Back to life......Back to reality!!!

Fighting on the beach:)

We are back! Here are a few pictures from our beach vacation. I will probably post a few more from the beach and Virginia another day.

We are at the beach!

We arrived at Santa Rosa Beach yesterday and have been having lots of fun. The last few days have been a little hectic. I arrived home from Virginia on Friday, packed my stuff and did all of my school work on Saturday, and left for Florida on Sunday!!!! CRAZY--but fun. Jeff is coming down on Wednesday. He had to stay home with Brittany for the first part of this week, because she was going to Six Flags with church on Tuesday. I am ready for him to be here. I only got to see him for about 24 hours before we had to leave again.

Gosh there is so much I could post about I really don't know where to begin. I guess the hardest part of our traveling ventures this summer has been trying to get my school work done. I am finishing up my online classes that I was taking this summer. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be getting my work done while on vacation. The hardest part was trying to concentrate with so many things going on around me. Luckily, I have managed to get it all done, but I am not sure if I would do this again while traveling. Maybe I would, because it has enabled me to get my credit hours for school while vacationing with family. It just has not always been an easy task.

The kids have been having a blast this summer. I have missed Jeff so much, but am thankful he is such a sweet husband that lets me go and spend time with my family. It is so important to us that our children grow up close with all of their family. I want them to have good memories of growing up. I think my best memories of my childhood were my different vacations I took with my family. Also, I have really enjoyed the time I have had with the kids this summer. I know in a few weeks our life is going to change alot. Maddie starts school, Brittany starts highschool, Radlee starts 2 different Mother's day outs 4 days a week, and I start TSU and plan on adding more classes than I have previously taken. Jeff will still work lots of hours to provide for all of us---He is the greatest guy in the world and I am so in love with him. Can't you tell that we have been apart a lot lately???:):)

Well I had better go. I am at the library getting my school work done and have to leave to get back to the kids at the beach soon! I love all of you and have missed you this summer!

Off to Virginia

Tomorrow we leave for Virginia for two weeks! I have five other brothers and sisters there, so it is always a good time for us. Jeff took his vacation this year to go to camp with church, so he can't go! However, I do like it when we are apart sometimes, because we are always kind of like newlyweds when we reunite! I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder!

We will be spending one week at my dad's house in Fredericksburg, and then we will spend the next week in Williamsburg. We are going to Busch Gardens and also will probably tour some of the historic sites and colonial homes. The kids are so excited about going to Busch Gardens. I have to admit while I do love doing the roller coasters, I am probably a little more excited about doing the historic sites this year. Since I just finished my History class, I have a new appreciation for this sort of stuff.

Now this is kind of the crazy part--we will come home from Virginia around July 28, and then I am thinking about going with ALL of Jeff's family to Destin, FL. I will probably only be home for one day before we leave again. This trip to Florida will probably just be me and the two little ones. Brittany is already going to Six Flags with church and didn't want to miss that. Jeff will stay home with her. I know I am probably really crazy for doing this, but it is all for the kids. OKAY--I am lying--it is also because I want to get really tan!!!!!:):):):):) Don't worry I know Jeff is getting left out again, but he is glad to be left out of this one--he really hates the beach!!He works in the heat everyday of the summer, so it is not appealing to him at all to go and sit in the heat all day.

So, pray for us to have safe travel!! We will miss all of you!! I will post some pictures when we return!

All alone!

Wow I am completely alone in my house for the entire night!!! I should be enjoying this time, but the truth is I feel lost. I am absentmindedly (is that even a word?) walking around my house without a clue as to what to do. Funny how I am probably equally dependent upon Jeff and the kids as they are on me!!

This morning Jeff and Brittany left for camp. I am so excited for both of them. Last year I got to go and Jeff stayed home and worked. This year I can't go because of school, so Jeff is getting his turn. Camp is probably one of the most amazing things we have ever done with the youth and church. It will always be one of those defining moments that made a huge impact on my walk with Christ. The worship is always amazing too! It was so amazing to pull into our church parking lot and see 7 BUSES getting ready to fill up with kids. I think last year we only had 3 buses. Our youth is growing and I know that so many kids lives will be changed this week. Please pray for all of the counselors and kids this week!!

It is amazing to me how Satan tries to destroy what is happening sometimes. Last night I was up the entire night with horrible stomach cramps! Brittany and Maddie were also sick with the same thing this past weekend. I took Maddie to the emergency room last Thursday night because she was in so much pain. I thought she had something going on with her appendix. She was begging me to hurry and get her to the hospital because she was in so much pain. For those of you that know Maddie well--you know that is not normal!!! This kid never goes to the doctor--she usually throws a fit if she has to go. Her begging with me to take her to the hospital scared me to death. After completing some test, the doctor's determined that it wasn't her appendix. They thought by the looks of her x-ray that she was just extremely constipated---please don't tell her when she is older that I posted this for all of the world to see!!

