Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

Yet another incredible, powerfully moving presentation from the Church. I am so grateful for the example of people like this family. This was a high profile story here in Utah several years back. To see the story in this light makes it even more inspirational. Life is too short to not learn the art of forgiveness. It is also too short to not tell the people you love that you do.

Please share this with others on your blogs or social networks. This is a message that we all need!

Our True Identity

Our True Identity

It is human nature to often forget the divinity within us. We should always remember who we are. Likewise, we need to remember that all we come in contact with are also daughters and sons of our Heavenly Father. Please share it with those who need an important reminder...

Grotto Falls

Yesterday, among many other fun things, we went on a family hike up Payson Canyon to Grotto Falls.  It's a hike everyone except David (and Stockton) went on two years ago with our ward.  It was a short hike, but was great fun.  Most of it was in the shade...another perk. 

First of all, here are some cows that slowed our drive up. We were stuck in this "traffic jam" for nearly twenty minutes!

We also had a friend who was lost from the rest on the trail. Here are the girls with their bovine bud.

The girls hiked the whole way and were very proud of themselves (0.6 miles roundtrip :). 

Stockton was also a trooper, spending quality time with Daddy.

 

There is not a better baby this side of heaven...or sweeter girls!

These are moments we'll always treasure!

Girlisms

Both: "...One more wiser and one more too, happy birthday to you!"

Kadence: "How come Peter could walk on water?"

David: "He had faith and walked for a bit, but then got scared and began slipping in the water."

Kadence: "I have faith Daddy...I could've walked to Jesus!"

Tayah (before she says anything): "Mommy, I have to tell you something..."

Kadence (after the long 4th of July weekend): "Daddy, I want you to not go anywhere forever!"

Tayah: "I'm eating a posciple!" (popcicle)

Tayah, anytime a song in another language comes on: "It's Japanese!"

Fourth of July

Here are some belated photos from the 4th of July!  We made it to the Freedom Festival parade that morning and then had a family BBQ at Grandpa and Grandma Smith's.  What's the 4th of July without watermelon, right girls?

Stockton is the youngest on this side and he enjoys that role for the most part.  When not experiencing separation anxiety, he is passed around and around at get-togethers.  Love our baby!

More watermelon...

Poppers and sparklers!  Yes, during the daytime, but that's what you do when your kids go to bed between 6:30 and 7:00!

We're so grateful for America and the incredible freedoms we enjoy.  We're thankful for those who've sacrificed so much for us, including their lives.  As Americans, we are truly blessed!

June Nuts and Bolts

It's a broken record...our apologies for all seven followers of this blog for our lack of bloggage.  We keep meaning to update things, but as the adage says, the road to Hades is paved with good intentions.  We fully promise to post some photos and updates on our adventures.  First off, here is our June Nuts and Bolts.  For those who don't know, this is the monthly Smith Family (my extended family) newsletter.  Just in case you wanted to know what we did last month...

06.01: I was able to attend all of our ward’s youth conference held up as Aspen Grove. We had great activities, a hike, games, firesides, testimony meetings, a dance, etc. As usual, I was so impressed with the youth and our leaders.

06.03: Elizabeth attended a Relief Society garden party. We kicked off our ward Friends of Scouting program, over which I was in charge this month. It ended up being quite successful.

06.04: Elizabeth and I made it to a fun Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band concert up in Sandy. Great atmosphere and excellent performance.

06.05: It was our family’s pleasure to attend the 90th birthday of a dear brother in our ward. We can only hope to make it there ourselves!

06.07: Thank you to all who attended the Smith FHE held at Grandma’s place. We played Family Feud, sang some hymns, and had refreshments. There was a great turnout!

06.09: Attended our monthly ward parenting class, this one on disciplining little children.

06.10: We love Springville’s Art City Days! We made it to the fireman’s breakfast before I headed to the annual LDS Philanthropies Vision Conference. Elizabeth joined me for dinner that night. During the two days, we heard from Bishop Edgley, President Samuelson, Elder Paul Johnson, and several others. I came away inspired and more grateful for my employment.

06.11: We had an enjoyable game night with some great friends.

06.12: We went to the Utah Asian Festival and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the candy and face painting. Elizabeth and I had a group date with neighbors—wallyball and dinner out.

06.16: The ward missionaries came to share a message with us.

06.19: Continuing our goal of expanding our horizons, we went to the Utah Summer Festival in Orem, learning more about water conservation. Elizabeth and I went to another concert, this time with Cherie Call and Sam Payne.

06.20: Father’s Day was simply wonderful. Elizabeth and the kids made it special with gifts, books, and dinner. I am so grateful to be a father!

06.22: We were part of Utah’s tiny minority that voted…sad commentary!

06.24: Dad and I went up the Energy Solutions Arena for the Utah Jazz NBA Draft party…fun time, surprising pick. While we didn’t boo like the majority of the crowd, we weren’t too pleased that night.

06.26: Incroyable…our little red-head turned three. Tayah is such a joy in our lives. She brings such an energy and spirit to our home. We had the Chucky Cheese experience and she loves her gifts.

06.27: We had the family down for our June dinner to celebrate Sarah, Danny, Tayah, and the fathers. Great food and even better company!

Stockton continues to the world’s best baby. He is a smiler, loves to army crawl, is sprouting three new teeth (to add to the two he has), hasn’t gained much weight as of late, is managing to sleep through the night, and has super separation anxiety when being held by someone not named Mommy or Daddy. He patiently puts up with his sisters’ acts of love!

Tayah has no desire whatsoever to potty train. We tried earlier in the month to some minor success. We’ll keep praying and hoping. She still occupies her time with reading, dancing, dressing up, etc.

Kadence does the same things and has really become more social the past year with her friends. She loves Sunbeams and is very, very good during Primary. We love our three angels.

Elizabeth keeps the kids busy with many fun activities during the day. The visit Seven Peaks twice a week, as well as library, ward play group, and other get-togethers that allow children and mothers the breaks they deserve.

We made some fun purchases this month: a new dining set (or was this in May?), an entertainment center, and a freezer. We enjoyed the cooler and longer than normal Spring, but are officially feeling the summer heat. All is great and we love life. And you all too!

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

No one is more important, has more influence, and can change the world more than a mother can (not to take any importance away from fathers!). Please view this and don't hesitate to share it...there is someone out there who needs to hear this type of message today.