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.

Visit to San Antonio

Recently David and I went to San Antonio... a funny thing happened on the way, but I'll tell that story in another post. While in San Antonio we visited with some friends, the Dagerath Family. Here's some pics of this incredible family!!

Midnight

Recently some guests at Hotel Smith were preparing to depart and our cat Midnight decided she wanted to go with them.

E tells all

Today at church Elijah's teacher pulled me aside. She was shaking her head and smiling. She started with "your son is something else." When I hear that I always get a little concerned!!! His teacher then begins to tell me how my four-year old son explained the following...

"My mommy says bad words. She can say bad words. I can't say bad words. Just mommy says bad words. It's okay because she is a grown-up. Oh, and she also does bad things."

Luckily he didn't share with the class the bad words I say. And I will keep you guessing on those...

Staycation....no thank you!!

The Smith family decided to "staycation" this year. Tonight is the last night of our "staycation". Here are some of my thoughts:

We had a great week. Some friends visited from Florida (backwards huh). We went to the pool. We relaxed. We enjoyed the view from our back porch. The weather has been BEAUTIFUL!! David read a few books. I didn't clean the kitchen for an entire day and a half. The boys had fun being boys and playing all the games Clara created. We watched movies.

And then there is Hannah...while the rest of us are pretending that a "staycation" is the best thing since sliced bread, Hannah is at the beach. You heard me...she is at the gorgeous beach enjoying God's creation in the vacation spot of Panama City. All that is within me cries....."It's not fair". But, I have to be an adult and say that my staycation has been fabulous.

Lots of Fun

We celebrated Clara's birthday survivor style with a plethora (you don't get to use that word often) of people. Here's a few pics. It was a night full of fun and COMPETITION!!

However, I must confess that almost a week later and I'm still in recovery mode.

God Provides

Many entries of this blog this past year have been devoted to saving money. While I do not aspire to become a blog dedicated to frugality, it is the reality of our life right now. The intent of this blog is to share our lives with family and friends. We really do have a rich life that includes a multitude of close friendships (Oh, the stories we could tell). With the busyness of life it is difficult to stay in touch, thus this blog. And, I really like to get things on paper...it helps me process.

Today's blog post is dedicated to my incredibly responsible, amazing and beautiful daughter Hannah. She and I have been on a journey the last two years. When she began sixth grade, we decided we wanted to homeschool her. Our decision to homeschool was born out of a desire to relationally connect with her. It has been fun to be a part of her world and see her developing into a godly young woman. I hope she looks back on this season with fondness!!!

One lesson Hannah has learned recently I wanted to share....God provides!! It is a lesson I need to remind myself. It seems that since we started trying to be careful with our money all powers of Hades have conspired against us (I will refrain from going into all of that right now). But I digress....

About six months ago we explained to Hannah that she would need to earn money to pay for any youth trips she wanted to take starting this summer. This girl loves her youth trips. She accepted this challenge quietly and courageously. After all for a thirteen-year old with little earning potential paying for anything over $10 seems a bit daunting.

She babysat here and there, but one day recently she expressed her concern that her babysitting opportunities were limited and she wondered how she would EVER save enough money. My heart went out to her. She was not complaining. She was being realistic and honest.

Then, literally out of the blue our neighbor approached Hannah and asked her to tutor her preschool son to help him get ready for Kindergarten. Of course Hannah jumped on this because it was a weekly job. (I admit I was a little nervous). But, the truth is she was prepared to do this job. She is a great teacher to her little brother. She also has volunteered in the preschool class where I work for a year.

But, let me say that Hannah has blown my expectations OUT OF THE WATER. She tutors three times a week for thirty minutes. She communicates with the mother via email. She plans the lessons. Recently I eavesdropped and she was teaching him all about a penny. Here is what I heard her student say in response to questions asked of him. "A penny equals one cent." "Abraham Lincoln is on the front of the penny." "He was the sixteenth president." "He lived in a cabin log (yes I typed that right...how cute)".

As of yesterday Hannah has earned (and truthfully she has worked hard) enough money to pay for her camp this summer ($250). How does a 13 year old do that? God provided her an opportunity. She worked hard and was faithful with that which was entrusted to her.