So, we went home and gave her some medicine. She did still have some pain for the next few days , but seems to be all better now. Then on Saturday Brittany started complaining of the same identical pain. Last night Brittany was in tears with pain while she was trying to pack for camp. Then last night I started having the same horrible pain. Now, I think that Maddie must of had some kind of stomach virus and passed it on to us. It is different from what seems like a normal stomach virus. There is some nausea, but it is mostly horrible stomach and back pain. Jeff was thinking about staying home this week, but I insisted that he go. Brittany was scared that she was going to start feeling sick again at camp. Please pray that we will all get well. Pray for Britt to have a good week and feel completely better.

Where have I been?????

studying, studying, studying!!!!!!!!! Wow, this summer has been so darn crazy!!! It is all I can do just to stay "afloat" right now! Lately, my days have consisted of getting up, going to school, coming home and doing something fun with the kids, cooking...well okay not always cooking, but getting dinner for the fam, and then studying again until almost bedtime. I really haven't been on the computer much other than for "school stuff". I have tried to make the most of my free time by doing something fun with the kids. I don't want them to miss out on their summer time in any way, because I am going to school. I have tried to plan fun things with them and spend real quality time with them. I get finished everyday at 12:00, so we usually will do something fun until Jeff gets home and then he takes over. Jeff and Brittany have been an amazing help this summer.

School is such a rewarding experience. Although it demands so much of my time, I absolutely love it. I am finding out that I am a "nerd" and love studying and learning new things. (don't make fun of me!) My history class has been so interesting, and has given me a whole new understanding of christianity! It helps that my teacher is also a christian!

This is something I feel God has truly put on our hearts, and we are trying to be obedient! The truth is I often don't tell others this, because it might not make sense! In some ways I don't even understand?!? We have a very long term plan for me to go to dental school. Eventually, we will have to move. We have been considering Virginia Commonwealth University, because my dad is a professor there and would keep us close to some family.

The point is I have no idea what exactly God has in store for us! I hesitantly use the word "missions", because "missions" is often thought of as going out of the country, but Jeff and I both know this is God's plan for our family! It could be something or someone somewhere on this journey we are suppose to encounter! The only thing I know right now is this feels right! It seems like it is all part of His plan! Ofcourse, I wish I could see the purpose in all of it, but right now I am just enjoying the journey!

Bittersweet days!!

These girls right here are the most beautiful and amazing girls in the world!! Ofcourse, I can say that because I am their lucky mom. I have been on quite an emotional roller coaster the past few weeks. I knew this year was going to be a hard one. Brittany just finished her 8th grade year and Maddie just graduated from preschool!! That means that in the fall Brittany will start highschool and Maddie will start kindergarten. I am already a nervous wreck about this. I am especially nervous about my "baby" starting highschool. Great---now I am getting all teary-eyed and emotional typing this. Please join me in prayer for them!!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to thank you for "loaning" me these beautiful girls!! You have blessed me beyond my imagination. Father, it is my prayer tonight that as they enter this next phase of their lives, that they will come to know you even more--that Britt will cry out to you when she is faced with new struggles and temptations as a highschooler--that Britt will proclaim Your Precious Name to others--that she will continue to pursue a life that is not of this world--that she will continue to live a life that worships you! Lord, please protect my sweet Maddie going to kindergarten! It seems like just yesterday, after having a hard time getting pregnant, I was pleading with you to let me have another baby. Thank you for answering my prayer two more times!! Protect her from the evil things of this world. Father, help her know you and help me teach her about you. I know that I have to trust you Lord, but I am anxious tonight. I am anxious about sending my girls off in the fall. Let this summer be a special one. Help us to grow even closer to you and to each other!! I love you Lord!!

In your precious name...

I've been tagged

Tagged?--okay so this new thing called tagging is going around. It looks kind of fun and since I have been tagged by Jamie--I'll give this a try!

Here are the rules--each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. People who are tagged need to write own their own blog about the seven facts and rules. You need to chose seven people to tag and list their names. (I am not sure if seven people even look at my blog:) )
Then leave them a comment letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Okay here are my 7 random facts---

1. My maiden name is Pagan! Yep- you read that write Pagan. I was happy when I became just a plain old Smith girl, because it got a bit old getting preached about on Sundays!!

2. OKAY--this one is a little embarrassing--I was Chuck-E-Cheese when I was 16 years old. It was a fun job, but I still to this day can remember that horrid smell inside that costume.

