Off to Virginia

I love making spur of the moment decisions, but I don't normally make big ones like this. Today my sister called and we were talking about when the next time I would be able to go to Virginia to visit our dad and family. I was suppose to go next week, but I got the job I was talking about in a previous post, so now I will be orientating next week. She said we could go tomorrow, because she is off for the next six days. I said...sure let's go! I called the family and they were happy to have us come this weekend (well at least they pretended to be happy that we were all coming in one day's notice). We are headed out at 7am in the morning. I am anxiously excited. I have lots to do to get ready, so that is a little overwhelming! I am also leaving Radlee and Jeff at home, so I feel sad about that. Radlee has had pneumonia, so he is going to stay at home with daddy.....he is doing better now though. He also probably wouldn't do very well with such a short few days there and long drive. I would have to say that this tops all of the fly by the seat of my pants decisions I have made. Can you believe this was actually Ashley's idea? I don't think she was expecting me to say yes!!! I guess I surprised her. :) We don't get to see them very much, so I jump on any opportunity to visit them!

Ok....I know you are dying to know about this job situation. ha ha I like to fool myself into believing there are tons of readers just dying to know what I am up to!!! I am going to start working in the emergency room at a local hospital. I will be working as a secretary/tech. They are going to train me to be a tech, so I can work either position. I am sooooooooo excited. My cousin works there, so she was such a big help in getting me this position!!! Thank you Stacy! It will be such a great opportunity to gain so much more knowledge about the medical field in general. I was telling a friend today that normally I pay my school to learn this type of stuff, but now I am going to get paid to learn. I am fascinated with the medical field in general, and I am sure working in the ER will be so exciting. I am nervous, but I know that once I get over the initial "new & unfamiliar", it will be great. Jeff's business has been pretty slow lately, so the extra money will also be great. I was able to combine all of my classes on Tues/Thurs this upcoming semester, so I have a little more free time. I hope to mainly work the night shift, so I won't miss out on the kid's activities! This may sound dorky to most, but I think one of the things I am the most excited about is wearing scrubs. :) I know I am a dork.

Well I am off to pack and do about 10 loads of laundry...I may not be going to bed at all tonight. Oh well, I guess it will be some practice getting me ready to work the night shift!!

Pray for our safe travels and for Radlee to continue to get over his sickness!!

The poodles Christmas haircuts

Ok...I know the toes are a bit much, but hey it is a special occasion! They also had Christmas scarves on, but that didn't last very long. Cher has red bows in her hair, but you can't see them in this picture! Granny....Buddy needs to meet them!

Finally an update!

Sorry for the lack of updating lately. We have been pretty busy, but I have started to write a few posts and then never finished them. I am not sure why, but my mind has been all over the place since I finished this last semester. I have lots of tasks looming before me to get all of my application information submitted for the hygiene program, so that is consuming me. Jeff hasn't been working very much because of the lack of work and bad weather, so that has been adding a little stress. Also, I might have a job possibility that I am very excited about, but I will save that for another post since I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch! :) My head is spinning in so many different directions that it is hard for me to even sit and write anything....but most of you already know it doesn't take much to overwhelm me! :)

Christmas was a lot of fun this year. We tried really hard to simplify. Financially, we were forced to simplify. One of the most memorable times this year was on Christmas morning, we created several clues that the kids had to answer in order to find their present. Britt helped with this since she is older. The final clue (which was in the ice maker) led Maddie and Radlee down to the garage to find their trampoline. (it was in the garage because Jeff had to work on it in there because of all of the rain) Oh and don't worry...it has the big net around it. I think Maddie had more fun reading all of the clues than actually getting the trampoline, so we will definitely do some more stuff like that in the future. Another great surprise was for Brittany. We got her a new cell phone, and had her phone activated on Christmas Eve. She had no idea why her current phone wasn't working! She was so frustrated, which I did sort of feel bad about, but I just told her we would have to go the day after Christmas and check on getting her phone fixed. On Christmas morning, after all of the kids opened their gifts, Jeff secretly called the phone and it started ringing from a gift bag under the tree. (I saw this on a commercial and decided to try it) I think she still had no idea what was going on, but was pretty excited to find it. I am not sure whether she was thrilled to have a new phone, or thrilled to just have a phone back. Radlee changed his mind on Christmas Eve about what he wanted from Santa, and was telling everyone Santa was bringing him a remote control helicopter. This was news to Mr. and Mrs. Claus, so they had to go and visit their elves at the toy store (also known as Target) and pick up his only requested item!

