tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12035872166265368482024-03-13T05:36:55.926-07:00Happily Ever AfterLife with the SmithsJennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-75251279773229070832014-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-31T07:00:05.656-08:00Flashback Friday - Spring 2012From my journal:<br />
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Spring 2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spring Break started
off great...<o:p></o:p></div>
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we enjoyed the MACfest
and all of the creative people who operated it<o:p></o:p></div>
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of course we visited
Fountain Hills on St. Patrick's day<o:p></o:p></div>
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we played Qwirkle<o:p></o:p></div>
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we sipped mojitos (by
Crystal Light)<o:p></o:p></div>
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we got a new couch!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, I got a new
calling<o:p></o:p></div>
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Primary Secretary<o:p></o:p></div>
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this new calling kind
of took over the remainder of the Spring<o:p></o:p></div>
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as I had to learn,
with no real training, how to do this calling<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to be organized<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to be flexible<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to work work with
others<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to deal with
criticism<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to love the
children (that came fast)<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to love the
teachers<o:p></o:p></div>
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how to love the
parents<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am grateful for this
opportunity to grow<o:p></o:p></div>
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although I have
experienced growing pains<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think I am getting
the hang of things<o:p></o:p></div>
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but....it is hard work<o:p></o:p></div>
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this has taught me the
importance of<o:p></o:p></div>
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organization: mentally and literally<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have learned that
life just will not go the way I want it to without working for it<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love learning from
the ladies I serve with – they are great examples<o:p></o:p></div>
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As far as family
moments, this Spring went by in a blur.....<o:p></o:p></div>
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I do remember
Harrison's Academic Night<o:p></o:p></div>
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Harrison and Todd's
Grand Canyon Field Trip<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fathers and Sons –
Mothers and Daughters<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alyssa's class party<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alyssa bridging to
Brownies<o:p></o:p></div>
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One big thunderstorm
on a half day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alyssa wanting a gold
tooth!<o:p></o:p></div>
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My life is good<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am a work in
progress<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am learning to enjoy
the little moments<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am learning to enjoy
myself<o:p></o:p></div>
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The City of Mesa does a festival every spring. I love them, as most of the events and activities are free. I took the kids on the day school got out for spring break. The funnest thing was the building of a life size saguaro cactus - with legos. The kids got to make bricks that would be made to build the lego cactus. We had a really fun time!</div>
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Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-37342628742605315932014-01-06T16:16:00.003-08:002014-01-06T16:16:39.813-08:00Temple Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I quickly snapped this picture with my phone one morning while entering the gym. I wish this picture could adequately express the beautiful red of this sunrise. I wasn't the only one in that parking lot taking a picture of this striking sight. Seeing the temple underneath that magnificent sky was amazing to behold. It felt holy. We see the temple on a daily basis while out and about. We are pretty lucky to be so close! </div>
Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-73078332699645862872014-01-03T15:34:00.002-08:002014-01-03T15:34:16.830-08:00Flashback Friday - Winter of 2011-2012<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN">This winter was great, a literal winter
wonderland! From my journal:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We kicked winter off with a two day stay at The
Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley.
It was frigid, for the desert, and rainy. Under the beautiful wintry sun's rays, the kids
played at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
We also took a ride on the train and then the carousel, I joined them
too. It was super fun to do something
out of the ordinary, even if we were shivering!
We then checked into the fanciest hotel I have ever been to. The Montelucia is gorgeous. Located directly under the famous Camelback
Mountain, the resort is a perfect respite from the city. Since we visited in December, it was
decorated for Christmas. The room we
stayed in was basic, but had nice finishing touches and gives me ideas for our
home's future. We took the kids out to
Sweet Tomatoes for dinner and they loved that place! I guess you can't go wrong with all you can
eat! In the morning, Todd and I traded
working out and watching the kids swim in the hot tub. We then came back to our side of town for a
delicious brunch at Cracker's and Harrison's last soccer game of the
season. Brennan joined us at the resort
later that afternoon, sadly the drizzling rain wasn't going away, so we went to
the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and then Goodwill - mismatched shopping trip
if I say so. We finally braved the cold
air and went to the hot tub in the pitch dark night! We played "Would You Rather" and
had a good time. The next morning we
checked out and drove back to Gilbert through fog, a true rarity here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The rest of December was filled with festivities
large and small. We had lots Cub Scout
Christmas parties - a den one where we painted ornaments, another where we
decorated cookies and watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas, and then a pack meeting
where we sang carols. For Daisies, we
painted ornaments too. For Smith family
home evening we watched part of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Alyssa had a fun class party and I got to
volunteer. I love volunteering in her
class! We invited our friends, the
Monroe's over for dinner and a little Play Station Move. December 23rd my family got together for
yummy Mexican food and Christmas gifts with Gavin and Karly, since they went to
California for Christmas this year.
Christmas Eve we had our usual party with Dad's side of the family and a
Christmas Eve brunch with Todd's family.
Christmas morning was just the four of us, then church, which was great,
and then opening gifts at my mom and dad's.
Later on, the Monroe's joined us for a baked ziti feast. It was a crazy couple of days! Even though I was so tired, I do realize how
lucky I am to have so many people to celebrate with. Honestly, all I remember about New Year's is
that the kids and I were in my bed and Todd stayed up late and came to kiss us
at midnight! New Year's Eve, we spent
with Gavin, Karly, and Tanner, and Karly's brother's family at the park. The weather was perfect, the kids and adults
had fun, and Gavin let us play with his helicopter! Then we came back to our house and played
four-square with Brennan in our drive way.
I remember lots of teasing and laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">These pictures were taken Christmas morning. My mom made Alyssa's dress.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">January came too soon and the kids had to start school again.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Some great things are happening this new year.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">We are being more diligent than ever in reading scriptures as a family.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">As a result, I have noticed Alyssa has become a better reader and Harrison is soaking the words right up.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">He makes connections between the ancient prophets and how their words pertain to our day.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">He doesn't care for the Isaiah chapters though.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">We are also doing Family Night better.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Todd makes it a point to come home earlier on Mondays and plans the meetings.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Our kids really like it.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Harrison smiles when we get together.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">He likes to get his agenda out when we calendar our week so that he can write our schedule in his agenda.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">Alyssa loves to lead the music.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">They are learning the Articles of Faith too - and we are relearning them!</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">I credit this to Todd's influence.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">I am so happy and proud of him for taking initiative.</span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;">The spirit in our home is sweeter than before.</span><br /><span lang="EN"></span></div>
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Alyssa's Daisy Girl Scout Troop joined a World's Fair. We represented Germany.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles after getting her ears pierced</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">Alyssa received "The Secret Garden" for Christmas and the two of us read it together.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">We then watched the movie.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">It was so awesome to read with Alyssa.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">She reads with such cute intonations.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">It was even better to watch her watch the movie.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">It is a slower movie, less flashy than anything on Disney or Nickelodeon, but she was enthralled.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">She really knew the story.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;">This is so exciting to me.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> I</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> love seeing her relationship with literature blossom.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-align: start;"> </span><br />
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We went "hiking" on President's Day. We visited Hole in the Rock and "A" Mountain.<br />
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<span lang="EN">Harrison is a great helper. He makes lunch for himself and Alyssa nearly
every school day. I don't even have to
remind him anymore. He is also so
smart! He is getting straight A's. He still loves Legos. He does his best to choose the right. He goes home from Cubs with Zach Berrett
until I am done with my den. I am so
glad that he can make friends and be a friend.
I still can't believe that he is 9.
When did that sweet, tiny baby turn into this brainy boy who loves to
listen to Coldplay? In the blink of an
eye, that's when.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Todd is doing very well at work. He is the 1st Counselor in the Elder's Quorum
and is doing a good job. He is ever studious
in the scriptures and is currently in The Old Testament. He is a good example to me, I need to be
better! He is starting to get into
biking, which is fun. We went to a Suns
Game VIP style and met Jerry Coanglo.
Sometimes I can't believe that we are experiencing the things we are! We still go out once a week for lunch. There is a blond girl that works there and is
always so happy to see us! Todd took me
to see "Wicked", which was fabulous. He
got us 10th row tickets! Super fun, even
though we were both getting over the stomach flu! I feel very content in my relationship with
Todd, it just keeps getting better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">I am a work in progress. Admittedly, I see my family through rose
colored glasses and/or forgive them for their flaws more easily than I do
mine. I see me needing to eat better,
run faster and stronger, read my Sunday lessons every week, be a better mother,
wife, etc.....BUT, I have made progression these past few months. I have been doing better at Weight Watchers
and am 5 pounds from goal. I am running
longer distances, even if slow, and I really enjoy my runs. I am biking long distances and am loving
those bike rides too. The endorphins can
not be replicated any other way! I have
attended the temple. I have read some of
my lessons. I am making it to church on
time. I genuinely love my cub scouts
and girl scouts. We sold cookies for
girl scouts. We are doing more fun
family activities, like hikes, games, Superbowl parties, and Astronomy Nights
at the Planetarium. I am trying my best
to really listen to my kids. I am so in
love with my kids. I miss them when they
go to school. I think they are so great
and I am trying to find ways to help them develop into what their Heavenly
Father wants them to become. I have a
great partner in Todd who balances me out.
