Quote from Laurie's Blog.....Great quote!

''May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others...May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.''

Recent Happenings

The picture above was the kids eating some dinner/snacks when our power went out last Monday for about 10 hours. They were in heaven to be without power. To them, we were on a campout in our house. They loved carrying around lanterns to see. It was pretty dark in here. Not to mention how dark the street became without street lights. You can't see anything. I am happy to report we were prepared and did just fine without power. It helps that our stove is gas & that the water still worked. :) Once Todd got home, he started the fire going and we were happy campers. That really gave off a ton of light. The kids loved having family night in a camp type setting. I was really happy to see how well they did. I did wash the girls hair that night thinking the whole time that I would dry their hair. Duh...I totally forgot but was able to sit them up by the fire and their hair was dry in no time. I am so thankful for a prophet that guides us and counsels us to be prepared. I guess I am also thankful that I have followed his words and am constantly working on being more prepared. It was fun but was nice to see the power come back on later that night.
Miss Sweet Elle Belle. She is so cute. She did have to go potty at that moment. This was taken earlier this month at the beach. A friend and I took our kids and walked the trail at Oso Flaco Lake that ends at the beach. The weather was just beautiful!!! I love it here. I am so thankful to be able to see this scenery daily. I just love it when the colors are so crisp. The kids played all over those dunes....up and down and up down.



Today was sunny and warmer than recent days. I love the rain but it's nice to have a day to thaw out a bit. Ellie was my little partner around the house today. Uno was a favorite today....any day with Ellie. She is so good. She greeted Todd at the door tonight with the UNO cards telling him to play UNO. They plopped down and busted out a quick game. She loves it. I love playing with her. I know these fun times when she is 3 aren't going to last forever. I'm trying to stop and enjoy the cute moments more.

I am off to watch American Idol!

Here is a birthday shout out to my brother Mike!! Happy Birthday Mike!! I can't believe you are 32 today. We are all heading to 40. :)haha I will have to write a separate post about Mike. I am so lucky to have some really great brothers!!

I think I'm back......

I have been thinking lately how much I need to be documenting our every day life around my house. Facebook doesn't accomplish that in any way. I am going to put forth the effort to write down the cute things that are said, the reality of life with 4 children and our day to day challenges here in the Smith household. This is something that I want to leave for my family.

Life is very busy as is everyone's. Mitch just completed his California Mission report a week ago and both Casey and Mitty made pinewood derby cars and raced this last Saturday. I love the pinewood derby. It is really fun for the boys! A few days ago I signed the boys up for baseball and Emily wanted "girls baseball". She is signed up for girls softball t-ball. She is so excited! It will be a fun season. Busy and probably crazy at times but well worth the fun and experience we will have. I have learned a life's lesson.....life is about work. Especially with children. Did I really think it wasn't going to be? Work is good! This is what I am telling my children all of the time. It helps you appreciate those days that there isn't too much going on.

New bit of advice/tip for parents....get your 3 year old a pack of UNO cards and she/he will know their colors and numbers in no time flat. I have never seen a set of UNO cards so worn out than ours. That is Ellie's favorite thing to do. She gets everyone in the house and/or visitors to play a game of UNO with her. She's good and doesn't need any help! She wins also. It is so fun to watch her. She is such a fun little partner to have around the house each day while the others are at school. She is so funny about what she likes...she will not watch any tv or videos other than the Baby Einstein collection. Fine by me. I hate kid tv/cartoons all day. I would go nuts at the sound of it. :) She loves her brothers & sister. She and Emily love to play real life baby. Emily carries her around like her own child. Too cute.

The boys are actively involved in Scouts. That keeps any family busy....to the max!! I can't imagine how Linda (for those of you who know her) does it with all of those boys. Way to go!!

It's late and my new goal is to go to bed earlier. Oh boy, why is it such a task?