Mimi and Grandaddy came over on Christmas Eve and then my mom and sister came over on Christmas day. We had a really good time. I really enjoy having everyone come to our house. We have started a tradition the past few years of having brunch at our house on Christmas morning. It is always so yummy! Of course I always love spending time with everyone, but also wish I could see all of our family in KY and VA. :(

I will probably post some pictures later!

Strep invasion!

Somehow these little bacteria invaded our body over the past weekend. Radlee was the first to wake up sick on Friday morning, Maddie went on Friday afternon, followed by Jeff on Friday night, and I started feeling horrible yesterday. We all have been sick with strep. After Radlee was diagnosed on Friday morning, we took Maddie to get tested at the minute clinic on Friday afternoon. The np said she probably had it too, but she definitely had a sinus infection, so she just went ahead and treated her. Jeff went to the minute clinic yesterday and tested + for strep too.....he hasn't had strep since he was a little boy! I just decided to diagnose myself, and start taking some antibiotics we already had here at the house. (Yeah...i know that is not the best idea, but I am sure I probably had the same thing) Britt is the only one who hasn't had it in our house, and hopefully she won't. Thank goodness she didn't because she had to help take care of the kids yesterday afternoon. Yesterday morning, Maddie fed her and Radlee breakfast and lunch while Britt was at church. Maddie fixed them cocoa puffs and COKE for breakfast, and cheeze whiz and crackers for lunch. I bet she enjoyed the opportunity to eat whatever she wanted!!! :) We are starting to feel much better now. I guess it is just that time of year!

Recently, we were privileged enough create a snow family. To our great surprise, they came to life just like their Great Grandfather Frosty the Snowman. Their time was brief, but they brought so much joy into our lives. Seeing them play for the first time was amazing. It was so hard to watch them slowly melt away. We will never forget this little snow family. If anyone out there ever has a chance to create their own snow family, don't let the opportunity pass you by!

Let it snow!

Maddie in the middle

Maddie has been home for the past two days with some sort of virus...fever, sore throat, cough, and aches. She has been extra sensitive....remember she is already the most sensitive to begin with. I think it has some to do with the fact that she is the middle child, but also because she is my clone. She is exactly like me in so many ways. She even reminds me of how I acted as a child. (I am hoping she doesn't act like I did as a teenager). Today, she was sitting in her room listening to her radio. A few minutes later, she came out of her room just crying. When I asked her what was wrong, she said she was thinking about when she gets older and gets married and she doesn't want to leave me. Isn't that so precious that she already thinks about these sorts of things? I reminded her that she had a very long time to think about that (well we hope anyway..maybe she won't follow my footsteps in that area) and that she will always be able to see me. She is precious.....most of the time! :)

past, present, and future updates....

Not a whole lot has been going on around the Smith house. We are all starting to recover from the accident. Britt is looking much better and only has a tiny bit of black around each eye. I was so nervous and proud of her all at the same time for wanting to drive again today. We let her take our van to lunch and to the movies with a friend. I am not going to lie.....I am extremely nervous, but I want her to regain her confidence. After all, the wreck was not her fault in the first place. We have learned so much as a family from this experience, and although there is still much to be done as far as insurance stuff, I am grateful for the lessons God has taught me through this.

Thanksgiving has been pretty relaxing. I think we haven't done as much "running" as usual. I haven't even braved the after Thanksgiving shopping. We have bought the kids a few big items, but are really trying to be practical this year and stay away from buying lots of "junk" that only gets broke within a few days, sometimes hours. We did spend the day at Aunt Regina's house on Thanksgiving day. We also had a birthday party to go to this weekend. Other than that, it has been a pretty uneventful weekend....Thank you Jesus.

