Thought Of The Day

S.M.I.L.E

Many lives can be touched by this simple gesture.

Soaring To New Heights

I often think about the direction that our lives have been going, for the past 3 years that my husband and I have been married. I think about the mistakes we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the triumphs in our lives. All of these things shape us into the individuals we are today. We are here in this life to be tested, to have the freedom to choose, and to live the best life we possibly can. I remember what our experience was like a couple years ago, when we first joined the company Ecoquest International, which was an air and water purification business. It was centered on the health of others, and their well-being. We were so excited at the thought of owning a business of our own. This meant that we would work for ourselves, selling air purifiers, soaps, diet drinks, nutritional supplements…you name it. We seemed to have it all! However, after about six months, we were burned out! I couldn’t stand another day on the phone for 4 hours, calling leads, setting up phone interviews, trying to find our next golden prospect and business partner. Failure started to set in, and we gave up. That was one of the biggest mistakes we’ve made, with money down the drain. Shortly after all of this, Primerica Financial Services came along. Although I didn’t get involved at that time, I was still a support for my husband, who felt it was a good opportunity. After about 9 months, we saw that the training and management style were not providing the results we wanted to see. My husband had to get out, and once again find something else. Not too long after, we stumbled across a company called YTB (Your Travel Biz). We had the opportunity to become referring travel agents, and own a website that would allow people to book travel, that would earn us a commission. It was great in the beginning, but just as our track record proves, we failed once again. By this time, I put my foot down! I made it very clear that we would no longer get involved in businesses that we would either get bored of, or quit in the end. Life seemed to be normal again. We actually had regular jobs for once. Then, my husband had a chance to talk to his cousin, who talked with him about a job opportunity selling alarms for a company called APX. Most of you know our story from there, but in a nutshell, we moved to California for the summer, so my husband could sell security systems door to door. He was doing quite well, but he was depressed. He very much disliked the job. We only lived there for a month and a half, before we decided we had to come back home. Most of you might find yourself shocked and dismayed to find out that we have returned, once again to the Primerica business. But it is different this time. I actually have a much better feeling about it than ever before. In fact, I too, have decided to jump in and start working part-time, along with my husband. I love that we can help families become debt free and financially independent. I love the satisfaction of that, especially during the economic hardships most of us face today. So, I would have to say that of all the choices we’ve made in the past, joining the Primerica business has been the best one yet. We have already seen proven success, and it’s only getting better. Thanks to my cousins, who are helping us build this business, we can truly say, this is where we want to be. It’s funny to think about all our past business ventures, but I’m grateful for each one. They all helped us to grow in some way or another. We are always learning, and it is good for us. In conclusion, I must ask myself this one question… “Do I want to be normal or abnormal?” Some time ago, I would have said normal. Now, I want to be among the top 10% of the population, who is abnormal, running a business of which they are passionate and successful, leading others to success. We are now on the fast track to the greatest opportunity of our lifetime!

Musical Birthday!

It has been exciting the past few days, since my cousin’s have been in town getting us off to a good start in Primerica, and helping us reach our goals. It was unexpected that my sister, Kylie was going to be coming to visit… at least it was sooner than we had originally planned. So, we’ve had a full house! My sister’s birthday was in June, but since we had just returned from California, and she was in Portland, OR, we decided to celebrate the next time she came to visit. Since her arrival was going to be around the same time as our cousin’s, it was a lot more fun to celebrate her special day with them, along with our parents. Although, it was a very belated birthday, we had a blast singing Karaoke, and playing Rock Band. The BBQ we had was great, since my husband cooked up, yet another fantastic cut of Tri-tip steak…the very best around! I baked my sister her favorite kind of cake, of which I tried to apply my creativity…and we all sang “Happy Birthday”!


Kylie was showing off while we sang "Happy Birthday" to her.




This would be the prettiest cake I've ever made!


This is my cousin Nathan.


My dad and I were singing a song we didn't know very well.










This is my cousin Jake.


My husband is very good on the guitar!


My dad is attempting to play the Rock Band drums for the first time.

