Christmas Eve Festivities

We are woefully behind at posting things on the blog, so just bear with us as we do this piece-by-piece.

Hope you all enjoyed Christmas!  We certainly did.  On Christmas Eve, we had family and friends over for our little get-together involving lots of finger foods, our new chocolate fountain, a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, a rousing reenactment of the Nativity, caroling, and a bunch of cute kids.  What a great night!

Gordon Hayward’s Christmas Present | Utah Jazz 360

Gordon Hayward’s Christmas Present Utah Jazz 360

Christmas Sayings by Our Sweet Girls

Tayah
"I love baby Jesus because He is the Christ."
"Runolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is my favorite!"

Kadence
"I love Christmas because I can give away presents.  It makes me feel good."
"Daddy, it's my most favoritest time of the year!"

Christmas Spirit

Smith Family Christmas Letter 2010

For your reading pleasure, here is the annual Smith Family Christmas letter (and the family photo we included).  We mailed out most of them the day before Thanksgiving (yes, we are on the ball this year), but because of our widespread popularity, couldn't mail them to everyone.  Thus, the convenience of the blog.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy! 

DATE: Wednesday, 11.24.2010

TO: Commissioner S. Claus (aka K.Kringle, JO St. Nick, Big Fella), 1225 N. Pole
FROM: Committee on the Ethical Distribution of Christmas Cheer 2.0
SUBJECT: David and Elizabeth Smith Family Christmas 2010 Status
C.C.: Santa’s Much Better Half (although less in mass)

Honorable and venerable Commissioner of Naughty and Nice:

We, the Committee on the Ethical Distribution of Christmas Cheer, present the following findings. First, we felt it necessary to reinvestigate said family as it has been three years since the Smiths were officially deemed Nice. And as is common elfish knowledge, it is nearly impossible for humans to be considered Nice this long (as clearly seen in the Smiths’ friends and family). All this said, it is the conclusion of this committee that the Smiths did accomplish the impossible. After 11 months of placing them under a microscope, we not only declare them once again Nice, but from hence forward, they will be the barometer by which Nice will be measured. Oh, and Humility too. Included is our evidence, thoroughly collected through exhausting and sometimes questionable tactics.

(On a side note, we are gratified for a second chance. Those disgraced members of our previous group, who embarrassed the department with the infamous Eggnog Incident at last year’s social, have been indefinitely reassigned to the Subcommittee on Fruitcake Standards.)

Name (nickname): Stockton David Smith (Little Man, Buddy)
Age: 13 ½ months
Occupation: world’s cutest baby (as determined by a very biased voting party—his parents)
Likes: Smiling, laughing, mobility, eating, following his sisters, going up (but not down) the stairs, balls (esp. basketballs!), snuggling, grandparents, “typing” on the computer.
2010 Accomplishments: Among many things, mastered the arts of sleeping through the night, rolling over, crawling, walking, big people food, and separation anxiety all in one year’s time…easily showed the most growth of anyone in this family…says Mama, Da (Dad), and ball…his family would be lost without him.

Name (nickname): Tayah Smith (Dolly)
Age: 3 ½ years
Occupation: drama princess (not yet a drama queen, but check back next year)
Likes: Coloring, dancing, singing, being simultaneously independent and dependent, Nursery, biking, friends, princesses, pretending she’s in charge of this family (pretending?!)
2010 Accomplishments: Became potty certified, saving her parents much in resources and sanity…displayed her 3-year old red headedness many times daily, but is an angel 90% of the time…started preschool…embraced her role as a big sister…now shares a room with her older sister…learned to pray…melts hearts of all around her.

Name (nickname): Kadence Smith (Princess)
Age: 4 ¾ years
Occupation: big sister supreme
Likes: Learning and teaching new things, reading, drawing, Sunbeaming, singing, friends, scootering, Barbies, cooking, chatting on the phone with boys (okay, just one…Daddy).
2010 Accomplishments: Recognizing and writing all letters, with reading just on the horizon…is a mother hen to Stockton…attends preschool three times weekly…performed in first of at least 15 consecutive Primary programs for the Smith family…epitomizes “sugar and spice and everything nice.”

