Hey everybody! Its Jared! Yes its true your long lost (at least from the blog) brother and friend is posting! This post is titled "To the Women in my life" because well, I thought I should take a moment to let each of you know how thankful I am for you. (Namely Mom, Jen, Les, Becca, Mariah, Ashley, and last but not least my sweetheart Audrey)The amount that each of you have taught me is amazing. The influence and spirit each of you carry is as different and unique as you are and I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to interact and spend time around you. Anyways I wont drone on and try to thank each of you individually on the blog but feel free to call and I'll try to put into words maybe thru an experience I have had with you or something you have taught me just a little glimpse of my gratitude.
To close I thought I would put this little video in here. I was watching it this morning and mom thought each of you might like it. Its a video of an upcoming artist named Alex Lambert (Dont get him mixed up with Adam Lambert) I hope you enjoy it.
Here goes (and I love the funny stuff, so Becca should do another post to keep us all rolling...) * The 4th ward has us all take a family name off a tree at the ward christmas dinner to do a Christmas surprise for... we get the Harpers. (Remember Danene? Remember Danene's eyelashes???) So a few days later we make a little plate of goodies to take over. It is sunday afternoon, the sun is setting but we still have good light. We park beyond the Harper's house and do a u-turn so we are in the middle of the dead end street (ah, remember when Salem had places where there were no houses?) The older boys run up the street to the door with the gift, Jared wants to follow so badly, 4 years old and shoeless, we find him a pair of shoes in the car- they are too big because they are not his. I can still see Jared, grinning from ear to ear, shuffling (to keep the shoes on that are too big) down the middle of the road toward the Harper's. In the meantime the boys have delivered the gift, rang the bell, and are running like blazes toward the car. They pass Jared who continues grinning and shuffling away from the car and toward the Harpers. We frantically call him back- he does not come. shhhh shhhh shhhh go the shoes, taking the grinning boy closer and closer to Harpers. Danene opens the door, bends to pick up the gift, and looking up sees cute Jared- shhh shhh shhh. She laughes, "well, Hi Jared!" she says laughing, she looks up and waves to us (we're cracking up in the car...) "Merry Christmas!"
I love the OakRidge Boys and our little dance to "la la La LA!" That tradition started in Rexburg- dad was working at Osco and we were all anxious and waiting for him to come home that Christmas Eve so the celebration could begin. Time started to hang heavy so desperation kicked in as I looked for things to keep the evening fun and you kids entertained. I assigned you each a room and a light switch... Adam was stationed to watch for dad. We practiced Adam sounding the alarm and your response by rapidly flashing your assigned switch off and on, off and on. Playing in the back ground was, you guessed it... the Oak Ridge Boys. We turned off the lights and waited - a few minutes later Adam sounded the alarm and the windows of our home came alive with the flashing of the lights. Dad was so delighted by this happy welcome home, and you kids were so excited that you were practically glued to the ceiling. That night we did danced to "It's Christmas" for the first time, and I LOVED it.
Another one- I loved having you all sing us awake Christmas morning. We could hear you as you got your act together in the kitchen. Then the singing would begin, a little disjointed at first but gaining volume and strength- we would lay there for a minute or two and just listen. Fun memories, happy times.
And last- the year dad surprised me with the peach colored dress with the white lace collar- it was the perfect gift- I felt lovely in it, and well surprised and loved by him... but he has made me feel that way every Christmas.
It's the night before the night before Christmas... I have been reviewing posts and looking at pictures and smiling. Big tears, dear family. I loved how well Ben said he was quietly thinking and his thoughts turned to family. That's just what this time of year is all about, isn't it? I had a lot of fun planning my Christmas post, oh the pictures of Christmases past I could share, but alas, Mac is in Salt Lake getting a new disk drive among other things, while it is still under warranty- which is a good thing and has saved you all! (from the pictures...) I will be thinking of each of you during the next couple of days- I am so thankful to know my grandchildren are well provided for and loved. I am happy there will be something under the tree for each of them, and that sometime during the hustle and bustle they will hear once again the wonderful story of our Savior's birth- that is the most important thing of all. I love you all and wish you a merry, merry christmas! Mom/Denise
The Gnomes brought Ellie and Addison a gingerbread house kit and that got Adam inspired. He entered his at his holiday party--he didn't win, but he was robbed--that from an unbiased spectator!
