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Christmas Letter

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Hello Family & Friends!

As this year comes to a close, I wanted to reach out to you & let you know how grateful I am for your support & love over the years. And although Mr Smith may never say those words aloud, I know he appreciates you too =) If anything, it's those who keep me grounded & sane that he couldn't thank more.

2017 has been a special year of waiting & changing. We're very grateful for our many blessings. I appreciate the inspiration a friend gave me to put this pdf together to reflect on the blessings from this year (& moments of growth). We are still adjusting to Boise, but Eric is enjoying his new work atmosphere and has received strong confirmation that Boise is home. I'm sure my confirmation will come in time, ha! I am only working around 10 hours a week remotely now. Baby is doing well. As far as nausea goes, this has been my best pregnancy. 

Lexi & Dallin have grown so much & it's a cherished gift to be their mother & watch them grow. Dallin has started talking a lot more (in context, not demand) & Lexi is learning to recognize words & read. Dallin loves cars & animals. Lexi loves dolls & art. Lexi is a lover & Dallin is a fighter, although he definitely has a tender side under all that baby fluff. They have developed such a strong friendship & they love to make messes together. Parenthood is definitely my growth opportunity in this life and as I learn from my kids e ach day, I'm able to reflect on the love our Heavenly Parents must have for all of us. 

Even with the worldly chaos & confusion, there is always so much hope in each day due to our Heavenly Father's plan for all of us. Reflecting on our Savior's birth reminds us why we are here, what we are fighting to overcome and who is always on our side. I know we have a Savior who loves us, who feels for us and who strengthens us. My theme for last year carried into this year - this idea that I'm not here to find comfort or become comfortable in the world - growth is not comfortable! Our Heavenly parents want us to return to live with them and experience true & everlasting joy. We can overcome our sorrows here knowing that because of our Savior, we can receive everlasting joy in the eternities!  Overcoming may not be comfortable, and we might fear just how difficult becoming our best selves may be, but I know we are guided in this life by the Holy Ghost & lifted by the love of our Savior - many times by those who are around us seeking to be His angels on earth. 

I hope & pray for the time we're all together again. It's truly a great blessing in my life to know so many wonderful people. We send our love to you from Idaho [of all places =)]


Merry Christmas! 
Eric, Kayla, Lexi, Dallin & baby girl  









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