Name (nickname): Elizabeth Torgesen Smith (Mommy, Sweetheart)
Age: 31 years
Occupation: mother extraordinaire, the glue that keeps the family together
Likes: Reading, green thumbing, serving, exercising, couponing, cooking
2010 Accomplishments: After three years, was released from Young Women’s; now a Ward Missionary…oversaw a bumper crop (square foot garden)…never gets sick…cut eight inches off her hair…participates in many groups (play, book)… survived weekly trips to local water park with three kids…discovered cure for the common cold.

Name (nickname): David Jonathan Smith (Daddy, Honey, That One Guy)
Age: 32 years
Occupation: doting daddy, Director of Annual Giving (LDS Philanthropies)
Likes: sleep deprivation, reading, basketball, the Utah Jazz (just a little)
2010 Accomplishments: Constantly defended his son’s name (sources confirm that he was unequivocally not named after John)…blogs weekly for the Utah Jazz…still 1st counselor in bishopric…made acting debut in Church’s Worldwide Leadership training video, playing the role of ward mission leader…won’t quit his day job.

Family Accomplishments
o Made first family excursion to Disneyland. Confirmed that it is indeed the Happiest Place on Earth.
o David and Elizabeth traversed to Hawaii sans children…a first-ever in five years.
o Spent a wonderful week in Eden, Utah with family.
o Took several mini trips to Pocatello and St. George and had lots of family visit Springville.
o Hit local hot spots during weekly family outings and dates (Lagoon, Hogle Zoo, Temple Square, Thanksgiving Point, several plays and concerts)
o LDS pianist Jon Schmidt dedicated “Love Story Meets Viva La Vida” from David to Elizabeth at a concert on their sixth anniversary.

It is apparent that the Smith Family is the antithesis of Naughty…or they have us all fooled. As per regulations, we seek the Commissioner’s approval. We will have our eyes on them again in 2011. This is our report.

Bob Cratchit
Tiny Tim
Rudolph
Frosty the S.M.
Mr. Krueger
Ralphie
Sugar Plum Fairy
Bing Crosby

Should the Commissioner or other interested parties wish to contact the Smith Family, they may do so via the following. When you do so, their Niceness is guaranteed to rub off on you. And you need all the help you can get! 

(will omit our contact information here for obvious reasons.  Those who know us know how to get a hold of us!)

What Shall We Give?

Here is a wonderful video with inspired words from President Monson and beautiful music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was a perfect way for me to start the day and to think about the true meaning of Christmas. Let's remember to bring Christ into Christmas and to give to others. In doing so, we give a true gift to Him.

What a wonderful day!

It's a wonderful day today because it's my dear husband's birthday. Happy Birthday Honey! I love you so much and am so greatful for all that you do for us. I couldn't ask for a better husband, a better best friend, or a better father to our children. We love you so much!

Christmas Festivities

Well friends, we have officially thrown ourselves into the Christmas season.  The day after Thanksgiving found us doing some Black Friday shopping (craziness...people show their true colors during this time!  We were actually able to find some great deals, so somewhat worth it :) and then decorating the house.  We also went to the Spanish Fork Christmas Craft show. 

Tuesday, we attended the Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band Christmas concert at South Towne Mall.  Great music, included the girls' favorites, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. 

Yesterday, we hit the South Jordan Christmas show (another craft show) and then completed what has become an annual family tradition: the Festival of Trees.  Here are our adorable kids there.  As you'll see, however, from the photo here, their energy waned.  Time eluded us and we quickly found ourselves with cranky, tired, past-bedtime, and hungry children...as evidenced by the photo below where no one cooperated except our little guy. 

We did meet Santa Claus twice.  Kadence is a fan, Stockton doesn't know what to think, and Tayah is apprehensive (thus no photo of her).  We've also been loving all the Christmas music and movies.  As the song states, "it's the most wonderful time of the year!" 

Kids and Christmas

A Very Happy Thanksgiving Indeed

We hope you all had as good a Thanksgiving as we did!  And that would be hard to top...

While we only took one photo (yes, sad news), we loved all the time together with family and loved ones.  Wednesday night was our Smith family gathering, complete with the Cranberry Rock-off. 

Thursday, we hosting our family (minus Darrell and Tanya) and had a wonderful time.  So grateful for family!

