Christmas Tree harvesting, etc. with Smith kiddos

Today we set a record for early Christmas tree harvesting.  We actually did what I have always wanted to do and went out the day after Thanksgiving!  The only thing that was missing was the snow.  I think I kind of like wading around in it while harvesting, other than figuring how to get there and out in a vehicle that won't get stuck!  But it was a fun day!  It took longer to get there and back by a long time than it took us to find the tree.  It was unseasonably warm so we had our after tree picnic right up on Cedar Mountain close to where we got the tree.  We had hot chocolate, leftover turkey/roll sandwiches etc.  We all tried our hand at lighting the spider with flint and steel since we forgot the matches.  Bean and Paul were the only ones who could really get things going, but it was fun to try.  

After that we came home and went to see a great/sad dog movie, The Stray. Then we ate pizza, root-beer floats and pie. It was a fun day to spend together.  We had to take two cars, so the kids rotated around and everyone got a turn in the truck with Grandpa.  I'm good at spearheading and getting things put together, but Grandpa is the one who makes it all fun!  

REALLY BIG NEWS! They got married!

Saturday, November 18th...the really big day...Derek Clyde Smith and Colony Sue Perry (Millsap) got married this morning at 11 am at Derek's ward building.  It was very nice with just small numbers in the relief society room.  The same wonderful bishop who conducted at Weed's funeral did the honors.  He has been such a blessing through all of these past life changing years in the Smith's lives.  So thankful he was still in as bishop for this.  All of the kids looked so nice and most of them seemed pretty excited, and some not quite as excited for such a big change.  Praying that all things will work out well with lots of love, work and prayers for all involved.  Derek and Colony are planning on being sealed later down the road when they both have permission.  We really hope this turns out to be a wonderful blessing for everyone involved.  It was nice to meet Colony's parents and find that we had already had some very slight acquaintance with them from being in the same stake in the past.  Hoping our kids can come to terms with some of the hurt they feel from being less involved, and I'm sure that will be the case for all of us as things adjust for priorities.  For now, I'm thankful and happy and hopeful!  It was very sweet when one of Colony's girls actually called me, "Grandma Lillywhite." I hope I can be the kind of person that can show love to Colony's kids in the way that will work for them.   I like this top picture, and the way it has Jesus in the photo too.  I want him to be with this family in  their new lives together helping them to treat each other as he would and have him help them through the rough times and bring joy to them all.  Another favorite thing is the other full family picture with Ty (hope that's the right spelling) with his hand on Trigg's shoulder.  It says to me that some love is already happening here and I so hope it will grow and grow for all of them.  Colony's kids (and Derek's now too!) are Olyvia, Carly and Ty.  I need to learn correct spellings, birth dates, etc., etc. In my heart I do feel that Weed, who loves her family so much, had a hand in helping Derek and Colony come together.  It would be so like her to be looking out for Derek and the kids and helping them to find someone to love and take care of them all.  It would also be like her to want the same for Colony.  I almost feel like she's probably at peace now knowing it is now in place to have everyone taking care of each other.  I do hope they will be up to the task of working through the rough places.

Eden & Ellie Christmas date edventure

We are getting down to the end of the Christmas dates.  Eden and Ellie have waited quite a while, but we wanted to find something we thought would be just right.  The Zion Plein Air Art event looked just right.  They are both pretty artsy.  We had a fun day even dealing with the crowds.  Zion was in beautiful fall colors and weather.  The art was beautiful and it was fun to watch the paintings come to life as we visited and revisited them in their progress. We saw oil, watercolor and pastel works. A couple of the artists, Arlene Braithwaite and Steve Stauffer, let the girls add to their works and that made it really fun and personal.  We also enjoyed the park after the art with a picnic, hike and visit to the gallery to see some of the other works that had been completed earlier in the week.  We enjoyed the artist's art as well as the Creator's art that day.

This artist, Arlene Bratiwaite, showed the girls what she was talking about, demonstrated how to do it and then let them add some sparkle to the pastel with yellow leaves.  

The top left pic doesn't show it, but Eden has a dollar bill in her hand.  The artist, Steve Stauffer,  paid her for her work on his oil painting!

BIG NEWS! They're engaged!

The big news is that Derek and Colony are engaged!  He and all of their kids officially popped the question last Friday evening.  We are happy for them and looking forward to good things coming for both of them and the kids.  It will be a big challenge/adjustment for all involved, but being alone isn't great.  Moving forward will be a positive step in their lives.  We plan to lend our support however we can.  I keep having the feeling that Weed was somehow involved in getting these two together.  I can totally see her doing it.  Now it's up to all of us to make it work out for the best!

Eliza is 5!

Can't believe how fast Eliza is growing up.  She's such a cute, creative, enthusiastic little girl!  Love her to pieces.  Happy Birthday!

Halloween 2017!

So I'm a real party pooper about Halloween now days, but I love to see what the family is doing.  They sent me pics that are so fun!  We stayed home, watched a suspense movie and had one trick-or-treater, and we are still finishing of the candy ourselves.