Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Enjoyment and Some Catching Up
We have had an wonderful Easter, doing a lot of things to really help our children understand the true meaning of the holiday. Today Kadence gave her first talk in Primary, talking about Jesus Christ being our Savior and Redeemer. She did a wonderful job! We also had a special Easter lesson for them today and watched The Lamb of God. The best part? We were able to be together!
Here are our sweet children with their new outfits, an Easter tradition. Aren't they cute? Stockton had a nice purple tie with his pinstripe, but as 18-month olds go, he loved taking it off!
Other than that, we've had a pair of funerals this week, one for my uncle Chuck and another for Elizabeth's great aunt Edith. Both were amazing examples and we're sad to have to say good bye, for now, to them.
Kadence had a fun field trip to Thanksgiving Point, accompanied by everyone but yours truly. Tayah continues to hone her fit-throwing skills, but is adorable the rest of the time. And Stockton is doing pretty good in Nursery, although he was tired and cranky (thanks, we learned later, to a fever) today. We love our three little ones!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
LDS Church News article: Blindness
Blindness is a prevalent theme in the scriptures. The textual accounts of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry are laced with examples of the Savior restoring sight to those who could not physically see. While these acts were truly miraculous and faith-building, more moving were the occasions where He helped others—believers and non-believers alike—overcome varying forms of spiritual blindness.
No account has illustrated this more vividly for me than that of the disciples on the path to Emmaus found in Luke 24:13-32. In my opinion, these were diligent, faithful followers of Christ who tried their hardest to fully live the gospel. As they traversed the road while discussing the Savior’s recent crucifixion, Jesus Himself “drew near and went with them.” Despite their desire to see Him again, their eyes were “holden” and they could not recognize that Christ was walking with them, teaching them of the scriptures and of His own divine mission.
After blessing and breaking bread with them, the Savior disappeared, leaving the two men to exclaim, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
How often is Jesus Christ walking life’s roads with us, and how frequently are our eyes “holden” from His love, mercy, and goodness? There are indeed times when we are impervious to what He has done and what He now does for us. I know there have been many instances when I personally was unable to “see” His hand in my life even though I have a deep testimony that it is always there helping and guiding me. This scripture has done much to help me avoid those blind moments and keep my focus on His reality and on the personal relationship I have with Him.
-LDS Church News, March 17, 2007
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Recent Girlisms
Kadencisms;
"Repent ye, repent ye...let down your golden hair!" (this has us rolling around in laughter :)
"Mommy, I don't want to ride the Pirates of the Carrot Bean (Pirates of the Caribbean)
"Daddy, do you boss people around at work?"
Tayahisms
"Mommy, you have four eyes. Daddy, you have ten." (right after Tayah come to in the emergency room from the anesthesia. It makes perfect sense that I have more eyes!)
"On the Mainflower, the Pilgrims ate biscuits and gravy. Oh, and apples!"
Our girls are so adorable and say the funniest things. We love you two!
"Repent ye, repent ye...let down your golden hair!" (this has us rolling around in laughter :)
"Mommy, I don't want to ride the Pirates of the Carrot Bean (Pirates of the Caribbean)
"Daddy, do you boss people around at work?"
Tayahisms
"Mommy, you have four eyes. Daddy, you have ten." (right after Tayah come to in the emergency room from the anesthesia. It makes perfect sense that I have more eyes!)
"On the Mainflower, the Pilgrims ate biscuits and gravy. Oh, and apples!"
Our girls are so adorable and say the funniest things. We love you two!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
More Movie Reviews by David
I know you all look forward to this (and even if you don’t, just feign excitement for my ego’s sake): our movie reviews! It’s been six months since our last similar post, so here we go!
MUST SEE
Tangled: We absolutely LOVED this movie. It’s got it all: great story, excellent characters, large dosages of humor, romance, and 45,000 lanterns! The girls and I saw it in a theater and it’s already getting well used this week. One of the best Disney movies in recent history!
Secretariat: Again, inspiring story made all that more inspiring because it’s true. Just a very well done movie that was poignant and well worth the watch.
