Our Journey, Our Blessings, Our Life!
The Lester Kimball & Shauna Lyn Smoot Essig Family began on Dec. 14, 1955, when a special two for one pregnancy occurred in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois. Lester brought along a brother Fred to surprise Les and Joan Essig. They also had a two year old daughter Darlene. They would have another son Clay two years later.
Les moved his family to Salt Lake City, then to Bloomington, Indiana to get his Doctorate in Instructional Media then to Logan to start the Instructional Media Department at Utah State University. Joan also received her Masters Degree in Child Psychology.
Lester Kimball loved growing up in Indiana. With his siblings they enjoyed nature and hunted for frogs, tadpoles, turtles, moths, and butterflies to raise and then let them go. They loved to explore and play in the fields by their house. Their home was the home to go to for games in the evening with Les right in with the kids.
In Centerville, Utah at the foot of the Wasatch Front Mountains, a brand new baby girl was brought to her first home, two houses North of Smoot Jersey Farms. Stanley was grateful to have Mary Ellen back in the home as he had to handle Christmas without her by his side and to care for their older three children Stana 4, Steve 3 and Sharm 16 months. Shauna was born on Dec 23, 1957, a blessed little girl to receive such a loving family.
It has been said that ‘The greatest gift a parent can bestow upon their children is that of a good name.’ The Smoot children would enjoy that blessing their entire life. Shane, Scott and Shandell would also join the
family in their red brick home at 1735 N. Main Street. Stan and Mary Ellen were inspired parents. Teaching their children how to succeed in life was a top priority to them. Building a family on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, service and hard work were key ingredients. Living next to Smoot Dairy was a huge blessing and opportunity to do just that. The influence of grandparents right next door was also a plus.
In High School Lester was interested in Swimming, Tennis & Track. Lester also was Student Body President and had a great experience serving the student body of Logan High. They went on a high adventure camp hiking 50 miles with the varsity camp group, it was a real character builder.
Shauna loved spending time with family, riding horses and Shetland ponies, adventures in what they called the forest (now the Smoot Park area), floating boats down the stream, squirt gun wars with brothers, playing in the hayloft, hiking to Sheep Rock, doing Ceramics with her mother, playing with her dear friends. When Shauna was a teenager Centerville was exploding in growth. At 16, she was called to be a Sunbeam teacher of 32 three year olds. Then they split the class to be sixteen 3 year olds, she loved those children and the challenge. In Jr. High she was a cheerleader and in High school she was on the sophomore committee, drill team then served as Student Body Secretary. The year Shauna graduated 1976, she entered the real world of Politics for her dad was running for Governor of the State of Utah. It was a tremendously enriching experience that broadened her love of people and those that serve our country.
Tragedy came to the Essig home in 1974, Lester’s Senior year, during that year their mother was very ill with cancer and then they found out that their father had it as well, their father past away in February and their mother past away in August of 1974. Without the knowledge of the Gospel deep in their of hearts the hurt would have been unbearable but Les and Joan had previously gone on a mission to the Southwest Indian Mission and had taught their family in the principles of the Gospel in such a way that the children knew where to turn too for their strength.
Following their parents examples of service, Fred was called to serve in the Paraguay / Uruguay Mission and left in January, and in February Lester went on his mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil Each had tremendous experiences that would build and strengthen them for the rest of their lives. When he returned he attended Utah State University majoring in Business and Finance. In 1980, he graduated Valedictorian, Student Body President with a 4.0 GPA. It was obvious he new how to work very hard.
After returning from his mission in 1977, Lester was introduced to Shauna Smoot by his twin brother Fred who was serving with her on the LDSSA board at the Logan Institute. It was after a mutual friends wedding that they happened to be at that Lester thought it would be a good idea to ask her out. They were able to go to the Sun, Shade and Rain concert in February of 1978. They doubled with Fred and his fiance, Mary Ann Sorenson. Being involved and serving others has been an important part of their lives, Lester was Student Body Academics Vice-President, Shauna was LDSSA Vice President over Public Relations.
They dated for the next 5 months and Lester purposed at a Wood Family Reunion in Ephraim, Utah, on July 24, 1978.
They were Married Nov. 21, by Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, who performed the wedding because of a compassionate promise he had made to Lester's parents as they lay dying. To bring them comfort and children direction as to where they would marry. The wedding day was perfect with great advice given to the bride and groom. It was even topped off with a little peck by Pres. Kimball being the first to wish the bride congratulations. Wow, was that a surprise.
