Our YES Girl

You know how's there such a thing as Yes Men at work? Well, Tayah has become our Yes Girl at home! No, she does not do everything Elizabeth and I ask her too--far from it. But the last week, she has mastered the art of saying "yes," quite emphathically. It is unbelievably cute to hear!

We couldn't be more thrilled to have recovered our photos and documents from our old computer. Now, to get rid of it. Anyone want a five-year old, corrupted, and somewhat clunky computer? You can see why I didn't go into sales... You'll start seeing some photos soon!

It's been a busy week. I looked at my calendar Monday and realized I had 28 hours of meetings this work week.

I attended the BYU forum on Tuesday featuring a well-known professor and presenter named Arthur Brooks. His specialty is the effects of giving. What a remarkable presentation...nothing we aren't aware of at work, but the way he shared it was deep and thoughtful. His main assertion: giving helps us be happier, healthier, and even wealthier. There is a direct correlation. He isn't a member of the Church, but shared scriptures from the Book of Mormon and thanked the University and Church for all the charitable things we do. It was a moving hour. I probably bored some of you with this paragraph, but so be it.

Well, it's a beautiful morning and I hope you all enjoy your Thursday!

RIP LHM

I know it may seem odd to include a post like this on our family blog, but hey...it's our blog and I'm writing this entry! Friday, Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller passed away due to diabetic complications. Anyone who knows me, knows that I kind of like the Utah Jazz. Needless to say, Larry meant a lot to me because of that. In fact, he once came and spoke to the LDS Philanthropies staff (he's been a loyal supporter and donor to BYU for many years). He spent 1 1/2 hours talking to us, sharing stories and encouragement. He even shared the moving story behind him keeping the Jazz in Utah (it involved President Hinckley. If you want to hear the story, I'll glad tell you!).

Afterwards, I took the opportunity to approach him and thank him for keeping the Jazz here. In fact, I thanked him for helping making my childhood what it was. It was a fun conversation.

But, beyond the basketball, he was simply an incredible person. Going from rags to riches through ingenuity, integrity and hard work, he led a truly remarkable life. He was a man who stuck to his guns, much to the chagrin of the "world." He did some controversial things, but never strayed from what he believed. I respect him greatly and will miss his energy, his candor, and his example. Like one of the many newspaper articles I've read, Utah lost "one of the good guys." We'll miss you Larry!

All Sorts of Fun!

Technology is great when it's working for us. The last week+, it's not been great! It looks like some virus attacked our computer and it just shut down one day. Thankfully, it looks like we'll be able to get back our photos and important documents (like our family newsletter entries and church talks--those always come in handy). In the meantime, after going computerless for a while, we have a new laptop. Believe it or not, it's our first lap top and we love it!

Second, Kadence is potty-trained! It only took two or three accidents for her to realize that she can do this. She tells us when she needs to go, whether at home or when we're out. We couldn't be more proud of her!

Third, she turned three last week! We had a gaggle of her girl friends over (very little male representation, to say the least). They just played and Elizabeth served up her marvelous Cinderella cake. Once we get our photos onto this computer, we'll post some photos.

Fourth, still doing two jobs. In an economy where many are looking for one job, I'm lucky to have a pair. Here's to job security! It's going well and I'm never wonting for things to do at work.

Fifth, we had a nice, quiet Valentine's Day. It was fun to just spend time together that evening after a busy morning (food drive, memorial service for a ward member, etc.). Elizabeth loved her roses and the girls loved their flowers too.

There's much more to write, but we'll save it for another day!

Kadenceisms:
"We're going to see Doctor Jensen for my hiccups!" (meaning her check-up)

David coughs
Kadence: "Daddy, you need to cover your mouth..." (David does) "Good Daddy!"

Tayahisms:
David: "Who's Daddy's baby?!"
Tayah: "Me too!"

Candid Shots

There's nothing in the world like good friends. Here are Kadence and Tayah having quite the party with Maili and Haeli (as evidenced by Tayah's crazy hair!)!



Here are our girls sitting down for dinner. Kadence was good enough to offer a blessing on the food!

Date Weekend!

First and foremost, Kadence is doing an outstanding job pottywise! Feel free to cheer wildly wherever you are. We've still got a ways to go, but she's definitely making progress. It's interesting to reacquaint ourselves with a life with only one diaper-wearing daughter!

Life is still busy and fun. We're still doing two jobs at work and it makes for long, jam-packed days. We are hoping for some news soon, but will be fine until then.



We had a stellar weekend. Saturday saw dates with Tayah (to the grocery store...she loved it, as did I!), Kadence (as you can see, she chose an outing to "Old McDonald," almost her pick every month), and Elizabeth (the Young Ambassadors concert). It was such a great day, especially the evening being able to go out together (thanks, as always, to Kara and Scott). We could not believe how much energy these BYU performers have. In fact, they probably did more out there than any athletic team does!

Quotables:
David: "Who's Daddy's baby?"
Tayah: "Meeeeee!" (then again, almost anytime we start a question with "who," the answer is typically me from our little red-head)

Kadence: "You be nice Tayah, or else I'll put in in time out. One...two..."

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!

Chance Encounter with Cosmo

Okay, so the title of this post is very misleading, but at least it got you reading today! Yes, Kadence and Tayah were able to touch and give five to Cosmo at Saturday's basketball game. No, we don't have photos. There was such a quick, mad rush to see the furry feline that we forgot the camera. Trust me...we did meet him.



So, we made it to our first basketball game of the season and the girls loved the crowd, the fight song, the basketball players and the company, although they got restless during the second half. Scott and Kara came with and Dad (my father) met us for the second half.



The girls sure liked Scott after he bribed them with some Red Vines. Just kidding, they love Uncle Scott and Aunt Kara a lot!



Deciding that the Marriott Center stairs weren't clean enough, Tayah decided to do something about it. Oh, by the way, the Cougs were victorious!