Halloween Fun!

The kids Halloween costumes this year were once again picked out by my kids. Logan was a GI JOE Ninja and Lexi was the girl from Camp Rock.
For our Halloween fun this year, we went to two trunk or treats and then went out on Halloween as well. Our Halloween fun started on Thursday night going to the Church's trunk or treat. The kids had a lot of fun and Lexi brought her friend from down the street. On Friday we went over to Jared's Parent's house for more trunk or treating fun with their ward. Their ward had everyone decorate their cars and then have chili and hot dogs for dinner. Each family was to bring a pot of chili or homemade corn bread. The kids had fun going with their cousins around to the different cars for candy.
On Halloween the Jared and I along with the kids went over to Jared's parents house for some pumpkin carving and a birthday party for Lexi. When that fun was all over with we picked up a pizza shaped like a jack o lantern from Pappa Murphy's. The pizza was really good. Then when dinner was done the kids and I walked around the neighborhood trick or treating. All in all I think Halloween was really fun for the kids this year.

Picture Day!

So, it is that time of year again. PICTURE DAY!!! Making sure that the hair cut is just so. The smiles must be just right and the clothes can not clash with the background. This year the school photographer told Logan not to show his teeth. I think he looks nice but not that happy. When I called the company that took the photos they said they were asking all the boys to smile like this.

Lexi is such a ham in front of the camera. She loves picture day and loves to look just right in her picture.

So all in all. I think the pictures turned out really quiet cute. But more imortantly the kids liked how they looked.

Piano

Logan and Lexi have been asking to learn a musical instrument. But what kind of an instrument would be good. As a child I played the piano and I played the bass. Jared took piano lessons for a little while as well. Jared's mom offered to give the kids piano lessons on the condition that they practice. So, piano it is. But where to find a piano that won't cost us a lot.
Well, we had heard of a coworker of Jared's selling a piano of his. It was a reasonable price so we decided to get it. We knew that the piano needed a little bit of work but we were willing to put in the man hours. The picture below shows the piano before we worked on it. I guess that I should mention that the piano is a Krakauer Bros. piano.

It took Jared about two days from start to finish to make the piano really shine. I think that he did a wonderful job on making the piano look almost like new. We decided to spray paint it black. Jared added new felt on the wood where the keys and wood meet. This picture shows how great it looks now. If you ask me it doesn't even look like the same piano.

In the process of getting this diamond in the rough piano. We had asked Jared's parents to put our name in a drawing for his Grandmother's piano. We in our wildest dreams did not think that we were going to win it. Well, as Luck should have it we got the piano.

The piano is a 1909 Hoffman upright piano. The neat thing about this piano is that it belong to Jared's Grandmother Smart. It also has a piano bench that has been needled pointed by his Grandmother.

This piano needs a little bit of TLC. But I think in the end we are very lucky to have it in our home. When I am feeling up to it, I will be rearranging the family room to put the piano in its permanent place.

If you were to come over to our house right now you would walk in the front door and seen the black piano, Grandma Smart Piano right next to it, then the couch and then you would see the antique pump organ. I feel like the house looks like a piano shop. But it is all good.

As for the other piano, Jared and I are going to be selling it. So, if you know of anyone looking for a piano let me know. I will be putting it on Craig's list soon.

Teenagers can be a BLAST!

Logan and Lexi are not teenagers yet. Although I think that Lexi would like to disagree with that. My brother and sister both have, in my opinion some pretty great teenagers and young adults. Each of them brings something fun and exciting to all of the family events.

Chase is the oldest of the grandchildren. He served a mission in Ukraine. He is a fun loving guy that enjoys being around family and friends. It does not matter who you are you feel pretty special when you are around him. As an added plus he has a pretty good sense of humor. He is great a sports, he shines when he is doing anything physical.
(sorry mom that you look bad in the picture but is too funny not to show off.)
The next oldest grandchild is McKenzie. And too soon for me to admit she will no longer be a YSA she will be married. McKenzie is like Chase in the way that she loves to be with family. She loves to listen to what people are up to. She has an amazing voice that she gets from her mom. She along with all of the women in this family LOVES shoes.