I will use the word content again, that is how I feel most of the time
with my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Nothing spectacular happened this winter, but it
was a spectacular winter! We enjoyed
each other. We have learned with and
from each other. We have loved each
other. As this season ends, another is
beginning, and with it are a multitude of opportunities for growth, learning,
fun, and love. Good-bye winter. We will miss you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-19358232642084412982014-01-02T17:35:00.000-08:002014-01-02T17:35:12.383-08:00Harper Lennon Smith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Harper Lennon Smith</div>
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August 4th 2013</div>
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10:21 am</div>
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8 pounds 5 ounces</div>
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21 1/2 inches </div>
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Harper has been an amazing addition to our family and we are so grateful to have her. We named her after Harper Lee, who wrote my favorite book, "To Kill A Mockingbird" and John Lennon, one of the Fab Four. I pray she can be as thoughtful and thought provoking as those two artists were. Harrison and Alyssa love having a baby sibling and were such a great help to me when I was pregnant and now that she is here. We are a happy family of five!</div>
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Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-8463602229683954622014-01-01T20:35:00.000-08:002014-01-02T08:50:33.972-08:00Happy New Year!Well, we did it, we survived another holiday season! Having this little bundle of joy along for the ride this year made it crazy hectic, but crazy fun too. She is the best thing that happened to the Smith family in 2013 for sure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harper Lennon Smith<br />Born August 4, 2013</td></tr>
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To celebrate the new year, we went to the Phoenix Zoo. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the animals were more active than I've ever seen before. Most notably, the cobra was dancing around his glass case and the magnificently beautiful Mexican Wolf was prancing about his enclosure. We stopped by Jimmy John's for some lunch on the way home. Todd and Harrison went to see "The Hobbit" later in the afternoon while the girls and I napped. We rounded out the day with a simple dinner home. I can only hope the rest of 2014 will be as wonderful as today!<br />
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<br />Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-37525840303172825142013-11-22T14:19:00.000-08:002013-11-22T14:19:12.744-08:00Good Bye to ThailandAs I was looking through the entries in the journal I keep on my computer, I came across this entry I wrote shortly after we returned from Thailand. For posterity, I have to include this entry, even if it repeats much of what I shared before:<br />
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<span lang="EN">Thailand July 1-11 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Long layover in SLC overlooking the gorgeous
Wasatch Mountains, excited and weary for the long flight ahead. Watching movies together on plane, pretty
good airplane food. Layover in Tokyo -
it is surreal being in my ancestors homeland.
Another long flight to Bangkok.
So excited to see Todd's parents in the middle on the night in
Thailand. Our first view of Thailand is
in the pitch black, it looks like a metropolis, not a jungle. Their home is large and nice, our bedroom is
nice and cool. I read until 4am, can't
sleep, Todd can. We have church at
9am. Met Noi, very nice. We went to church and got the first real view
of Thailand. It is wet and green. A city in the jungle. Our glasses automatically fog up when we exit
an air-conditioned building or car. The
church is in a small building where sacrament meeting, Sunday School, and
Relief Society all taking place in the same room. The families are all so cute. We had missionaries translate for us and then
members for the other meetings. The
lessons were great and the same lessons being taught back home. I felt the spirit. I also felt how much Janis loves the people
there and how much they love her. We got
home and snacked on cheese, crackers, and delicious Thai fruit. I needed a nap and while I napped it poured
heavily. Todd woke me up for a yummy
dinner with the whole family. I am jet
lagged. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The next morning we went to the
Floating Market, the Snake Farm, and the Rose Garden. The sun in Thailand is much closer to the
Earth than in Arizona. It is warm and
humid! We met Italian tourists at the
Rose Garden and it was fun to see Todd talk with them. We rode and fed an elephant, held and kissed
a snake, and watched an elephant and Thai cultural show. The people here seem so nice. The snake performer - you pay with your
money, we pay with our lives. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We went to
an enormous mall where we bought some souvenirs. It is amazing how huge this mall is, Bangkok
is swarming with people, cars, traffic.
We went to the beautiful Jim Thompson home. The gardens and his home are beautiful. The restaurant was delicious, but Noi's is
just as good! Noi showed me how to make
Coconut Soup. We went to workout at the
gym, went on walks with Noi and Janis.
We got manicures and pedicures at a nice salon. It was so relaxing, a nice treat. Went to the Big C, like Wal-Mart, which has a
food court in the bottom floor. The
street food trucks serve drinks in plastic bags, and they eat a ton of
pork. We went to Que Pasa's for
"Mexican" food. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We went up to
the mountains, road trip!! We saw wild
deer and a wild monkey at the state park, although no wild elephants. Thai girl took a picture with us, I guess
Americans are a rare picture opportunity.
The country has beautiful green, rolling hills with giant, golden Buddhas
sitting atop of the mountains, or fields.
It is eerie looking to me. We
went to a meeting house, which is similar in size to our seminary buildings. We spoke to missionaries there. Their enthusiasm is inspiring. Janis knitted a blanket, Todd snoozed on and
off. We went to chok-tai -
hamburgers. These were delicious. It was funny how American West it looked. We heard there was a "haboob" back
home, it made the Thai news! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We went to
the Grand Palace with Mike, it is overwhelming, so intricate and beautiful, but
it is a lot of information to take in.
We went to the reclining budda, huge and again, eerie, not my favorite
thing. There was a grade school on site,
and I loved seeing the students in their adorable school uniforms. I love school! We went on a boat across a muddy river to the
Temple of the Dawn and climbed the stairs to the top. It offered a beautiful view of Bangkok. The weirdest thing about Bangkok, to me, is
how flat it is. We could see out forever
it seemed. (It was a really long road trip to the mountains the day
before). </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We went to a park in downtown
Bangkok where President Hinckley dedicated Thailand for missionary service back
in the 1960s. The park was beautiful,
very similar to what we have at home, except for the free exercise
equipment! It is like gyms in the middle
of the park, free to the public. There
aren't heavy people here in Thailand. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">The traffic is crazy and the drivers are defensive, Janis doesn't drive
here. Being in a taxi is like an
amusement park ride at times. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We went to
Ayyutia, which has ancient ruins. It is
cool to look at, but also sad, because they are in ruins due to war. It was extremely hot this day and we stayed
anyway to watch an Elephant show. The
best part happened before the show though, an elephant kissed Janis on the
cheek and then grabbed her chest! They
have cute personalities, yet I can't forget that they are huge animals, some
with sharp tusks, and they are roaming right next to us. How can that be safe at all? One tourist, Australian I think, asked Todd
to video her dancing with an elephant.
She fed it bananas, soda, and kept hugging and kissing it - this
massive animal. Yet, a bee was swarming
around her and she got so scared of that bee that she dropped her drink and ran
away from it. I couldn't hold back my
laughter. Sure, I wouldn't want to get
stung by a bee, but being trampled by an elephant is way more scary to me! The show was great, elephants make great
dancers. They have better rhythm than I
do, that is for sure. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">After we sweated
almost to death and were dirty and smelled like elephants, we left Ayyutia to
go to a shopping mall. Getting to the
mall was fine, no real traffic, but finding a parking space was another
story. It seemed like there were at
least 20 levels in the mall parking garage.
It was worth it though. When we
got to the mall, Mike treated us to ovaltine and a pastry. It doesn't sound good, but it was great! First, watching them making the ovaltine was
a great show, second, it was absolutely delicious. We came home and started packing up to get
ready to go home to our kids in Arizona.
I was sad to leave, but ready to see my kids again! We had pizza for dinner and we tried to get
some sleep before leaving in the middle of the night for the airport. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We left Thailand the way we came, in the
dark. It is a beautiful country, with
even more beautiful, gracious people. I
can see why Mike and Janis love it so much.
This was a trip of a lifetime, and I will be forever grateful to Todd's
parents for treating us to a fabulous time.