3. I have 7 brothers and sisters! My youngest sister is 9 years old. Brittany has aunts and uncles that are younger than her. It is fun though because my kids have aunts and uncles their age to play with.

4. This is our family dream-goal--I am back in school now and eventually want to go on to dental school. It is a very long term plan that is hard to fully explain, but maybe someday I will write a blog about that.

5. You probably can already pick up on this if you have read my blog for very long! I am an all or nothing girl--maybe a bit passive-aggressive--but I like to call it all or nothing girl, because that sounds better! My house is either really messy or really clean, I blog a lot in a few days or none for about 2 weeks, I will make a menu and cook everynight or we will eat out the entire week. It is something I constantly struggle with--but am working on!!

6. Ok back to something light and fluffy---I love roller coasters! One of my favorite things to do is go to amusement parks! I am excited that my "mini me" --aka Maddie-- seems to have this love of roller coasters too!

7. Sometimes I day dream about being a working mom! I know I am completely blessed to stay at home with the kiddos--but I often dream about working. Not just any job though--I am thinking CEO type position--downtown in a large city somewhere. I my fantasy world I live in a high rise apartment! I wake in the mornings and put my business suit on with my matching high heels! Oh and ofcourse I carry my briefcase into the office in one hand with my coffee in the other. --ok I know I have watched way too many movies!

Ok so here are the seven people I am tagging---
Melissa
Kristie
Suzanne
Tiffany
Jeanne
Diana
Melanie

skater boy

Jeff said that I wasn't being fair because I didn't have a picture of what his hair looks like as "skater boy" so here are two pictures. Take notice of the picture on the right--this is what I forced me into secretly taking him to the hair salon!! :) ---Read the next blog down if you are confused!

Skater Boy or Basketball Boy??

OK--I know I just posted a blog about Radlee--but this is it for him for awhile. Let me start by
saying that Jeff and I strongly disagree about how our boy's hair should be. I have always wanted his hair to be short. I like the "preppy" look. I like short hair and plaid button up shirts!! Jeff likes the "skater" boy look. I do think it is cute how Jeff cares so much about his hair, so I usually just let him win on this issue. Well, lately Radlee's hair has been driving me crazy. Also, it is getting really hot outside and I just think that boys need to have short hair in the summer. So, today without even asking I took Radlee and had his hair cut really short. ---I know I am mean! I was really scared of Jeff''s reaction when he got home from work, so I dressed Radlee in a cute little basketball outfit. When Jeff came in from work, I said look I changed our skater boy into a basketball boy. I thought if I made it funny--maybe he wouldn't be so mad. That didn't exactly work!!! He didn't think it was so funny and proceeded to tell me that he thought Radlee looked like a nerd. I am needing some support here!!! So, you guys tell me what you think--Skater boy or basketball boy?

Spiderman

We took Radlee this past weekend to see Spiderman and he absolutely loved it!! The only problem is I think he really does think he is Spiderman now. He has been shooting webs and doing all kinds of tricks around the house since seeing the movie. His birthday is coming up in June and I was thinking about having a Spiderman Birthday party for him. I had also thought about the presents I might get him and thought that a Spiderman costume with a mask might be a good idea. Well it seems that our creative little guy came up with his own mask for now!

FINALS!!

Now I truly know what all of the fuss is about when college students say that they have finals and are stressed out! As most of you reading this already know, I started back in college this past semester. I have started off slow with 2 classes and it has been so much fun. Tonight is my first final. Yesterday, I spent most of the day studying and I didn't sleep much last night. When Jeff asked me why I went to the couch last night, I told him that I couldn't sleep because I kept working math problems in my head. I asked him if he ever had that problem and he said no and just kind of looked at me like I am a freak:)

When life drives you to your knees pray there...

Let me start by saying that I don't even begin to think that my life is terrible by any means. I know that there are so many people in our world that are hurting so much worse than I can even imagine, but life has just been overwhelming for me lately. There have been so many stressful issues going on--Radlee sick and at the emergency room last week, our van is messed up right now, and the biggest stress of all right now is MONEY--or lack of I guess I could say.

I am not sure why things have been so tight for us lately. Just the word "tight" has taken on a whole new meaning in our house! I asked Jeff this past weekend just what he thought God is trying to teach us through this, and his response was I don't know, but I am ready for class to be over. The truth is that class is never over because our Lord loves us and disciplines those He loves!!!

