Aunt Cory with the kids

As I love each and everyone of my nieces and nephews, I usually don't get pictures of me with them, but Camille suggested that I take a picture with Morgan, Marly and 'lil Jim. Love you guys, Aunt Cory.

St. George, Utah Bound

I just came back from 5 days in St. George, Utah. I spent the time with my older sister Camille touring new homes in St. George. There were some really nice homes, however way over priced. It was also extremely cold for this southern Cali gal. I also spent a lot of time with my sister Darice, her husband and my nieces Morgan and Marly. I wish they all lived closer, but it's just not meant to be. Morgan and Marly kept me in stitches for the weekend. There funny faces, to their dancing to our last night swimming. Now it's back to the grind of work and getting back in shape for my big run.

Super Bowl and Wow What a Week

Denae and Mike came to visit me for Super Bowl weekend. We had a blast. It was a beautiful weekend in Carlsbad. We did some shopping at the outlet stores and ate way too much over the entire weekend. I think I'm still trying to recoup from all the food that I ate and my body is telling me "bad girl Cory". We had fun jumping up and down at the tv while watching the Super Bowl. Of course our team didn't win, but it was a great all the way. Then it was off to work and what a week it was. Working ten hour days really takes a toll on the body. I missed two of my workouts with my trainer and then when I tried to box on Friday I felt completely winded. I did get to some of my running for the week, so I guess it wasn't a total loss. I'm looking foward for my visit to St. George next week to see D, Trent and the girls. Oh yes, the girls and I are going shoppin' man.

Happy New Year

So the new year brings new goals for this Southern Cali gal. At first I only wanted to lose the last 9 pounds to get me to a total of 50 pounds lost, and try to get down to 20% body fat, but I was asked by a friend in my home ward to be part of a relay team with her and her family. At first I was really excited, but now that I know the details I'm thinking to myself, "Did I just sign up for this?"

The relay begins in Santa Barbara and ends in Dana Pointe. Yep I'll be running three different legs of this relay. So off on my treadmill I go. The following is the link to the actual relay information www.ragnarrelay.com and you can discover the insanity of it all. I think I will need a serious massage after this experience. Oh well, in all my life I never imagined that I would be doing this, but I'm so excited to train and get mentally ready for it.

The Wii and Rock Band

The games of the season at the Smith household were the Wii and Rock Band something or other. (The Rock Band was actually my sister's family's gift but they brought it over for us to try out) So Denae and I are actually boxing here and let me tell you this is nothing like the actual boxing that I do. I had my perfect form down and Denae knocked me out. What's up with that. Mom kicked everyone's butt at bowling though. Dad even got into playing tennis.I was told that my brother Russell has great form at the bowling, but unfortunately he wasn't there for me to witness this.

Carson and Mike got a little carries away with the Dennis because some wood was missing from mom's cabinet that night. Mom wasn't too happy.















Cory and KJ totally rocking out on the guitars. Actually I'm just advertising for SUVA volleyball here. I finally got the hang of it after we were booed of the stage trying to get a Willie Nelson song put together. I was better at the 80's rock band songs.

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

I realize this is a late post, but better late than never. It was wonderful to be at HOME for the holidays. Being at the home where I grew up and seeing my parents and grandparents is always a treasure for me because I don't visit very often. This year, I couldn't help but feel the real meaning of Christmas as our entire family decided to give Christmas to a well needed family. Each member of my family was given an assignment as to who they were to buy for. As we were driving to this family's home I couldn't help but get a little emotional because this family has so much less than I do and to see the children's faces as we kept bringing gift after gift into their small home was truly spectacular. The gifts took up more than their small trailer's front room and the mother just kept thanking us over and over. It was truly a memorable Christmas.

Cattle Call 2008

Cattle Call weekend is probably the first time that I return home after six months without a visit home. I love going home for Cattle Call. It reminds this City Slicker lady where she grew up and that coming from a small town is not so bad. So many of our country's traditions start in small towns and I'm very proud to be from one. GOD BLESS THE U.S. of A. Another reason for my return home at this time of year is because it's not over 100 degrees, however it was plenty hot standing out on the sidewalk watching the parade. Even though I've been to almost everyone for the last 30+ years there is always something different. This year my brother was on a float for a hair dresser's salon. He was looking very cowboyish with his chaps and all. I couldn't resist a picture.







The rodeo was good as well. Dad again paid for awesome seats, even though he doesn't attend the rodeo anymore. Thanks dad, love ya. The rodeo was very patriotic and the clown was new this year and hilarious. The sumo wrestlers had me rolling in box seat. They couldn't pay me enough to roll around in a dirt arena where cows and horses have been trapsing all afternoon long.







Last but not least, was returning home to mom's awesome homemade chili and cornbread. Nothing beats it.