Most of this country flooded shortly after we left and that makes me so
sad. I often wonder what beautiful sites
I visited are now ruined. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-5468268187307178902013-11-22T13:44:00.002-08:002013-11-22T13:48:05.035-08:00Autumn Appreciation 2011<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
From my journal:</div>
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<span lang="EN"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">It's bizarre, I get anxious when the school year
starts.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I worry about the kids, about
their school work, the routine, the good-bye to lazy summer days.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Yet, these things are exactly what we need
after a few</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">months off.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">That is the wonderful, amazing thing about life.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The cycles it brings.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffH14o5Q7nw/Uo_H45UB99I/AAAAAAAABy0/6LEFXhA01O4/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffH14o5Q7nw/Uo_H45UB99I/AAAAAAAABy0/6LEFXhA01O4/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this selfie right after I got the phone call that I was an aunt again! My brother, Gavin and his wife, Karly, have an adorable little boy, Tanner. We were so excited!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">Actually, autumn doesn't come until school has
been in session for about 9 weeks, but in Arizona, we create our seasons
instead of the weather! This
"autumn" started with a fun
visit from my good friend Marsha and her family. We spent the entire last day of summer at her
hotel's poolside. It helped keep my back
to school blues away! The first and second
day of school, I volunteered in the kindergarten class, with Alyssa's old
kindergarten teacher. I saw "The
Help" with Marsha, which was a great movie, as good as the book it was
based on! The second day of school, we
had a pizza party with Marsha's family and the NFL football season officially
started. We finished off the week with a
girl's night - with Marsha and Stephanie, and another pool party. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Harrison is in fourth grade, Alyssa in
first. They love their teachers, Mrs.
Clifford and Mrs. Doutrich. Harrison is
also in ALP for math and language. He is
doing quite well, as is Alyssa. I have
enjoyed volunteering in their classrooms through art masterpiece, parties, and
just helping with centers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Harrison has entered the exciting world of soccer this fall. His coach, Brother Whaley, is a great
motivator. I am happy that Harrison is
having fun with it. Harrison is
continuing in Cub Scouts and is a Bear this year with Sisters Moody and
Schmidt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvZdss6HlYY/Uo_H5tzB5HI/AAAAAAAABzA/aq16_4OuR54/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvZdss6HlYY/Uo_H5tzB5HI/AAAAAAAABzA/aq16_4OuR54/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3vRQqsohMs/Uo_H6cux-CI/AAAAAAAABzI/xoYkMYIyjrc/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3vRQqsohMs/Uo_H6cux-CI/AAAAAAAABzI/xoYkMYIyjrc/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb9AgZ6oaDo/Uo_H6aL_2OI/AAAAAAAABzU/mkqDiCkkxGE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb9AgZ6oaDo/Uo_H6aL_2OI/AAAAAAAABzU/mkqDiCkkxGE/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harrison's Fourth Grade musical - "Arizona"</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">Alyssa is a Daisy Girl Scout and I am her leader
along with Tamara Noel. She loves it and
we have had fun together. This fall, we
participated in the Veteran's Day Parade along Mill Avenue in Tempe. She turned six this October! I can't believe how grown up she is becoming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">We had a few trips this season. Todd and I took a last minute trip to Vegas
for Todd's 5 year Law School reunion.
Vegas was just how I remembered it.
We stayed in our old neighborhood and it was sentimental to see our old
haunts. Law School was a wonderful time
for us. We learned and grew a lot. My babies grew up there! Vegas will always have a special place in my
heart. The strip, however, does
not! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">A few weeks later all four of us went to Salt
Lake City for the ASU/UofU football game.
We stayed with Trevor and Whitney.
It was a fun, relaxing trip. We
had great food, enjoyed cold weather, and saw extended family too. The best part was lying in bed with Whitney
watching reality tv and totally relaxing.
It was just what I needed! On the
way back home, we stopped at Cove Fort and The Mountains Meadows Massacre site. We drove through St. George and Vegas -
again! It was nice to get away for a few
days as a family.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1H292FGqPWM/Uo_H8lTyo-I/AAAAAAAABzk/Rc8ce_jk2KM/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1H292FGqPWM/Uo_H8lTyo-I/AAAAAAAABzk/Rc8ce_jk2KM/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swinging at Liberty Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVsJM3etnNU/Uo_H9yt1XoI/AAAAAAAABzs/Nd3NM-9qJkY/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVsJM3etnNU/Uo_H9yt1XoI/AAAAAAAABzs/Nd3NM-9qJkY/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">anytime we take a picture of Harrison he loves to flash "Go Devils"</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9Lgjv3aJ3I/Uo_H-ziRniI/AAAAAAAABzw/Wph1k6dhNOs/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9Lgjv3aJ3I/Uo_H-ziRniI/AAAAAAAABzw/Wph1k6dhNOs/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what a cute playground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPLyDG6AzR0/Uo_H-9ssfQI/AAAAAAAABz4/H_M8bknFJu0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPLyDG6AzR0/Uo_H-9ssfQI/AAAAAAAABz4/H_M8bknFJu0/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with my sweet boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1QInw_gsS4/Uo_H_UJVgFI/AAAAAAAABz8/vniIPtj6DOU/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c1QInw_gsS4/Uo_H_UJVgFI/AAAAAAAABz8/vniIPtj6DOU/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with my sweet girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSlssLLkuTo/Uo_ICD0e6gI/AAAAAAAAB0M/L4jZKcLvNj0/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSlssLLkuTo/Uo_ICD0e6gI/AAAAAAAAB0M/L4jZKcLvNj0/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">climbing around</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XkSFBj22Eo/Uo_ICtVL5bI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/7u06E--vOYs/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XkSFBj22Eo/Uo_ICtVL5bI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/7u06E--vOYs/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU669eA12_Y/Uo_ICi4bCGI/AAAAAAAAB0U/5aphUuB-LlU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU669eA12_Y/Uo_ICi4bCGI/AAAAAAAAB0U/5aphUuB-LlU/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Enn_DsMXCQI/Uo_IDYRWhEI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/W0m9b3ho1HQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Enn_DsMXCQI/Uo_IDYRWhEI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/W0m9b3ho1HQ/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oI_X-j42MaU/Uo_IDgpRlKI/AAAAAAAAB0g/yWK70ivjBZM/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oI_X-j42MaU/Uo_IDgpRlKI/AAAAAAAAB0g/yWK70ivjBZM/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a> Todd read about Mountain Meadows and wanted to pay his respects.....it was very a very solemn visit.</div>
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<span lang="EN">Fall Break was fabulous. It kicked off with the Utah trip. After our return, we had an Apple Store field
trip with Wolf Cub Scouts - of which I am still leading - and made music
videos. We enjoyed a park day, a movie
day, and other relaxing days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cute Wolves dressed up to rock and roll!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">This fall, Todd and I have been having fairly
regular lunch dates on Tuesdays. We love
it. We are boring and generally go to
the same place, Rubio's. They know us
there now. It is a great time in our
life to have the freedom and ability to spend time together in the middle of
the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Halloween was celebrated in mass abundance. I think we had a total of 9 parties! Overkill?
Absolutely! The best part was
Halloween night. We set up a monster
laboratory in our driveway, BBQ-ed hot dogs and had macaroni and cheese - Karly's
family tradition. We met our neighbors
thanks to the "lab". It was a
missionary attempt, but we were blessed by having fun meeting the
neighbors. Karly and I took the kids
trick or treating, while Gavin and Todd manned the lab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">My birthday was celebrated in mass abundance
too. It is a little embarrassing. I am a lucky, lucky girl to have so many
family and friends who want to celebrate with me. The best birthday gift was the cooler weather
that finally graced us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Do you want to know what else was celebrated in
mass abundance this fall? ASU
football. Todd has gone to the majority
of their games, and for awhile I thought he was their good luck charm. The luck has run out though as their winning
streak has fizzled. I won't go to a game
while it is still ridiculously hot, I don't like football or the heat. I did accompany Todd to the Homecoming Game,
and enjoyed the free food and limitless supply of Diet Coke....One of the
benefits of being a Sundevil Sponser! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Thanksgiving was wonderful. I love how we focus more on our blessings
this time of year. We have so many. After some health problems I have had in the
past, I am especially grateful for my body, my health, and the ability to
exercise. Thanks to my friend, Stephanie
Pratt, I have been inspired to run again.
We started by meeting at Tempe Town Lake and walking its perimeter, 5
miles, every other Saturday. She signed
up for the turkey trot, a 10k, on Thanksgiving.
I decided to do it too. I ran
every step and felt great! I had a
runner's high all Thanksgiving Day. I am
thankful to be running again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">I am so grateful and appreciative of my
life. I have so much. My family is my greatest joy. Todd is a great husband and so supportive of me
and my endeavors. He loves me and loves
our children and isn't afraid to show it.
