Friday, May 29, 2009

Memorial Weekend Goodbye

Our summer started out with a final goodbye to Todd's Grandma Bertha.
We were thankful to be able to go to Preston Idaho for her funeral.

This was our kids first funeral that they attended of a close family member. I am so thankful for the answers that the gospel of Jesus Christ holds. Our sweet kids had so many question that gave us some very tender moments with our children.

Emily was probably the most curious. I hadn't decided if I wanted the kids to go into the viewing or not, for obvious reasons. All the grandchildren and their spouses sang at the funeral so while we were practicing our songs all the little cousins were wondering around. Little did I know that Emily and Ashley had wondered into the casket room. Emily came and got me and wanted to "show" me Grandma Bertha. I was a little shocked. Emily with all the tenderness that only a 6 year old could have, took me by the hand and we sat with Grandma. She was enthralled with her body. We got the chance to sit in silence and partake of the amazing spirit that was there. After a few moments, Emily began to explain to me that Grandma's spirit was already in Heaven and that only her body would go into the ground. I can't even express how thankful I am for her sweet, simple testimony of the plan of salvation. She knew it. She knew that Grandma's flesh was all that was left. She couldn't stop talking about the smile on Grandmas face. She said over and over again, "she must be really happy to be in Heaven".


A few years back a talk was given at General Conference called The Tender Mercies of the Lord by Elder Bednar. This talk rang through my head the whole time. I think often times, some of the Lord's most tender mercies come to those in times of grieving over death. I know that we had some very tender mercies given unto us through the conversations with our children.

I will always be thankful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father will never leave us alone in our times of need. Never. So thankful.
The kids with Grandma Smith

Each grandchild and great grandchildren got to take a few flowers home.

On our way back to our hotel in Logan, we had to stop at one of the most amazing temples.
The Logan Temple. Todd's parents were married here. It's just beautiful! Almost like the Arizona temple.. except this temple is set on a hill and overlooks the city and is green and has real flowers and plants and trees... so I guess the only thing similar is that they're both temples.


Ok...so we had to have a little bit of fun...
and blow off some steam..
and boys will be boys...

Good bye school....hello summer

WOW! Where did this year go? It seems to me that the older I get, the faster the years fly by.
We were SO lucky this year to have extraordinary teachers.

Shayne with Mrs Bray.
He was lucky to have her 2 years in a row.. she loved her 5th grade class so much she moved up with them! How lucky are we?? Love, love, love her!

Emily had the BEST kindergarten teacher EVER! Not only is she my neighbor but she is the most amazing Kindergarten teacher. Love, love, love her too!

Emily with Mrs Monseuger and Mrs D

Megan and Mrs Mathews

Meg had her on and off for the year. She is the most soft spoken kindest teacher you'll ever find. Poor lady was on bed rest for 7 months! She is just the best!


Ashley and Ms Fischer

We took our chances on this new teacher at the school this last year, and we NEVER regretted it! Talk about a fun teacher! Instead of chairs the kids got to sit on Yoga balls all year long. She worked their minds and their ab's! Love it!

This is ended an era in the Smith family. Our children will never again all be in the same school. Shayne along with all the big 6th graders did a finally "walk out" of elementary school. Jr High here they come!

I just can't believe it! My son is not only as tall as me, has bigger feet and hands than me but he's also in 7th grade.....Jr High!!! YIKES
Next year will be a whole new adventure for us.
All my kids will be in school all day
We get to juggle two different school schedules
I'm home all alone..
Oh boy, I've never had a house all to myself all day...
I guess it's time to get workin on a hobby!
Thanks for an awesome year!


Sunday, May 3, 2009

Move over girls

the Princess has arrived!

Emily celebrated her 6th birthday in style! She has the most darling group of little friends.

G & G Bentz treated Em to this custom built doll bunkbed
isn't it to die for??

(I wish G &G would have made something like this for their ONLY daughter!)
Grandpa built the whole thing and then Grandma made the bedding to match her room!

We all you Emily!!

Happy Birthday to our baby girl!!