The Twelve Days of Christmas

On The First Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me....
a partridge in a pear tree

Christmas has crept up on the Smith family this year!! We still have our Fall Decorations up (nothing elaborate 2 fake pumpkins and a fall flavored candles). We haven't been Christmas shopping. I FEEL so behind this Christmas. Sometimes when things are not going the way I want it is easy to get discouraged and throw up my hands. The truth is that we have plenty of time to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

So, the Smith's are celebrating the twelve days of Christmas starting today (I know that technically the twelve days of Christmas goes from Christmas until the day of Epiphany on January 6th). Recently a friend sent an email that describes how from 1558-1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. So someone during that era wrote a Christmas Carol that we still sing today..."The Twelve Days of Christmas". This song was used to teach catechism to young catholics.

We're going to use this song to teach our children this Christmas season AND we're going to have a little fun. The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ!!

Today the Smith's are going to decorate our Christmas tree

Creative Math Idea

Recently a friend gave me a plethora of school resources that she used when homeschooling her children...truly a priceless and meaningful gift!!! One thing I realize about my children is that they like to play games and they are quite competitive. However, it's just not practical for me to go out and buy a bunch of learning games. They are actually quite expensive.

While digging through this treasure chest of books, I found a book that caught my eye, "Math For Smarty Pants". One of the first exercises looked pretty interesting to me, so I tested it this morning on my 2nd grader.

It's called the $1 Word Search. Each letter of the alphabet is assigned a cent value: a=1cent, b=2 cents, c=3 cents, and so on up to z-26 cents. You take a word, any word, like "excellent" and add up the value of each letter to see if it is worth a dollar. Simple!!

Armed with a white board and a dry erase marker, we tried it out. And, yes we learned "excellent" is a one dollar word. Noah is not. Neither is Elijah. And, for that matter neither is Jesus. But, we did find that there is a Halloween word that is and it is NOT Halloween.

Well let me just say that Noah learned about ones and tens column. He learned about carrying. We talked about how to take shortcuts when adding up several numbers. We had fun learning about Math this morning. We even talked about which numbers added together equal 10. Because let's face it...it is easier to add multiples of ten.

Bottom line...we had FUN!!

So here's my idea for the next month. I am going to challenge my children to find $1 words and for every $1 word they find, I will pay them a dollar. That should motivate them!!! I figure it never hurts to practice the basics. Truthfully....I still count with my fingers...maybe I should join in the competition so that I can learn how to add in my head!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

Well my 20th anniversary is a thing of the past. Milestones come and milestones go. Here are my random (seriously not organized thoughts)!!

This morning my husband took me to IHOP for breakfast. It was GREAT!! (For those of you newlyweds out there we are going out nice on Friday night). But it was quite thoughtful of him to roll me out of bed on our 20th anniversary and take me out for breakfast. Thoughtful because it made me feel like we were on vacation. We NEVER eat breakfast out. As we lingered over coffee we had some quiet time (hard to find with four children) and we reminisced about the past twenty years. I won't bore you with all that.

But I will say, we have much to be thankful for after 20 years. We started our marriage with God at the center. We wanted our marriage to bring honor to God. We have had our ups and downs...that's a fact of life. However, we have been able to weather the storms. This week we were reminded how we have been able to weather these storms. Reminded by our 7 year old son.

By the way let me say an aside to all out there. God uses His people to speak truth. You don't have to be a preacher. You don't have to be eloquent. You don't have to speak loudly. You just have to know the truth and speak the truth. And, you have to listen for the truth!!

This week in our home, he used a young boy; a skinny young boy at that, with beautiful blue eyes and and a tender heart for God (I'm sure a I butchered the grammar in that sentence!!). Let me explain.

On Monday night of this past week our family was sitting in our sitting room all together. It was about that time of night when we send the kids to bed. Our son Noah said, "I have an idea!!! I think we should all pray together tonight." Well, his heartfelt statement just made tears pop out in my eyes. It's one thing for the grown-ups to say we should pray, but a little boy...

