Thursday, March 8, 2012
Nick Rimando
This year in school the 3rd graders did a biography fair. They got to choose one famous person (anyone they wanted), research all they could about that person, write a 5 paragraph essay, make a poster all about that person, and then dress up as their person and answer any questions people had about them. And SURPRISE SURPRISE!!! Cameron chose Nick Rimando. He did a great job!!
The Birthday Girl
Okay, so I am little behind in posting this, but better late than never right? THe Saturday before McKenzie's birthday she was able to chose one friend to go and do whatever she wanted to do. This time around she chose Anneka to come with her and she chose to go swimming at the Herriman Rec Center and out to Olive Garden for dinner.
I thought this was so cute of the two of them together. McKenzie really has some of the best friends, it was a hard decision on who she was going to bring.
Here they are waiting to be able to get back into the water.
Then on her actual birthday we woke her up early and had her open her presents. She was surprised to find that all her stuff was packed in her new suitcase (just in time for Hawaii. And of course all she wanted was stuff for the trip.
Blowing out her candles that night.
Happy Birthday Kenz! We love you :)
I thought this was so cute of the two of them together. McKenzie really has some of the best friends, it was a hard decision on who she was going to bring.
Here they are waiting to be able to get back into the water.
Then on her actual birthday we woke her up early and had her open her presents. She was surprised to find that all her stuff was packed in her new suitcase (just in time for Hawaii. And of course all she wanted was stuff for the trip.
Blowing out her candles that night.
Happy Birthday Kenz! We love you :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
11 years old
Where has the time gone? I can't believe that my little girl is 11 already! What can I say about McKenzie? She is wonderful. There is so much I can learn from her. I know I can always count on her when I need to. If I need her to babysit while I run some errands or have a meeting or whatever, she is there. She is the one the teachers always say that they can count on to be a friend to the sad or friendless. Even when things aren't exactly what she wants, she is so good to put on a happy face and go with it. She has such an amazing knowledge of the scriptures. She knows and understands stories that I just recently am starting to understand. I look at her and wonder how I was chosen to be her mother. She is way better than I am, what could I possibly teach her? She is mild tempered for the most part, and rarely do I have to get after her. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for blessing my life by letting her come and be a part of our family. I love you McKenzie! Happy Birthday.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tom
What have we been up to the past few weeks? Well, maybe it would be easier to ask what we have been up to. It has been a whirlwind month so far. It all started on the 1st...
My Mom flew in that day. It wasn't a planned trip. In fact she had bought her tickets less than 24 hours before she was in Utah. My Mom's brother, my uncle Tom, decided life was too hard here. Now grated he was dealing with alot of demons in his life- some self inflicted others not so much- but it was just not what anyone wants to hear. So, needless to say we spent all day Wednesday at the hospital (the paramedics were able to revive him), and then I went back to the hospital again on Thursday. When my Aunt Meltche and my Grandparents realized he wasn't going to make it they were able to start figuring out organ donations. So, through this awful tragedy we were able to bless the lives of three other. I was actually able to be there when he left this earthly life. I wasn't sure quite what to expect. I was really quiet and peaceful. They did warn us that it could take awhile, but it was very quick. It really makes you reflect on your own life and just how precious it is.
The funeral was a week later. It was really good to see all of the photos of him growing up. I was able to remember him how he was, how he was when I was growing up (he is only 10 years older than me). It was good to hear all the good stories and all the good things he had done in his life.
It was good to see my family pull together and support one another during this very difficult time. I am so grateful for each one of them. And even more so for the knowledge that I have about eternal families. That this life isn't it. There is more... an eternity of more.
Here is his obituary:
Tom returned home to out Heavenly Father on February 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born October 27, 1969 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Edwin (Ted) and Miriam Smith Skeen.
Tom attended Dixie State College and was a natural and outstanding athlete. He had a sharp mind and knew the scriptures inside and out. Tom served as a missionary in Denver, CO. He was also an influential missionary in the Philippines. He met and converted Meltche, from the Philippines, whom he married January 20, 2009.
Tom had a special connection with nature, he also loved children and they loved him. Tom enjoyed tennis and was a professional umpire for the USPTA for many years. During that time he received the Junior McGovern Award for Umpire Excellence at the U.S. Open.
Tom had a big heart and compassionate personality; he was not materialistic and continually thought of the needs of family and friends. He liked to express his love to his wife and made a special effort to remember family and friends through cards, gifts and calls. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and those whose lives he touched over the years.
Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Jed. He is survived by his wife, Meltche Skeen; his parents, Ted and Miriam Skeen; grandparents Patriarch Eldred G. Smith and Hortense Smith; sisters, Cindy (Bob) McCullough and Teri (Tim) Sullivan; brothers, Bob (Sue) Skeen, Jim (Desiré) Skeen, Joe (Paula) Skeen, Gary (Sylvia) Skeen and Scott (Gwen) Skeen; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Mueller Park 8th Ward, 1320 East 1975 South, Bountiful, Ut., where a viewing will be held prior to services from 10:00 -11:30 a.m. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sunrise
Beautiful sunrise this morning. Thought I would share the pictures I took. Isn't our Heavenly Father the most amazing artist? Unfortunately the pictures really don't do it justice.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Oh the joys
We had Parent Teacher Conferences this past week. I always enjoy going to talk with my children's teachers and see how other people view my kids. I know how the behave for me at home, how rotten they can be when I ask them to do something they don't want to do. But for some reason they are usually angels for other people. This is especially true with Cameron (sweet, loving, naughty, screaming maniac Cameron). We went to Cameron's class first. I know Cameron is smart. I have always known that, his teachers have often told me. I just think that sometimes, well at home anyways, he just doesn't see the point of doing things. There have been a few times that his teachers have said "Cameron hasn't turned in such and such assignment." When I ask him it is usually, "I didn't want to." Or something along those lines. So, I was prepared to hear something like that this time around. NOPE!! He is the ideal perfect student!! He does all his work, turns it in on time, is helpful to the teacher and other students, doesn't talk too much, raises his hand, is polite, etc. etc. etc. I sat there (not sure if my mouth was hanging open or not, could have been) in shock. I wanted to say, "No, Cameron is my son. You know the naughty, gives people dirty looks if you talk to him one." Instead I smiled and said I was so glad he was a good student for her. And truth be told, she is a perfect teacher for Cameron. She has "fast finishers" for him when he is done, she has him help tutor other kids in her class, she makes him feel important and needed. He has all A's and scored the highest levels in reading and math that they test them on. Way to go Cameron!!
Next was McKenzie's class. I am always told how smart and quiet and polite she is. I can usually see how her teachers think this. She loves to be the "teacher's pet." She comes by it naturally. She always does good in all subjects, usually all A (maybe an occasional A- or B+). So I was quite surprised that we had any issues with McKenzie! Not that they are bad, she isn't failing anything. BUT she hadn't improved any from the beginning of the year math test to the middle of the year test, and her spelling test grades have been going down. Now I will admit I am partially to blame for a couple of reasons. First, we have been going through alot. Jeff lost his job, Christmas was coming. I was just a wee bit stressed out. I wasn't as dedicated to making sure they are doing their homework as well as they should. The other reason was, I thought she should be doing more by herself. Middle school isn't too far off, and she needs to be more independent. Unfortunately that didn't work too well. I let her do homework while watching TV (totally bad I know!) and she wasn't retaining the information. Needless to say, she is grounded from TV until her homework and piano is done, and her Dad is home from work. That way she only has maybe 30 minutes to watch shows. And she gets to go in early to school to have a tutoring session with her teacher and a few other kids. Now don't get me wrong, her math grade is good (a B I think), but we just want to make sure that she is understanding everything now, so as they continue to add to it she won't get lost and confused.
So, all in all PTC went great. I DO have amazing wonderful kids, even if they don't always show that side to me :)
Next was McKenzie's class. I am always told how smart and quiet and polite she is. I can usually see how her teachers think this. She loves to be the "teacher's pet." She comes by it naturally. She always does good in all subjects, usually all A (maybe an occasional A- or B+). So I was quite surprised that we had any issues with McKenzie! Not that they are bad, she isn't failing anything. BUT she hadn't improved any from the beginning of the year math test to the middle of the year test, and her spelling test grades have been going down. Now I will admit I am partially to blame for a couple of reasons. First, we have been going through alot. Jeff lost his job, Christmas was coming. I was just a wee bit stressed out. I wasn't as dedicated to making sure they are doing their homework as well as they should. The other reason was, I thought she should be doing more by herself. Middle school isn't too far off, and she needs to be more independent. Unfortunately that didn't work too well. I let her do homework while watching TV (totally bad I know!) and she wasn't retaining the information. Needless to say, she is grounded from TV until her homework and piano is done, and her Dad is home from work. That way she only has maybe 30 minutes to watch shows. And she gets to go in early to school to have a tutoring session with her teacher and a few other kids. Now don't get me wrong, her math grade is good (a B I think), but we just want to make sure that she is understanding everything now, so as they continue to add to it she won't get lost and confused.
So, all in all PTC went great. I DO have amazing wonderful kids, even if they don't always show that side to me :)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Grandaddy Turns 105!!
My Great Grandaddy turned 105 yesterday. He is the oldest man in Utah (there are some women older than him that he is determined to outlive!), the oldest general authority, and the longest serving general authority. BUT to me and y family he is GRANDADDY!