Harrison is so smart, funny, and a great help to me. He is a deep thinker and has caused me to
think of things differently. I enjoy
spending time with him. Alyssa is a diva
with a heart of gold. She is smart and
thoughtful. She is learning to read and
write. She writes copious notes in her notebook all the time. I always wanted a family and the family I
have been blessed with is more amazing than the one I dreamed of having. I couldn't ask for anything more. As we move from Autumn into the Christmas
season, I plan on carrying with me my thankful heart. </span></div>
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My sister-in-law, Janette, and I took our kids to a pumpkin patch before Halloween. Oh boy, it was fun, and super hot and sweaty. I think that pumpkin patch farmers should stay open all winter. It is just too hot to really enjoy fall festivities in October!</div>
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"Riding" horses</div>
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Cute, sweaty kids</div>
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Enjoying the petting zoo</div>
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Going on a ride</div>
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Cousin fun!</div>
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<br />Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-18667444708095189772013-11-22T12:39:00.000-08:002013-11-22T12:39:12.200-08:00More Thailand Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Floating Market reminded me a lot of the shops in Nogales, Mexico. All of these little shops were lined up on the canals. Most of the shops sold the same goods and would try to sell us their products for less than their competitors. The whole time you are on a little boat being guided by its own captain. When we would float by shops, the owners would stick this hook like contraption to our boat and pull us to their shop. All transactions take place without us having to leave our boat. It was a very unique shopping experience.<br />
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These temples were everywhere. </div>
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All of the boats to take people around the market</div>
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This sign says "Cobra Show Thailand". The show's announcer let us know that these snake handlers were risking their lives performing for us. Indeed, snake handlers at this location had been killed. This was pretty crazy. Janis had us sit in the front row saying that we were totally safe. Um...no, not necessarily. There were hardly any barriers between us and the snakes. I stayed in the front row for a while, but when the jumping snakes came out, I high tailed it to the last row!</div>
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See Todd and Janis and the snakes not too far away?</div>
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The snake garden also hosted crocodiles! My mother-in-law has sat on one before. I need to find that picture!</div>
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The Rose Garden was very beautiful and a lot more peaceful than the snake garden!</div>
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Riding the elephant was fun, but slow. We got to feed this guy when we were done with our ride. Elephants are pretty sweet for being a two ton beast!</div>
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I went to the restroom and came back to see Todd holding a python! I was roped into holding him too! I kept on telling myself that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and do things I wouldn't ordinarily do. So, snake holding and kissing happened!</div>
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These elephants were performers. These little babies were so cute. They were very friendly.</div>
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This is Thai fruit cut up to look like flowers. So beautiful.</div>
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Enjoying some ice cream and hoping it will cool us down.</div>
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Todd thought this stray cat looked picture worthy. The song from "Lady and The Tramp" was playing in my head....."We are Siamese if you please".....Thailand used to be Siam.</div>
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Grinding rice</div>
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Rice paddies</div>
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Thai Ox</div>
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Elephant show....this is where Todd met the Italians. Every trip we go on Todd comes across Italians and gets to use his rusty Italian language skills. We have got to go to Italy some day!!</div>
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The Thai Cultural Show. This show portrayed Thailand's beautiful history. It was very interesting!</div>
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These beautiful dancers pulled me onto the floor. I am pretty shy and introverted, but going with my trip's mantra, I went for it and tried not to be too awkward!</div>
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Our view from our bedroom. This day we went into downtown Bangkok to the Jim Thompson house. He was a textile designer and architect. His home was gorgeous. His story is interesting. He was in Thailand working and then just vanished. </div>
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We went to The Big C - it is like Wal-Mart and they had a food court, which of course featured a McDonalds! The McDonalds over there does not offer Big Macs and such, they serve Thai food, fast.</div>
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The Capitol City, with Todd's Dad.</div>
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That is the Temple of The Dawn above. Todd and I climbed to the top.</div>
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These worshipers looked so hopeful and beautiful to me. Shame on me, I took a picture of them as they were praying.</div>
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The "sleeping Buddha"....so enormous.</div>
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These school kids were too adorable.</div>
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I was really excited to see Monks. I shamefully took a picture on the sly.</div>
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The Temple of the Dawn</div>
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Small view of Bangkok from the top of the temple</div>
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There's Todd'd dad down there.</div>
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More views of Bangkok</div>
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We ate lunch on the side of this river. It was pretty good.</div>
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This park is in the middle of the city.</div>
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We went out to dinner and the owner keeps these exotic birds outside the restaurant.</div>
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Noi and Janis</div>
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People use elephants as transportation there!</div>
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The mission office</div>
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We went on a day trip up into the mountains with Todd's parents so they could do some mission business. This was a church building up there.</div>
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Todd's parents took us to this cute restaurant that was "American Cowboy". They served great</div>
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burgers, fries, and shakes.</div>
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We went on another day trip to an ancient city. They had an elephant show there too.</div>
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Ancient Ruins</div>
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Todd and I loved traveling to Thailand to visit his parents. We were so happy to come home though! That was the longest we had ever been away from our kids. This trip did spark an interest in traveling more and we have been traveling more since then.</div>
<span id="goog_237815138"></span><span id="goog_237815139"></span><br />Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-50128354985013822772013-11-21T17:37:00.000-08:002013-11-21T17:37:10.484-08:00Thailand <div class="MsoNormal">
When Todd’s parents got their mission call to preside over
the Bangkok Thailand mission, they invited all of their children and their
spouses to visit them. Todd and I
started making plans to visit them in the spring of 2011. Work calendars were cleared, childcare was
arranged, and passports were obtained. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Todd at the floating market</div>
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Jenny and Janis at the floating market</div>
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Floating Market</div>
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Our Floating Market boat driver and the Branch President's wife</div>
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On July 1<sup>st</sup>, very, very early in the morning Todd
and I headed to Sky Harbor airport to begin our 27 hour trip. That’s right, 27 hours! Going to the other side of the world takes a
while. From my journal:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We had a short layover in Tokyo and I was so excited
because I am part Japanese. I loved
seeing the Japanese features I have in everyone’s faces. The Tokyo airport was very clean and
quiet. Todd was convinced the flight to
Bangkok was going to be short – it wasn’t.
It was another 6 ½ hours! We
spent more than a day traveling!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was so great to be able to visit this special land with
Mike and Janis. Thailand is so special
to them and I can see why. It is called
the land of smiles because the people there are so happy, <i>genuinely</i> happy. As far as I
can tell, the divide between the rich and poor is pretty wide and most of the
people live very modestly, if not in abject poverty, at least compared to
American standards. Yet, they are a
happy people. A few months after we
visited, Thailand suffered a severe flood.
I remember being so worried for my in-laws and all of the church
members. My father-in-law told me about
one of the members who had followed the church’s advice to obtain a year supply
of food. This man lived in a two story
home and, as the floods drew near, took all of his food storage to his top
floor. The first floor in his home had
flooded, but the water did not go to the second floor. Everyday this man took his little boat,
filled it with food from his supply, and went around his neighborhood giving
food to those in need. He did that until
the floods ran dry and the stores reopened.
What an amazing example this man, whose name I don’t even know, is to
me! My eyes have been opened as to why
we need to follow counsel from the Lord’s servants, it is not just to bless us,
but to bless others too. <o:p></o:p>Another way I found Thailand, especially Bangkok, to be special was the fact that a huge city was erected in the middle of a jungle. I have never seen vegetation like that before, not to mention all of the wild animals milling around. And in the middle of all of this jungle are skyscrapers and freeways – the scariest ones I have ever been on. (I am so grateful for American traffic laws.) Also, Bangkok is very modern, but it is also ancient. The dichotomy is striking. We would see ancient temples, and Buddha’s, and towers, and then there would be modern buildings right next to them. </div>
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Oh yes, there is McDonalds in Thailand</div>
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From my journal: “We went to so many fascinating places. The Branch President’s wife owns and drives a taxi and she took us around. We went to a floating market…we went to the Snake Garden Show (Todd’s favorite part) where snake handlers wrestled cobras, pythons, and jumping snakes. I got to pet a cobra…..off we went to the Rose Garden…Todd and I rode an elephant…we got to play with another python and I kissed it too, it is supposed to be good luck…We saw two cultural shows and I was invited to the floor to dance…Todd met some Italians there and enjoyed speaking with them.”</div>
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Oh boy, that is a big snake</div>
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Look how sweaty we are!</div>
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Now that is what a snake handler looks like</div>
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This was pretty scary!</div>
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Dancing snakes</div>
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I can’t talk about Thailand and not mention the food. Oh my, the food was so delicious. First of all, their produce is very different
than ours. Their fruit is so amazingly
good, sweet, fresh, just yum. Every
morning, Noi, my in-laws helper, would make beautiful platters of fresh fruit
for us. They just don’t have fruit like
that here. Noi is a wonderful cook and
really spoiled us. She made delicious
Coconut Chicken Soup. I tried to make
that here and it is just not the same.