His is a replica of a building on campus.
Here is hoping your week is filled with gnomes and other great visitors.
Ok, Mom. You asked for my Top 10 Christmas memories.
Although my bottom 10 would be funnier... which reminds me...
HA! Still one of my favorites.
But fine. We'll go with my Top 10.
10. Let's talk about the year in Rexburg that we snowmobiled up to get our Christmas tree. And Mom was huge pregnant with--Jared? Must've been? I remember someone (Bishop Stegelmeier is the person in my mind) who told us to just stand by our favorite tree and wait... and wait... while I contemplated the ice on my mittens and how long it might take me to freeze... Good times. That was a great tree, though. Huge. Dad had to keep cutting more off the bottom, until I think we eventually just hacked off the top so the angel could fit.
9. Who can forget the homemade Christmas? That's where we got our family flag, which I remember Mom presenting. It was also the year, if I remember right, that we all got pajamas that were left by a secret santa on the front porch. Mine had little flowers. Jen's had cabbage patch kids. And I pitched an ungrateful fit. Then I peed the bed in the night and all the colors ran together. *shaking head* So sorry, Mom and Dad. I can't even imagine waking up to 4 wet beds in a morning. *pale*
8. I remember the year that I got my Nutcracker. The joy. I also remember the year before, when I didn't. I got a record player instead with a post-it note from Santa that said that they were OUT of nutcrackers. Bunch of malarky. Santa came through the next year, though. Big time. I still love my nutcracker, Oscar. I think this was the year Jenny got hand weights as a gift. (Really, Jen? Had you asked for those???)
7. I remember Grandma Jean's last Christmas, which was spent--happily--at our house. I remember her reading the scriptures for the nativity. And I remember her whispering in my ear never to let anyone tell me that I wasn't as pretty as Jen, which made me wonder who she'd been talking to, as I had quite a complex about that. I'm still grateful to her for that.
6. I remember going up to Grandma and Grandpa Smith's and receiving a box of Captain Vitamin. I remember, another year, that they gave me a little heart locket--which, although not nearly as beautiful as the locket I have from Mom and Dad, it still meant a lot. Especially compared to Captain Vitamin.
5. Who can forget the CHRISTMAS WE GOT IT ALL. That would've been... 1985. I think. Cabbage Patch dolls. Adam got a video game (Atari?). Ben got, if I remember, his horse, Peaches. Our wildest dreams come true. This is also the first year that I have a memory of The Oakridge Boys being an integral part of our Christmas joy. (Which, PS, as I was listening to this CD in the car the other day I wondered if we were the last people on earth still listening to this album. For real. Caleb loves it. He requests his COWBOY SONG all the time.)
4. My Christmas as a missionary was fairly memorable. A beautiful drive up into the alps for a baptism at a small branch. Falling snow and Christmas trees lit with real candles. Christmas carols sung in their original German. It was so surreal. Oh yeah. And being maced in the train station. That was a real high point. But, besides that, the day was beautiful.
3. My first married Christmas, when we got--what?--18 inches of snow? We were supposed to go see the Nutcracker ballet up in Salt Lake the day after and it was snowing too much to go. I gave Dave everything I could think of: Sunday shoes and a sleeping bag. What awesome gifts. It's no wonder that I've never been able to live up to them since. *roll eyes*
2. Coming home from Los Angeles for Christmas in 1999. I was thin, pretty, and had a gorgeous new gray wool coat. Adam picked me up at the airport and said I looked nice. It was the nicest thing I think he's ever said to me. The highlight of that Christmas was being given my temple dress and temple clothes for my endowment just a few days after Christmas. I loved that.
