Storm Clouds

Often I watch out my kitchen window as I am cooking or cleaning up from cooking (sometimes a never ending job) and I can see some of the most beautiful sights as I look at Mt. Timpanogos. Sometimes I wonder if my neighbors think I am watching their homes when in reality I am looking above at the ever changing mountain. On Monday of this week I was again looking out the window and watching a storm come in. The clouds moving across the mountain were breath taking to me. I always see pictures in my mind and hope that I can begin to photograph them and do them justice. This is my try at capturing these images.

Winter is truly here but on occasions like this I just admire it's beauty and am grateful the snow is piling up there (not here) for the water next year. One of the many things that I am grateful for.

I am new to the blogging world and it has been very fun until just after the recent election. It has allowed me to come into contact with old friends and to make some new ones along the way. With recent events I have decided to take my blog private and will do so within the next couple of days. There have been some local stories on the news and I was already thinking about going private but events this week have caused me to make this decision during the night. I will be sending personal invites to those that I know, in case I miss anyone you can contact me at lauri.s@comcast.net if you would like to be on my blog list. For those of you who remain on the public side of the blog be very careful about the things that you post such as pictures, names, dates, anything personal or even opinions that may differ from those who may be reading, and or stalking.

Hawaii Update

The rail system passed in the election on Tuesday, what that means for us is still uncertain. With all of the stress of the vote the talk of us moving over there kind of hit the sideline and we are waiting for the talks to resume. So we don't know when they will want us to come over or if it is still in the works. For now Kerry will keep flying over and I will go with him from time to time. We'll keep you all posted with the details as it happens, but for now the project goes forward and Kerry has a job. He will be working on the rail and he is one of Caleb's hero's because he is working on a train project.

Genetics and Such

I really like having many of the "Smith" genes like height for one. This weekend I am really sick of one of the genes that my dad passed along that being sinus problems and or allergies. I had a shot on Wednesday for a sinus infection and it hasn't even touched the problem so I probably will be headed back on Monday. When I asked my Dr. about the problem he said yeah your whole family inherited this from your dad. I haven't sneezed this much since allergy season last spring. I feel like someone has hit me in the face wtih a baseball bat because the pressure is so bad. Unfortunately I think I have managed to pass this wonderful gene down to some of my girls, sorry. I guess Hononlulu is an answer to that because I don't feel this way when I am there. In the mean time I missed the last BYU home game for the season because I didn't feel like sitting in the cold. I really love to go to the games.......I even slept through most of it at home because of the cold medicine to quote Jess "grr just GRRR."

It's official Winter Is Here!

It's kind of hard to see but it was actually snowing quite hard when I took these. It is a new season.

As I have been reading from various blogs today with some frustration and some admiration this song came on from my playlist. I really like this song but it hit me kind of hard today. This has been a particularly rough political season and there have been lots of hurtful and nasty things said from every party and every supporter. Decisions have been made and now we all have to "Dream Big" only we can make a difference in our own lives and only we are responsible for whether we are truly happy or not. (we can blame unhappiness on others but it really is up to us.) It has been snowing here, I really don't like snow, I have lived with it for many years, but Mt. Timpanogos never looks prettier than it does with a brand new snow cap on top of it. May we all "Dream Big"

Dream Big

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band

Witch Village and Trick or Treating

Last year at Halloween time most of the females in our family went to Gardner Village in Salt Lake during a school holiday we drug Spencer and Caleb along with us. They decorate it so cute for the seasons. Caleb remembered it from last year and called it "Witch Village" he wanted to go back this year and see the witches. So on Tuesday of this week we went up and met Natalie for lunch. The meal was less than satisfactory but the outing was fun. I'm thinking that this will have to become a tradition for us with all that can go from the family.(Cyd we missed you agian.) While we waited for Natalie to get there we went down and watched the water wheel.

If he could have climbed into the water he would have!


Two of my sweet girls!

Watching the ducks from the covered bridge

Still watching ducks and the flying witch from the rock wall by the stream.

Just clowning around.

Watching the cat and the mouse run around under the witches skirt.

He looked just at the right time!


Once again drawn to the water.

Anxiously waiting for the Jelly Bellies to be divided up.

Oh the sun is so bright.

Lots more witches.

What's cookin?



Last the best of all the game, the pony rides!

At least Spencer liked it this year.



Later that night we went to our family ward dinner and "trunk or treat" and I asked that the boys come and go with us, I just wanted to show them off!

Spencer was scared by the guy in our ward who dressed up like the Grim Reaper and so he wasn't very interested in eating.

As cute as he was look at the duo!

And then the real fun began.

Spencer seemed to perk up when the trick or treating began.

Look at those muscles!

Rachel and Cameron all dressed up to hand out candy. Rachel's inspiration in Abby from NCIS and Cameron's makeup and hair were great I just didn't get a close up of them.

Almost done.

On Halloween I had an appointment with Dr. Dave and they were dressed up for the day but I was the only one with a camera.

The first trick or treaters at my house "Captain Cook" and "Spider Man"


Grandma had treat buckets that matched their costumes with lots of fun things other than candy for them. It was great fun to plan it out.

Looking through all of the treasures.

Rachel after school, her kids loved the costume.

Just can't get enough of the Captain

Before heading to their own neighborhoods the Great Niece and Nephews went to Trick or Treat at Rosemarie's house don't they all look adorable?

Rebecca finally decided to be Wilma Flinstone for the day, here she is before she goes off for the evening party at Los Hermanos.

Though it is my least favorite holiday it was a fun week and day with the kids. Before you know it Christmas will be here. I haven't even begun to get ready but am very anxious for Cyd and Ken to be here for a couple of weeks.