The Deseret News did the following article about him. President Monson came over for a visit along with the reporter, Gerry Avant. I am posting it, along with all the pictures so that I will have a copy of it in my blog book for all my family to see and remember.
Elder Eldred G. Smith , who served as patriarch to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1949 to 1979, turned 105 on Monday. Among those calling upon him at this home to extend greetings was church President Thomas S. Monson .
Sitting shoulder to shoulder on a sofa in the living room of Elder Smith's home in Salt Lake City, they reminisced about their long years of service in the church. They spoke of their travels together to such places as Australia, Samoa and Italy.
"We had a good time together," President Monson said.
They still enjoy a close association. On the first Thursday of each month, Elder Smith, who retains the priesthood office of patriarch and is an emeritus general authority, attends a meeting with all the church's general authorities who are in Salt Lake City. President Monson said he often calls upon Elder Smith to speak. "We always enjoy hearing from him," President Monson said.
In addition to sharing memories of their church service together, they spoke of their shared interest in the outdoors. While President Monson said he enjoyed hunting pheasants, Elder Smith said he hunted deer. "But once you pull the trigger, the fun is over," he said in reference to the work involved in dressing out the deer and preparing it for the table. He said his mother had an excellent method of cooking venison. "One time, she cooked venison along with some beef. No one could tell the difference," he said.
As the two talked, they learned that each once had a dog named Freckles.
Elder Smith is the last person to have held the position of patriarch to the church. The office originated in 1833 with the calling of Joseph Smith Sr., father of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Elder Eldred Smith is the great-great-grandson of the Prophet's brother Hyrum. Elder Smith's father, Hyrum Gibbs Smith, was patriarch to the church from 1912 until his death in 1932. Eldred G. Smith was called as patriarch to the church on April 10, 1949, by George Albert Smith .
As a general authority, Elder Smith traveled to stake conferences with individual members of the Quorum of the Twelve and was a frequent speaker at general conferences.
As a descendant of Hyrum Smith , Elder Smith has inherited several artifacts that he has displayed on various occasions.
He married Jeanne Audrey Ness in 1932; they had five children. Following her death, he married Hortense Child in 1977; she was then serving as a counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
Five years ago, when he turned 100, a reporter asked to what Elder Smith attributed his long life. Reminded of that interview, Elder Smith laughed gave the same answer: "Keep breathing."
The Deseret News did the following article about him. President Monson came over for a visit along with the reporter, Gerry Avant. I am posting it, along with all the pictures so that I will have a copy of it in my blog book for all my family to see and remember.
Elder Eldred G. Smith , who served as patriarch to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1949 to 1979, turned 105 on Monday. Among those calling upon him at this home to extend greetings was church President Thomas S. Monson .
Sitting shoulder to shoulder on a sofa in the living room of Elder Smith's home in Salt Lake City, they reminisced about their long years of service in the church. They spoke of their travels together to such places as Australia, Samoa and Italy.
"We had a good time together," President Monson said.
They still enjoy a close association. On the first Thursday of each month, Elder Smith, who retains the priesthood office of patriarch and is an emeritus general authority, attends a meeting with all the church's general authorities who are in Salt Lake City. President Monson said he often calls upon Elder Smith to speak. "We always enjoy hearing from him," President Monson said.
In addition to sharing memories of their church service together, they spoke of their shared interest in the outdoors. While President Monson said he enjoyed hunting pheasants, Elder Smith said he hunted deer. "But once you pull the trigger, the fun is over," he said in reference to the work involved in dressing out the deer and preparing it for the table. He said his mother had an excellent method of cooking venison. "One time, she cooked venison along with some beef. No one could tell the difference," he said.
As the two talked, they learned that each once had a dog named Freckles.
Elder Smith is the last person to have held the position of patriarch to the church. The office originated in 1833 with the calling of Joseph Smith Sr., father of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Elder Eldred Smith is the great-great-grandson of the Prophet's brother Hyrum. Elder Smith's father, Hyrum Gibbs Smith, was patriarch to the church from 1912 until his death in 1932. Eldred G. Smith was called as patriarch to the church on April 10, 1949, by George Albert Smith .
As a general authority, Elder Smith traveled to stake conferences with individual members of the Quorum of the Twelve and was a frequent speaker at general conferences.
As a descendant of Hyrum Smith , Elder Smith has inherited several artifacts that he has displayed on various occasions.
He married Jeanne Audrey Ness in 1932; they had five children. Following her death, he married Hortense Child in 1977; she was then serving as a counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
Five years ago, when he turned 100, a reporter asked to what Elder Smith attributed his long life. Reminded of that interview, Elder Smith laughed gave the same answer: "Keep breathing."
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