We feel gratitude to Aunt Elaine and Uncle Ben Tueller, who were Lester’s guardians, Elaine was Joan’s sister, They were raising their family of nine children in Ogden and generously took on the challenge to be guardians to Darlene, Lester, Fred and Clay. They have been great supports through their lives and missions, their cherished care packages to the MTC, weekly letters, quilts for every baby and very delicious meals have been greatly appreciated.After a very interesting honeymoon, Lester and Shauna made their home in the Essig family home. Within a year we would be bringing home our first born, Lester (Les) Clay Essig. Les came as a leader from the start, with his siblings to follow and his friends. His keen conscience guides him well. He is responsible, compassionate, diligent and ambitious.
During that year Lester served at USU’s Student Body President. As Valedictorian, Lester spoke at graduation. Best of all he was a great husband and father to his little name sake. Lester Clay Essig. It was a very fulfilling and busy year.
In August of 1980, a big u-haul van was packed and traveled Eastward on to the Law School grand adventure in Ithaca, New York, as Cornell Law School had accepted Lester to study there.Six weeks after arriving, Lance Kimball Essig joined the family on the 28th of Sept. 1980.
It felt as if a dear friend from the pre-existence had arrived. A mighty servant of the Lord. Compassion, faith, patience, love and diligence has been evidenced in Lance's life. Named after our dearly loved Prophet. Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, also the loyal Heber C. Kimball. Both men have traits that are emulated in Lance.
Lester and Shauna were called as the 11 yr. old Sunday School teachers and 11 year old Scout leaders. Working side by side was a fun growing experience. Living close to the church sites, field trips were to Peter Whitmer farm in Fayette, New York, Sacred Grove and other historic places.
At the end of the second year of Law School, Lincoln Scott joined the family on May 26 of 1982, three days later our little family climbed into the car and traveled across the country to Eugene, Oregon, for Lester to clerk for the summer. It seems appropriate that Lincoln's life began on the run. He is intrigued with learning both from books and hands on experiences. He drinks up learning with a voracious appetite. Anxious to learn as much as he can, he goes about this life with a great deal of adrenaline. Guided by the Spirit to know the right direction to always go.
It was a special era where Lester and Shauna enjoyed taking institute classes together and being entertained by their three little boys. At the end of an enjoyable summer they returned for the last year of Law School. After receiving his Doctorate of Law, Lester chose to get a Masters Degree in Tax Law and was accepted to the 1# law school, New York University. First though they would travel back to Utah to clerk at a law firm in Salt Lake City for the summer.
Manhatten was a place to make many exciting memories. One day while on an adventure in Central Park, they happened on to the filming of “Ghost Busters”, it was fun to watch a movie being made. The Subway rides, visits to Bronx Zoo, Harlem book stores, Singing Primary songs on Broadway in the rain, Joy School adventures and much, much more gave memories to last a life time at least for mom. The ward at Lincoln Square was fascinating. It took some getting used to riding the elevator up to the Chapel but it was interesting. There was always great comfort in moving anywhere and going to church for instantly we had family and friends we could connect too, such an amazing support group. Turning our lives over to the Lord is a marvelous adventure that brings such peace and joy that nothing else can compare.
Upon graduation Lester was hired by Ray, Quinney and Nebeker Law firm in Salt Lake City. We returned to Utah and moved into a home in Kaysville at 732 N. Thornfield Road. It was the home that we would bring two more babies home from the hospital. Logan Smoot was born on Dec. 5, 1984. Logan had blond hair and was different from his brothers in having a lighter complexion. Logan was always game for whatever older brothers could think up to do. He would work tirelessly to keep up with the big guys. He always had a smile on his face and a look of adventure in his eyes. Logan loves and appreciates the gospel. Hard work has never stopped Logan from going after what he feels he needs to do. He sets righteous goals and then with a tenacious drive he goes after it, like his athletics which is shown by being captain of all three teams he was on in high school. (Football, Wrestling and Soccer). He is most happy when he is keeping the commandments and he loves to serve the Lord as was witnessed on his mission.
Landon Tingey arrived Feb. 28, 1986. He brought such fun, action, and joy to the family. Landon following the mode of the older four boys, each son, having their unique priceless identity that made them so easy to love and enjoy. Landon has great leadership abilities and enthusiasm for good things. He loves people, and is friendly and has a happy attitude in his service to others. His family adore him and feel of his sincere interest in them. He has a genuine way with people. 