She also made sticky rice that is to die for. Everything she made was great. We went out to eat quite a bit too and the
Thais love their spice, which I do too. I
even ate street food, a first for me, and it was delectable. I remember it was fried pork on a stick….I
could have eaten that all day. One great
thing that came from this trip was that Thai food has made its way into my
kitchen. It might not be as good as Noi’s,
but it sure is yummy and different!<o:p></o:p></div>
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One last thing about Thailand. Everyone here complains of the heat. And believe me, Phoenix is freakin’ hot! But Thailand is just about as hot, the
temperature was in the low 100s, which isn’t so bad, but the humidity is
suffocating. I wore glasses on this trip
and when I would leave the air conditioned house or car and go outside, my
glasses totally fogged up. It was very
funny. It was so hot/humid that my hair
curled up, I was wet all of the time, and it felt like the sun was literally
right on top of me frying my skin.
Coming back to Phoenix, in the middle of July, was actually a reprieve from
Thailand’s weather!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Going to Thailand was a once in a lifetime trip and it was
fantastic, but the best part of all was spending all of that uninterrupted time
with Todd, and visiting with his parents who we missed so much. <o:p></o:p></div>
Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-4218899627998751002013-11-12T19:06:00.002-08:002013-11-12T19:11:51.659-08:00Winter and Spring 2011<div class="MsoNormal">
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Christmas 2010 was spent with my family. My Dad decided to take us on a hike after
dinner and opening gifts. We went and
hiked Hawes Loop in Mesa. It was quite a
hike with kids, but it awakened something in me. I started running in earnest again after that
hike. I decided to sign up for the
Whiskey Row Half Marathon again and got my Dad to do it too. So, every Saturday that winter and spring,
bright and early, the two of us would run and hike in the Superstition
Mountains. We would start before sunrise
and watch the desert wake up. It was so
great to spend that time with my Dad. I
remember one day he wanted us to hike to the very top of a particular mountain. There is a water tower on the top (I think
that is what it is). It was steep and
rocky and not my idea of a great time, especially since my Dad, who is 20
something years older than me, sped up that peak leaving me in his dust. When I got to the top though, well, the view
of the Valley was beautiful, and I felt triumphant. My Dad wisely told me that I could look back
at this climb and remind myself that I could do hard things. I can see that tower (or whatever it is), if
I squint, when I am in my neighborhood driving around with crazy kids with
crazy schedules and with crazy thoughts running through my head and when I see
that tower on the top of the peak, I breathe a little bit easier, because I
believe I can do hard things and nothing seems harder than being a mom
sometimes. The Whiskey Row was in May and
we had a lot of fun. Here are some thoughts
I recorded in my journal from that time: <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The half marathon was a great experience. I had strep throat and ended up walking most
of it, but it was beautiful, challenging, and rewarding. My Dad ran it and beat me by more than a half
hour! I’m in awe of him. It was so wonderful to spend with my parents,
Todd, and the children. We ate at great
restaurants and had great conversations.
I have a great life and family.
So, even if I didn’t race my best, the marathon was a winner for me—and it
has only increased my fondness for running.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The rest of the spring went by much too fast! Isn't that how it always is? Todd and I continued our weekly lunches. I
loved helping in Alyssa’s classroom. I
kept busy with those cute Cub Scouts.
Harrison and Todd got to take part in the Pinewood Derby and, much to my
surprise, Todd really got into it. Todd –
I mean, Harrison – did pretty well that year.
As summer approached, Todd and I started getting ready for a big
adventure. One that required passports….<br />
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One of the things I loved most about Alyssa's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Fierro, was that she turned everything into a party and simultaneously tricked the kids into learning. Like the 100th day of school, or Dr. Suess's birthday, or Mother's Day etc.</div>
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Every Spring Break I take the kids to "A" mountain and we hike to the very top. This year we invited Harrison's friend, Jayden, to join us. It was a hot day!</div>
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Pinewood Derby 2011</div>
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Mother's Day 2011</div>
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Kindergarten Graduation 2011</div>
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Alyssa Smith, Mrs. Fierro, Liberty Allen</div>
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Alyssa and Mrs. Fierro</div>
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Harrison advancing to Bears, his last meeting with me as his leader</div>
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Harrison's Beta Fish. My fellow Cub Scout leader and I took the kids on a field trip to PetSmart where the vet talked to the boys about a lot of cool stuff and showed them gross things like dog eye balls that had to be removed from a sick dog. We decided to buy all the Wolves a beta fish so they could earn some sort of badge. I haven't been in Cubs for a while and can't remember a darn thing! Anyway, they each had to take care of a pet for a week. Since a lot of the boys didn't have a pet, we fixed that problem and got them one! Ours lived for a few months! Cub Scouts, fun times, who would've guessed?</div>
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Up next....our trip abroad!</div>
<o:p></o:p>Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-62278239125876402522013-11-06T08:59:00.001-08:002013-11-06T08:59:23.123-08:00Fall and Winter Wrap Up, 2010This season in our lives was quite fun. Alyssa tested into kindergarten early and so she, along with Harrison who was in third grade, were in school all day. What was I to do with myself for 8 whole hours? I soon found that those hours went by rather quickly, what with running, cleaning, shopping, and cooking. I also volunteered in Alyssa's classroom once a week and often went in more than that. I loved her teacher, Mrs. Fierro and it was wonderful to see Alyssa in her classroom setting. Todd and I discovered that Gilbert Public Schools made the best baby-sitters and we would go out to lunch in the middle of the day once a week. I still served in Cub Scouts and would plan those weekly meetings while my kids were in school too. My biggest goal was to have most of my chores done so that the minute school got out, I could devote all of my time to the kids without having to worry about the laundry, cooking, etc. For the most part, that is what happened. I look back to that time fondly. <br />
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Todd and I got to go the Homecoming Game at ASU. Since Todd's firm is a sponser of ASU football, we were treated well. We got to go on the field for the entire first quarter. Even I, not much of a football fan at all, enjoyed it. It is something else seeing football at this level that close. I don't know how the football player's moms handle it, those tackles were loud! I can't imagine how those tackles feel. Anyway, Todd was in heaven and even though I can't remember the score, I do remember we had an awesome time!<br />
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My family has a tradition of having a big, extended Halloween party every year. 2010 was no different. We ate chili and cornbread, as usual, and then played minute to win it games. Thanksgiving 2010 was spent with the Smith side of our family and all 5 kids and their spouses were in attendance. Mom and Dad Smith were not, as they were in Thailand serving as mission Presidents. Christmas is always split between the Smiths and Hallocks. On Christmas Eve, we had brunch with the Smiths, Christmas Eve night is with my extended Hallock family, and Christmas was with Grammy and Pappy Hallock. Since my parents live next door to Ken and Janette, we see our Booth(Smith) cousins every holiday anyway! I was particularly happy this Christmas because just a few days earlier, my endocrinologist took me off all my thyroid drugs and deduced that I no longer had any hyperthyroid symptoms. The medicine worked! And now, nearly three years and a healthy pregnancy later, I am still going strong! <br />
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Todd's cousin coming home from his mission to India. He had a layover in Phoenix and we went to see him. We told him we would treat him to dinner and his response was, "Where's the beef?" We got him a Whopper at Burger King.</div>
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Todd's firm had a fun fall party for the families. His boss made this himself and drove all the kids around his backyard. The kids had a great time!</div>
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Alyssa at her dance class</div>
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In action</div>
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Todd and I at the homecoming game</div>
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Our view from the suite</div>
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Harrison's very first Pack Meeting, the traditional Water Activity</div>
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Alyssa and Harrison collide!</div>
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Looking pretty</div>
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Playing around after school</div>
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Too much fun!</div>
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Helping in the kitchen</div>
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She loves sunglasses</div>
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Harrison earned his Wolf</div>
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I loved being in Cub Scouts with Harrison</div>
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So pretty</div>
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Harrison earned his Bobcat</div>
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At the park</div>
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It was 50's day at school</div>
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Spazzy Harrison</div>
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Carving pumpkins</div>
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Pretty scary</div>
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Alyssa was an Angel for Halloween</div>
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Look Mom, I am a snowman</div>
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Todd went to a Suns game and picked these out for the kids</div>
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Harrison is fond of the Peace sign</div>
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Park fun</div>