1. And what deserves the #1 slot? Well this sounds funny, but I loved the Christmas when Jen got her basketball hoop and her floppy duck. She was so excited that it was the first Christmas I remember being outside myself enough to really enjoy watching someone else be that excited. I also just remember it being a year when everyone seemed well, content, and happy. And together. Which sounds like the nicest thing in the world to me right now.
That was fun, even if it didn't make sense.
Maybe tomorrow I'll countdown my top 10 Christmas movie scenes....
I know it has been a long time. I also know most of you know I am involved with a network marketing company called ACN. I have been working with this company for a little over a year now and I just got back from the international conference in San Diego, which was AMAZING and I had a blast.
I am so excited for the upcoming changes happening in ACN, I would like all of you to take a look at my website, as well as at the movies I have posted there. I will post links at the bottom of the post.
I got involved with this company because in the current economy and in the current situation I am in I cannot afford a lot of time to go to a job (= Just-Over-Broke) and if I am to give to Merciedies, and Ashlee the way I have always dreamed of it will take massive action and a residual income!
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I would be glad to research anything services you already have and compare the pricing, Just click compare my services and fill in the blanks.
While pictures are more interesting than text, videos are not always more interesting than pictures. These are post-worthy (at least for Gma and Gpa).
Caleb’s Thanksgiving play. Lots of kids yelling lines. Lots’ of paper bag Indians. Not many Pilgrims.
Dancing along with Shaun the Sheep:
A pretty good video of Ainsley right now. Sorry about the static. It did that when I shrunk it down.
Caleb at a treelighting ceremony. He was cold. He had good reason to be as he wouldn’t wear the coat I brought him. Later that week Becca bought him a new coat that actually fits. He put the hat like that himself.
In other news Emily and Becca had a great time at the Nutcracker the other day. Emily’s favorite dance was of course the very sensual interpretation of the Arabian dance. Sigh.
Merry Christmas to everyone. We’re enjoying the season here. The kids like their Christmas songs a lot. It’s looking like Bing Crosby might be our kids version of Julie Andrews as that’s what they hear constantly in the car.
You betcha! I had such a great time sharing Gretchen's baptism day with her- she had a twinkle in her eye and her dimples where firing off non-stop- it was a delightful day for a grandmother to have. I am excited to watch her as she continues to make good choices, the Lord has a work for her to do! This picture shows the fun, funny Gretchen we enjoyed- full of surprises and energy, life with her is lived at full speed. That's very appropriate as she fits right in there with her two sisters. Isn't it nice that Heavenly Father helps us be parents?
Hey all, I was at home last night and had just put Evie to bed and Mariah was at work, so I found myself with some quiet time. The Christmas tree lights were on and I sat down on the couch and just stared for a while. I suddenly found myself thinking of all that I have to be grateful for and things that mean so much to me. It always seems to happen to me this time of year. I thought of my two year old now doing her best impression of a rooster "Cock a dook a doo!" I thought of my wife, who at the time was hard at work and how much I miss her being at home for moments like this. I thought of the good job I have, and the opportunities I have coming. I thought of the apartment that we have, and how it has perfectly met our families needs. Thoughts like this just flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but to think of my family members. From coast to coast and just about everywhere in between. And I don't get to talk to all of you often as I would like, my quiet time at Christmas led me to all of you. I hope all is well and that all of you are feeling as blessed as I am. I love you all.
Hey everyone! Happy Holidays! I have not been able to log on to the blog since returning from Omaha- tonight I went back to old posts and then tried and it let me on, just no pictures- frustrating because I have some good ones. (oh, here's a message below "could not contact Blogger.com. Saving and publishing may fail... retrying.) Blast! Here goes anyway. We had such a fun time in Omaha- so good to be there for Gretchen's baptism, and to be with Jen and her fam. I will call "tech support" tomorrow and hope to get this fixed. (becca, of course) in the meantime, how about entries from all on "The Christmas I remember best..." or maybe submissions to the list "Top Ten Smith family memories from Christmases Past" Fun! Love you, hope this will publish, but the sign on the bottom says not! Denise/mom
I know, I know, Lafe gets a lot of air time--and the last one wasn't that great--but seriously it is only 30 seconds, so just humor us.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Will just thought that it was about time that I learned how to add the this family. Mom ,Smith and I had a great time in Omaha, for thanksgiving. The week started with a baptism (Gretchen), going spotting for deer, and end with a great Thanksgiving dinner at Phil and Pats O what a feast and the best company. The flights were great a little long in Denver, they are full. Bryan go us a great deal at the Hampton, the girls all came swimming and we all got very wet...
