a week, culminating with this fun procedure. We’re glad she’s doing much better. We enjoyed having her mother in town for almost a week. The girls loved having her here, and all the womenfolk had great times together. Elizabeth threw a baby shower for our next door neighbor who is expecting their first. Our young women had some fun activities this month. Elizabeth also has been working on a lot of fun little projects at home and is doing the research on 2008’s big purchase for us…a mini-van! She attended a fun Sisters’ Night out with the Relief Society.
Outside the home, I stay busy with work and church. We had our biannual BYU President’s Leadership Council meeting and it’s always great to have Elizabeth join me for part of it. Our new LDS Philanthropies building is nearly completed and much of my time has been spent gearing up for the move. How exciting! These weeks were spent also preparing for the ward split slated for the first week in March. We weren’t too excited about it, but know it is a positive change in so many ways.
Activities this month, many of them church-related: President Hinckley’s funeral (we will miss our beloved President Hinckley…we love him so!), the calling of President Monson, a convert baptism, voting on election day, attending the Worldwide Leadership training meeting regarding families, a youth fireside focusing on the Plan of Salvation, Valentine’s Day festivities, NBA All-Star Weekend (just David, of course!), Ward Conference, Stake Conference, the Smith Cousins’ birthday party, going to the temple with a ward friend for the first time, attending our Aunt Diane’s wedding open house, the Cub Scouts Blue and Gold dinner, and celebrating Chinese New Year’s with our family. Whew…that makes us look like we had a productive month!
February’s always the short month, even with the luxury of a Leap Year. That said, it seemed like it came and went before we could blink! Here’s what we can recollect:
It is difficult to believe that our Kadence is now a bouncing, adorable two-year old. It took her daddy a while to accept the horrible fact that she (and Tayah) are purposely disobeying his request that they stay little! We had several of her neighborhood friends for cookies and playing and then we celebrated that evening with dinner out (she chose McDonalds…better enjoy the inexpensive tastes right now!) and presents. We also had a family get-together, celebrating the big days for Kadence, Aubrey, and Grandpa Smith (Lynn). She came away like a bandit, receiving many books, stuffed animals, toys, and games. She constantly entertains and amazes us with the things she says every single day. Kadence continues to do a good job in nursery, although her nursery leaders are astonished when she actually will talk in there. We love our precocious two-year old!
While sitting up isn’t her forte just yet, Tayah has mastered the “leaning on one arm” look (our young women say she looks like she’s modeling!). Her army crawl is quite the effective mode of transportation for her and she’s adept at getting where she wants to. She continues to experience new foods and is a good little eater. We’re thrilled that she’s finally nearing 16 lbs, our petite one. She makes diaper changes and getting dressed absolute chores for her parents, for this is when she shows the most attitude. There is an indescribable joy when the two sisters see each other in the morning. No one brightens Tayah’s day that her big sister. She continues to do well with her sleeping patterns. What joy she brings us!
Elizabeth’s big event this month was an unfortunate one—a root canal. She had been experiencing some severe pain for over a week, culminating with this fun procedure. We’re glad she’s doing much better. We enjoyed having her mother in town for almost a week. The girls loved having her here, and all the womenfolk had great times together. Elizabeth threw a baby shower for our next door neighbor who is expecting their first. Our young women had some fun activities this month. Elizabeth also has been working on a lot of fun little projects at home and is doing the research on 2008’s big purchase for us…a mini-van! She attended a fun Sisters’ Night out with the Relief Society.
Outside the home, I stay busy with work and church. We had our biannual BYU President’s Leadership Council meeting and it’s always great to have Elizabeth join me for part of it. Our new LDS Philanthropies building is nearly completed and much of my time has been spent gearing up for the move. How exciting! These weeks were spent also preparing for the ward split slated for the first week in March. We weren’t too excited about it, but know it is a positive change in so many ways.
Activities this month, many of them church-related: President Hinckley’s funeral (we will miss our beloved President Hinckley…we love him so!), the calling of President Monson, a convert baptism, voting on election day, attending the Worldwide Leadership training meeting regarding families, a youth fireside focusing on the Plan of Salvation, Valentine’s Day festivities, NBA All-Star Weekend (just David, of course!), Ward Conference, Stake Conference, the Smith Cousins’ birthday party, going to the temple with a ward friend for the first time, attending our Aunt Diane’s wedding open house, the Cub Scouts Blue and Gold dinner, and celebrating Chinese New Year’s with our family. Whew…that makes us look like we had a productive month!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pardon Our Absence
To our adoring fans (mostly our families), we apologize for not blogging the past week or so. Suffice it to say, much has happened in the world of the Smiths. First off, Sunday's split had the expected results: excitement, tender feelings, sadness, and anticipation for what's to come. Basically, three wards became four, with our ward losing 250 great members (still leaving us with 450). I know there are some who have hard feelings, but hopefully time will soften things. There are many reasons and blessings that come with a split...mainly the opportunity to serve in new callings (potentially ones that will stretch us), to allow us to meet and fellowship new friends, and to help stregthen the testimonies of the members of the Church. Elizabeth is still in Young Womens and our bishopric stayed intact, for which we are grateful. Now, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get the Spring Creek 20th Ward reorganized (we lost many wonderful leaders). While we will miss those not in our ward, we love you all and are excited to let our friendships continue to grow.
That was the big news. Other than that, I was able to attend the BYU President's Leadership Council meetings last week. The PLC are some of BYU's most loyal donors and it's always an honor to see their excitement and love for BYU and the students. There were wonderful presentations, including Elder Ballard's concluding talk. I feel blessed to work where I do!
On Saturday, we visiting with Mike and Charlotte Francis. Mike and I grew up together, since the age of five, and have always be tied at the hip. It is always so great to see him, even if for just a brief visit. We love you guys!
As for the girls, Tayah has now sat up several times for 15+ seconds. She'll get there yet! Her army crawl is quite effective and she can get from one end of the room to the next in the blink of an eye. Kadence continues to astound us with her words and her overall cuteness. Last night, after changing her to her pajamas, she plopped herself on the couch and said "I don't need go to bed Daddy! I sit right here!" How precious!
That was the big news. Other than that, I was able to attend the BYU President's Leadership Council meetings last week. The PLC are some of BYU's most loyal donors and it's always an honor to see their excitement and love for BYU and the students. There were wonderful presentations, including Elder Ballard's concluding talk. I feel blessed to work where I do!
On Saturday, we visiting with Mike and Charlotte Francis. Mike and I grew up together, since the age of five, and have always be tied at the hip. It is always so great to see him, even if for just a brief visit. We love you guys!
As for the girls, Tayah has now sat up several times for 15+ seconds. She'll get there yet! Her army crawl is quite effective and she can get from one end of the room to the next in the blink of an eye. Kadence continues to astound us with her words and her overall cuteness. Last night, after changing her to her pajamas, she plopped herself on the couch and said "I don't need go to bed Daddy! I sit right here!" How precious!
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