Then, Tuesday night he was in his room finishing up his school for the day. Our system is that he has 12 numbered folders that are loaded for him every morning. He is responsible for completing the work in these folders. So, David and I are sitting together in our living room. Noah comes to the top of the stairs (we can both see and hear him) and says in a passionate voice, "MOM, I have an idea!!! Tomorrow, could you start putting my Bible in my number one folder."

Now as you read you may be thinking okay, that doesn't seem like a big deal. But, for me and my husband of twenty years it's like God was using a megaphone to scream at us (kindly of course). Our first year of marriage we attended Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. We had dear Bible Study teachers and Edna Clark was a lady who we still talk about today in our home. It did not matter what Edna was teaching on, her message always came out to be..."You need to pray and read God's Word."

Here was our son communicating the same message that resounded through our first year of marriage. So as we head into our 21st year, we are committing to renew our passion to pray and read God's word. Our marriage is a gift that I am thankful for every day.

If you are married, your marriage is also a gift. For those of you who are unmarried...Wait upon the Lord!! Hold steadfast to him!!!

Foot Woes!!!

I just had to share these fabulous pictures of our daughter's foot. We thought she had an extra navicular bone (who even knows what in the world a navicular bone is) in her left foot. Off she went to the doctor this week. Turns out she does not have an extra navicular bone in her left foot. It is just extra large and maybe even fractured...hence the extra bump in her foot shown in the pics.

The irony is that she does have an extra navicular bone in her right foot, that is perfectly fine.

So, she's wearing a boot for 10 days and we are hoping this growth will heal very soon.

Neighborhood Halloween!!

Thanks to my dear friend and neighbor Robin, I have some sweet shots of my children (and the neighborhood friends) on Halloween. We really do live in a FABULOUS neighborhood!!!

Enjoy the pics!!

Picture-less Halloween!!!

This morning I sit here the day after Halloween and look at all the cute pictures on Facebook of little kids dressed up in their costumes. I realize with dismay that I did not take one picture of my children yesterday. The thought crossed my mind, but the camera was with Clara who was with friends trick or treating in a different neighborhood. This has brought me to a place of pondering this picture-less Halloween.

Pondering why when the girls were younger I would NEVER have missed out on taking a picture of my children with their cute costumes. Maybe I had less on my plate. Maybe I was more enthusiastic. Maybe life was simpler. Maybe I had my own camera and was not borrowing my daughter's.

Pondering the reality of raising two middle school daughters. Yikes!! One who is ready to move out tomorrow. One who likes to talk and talk and talk....starting about 9:00 pm when I can no longer comprehend what she is saying because my brain has shut down for the day. Really, I need an extra measure of energy just thinking about the days ahead.

Pondering raising little boys while raising middle school daughters AND how different my boys growing up experience is from my girls. We live in a different state. The boys lives are not filled with play dates and play groups. The boys are surrounded by activity. Their friends are little brothers on Clara's soccer team and the boys in the neighborhood and from church. When the girls were younger I was intentional about helping them the develop friends. With the boys I simply say let's go....go play outside or let's go to the soccer field or to church or to work.

I suppose the picture-less Halloween is merely a foreshadowing of the future as the nest empties and the children pursue their own lives one by one. That might bring a tear to my eye except this nest will not be empty for like a hundred more years.

My life is full. It is abundant. I am trying to teach my kids "as we go" what it means to walk with Jesus, what it means to be a friend, how to get along with others, how to cook, how to clean up what you mess up, and a myriad of other things.

And yet, I hope when they look back on these days they remember a loving family. I hope that they have learned valuable lessons from time spent together. I hope we are preparing them to fly from the nest well. I hope as they go into their future and our family multiplies they will take cute pictures of their children and send them to me via whatever means of communication is available.

Okay, and I also hope that some of my neighbors captured at least one cute shot of my dressed up kids on this picture-less Halloween at the Smith House!!!