Worldwide Leadership Training Experience

Thank you for the many, many e-mails, Facebook messages, phone calls, and comments at work and church.  Yes, it was a blessing to be part of last weekend's Worldwide Leadership Training about the new Church handbooks.  For those who don't know, I was asked to be part of a mock ward council, playing the ward mission leader.  The irony is that I've never served as the WML!   

The "bishop" is President Larry Richards, president of LDS Business College, with whom I work raising money there.  It was a singular, memorable, inspiring, and exciting experience.  I was invited in June and after a couple practices, we filmed this back in August on a Saturday up at the Church Office Building.  Most of the "council" were from President Richards' stake, but it was wonderful getting to know them that week (including Ruth Todd from the news). 

It was remarkable to see six Apostles on the front row while we filmed this: Elders Perry, Bednar, Oaks, Cook, Holland, and Ballard, as well as Sister Beck, Elder Gonzalez, and four or five other General Authorities...very special (and a tad nerve-wracking).  Oh, add 300 people in the audience too!  It was surreal to then have a panel of these leaders comment on the mock council.  To be in their presence to be well taught by them has been something I'll never forget.  The hardest part was keeping it all a secret for a few months! 

One of the great blessings of this opportunity was hearing from so many of my beloved Japanese brothers and sisters who saw it too, including my mission president.  That alone makes it so special.  The whole experience was unforgettable and life-changing in many ways. 

If you want to view it, just click on the title of this blog entry and you will be given the option of media players to watch it.  Or just go to http://www.lds.org/; the link is on the homepage. 

Hawaii, Part II

Here's the next batch of photos from our Hawaii trip!

Some cute little dancers!

LDS Philanthropies with the PCC and BYUH helped reenact the Hukilau, a time-honored tradition in Laie.  Here are some shots from a blustery, rainy night on the Hukilau Beach!

Here we were participating in a special prayer and ceremony before throwing the large nets into the ocean.

Pretty remarkable the spirit and camraderie that was present on that beach.  Locals, employees, friends, etc. all getting in the water and pulling the nets in.  It was rough weather, but we caught some fish and an octopus!

Here was our dinner, a pig, being uncovered from the umu. Amazing!

And finally, for today, here was the scene from that evening's special luau.  Love the music, the dances, the spirit of these performers and PCC students.  Aloha!

Happy in Hawaii, Part I

Aloha family and friends!  Elizabeth and I spent last week in the islands and had an amazing time together.  We have the proof right here.  We went out for the BYU-Hawaii student giving campaign, as well as donor meetings for BYU-H and the PCC.  So it was work for me, much-needed vacation for Elizabeth.  We flew out Halloween day, right after church and got back Saturday.  Many, many thanks to Elizabeth's parents who spent the week watching our little ones.  Here is a photo log of our activities!

While I was on campus, Elizabeth was able to some exploring and relaxing. We stayed at the picturesque Turtle Bay Resort and this was a self-shot she took on the beach right outside the hotel.  This was a rarity: a clear day.  It rained every day we were there.  In fact, it's rained every day Elizabeth has been in Hawaii!

Elizabeth in front of the PCC water falls.

After flying in Sunday and getting settled Monday, we spent the rest of the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  It's been four years since we spent time in the villages, so this was wonderful.  We took in many shows, visited every village, and in the evening, we took in the luau and the night show, Ha: the Breath of Life. 

Kap Taviti and the legendy Samoa show made famous by the PCC videos. 




Here is a young man climbing the tree for coconuts.

The Samoan show was stellar as usual, with him showing us how to light a fire, pick, cut, and prepare a coconut, and so forth!



Elizabeth learning how to twirl poi balls in New Zealand.



Wednesday were our donor meetings.  We were able to hear from President Wheelwright and President Orgill, visit with students, hear presentations from different cultures, listen to their salsa band, etc.  This was a highlight for me, to visit with some great Japanese students, two of whom used to live or serve in my first mission area, Ushiku.  I love being able to speak while I'm out there. 

We'll do this in parts, so stay tuned for more from our time in paradise!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

This is one of the most wonderful times of the year, one where our thoughts and hearts are turned to gratitude. I for one am extremely grateful for all that I have. Here are a few: our home, our neighborhood, our family, our friends. A wonderful place to work and a job where I feel I make a true difference in others' lives. Uplifting music. Our children's smiles and laughter. A living prophet and inspired leaders. Having served a mission and all my Japanese brothers and sisters. Marrying a wife who are served a mission. Our ward and our callings. The Utah Jazz, a warm comforter, v-neck sweaters, and ice cream. The four seasons. Parents who taught me what was right. Children Elizabeth and I can teach the same things. Cars that run. Air conditioning in the summer. Tucano's. Experiences and opportunities that cause us to stretch ourselves. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Every single day. My sweet wife and our adorable children, who my everything.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Be grateful for all you have and remember it all comes from His whose child you are.