Tyler is next in line and an all around entertaining guy to be with. If you ever need a good laugh you can turn to Tyler. He knows the line to just about every movie and quotes them quiet frequently. My kids think he is super funny.

Here is a video that he did that just makes me laugh every time I watch it. Tyler made it for his Spanish class.


And at this point the last teenager is Paige. Paige is very creative. I know that if I have a artistic question on what looks good with what or what is in style right now, Paige can tell me that. She adores Lexi and Lexi think that all the attention she gets is wonderful. Paige is very loving and I enjoy being with her on a one to one. It is at those times where Paige shines.

As I look at the rest of the kids on my side of the family, Cole and Blake are right at the tween age. There are excited for scouting and enjoying the actives of those fun years. I can not wait to see what they will be like.

On Jared's side of the family there is only one teenager, Joshua. He is a very funny guy. He loves to sing and make up stories. He enjoys watching the discover channel which has been very educational for Logan. For instance, the other night Logan and my dad were hanging out and Logan turns to my dad and says, "Grandpa I have something I want to tell you." My dad asks him what it is. and Logan replies, " Do you want to know how sheep are born? Never mind Grandpa it is too gross. ..... Ok I will tell you anyway They just poop them out Grandpa. Poop them Out!!!" My dad asks where he learned this. Logan informs him that on Sundays he watches the Discover channel with Joshua.

All of these YSA and Teenagers have been great examples to my kids. I love each and everyone of them.

VEGAS BABY!!!!

So, on Labor Day Jared and went to Vegas for a little get away. We went with another couple and had a blast. The casino that we stayed at was the Monte Carlo. The rooms were nice. We were on the eleventh floor and had a great view of the pool.
Our first day in Vegas was on Monday. We arrived at the Monte Carlo around noon and checked in. I unpacked our bags and from there we went over to the Mirage for Lunch. There is a great hamburger place that is call the BLT. Unfortunately the grill was done so we thought that we would go to the deli that was right next door that we heard was wonderful from my parents , but the wait was and hour long wait. So, instead we went to the Diablo that was at our Casino. The food was good not great. After that we walked up the strip to the Venetian to go and pick up our tickets. Instead of walking the very long hot walk back we took the monorail that runs up and down the strip. When we got back we all cleaned up and then went back out to a great Japanese restaurant.
The next day we went out shopping and just checking things out. Then it was time to head to the Venetian to go and see the Phantom of the Opera.

I can not even begin to explain how excited I was to see this show. To start off the casino is amazing to look at. The theater is modeled after the 1858 French Opera house. That is where the Phantom of the Opera is suppose to take place. When we went to take our seats , we lucked out and were offered sixth row up from the stage and center. The seats were great.

The Phantom and Christine had amazing voices. These are the actor and actress that we saw on Tuesday night.

Because this is not a touring show. There are things that are very different. Lot # 666 or the chandelier actually gets put back together as it is going up into the ceiling. and as the show is going on it shakes when the Phantom is angry. There is also a part where the Phantom hangs from the Chandelier over the audiences head. And when the Chandelier falls it comes straight down stopping a foot above the audiences heads.

Also the neat thing about the theatre is that the side are fahioned after the opera house and they have people sitting in the boxes. The entire thing was just amazing.

All in all the trip was amazing. It was so nice to get away and spend sometime with Jared.

First Day of School!

So, it is that time of year again. The time when kids go to school and mommy's get to get their work done and have fun. I still can not believe that I have two kids in school. Logan will be starting the forth grade. He is not stating where or not he is excited. He did like getting a new shirt to wear on the first day and getting a new backpack.
Lexi is starting the first grade this year. She is sad about leaving her old school. I on the other hand could not be any more excited than I am. No more uniforms, driving to separate schools, and to top it off Lexi rides the bus with Logan. My favorite part of this school year.

It seems like only yesterday they were both at home with me. WOW, time sure flies by.

Utah Fun!!