Battle of Collierville

Today we went on a field trip to learn about the Battle of Collierville. It was muddy. It was wet. It was gross. The kids had fun (until it started raining and then we all wanted to go home).

The Calendar Says...

This morning my calendar says....soccer, soccer and more soccer. Yet, due to the rain the soccer tournament is canceled for the weekend. The first time in four years!! I am a little ashamed to admit a part of me was quite giddy when I found out yesterday. A whole day with nothing scheduled. Wow!!!

This morning my house is quiet and there is a whole 24 hours in front of me with nothing planned. A precious gift of time. How should I spend it? What should I do? Please know that my list of things that should be done is a mile long....clean my bathrooms, finish the laundry, finish up school work for the week, take a bulldozer to my daughter's and my son's bedroom and really to my bedroom, weed the flower bed, and on and on. But somehow it seems a shame to do those things on this golden day.

Let me explain....our lives are filled to the brim. We know we are busy. We have even been taking a few hours off Mondays to slow down as a family. We have virtually eliminated TV. But, the reality of four children, David working full-time, me working part-time, homeschooling our children, and of course soccer makes our cup pretty full.

It is dawning on me slowly, simmering like a pot of soup on a cold day, filling my senses with a pleasing aroma. I have a GREAT LIFE!! Really, really, really!!! I have a GREAT LIFE!!!!

Yesterday I was hanging out with my Friday Friends and we were talking about being thankful for everything. Some of the ladies even made a list of the things they were thankful for (I did not....I was too busy...LOL).

As I sit here and think about my 24 hour gift of time...maybe just maybe I need to have an attitude check and begin to be thankful for every aspect of my life. Maybe I have been so focused on the busyness that I have forgotten to smell the roses.

Maybe I need to approach this 24 hours as if it were my last. If it were, how would I spend it? Life is fragile, fleeting, beautiful and I think I'm going to start my free day by heading to my back porch to hang out with my Creator and be thankful!!!!

Please Pray!!

This is my dear friend Renee. We met Renee when she was in middle school many years ago. Our relationship with Renee grew through the years as she loved on our kids and became one of their babysitters. Who am I kidding? She had a card at church to pick up our kids because I was always talking. Our daughter Clara is named after her...Clara Renee Smith.

Fast forward to today...Renee is mother to two beautiful children as you can see from this picture. This past week I found out Renee has Breast Cancer, a rare and aggressive type. She is entering the fight of her life. She is so young and this has already been a difficult year for her prior to this!!!

So, as you read this, please pray for my dear friend and for her family as they prepare to fight!!!

Two peas in a pod!!

Our kids are enjoying spending time together. Some days they have so much fun together. Some days they fight like cats and dogs.

Or in the case of these, it's a dog fight all the way. These two children of mine are so alike it is scary!!! Even though they are seven years apart in age, they seem more like twins many days. Little E looks and acts more like his sister every day.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Work

Yesterday me and the kids were headed to work when Clara lost a tooth. She desperately needed a paper towel to stop the flow of blood gushing from her mouth (that might be overstated). Of course we had recently cleaned out the car and there was nothing to use to stop said blood flow. So, much to my chagrin I agreed to stop at Starbucks, conveniently located on the corner, to let her run in to get a paper towel. I firmly stated (well maybe stated in a raised voice) that we would not be purchasing any coffee. NO COFFEE...do you hear me people?

So, while we wait for Clara to run in and grab her paper towel, I noticed that smoke was beginning to pour from my hood....holy smoke. So of course I do exactly what I should do and call dear husband (did I mention he was home sick from work) to come check out the car. After about two minutes waiting for hubby to arrive, I make an executive decision. I unloaded my crew and headed into Starbucks to do school. And, of course buy a round for everyone. I will refrain from mentioning the unreasonable amount of money I spent on beverages for me and my four children.

It took about an hour and a half for hubby to take car to shop and get back to Starbucks to pick us up. Might I say that may have been the most fun and relaxing school time we have had to date. The kids thought it was a treat. I was in my happy place!!! I seriously wonder if they pipe in some relaxation-induced drugs through their air vent system OR maybe it is just the heavenly smell of coffee.