(Oh, by the way, just click on the title or link right below it to watch this video)

Movie Reviews by David

With three little ones, we don't get to the theatre often.  That is why we are loyal Red Box devotees.  The past three or four months have seen us catching up on many movies.  Here is what I (David) thought about them, with just some brief comments.  Elizabeth may think otherwise, but I'll let her chime in should she like to (and yes, it still would be great to see my much better half contribute more to the blog!  Let her know you agree with me...perhaps she'll succumb to peer pressure!)

MUST SEE

Toy Story 3: The girls and I just finally saw this yesterday and all I can say is WOW.  It is one of the best family films I've ever seen.  The story, the humor, the sentimental aspects, and the Disney brilliance combine to make it a MUST BUY. 

Invinctus: Amazing story about Nelson Mandela and the South Africa's soccer team.  Well told and inspiring, although it had a hard time deciding if it was a biopic or a sports movie. 

The Blind Side: Perhaps the best movie we've seen in years.  Such a moving, tear-jerking movie.  Sandra Bullock is outstanding.  Best part: it's a true story!  We bought it earlier this year. 

Love Happens: Really poignant story about a husband who lost his wife and has been crusading to help others cope with their losses.  Aaron Eckhart (BYU alumnus) and Jennifer Aniston (not a BYU alum) have great chemistry. 

Prince of Persia: Yes, I'm as surprised as you are to have this listed as a must see.  It was MUCH better than I expected it to be.  Very entertaining in a National Treasure-esque way. 
The Ghost Writer: Very suspenseful, thought-provoking flick.  Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan. 

WORTH THE TIME (or at least somewhat worth the time)

Karate Kid: It's sacrilegeous to take one of my childhood's classics and redo it.  It was okay.  I kept wondering throughout if the kid was actually going to win :). 
How to Train Your Dragon: Nothing to write home about, but the girls enjoyed seeing it in the theatre. 
Iron Man 2: Another entertaining movie.  Not as good as the first and tried to jam a bit too much into it. 
When in Rome: We didn't know much about this and it was quite enjoyable romantic comedy.
The Lovely Bones: Eerie, ethereal, and scary.  Directed by Peter Jackson, who directed the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it details a girl's experience in limbo after she is murdered.  As a father to daughters, it was hard to watch. 
Killers: Some funny parts with Kyle KorverAshton Kutcher.  Pretty witty. 
Date Night: Steve Carrell and Tina Fey...should've been better. 
Back-up Plan: Thoroughly predictable.  Jennifer Lopez is downright overrated and suffers from Meg Ryanitis (plays essentially the same personalities and characters in all her films).
Clash of the Titans: I really enjoyed this, but mostly because my brothers and I grew up on the original 1980s version.  Good action scenes. 
Letters to Juliet: Nice romantic story with some beautiful scenery. 
Bounty Hunter: More predictability. 
Leap Year: More predictability (yes, I copied and pasted this).  All these films here are at least worth seeing once. 
Avatar: Graphically breath-taking.  The special effects are spectacular, but the story and acting are weak (much like Independence Day).  Ferngully on steroids.  We saw it on the IMAX screens at Thanksgiving Point.  Pretty neat
Sherlock Holmes: Should have been much better than it ended up being.  Long.  Robert Downey Jr. is a great actor, though. 
The Young Victoria: I enjoyed the parts I saw (fell asleep).  Wouldn't mind giving it another try. 
Did You Hear About the Morgans?: Didn't expect as much, so were pleasantly pleased.  We are Hugh Grant fans, but not so much for Sarah Jessica Parker. 
Everybody's Fine: mediocre at best. 
The Last Song: Better than usual for Nicholas Sparks (refer Dear John below).  Hate Miley Cyrus, but the rest of the cast was pretty good, especially Greg Kinnear.
Robin Hood: Super long.  Don't watch it expecting to hear the same Robin Hood story the recent iterations have portrayed.  More along the lines of the literary version. 