I wish life could stay this way, but the next few weeks are going to be crazy! I have finals in all of my classes Dec. 8-10, so next week I will be studying my little brain off! I also really need to get myself in gear and get all of my application and stuff ready to be submitted to the hygiene department by Jan. 15! I know that after finals are over, a huge weight will be lifted. Honestly, I can't wait. It has been the hardest semester thus far, and I can't wait to be able to say I did it!!!

I am hoping to spend the week after my finals going to Christmas parties at the kids schools, finish my Christmas shopping, spend time with friends and family, and just enjoy being a wife and mommy. Sounds so simple, but when I am full into school, it is hard to keep those simple things in focus! Anyway, thanks for reading about our somewhat boring life. Especially, thanks to all of you for checking on Britt by phone, e-mail, cards, and coming to visit her. Thank you for those who have prayed for her and us! Thanks to my best friends who were there within minutes of hearing about what happened. We couldn't have made it through this little bump in the road without you!

Friendship

Some friendships do not last, but some are more loyal than brothers. Proverbs 18:24
 

 

Reason?

It has been a mentally draining week. I feel so fortunate and blessed that God protected Britt from serious harm in her car accident, but as I have watched her cry throughout each day I have to admit I have questioned God. The wreck has definitely hurt her both physically and emotionally. I believe God is in control of everything, and I often try to get to the bottom of why He allows things to happen. Honestly, I know that we can't always figure it out, but I have already gained some insight of how this has possibly changed our family.

Britt told me tonight that she is already looking at situations differently. I think sometimes you have to experience something traumatic to see how precious life is and what is truly important. I tend to get overly excited about things pretty easily, but after the accident, I am realizing that some things really don't matter!! I mean who really cares if I am running a few minutes late? who really cares if my house is a little messy? Does it really matter if I occasionally put the kids to bed without brushing their teeth? (ok I know that does matter a little) There are just some things that aren't really that important in life anymore......but what is truly important to me are the people I love the most, and I am so grateful that they are safely tucked in their beds tonight!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful!

Most of you know if you have read my recent posts that I have been extremely anxious for Brittany to start driving. Well yesterday my fear of her being in an accident became a reality. Basically on her way to her nana's house yesterday, she was rear ended. She suffered a pretty good knock her forehead, which caused her to briefly be knocked unconcious. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance, but later released. Thankfully, the other driver was not injured. Needless to say, it was a pretty traumatic experience for everyone in the family.

Tonight, we had to make a trip back to the ER just because the swelling had spread, so the doctor just wanted to recheck it. He really thinks it looks like it is healing normally.

Tonight I feel blessed that Brittany is ok. I was reminded that we don't know what tomorrow may bring! This thanksgiving I have lots to be thankful for. Please pray that she will continue to heal both physically and emotionally.

My Wish

As the kids have grown up over the years, I have found a song for each of them. Brittany's song is "I hope you Dance", Maddie's song is "Your Beautiful"(I may have to work on another for her....I have no idea what this song is about...on the video it seems the guy jumps off of a cliff...but she always liked when I sang Your beautiful to her) I really haven't given it much thought that I have never really found one for Radlee, but the other day this song was on the radio, and I thought wow this is perfect. He is growing up so big. He is such a carefree little fella. His teacher even calls him "her little stunt man". It seems that there is a lot more pressure on boys as they get older, but my wish is that Radlee dreams stay big and his worries stay small.

Swan Sisters

 


I love that these 4 girls all go to different high schools now, but their friendship has stood the test of time and different circumstances. Britt is lucky to have these sweet friends!

Britt's Birthday Bash!

 

Seasons change!

I just reread my last post and thought it would be a good idea to update. I appeared stressed, so I wanted to let all of my readers know life is calming down a little.( I like to pretend there are just tons of people waiting for me to update everyday)

1. Last nights party for Brittany went well. I think the most memorable moment was when she received a gift from all of her aunts, uncle, and Mimi. It was a necklace and ring that was her great-grandmothers. She passed away when Brittany was two years old. She loved Brittany so much and so it was so neat for Brittany to receive such a special gift that she can cherish forever. I know Britt will take good care of it. ( I will post pictures later) It was just a simple, sweet intimate party!