I want to thank every one for making such a great trip. Thanks Dms
So Lafe is pretty good at smiling at me and saying uh-oh everytime he throws his food down--I thought no problem I will get it on tape. 15 takes later--the only footage we had was of Addison getting really frustrated with Lafe and his sippy cup. He really can say it--darn kid.
Do you guys remember those Journals Mom and Dad bought us in Rexburg? The big hardbound ones that said "JOURNAL" on the front? In mine, one of the only things I consistently journaled (except for hideous drawings of princesses and princes with "loves first kiss" scrawled at the top) was what everyone was doing. And I mean EXACTLY what everyone was doing. Here is a riveting entry from 1987:
I am using the bathroom. My Mom is sitting in the living room. My dad is on a daddy daughter date with Jenny. Adam is playing with blocks. Levi is getting in "chruble". Ben is somewhere around here. Yesterday our family went to "Showbize Petzoe" there were toys by the "pownds" and not only that an animal band at the "Pitza Place." Ben got his new shoes. They are not white. They are black. With "Transfarmers on them." My mom is spanking Levi for not minding my Mom but it serves him right for not minding her.I am almost out of room on the page and I am tired now but I will never quit writing in The Journal.
If that isn't proof that journaling saves important things for posterity, I don't know what is. After all--the fact that Ben got shoes with TransFARMERS on them was practically a prophecy. (Although journaling in the bathroom?? Really??) And I'll bet Mom is SUPER glad that I documented her disciplining in action.
So, in that spirit--here is what everyone in my family is doing right now:
I'm sitting at the couch in my living room, which looks as if a Goodwill threw up in here. If I had some dynamite, I would just blow it up and start over. It smells like "Rosemary Bean Soup" from Deepak Chopra's Nourishing Body and Soul cookbook. Me and the Deepak. We're tight. I would give my right arm for a pan of lasagna right now. And I'd eat the WHOLE thing.
Caleb is sitting next to me, mouth breathing, because his nose is stuffy. One of his eyes is the color of the Energizer bunny. Awesome. He has eaten approximately 6 pumpkin cookies behind my back, and now he's off to sneak another. Do I stop him and deal with the screaming that will ensue, or just pass it off as "pumpkin IS a vegetable"... always the parenting dilemna.
Emily is writing in her journal. Only she wants ME to write in her journal, for her. Now she's decided to do a picture of me. That's always fun because they're so true to life with a big round body and hair that would do any Berkeley lesbian proud.
Ainsley is taking a nap. This is our second attempt at a nap today. When I tried earlier, she growled at me through the door. I swear, her screams would make young girls go sterile (as a favorite roommate of mine always used to say). Then, when you go get her, she looks at you triumphantly and says "I LOUD, Mama. I LOUD, you COME." *sigh*
Dave is gone to church. Even though we all stayed home sick, he went for Priesthood. Considering that church ended almost an hour ago, I surmise that he's either visiting with people in the hall, dropping in on people at home, or hiding from the wreckage at home. Perhaps d. all of the above.
The End. (but I'll never quit writing in The Journal. HAHAHA!)
We spent a nice day yesterday down in Fountain Green- Ben and Evie had come up from Mancos to help Ben's best friend Ross get 300 yards of fence in. They worked hard all day long and into the night- I watched for awhile, it 's hard physical labor. Dad played supervisor, I played grandma. I like this picture of Ben- we enjoyed spending some time with him. He can work his butt off, (as evidenced by his baggy britches-) but enjoyed the day. Working on the farm? Helping out a friend? Probably both. And here's a good picture of the man... it was good to have him there and share a day outside with him. Thanks to everyone for the way you have surrounded us- our family is our greatest blessing. Love to you all!
