Smith Farm

Walking through the Sacred Grove.



Beautiful Palmyra Temple, surrounded by trees with just a little opening that you could see the temple peeking out of.

E.B. Grandin Building

The E. B. Grandin Building was the location where the Book of Mormon was originally published and it was sold here for the first time on March 26, 1830. E.B. Grandin refused to publish the book at first, but was reassured that this was merely a business matter and that he wouldn't be associated with the religion. E.B. Grandin had been prepared for this particular event in his life though by purchasing a new updated version of the printing press right before he was approached about this transaction.


Oliver Cowdery made a second transcription of the Book of Mormon to ensure that the printer used a copy and not the original. However, for the section between Helaman 13 through Mormon it appears as though the original translation was used.4 Each day, the transcribed copy was carried from the Smith's Log Cabin to the printer in the morning and then carried back to the log cabin that evening.5

John H. Gilbert, the chief typesetter, wrote a description of the printing of the Book of Mormon in 1892 when he was 90 years old.6

In 1978, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased the building from Paul Cherry. It was later dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on March 26, 1998 as the Book of Mormon Historic Publication Site.


After Martin Harris wrote down what Joseph translated, Joseph asked Oliver Cowdery to make a second transcription of the Book of Mormon to ensure that the printer used a copy and not the original. So, one of these original copies was in the possession of the LDS church, but it was destroyed by water damage. The other copy is actually in the hands of the Church of Christ and they let our church make a copy of it.

So, I should have opened my mouth and asked...but why in the world does the Church of Christ have this, how did they obtain it and WHY would they want to keep it? Weird.



The printing of the Book of Mormon happened mainly in the 3rd floor of the E.B. Grandin Building. The missionary that took us on the tour showed us every detail that went into making one Book of Mormon and it was a lengthy, tedious process. This is a picture of a replica printing press. The original printing press is actually in the Church History Building in Salt Lake City, Utah. I don't really understand why they wouldn't have the original in the actual building it was used in, but I am assuming SLC brings in more tourist than Palmyra, NY.


E.B. Grandin helped to make 5000 Books of Mormon. Here is an original...yowza!

House Update

Finally!!! After 5 1/2 months of getting financing, we have offially started the building process. We only have 3 months left till we HAVE to be out of our current living situation. I just hope we have a house to move into at that time. From what I hear, our house will only take 3 months to build...I am crossing my fingers about that though! So, the good news is that our basement is already dug, cement will go in at the end of this week! Yay!

Summer comes to an end

We took the kids to see the animals at the fair.



Prior to the fair, we were in the parade. Jeff passed out otter pops to some really greedy people. Kids were in the Tavaci float.


I didn't get many swimming pictures over the summer, but I bet we went swimming 4 out of the 7 days per week, every week. I am determined to make my children love swimming. And, since this was Sullivan's first summer of his life, he eventually started loving going to the pool.



This is our last week of summer. The kids will start school next Monday (the 24th). We were very busy this summer enjoying every second, however it has been a very stressful summer for me. I look forward to the kids starting school and getting some structure and schedule to their days.

Snip, Snip

London LOVES cutting things. She loves to cut paper, cut my spare pieces of fabric, cut her barbie and doll hair...she loves it. I thought that after the incident of cutting her hair last year, that she was over that stage and that I instilled a slight fear in her that she was to never do that again. Well, it happened...again. And, this time she cut her bangs, really, really short. I've talked to a friend who cuts/styles hair and their is nothing I can do to cover it up unless I want something really drastic (thick bangs). So, this is how it will be until we can grow them out a little longer. It doesn't matter though, she could shave her head and leave a NKOTB braided tail in the back and she'd still be beautiful!

Sullivan High 5's

The Prince is sleeping

Kids were all ready for bed, PJ's, brushed teeth and all when Jeff decides he wanted to take advantage of the cooler weather at night and do some yard work. I still had to clean up from dinner, so I took the opportunity to send the kids out to play. Sullivan was getting jealous watching the girls play while he was stuck inside, so I put the exersaucer outside and stuck him in it. I made sure to tell Jeff to keep an eye out for him, also I gave Kammi some struck rules and then I went inside to finish the dishes. It didn't last long though, and I felt I needed to check on the baby...

I found an empty exersaucer...

I almost freaked out, but I didn't hear any crying and the girls had mischievous smiles on their faces.

Upon closer examination, I discovered Kamryn was pulling him in our wagon.

Then I noticed he was sleeping, and he was still carrying his "wand" that he likes to play with (yes, this boy is in major need of some boy toys). He looks so adorable.

Pioneer Day

A new trick

I was only gone for 6 days, not even a full week and this little boy has changed so much. He looks older (9 months next week), his spiky hair grew a little bit more, his 2nd tooth has finally shot up and he's almost perfected this new trick...

New York

Earlier this year, you may remember me mentioning that on one of Jeff's many business trips he was booted from a flight. Deep down this really frustrated me and I feel so guilty for even saying that because we've been so blessed and had a lot of fun because of that one incident.

Anyway, because he was booted off the flight, the airline put him up for the night in a hotel, provided meals and even gave him a voucher for a free flight anywhere in the US to be used within the year. Well, we are using the free flight for me to accompany him on a business trip to NY. Eek! I'm so excited! And, I'm not even costing Jeff's company a penny...which is something that I have a hard time doing (accepting free things).

Kids will be dropped off with Grandparents on Sunday and then early Monday morning we will be on our way to upstate NY for the week. I will need to work Jeff's booth while he contacts people during the days which actually sounds so much fun to me. Then in the evenings we will tour the area. The most exciting thing about this trip (besides that I get to be with my husband sans kids) is that I get to see the Sacred Grove and witness personally the spirit felt there. What a testimony strengthener this will be!

Now, I just need to conquer this fear of flying before we leave...