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

Dear John: Pointless Nicholas Sparks drivel with the same plotlines.  Girl meets boy.  They fall in love with each other.  Enter conflict in the form of a tragedy.  Sloppy, rushed ending.  Horrendous overacting. 

Valentine's Day: Too many story lines and none of them likable.  Too many stars. 

Orson Welles and Me: Artsy, artsy, artsy = blah. 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Not worth the $1.

Time Traveler's Wife: Hard to follow and hard to swallow.

There you have it.  Feel free to add your thoughts on these or other movies you've seen. 

A Whole New World

Stockton is enjoying his brand new perspective...facing forward in his car seat.  He has been happy as a lark since we've made the switch!

The Things These Girls Say!

Kadence: "Daddy, I'm going to go get married."
David: "Who are you marrying Princess?"
Kadence: "I don't know...I haven't met him yet."

(guess this eliminates the boys in the ward!)

Tayah, during our family scripture study: "What are wickinies?" (inquities?)

Trip to Pocatello

We may a quick, one-day trip up to Pocatello for our niece Olivia's baptism. Congratulations Olivia and thanks Marc and Marie for having us, albeit for a brief visit! Here are some photos of the occasion:



The Family Shot

Those who participated in Olivia's confirmation

The Johnsons' neighbors threw a big birthday party for their son and we joined in on the fun.  Here are the girls jumping in the bounce house (a first at a baptism for us!).

Stockton got in on the fun too!  He wasn't too sure...

Granny became Stockton's favorite...and not just because of the ice cream and cake :)!

The girls holding one of their newest cousins, Alyssa.

Just a cute shot of our cute baby!

Of One Heart: I wish I could bake them some brownies | Mormon Times

Of One Heart: I wish I could bake them some brownies Mormon Times

Here is a blog entry of a colleague, as LDS Philanthropies has the opportunity of contributing regular blogs for the Mormon Times. Many people ask me what I do at work. Well, this gives a little insight into this, as well as why I love it so much!

Utah Jazz Blog Post: Internal Improvements

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=xa-4c2122dc38f27d51

Stockton's Birthday Celebration

Here are some photos from Stockton's big day.  As you can see from this first photo, he was more interested in Mommy and Daddy than his presents.  This will end next year!  As you can see...

...he eventually settled down.  This was a special gift his big sisters chose for him. 

Here is the wonderful birthday cake Elizabeth conjured up for him.  Love it, as did our little man.  He does indeed enjoy "playing" with a basketball.  To reiterate, he was NOT named after another basketball player!

Some basketball cupcakes.  Can't have too much of a good thing. 

The carnage begins!

Love this face!

And so do his sisters!

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

I think blogs are great places to share many things about ourselves, including what we believe.  One thing we believe strongly is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ helps us "be strong and of a good courage," or in other words, it allows us to be able to make good choices.  When we are doing what is right, what Heavenly Father wants us to do, we are guided in the decisions we make and the paths we take.  This is a musical presentation shared with the youth (ages 12-18) of our church, young men and women we have faith in because of their goodness.  Many talk about the problems and ills that affect the young people in our world and those are indeed real.  That is why our youth need to strong in the face of trials and temptations and they can with help from above.  We all can.  This song inspired us and it shows how we are grateful for the youth who truly are "strong."  Just click on the link above and you'll see why!

Happy First Birthday Stockton!

To our sweet, little baby boy...HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stockton!  We are so very grateful to have you in our family, home, and lives.  You bring us such joy with your bright smiles, your fun noises, the snuggles, and the laughs.  We really don't know what we'd do without you Stockton.  We love you more than you will ever know...

Daddy, Mommy, Kadence, and Tayah

September Highlights!

From our September 2010 Nuts and Bolts entry...a little look into what we did last month, some of which was chronicled in this very blog!

• Kadence started pre-school! She attends three times a week and is taught by a wonderful teacher and friend in our ward. She loves going with her best friends and is learning a lot. She comes home each time with some fun projects, pictures and crafts.

• Tayah also started a neighborhood pre-school too and is loving it. They get together once a week, with Elizabeth teaching every third week.