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<br />Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-70442744818991544722013-11-04T14:20:00.001-08:002013-11-04T14:20:50.401-08:00Autumnal BlissThis is an email I sent to Todd's mom, Janis, in October of 2010 while she and her husband, Michael, were presiding over the Bangkok Thailand Mission:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Dear Janis - </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I thought I would take some time this afternoon to share with you our recent happenings. Life is busy, but I have been striving to live more purposefully, and as I aim for purpose, chores get done and life gets to happen. We are happy, we are healthy (I am doing better and have been given the go ahead to run again from the doctor), we are blessed. I pause in the midst of everyday occurrences and savor the fact that this is my life. I owe you gratitude for raising Todd the way you have. He isn't perfect, but he is pretty darn good - and I am lucky to have him. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This week was fall break and it has gone by too quickly. Harrison went to Basketball camp and had a blast. Everyday when I would pick him up, I would sneak a peek into the gym and Harrison had the biggest smile on his face as he dribbled and took shots. He liked it so much, we signed him up for an afterschool basketball class that starts in a few weeks. He is pretty good at basketball too. He loves Cub Scouts! Ha, ha, Toddy. He earned his Bobcat and will most likely get his Wolf in November. He was a hit in the school play and is really breaking out of his shell. He gave a talk today about coming unto Christ. Todd thought I had written the whole thing, in particular a certain phrase. Much to Todd's surprise, that particular phrase was Harrison's biggest contribution to the talk. Harrison still likes to read, play Legos, and do anything that has to do with Star Wars. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Alyssa is beautiful as always, but is growing up way too fast. She has really started to talk and has said some meanish things to me. For instance, I gave myself a facial and she told me I looked "ugly". This morning she saw me in tights and a camisole and was very concerned that was all I was wearing to church and told me, "No. You can't wear that. That is no good." Earlier we were talking about freckles and I said I had them all over my face and she said, "No. Those are zits Mom." Ahhh. She also says things like - "When are we going to Thailand to see Grandma and Grandpa?" She also cried at the end of the primary program because she "felt something in her heart". I asked her if she thought it was Jesus and she cried harder. She is complicated! She is doing pretty well at school and takes it very seriously. She loves to "read" and commands me to read to her numerous times a day. She is wrapping up a dance class in two weeks. I wasn't too impressed with the class, so we haven't signed her up for anymore classes yet. She loves to sing - as does Harrison - and they both have great voices. Alyssa loves Cub Scouts too - she comes with us - and we are thinking about signing her up for Daisy Scouts. Double ha, ha Toddy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The weather was pretty nice this week and we went to the park with some friends. We also went away for a day trip yesterday to Prescott and enjoyed fall weather and changing leaves. We went to a great museum - one I went to as a little girl and we learned a lot about Arizona's fist capitol city. We saw a replica of the very first law office/courthouse in Arizona aptly named Fort Misery. It was beautiful there and the kids could play at the park without suffering heat stroke. It was also great to just get away. We saw Todd's Law Firm in Prescott too. The kids couldn't understand how Daddy can drive that far some days - I can't either. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Well, I hope that you are continuing to do well. We miss you but appreciate what you are doing. I attached pictures of fall break and other pictures we took this fall. I also attached some pictures of Alyssa's birthday party - we celebrated that the very first day of Fall Break. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Love you,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Jenny</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-2661619758761447682013-11-04T13:45:00.000-08:002013-11-04T13:45:11.417-08:00Harrison's Eighth Birthday and Alyssa's Fifth!I am not much of a party mom. When birthdays roll around, I usually take great care to spoil the birthday girl or boy, but I don't care too much for parties. But for some reason, back in 2010, both kids got a party. Harrison had a Star Wars themed party and Alyssa had a Pinkalicious one. It wasn't so bad, looking back on it. We may have to have parties again!<br />
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Birthday Boy!</div>
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Legos, of course</div>
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Party animals</div>
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Star Wars set up - they had "Yoda Soda" and "Galactic Pizza"</div>
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I have to show the balloons Harrison picked out</div>
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Pinkalicious set up, the girls got to decorate their own cupcakes</div>
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"Best Cousins" Janalee and Alyssa </div>
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What a fun day!</div>
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<br />Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-1114009805973093422013-11-04T13:22:00.001-08:002013-11-04T13:22:46.573-08:00Harrison's BaptismHarrison's baptism was beautiful. We had so many family members there and the spirit was also in attendance. Both of my brothers spoke at the baptism and Todd, of course, baptized and confirmed Harrison. Afterwards, we had brunch at our house. <br />
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From Harrison's Baptism "photoshoot"</div>
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I had to include this one because of the pretty sky in the background</div>
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Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-49813512829901285072013-11-04T13:13:00.002-08:002013-11-04T13:13:45.350-08:00Carlsbad, 2010This summer we had the wonderful opportunity to go to Carlsbad, California. Too bad Todd was studying for the Nevada bar and stayed behind. I traveled there with my younger brother, Brennan and my sweet parents took my kiddos so I could have a few hours with zero responsibility. Brennan and I had fun on that road trip!! We stayed in a family friend's beautiful beach home located just a mile or so from the beach. More importantly, it is only two miles from Legoland! <br />
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My kids both love legos and to think that an entire amusement park is dedicated to all things lego was too much, we had to go. Alyssa, only 4 at the time, loved the rides! Harrison was the one who got a bit scared, but he was a trooper and went on all the rides anyway. Legoland was a blast. We even experienced something southern California is pretty famous for, an earthquake. It was a tiny one, but nonetheless, it shut the rides down for an hour or two. <br />
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The rest of the trip was spent at the beach or at the neighborhood pool and jacuzzi. We also played cards and laughed and talked. It was a nice week and a nice break from the heat! <br />
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Off to Legoland with Uncle Brennan!</div>
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Peace Out!!</div>
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Waiting in line</div>
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Posing with a lego man and his son</div>
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and a lego mom and her daughter</div>
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burying Harrison in the sand, the ocean's water was too cold for us to actually swim!</div>
<br />Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-27422426463946469942013-11-04T12:51:00.002-08:002013-11-04T12:51:59.269-08:00Summer to Remember 2010<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer to Remember 2010 </div>
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Baking Days </div>
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Swimming Days</div>
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Sprinkler Days </div>
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Library Days </div>
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Movie Days </div>
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NAP TIME </div>
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Harrison’s Birthday Party </div>
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Harrison’s Baptism </div>
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California </div>
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Lego Land</div>
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Beach </div>
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AZ Mills Aquariam </div>
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Prescott Days with Dad</div>
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Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-64785446492023882902010-07-01T11:03:00.001-07:002010-07-01T11:15:39.136-07:00Learning to Cope<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/TCzaIgE3U0I/AAAAAAAAAeI/JArGAyCwsg4/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/TCzaIgE3U0I/AAAAAAAAAeI/JArGAyCwsg4/s400/IMG_1799.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001885441938242" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/TCzaILagHcI/AAAAAAAAAeA/73EmKJoloQo/s1600/09072009+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/TCzaILagHcI/AAAAAAAAAeA/73EmKJoloQo/s400/09072009+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001879895547330" /></a><br />This summer has been great so far, with my thyroid issues and everything. I have great friends and family that are helping me cope. In my own personal study, I came across this thought by James E Faust:<br /><br />"Why is adversity often such a good schoolmaster? Is it because it teaches so many things? Through difficult circumstances we are often forced to learn discipline and how to work. In often unpleasant circumstances we may also be subjected to a buffeting, a honing and a polishing that can come no other way".<br /><br />Thoughts like these from people like him are tremendously helpful in my learning to cope with sickness journey. Guess what? The journey has kind of been a blast.<br /><br />Other things helping me cope? Those cute kids pictured above, and their Daddy(not pictured).Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-41760567439994794432010-05-26T23:06:00.000-07:002010-05-26T23:43:31.092-07:00OoofffI was reading one of the million essays that Harrison has written this school year. In one of them, he explains how on a field trip, he fell and skinned his knee and subsequently said, "Ooofff", cause it hurt. But he got back up and kept on truckin'.<br /><br />Well, recently, I have fallen and down and did not say, "Ooofff"....it was probably more like, "@%$#*". Really, I need a swear jar. Anyway. Moving on from my weakness, let's discuss what has happened lately that has made me snarl, "Ooofff".