Ooops, left out Thanksgiving Day

Since this year was our children's "away" year, we had an invitation to go to my best friend Judy's house. David's mom, Ruby, went with us, and Rhett's wife's sister and her husband were also there. Judy's house becomes a Christmas fantasy land during the holiday season. This year she decorated nearly 190 trees. Big, little, and in between.

Cameron's Blessing Day

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving Day, the family gathered at our house for Cameron's blessing.

A special moment between Mom and son.

Quin and Natalie with Cameron.

This is the sleeping, sweet baby. One great grandmother made the blanket he is laying on, and another great grandmother crocheted the booties. His maternal grandmother made his blessing outfit, and I guess I provided the house.


These are the men that stood in the circle for Cameron's blessing. Uncle Jarom Manwaring, Uncle Kade Smith, Grampy Smith, Dad, Grandpa Thornock, Uncle Andy Rigby, and bishopric member Bro. Mark Pettet.

These are Carolyn's brothers and sisters minus one sister. I played with the older three mostly, Carolyn, Gary, and Kelvin, and sometimes Ernie, but he was quite a big younger. Their family had the first five, and then a space, and then three more. So, I really never got to know the younger three. By that time I was into my teens, and I had 'better' things to do (like going to stake dances, ha) than going to the country on weekends to visit grandparents and cousins. Of course, now, I think how much it would have meant to my grandmother to have me visit, but I guess teenagers will be teenagers.

My Cousin Carolyn

I cannot believe myself. I went down to Salt Lake City the Sunday before Thanksgiving to see my cousin Carolyn and did not take one picture. I actually went back to the car to get my camera, and then forgot to use it when I went inside. I guess I was enjoying catching up too much. Her son lives in Salt Lake, so, she was there for a quick visit. Carolyn and I go way back.

I played with her a lot as a kid down in East Texas. Her mother is my first cousin, but since I am the baby grandchild, it seems all of the second cousins were closer to my age, thus, Carolyn and I were very good friend cousins. I enjoyed Carolyn. She was a dynamic and brave girl. I was quite a shy and inhibited girl. She was good for me. We had many adventures together down in the red dirt, piney woods of East Texas. We once had a dirt throwing fight, contest, I don't know what you would call it. It was on purpose and friendly, but man, we went into Mama and Papa's rock house dirtier than dirty. I don't think the adults were very happy with us.

Elena's Little Family

Emily's Little Family

Trigger, Emily, Bear, Bryon, & Layla

(Sadly, Bear is no longer with us, she passed away last month.)

Kade's Little Family

Kayson, Deidra, Brancyn, Brylee, Kade, & Liberty

Quin's Little Family

Quin, Cameron, & Natalie

Newest Grandchild

We just got home from California where we were visiting our 9th grandchild.

We are missing him already.

His name is Cameron D. Smith. He is a little clone of his daddy,

hence the name Cameron after his Dad, Quin Cameron Smith.

He was born October 13, 2009.

Getting Started

I'm new to the blogging world. Hopefully this will be a fun experience that I can share some of my life with family and friends.