Holmes Family Reunion

Spring break found us headed to Show Low, Arizona for the Holmes Family Reunion.  Bryant and Stephanie spearheaded this get together with amazing results.  

They found a huge house to rent for a week, then coordinated activities and meals. 

 We played games, went to the park, read books, ate lots of good food, went 4 wheeling, shot guns, went on bike rides, and hung out.  It was nice to get away for a while. 

Kate's Senior Recital

After many years of study, Kate was able to give her Senior Recital at Brigham Young University Idaho last April.  I was blessed to be able to attend.  Until this night I have not been able to hear Kate in all her glory.  I've sat next to her in church and heard her sing hymns.  I've heard her practice scales.  I've truly wondered about her ability as she sings pop songs from the radio.  But I have not been able to experience the true talent that she possesses.

As a graduated senior of BYU-I in vocal performance, Kate only needed to give a senior recital to finish her program.  It was a beautiful night of music.  I only recorded one song to bring home for my guys to hear, but I think I picked the best.  And although Kate would probably be able to pick out every little mistake, I think it is perfect.

Another Sun Devil Graduate

Back at the beginning of May, I was able to travel to Arizona to see Craig graduate with a Chemical Engineering degree from Arizona State University.  I don't think there was a more proud or enthusiastic family than ours.   

We cheered as the Chinese graduates crossed the stage (because they didn't have any family there to cheer for them).  We cheered for the graduate of the family that sat near us.  But the roof came off when Craig crossed the stage.

I am so proud of this man and his family.  I know the sacrifices needed to obtain a higher education and the support that a student needs to excel.  I know that Craig has done the hard because of his wonderful wife and kids were behind him.  Congrats to you all!!!!

Update:  Craig just received a great job offer and things are pointing to a bright future. 

Sea World with Papa and Taty

On their trip to move Kate to Houston, Papa and Kate stopped for a day in San Antonio.  After weighing our options for entertainment we headed out to Sea World.  Shamu was visited.  We saw the Azul show that had many technical difficulties.  Matt, Doug, Kate, and I went on one of the water rides.  But by far the best part of the day was riding the Steel Eel.  

Doug and Matt had already been on the ride before on a previous visit and decided to sit it out.  (Should have tipped me off.)  Nate took a good look at the ride and decided that it wasn't for him.  So it was up to the fantastic four of Dan, Kate, Papa, and I to concur the roller coaster.  With no wait in line, none of us had enough time to change our minds.  On the ride we go and I start playing tour guide pointing out Downtown San Antonio and Wilford Hall on the Air Force Base that you can see as you ascend the roller coaster.  The last thing I hear is Kate telling Dan that it would all be over in one minute.  For the next 60 seconds all I could think is "Don't cry!!!  It will freak Dan out!!!  AHHHHHHH!!!!"  After the longest minute of my life we got off the ride and I thought for sure that my knees were going to buckle, crumpling me on the platform so I could sit a sob quietly.  (Needless to say I'm not big on roller coasters.)  My only happy thought was the smile that was stretched from ear to ear on Dan's face.

 Kate and Matt thought that they needed to imitate the flamingos.  

We had a great time with Papa and Kate.

Yay for Aunt Taty

Aunt Taty was going to visit with the rest of the family but plans didn't work out but it seemed to for the best.  First, she got a bed to sleep in instead of the couch. Second, she got to be here for Matt's talent show.  Third, she got our undivided attention (except of course for school, Key Spouse, church, and other things).  Now I have no pictures of anything because I am a loser and got tired of carrying my camera, but we did have some unique things happen while I was showing her the town.

When we visited the Alamo (everyone has to see the Alamo), in the gazebo there was the brass section of a college marching band playing.  I could have sat and listened to them all day.  The weather was great, the music was peppy, and the guys were really playing to the crowd.  Then when we visited Market Square (my personal favorite) they had skirt dancers, mariachi players, and singers.  Lots of local color.  We had lunch on the river walk while we watched people use the river taxis. 