The Social Network: Whatever your thoughts on Facebook, this was a riveting depiction. It may not be fully accurate, but we found it fascinating. Excellent acting. Probably not worth being nominated for best picture, though.
Inception: Don’t ask us if we fully get it, but we sure liked it! Breathtaking visuals and special effects and a riveting storyline. Good characters.
WORTH THE TIME (or at least somewhat worth the time)
The Tourist: Not exactly what we were expected, but enjoyable enough. Johnny Depp = always entertaining; Angelina Jolie = never entertaining and totally overrated.
Salt: Despite the aforementioned, this was a decent CIA thriller.
The Switch: Mediocre at best. Really not the best storyline.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story: A troubled boy admits himself into a psychiatric ward and finds love and meaning. Pretty sweet story and the young actors do a fine job.
Morning Glory: Interesting take on producing a morning show. Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford are quite good. Diane Keaton is an amazing actress.
Life as We Know It: Two people are thrust together when they are charged to raise a baby whose parents are killed. Fairly predictable (as are a lot of movies these days!), but quirky, fun romantic comedy.
Get Low: dark drama about a man who wishes to be witness to his funeral service. Extremely slow, but nice period piece.
You Again: Another of the predictable kind, but had some genuinely funny parts.
Catfish: Didn’t know anything about this documentary, but was intriguing. It deals with the deceiving nature behind social networks.
Knight and Day: An amusing tongue-in-cheek action film that was just enough of this and that to make it enjoyable…even with Tom Cruise!
Red: Highly improbable, but a fun action/comedy.
The Special Relationship: Detailing the relationship between George W. Bush and Tony Blair. I enjoy biopics and this was pretty interesting.
The Other Guys: Hmmm….worth renting.
Charlie St. Cloud: Plays at the emotional heart strings. Anything but a Zac Efron fan, but it was alright.
Shrek Forever After: Love, love, love Shrek, but this wasn’t up to the normal snuff. Still a lot of laughs.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS
How Do You Know: Great actors (Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd) with zippo chemistry. And the plot, or lack thereof, is ridiculous. To make matters worse, we saw this in the theater. At least the popcorn was good!
The Romantics: Nothing remotely redeeming at all about this waste of movieness.
Cyrus: We watched this on the flight back from Hawaii and wanted a refund.
Dinner for Schmucks: Don’t bother. I won’t even bother commenting on how lame this was.
City Island: Haven’t heard of this? There are definitely reasons why!
Eat Pray Love: Avoid Ignore Hate.
Any thoughts on these movies, or any others you’ve seen? Feel free to leave a comment. And happy watching!
MUST SEE
Tangled: We absolutely LOVED this movie. It’s got it all: great story, excellent characters, large dosages of humor, romance, and 45,000 lanterns! The girls and I saw it in a theater and it’s already getting well used this week. One of the best Disney movies in recent history!
Secretariat: Again, inspiring story made all that more inspiring because it’s true. Just a very well done movie that was poignant and well worth the watch.
The Social Network: Whatever your thoughts on Facebook, this was a riveting depiction. It may not be fully accurate, but we found it fascinating. Excellent acting. Probably not worth being nominated for best picture, though.
Inception: Don’t ask us if we fully get it, but we sure liked it! Breathtaking visuals and special effects and a riveting storyline. Good characters.
WORTH THE TIME (or at least somewhat worth the time)
The Tourist: Not exactly what we were expected, but enjoyable enough. Johnny Depp = always entertaining; Angelina Jolie = never entertaining and totally overrated.
Salt: Despite the aforementioned, this was a decent CIA thriller.
The Switch: Mediocre at best. Really not the best storyline.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story: A troubled boy admits himself into a psychiatric ward and finds love and meaning. Pretty sweet story and the young actors do a fine job.
Morning Glory: Interesting take on producing a morning show. Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford are quite good. Diane Keaton is an amazing actress.
Life as We Know It: Two people are thrust together when they are charged to raise a baby whose parents are killed. Fairly predictable (as are a lot of movies these days!), but quirky, fun romantic comedy.
Get Low: dark drama about a man who wishes to be witness to his funeral service. Extremely slow, but nice period piece.