As she looks back on her homeschool experience, I hope she remembers the year when she was given an impossible task. I hope she remembers that God provides!!! I hope she remembers that with God nothing is impossible. I hope she remembers that hard work and diligence pay off.

Turtle Trauma

We have a new pet....Tina the Turtle. Our daughter Clara seems to attract stray animals. She wants to be a vet when she grows up. Tina the Turtle was found by Clara at the baseball field.

While I'm not a big fan of turtles, I must admit that Tina is growing on me. She's little and has a cool orange stripe down the sides of her neck. And, she runs really fast. Tina has been living in a picture box while we figure out what type of habitat she needs to survive (I tried to say she would be happier outside, but no one is buying that!!!).

Yesterday when Clara came home from school, she came running into the room frantic that her turtle box was tipped over and Tina was missing. (Did I mention we have a cat?) So a search and rescue mission was mounted. We looked for Tiny Tina over an hour in Clara's room. It seemed a turtle was roaming freely through my house much to my dismay.

We were about to head into another part of the house when I moved a small shag rug that was folded in the floor of Clara's room. When I picked it up, I was excited to see Tiny Tina. But then upon further inspection I noticed what seemed to be a strangely twisted turtle neck and a very still Tina. So, I explained to Clara that the turtle seemed to be dead and she needed to leave the room. The death of the turtle sent my sweet tender-hearted Clara into an emotional crisis. It really tore my heart apart to see her so sad.

I comforted her and asked if she wanted to see Tina (why do we name these animals) or if she just wanted me to put him in a box and wait for dad to come home. She opted out of seeing twisted-neck tiny Tina. Off I went with a heavy heart to pick up a dead turtle. You must know that I have never in my life picked up a turtle.

Imagine my dismay when I went into the room to see tiny Tina trucking around the room. Alas the seemingly broken-necked turtle was alive and kicking. There was much rejoicing!!!

Car Conversation

Last night we were on our way home from a soccer game and here was the conversation.

Clara- "Mom, when are you going to get me the Starbucks you owe me? (a reward for some well done venture)

Noah "Yeah, I want a Starbucks blended Cherry Lemonade" (FYI--no such drink exists)

Clara - "You can't have Starbucks....you are too young"

Noah "Mom, I want Starbucks"

Clara - "YOU CAN'T HAVE STARBUCKS...YOU ARE TOO YOUNG!!!"

Elijah (the 4yr old) - HEY, I WANT STARBUCKS. I WANT STARBUCKS. I WANT TO BUY ME SOME BOOKS. I WANT SOME BOOKS FROM STARBUCKS"

Life is Fragile!!

My previous post was about our daughter Clara's birthday. Today's post is more difficult to write, but I really want to do so. This past Thursday, April 30th, my grandmother, "Mama Clara" breathed her last breath here on earth. As you can guess our sweet Clara was named after her great-grandmother.

Our family went to visit Mama Clara the Friday before her death. I wish I could capture for you the way her dear face lit up when our family walked into the room. It was one of those priceless moments. She was a godly woman who loved to spend time with Jesus, she had a gift for creating beauty, and she loved her family fiercely. She lived for 88 years.

As I type this, I'm looking at a piece of embroidery in my kitchen that says "Life is Fragile, Handle it with Prayer". One summer when I was younger I went to visit my grandparents and I remember my grandmother creating that piece. When she moved from her home into an apartment a few years ago and was getting rid of some of her things, it was the one thing I requested. Why? Because it is a sentiment that I believe in strongly.

One of the greatest compliments I received at the funeral on Saturday was how much I favor Clara. You see I have her red hair. I'm really the only member of the family that has it (well my dad has her red hair...but he's mostly bald, so that doesn't really count and he's a guy). My desire is that in addition to favoring her looks, I would also favor her in character. She was a strong woman. She was committed to her family. She was diligent with her hands. She endured hardship with grace. She loved Jesus with her whole heart.

I'm thankful that she taught me at a young age that "Life is Fragile, we must handle it with Prayer". I'm thankful that she taught me how to love my family. I'm thankful that she taught me how to cook (I only wish I knew how to make her homemade fried pies). I'm thankful she taught me how to enjoy the moment.