hApPy BiRtHdAy LiNdSaY!

hApPy BiRtHdAy CoUgAr!

Quote calendar poll

So you've come over to the blog because you are DYING to vote on whether or not we do another quote calendar for 2011.

I've set it up at our blog, since I'm not able to set up polls on this blog I found out.

Please let me know what you think!

hApPy BiRtHdAy CoOpEr!

Lily and Christmas Friends

Lily was game for a special photo shoot. It is such fun to dress up little people when they can't talk back! I had lots of fun dress-up moments with my children and to get another chance is really fun. This little Santa suit was given to Meredith and it fits just right. I would love to see some of your Christmas "shoots".

"Ohhh JULIA!"

Isn't it quite amazing to have a child whose arrival you are particularly anticipating arrive during the Christmas season? A couple of excerpts from a church writing especially touched me recently that apply. A child helps us "rescue all that is finest down deep inside of us." "To help another human being reach one's celestial potential is our divine mission." The "ohhs" that come seem to be our first utterance. Maybe they come because words escape us when we are feeling the awe and wonder that come from that deepest place of within us. So Julia, "ohhh" and WELCOME.

Our Christmas Books

I just wanted to post a note of thanks to that wonderful someone who started one of our family's favorite Christmas traditions, the Christmas books. All year long these books are tucked away and I wish you could see how excited the kids are when they get to open the box of wrapped books all ready to unwrap. It's the beginning of a countdown to Christmas, beginning December 1st (we always start then knowing that we'll inevitably miss a day here or there).

This year Annalee actually tried to smuggle away one of the books after it had been unwrapped from it's place (the Christmas book basket and bin) hiding it in a towel as she was on her way into the car. "These are the most special books we ever get to read!" was her explanation.

Our rule is that these books never leave the room where the Christmas tree is and they get a lot of use there in that room all throughout December besides just the reading when they're first unwrapped. The kids just love these books and love reading with us the memory of the Christmas when they were recieved. The story of "Small One" will always associate itself with the year of Sammy's accident and the "The Night Before Christmas" with it's poem in the back was the book we recieved before we even had any kids (which to the kids it's really really hard to believe that ever a time existed!). The other books all have their stories too, and that's been part of the fun, the remembering.

So thank you, so much. I know it's not easy (or cheap) to keep this tradition up and just want you to know that we appreciate this. It's something that has woven itself into a loved tradition here at our house.

A STABLE of memories...

This is the stable that Dave built. This is the family that Dave and Jenny are building. We were in Seattle last weekend and went to D&J's ward. Jenny mentioned that Dave had built this stable in front of the church to particpate in the local community kick-off to the Christmas season. LOOK at the fencing. Does it remind any of you Smith kids of anything? How about the popsicle fencing that you all saw for years in our family's nativity setting? Cousin Norman made all the ceramic figures and the stable with the popsicle fencing. I think that may of been somewhere in Dave's memory bank. Amazing what we tuck away. Anyway, hope you all are enjoying putting yourselves into the scene that matters most!

So this is CHRISTMAS...

Here is the story of CHRISTMAS (the standing lettering in the picture). We meandered into a "Mel's type" store when we went for a walk while visiting Brady and Jocelyn. I admired (coveted?) this Christmas sign. Jocelyn liked it too. So, just before Jocelyn's birthday I asked Brady to go and get it for her from us. He reported back that she had already brought it home herself! But, not for herself - as a gift to us! Anyway, it was fun to have Brady get "hers" and hide it for me so that I could play "hot and cold" with her.

I had signed off on getting more Christmas decorations, but this one is really fun and looks so great on the mantle! Thanks Jocelyn and Brady.

Lucy's Baby Blessing

Hey Family,

This is Brady. I wanted to officially let everyone know that Lucy will be blessed in Las Vegas on December 27th at a 9:00am sacrament meeting. The address is 2091 Wigwam Parkway in Henderson, NV.

You are all invited although I do not expect anyone to make the trip so close to Christmas. For those of you who can make it, there will be a social gathering after sacrament meeting at the home of the Jones' that we would like all to attend. It would be helpful to know the headcount asap so that we can make the proper accommodations.

Happy Holidays,
Brady, Jocelyn, and Lucy

Cougars party went over great! Almost everyone invited showed up! Mom made some FABULOUS! martha stewart cupcakes! Thank you Mom, Dad, Dave, Jenny and Glitterbug!!

Cougars 5th Birthday~ Thank you Nonny and Papa for attending!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

hApPy BiRtHdAy JoCeLyN!

There is Room at the Inn!

The apt. above the garage is now available. We fulfilled our one year committment to house the missionaries. It really held some fun aspects. They were not to hard on the place and left all kinds of interesting things behind. Anyway, they did some cleaning, but Dad and I are in the process of CLEANING. Come visit and stay awhile!

Sammy Jo Turned 30 Today!