2. Jeff and I have calmed down a "tiny" bit about her driving. We are having her call us at every stop and helping her map out her route before she leaves.....make sure she is not crossing over lots of traffic and stuff. As much as I would like to say this is slowly helping her get used to driving, I know in many ways it is slowly helping us adjust to her driving. It is scary, but I truly believe Britt is trying hard to be so careful and cautious.

3. Tonight is the friend party. We are a little bummed that it is so wet outside since we had plans to light up the outside deck and start a fire i the chiminea (sp?). Hopefully, it will dry out a little before tonight.


That is about it. I hope to post some pictures later.

Huge life change!

Today marked a day that will forever alter the way our family functions. O.k. I am being a little dramatic, but Brittany passed her driver's liscence road test today and now officially has her driver's liscense. She just drove to school. I am absolutely freaking out. Why is so hard for me to trust God with His daughter? She is on loan to me, but she is HIS. I want so hard to trust that he will take care of her while she is behind the wheel of a car by herself, but I am struggling. Please, pray for her safety and that Jeff and I can calm down and trust!!!!

This weekend we have two different birthday parties at our house. I agreed to keep a friend's baby on Sunday. I have a big micro and chemistry test on Monday. Radlee has a soccer game on Saturday. All of the blankets on my bed and Maddie's bed are in the wash from the "stupid" dogs....stupid is putting it mildly!!!!!!!!!! (I mean who goes at gets two poodles in the midst of going to college full time and raising three kids? Only me!!! I am an idiot!) Well as you can see, I am seriously at my breaking point right now! There is much more I could add, but I will spare you the insignificant details. I know many people have it much worse, and I am just being ridiculous! I am thinking about taking up smoking cigarettes...Can someone teach me how to inhale? joking...I think!!

a few more....but make sure and look at the previous post

Pictures

Brittany's birthday is in just a few days, so I wanted to take her and get some sweet 16 pictures. Unfortunately, we got started a little late in the day and ran out of good day light, but I was pleased with a few of the pictures. I couldn't go wrong with such a good "subject" but of course I am partial! Brittany, you are the prettiest, loveliest girl I've ever seen! I love you!

Vote

I just voted and regardless of the outcome, I feel privileged to live in a land where my voice can be heard! I love this land and am so thankful to those who paid the ultimate price so I can freely go out and vote today! Hopefully, our land will remain a place where we are free to voice our opinions and our freedoms will not be taken away! God Bless the USA!

If only.....

My morning conversation with the Rad man...

Radlee-Mommy, I want to go and buy a toy at Target today.

Mommy-Sorry buddy, I don't have any money!

Radlee-Well you can go "buy" some at the money truck!

Mommy-If it were only that simple!

Headed for another busy week!

How do you like my song? Is it driving you crazy? I feel the fast pace of this song is a reflection of the pace our lives often go during the school week! Once again, I am overwhelmed. For those of you that know me well, know that it is pretty easy to get me overwhelmed, but right now I think it is somewhat justified! :) Brittany's birthday is 10 days from today, and I still really don't have any great plans in the works! The pressure to put on the perfect 16th birthday party is too much! I think we will just end up having a sweet little party at our house. Hopefully, it will all be great and she will know how much we love her. With the shape of the economy right now and Christmas just around the corner, it is hard to spend lots of money on one night of fun. Anyway, sometimes I just think simpler is better and more meaningful!

Radlee has soccer practice and Maddie has lots of homework everynight, but we can do it!!! Brittany and Maddie are out of school on Tuesday, so I am hoping we will get to do something fun together! Britt and the band are taking a few weeks off, so she will get Monday nights off and will not have to be there as early on Wednesdays! I think she is looking forward to just being in worship and church for a few weeks and getting a little break from playing her guitar!