<br /><br />1. LOST is over. Seriously. Ooofff. I am so very sad. Like, way too sad to be logical. I cried as I watched my beloved "friends" vanish from my screen forever. This show is so beautiful, and character driven that I loved the way it wrapped up, even if other die hard fans didn't. Again, I am not joking, I have said to Todd multiple times since Sunday, "Jack is dead. I can't believe it." His response? Looking at me like I have lost my ever loving mind. Whatever, he is a LOST fan too.<br /><br />2. School's out. Ooofff. Well, for Alyssa, tomorrow Harrison. I cannot tell you how much I love their teachers. Here is a way to show you, I love them more than LOST. I am going to miss dropping my kids off into their capable hands every day. Harrison will get a new teacher next year, and I am sure to fall in love with that teacher too, but still...Mrs. Workman is the best. I wanted to go to class with Harrison and have her teach me too. Alyssa will go back to preschool next year to her great teachers. The only downfall is how teary I will be when it is time to move on to Kinder. Alyssa will have been in her class for almost three years by then. I am not sad about spending days on end with them this summer, I will just miss their great teachers.<br /><br />3. Well, now my biggest reason for an Ooofff. I have recently been told I have a chronic health issue. Remember a few posts back about not exercising and losing weight? Guess what causes that? Hyperthyroidism. Now, before this, I would often hear of a person with this and think wow, I wish I had that too. Well, be careful for what you wish for. <br /><br />Although not a serious disease if treated, it is still very scary to me. I have been given some drugs from my family doctor - these drugs may in fact cure the hyperthyroidism, but you never know. What I do know is that these drugs make me extremely fatigued and all I really can do is rest. I can get up and clean the house in intervals. I have pulled my phone off the hook so that I can nap! I am that tired! Maybe I should start watching LOST all over again since I am ordered to take it easy. Maybe this isn't such bad news after all! Wait, no it is.<br /><br />I have heard that in a few weeks I will feel better with the anti-thyroid drugs - the side effects will lessen. I can even start to slowly work out again at this time. I am so upset because I was planning on training for another marathon next fall and now my goals are not attainable in the near future. I do have an appointment with a specialist in August. August? Yeah, apparently thyroid issues are rampant. The specialist will be able to see if the anti-thyroid drugs did enough to help me, or will decide if I need RAI - radio active iodine, or surgery. I am really hoping these drugs will work! <br /><br />I can count my blessings though knowing that I have insurance and can get into a doctor at all. Also, I love my family doctor. What doctor nowadays says to call him at home if I have any questions whatsoever? It is very thoughtful and makes me want to cry. I feel like I am being well taken care of. But still, Ooofff, this one hurts.<br /><br />So, will I be like Harrison and get back up and keep on truckin'? I certainly plan to, even when I want to cry instead. I have an excellent example. How awesome is it that I can look up to my 7 year old?Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-79714939163595093402010-05-14T16:17:00.000-07:002010-05-18T22:04:16.435-07:00The Help<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S_NxNIOmdSI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Wqll-XRRaNY/s1600/41eKoQORnFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472842442546246946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S_NxNIOmdSI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Wqll-XRRaNY/s400/41eKoQORnFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"The Help", by KathrynStockett merits a 10 out 10 rating, according to me. Based in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s, Stockett makes you feel like you are right there with dear Skeeter, ferocious Minny, and lovable Aibileen as they conduct their secret project in this dangerous town. If you like the Ya Yas, or Fried Green Tomatoes, you'll love this book too. In fact, you may enjoy this book even better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This book resonates with me because of my family history. Most people wouldn't know, but I have deep roots in the South. My Mama was born in Taledagea, Alabama in the late 1950s, her family moved years later to Charleston, South Carolina. As a young girl I heard stories about Mama's life "back home". My Grandma, a white women origanally from Chicago, was very anti-establishment. She was in her mid-40s, it was the 1950's, in racially divided Alabama when she adopted not one, but two Japanese children, one of them being my mother. It doesn't get more anti-establishment than that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Growing up, Grandma did have Black "help". There was Estelle. She came to my Grandma's three days a week. She scrubbed the floors, bathtub, and walls. She cleaned the house top to bottom. She had been doing this work for years by the time my family employed her. There was, however, one major difference between those other employers and my Grandma. Grandma was right there beside Estelle scrubbing, cleaning, shopping, everything. My Mama has memories of them scrubbing the kitchen floor, on their knees, side by side. Scrub, scrub, scrub. That is how it always was. Grandma did her job, with her "help". Estelle wasn't cheap labor, she was family. Estelle once told my Grandma, "No other white women has ever treated me this way, ever."<br /><br /><br /><br />Mama started dance lessons at a young age. One day as Grandma and Estelle walked the city's street to take Mama to her studio, a civil rights march passed right by them. Estelle noticed that her teenage son was participating, and pushing past the crowd, she grabbed him and dragged him away from the other protesters. She forbade him from participating. She didn't do this because she was against civil rights, she did it to protect her precious son. What a very dangerous time my mother lived in, and despite her childhood innocence, she noticed the tension that seized the region.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My Grandfather, after retiring from a distinguished military position, started a small landscaping business. He employed a young Black man to help him. Mama remembers the two eating lunch together at their kitchen table regularly. So, when she noticed things around town, like separate water fountains, she was confused. Her parents explained that not everybody recognized how wrong it was to treat others like that. They instructed her to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of race. She has always followed their advice and example and instilled it in me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I know my grandparents are not the only ones who treated their employees well. I do think they might be in the minority though. Most people treated their help and other people of their race terribly because that was just the way it was back then. Or even worse, they despised people just because of the color of their skin. Like I said, my grandmother was anti-establishment, she took no joy in following inane social views. Both Grandma and Grandpa followed their own moral code - we each have one too, are we going to live by it? And not just when it is easy? "The Help" has urged me to be more courageous and stand up for the right things. Oh, and it is an incredible story, that is wonderfully written.Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-6264141629575094852010-05-10T17:19:00.000-07:002010-05-10T22:43:46.963-07:00ConnissierSome people are really enlightened about the finer things in life, like fine art, fine food, and fine wine. I really am not. I have my reading (see previous post), I have my running/exercise, and then, I have my television. Yes, that's right, the "boob tube". I know all things TV. I should be embarrassed about this fact, but really, I enjoy it far too much to care what others might think. Television is cheap, readily available, at times educational, entertaining, and it helps keep me in the pop culture loop. The television is good company when I can't sleep and everyone else in my house can. I can also iron, cook, and clean while simultaneously enjoying TV. I do have standards though. I don't just watch anything, I am particularly snobby about what my flat screen displays. And we all should be a little discerning with what we allow into our homes. Which is why I am sharing my expertise with you all today, whether you like it or not :)...Here are some shows that have the Jenny Smith stamp of approval:<br /><br />1. Friday Night Lights<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469880434983952130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jrRmMT3wI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Rx4sZAa20lw/s400/friday-night-lights-cast3.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />Maybe it is the high school teacher in me, or it may just be Tim Riggin's smile, but "Friday Night Lights" is my favorite show, and in my opinion the best show on TV. FNL is more than football, or I wouldn't have ever watched it in the first place. I read "Friday Night Lights" last year, and while the book is non-fiction and an interesting read, the show is not, but is not at all far-fetched. Set in a Texan small town where football is "the only thing (they) got", FNL portrays characters you can relate to, struggling to ultimately do the right thing. I love the dialogue, the camera angles, and the stories that pull on my heart strings. FNL is one of those shows that my entire family loves to watch.<br /><br />FNL is currently on NBC on Fridays at 7/8pm. Set your DVR, you won't be sorry.<br /><br />2. LOST<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jr9AjvgHI/AAAAAAAAAdo/__uYaa0njVY/s1600/lost-cast.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469881180795928690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jr9AjvgHI/AAAAAAAAAdo/__uYaa0njVY/s400/lost-cast.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Despite the fact that I detest science fiction, I am completely in love with LOST. It all started when the hunky Matthew Fox opened his eye, back in 2004, and I was hooked. LOST is equal parts mystery, science fiction, character development, and good looking people. There are also many moments of humor, horror, and heart. Basically, it has something for everyone. I think we all know that LOST is coming to a close later this month (SOB), but if you haven't already watched it, rent the DVDs. I will come and watch it with you and will be sure to bring plenty of popcorn and Kleenex.<br /><br />LOST is currently on ABC on Tuesdays at 8/9pm.<br /><br />3. 24<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jrhMHV9OI/AAAAAAAAAdg/3QOskxOcLNI/s1600/24-120809-0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469880702861702370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jrhMHV9OI/AAAAAAAAAdg/3QOskxOcLNI/s400/24-120809-0001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I started watching 24 last summer and found that I couldn't get enough of Jack Bauer...or Tony Almeada. Now caught up to the current season, I can confidently say that 24 is good TV. If you like action and rooting for the good guy, you will like 24. My only complaint about the show is how Jack is always, ALWAYS, the tragic hero. Can't the poor guy get a break? 