Spring Break Weekend

This year the kids had just 3 days off around the Easter weekend. We decided to make a special trip to Colorado because (with Eve turning 8) we wanted to hold a special baptism with family members and friends. It was a very quick trip filled with activities.

Eve actually had her birthday on Thursday, April 5th. With no school I made pancakes for breakfast to celebrate her special day. Since we traveled in the afternoon, we even added candles for an official "cake and candles" experience.

We enjoyed the 8 hour drive to Colorado in the afternoon/evening, we even let the kids get ice cream since it was Eve's actual birthday.

Friday morning and afternoon we spent preparing for Eve's baptism while the kids enjoyed cousin time. The baptism turned out beautifully!

This was the program cover:

The inside of the program looked like this (except with a better font):


Baptismal Program for Eve Elaine Smith


April 6, 2012

Aurora, Colorado


Presiding – Brother Mike Ker

Conducting – Brother Mike Ker

Pianist – Bonnie Murray

Chorister – Jennifer Robinson


Welcome

Opening Song – “When I am Baptized” – Hannah & Emma Robinson

Opening Prayer – Christianna Sullins


Talk on Baptism – John Murray

Baptism of Eve

Piano Duet – “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” – Bonnie Murray & Catherine Williams

Interlude music

Confirmation of Eve

Musical Number – “As a Child of God” – Eve, Sterling & Sheri Smith

Talk on Gift of Holy Ghost – Burns Sabey


Closing Hymn – “By The Waters of Mormon"

Closing Prayer - Mark Sabey


As you can see, we were very blessed to be with family and friends. We felt such love and support! The spirit was so sweet! I felt that everything was simply beautiful, especially my Eve. She seemed so calm and yet also very aware of the importance of the covenants she made. It was beautiful to see her understand the symbolism and meaning of the ordinances as we taught her prior to this special day.

I appreciate all the help from my family and friends, especially my dad for all his arrangements and his talk, my mother and sisters and Sara for helping set up and arrange for music. Also, thanks to my brothers who acted as witnesses and Granda Sabey for his talk.

Brother Ker was so wonderful to spend his Friday night with us to preside and support our family.

Thank you all! We felt such love and support!


Saturday was filled with fun! I started the morning by taking Eve to a class at the American Girl Doll Store. Here she learned how to do different hair styles on her doll. I thought this would be a nice present for her birthday.
She enjoyed it and it was fun to check the store out.

Following the class we went back my Mom's house and had easter festivities. We made a delicious lunch, dyed easter eggs, and had an egg hunt. Being with my family is such fun!

In the afternoon, we went to see Mirror, Mirror and then we had dinner at Mom's.

Sunday we woke up to our Easter baskets. . .

. . . and beautiful Easter symbols.

Then we got ready for church ...

After Church we had a traditional Easter dinner. It felt wonderful to be with the family!

We felt sad to leave our family Sunday evening, but very grateful for the time we got to spend with them. They were wonderful to revolve the weekend around our visit. Thanks to a loving, wonderful family!

Happy Spring!

March has been a great month! The sun has emerged and the grey has slowly retreated. Things really started improving the week before St. Patrick's Day.

I was out on a walk with Sheri when I discovered upon my arrival at home, a package from Annie, my sister. What fun! We opened it up and felt brightened and excited about all the fun treasures she sent us. She sent a cute leprechaun card that plays an Irish tune. She gave Matt a box of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies -one of our favorites! She gave me a cute green and white striped purse/bag. She gave Eve an adorable green polka dot umbrella, Sterling a can of silly string, and Sheri a little purse with green nail polish and lip gloss inside. Sprinkled in the bottom were Hershey's Creme de Menthe kisses. This happens to be one form of chocolate that doesn't leave a yucky after taste which I am particularly sensitive to during times of morning sickness. - - Oh yeah, time to announce that formally. We are expecting a baby - due October 5th. - - I just hit 12 weeks, so let's all hope for increasing energy, and less nausea. It has already been improving. :)
Anyway, Let's just say Annie made my day/week! Her package was so cute that I made a centerpiece out of the items. It was all too cute to not display!



The day before St. Patrick's Day I created a fun treasure hunt. Our play area in the basement was a mess (from the kids.) They don't play down there very often and so I don't worry about it too much if it isn't perfect. However, this seemed like a perfect chance to clean it. I created a note from a pretend Leprechaun. Here is what it said:
"Dear Smith Kids,
I played a St. Patrick's Day trick on you. I made a giant mess in your toy room!
Ha Ha! Ha Ha! Ha Ha!
Now you have to clean it up! There is one little catch. Don't put EVERYTHING away or you might find all my clues and discover my pot of gold!
Sincerely,
Mischief Max,
Your friendly Leprechaun
P.S. - Your mom told me that if everything is put away she will make pancakes with green whipped cream tomorrow."

The kids had a great time with this. I had remind them a little bit to clean as they searched for hidden clues among the mess, but they ended up doing a good job of putting everything away as they collected the 10 clues. After they found the clues, they started the hunt and found 2 more clues which led to the "pot of gold." It was fun!

The kids find the note discover that they have to clean up the 'leprechaun's' mess.


The mess before.


A clean room and all the collected clues.


Finding the last clue.


The pot of Gold.


Enjoying the gold.



I also want to also note that we had a fun morning at the kids school this same week called pastries for parents. This is where we get to look at some of the kids' art work and enjoy muffins or doughnuts and juice together. Here are a few cute pics from the morning.






Also with the arrival of spring has come many park visits. Here is one where I am practicing with my camera a bit.







Recently, the kids surprised me with a pedicure on our sunny porch. So thoughtful! I had to document it and actually, Eve has a great touch! Not as good as Matt's foot rubs, but there is definitely some raw talent that I will be happy to encourage!



Sheri spritzing with some nice smelling body spray.


Dumping out the soaking bucket.


I definitely felt spoiled!

A final spring highlight is that birthday season begins in our family. Matt is March, Eve is April, Sheri is May, Sterling is June, and I am July!

We are so grateful for Matthew in our lives. I count my blessings that he has turned out to be just perfect for me and a wonderful father to our kids. We relish our time with him. He strengthens and supports us and makes our lives more fun! Although he likes to complain about getting older, I think he is as handsome as ever!







Happy Spring!