I have a big microbiology test tomorrow. I have been studying, but for some reason I just feel unprepared. I think all of the Halloween activities this weekend have limited my normal amount I usually spend studying for an exam. Hopefully, I will "luck" out and the questions will all be the stuff I know....I shouldn't say luck, because I feel like God has been there while I have taken every exam, and I have no doubt He will be with me tomorrow too! I also have a powerpoint presentation due this week, a paper to write, a chemistry lab test, and I am sure other things I haven't even thought of!

Anyway, I know this has been a jumbled post, but I wanted to update before I started another crazy week! I am sure I will find sometime to update though.

Are you tired of seeing the Smith family Halloween pictures? Granny these pictures are for you. I thought you would enjoy seeing pictures of Ashlyn's first Halloween!

More Halloween Fun! I love my family!

Halloween festivities

Never a "dull" moment!

This morning, I am getting ready as usual...running late as usual. The girls have already left for school, and I am doing last minute things to get Radlee ready for school. I get ready to take the "naughty" poodles out one last time, and of course Radlee runs over to go outside with me. I tell him to get back in the house because it is freezing outside, as I stand there with bare feet and wet hair!! :) Surprisingly, he minds me and goes back in. I am out there for an extended period, because as usual the neighbors are also are taking out their dog at the same time, which puts Sonny and Cher into a frenzy. The begin barking and trying to escape from my not so strong grip this early in the morning. One of the leashes slips out of my hand, and the naughty girl takes off. She is running with her pink leash dragging behind her. So, I capture the dogs and get them back in the house before I curse them out!!! just kidding...sort of. (This has happened on many occasions and once smacked the neighbor's dog in the head with her leash and once even wrapped around my neighbor's legs....he is an older gentleman!!! How embarrassing)
I walk in the kitchen to see if Rad has finished his breakfast only to find him playing with my set of knives similar to the set in this picture. He is taking them in and out of the box, like they are a puzzle. Thank you Jesus for keeping Radlee safe while he was removing this box of knives off the counter and using them as a toy. I think next time I will just let him stay outside with me and freeze. Just a typical morning in the Smith family. Never a "dull" moment! Is it too early for a glass of Pinot? I am sure it is 5:00 somewhere! That was a joke......

Trick or Treat

One of our favorite holidays is Halloween! The kids are so excited to go trick or treating. This year Maddie is a "punk pirate". She has the attitude in the picture to go along with her costume. I had to steer her away from the "jail bird" costume, and we settled on the "punk pirate". Not my first choice....I was going for the sweet renaissance dresses, but she wasn't having it!
Radlee wanted a ninja costume, but Party City was out of his size of just about everything. We went to Target and Rad was so excited when he saw this "human torch" from Fantastic Four costume. Again.....not my first choice, but it is quite a unique costume. I really know nothing about who the "human torch" is, and neither does Radlee, but I guess we will just go with it! It seems like a short time we were trick or treating with only Brittany. One of our favorite costumes was Baby Bop, not necessarily because we were Barney fans....gosh that show drove me crazy, but Britt looked so cute in that costume. I will have to post a picture later. It makes me sad that she is too big for that now!

My point is..... Some of our most cherished memories are or our Halloween celebrations, including trick or treating and our annual hot dog and chili dinner! I know many other christians have debated wether or not Halloween is "evil", including myself, but I have realized in most situations it is your motive behind what you are doing. For us it has nothing to do with "evil", it is just good ole fun dressing up and loving on our friends and family!

Britt is o.k.

Just for those who might still be searching for Britt.....she is fine. She was just joking, because I had sent a text to her earlier saying I was just checking on her. Silly girl! I told her she had better never joke like that again! :) Maybe God is just preparing me little by little for her to be driving in a few weeks. Oh my goodness, how am I going to handle that?? Anyone have some valium?

See previous post if I have confused you!

A moment of panic!

