It's time for an update...  

So life at the Smith house has been pretty chaotic the last month or so. It seems like we are always running somewhere. I thought I should just give a quick update as I still have not gotten around to posting pictures from Josh's party. I don't want to get too far behind. Here is what our life has been over the last few weeks in a nutshell.

Joshua has been growing and developing in leaps and bounds. He has been walking and talking for quite a while but it seems as though he has had a developmental and physical growth sput all in one. He is basically running around. He signs more, eat, and all done very well but he will also say eat, mo (more), Gam-pa, Momma, Daddy, addy (maddie our dog), doggie, nigh-nigh, uh-oh, baloo (balloon), and our favorite Let's Go! He has had 2 more teeth cut. Unfortunately for mom and dad it was his molars. He's been a good sport about it for the most part. He is soo funny and keeps us laughing constantly. He blows kisses, he gives loves (hugs and kisses), dances like a pro (he will even shake his booty if you tell him to), and is a great listener. We are lucky because even at 13 1/2 months he follows directions really well. He is a constant explorer, always wanting to find new and exciting things he shouldn't be into. We love him so much and each day we are blessed to have him our love grows more and more.

I have been staying busy working on our food storage. I have now canned peaches, pears, raspberry jam, apple butter, apple pie filling, apple sauce, and potatoes. We had a great day where two of my sister in laws and my mother in law came over and we canned together. It was a lot of fun to spend the day together but we also learned a lot along the way. Other than that I have been working on school work and photography stuff when I have time.

Cody has been working hard as always. Unfortunately his company along with the rest of the country is not doing as well as it would hope. They made cut backs and all hourly employees will be cut back to 32 hours a week and salary employees will take a 5% pay cut. It was a bit of a blow. However, we had a chance to take a trip up to the temple the evening they broke the news and we were very comforted that everything will be ok. Hopefully it will only be for the 4th quarter. In the meantime, he will be doing side work with netcomm (the company he previously worked for) on Fridays. And when that's not keeping him busy we will be trying to get some exra projects around the house done.

All in all, we have so much to be grateful for. Even with these tough time, I am so thankful for a healthy family and for the many ammenities I can enjoy. I just hope I will keep this perspective as long as I need to. I love having the blessing of the church in my life and the reassurance that it all happens for a reason. I am SO excited for fall and the upcoming holiday season. Fall is my favorite time of year. We will be kicking off our 2009 holiday season with our 3rd Annual Halloween Party!! I am really looking forward to the fun and festive few months ahead of us!