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!