24 is also ending this month, but I heard there will be a movie coming soon. The world isn't ready to say goodbye to Bauer just yet, and neither am I.<br /><br />24 is currently on FOX on Mondays at 8/9 pm.<br /><br />4. America the story of US<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jsfE1graI/AAAAAAAAAdw/3xwlvy6BM_g/s1600/about-atsou_small_150x100.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469881766059748770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_enYtvl0E7SU/S-jsfE1graI/AAAAAAAAAdw/3xwlvy6BM_g/s400/about-atsou_small_150x100.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This show is the history of America from the first settlers to present day. It is more interesting than any history book I have ever read, and is clever enough to entertain and educate both Todd and I and Harrison too. It is especially great if you have HD, the cinematography is very beautiful. So, if you are interested in learning more about our great country while also being entertained, tune in.<br /><br />America the story of US in on The History Channel on Sunday evenings.<br /><br /><br /><br />Well, all y'all, there you have it. My very favorite TV shows. I encourage you to check them out when you ever have a moment to sit down, relax, and watch some TV. Enjoy! From my couch to yours.Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-54756709997618624862010-05-03T09:48:00.000-07:002010-05-03T10:35:26.629-07:00My love affair of 2009It is no secret 2009 was a tough year for me. Luckily I made it to 2010, with a little help from a friend. You see, I had a great love affair last year. It started at the dawn of 2009, when I didn't know the year was going to be so hard. It must have been more than coincidental that our relationship bloomed when it did, because when I really needed a repreave, I alreaday had one in place. This love was great in that it was always there when I wanted it and when I didn't want my love, it never came around. We traipesed along, two by two, almost everywhere. We lounged together near the pool, on the living room's couch, even in between the sheets in my bed. This love was rekindled last year, it's first kindle sparked in kindergarten and has burned ever since, some years it was ablaze, while others it simmered. Last year it was fired up! What is this love, you might wonder. It is not as scandalous as it might seem, it is actually really innocent. My love is reading.<br /><br />I've always loved reading, I read my first chapter book, "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder, in kindergarten. "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis in first grade. I would be late for the school bus in third grade because I was engorssed in Judy Blume and didn't want to put her down. This fascination stayed with me through college where I took every literature class I could. When I taught school, it is no surprise I taught reading and language arts. I wanted the students to fall in love with reading as much as I was.<br /><br />Reading isn't just about words and stories. It is so very much more. It is knowledge, experience, and travel. It is insight. It is empowering. It is escape from reality, which I needed last year. As a wife and mother, it is easy to lose yourself and your passions when you are supporting everyone else's. So, it was with great delight that I challenged myself to read 100 books last year. It was solace last summer when our reality was very bleak. <br /><br />I read just about anything and everything, from chick-lit, to biograhies, to mystery, and everything else in between. It was so interesting to read non-fiction as I could see my life in parallel to great figures in history. It was also eye opening to read of other's struggles and see how they progressed from awful oppresion, like Jeanette Walls. It was enjoable to read Agatha Christie, even many years after publication. I fell in love with our founding fathers. I was shocked with Arthur Miller's, "The Crucible". I saw what the hoopla was all about with "Revoltionary Road", and "The Reader". This challenge expanded my world view, as some of my personal opinions have even shifted as a result from this exercise.<br /><br />It was exhausting to read so much in so little time and so when 2010 rang in, I decided to stop reading so much. I pretty much stopped. But as time marches on, I get this itch to return to my beloved with the same ferocity as last year. So, even though there are only 7months left this year, I have decided to again read 100 books. But maybe, I will push it to 101 to top myself from last year. Since I only have 7 under my belt thus far, I need to get started!Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-72952636382069437782010-03-26T22:24:00.000-07:002010-03-26T23:07:21.430-07:00Eight years ago today...Eight years ago today, my life changed forever. <br />Eight years ago today, my naviete was squashed. <br />Eight years ago today, I learned that life <em></em>really <em></em> isn't fair.<br />Eight years ago today, I started to rely on my Heavenly Father more than ever.<br />Eight years ago today, I cried more tears than I ever have before or since.<br />Eight years ago today, I hugged my husband as he sobbed.<br />Eight years ago today, I started to rely on the Lord more than ever before.<br /><br />Eight years ago today, we found out that the child I carried had the congenital defect known as gastroschisis. Back then, the future seemed so uncertain. The life that I had been planning on seemed to have slipped through my fingers. I was so used to prediciting, and then plotting my life until I got what I desired...college, career, marriage, getting pregnant. Everything went pretty much according to plan, without me putting my trust in the Lord, but through putting my trust in me. And then, the gastroschisis happened.<br /><br />Those few precious months between finding out about Harrion's condition and his birth were as hard as they were wonderful. I had my moments of fear and anquish. Believe me. But, I decided to really start developing a relationship with my Maker. As I did all that this required, and started to see a counselor, I felt <em></em>better.<em></em> I realized that we are not in charge, as much as I wish we were. I felt better about the situation. Now, that is not to say that this was easy. I was fragile the entire time, but at the same time, I was gaining strength.<br /><br />It is hard to believe that the Harrison today is the Harrison of eight years ago. He is so smart. He is healthy. His front two teeth are finally growing in. I give him random hugs because when I look at him I still see him in his NICU bassinet too. Admittedly I worry about him and Alyssa also and want to wrap them up in bubblewrap and lock them in the house to keep them safe. But that just shows me I forgot my own experience eight years ago. I am grateful that when this day rolls around I am reminded to be a better person, a more faithful person. <br /><br />I don't know why Harrison did so well when some other babies with this condition have not. I ache for their families. I never take for granted that Harrison is here. I am grateful for the trial, and admittedly that everything worked out so well too. I will never be the same the girl that I was eight years ago yesterday. And I am better off for it.Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-12226339366269102452010-03-23T23:06:00.000-07:002010-03-23T23:20:38.410-07:00ConfessionThis is hard to say. Well, not just hard, embarrasing too. I suppose you could also say worrisome. Well, worriesome to <em>me</em>. But I always worry, just ask Todd. If worrying were a profession, I would be the CEO. Back to the topic at hand, I have to confess, I am out of shape....she writes with her head hung in shame.<br /><br />I have not really exercised in months. MONTHS. I have lost weight too. You know what this means, I have lost mainly muscle- not good. I went to the gym today. It was not pretty. I was huffing and puffing on the tredmill and going at a considerly low speed. AHHH! Not too long ago, I was jogging 13 miles at a time. And I loved it! Today at the gym I cursed the idea of even moving. <br /><br />I am so devastated. And scared. And mad, at myself. Well, what to do? I guess I just got to get back on the wagon - err I mean treadmill, elliptical, or bike. I hope it doesn't take MONTHS to get back to running the way I used to. <br /><br />Now, and this is the sick part, like I said I have lost weight. I am wearing smaller sizes. I like weighing less and am slighty afraid that working out will make me gain weight. I know it would be good weight, but that is how screwed my thinking is reagarding weight. There is another thought somewhere in the back of my mind that doesn't even care if I gain 20 pounds while working out again. Because I will physically feel much better if I work out. I hope this thought takes over.<br /><br />So, here I go. I guess I will see how what happens with this body of mine. Wish me luck.Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-39938002429820079592010-03-22T12:19:00.000-07:002010-03-22T12:34:09.190-07:00Spring Break 2010This spring break was wonderful and jam packed with a lot of fun. This is the rundown:<br /><br />Friday 12th - half day, had lunch with friends, hiked "A" Mountain with Brennan<br />Saturday 13th - brunch with the kids<br />Sunday 14th - dinner with Nana and Papa<br />Monday 15th - Casa Grande Ruins in Coolidge<br />Tuesday 16th - rode bikes<br />Wednesday 17th - traditional St. Patrick's lunch in Fountain Hills <br />Thursday 18th - Phoenix Zoo, girls night for Mom<br />Friday 19th - Lunch with friends<br />Saturday 20th - Cousin Skye's Birthday Party, Date night for Mom and Dad<br />Sunday 21st - Dinner with Grammy and Pappy, got souvenirs from their European trip<br /><br />Whew, no wonder I am exhausted! We are so lucky that there are so many fun things to do here. The kids and I made a list of everywhere we want to go, see, and explore in our area. This week we barley scrathced the surface. So, I guess I am looking forward to Summer so we can continue to enjoy Arizona!Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1203587216626536848.post-9391900440778315372010-03-11T21:24:00.000-08:002010-03-11T21:40:10.074-08:00Only my kids....Build the Whitehouse, instead of a sand castle in the sand box...<br /><br />Would rather go to New York City, instead of the Happiest Place on Earth...<br /><br />Beg their mother to go to the Four Corners...<br /><br />Spend all of the contents in their treasure box to buy books...<br /><br />Create a cellphone out of an 8 X 11 piece of copy paper, it's Verizon by the way...<br /><br />Like to roll their eyes in the back of their head and try to scare me...<br /><br />Are afraid to go upstairs alone, they have to have the other with them and the lights on...<br /><br />Cut their own bangs, ok I think every kid has done that one before :)...<br /><br />Cut out the mesh parts of the Pack N'Play so that their cousin, who spends most days with us, can get out of bed from his naps earlier...It actually does work<br /><br /> <br /><br />My kids may drive me up the wall sometimes, at least once a day, but they always put a smile on my face. I feel so lucky! All mothers are. So, what are some of things only your children do?Jennifer Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669253705681636311noreply@blogger.com2