Master’s At Work

I have thought recently just how grateful I am to have my cousins, Nathan and Jake here, training and couching me and my husband every step of the way in the Primerica business. They have traveled here from Utah, and are sacrificing their precious moments of free time to be here with us, instead of their own families back home. I am so truly thankful for them and their caring disposition, of which they hold. Business with Jake and Nathan has continued to thrive, based upon their leadership and direct approach. It has been a long time coming, and we will finally have the coaching needed to be successful, and from a couple of the best in the business. I praise them for all of their hard work, as building any business is not an easy task. They are so willing and dedicated to the success of their team members. We are very excited to see where this business takes us, but ultimately, we want to see the many ways in which we can change people’s lives for the better and make a difference for them.
Thank you Jake and Nathan!! We love you guys!

Jumbled Thoughts

My recent job search has been delayed for awhile, as it seems my mind has been filled with many other distractions, relating to this, that, and the other thing. Just a few days ago, I learned that there are some complications with my husband joining the company, Primerica Financial Services, of which he worked previously over a year ago. To make a long story short, my husband did not like the training or management style at the office he worked out of before, so he has practically been begging and pleading to be transferred to another office, so he can make the business work for him once and for all! However, under the standards/policies set forth in Primerica, he cannot just transfer to another office, but can be networked into another office. This is so that his previous Regional Vice President can still receive a percentage of his sales earned. Unless he signs a letter of resignation to quit Primerica, he will have to remain a part of that office. If he does decide to do this, he will have to wait at least nine months before he can join with another office. So, with the matters the way they are, I have decided to jump into the business myself, to help my husband get through this waiting period. That way, I can get signed up with the office he is trying to get into right now, and he can join in the near future. I don’t know if I made any sense trying to explain this, but it’s been nothing but complicated from the start. I guess this means I have found another job that will allow me to broaden my horizons, and develop more confidence in myself. I’m actually thinking I will enjoy this, as it will be a great learning experience and growth opportunity for me. Aside from all of that, I do feel a sense of urgency to get a business of my own started in the way of greeting cards and rubber stamp designs. I know it will be a big investment; I just need the funds to produce. I am also taking on projects at home, re-decorating our spare bedrooms, and formulating the plans for each one. I have many ideas, just not the time or money to get the results as quickly as I would like. But, I feel each one will pay off greatly in the end. As I ponder these thoughts, I can only bring myself to say that patience is the key to all of this. I know that I am somebody who gets anxious easily for the end result, so I must continue to work hard, work smart, and most importantly, work patiently. I will continue to update on this, as soon as I get my feet wet and start experiencing the business of financial services for myself. So, goodbye for now!

Smith Family Reunion-"A Pirates Way"

With an amazing Fireworks display, a fun trip to Roaring Springs Water park, a Treasure Hunt, and the best-tasting Root Beer ever, we had a wonderful time at the Smith Family Reunion, where we could all come together again and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today in America, over the 4th of July weekend. This year, it took place at the Holladay home here in Idaho, and we looked forward to everyone’s arrival. It seems I always need to be re-introduced to those in the Smith family, as we only get to see them once a year, but it is a large family. It is one I’m very fond of, for the short time I’ve known them. We really had a lot of fun this last weekend!

My father-in-law, the "Head Pirate" telling of the Legend of Captain "One Eye" Smith. I have included a copy of the story here, for your enjoyment. Thank you Dustin!