So, our BIG family vacation this year was going to Utah to have the Hansen Family reunion. While we were there we also were able to see almost the entire Latey Family as well. Jared, the kids and I stayed with my Aunt Margret and Uncle Butch. It was so nice of them to take us in like that. Our Utah trip went way to fast. We were able to visit the Gateway mall, University of Utah hospital, the Conference Center, Church Museum, Gardener's Village, experience Ifly, This is the Place and many more exciting places.
The Hansen Reunion was a Blast. It was so good to see old and new faces. There was games, visiting, food and fun. The slide show only shows a glimse of our fun time in Utah.

From Utah we headed down to Vegas where we stayed with Jared's brother Criag and his family. The first night there we went to a buffet that was at the Mandaly Bay that was really good. The next night Jared, my parents and I went to see LOVE at the Mirage.

If you have never seen a cirque de sole show in person I would highly recommend going to at least one. Love was just amazing. The music was from the Beatles. The costumes the stage everything about the show was breath taking. I loved "LOVE"! When our trip was done I was sad to see us heading home.

Happy Fathers Day!!!

I truly love my dad!!! He is my greatest supporter. He stood next to me while I struggled with cancer and when I felt sick and wanted to just sleep, he held my hand and kept me going. Everyone that meets him finds out that he is smart, funny and one of the kindest people that are out there. On this father's day I just wanted to publicly thank my dad for always being there for me and my little family.
The next dad that I want to give a shout out to on Father's Day. Is my husband, Jared.

I know that he cares a great deal for our family and works very hard to provide for us. He tries very hard to find time to play with the kids and spend time with me. He too was there standing next to me while I was battling cancer. And he stands next to me now as one of my best friends.

My father in law is the last dad that I would like to recognize this Father's Day.

Okay first off sorry about the bad picture. But he loves horses and spending time with them. He encourages the kids to learn how to take care of and ride them. He is fun to be with and a really great guy.

To these three Dads I say thanks for being there for me. You all are wonderful!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Lake Bartlett

Going to Lake Bartlett has to be one of my favorite things to do with my family. While we are out on the boat, everyone is happy and having a good time. We always go on Memorial Day. It is a blast And we enjoy the boat. This year McKenzie brought her boyfriend David on the boat with us. Here are the pictures from the fun day that we had. Thanks again for the fun day Terry and Curt!!!

Elmer B. Smart

Elmer B. Smart "A True Gentleman" Elmer B. Smart, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at his home May 11, 2009 after overseeing the planting of his vegetable garden; his last labor of love for his family.Born November 24, 1919 in Union, Utah to Franklin Arley and Harriett Flowers Smart. He grew up on the family farm where he learned the principle of hard work and his love for the creations of his Heavenly Father. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1937. He served an LDS mission to the Eastern States, and later with his wife in the Riverside, California mission. He married his childhood sweetheart Marian Holt on June 16, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. He served faithfully in the LDS church his entire life. He held many callings including Bishop. He especially enjoyed 15 wonderful years serving with his wife as ordinance workers at the Jordan River Temple. He loved farming, gardening and was an expert horseman, riding his horses well into his 80's. He enjoyed bowling in his later years and was adored as the permanent substitute on an all-women's bowling league. We will truly miss his kind disposition and his thoughtful words of wisdom. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years; his eight children and spouses, Phil (Debbie), Glen (Carol), Neil (Shawna), Gloria (Steve) Allen, Ray (Sherri), Eileen (Mikel) Christensen, David (Brenda), Susan (Mike) Whittenburg; 38 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, one great- great-granddaughter. Preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Frank, Ralph and Irvin Smart; his sisters, Ethel Simmons, and Martha Sheppick; daughter-in-law, Janis Smart; and grandson, Glen Weston Smart. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 15, 2009 at 12 Noon, at the Sandy Utah Midvalley Stake Center, 1106 East 8055 South, Sandy. Friends may call at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State, Midvale from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2009 or Friday at the Church from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment at Larkin's Sunset Gardens. The family would like to thank all those who have helped with the tender care of our dear father and mother.