I asked Sammy what kind of cake she wanted. Honestly, the answer was NEARLY as clear as a bell - I heard "Tuxedo"... amazing, cause that was exactly what I was thinking! Well, this picture confirms - look where Sammy is looking. Total confirmation. Sammy had a nice birthday lunch - we joined her - and everyone sang. Meredith and Lily visited a little later, she had her massage and she was happy.

hApPy BiRtHdAy SaMmY!

Thirty and flirty!

ps- if anyone has a better picture of Sammy, please post it This is the only one I could find.

Who does this look like?

Came across this picture while looking for a movie to go see. Its from Sandra Bullock's new movie.

The Grandma & Siblings GET TOGETHER

Grandma lead the CHARGE - Who knows who is on the horse (hint: Colonial times - Williamsburg, VA., Revolutionary Wartime)?

We are a great time being together and seeing Williamsburg. The way it was been restored, preserved, and re-enacted was amazing - you really felt a unique sense for the times and the history. A favorite event was the Ghost Walk on Halloween night. We were in a group of about 14 and had a tour guide that took us to three homes that offered very dramatic stories of previously "haunted times" - the GHOSTS told the stories!
Something I'd like to comment on that this picture typifies. Of course, this is your Dad and Uncle Kit. Someone was always by Grandma's side for helping and just company. However, there was never any assignment or words exchanged - it just happened. Your Grandmother is an elect lady. Stay in touch with her.

We met Lucy!

A beautiful famioly portrait. Lucy is two weeks old. Isn't she pretty?
So fun to drop by and say hello to all and we loved seeing Brady's Comfort Dental operation. We had "work done" - who has tried nitreous oxide? I like it!

Trunk or Treat in Seattle!!

Hello All! It would be really fun if everyone could post their Halloween Pictures!! Here's a few of ours! Cougar was Optimus Prime- Transformer this year and Dave and Jennys kids looked so cute in the cowboy/girl outfits!!

Cougar had his Primary program today at church- his mouth was moving the whole time! The primary gives the parents a CD of all the songs so helps out a lot to listen at home! Tonight was game night! Played monkeys, sorry and ended with Twister~ Now he wants to play Bananas! 10 til 8 -- time for bed!!!

Cougar had his primary program today!

lucy

nonny asked for us to put a picture of baby lucy on the family blog.

We joined the YMCA & Dad's back dunkin' um!

Yep, that's Dad and he has been PRACTICING! We joined the new YMCA. I am enjoying the water classes, hot tub and sauna and ZUMBA, when I can. Meredith is enjoying classses, personal training and FREE child care (really very nice infant care - one on one), and Dad is on the machines. Dad has this particular machine that has improved his "spring"...well, you can see for yourself. Let him know you are impressed.

Blessing Day for Lilia Elaine Smith 9-27-09

Isn't she precious? Lily was blessed by her Papa at church. He held her more upright because thats what she likes and she could be heard "talking" towards the end of her blessing. I'll add some more pictures.

I had a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I awoke on my birth day to find this lovely array of surprises to remind me that I'm another year older. I'm glad! It's wonderful to be here and keep seeing whats going to happen next :) Thanks so much for your flowers, gifts, cards and phone calls. MOM

ALWAYS remember...

"If it's not KIND, NECESSARY, or TRUE, don't say it". Do you guys remember how we displayed this picture (Grandma Smith sketched it) over your growing up years and used it as a guideline? Each of you is pictured and the best way to honor your roots, your faith, your own families and yourself is to ALWAYS remember to let this simple admonition govern what you say. How are you doing? I am so proud of all of you!

hApPy BiRtHdAy MeG!

hApPy BiRtHdAy MoM/nOnNy !

hApPy BiRtHdAy JenNy sMiTh!

hApPy BiRtHdAy cHeLSea mcKeLLy sMiTh!

hApPy BiRtHdAy NaThAn sMiTh!

hApPy BiRtHdAy AnNaLee sMiTh!

hApPy BiRtHdAy sTeVie sMiTh

Roomate Wanted - Free Room & Board

Well, things are in place to welcome a special little girl soon. We did a "practice" run to the hospital on July 4th. It was a false alarm, but gave Meredith the confidence that the folks at the hospital were going to take very good care of her. The baby's due date is July 23rd, so she is now in the "zone". We go for walks and watch videos on how to take care of the baby, and attend childbirth classes. We'll keep you posted.

It Could Still Happen!

Our producer and media guys are headed to LA later this week to do some more "pitching" for the Empty Nester's show. I believe they have done a new 5 min intro. Also think they are understanding some of the weak spots and needs. There is a specific venue they are attending and have paid to have several opportunities for what is called the Pitching Pit - a chance to share your ideas with TV executives who look at new show opportunities. This could be alot of fun. I know it needs refining and the touch of the pros for creating what might work for a TV audience, but it could happen. Anything can happen if you try your best and believe in positive outcomes!

hApPy BiRtHdAy KiYa SmItH!