A Running Perspective

Well I haven't posted anything for some time, but I do have a good excuse. Our computer crashed and we have all our pictures on an external hard drive, we just have to figure out how to put them back on the computer. So hopefully soon I will be able to catch up and post some pictures of Ashtons birthday and the rest of our summer.
So, since we moved down here I have picked up running. Before we came here I would run here and there and no longer then for thirty minutes. I love running! I love running with and getting to know wonderful women. Sometimes you run for two hours or more, so there is plenty of time to really get to know and love those you run with. I also love the scenery; the mountains,running down the canyon,and watching the sun rise, it is always so beautiful!! There are also those days when your run alone and you receive inspiration and answers to prayers. I'm so grateful for those quiet moments when Heavenly Father has taught me, those moments are very special and sacred to me. Well, today I went running with my friend and it was a very painful run. Anyone who runs knows about those days where you feel so weighed down and stiff and 5 miles seem like 20. When I got home I thought about that and how it related to life, my life. In running you train and build up your endurance, but even the most prepared and trained runners still have those days. I try so hard to do my best and be prepared spiritually, emotionally and physically and often I fall short. No matter how much preparation I have, I still have those days and those trials that really weigh me down. And yet, I am so grateful for those days, where I have to completely rely on the Savior and his atonement. I love the scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. It says,"...most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distress for Christ's sake:for when I am weak, then I am strong." In those trials where I have felt great pain and sorrow are also the times where I have felt the great power of the Saviors atonement and his great love. So I glory in my trials, I glory in my Savior and I am so grateful I have those experiences that I may know Him and His love for me. I love that I can submit my life to Him and His gospel knowing and trusting "that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7)


My first half marathon, I loved it!!! I'm so excited to do a full next summer.

Two of the wonderful ladies I run with!

Happy Birthday Taylor♥

All Taylor asked for his birthday was to go to the Salt Lake City temple. We had years ago attended a session there and hadn't since until this time. There is a special spirit in that temple, it is so beautiful and reflects the devotion and the great sacrifices made of the saints years ago. Afterward we ended our night with some ice cream from Coldstone. We had such a good night! Thanks Michael and Kristy for watching our kids so we could get out!


On Sunday, Taylor got to pick what he wanted for dinner and dessert. He had a craving for cheesecake but it had to be specifically mini cheesecakes. Anything for my Tay!! Love you!

Brock is One!!!!

May/June is a busy time for birthdays in the Smith home, so expect the next couple of posts to birthday posts. It always amazes me how fast time goes while raising these little ones. I'm really trying to enjoy every minute as I know that time does go on and soon enough they will be asking for the keys to the car. I have loved this year with my Brock. He has been such a good baby and it has been so fun to watch his little personality develop. Happy Birthday Brocky!! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Hallie!!

I can't believe our baby girl is now nine!! She is and has always been such a good girl, always trying to do her best in all aspects of her life. We have loved watching her grow and figure out things for herself. For Hallie's birthday we had a luau party. She had so much fun with all her friends and it was fun to see her personality around all those girls. All the girls were talking about what boys they liked but Hallie stuck by her claim and said she doesn't like boys. I am totally fine with that, although I know there will be a day she will. Right now she more focused on beating them in races, she is a little competitive. Happy birthday Hallie, we LOVE you!!

Here is a bunch of pictures from Hallie's party...

My Mother...

I am so grateful for my mother, for her great example and love for all of us children. She was such an example of selflessness as she raised us. I know no better way to show another your love then through unselfish sacrifice!! Thank you mom!!!

Mother's Day

I had a great mother's day and felt so loved. The kids all made me lots of cute cards and Taylor got me the cutest apron!! I love to bake and find any reason to do it. Getting a new apron was definitely a great reason to make some cookies.

Serena's Visit...

We recently had my sister Serena stay with for a couple of weeks. We loved having her here and spending that time with her. Here is a bunch of pictures of her stay with us...















Serena and I had the opportunity to go to BYU Women's Conference. We has such a great day together running in heels back and forth from class to class. We heard many inspiring talks and listened to beautiful musical numbers. It was such an awesome day and I loved spending it with Serena! The time we had together, specifically at Women's Conference, will always be so special to me!


Serena's stay here wouldn't be complete without Chuck-O-Rama!!