The boys and I really enjoyed the dinner she made for us on Saturday.  We were able to drop the amount of children she wanted to have just by her attending our ward.  And we had lots and lots of time to talk.  Fun times!!!!

Spring Break

This year we enjoyed spring break with spring weather.  With the nice weather, Uncle Dunna, Aunt Jymie, Vash, and Rhyla came to visit.  The boys were so excited to see their cousins again and Vash seemed to run his little legs off keeping up with them.  The boys and I showed them downtown.  We even went to the Witte Museum since it is really kid friendly (note to self:  don't go to kid friendly museums during spring break).

The next day we were off to Sea World.  We spent the entire day going from one show to the next.  The boys had a great time and since I got year long tickets, we will have to go back to try out the water park.

My favorite part was having a little girl to hold.  Rhyla is a sweet and easy baby that likes to snuggle, how rare those are in the Smith Family.  The boys played and played with Vash every chance they could.  It was great fun to see my "little" brother be a dad.  We were sorry to see everyone go and Dan wanted to know why couldn't they stay longer.

Nana Visits (AKA Happy Birthday to Me)

In January I heard that Wicked was going to preforming in San Antonio at the end of February.  To say that I was excited was an understatement.  I have wanted to see this show for years but the timing was never right.  Either we were in dental school or moving, but finally I could go.  So I quickly called my mom and told her that the best birthday present would be tickets to Wicked. I also told her that if she really wanted to top it off she could come for a visit and attend the show with me. (Believe me, she really does appreciate when you tell her what you want for a gift.)

Well, all my wishes came true.  Mom came to visit at the end of February and stayed for a week.  We went all over San Antonio.  The Alamo was visited along with Market Square and we walked most of downtown.  We went out to Helotes and spent the entire time thinking how much Gran would enjoy all the little shops. We drove to the to see the temple and out to Castroville just to see the landscape around San Antonio. 

Before attending Wicked we enjoyed dinner out, just the girls.  Then we headed downtown to the Majestic Theater to see Wicked.  First of all is the theater is amazing, truly a show in its self.

Then the performance started.  So very, very good.  I had to pinch myself at times to remind myself that this was live and not a recording.  As my dad would say "I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me".  But the best part was having my mom there to share it with. 

Later during her visit Nana took the boys to see the 3D version of the Justin Bieber movie.  What an experience for everyone.

The boys and I were sorry to see Nana leave but felt so special that she spent her vacation time with us. 

Rhyla Belle

Today the Smith family was happy to welcome the newest addition to our family.  Rhyla Belle Smith was born at 7:10 am.  A bright baby at 9lbs 3oz and 21 inches long.  But the biggest news is ........................' WE HAVE A GIRL!!!!!

The Best Mother's Day Present

This year for Mother's Day my wonderful husband and sons gave me the thing I've been asking forever for.....A VACATION!!!! Yes, that's right, four full days of non-day to day life. No kids, no homework, cooking was optional, no laundry, no housework, no husband, and no schedule. Just time to do whatever I like when I liked. Wonderful doesn't even begin to describe especially since I was able to visit my lovely sister, Katie, in Idaho. It was so much fun to pretend for a few days that life revolved around class and work schedules instead of scout and homework schedules.

Although, Kate lives in the little town of Rexburg and was forever apologizing that there wasn't enough to do, I had a blast wondering around and taking pictures.

I got to attend her classes and found out that my brain hasn't turned completely to mush. Even better, I got to stand outside her practice room as she sang. I was such a good sister, I didn't once pull someone aside saying "Do you hear that!!!! That's MY sister!!!" I think that would have embarrassed her. So I held off.

We made it down to Idaho Falls a couple of times. First to visit our cousin, Shawneen, and her darling family. And the Second to get pictures of the temple.

We went to the Rexburg Farmers Market (love farmers markets) to enjoy the people and the products on display.