• After three amazing years, Elizabeth was released as Laurels advisor. She loved the calling and misses it, especially the young women and leaders with whom she served. Before that, she helped plan a combine YW/Relief Society activity and went with the Laurels to the Latin Amercian festival in Provo.

• She was called, however, to serve as a ward missionary and excited for the opportunity.

• We enjoyed a fun day with my mother at This is the Place Heritage Park. The girls enjoy this yearly tradition.

• We went to the temple for a sealing assignment.

• Elizabeth and I also went to a Jon Schmidt concert at Thanksgiving Point. Incredible musician in a beautiful setting.

• We spent a day at the Utah State Fair, another annual event for our family.

• Ditto for Swiss Days in Midway.

• And ditto again (redundant?) for the Hogle Zoo. The kids all loved the animals and Stockton was extremely entertained.

• We enjoyed the annual pear-picking at Grandpa and Grandma Smith’s!

• I took the girls each on their Daddy/daughter dates—Dairy Queen for Tayah and Wendy’s for Kadence, their choice. Better enjoy the simple dates now!

• We had a busy stake conference weekend. It started with the Stake High Priests social—a luau with entertainment. We had visiting General Authorities, Elder Craig Christensen and Elder Lund who conducted a Priesthood leadership meeting and then, before the regional broadcast, split our stake. Created six years ago, we went from 3,000 to 6,500 members and 14 units. It did not change the dynamics or make-up of our ward, but we were excited for the growth in our area!

• I took a pair of business trips to Ogden and to Rexburg.

• We were able to present a bishopric fireside for our youth about education. We first toured the Educating Zion exhibit at BYU.

• Darrell, Danny, and I took our father out for a belated Father’s Day outing, dinner and Avatar 3D.

• BYU won once and lost three times. Ouch.

• On a brighter note, the Jazz opened up camp. I love writing blogs for the Utah Jazz website. Feel free to read them at www.utahjazz360.com.

• We had a stake emergency preparation test, with our house as the headquarters.

• Elizabeth and I are still members of the No Cavity Club.

• Stockton continues to astound with his amazing adorableness. He is much more mobile and gets around quickly, including a few unattended jaunts up the stairs (hasn’t ever fallen down). He is very patient with his sisters’ doting. Sweet, sweet boy!

• Tayah continues her potty success and we couldn’t be happier!

• It seems like this month flew by and that we were busy each and every day. That is the absolute best way to live life…

Pop!

Tonight I attempted to can salsa. I've never used a water bath canner, and in fact, I don't even own one, but tonight I did it! I borrowed a water bath canner from a neighbor (thanks Maren), and after lots of chopping throughout the day, I finally cooked it tonight and processed it. I just heard the "pop" from all 4 jars over the last 15 minutes and let me tell you, that is a great sound! I don't think I've ever heard that sound for myself-I've heard others talk about it, but tonight was a first for me. I've done lots of cooked jams, but have never processed it-instead doing the inversion method, and I've always gone to bed before the "pop". I've been missing out, let me tell you. Hopefully the salsa will be good-I just used the Ball recipe for Fiesta salsa to try to use up the millions of grape tomatoes we've been picking. I've never canned peaches or pears, but maybe that's the next step-who knows what I can accomplish! Now it's off to bed!

Continue in Patience

Continue in Patience

This was one of my favorite talks from the April General Conference, given by President Uchtdorf. Patience is a virtue and I often find myself not being very virtuous, at work, at home, and as a father. These are words of wisdom here. I also love this because of my sweet girls. Perhaps Elizabeth and I will try the marshmallow test with Kadence and Tayah!

If you are struggling with patience today, hang in there. There is hope yet. And share this with someone who could use the encouragement...

The Missing Piece

The Missing Piece

These Mormon Messages are quickly becoming favorites of mine, something I sincerely look forward to watching and sharing. The is a wonderful accounting of one person's search for happiness and how a member helped in this search. Jesus Christ is real and I know He knows each of us personally. I cannot tell you how much this helps me in my day-to-day life, especially in my roles as a husband and father. It means the world. Please share this with those who may need a pick-me-up today!

Tayah's Terrific Toilet Trends and Three-year-old Tremendous Tantrums

Well, Tayah is doing a GREAT job with the potty training.  It's been nearly a month and only a few accidents later, she is confidently taking care of business.  Public restrooms are still a bit different for her, but we're working on it.  Here is her "potty cookie" that Elizabeth made her.  Keep your fingers crossed that the bathroom brilliance, the toilet triumphs, the potty prospering, the restroom resolution, and the diaperless determination continues for our little Tayah!

