January Nuts and Bolts

Okay, family, here’s the rundown for one very eventful January:
01.01:We ushered in 2009 by having a nice, quiet evening at home. We’re getting older, but not old enough that we can’t make it to midnight (for the most part!). Kadence decided that 3:00 AM was a good time to have a massive bloody nose that caused 1 ½ hours of excitement, cleaning up, and convincing her (and Tayah) that it was not morning yet. Happy New Year to us!
01.02: The Jazz lost to the Lakers. I bring this up to illustrate the absolutely frustrating season it’s been thus far. Injury after injury! We had a fun dinner out as a family.
01.04: We began the dreaded 1-4 church. We’re curious to see how Kadence and Tayah adjust to the change and so far, it’s been rough! They enjoy having Daddy home in the mornings, but here’s the equation we’re facing: 2 girls + no naps = FUN!
01.05:My three weeks of vacational (no word) bliss comes to a screeching halt. It was so wonderful to be at home with my ladies. Kadence and Tayah didn’t know what to do without me (or at least, I’ve thus convinced myself!). This was my first official day in my new job and it started a week of baptism by fire. The Church still has a hiring freeze, so we’ve had a full month of doing both jobs. It’s been a fun, exciting, learning experience thus far, but it is challenging having the feeling of not giving it all to either job. I attended the funeral of our next door neighbor growing up, Claudia Naranjo. What a remarkable woman and friend of our family. I was witness at a wedding of a member in our ward that evening.
01.07:Elizabeth and I passed our dental examinations with two eagerly watching girls. Came away with free toothbrushes and floss. Score one for the Smiths!
01.09: Our annual family portrait session. Is there anything more entertaining than three adults trying to make an 18-month old smile?! After two+ hours of posing, distracting, and exasperating (a new verb), we were pleased as punch to see the results. Our girls are adorable, what can we say?
01.10: We went to Tucano’s for lunch with our Telefund supervisions and are now more convinced than ever that this is how we’ll eat in heaven. Broke the news to them about the job change. Sad times.
01.11: I flew out to Houston to attend a conference. It was all enjoyable-the conference, company, food and weather. What was not enjoyable: being in Elizabeth’s home town minus her.
01.12-01.14: Elizabeth took advantage of my time away by painting our bedroom and our kitchen with some great colors. We’re already looking forward to my next business trip.
01.15: At a welcome back semester party, I inform the entire Telefund crew of my eventual departure. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. I can’t express how much these students mean to me and I’ll miss being with them each day dearly.
01.17: Kadence and I had our monthly daddy/daughter date. We had a fun family dinner at Danny and Mary Sue’s to celebrate Elayna’s 8th birthday. How she’s already eight, I don’t know.
01.19: The holiday could not have come at a more opportune time, although today started a four day illness for me (still made it to work, but just barely). We loved the Smith Family birthday party at Chuck-A-Rama. Happy Birthday everyone!
01.20: Elizabeth had a great time at the Enrichment Girls’ Night Out. They had chocolate galore, participated in mini classes and visited. Kadence is still enjoying preschool each Tuesday. Tayah doesn’t enjoy being without her big sister.
01.21: Welcome back to Lost! Elizabeth and I have had a void in our lives without you (sad, but true).
01.23: Red Robin is becoming a family favorite, as we had a fun dinner there. We then played games with many couples from our ward.
01.28: Kadence decided that today was the day to start potty training and away she’s gone. She’s doing a stellar job, with only a few accidents. Elizabeth has been fantastic as usual and Tayah LOVES helping out .
01.30: We had a nice dinner out with Dad and Donna at another favorite, Fuddruckers (no, we don’t believe in eating at healthy places. The more grease, the better).
01.31: Elizabeth went to the Stake Enrichment activity and I had the opportunity to be the potty parent. We went to the BYU Basketball game with Kara and Scott and the Cougars were quite impressive.

Tayah continues to marvel us with how much she learns and grows each day. If there was a way to truly illustrate how quickly she gains new vocabulary… We love how sweet and cuddly she is and even find it a touch amusing at how independent and fiery she can be. It wouldn’t surprise us if she starts potty training before she’s two!

Kadence is still a fabulous big sister, for the most part. She is very caring and tender, but too can be moody at times. She constantly walks around the house singing songs, ranging from Primary songs to Christmas carols to Abba tunes to Broadway hits. What an amazing mind she has!

Elizabeth and I…nothing important to say! We’ve seen some decent movies (The Express, Errand of Angels) and some not so good ones (Lakeview Terrace). Both individually and as a family, we’re doing really good with our resolutions (scriptures, reading, exercise, etc). Here’s hoping they can continue on through the year. That sums it up. Have a great February one and all!