Sometimes life throws us a surprise and we just have to savor the moment. My four year old is eager to tell everyone that he did school at Starbucks last night!!!

Wednesday Recap

Noah built a log cabin because he had been studying about Abraham Lincoln.

Elijah loves to wash dishes...he's the only one in the house who loves to wash dishes.

Clara is the professional duster.

Hannah sweeps up the trash!!

Not pictured: Clara scored a goal on a free kick in her soccer game. It was a seriously pretty kick...wish I had a video!!

Fall brings change!!!

It's the beginning of a school year!! There is much excitement in the air. Everyone is hustling and bustling, purchasing school supplies and new clothes, discussing their new teacher. I remember every year absolutely LOVING the fall. To this day it is still my favorite time of year.

This year we have decided to educate our children at home. It's been a difficult decision and there are many days I wonder why in the world. After so many years of diapers, I'm on the cusp of freedom. I remember my daydreams when my kids were preschoolers...daydreams of putting them all on the big yellow bus and waving goodbye. Daydreams of meeting friends for lunch. Daydreams of actually accomplishing all the projects that flood my mind. Daydreams of again pursuing a career.

However, the reality is those daydreams have been replaced with a new dream. A dream of family togetherness....where Mondays are no longer a day to dread, but a day to discover. My husband is off on Mondays, so we all get to be together. It's almost like a family vacation every week!!! Our decision to homeschool just works for us this year.

Now, even as I type these words I again wonder if I am crazy. I remember meeting homeschool families when my children were younger and thinking "I could never do that...nor would I even want to do that." Who am I kidding I remember meeting homeschool families three years ago and thinking "I could never to that".

Yet, here I sit...all my children at home. There are days that I still think...."I can't do this". It is an arduous task. It is time consuming. It is expensive. It is 24/7. Really it is like anything in life. You have to take the good with the bad. The good is that I am getting to know my children. They are learning to get along (they still fight though....we don't live in Perfectville people). I am learning so much (wondering if I slept through school). And, I love the flexibility and freedom!!!

I'm thankful for this season and all that it will teach me. I have become a pretty self-reliant grown-up. I have forgotten what it means to truly depend on Jesus. Boy is this a vivid reminder that "apart from Him, I can do nothing."

This blog is a record of what is happening in our lives. We are committed to sharing our lives with friends and family. For many of you...you might be thinking we have gone completely off our rocker. I hope you will still love us anyway. We recognize that we can't do this alone and we are thankful for our community of family and friends.

Quote of the Day

For science the big kids are studying about oceans. In an effort to include Elijah I printed some coloring pages for him. He worked really hard on his project. When he was finished, he proudly displayed his artwork to the whole family and said...."Do you like my OctoPIS?" So, for the last 24 hours he's used the word repeatedly and I must admit it makes me laugh every single time. I don't have the heart to correct him, because he is SOOO cute. And, he makes me LAUGH SO HARD!!!

Soccer Camp

Here are some pics from Clara's soccer camp. She had a GREAT time...thanks grandmommy and grandaddy for sending her to camp!!! She learned many great soccer lessons. But, she also learned that in Portuguese her name means "egg yolk".

Remember the Alamo!!!

Here's a picture of David and I at the Alamo. We recently went to San Antonio and stayed a block over from the Alamo. All I remember from my growing up years about the Alamo are the words, "Remember the Alamo!!" I've learned a little more about the Alamo but I will refrain from sharing my large scope of knowledge in this context.

Instead I want to tell you David's story of his trip to San Antonio. David was attending a conference in San Antonio. In an effort to save money, he decided to use one of my Dad's Delta buddy passes. About two weeks before the trip I decided to go along. After all we were "staycationing" for our family vacation this year, so I knew this was my only chance to get away.

David and I were both flying space available and we knew that it might take a while to get on a flight, so we headed to the airport at 4:00 am. Yes, 4:00 am. Our flight plans involved a flight to Atlanta and then to San Antonio.