A few minutes ago I tried to call Britt and see how her day is going...she is at the Somet center today, and she did not answer. Yeah I know she isn't suppose to have her phone.....yada yada yada...a few minutes go by, and I get this message....Sorry I am busy getting jumped right now! Is she joking? Why would she say that? I don't find it very amusing at all!!!!!! I have text again and got no response...maybe her teacher is near and she can't reply, yeah...i know she shouldn't have her phone with her......Now, I am in panic mode....Does someone have her and is texting on her phone???? are they beating her up??? If she is o.k., I really want to spank her bottom. I know she is almost 16, but I don't find whatever her joke is very funny! I just wanted my "cyber" world to share my panic right now!! What should I do?

Finally.....a brave anchor!

Finally, there is an anchor willing to ask some hard questions! Mr. Biden was so angry about the questions being asked, his wife's interview was cancelled. I find it quite interesting how the republican party is constantly asked these hard questions, but the first time someone from the democratic side is asked hard questions, all future interviews are off!!! I guess it is tough and unusual facing someone from the media who may not be on his side! For more info on this story go here.

Whats for dinner?

Hopefully with the help of this video, we are having some yummy gumbo!! Come over and join us!
Sausage and Chicken Gumbo from Foodwishes on Vimeo.!

I have been tagged!

I have been tagged by Jill. I have to find 7 interesting things about myself, which might be kind of difficult since I am a boring kind of girl! It may prove to be even harder to find 7 people to tag.

1. In middle school I played the cello and enjoyed it. I only quit because people made fun of me. It is kind of an akward instrument! I wish I would have stuck with it!

2. Most of you already know this but my dream is to someday become a dentist. I hope to someday do go on mission trips and do work with Operation Smile.

3. I worked at Chuck-E-Cheese when I was 15 (I was suppose to be 16, so I altered my birth certificate so I could work. Hey, I was just a kid!) I was Chuck-E himself on many occasions. Yep, I would get in that disquisting, smelly costume and greet all the kiddos. Actually, it was somewhat difficult to walk around in the suit and not fall over all of the kids. Those were the days!!!!

4. I married my high-school sweetheart when I was only 17 years old. I am proud of the fact that we have beat the odds and are more in love with one another than the day we married! We are so lucky to have the three sweetest kids on the planet!

5. I love name brand clothes. I know it is absolutely ridiculous to pay more for certain brands, but I love to go to TJ Maxx and get every Ralph Lauren shirt they have for the kids. I love chanel & givenchy purfume, burberry handbags, gucci, prada, coach....I love to look through magazines and envision myself dressed like a wealthy star! Maybe one day I will atleast own my very own Louis Vuitton purse. Worldy...lame....ridiculous....I know....not how God would want me to spend money....I should be ashamed!

6. My favorite colors are navy blue and kelly green. I love them together.

7. I have 7 brothers and sisters. One "full" sister.....I consider all of them "full" but genetically only 1, 3 half brothers, 2 half sisters, and one step sister. Holidays are very interesting. Brittany is older than some of her aunts and uncles.

Well there are my 7 not so interesting facts. I had a hard time thinking of them since I am an open book and share everything for all to see on my blog anyway. Here are the seven people I am tagging....

1. My sweet sister Ashley who is going to be thrilled to participate in this. :)

2. My neighbor and sweet friend Shawna. I would also consider her my "mommy mentor" She is an amazing mother who gives great advice.

3. My other sweet neighbor and friend Cassie. We just became friends a few months ago, but I feel like I have known her forever.

4. My sweet friend that I have known for a very long time Nicole. We just reconnected through reading each other's blog.

5. A sweet lady from church that just recently opened her own business, Mandi.

6. My sweet Maddie-Moo!!!

7. Another sweet friend that I met from church, Leigh.

Field trip to the "ponkin" patch!

Today, I went on Radlee's field trip to Walden Farm. We had such a wonderful time. I haven't got to do a lot with the kids at school in the past few months because of my school schedule, so I was really excited to get to be with Radlee today. He held my hand through the entire corn maze....it was a sweet time that I hope is forever etched in my memory! I know that someday in the very near future, he won't want to hold mommy's hand! So I plan on savoring it while it last!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures I took of the animals!