You Again: Another of the predictable kind, but had some genuinely funny parts.
Catfish: Didn’t know anything about this documentary, but was intriguing. It deals with the deceiving nature behind social networks.
Knight and Day: An amusing tongue-in-cheek action film that was just enough of this and that to make it enjoyable…even with Tom Cruise!
Red: Highly improbable, but a fun action/comedy.
The Special Relationship: Detailing the relationship between George W. Bush and Tony Blair. I enjoy biopics and this was pretty interesting.
The Other Guys: Hmmm….worth renting.
Charlie St. Cloud: Plays at the emotional heart strings. Anything but a Zac Efron fan, but it was alright.
Shrek Forever After: Love, love, love Shrek, but this wasn’t up to the normal snuff. Still a lot of laughs.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS
How Do You Know: Great actors (Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd) with zippo chemistry. And the plot, or lack thereof, is ridiculous. To make matters worse, we saw this in the theater. At least the popcorn was good!
The Romantics: Nothing remotely redeeming at all about this waste of movieness.
Cyrus: We watched this on the flight back from Hawaii and wanted a refund.
Dinner for Schmucks: Don’t bother. I won’t even bother commenting on how lame this was.
City Island: Haven’t heard of this? There are definitely reasons why!
Eat Pray Love: Avoid Ignore Hate.
Any thoughts on these movies, or any others you’ve seen? Feel free to leave a comment. And happy watching!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
March Happenings for the Smiths!
Here’s our quick odds and ends for March, 2011:
• Tuesdays are cursed in our home. The first Tuesday saw Elizabeth severely dislocate a finger playing basketball (looked awful!). She’s had a splint and has been going in for regular appointments and physical therapy. Painful. The second Tuesday found Tayah, while dancing, falling and gashing her face between her eyes. It was like a hole in her face! She ended up having five stitches inside and five stitches on the top…and our first ever trip to the emergency room. So, yes, Tuesdays are banned in our home. We’re just going to have two Wednesdays each week…
• Elizabeth got a year older and we celebrated with several outings as a family including Tucano’s (how we’ll eat in the Celestial Kingdom). She and I were able to go to dinner and to the Young Ambassador’s concert. Such amazing, talented students. And a wonderful wife and mother!
Cutest. Baby. Boy. Ever!
• Elizabeth and Sarah threw a baby shower for Tanya at our house. Thanks to those who came!
• Said baby, Sierra, joined our family and we’re excited to meet her (haven’t just yet).
• Jimmer became an adopted member of our family (and of every other Mormon family out there). What an amazing and exhilarating run! We went to one game and are thrilled the kids can say they saw him play. We also watched almost every game, including the fun March Madness run. Given the Brandon Davies situation, we were scrutinized like no other program, but most of the commentary has been very positive. Dad and I heard Dave Rose speak the same week at Cougar Club. Very powerful. So very proud of our Cougars!
• Thank goodness for Jimmer, for the Jazz were hard on the eyes…
• Kadence LOVED going to Peter and the Wolf at Abravanel Hall with Grandma Sarah and Danny and Mary Sue’s three oldest. She adored the music, costumes, and dancing, as well as the lunch out afterward. Tayah and I made it our daddy/daughter date, going to the Church History Museum (with a great kids exhibit) and Temple Square, followed by lunch.
• We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with green eggs and ham, green milk, and an Irish concert at the Orem Library.
• The girls and I attended a BYU gymnastics meet and a BYU women’s basketball game. They much preferred the latter, but at the former, were picked out of the crowd by the cheerleaders and helped give a rousing chicken dance performance during time out!
• I attended the BYU President’s Leadership Council meetings where we were shown some rate treasures from the Lee Library’s Special Collections, hear from the founder of RC Willey, and spent a lunch with President Uchtdorf.
• We also had BYU Alumni Board meetings and our annual student and employee giving campaigns.
• We loved attending Aubrey’s baptism and confirmation. So proud of you Aubrey!
• Church items: Elizabeth went on some ward missionary visits and attended book group; we continue to enjoy ward choir; Tayah said a prayer in primary; I attended a Little Philmont training; attended training with the Young Men general presidency; pine wood derby; conducted sacrament meetings; attended some fun youth activities; continue to enjoy playing (somewhat regularly) basketball with the ward.
