Birds of a Feather

One of the best things about having two girls so close in age is matching clothes. Here's proof!

Now for the update: little Tayah has been ill all week with something called Hand Foot Mouth Disease. I know...create name. The symptoms: blisters on hands, feet, and inside the mouth, some spots, and the dreaded d-word...diarrhea. All in all, Tayah's handled it quite well. I think she just enjoys the three outfits a day we averaged this week. She's on the mend and it'll be great to get to normal.

Other than that, things have been pretty much status quo with work, church, and home (status quo = busy!). We had a very relaxing Memorial Day. We also christened our new BBQ with some wonderful steaks Elizabeth grilled Sunday (while I was reacquainting myself with my daughters after a long day!).

We hope all is well for our family and friends!

Zoo Fun!

...since our last entry. For that, we apologize. It's been a busy week for the Smith Family. First, here are a few photos from our trip last week to Hogle Zoo. We have many, many more and will figure a way to get them on here as a slide show (all of them are posted on my Facebook profile). We had a ball. Thanks to Grandma Sarah for treating us to a fun day with the animals and with you! We saw all the classics- elephants, rhinos, zebras, bears, birds, turtles, penquins, and so forth. It was a rather chilly day with a touch of rain, but nothing could deter us from our long-awaited zoo trip with Grandma. We also loved having Aunt Kara will us. It was a day for us to remember!

The girls had the time of their young lives. Kadence is still talking about it. I think the most enjoyable and amazing part of being parents is watching things through their eyes. You see things in a totally different light.

Our next entry will let you know why we've been up to this week. Stay tuned for our latest adventures!

LDSP Building Dedication

Last Friday, our LDS Philanthropies Building was dedicated by President Henry B. Eyring. What a remarkable experience! We've been preparing for this for weeks and when it came to fruition, it was well worth it. President Eyring, President Samuelson, Elder Kerr, and Bishop Burton were all at the special session. President Eyring gave such tender comments, followed by a powerful prayer. I was able to participate in our choir number, "Because I Have Been Given Much." A public tour followed. It makes me ever so grateful to work where I do. To work in the area we do, and to do it in a building dedicated by one of our leaders is a true blessing.

President Eyring even came into my office and I was able to shake hands with him. This wasn't the first time I've shaken his hands. In fact, he's got a special place in my heart. Not only has he spoken numerous times to LDSP, but way back in late 1998, he visited our mission. As we got things ready for his visit last week, it made me recall that time in Japan. In both instances, we made sure things were spotless, that things were in order, and that we were absolutely ready for a visit from a prophet. Sister Komatsu, my mission mother, said afterward that she had spent a solid week preparing, ensuring that each nook and cranny was clean. Then she said something that I'll never forget: "It's wonderful that we did this, but shouldn't things always be in this condition?" She then paralleled our preparation for the Savior's Second Coming. If we found out He'd be returning next week, we'd be working double time to repent and be ready. In reality, we should always be our best so that if He did come, we'd have nothing to fear. This experience helped me recall this lesson my mission mother taught me so vividly.

This is Joy

No, joy is not out little Tayah waking up before 5:30 this morning. Joy has been holding her the past 45 minutes. Is there any feeling warmer and deeper than holding a little one, especially your own? If you can think of something that is better, I'd love to hear.

Last night, Kadence and I had a cuddle session too. She's pretty much on the mend, but she just wanted to be held. Lately, she's really taken a liking to the movie Emma. There is a song on that film that I've sung to her since she was born. The other day, Elizabeth and I were baffled as she suddenly burst out in song at the dinner table. We couldn't tell what she was singing for the life of us. Finally, it dawned on us...it was this song. It is so cute to hear her sing it. So, the past few evenings, she and I have watched that scene right before bed. I love moments like that.

I love being a daddy. I pinch myself sometimes to make sure that this is real. When I realize it is, I thank my Heavenly Father for sending Elizabeth and me these two little angels. I'm also grateful for my Elizabeth. We couldn't ask for a better wife and mother.

This truly is joy!

Opposites in All Things

Thankfully enough, the longer I live, the better I understand things (although sometimes it's quite the opposite!). Case in point: Kadence was terribly ill earlier this week, having a 103 degree fever. When this happens, as a parent, you naturally want to magically take it away from them...to alleviate their pain and discomfort. As she's gradually improved this week, we've all become ever so grateful for health. Opposites in all things. It's all part of Heavenly Father's plan for us. We become much more thankful for health we it's gone. We become much more grateful for family after a long day at work. We are even more thankful for the thrill of victory when the Jazz season is over (okay, that may be a stretch).

The simple point: Heavenly Father teaches us lessons in myriad ways and this is one I've gained a better perspective of this week.

Joined at the Hip

For Elizabeth and me, there is nothing sweeter than watching our girls play with each other. There is a lot to be said about the bond between sisters that formed almost instantly the day Tayah joined our little family. We love our girls!

Keeping Up With the Smiths

We've fallen a tad-bit behind, so here's the 411 on the Smith Clan.

As you can see, we have some new hair styles in the family. Tayah had her first pig tails last week. How adorable is this?! We even included the "after" photo, right before we put her down to bed. Elizabeth had a good amount taken off and I like the new look. I too got a hair cut, but that's as momentous as it sounds.

Thanks to those who voted on our poll about our dear friends Jim and Pam. We won't ruin it for those who didn't watch The Office last night.

The Jazz lost a heartbreaker the other night and are behind 3-2 to the evil Los Angeles Lakers. Hopefully being at home will aid the cause tonight. By the way, the Lakers are everything that is wrong with professional sports...arrogance, cokciness, and self-centeredness. Yes, I know those all mean the same thing (I did it on purpose!). Did I ever mention how much I dislike them?!

Last Friday, Elizabeth and I attended the BYU President's dinner, an annual event honoring some of the university's most loyal donors. It was a definite reminder as to why I do what I do at work. The entertainment, speakers (especially Elder Nelson and President Samuelson), the company, and the food were all fantastic.

That'll suffice for today. Thanks for reading family and friends!