Hey all. :) Just got a phone that I can get online, yahoo! It's fun to see the cute costumes on my adorable nieces and nephews! Next step is for me to take pics on this phone and get them to upload. Posts really do stink without pics. We love you all and are looking forward to mom and dad coming soon. Hope your all healthy and happy. Loves
Igotta say California seems to be sticking with its health consciousness even through the most candy centered holiday of the year. I mean a pinata with no candy and school parties where no sweets are allowed. I got a chuckle in Addison's class watching the mom's taking around the humus--the thing is most kids took it. I really am mostly reformed when it comes to kids and sugar, but Halloween is Halloween and I say go for it--maybe next year we will live in a place that doesn't put the health of its youngsters above TRADITION. sheesh.
Yes, yes, I know that it is not the best thing in the world to video in sacrament meeting and to make matters worse I was sitting about 18 inches from the Stake president. (He politely didn't say a word) But Adam was gone and so I threw caution to wind and went for it. I didn't dare however lift the camera and it was a bit of a long song, but if you have two minutes that you don't feel like doing anything else this might be just the thing for you.
A little about Caleb and Becca’s birthdays. For Caleb we had an Airplane party at the house with some kids from church. About the most creative we got was cutting “wings” out of cardboard and taping them to their arms so they could be airplanes. I found a Blue Angels video taken from the cockpit (didn’t know they had room for “passengers” up there) so all the kids could watch and pretend to take off, then they ran through “rain” (streamers) and “clouds” (white balloons) and then crash landed in pillows. It was interesting to see that the one or two kids who are really Caleb’s friends were the ones still watching the blue angels video with their wings on after all the other kids had gotten bored with flying and went outside to play. Birds of a feather stick together I guess.
Yes that is a Thomas the Train hat – Caleb’s choice. Who really needs total fealty to the theme?
In the end the kids had the most fun playing with the toys that they brought Caleb as presents. We’ll just start with that next time and see if we can make it last two hours.
Becca posted a few pictures from her birthday celebration, which was our trip to the mountains to see the leaves. I thought I’d post a few more pictures:
It was definitely not an “Eat to Live” approved day. (This picnic spot for dinner was my favorite thing we did all day.)
The food conversion value of the “Eat to Evil” diet we consumed yesterday was about 8 tantrums/meltdowns (today) per marshmallow – although it varies child to child.
Ainsley kept wandering away during dinner over to the parking lot. Not sure why but it was rather amusing.
So Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife! I was blessed to marry the Birthday Queen.
Sorry for picture overload, but it’s better than me writing a 1000 words for each one.
Hooray for Caleb, the birthday boy of the week! I had to smile at this picture... such a cute little guy, and he still looks very much the same. Caleb, you were another long-distance baby, meaning Grandma Denise watched the clock and waited anxiously for the phone to ring on the day you were born- It never matters how far away a new baby is- everyone is always excited and happy when they are born. Grandpa Don and I came to see you for the first time when you were just a few weeks old- we spent Thanksgiving together and even went and bought a Christmas tree for your family. I will always remember sitting on the floor by your fireplace and holding you- you stole my heart right away. I am glad you are growing big and strong- such a big boy and a good brother. We love you, Caleb- Happy Birthday! Then on to the Birthday Queen! Happy Birthday, Rebecca!!! How you have always loved your birthday - you and I have laughed over your being restricted in sharing your birthday party plans and lists with us until your birthday was within 30 days- when you were small you would start in July- it was always alot of fun- besides you could divert your mind so easily to other things, like being the neighborhood librarian, or the producer/director of our family home evening play (I have that on video-). The world outside on the day you were born is as clear in my mind as a photograph- I remember waking Jenny and Adam, dad getting them dressed and then us dropping them off at a friend's house for the day as we headed up the hill to the hospital. It was a gorgeous day that I am so thankful for, and am also so thankful for you. Enjoy the day- assume your throne and let the celebration begin! I love you! Mom
We have been all over and it would be easier to convey what we have been up to on the phone or better yet in person. We will let you pick the method. :)
Addison finally saved enough money for a long bow. Here he is a couple of weeks ago at an archery range near our house. He is already saving money for some new arrows with replaceable tips.