Here is what I don't know---
Will I ever really get it--I hope I will someday, but I have proved time and time again that the minute things get a little easier for us financially I quit relying as much on God to meet our needs.
Here is what I do know---
1. We have given more money to church in the past 2 weeks than we have in the past 6 months--kind of interesting--when times are hard I am the most obdient to God's word.
2. I have spent more time talking to God in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 6 months--kind of interesting--when times are hard I spend the most time talking to God.
3. I have truly seen God providing our needs through ways that I didn't see before--also interesting that I am open to see God when times are hard.

Today I was cleaning my mom's house for some extra money. It was just another way that God opened a door to provide financial help. While I was on my knees cleaning her bathtub, I was praying and praising God for once again providing our needs. So, what is the great lesson in all of this??? I don't know, but when Life is Good I want to Praise HIM and when Life is Hard I still want to Praise HIM!

What is really important????

I am at a loss of words to express my feelings about the loss of a girl in our youth group yesterday. Rachel was a sixth grade student who died yesterday from cancer. I never had the chance to meet her, but she still has touched our lives. I can't imagine what her mother is going through.

Last night, Brittany asked me to take her to a play tonight. My first thought was no--I really just want to spend my Saturday night at home relaxing. Then I thought to myself I bet Rachel's mother just wished she had the chance today to take Rachel to a play. Why does it take someone losing their life for me to get it??? Why am I continually so selfish that watching tv is more important sometimes than spending time with my children??? I didn't know Rachel, but she will live on even in our home as a constant reminder of what is really important in this life hear on earth.

Maddie's turning 5 years old!!!

We spent today celebrating Maddie's Birthday. Her birthday is actually tomorrow --on EASTER!!! This year we had a more laid back party, but I think she will still always remember this birthday as a special one. Atleast I hope she does.

l

Mimi and Grandaddy came over this morning to help Jeff finish up this "clubhouse" he has been working off and on for a few weeks. They stayed over all day and had lunch with us. The kids spent most of the day outside in the freezing weather. Maddie couldn't wait until her clubhouse was finished.

Then we went to the "Mexican karoke restaurant" for dinner and cake. Mimi,Grandaddy, Nana, Steve, Michael, Ashley, Meia, and Stacy all came. The Taylors also ended up being there, so Brittany and Natalie got up and sang Happy Birthday to Maddie!!! It was not the usual crazy crowded Birthday party--but, I think because it wasn't as hectic as usual that made it all the more special!!!!!

WE FLY HIGH!!!

ONE CRAZY FAMILY

Weird or just fun???? Sometimes our family gets in these crazy moods. On this particular night we all decided to see if we could take pictures and make it look like we were flying. Grandaddy even decided to take a shot at it!!!!:-):-)

Facing the Giants

A few days ago I sat down and watched this movie. I was blown away!!! This movie completely spoke to my heart. It made me realize that our purpose here on earth is far greater that I sometimes realize!!!! We all have giants in our lives--debt, relationships,loses, illness--sometimes I am even overwhelmed facing the giants in my own life. This is one movie that you have got to see!!!

* Warning--have the tissue ready-- I spent the most part of the movie crying--Maddie even asked me to turn the movie off because I was making her nervous:-)

* This movie does seem to be a bit low budget---but just pay attention to its message not the acting!!!

Rugby, TN---A Lovely Corner of God's Earth!!!!

This weekend Jeff and I took a much needed little trip to one of our favorite weekend get aways, The Newberry Bed and Breakfast in Rugby, TN. It is impossible to deny our creator in a beautiful place like Rugby.

A Brief Description of Rugby, TN--- Rugby is a tiny historic town founded in the late 1800's by a British man named Thomas Hughes. The Newberry B&B was the first boarding house in Rugby established in 1880.

Things to do in or around Rugby--

1. Visit the Highland Manor Winery--a good place to sample wine and yummy cheese.

2. There are a lot of hiking trails and I believe some places not too far from there to go horseback riding. We hiked down to the Gentlemans swimming hole-- Jeff actually got in, but quickly got out after he saw a crawdad:)--by the way he was screaming I thought there was a big poisonous snake swimming by him!!

3. Take a tour of some of the original Victorian style buildings--schoolhouse, library, and church. We also attended the Episcopal church on Sunday morning. The have had services there continuously since 1880--kind of interesting, but made me have a new appreciation for fbc's music!!

4. Eat at the Harrow Road Cafe--they feature some interesting British dishes and homestyle cooking.

Thats about it! There is not much to do there other than relax, enjoy nature, and reconnect to one another.

the new kid on the block....

Many of the blogs I have read have uplifted me and inspired me, so I have decided to start my own. Let me start by saying that I don't consider myself to be a very good writer and grammar doesn't come easy for me, but I am tired of letting that hold me back from putting myself out there. I have read so many of your blogs and thought wow--I could never write like that, but my goal here is to be as real as I can--not win a writing contest.