Then I got to do the thing I like best in the world. I got to reorganize her apartment. I rearranged furniture, moved pictures, hung drapes, and organized her music/office space. It turned out soo great that I forgot to take any pictures.

I came home happy, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Who needs a spa when you can get all that in Rexburg.

Happy Birthday Gran

As the eldest child of the eldest child, I have many wonderful and sharp memories of my grandmother. One of my very first is standing in her kitchen in Oakley, Idaho and asking her what her name was. This was a favorite game of my sister and mine because no matter how many times we asked she always answered with a smile "Granny Goose". From that time on Granny she was.

In fact many of my memories include Granny in the kitchen. She was an amazing cook. Her baking was legendary (cinnamon rolls to make you weep). She was always on the look out for a good recipe or cookbook. Oh, could that woman collect cookbooks. Two of the most used items in my house are family cookbooks that include her tried and true recipes (even if she did put them under other people's names). There are still times that I want to pick up the phone to get clarification from her on exactly the right way to prepare a family favorite. Gran loved having all her family gathered for a meal. She would prepare for a week in advance for a simple Sunday dinner (like any of those are simple when you feed so many) and the time table for a holiday meal could span weeks.



Gran was also a gracious hostess. As a young woman, she would "employ" my sister and I to be her wait staff at one of the many parties that she held for my Grampy's co-workers. I learned how to set a lovely table, to anticipate the needs of my guests, and make it all look so easy from those experiences. Although I'm not quite sure how much I helped. She always took pride in her home and her family.



Children always knew that Gran had a soft place in her heart for them. Not only was her door (and her candy cabinet) open to her 14 grandchildren but to children in the neighborhood and ward. My mom has said that she learned how to be a grandmother by watching Granny. No rambling story was ever too long, no scribble on a piece a paper was ever less than a masterpiece, and no accomplishment was too small for a celebration. Gran was never too busy, never uninterested, and never too tired (running after a metal hoop trying to hit it with a paddle). She passed down her knowledge to her grandchildren just as her grandmother had passed it down to her. You knew that you were going to have fun if Granny was around.



I could go on and on. Roses and daisies were her favorite flowers. She never cared for her birth stone (garnet), she preferred rubies. Her "vitamins" were chocolate covered raisins. She loved her little dog. Her backings on her tied blankets were always flannel. Her last jar of canned sweet pickles were always fought over. Gran could always talk herself out of a purchase by saying "we can make that". She referred to my grandfather as either "the man I love" or "the man I live with" (you knew when Grampy was in trouble). She traveled the world as an Army wife and cared for three children while my grandfather was deployed. She drew our family together in so many big and small ways.

I miss her all the time, but I know that she peeks in on me every once in a while. Just to make sure that I'm spoiling her great-grandchildren enough.

New Additions to the Family

Our family has been blessed with growing numbers. Two long awaited nephews have arrived and we were so lucky to be able to attend both blessings.

I love babies. I love the way they smell, the way they move, I even love their little cries. I love being an aunt. Being the aunt means that I can enjoy all those things about babies that I love and then give them back to their parents when the less desirable aspects happen.

I love the way my boys are enthralled with their new cousins. I love the way Doug starts out stiff and slowly melts when he holds one of the baby boys.

What I love most is to know that these little ones are so recent from our Heavenly Father's presence. I love how much joy they not only bring to their immediate family but also to those of us who can claim some relation to them.

Thank you Bryant and Stephanie for your darling Dallin

Thank you Craig and Jymie for your precious Vash

Everyday Memories

This last month I have been in a funk. I have felt like Eeyore with a cloud over my head. I don't know why, maybe I've been too busy or not busy enough. Maybe I've not been eating right or not getting enough exercise. Or maybe it was just one of those times that I needed to be in a funk. Needless to say, I have emerged. I am using my planner again (yes it had gotten that bad), showers and make-up are being accomplished, and I even want to spend time with humans.

