Home is where your Heart is.

Well, we did it! We moved our little family across the country to Gaithersburg, Maryland. Growing up in a small little town of 3000, I would have never imagined myself living out here. Maryland is beautiful! There are so many trees and even though we live in a very populated area, it doesn't feel that way because of those trees. We found a home in a quiet neighborhood with a big backyard for the kids to play in. I have so many good things to say about this place and of the wonderful people that live here; yet this move out here has been one of the greatest trials of my life. I loved living in Utah, it was our home for 4 wonderful years. I made friendships that will last into the eternities and memories that I will always treasure in my heart. I loved that we could jump in our van and drive 12 hours to be with our families back in Canada. It was perfect; it was our little garden of Eden. I think deep down Taylor and I always knew that it would only be temporary, that Heavenly Father had a different plan for us. A quote that has become a great strength to us is a quote by Joseph Smith Jr. It says, "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you to forego the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth; and for so doing, I pray that heaven’s choicest blessings may rest upon you.” I truly believe that Heavenly Father has a specific plan for each of His children and it is for us to seek out His divine guidance and then act. Wherever we live, whether we live in Utah or clear across the country, the only thing that really matters is that we are where Heavenly Father wants us to be. The need for His work to continue knows no borders and no boundaries. There is much to do no matter where you live. Today as I was cleaning my kitchen I had a phrase come to my mind. It was, "Home is where your heart is". I have heard that saying many times in my life and today it really spoke to my heart. I realized that if I truly want to feel at home here in Maryland, I need to open my heart again. I know that if I do, this will be my home.

"I will give you all of my time; please show me how to fill it."

I just finished reading a talk given by President Henrey B. Eyring from this last General Conference. He shared a story about his daughter-in-law and her struggle to have more children. Eventually the daughter-in-law cried out one day to the Lord saying, "I will give you all of my time; please show me how to fill it." She also expressed her willingness to take her family wherever they might be required to go. Two weeks later she found out she was pregnant. When her new baby was a just a year old she and her husband were called to serve a mission over seas. During their mission they had another child. I think we all have those faith trying times where those commitments and promises we make with the Lord are put to the test. Are we really willing to give our will to the Lord? Recently, Taylor got a second job interview out in Washington D.C. area. The company is flying him out in a couple of weeks and Avery and I will also be going along with him to check out the area. Things are still uncertain as we don't know if Taylor will even get an offer, but the possibility has really brought us to our knees in consideration. If that is where Heavenly Father wants us, are we willing to go and leave all that is comfortable? Are we willing to go knowing how far away our families and friends will be? As difficult as that decision is, yes, we will go where the Lord wants us to go. I have made many promises to Heavenly Father that I will go where he wants me to go and do what he wants me to do. And I don't make those promises grudgingly; I make those promises because that is my greatest desire; to do the will of my Father in Heaven. So whatever the turn out is of this job opportunity, I'm putting my trust in the Lord and submitting my will to His. I know without question that we were guided here(Utah) and I know that as we turn to Him the Lord will continue to guide us. I also know from past experiences that giving my will to the Lord has brought me great happiness! We will keep you all posted :)

