Our bonus Grandpa...

My stepgrandfather Stephen Parkinson Smoot passed away on May 16th of bone cancer.  It was a bittersweet day for all of us who love him.  We are sad that he is no longer with us but grateful for the life he lived and that he is now free of pain.  Grandpa Steve came into our lives just five years ago.  We were privileged to know him and have him be our "bonus Grandpa".

I will never forget how lovingly he took care of my Grandma.  He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I have never seen my Grandma so happy as she has been these last years with him.

A couple of years ago we had a family reunion in Nauvoo.  One night we had what we called a "no talent" show.  That way no one would feel any pressure when they got up to perform. Grandpa Steve went up front and surprised us all.  He sang a song acapella and it sounded really great.  He impressed us all with his talent. It was so sweet the way he sang directly to Grandma! He really stole the show that night.

I have many great memories of our family parties together.  He was never hesitant to join in on the fun.  The whole family was shouting hip, hip, hooray after opening the presents.

Grandpa Steve has been a loving Great Grandfather to my children. I will always remember the sweet way he interacted with them. He would entertain them with his game he called "Dougie".  He would walk his fingers like a little animal and then tickle them.  Dougie could always bring a smile and a laugh from Parker.

My heart aches for my Grandma.  I know how hard this is for her.  She always tries to remain optimistic but I know she is hurting inside.

The funeral was a beautiful tribute to Grandpa Steve.  All four of his children spoke at the funeral.  I loved hearing the stories that they told of their Dad.  It helped me get to know him little better since I only knew him the last few years of his life.  You could tell how much his children honor and look up to him.  They said one of the motto's he lived his life by was the scripture, "choose ye this day who you will serve, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."  Grandpa Steve also had  a great sense of humor.  He belonged to a  group that we jokingly refer to as the D.O.D.'s. ( Damn Old Democrats)  He continued to go to his meetings right up until the end.  He never lost his sense of humor even when he was sick and also in pain.  He began to sleep more the last few days before he passed.  Once the telephone was ringing and he woke up with a start.  He exclaimed, "God is that you calling?"

After the funeral we went to eat at Chuck a rama which was one of Grandpa Steve's favorite places. It was so nice to spend some time with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. It was also nice to meet some more of Steve's family.

The other day I found this card that Parker made in honor of Grandpa Steve.  It really choked me up when I saw the sweet things he wrote about his Great Grandpa.  We all love you and miss you Grandpa Steve!

Our anniversary...

We celebrated eleven years of marriage on the 18th of this month.  Wow, eleven years just sounds like a lot.  We have had ups and downs but it has been wonderful.  It  is always great when we have some time just to focus on us and our relationship.  We decided to go to dinner at Market street grill.  We both enjoy seafood and decided it would be good to try somewhere new.

We were not really impressed with the food.  I did enjoy my bowl of clam chowder though.  The rest of the food was just alright.  You don't get very much food for the money.  We both agree that Red lobster is so much better. We didn't let the dissapointment of dinner ruin our evening.  It was nice to have some time to just talk about plans for the summer.  I am so thankful to have such hard working husband who takes good care of me. 

Let's go fly a kite!!

It was a beautiful Saturday and the perfect weather to fly a kite.  It is one bonus of living in an area that is constantly windy.

Kev helping get all the kites ready for take off.  I watched and took pictures while he did all the work.  I am not much help on my crutches.

Parker inherited this kite from his Uncle Spencer.  It is really cool how the propellers spin in the wind like a real plane. He couldn't wait to get this one up in the air.

Halle flying her princess Cinderella kite.  I was impressed with how well the cheap walmart kites flew.

We had a three way tangle here.  Dad came to the rescue and made things right again.

It was fun seeing all three kites soaring above our home.  There is something magical about watching a colorful kite sailing through the air. Everyone was happy.  It was a good day!

Happy Mudder's day!!

I had a really great Mother's day!  It was such a beautiful day and I am glad I got to spend it with my kids. They brought be breakfast in bed and then helped me eat the bacon.  I always enjoy all the cards and gifts they give me.  Mckenna made me a a duct tape purse and pen.  Parker made me a beaded necklace that I wore all day.  Halle gave me a flower and card.  Hayden picked out a fun Winnie the pooh card for me.

We went to color me mine for family night and the kids helped make me a gift.  The four oldest helped paint a ceramic plate.  Then all five of them put their little hands on to make handprints.

Here I am with the finished product.  It is such a sweet gift that I will always love.

We made the rounds to visit all the Grandma's and give them their gifts.  At the end of the night they had snowball (flower) fight with Grandma Sue.  Here is an action shot of Parker throwing a handful.

They had such a great time! It was a cute idea.  Thanks Spence for all the great pictures.

I love my crazy kids!  Hayden is still wishing me a "happy Mudder's day" even though it is a day later.