Yesterday, I sat wondering if I was making "everyday" memories with my boys. I do pretty good with big events (holidays, birthdays, outings, etc.) but I wonder if my boys have things that they will look back and say "Do you remember when Mom did so and so" (with so and so being something good). So I decided to make an "everyday" memory with the boys.

Doug and I try to teach the boys to work hard but to also balance that with play. Right now it is more adding work to play but we are trying. So yesterday I told the boys that if we got the house (including their rooms) dusted, vacuumed, moped, and generally put in order we would do something special. Now I haven't raised any dummies and so they wanted to know what the special thing was. I told them we would blow up the camping air mattresses so we could lay on the floor and watch as many Harry Potter movies as we could stand.

For those of you who have never lived in a place that reaches 110 degrees outside will wonder what am I thinking keeping my boys inside and rotting their brains with T.V., but trust me this is much better than heat stroke.

My boys happily helped get the house in order and were so excited to get our movie marathon going. The best part for them is that I laid on those ever deflating mattresses with them the whole time and we even slept in the living room that night. We all had our favorite pillows and blankets to snuggle into. I was able to hold them close for hours and even closer when the movies got a little intense.

I hope that one day they will look back and say "Do you remember when Mom pumped up those old camping mattresses that wouldn't hold air and laid on the floor with us while we all watched those goofy Harry Potter movies. She was nuts and we loved it!"

Life is Eternal

This past week has turned my thoughts to the eternal. A school project has sent me in search of my roots. I was able to see certain branches of the tree grow and grow. There are other branches that are shorter and need more work. I was amazed to see a great-grandfather's writing on a draft card and be able to make educated guesses as to whom was the first person in a line to join the church. Geneology is such an amazing work to do, even if all you do is a little of it. And I know that I will be able to meet these people and hear their stories. (I am a succor for a good story.)

I think it is very common to think eternally when there is a birth or a passing. In the past day we have had both touch our lives.

Uncle Walter passed yesterday. There is an inherent sadness that follows recieving such news, but we are comforted to know that we will be able to see him again. Uncle Walter was one of the most prominent members of Doug's extended family and although I can not claim to have known him well, over the last ten years I have grown to admire he and his family. One of my favorite Christmas cards to recieve each year is Uncle Walter's and Aunt Bev's. They are always filled with many adventures. From cruises to trips to work with the BYU Alumi and singles in the church, Uncle Walter and Aunt Bev stored up memories and experiances with thier friends and family. I am sure there is no better gift.

We also recieved the much anticipated news of the birth of Vash Alexander Smith at four this morning. It amazes me that the little sack of potatoes that my mom brought home many a year ago and told me was my brother, is now a grown man with a little sack of his own. (not sooo little at 9 lbs. 4 oz and 21 inches long) What a joy these new little ones are and I know that Craig and Jymie will be great parents.

So this next week we will head down to Arizona to meet two new nephews and say goodbye to an uncle. I know that families are forever. The joy and peace in that knowledge is beyond price. I know we have loved ones on the other side of the veil that wait for us to fulfill our mission and are there with open arms when we do. I know the spirit is eternal as these little ones that are sent show us. What a glorious knowledge.

Uncle Dunna & Aunt Jymie Do Vegas

I love when we have family come visit us. Craig (Uncle Dunna) and Jymie had an impulsive moment and decided to come visit. We were able to do so many things with them since the boys were still on track break (the never ending track break). Wednesday night we headed over to Sam's Town to see the animatronic animal, laser, and water show. (In Vegas you can't just do one thing.)

Thursday we went to the Lied Children's Museum. I don't know who enjoyed themselves more, Craig or the boys.

Then we were off to the Bellagio indoor gardens. While there Craig got to drool over the world's largest chocolate fountain.

Then I got to feel like the worst mom in the world as we walked down the strip to the M&M store. Matt even complained that he couldn't even look at the ground as he walked like he usually does when he is bored.

We were so glad Craig and Jymie were able to share some fun memories with us.