Thursday, January 22, 2009

Lion King

When Ray's parents were in town we took the whole family (except Brynlee) to Lion King.

I love how they created the animals and scenery, and the choreography is really cool. It's a wonderful production. The kids were excellent and riveted to the stage the whole time. I'm glad they had this experience because I want them to have an appreciation for the arts. James' favorite part was when Scar says, "I'm surrounded by idiots", and has repeated that line several times since. How fabulous that he could take home such a great message! The real message of the story is great:

"Remember Who You Are"

I think all of us need to be reminded of this. When we truly know who we are, we treat others better because we also know how important they are. We take on our responsibilities with a good attitude because we remember our purpose here and want to live up to our potential. I think that is the test and challenge of this life experience - to first realize who we are, and then to act accordingly. At a recent enrichment activity, a member of our stake presidency encouraged us to make sure our actions reflect our beliefs. It comes down to making our behavior consistent with our divine nature, which is much easier said than done! I think it's a life long process, and we are constantly struggling to realign what we do with what we know is right.

Monday, January 12, 2009


Ray blessed Brynlee on Sunday, January 4th. Ray's brother Tim also blessed their baby Jack on the same day (so the grandparents would only have to make one trip). It was a beautiful day and I am grateful for the power of the priesthood.




with all the grandparents




Grandma Lari made the gorgeous dress and beautiful white blanket. She is amazing!



Monday, January 5, 2009

Christmas 2008

We had a great Christmas and it was fun to have all of my siblings here this year. We ate lots of good food and of course got in a few games of Settlers. This is the first picture we have of Brynlee smiling, and then a few others from Christmas Day.



































Santa brought scooters this year!








Thursday, January 1, 2009

Christmas Eve

Posing for some pics in our jammies, which had just been delivered by the Christmas "Elvis" (Elves)... All seven sibs
SISTERS


White Elephant Gift Exchange

Soaps of mother and Buff




Faerie Tale Theatre T-Shirt (long running inside joke amongst the sibs)




Christmas Eve Talent Show

We had a Smith Family Talent Show on Christmas Eve... Papa made puppets and played the guitar while the grandkids sang "I, Said the Donkey" (this was a Christmas tradition when my dad was growing up).

Phillipino Christmas Song Marinne and Natalli playing a violin duet



Blake on the piano


Kambria and James singing a Mexican Christmas song




Christmas Trio






Richard and Erica doing oragami





James' rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock"




What Christmas program would be complete without a scarved Bethany belting
"Tell Old Santy I Live in a Shanty"?