We didn't get on the 6:00 flight.

So, over breakfast we strategized and decided that we would be willing to split up because it is easier for one person to get on a flight than two. We waited at the gate for the 7:30 am flight.

My name is called to board the plane. I linger a little to see if David will get on the flight and even ask the gate agent if he will get on. When the gate agent said no, he asked if I wanted to wait with David. To which I promptly said NO and boarded the plane after waving sadly to David.

The plan was to meet up in Atlanta and fly to San Antonio together. Once I get to Atlanta, David informs me that he didn't get on the flight to Atlanta, but he did make arrangements for me to get on an earlier flight from ATL to San Antonio. So I run, literally, to the gate and immediately get on my flight.

It was a very pleasant flight. I was quite comfortable. Read a book. Relaxed. Watched another passenger in first class down about six glasses of wine and beer in a row...Did I mention it was 10:30 in the am?

I digress, we landed in San Antonio about twenty minutes early. I called my sweet husband to see how his trip was progressing. When I asked him if he was still in Memphis. He said, "No". When I asked him if he was in Atlanta. He said, "No".

So the question loomed large and I just put it out there..."Well, where are you?" He said, "Little Rock". I'm thinking he came up with a creative flight plan.

No, he informed me that at 10:30 am (while I am relaxing in first class), he rented a car at the airport and proceeded to get in a car to travel to San Antonio. The flights the rest of the day looked hopeless.

So, while my husband drove twelve hours (after having only slept about 3 1/2 hours ) to San Antonio...I pressed the easy button and flew. So, if you will notice in our picture that I look a little happier than him. It's because I am!!!

A Day At The Lake!!!

This week a friend invited me to go with her to the lake...for 24 hours. It was a BUSY week and by the time I got to Friday morning I was fried (maybe it should be spelled Fried-day). While I was excited to go to the lake, there was a part of me that was so tired that I simply wanted to crawl into my bed and sleep for 48 hours.

But, the thought of spending some time on the water helped me crash through the tiredness and pack my backpack. The morning before we left I met another friend at Starbucks (maybe Fried-day should also be called Friend-day). It was a great way to start a weekend, sipping coffee with a friend outside in the beautiful weather. For all of you non-Memphians, it was simply a glorious, beautiful day both Friday and Saturday, remnicscent of Ohio summers and even my jaunts to Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota.

So, back to my time at the lake. I wish there were words for me to convey how quickly I was able to relax. It might have something to do with the fact that I didn't have four kids to referee and cajole. Or, I didn't have a thousand things that demanded my attention. Regardless, as soon as we walked in the door of the house at the lake all my cares seemed to slip away like melted butter.

We'd been there about five minutes when our host said "Get your suits on, it's time to hit the lake." So we all slipped on our bathing suits, grabbed a book and a towel and headed to the lake.

It was a spectacular afternoon. The sunlight hitting the water was truly magical. A bright blue sky with no clouds was breathtaking. The waves gently rocking the boat was sleep-inducing.

I must confess that I thoroughly enjoyed being pampered for 24 hours. Our host and hostess took care of all the meals. We even had peach milkshakes for dessert...yummy!! I did not make a single decision.

A day at the lake....left me refreshed, inspired and ready to conquer the next week.

A day at the lake... is haunting me with the question...."How can I bring a small part of that into my real life?" "How can we simplify our lives?" "How can we carve out relax moments into the life of our family?"

A day at the lake...reminded me of the importance of connecting with people. Strangers were able to speak truth in my life and make me laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. My friend shared her heart with me.

A day at the lake...gives evidence to a wonderful, caring Creator who surrounds us with beauty and wants us to soak in the Son!!!

VBS Pictures

The kids had a blast at VBS...Son Rock Kids Camp this week.

Elijah enjoyed every single moment and was eager to tell me ALL about it each night when he came home.

Noah had fun with Mr. Steve as his teacher and of course was happy that his friend Bryant was in his class.