We've had a good couple of weeks here. We loved our trip to Park City where we isolated ourselves from the house and the yard (along with the tasks that would beckon us there) so we could just do the conference thing. It was great. I have been volunteering to help with Mercedies kindergarten class each Friday morning- it's been good. It get to see her regularly, and get a hug in return. On our way home from Park City we took the salt lake valley route and visited the 2 parks in SLC that feature the Wasatch fault line. Fascinating! That's the fault line going up over the ridge above my left shoulder there... We also got to spend an evening with Evie - Fun! She kept us smiling every minute- busy, imaginative, and a little talker... I had a wonderful time with her. We bought our airline tickets for our trip to Omaha coming up in November- it's hard to believe that Gretchen is turning 8- I'm very excited to see them all and to share Gretchen's special day. We have not spent Thanksgiving with Jen and Bry since Gretchen was brand new so we are looking forward to a fun Holiday, and a fun week. Hope everyone is happy and well- love to each of you!
Saturday we went to a yard sale and scored this great costume for Lafe. The price was right $.50 but Lafe it seems is less than impressed with putting it on. So Ellie and Addison have been trading it back and forth all weekend and alternatly scaring and amusing the boy with it. This afternoon Lafe got fed up and put Addison in a cage--unitl he promised no more funny business. Lafe runs a tight ship!
Next time I'll tell her to do her impression of what she does when Little Old Ladies come up and say "Oooooh, what a beautiful little girl." Which is when she extends her arm at them, in a fist--sometimes in a gun--and starts growling "NO! NNNNNNNO!!! NO!" with her teeth bared. It's so Gremlin like (so cute and suddenly so NOT cute) that Little Old Ladies can't hobble away quick enough.
Does a birthday post for 3 people make it a birthday party? Here's hoping so, and here goes!First of all, William Lafe! Happy first birthday, little guy. I SO remember laying awake in the night waiting for a phone call that he was here and all was well. He gave his mama a run for the money- and I was so happy for the call that finally came. We got to spend some time with Lafe this summer and he is such a fun little guy to get to know (if you doubt this last just watch the patty cake video on You Tube- it'll have you smiling.) In the meantime- he's a man of few words- "hut!?!" We love you, Lafe, and are so happy to have you as a part of our family! Can it really be two years since this little miss came on the scene so spectacularly? Happy Birthday to Miss Ainsley Rebecca... it seems she's kept her mom and dad going since making her appearance on the family couch. ("I Bite!" she announces now with just a hint of mischief ) I remember this little one peering at me through the clear acrylic side-wall of her little hospital bed. She looked so small in such a big and complicated place- yet so large compared to some of the others that were also there. Breathe, Ainsley, breathe- such a little thing to have such importance... But now look- like the little energizer bunny she goes, goes, goes- and aren't we glad! Happy Birthday, Ainsley-pie- we love you!And now for the Big Guy- Happy Birthday, Bry! Bryan, David, Adam- the year 1977 was a great one for the Smith family. I remember the summer evening that he drove up to our house in his spiffy looking big black dodge truck- he had come to take me for a ride and an ice cream cone- it was a good time and is a happy memory for me. Bry taught me how to fold jeans correctly (thanks, Bry), and used to keep himself busy in the yard when they lived on Appleblossom Drive so I could rock Gracie (just months old) and put her to bed on the evenings Jen was at work- I was so thankful for the chance. Bry is a solid guy all of his girls can count on, and I love him for that. Happy Birthday, Bryan- I hope this year is a great one for you!
Welcome to our family blog. Post pictures, tell your latest jokes (DAD), upload a video from your fancy-pants Mac computer, and tell us all what's goin' on. It's so much easier than gossiping through Mom. S'rsly people.
And I will pester you about it. Cuz I'm super-awesome like that.
