Fresh produce on the way...yum!

Daniel and Jewel decided to plant some herbs, peas, pumpkin and a few other vegies to see if they will grow. They both love taking care of a garden and it certainly rains enough here in NJ.
gratitude thought: Grateful for family members who enjoy gardening. Grateful for Daniel who grew up with a garden in Utah. Patricia knows NADA about planting, as she grew up in the Big Apple.

Math in the class and in the kitchen

Dakota giving a math presentation at Rutgers.
the mathematics behind wallpaper design.....

using math and chemistry to make great bread

gratitude thought: for Dakota's interest in our new wheat grinder. He's been making bread for the family!

Bishopric Appreciation Potluck

On Saturday April 18th, the East Brunswick Bishopric and families, had a farewell potluck dinner to thank the Smith family for all the wonderful contributions and impact they have left us with. They will be moving to another Stake in NJ and we will miss them so much! The entire Bishopric with all the toddlers, kiddies and teens were there. Daniel, John and Pablo....talking away!
Mac and Priscilla with their three kiddies.
The Lleras & Rumneys & Dakota
The wonderful Smith family

Friday evening, marked the 10th Anniversary of Jewel's school. Here she is with some classmates attending a party.

gratitude thought: Grateful to have met and served with the Smiths. Kristen and Pablo are both wise beyond their years and Daniel and I have learned so much from them. They are lovely!

Waiting for daddy after church...

Here is Jewel on Easter Sunday, (wearing her dress from Oma) as she waits outside the chapel for her daddy. We only had to wait an hour and 20 minutes and we all got to ride home together for Easter dinner. There was an Easter egg treasure hunt for the kids after dinner. Can't tell who enjoyed the hunt more, Jewel or Dakota ;-)

Jewel (age 9, four feet, six inches tall: weight 57 pounds)

Springtime 2009 memories....

The change of seasons, is just one of the many blessings to enjoy living in the Northeast. We can really feel temps rise and the cold winter slowly leaving as spring approaches. Jewel with Uncle Kevin at Brooklyn's famous Coney Island, waiting to get on a ride. Jewel was on spring break.
Jewel and Kevin being slap happy!
Jewel in her 3rd grade play on the Solar System.
Dakota playing piano for the Stake Youth talent show. Courtney helping turn music.

Ben, Dakota & Megan, 3 youth performing in our ward talent show.

gratitude thought: grateful for warmer temperatures, walks outdoors, birds singing and new daytime hay fever meds that don't make you fall asleep.

Family Home Evening

Playing a game for Family Home Evening in Jewel's room...
Making the sacrifice to spend one or so hours together, once a week has made for some lasting memories. Even the fighting & teasing before the lesson will be treasured one day when all that is left are memories of our children!

School days, school days, dear old golden school days!

Dakota seated before his performance with the Rutgers University Choir. He sang with combined choirs in the Nicholas Performing Arts Center. It was a wonderful family treat! Daniel came especially to hear the Samuel Barber piece (Dakota is holding and praticing) Daniel sang this piece years ago with his school choir.

Andrew, Mr. Jan & Jewel giving a rollerskating demonstration for the after school program.

The terrific trio after rehearsing...

gratitude thoughts: grateful that Jewel & Dakota enjoy simple activities that their parents did in their childhood..like skating and singing (as opposed to texting, facebook, nintendo ds, wii sports, dance dance revolution, etc...)

grateful for healthy children...

grateful for grandparents who help us in supporting the activities and interests of their grandkids....we love them so much!