• We were glad to have a family join us for FHE one Monday.
• The girls are still learning a lot at pre-school, as well as frequent library outings. Tayah has been pretty red-headed this month, but we love her! She is learning to control her tantrums and it’s getting better.
• Stockton is adding words to his vocabulary: some semblance of baby (“bee-bee”), yes (“yah”), no (he’s got this one down pat “no no no!”), did it (like I did it!), amen (“men”), papapapa (Grandpa), and “ball!” Tried to teach him Jimmer, but that’s a work in progress.
We also, like the rest of Utah County, purchased Tangled. Here are the girls with Rapunzel and Flynn from our Disneyland trip last month (stay tuned for that entry).
• Tuesdays are cursed in our home. The first Tuesday saw Elizabeth severely dislocate a finger playing basketball (looked awful!). She’s had a splint and has been going in for regular appointments and physical therapy. Painful. The second Tuesday found Tayah, while dancing, falling and gashing her face between her eyes. It was like a hole in her face! She ended up having five stitches inside and five stitches on the top…and our first ever trip to the emergency room. So, yes, Tuesdays are banned in our home. We’re just going to have two Wednesdays each week…
• Elizabeth got a year older and we celebrated with several outings as a family including Tucano’s (how we’ll eat in the Celestial Kingdom). She and I were able to go to dinner and to the Young Ambassador’s concert. Such amazing, talented students. And a wonderful wife and mother!
Cutest. Baby. Boy. Ever!• Elizabeth and Sarah threw a baby shower for Tanya at our house. Thanks to those who came!
• Said baby, Sierra, joined our family and we’re excited to meet her (haven’t just yet).
• Jimmer became an adopted member of our family (and of every other Mormon family out there). What an amazing and exhilarating run! We went to one game and are thrilled the kids can say they saw him play. We also watched almost every game, including the fun March Madness run. Given the Brandon Davies situation, we were scrutinized like no other program, but most of the commentary has been very positive. Dad and I heard Dave Rose speak the same week at Cougar Club. Very powerful. So very proud of our Cougars!
• Thank goodness for Jimmer, for the Jazz were hard on the eyes…
• Kadence LOVED going to Peter and the Wolf at Abravanel Hall with Grandma Sarah and Danny and Mary Sue’s three oldest. She adored the music, costumes, and dancing, as well as the lunch out afterward. Tayah and I made it our daddy/daughter date, going to the Church History Museum (with a great kids exhibit) and Temple Square, followed by lunch.
• We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with green eggs and ham, green milk, and an Irish concert at the Orem Library.
• The girls and I attended a BYU gymnastics meet and a BYU women’s basketball game. They much preferred the latter, but at the former, were picked out of the crowd by the cheerleaders and helped give a rousing chicken dance performance during time out!
• I attended the BYU President’s Leadership Council meetings where we were shown some rate treasures from the Lee Library’s Special Collections, hear from the founder of RC Willey, and spent a lunch with President Uchtdorf.
• We also had BYU Alumni Board meetings and our annual student and employee giving campaigns.
• We loved attending Aubrey’s baptism and confirmation. So proud of you Aubrey!
• Church items: Elizabeth went on some ward missionary visits and attended book group; we continue to enjoy ward choir; Tayah said a prayer in primary; I attended a Little Philmont training; attended training with the Young Men general presidency; pine wood derby; conducted sacrament meetings; attended some fun youth activities; continue to enjoy playing (somewhat regularly) basketball with the ward.
• We were glad to have a family join us for FHE one Monday.
• The girls are still learning a lot at pre-school, as well as frequent library outings. Tayah has been pretty red-headed this month, but we love her! She is learning to control her tantrums and it’s getting better.
• Stockton is adding words to his vocabulary: some semblance of baby (“bee-bee”), yes (“yah”), no (he’s got this one down pat “no no no!”), did it (like I did it!), amen (“men”), papapapa (Grandpa), and “ball!” Tried to teach him Jimmer, but that’s a work in progress.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)