She's here... Welcome to our family our precious Avery Elaine Smith

Avery was born a week ago on August 22nd at 2:16am just missing her due date by a couple of hours. She weighed 6 lbs 3 oz and was 19 inches long. The day of her due date I was feeling really ready to meet her, I even packed the van just in case something did happen. Even though I really wanted her to come early, she ended up coming in perfect timing. The kids started school that day, so I was able to do the whole first day of school thing and take pictures and what not. Also, she came early enough that Taylor had not started his next semester and was able to be home and help. After Taylor and I dropped off Hallie and Ashton at school that day, we took our other boys to my sister-in-laws so we could run some errands. One of my errands was to pick up some materials so I could to do some crafting during the day to keep my mind off of things. I'm so grateful for great family! Just getting out that day with my husband was so wonderful! Thanks Kristy :) I also have some pretty amazing friends. That day they knew would be hard for me and one them brought me over a cute little outfit for Avery and another brought our family over dinner. Later in the evening we ended up staying up extra late rearranging furniture... I guess that is what they mean by nesting. I ended up going into labor just after 1:00am and with a couple of contractions I knew it was time and called Kristy to come over. We then rushed to the hospital and within the hour I gave birth to my sweet little Avery. It all happened so fast; I was so glad to have made it to the hospital in time. I had to prep all the nurses and doctors that my baby would be coming really fast. They had offered me the epidural, but I knew I would not have had time for it even though it sounded really good at that time. I told them that if they broke my water she would come right out and that's what she did. I get a lot of comments of how lucky I am to have my babies so quickly and in the end I am grateful that they do, but it is definitely an intense experience. My body goes into shock from going into hard labor so quickly and without the epidural I feel everything. I also in my last month of pregnancy get a lot of contractions in preparation for the real deal. Like I said earlier though, in the end I am grateful for my quick labors and would not have it any other way. Also, labor ends up being a real spiritual experience for me as I have to rely so much on the strength of the Lord. I remember two very distinct times during my labor where I felt His strength. The first time I was in the van on the way to the hospital and the words "calm Judy" came to my mind and the other time was in between contractions in the hospital where I felt complete peace. I knew Heavenly Father was there with me. My last two experiences with labor with both Brock and Avery have greatly increased my testimony of prayer and that Heavenly Father is aware of and there for us in everything we go through. I am also grateful for all those people He sends to help us through these experiences. I have had so many people help and offer to help. Whether it was a meal for our family, a friend to talk to, or all the sweet messages and well wishes from back home, I am so grateful for all the love and support from all our family and friends! We love you all!

Counting down...

1 week to go, although in my brain I cant help but think any day now. This way of thinking has not been the best for me and this morning I decided to just let it go. The baby will come when she's ready. Now I just have to find some more things to do to keep busy. I have pretty much ran out of ideas for new bows for her hair, but knowing me, I'll be making them until the day she arrives.

One of my best friends threw me a baby shower. It was a lot of fun and I'm so grateful for her and all who helped and attended. I'm so excited to try out all those cute outfits and baby items.

Last week my our friends took Taylor and the kids boating. I decided to stay home and stay near the hospital :) They all had a great time and I also really enjoyed having that quiet time to myself. That is something that is a rare thing for me and although I do prefer to have my family around, I really enjoyed that time.

Well that's our happenings lately. Hopefully the next post will be of our newest addition!

Annual King/Smith family camping trip at Payson Lakes

This has been our little tradition these last 3 years living in Utah. We have had a lot of fun over the years. This year was a little different because I was 8 months pregnant, but all things consider, it went really well and we all had a great time. Sleeping in tents has never been my thing, but the memories made and being able to watch my kids love every minute was worth the trade.

And this is one of the reasons I love this man...

Well I figure its about time I update my blog. A lot has happened since the last time I posted which was over a year ago. In that last post I posted about the previous year. Instead of playing to much catch up I'm going to post some pictures of the main happenings of our family over this last year and then just start fresh. I say main, but really it will be only a glimpse of our happenings. In a family there are countless activities and memories made that it would and will be difficult to pick them out specifically. But I need to do this and I need to start somewhere. I think it is such a great thing to do and I have too many precious memories to not. One of my best friends is such a faithful blogger and I love her posts and seeing her pictures of her sweet family. Its one way I still get to feel close to her as we live so far apart. So here it goes... I guess one of the biggest news is that we are expecting baby #5 August 21st which is in 2 weeks. We are so excited to meet our little girl! Its been so fun to see everyone of my children so excited over these months. Hallie always rubs my belly and kisses it. She finally gets her little sister she has always wanted. Ashton right now is excited, but I can tell he worried about his mom. He fasted for the first time on Sunday and prayed for both the baby and I. It of course meant so much to me. He often asks about the pain involved, what a sweet boy he is! Brody, you can just tell in face how excited he is and he loves hearing anything about the baby. He got to hear the heartbeat at my last appointment and thought it was pretty cool. With Brock I think he has finally realized that there is a baby in my tummy. I think setting up everything for the baby and all the new little clothes around helped him realize. I am always worried about the youngest child when the new baby comes. He has been my baby these last 3 years. I think he will do fine though, I just need to continue to give him that love and cuddles as much as I can when she comes. I love my Brocky!

We had the opportunity to have Ashton baptized up in Canada. It was so wonderful to be able to share that day with our family up there and I know meant so much to Ashton as he loves his family. He was baptized July 1st, Canada day! Here are some pics of our stay up there, it was a short visit but we enjoyed every moment there!