The Legend of Captain “One Eye” Smith’s Treasure

Long ago, around the 17th century, King Phillip II of Spain was in the waging war against France. King Phillip had lost one of his strong holds, and now the advancing French army was threatening his treasury at San Sebastian on the shore of the Bay of Biscay. King Phillip ordered that his treasure be loaded on a ship and moved to his Southern command of Lisboan. As the ship set sail it was spotted and trailed by a man who did not care for the war but only the prospect of lining his pockets with Loot.. It was the Famous Captain “One Eye” Smith. Captain Smith knew the ship must have a valuable cargo since it was leaving the treasury, and by the depth it sat in the water. Captain Smith ordered his crew to follow the ship from a safe distance. Later in the dark of night and in the blinding thick fog Captain Smiths’ crew attacked and boarded the King Phillip’s vessel. It was a fierce battle but captain smiths’ crew came away with the king’s treasure. They set sail for their hideout while the king was informed that his treasure had been stolen. The king was so furious that he sent an armada after the pirates. The pirates narrowly escaped their hideout and were being chased by the king’s ships. They sailed for months but the king’s ships were always visible on the horizon. Then one night there was a violent storm. When the sun came up in the morning land was visible on the horizon and the king’s ships were nowhere to be found. Captain Smith knew it would not be long before the king’s ships were hot on his tail so he found an inlet and sailed his ship up a river, which is now the Snake River. They sailed up river for two days until they came to modern day Melba, Idaho. They then went inland about ten miles and buried their treasure on the top of a hill. The captain mapped out the exact location. The crew then made its way back to the ship, and set sail for the ocean. As they were about to exit the mouth of the Snake River, there was a huge explosion and debris from the ship flew into the air. The king’s army had found them and they were sitting ducks. The ship was being blown to pieces. Captain smith flipped his ship around and sailed back up the river. But the King’s navy was gaining ground on the wounded ship. As they were about back to the Melba area, the king’s ships had closed the gap and were now fire ring the cannons at will. It was too much for captain Smith’s ship to handle. The only hope of escape was for the pirates to abandon the ship. They all jumped and swam for shore; even the captain with his treasure map in hand. The king’s navies had launched their dinghies and were in hot pursuit.. As the pirates made it to the beach, musket balls filled the air. As the pirates were about to make it to the safety of the trees the captain was hit numerous times. He fell to the ground and was finished. Two pirates saw the captain fall and grabbed the map from the captain’s bloody hand, and ran for the trees to hide. They were now the only two survivors. Because they did not trust each other they decided to rip the treasure map in two pieces and bury them in separate spots. They also left clues to find the map pieces.
After they buried there map and clues they decided to try and escape. When nightfall came they swam out to one of the king’s anchored ships and took control and sailed away into the night. The pirates never came back, as they were too busy visiting every pub they could, spreading the legend of Captain “One Eyed” Smith.

We were all waiting in the "Pirate's Cove" to begin the treasure hunt.

We formed two teams, the "Evens and Odds" for a doughnut-eating contest to start off the treasure hunt.

Dagan was eating that doughnut as fast as he could.

The two teams participated in a Tug-of-War to see which team would have to "Walk the Plank".

Our team was the losing team, but we called ourselves the "odd pirates", since we didn't want to refer to ourselves as the "losers". So, in order to obtain our first clue, we had a member of our team "walk the plank".

Next, we began plucking the next clue with our teeth, or "Apple Bobbing" as it was called.

Onto the next clue...

Then, these brave pirates reached into the hole with gooey eyeballs and slime to obtain the next clue. They were determined, no matter how gross it was!

This pirate had to reach for the "Blood-Covered Rock"...

leading us to yet, another clue.

We had to eat Sardines in order to continue in the hunt for the long-awaited treasure. Rayney doesn't look like she is ready to taste the peculiar-looking oily fish, but she seemed to like it afterall. We did give Sweedish Fish to those who were not daring enough to try the other undelightful version.

This was the clue that led us to the "Ducks in the Muck".

Searching...and searching for the ducks

So far, we have two...

and then there were eight!

This was the Willow tree clue that led us "Pole-Volting" across the ditch.

He didn't quite make it back across without getting wet...oops!

Fishing for the next clue...

We were digging a hole to find a piece of the treausure map.

The two teams met up, and put together their pieces of the map,

and this is what it looked like, with all the coordinates needed to find the treasure.

Still searching...

With a compass in hand, we were getting close...

There's something here! Everyone was taking turns digging the hole.

We're getting there!

We finally did it! We have found the treasure and dug it up!

We have the "Loot" to prove it!

All the pirates worked really hard to find this treasure, and it was worth the hunt for it, but we also learned another important lesson. It comes from a scripture found in Matthew 6: 19-21.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the Earth,

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

for where your treasure is,

your heart will be also.

"A Pirate's Pizza Contest"

My handsome pirate making our pizza!

The famous Root Beer concoction...or the Pirate's Rum. We made this with dry ice, and it turned out so yummy. I don't even drink anything carbonated, but I couldn't resist this. It was a big hit!

Kyli and Breklynn are sporting the new "Pirate Look".

We decided to make a couple bombs with the leftover sparklers from the fireworks show. Garrett made a pretty good one, and it let off a pretty big bang at the end of the night.

Rayney, holding a praying mantis for the first time.

Corban, showing me something he found just lying around.

Lincoln, attempting to wade with the apples.

All the pirate men, playing football.

Archie and Dagan, dancing with their pirate swords.