Lester served as Scout Master there. and he knew all the areas to camp. Shauna worked with the Young Woman and loved the girls very much. But her greatest joy was thinking up ways to bring the scriptures to life for her sons. Besides the adventures of pretending to be Lehi’s family leaving for the wilderness, packing up and hiking around the block then to return and set up a tent in the back yard so that they could sleep out over night. The Book of Mormon created opportunities for adventures in day to day life.
Before long Lester decided he wanted to settle his family in the wonderful city of Centerville. It would put him closer to work, therefore giving him more time with his family. A move to 585 N. 400 E. Centerville happened in 1987. It was a terrific home with a view of Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island. It had a great yard that Lester made into a soccer field for his kids, and wonderful neighbors and ward members. We were about three blocks from Centerville Elementary, where Shauna had attended as a little girl and 3 blocks from the church. This was a very prayerful decision and was the perfect place to raise our family.
Joining the family while living here was Lacey, the first baby girl, born Sept 30, 1989, the first to introduce pink to the Essig clan, she is adored by her family and has been a great influence for good. Pictures, scrapbooks, learning, service and sports have been activities that she has chosen to occupy her time. She is faithful, obedient and worthy young woman. She has great leadership abilities and put them to work as Student Body President at the Junior High and then Student Body Vice Pres. at Viewmont.
Then came Lee Whitney July 5, 1991, he was named after great men such as Pres. Harold B. Lee and Lee's ancestors Newel K. Whitney and Orson F. Whitney. These great men who sought after truth and goodness are good examples of Lee and his earnest desire to do what is right. Lee has from a young age loved music in a way that blessed the family. He is a calming, listening, influence for good, he diligently seeks goodness and light.
Lawson Joseph arrived Sept. 21, 1993, the third September birthday. He showed great tenacity from the moment he was born. Determined to do good and stay close to his Father in Heaven is a combination that will make Lawson fun to watch. His expression as a young child was that of "What is going to happen next!" which was appropriate for the very busy family. He knows of his vital role in our family and the importance and worth of every soul to the Lord. He cares about people and has a big heart. He is a leader among his friends and family.
Laura Ann came in the wintertime, Jan 24, 1995, she has a calming spirit. She was prayed for diligently by her big sister Lacey, who wanted a sister to share the fun of 7 brothers. Laura came in direct answer to pray for she is very obedient and a loving accent to the family. She has great compassion for those with special needs, little children and babies. She is very agile, limber and a great soccer player. Soccer has been the sport chosen as the family sport. The game that all can play and have fun doing so.
Lindsey Shauna arrived Nov. 1, 1996. She is very efficient, organized person and has the similar traits of being very good with children. Lindsey loves to play with friends, she is known for her cooking and enjoys reading. She has a very compassionate heart for those with special needs. She enjoys the game of soccer but is also very feminine.
Yes, it is a house full, but a happier family could not be found. Living the Gospel plan of Family Prayer, Family Scriptures, Family Home Evening, Family Exercise and Family Fun made the world go round.
There was constantly food to prepare, soccer practices and games to run to, laundry and dishes to do. Life was anything but boring, fulfilling yet frazzling. Lester was put in as Scout Master and then into the Bishopric and Shauna worked with the Young Woman, Achievement Day girls then Primary President. Living within the realm ofThe Gospel of Jesus Christ created a safety net of helpers in raising the family. Those teaching them in Sunday School, Scouts, Sports, School and Primary were admired and appreciated. Building a child is definitely the work of the village. Les, Lance and Lincoln received their Eagles in the Parrish Canyon Ward while they were living in the house.
In 1997 we bought Grandpa and Grandma’s home at 1511 N. 200 W. in Centerville. Grandma had just received the calling of General Relief Society President for the Church and they felt they needed to down size and move closer and so they moved to North Salt Lake. That year Les decided to run for Student Body President at Viewmont High School. It was a great experience for him.As the years rolled by the children all grew in goodness. They were very good and helpful. They looked out for one another and were very compatible. It brought great joy to watch them interact. In 1998 the first missionary call came for Les to go to Bahia Blanca, Argentina. It was wonderful to have a fulltime missionary in the service of the Lord. The letters were great and really helped to excite the younger brothers to prepare. By sending off the first missionary it also helped the other children to realize that we were not always going to be together. To appreciate the time we had. It brought a real spirit of love into our home. Also hearing the experiences of the missionary in a different place and their realization of how blessed the family was had a great affect on the whole family. Every Mothers Day and Christmas, the family would gather on the floor around the phone and listen as the missionary was able to call home and talk to each family member, it was a very special time.