We had a fun-filled excursion to the Utah State Fair Wednesday.  Alas, the camera decided not to accompany us so not photos.  We did it all: the barnyard, the farm animals, the hormone-injected produce, the deep-fried and bacon-wrapped treats (no, we didn't eat them...just marvelled at the incredibleness of it all), saw some performers, and enjoyed being together.  Oh, and Tayah kept up her trend of simultaneously unfurling her red-headedness and three-year oldness in a public setting.  It wouldn't be right if this didn't occur.  I'm guessing the next "show" will be the zoon when we go in a few weeks...

And this photo just makes me beam with pride...my little boy getting acquainted with the celestial sport...

Girlisms:

Tayah: (with the window open in the car): "The wind is blowing into my mouth Mommy!"

David, this morning: "Look at Stockton's face...so innocent and pure."

Kadence: "What is pure Daddy?"

David: "It means he's close to Heavenly Father.  He probably remembers Him the best of us all."

Kadence: "I bet he knows that Heavenly Father loves him."

Tayah: "And Jesus too.  Jesus loves us Daddy."

How can you top conversations like that? 

What if MJ Stuck with Baseball?

What if MJ Stuck with Baseball?

Here is my latest Utah Jazz blog that discusses a big "what if" for the team...what if Michael Jordan had stuck with baseball instead of coming back to basketball? Thanks for reading and sharing any thoughts!

Nuts and Bolts (August Adventures)

Here is our most recent Smith Family newsletter entry, detailing our August happenings. 

Stockton

• Started to pull himself up on the furniture and made first attempts to escalate the stairs!

• Did his first baby sign…Daddy!

• Gained one new tooth, giving him a grand total of seven.

• Earaches in both ears, mixed with some stuffiness and digestive difficulty. Not fun!

Tayah
• Restarted the potty process and so far, so good!
• Enjoying the last vestiges of nursery. She thinks she’s ready for Sunbeams!
• Managed to give David the worst fifteen minutes of fatherhood in the middle of Lagoon. Wow. She displayed every strand of her red-headedness. So great 90% of the time…
• Assumed Kadence’s old bicycle because…

Kadence

• …Kadence got a new one. They both love their pink rides!

• Recognizes and writes more letters each passing week. She and Tayah both love reading.

• Getting excited about starting up preschool.

• Thriving as the big sister: she dotes over Stockton and loves lecturing Tayah!

Elizabeth and David

• Stayed busy with the usual. A little of this. A little of that.

• Elizabeth the kids attended a cousin’s wedding reception in South Jordan.

• Church highlights: Elizabeth taught a few YW lessons. We both spent a wonderful evening at Girls’ Camp. Stake youth fireside. Bishopric BBQ. Participated in a project up at the Church Office Building. Combined youth 5th Sunday.

• David helped hold up the fort as the bishop was gone much of the month

• David’s work highlights: Telefund luau, University Conference, toured the new BYUtv HD truck, LDSBC President’s Fall workshop (Church History Museum tour), Alumni Association and Telefund retreats, conferences.

• Bought Lost Season Six…the collection is complete.

• David got new glasses…and promptly scratched them 24 hours later. He also got the iPhone 4…and cracked it 24 hours later. Decided to not buy a new car as a result.

• Went on a group date to the Desert Star Theater to watch My Big Fat Utah Wedding.

Family

• Elizabeth and children had a mini trip to Pocatello for a niece/cousin’s baby blessing. They loved the time away with family.

• We spent an amazing week up in Eden, UT at a resort with the Smith Family. Our clan was able to get away for the entire week (while the rest of them came Wednesday night)—enjoying Lagoon (two days for us), the Treehouse Museum, basketball, swimming, games, movies, the Ogden Temple, crafts, eating out, and just being together. Wonderful time full of unforgettable memories.

• We hit the Utah County Fair, rode some rides and participated in the fun.

• Had a ball at the Smith FHE…thanks to the Lymans!

• Spent two Tuesdays at Thanksgiving Point, at the Barnyard and the Gardens. What beautiful surroundings. The children (and parents) loved both days.