The next mission call came for Lance to go to Uruguay, Montevideo West Mission, he opened his mis sion call up in Canada, where the family was vacationing with dear family friends. The same day the call was opened Lance baptized Lee in Footprint Lake at the Essig Family Island. Canada is very special to the family for Grandpa and Grandma Essig bought the island and yearly went up to it with their family. It has great sentimental value for they created many memories there.
Something very special happened after Les returned and Lance was still serving the Lord. As
A month after Lincoln left, Lance returned home (that’s right they missed each other by a month) and upon his return it was his Birthday and the day that Lawson was going to be baptized. So Lance spoke at the baptism and Logan baptized Lawson with Lester confirming. Those are great days!
Lance was accepted to BYU-I, three weeks from arriving home from his mission he was sitting in classes in Idaho. That was a whirlwind adjustment, but nothing like the whirlwind courting that happened for when he came home for Thanksgiving a couple of weeks later, he was dating but by Christmas he was dating only one and January he purposed to wonderful Heidi Peterson, the greatest decision he has ever made. So on April 30, 2002, Heidi Peterson joined for eternity our Essig family. Heidi is a kind and compassionate person who has the voice of an angel. She is a perfect fit for Lance.
A year and two months later the first granddaughter, Shaylie Marie, arrived on June 13, 2003.
So when Lincoln arrived home from his mission in July of 2003 it was the first time that all of the children of the Lester K. Essig family were together on Earth. Shauna has said before, “If someone would have told me in high school that I would be a grandmother before I had all my children together for the first time. I would have told them they were nuts.” Well, that is what happened. Because of missions overlapping, Lorince was three years old before we were all able to be in the same picture and our favorite one is in Canada on the Dock at Wickstroms. We had a woman come and take a picture. We were so grateful to all be together. The love and joy in unity is unbeatable!
Some have said we're crazy to have so many children, who said it's not fun to be crazy. We love it!!! After Lincoln was ho
me for five months Logan left for his mission in San Pedro S
ula, Honduras. Lincoln ended up at Utah State and was accepted into the Engineering Department and became the College of Engineering Senator. After graduating in Electrical Engineering he applied and went to George Washington Law School in Washington DC.
While Logan was serving a blessing came to our family named Ashlyn, she was born to Lance and Heidi and is adorable.
Before Logan came home Landon went to Merida, Mexico Mission to serve. While Landon was away Logan went to BYU-I and found a young lady named Laura Bence from Pasedena, California. She is delightful and brings an air of fun to the family. They were engaged and were married after Landon returned.
Kimball David was the next to join our eternal
family, thanks to Lance and Heidi.
Les met Coco (Nicole) at Utah State the year he was running for Student Body President, she was campaigning for the other guy. She went to Study a semester in Nauvoo and when she returned Les was dating someone else. Then that summer they met again dancing and he called and asked her out. On the third date she expressed her dream of serving a mission. Les said, “If that is what the Lord wants you to do, I’m behind you all the way.” Well it was what the Lord wanted her to do and so he sent off his missionary to Louisville, Kentucky.
In the year of 2007-2008 three marriages occurred in 7 months beginning with Logan and Laura Bence Essig married on August 12, 2007 in the Los Angeles Temple.
Les and Coco Hair Essig were married on December 28, 2007 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Lincoln and Alisia (Ali) were married March 30, 2008 in the Salt Lake Temple. On the go would definitely describe, So in a way the Essig family was blessed with Triplet Daughters in Law in 7 months.
Joy fills our hearts as we have just welcomed a new eternal member of our family, Mary Ellen
Little Ellie, thanks to Logan and Laura for bringing such a precious little spirit into our family.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for the many great influences for good others have played in our childrens lives. One very important role has been our extended family. Each holds an enduring place in our hearts. It is a wonderful blessing to have so many to love.
No greater joy can a person know then the blessing of having children who know where to turn to for their strength. We are grateful for the teachings that our parents have instilled in us, the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is restored to the earth with the power of the Holy Priesthood it has blessed our family immeasurably.
We as the Lester and Shauna Essig family express the joy of our hearts in having a testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have experienced the deep abiding happiness in service to the Lord. and love to keep His Commandments for we see direct blessings that come from it. We know they are commandments of love. We are grateful for the Holy Priesthood that strengthens and lifts all. We accept the Abrahamic Covenant that was given so long ago but bring into our lives such joy today. We all seek to return to the presence of the Lord and partake of His love that is already so abundant in our lives here and now. May all who read this feel of the Holy Spirit bearing witness to you that we know these things to be true for we bear our witness to you in His Holy name.
