Keeping Up with the Smiths...

First day of school... sans Mrs. Smiff

       I'm feeling a bit bummed about not being at work for the first day of school. I miss seeing the children's faces light up and hearing them say, "Hey Ms. Smiff!"  The first day of school always has a sort of electricity and excitement. Even though I am home, I'm not completely away from school.  I'm working on lesson plans for my sub (and hopefully plotting things out for the whole school year) who I will meet on Friday. After one teacher work week, I miss my husband and try not to count the minutes until he gets home. I'm a bit anxious to hear about Justin's first day... he has ALL freshmen this semester... and let's just say the middle school does not prepare his students well. This is also a unique year because for the first time, Justin will be teaching some students that I taught as fifth graders. One girl even asked him about me during last night's open house. I have a faint memories of a few headaches my first year, so I'm hoping some students have shaped up since elementary school. 

       Because I am "working" Anna is at B's... I'm missing her like crazy. She woke us up at 5:30am in her pajamas, her "Croc-agator" shoes (not sure why) and asking if she can watch "Sleeping Booty." Debbie introduced her to Sleeping Beauty yesterday... the first of the Disney Princesses for Anna. Though she has seen some of the Little Mermaid, she really only concentrates on the musical numbers. I think she's just starting to have the attention span for animated movies. She's really a live-action fan, especially if animals are involved. Thankfully she has Mommy and Daddy to keep her from being glued to the tv... and she loves playing games, puzzles, play-doh, dress-up and more. We had some fun painting this weekend. Let's just say, Anna and I love this picture book, "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!" in which a little boy's mom takes away his paints and he vows not to paint anymore until he starts painting he whole body. Needless to say, we were inspired by the book...so I posted some new photos.

 Ok, I've gotta get back to work... just trying to keep up with the weblog a little more...

Summer, Surgery and Silliness... OH MY!

I don't even want to think about how long it has been since I have updated this site. I could say we've been "so busy" but the truth is when I have had time to be on here, I end up doing something else. I started the post below in April and left the draft unfinished. Well, this really won't be a continuation of that little blurb, but more of a "where are they now" segment.  

Starting tomorrow, summer vacation is over for our little family... we can hardly believe it! We spent our first two weeks of vacation in Ohio celebrating Nathan and Mallory's wedding and trying to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. We tried to cram in as much fun as possible with a trip to the Cleveland Zoo, Waldameer Park and Waterworld in Erie, PA as well as putt-putt and Eddie's Grill at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Anna has really become attached to many of our family members, and their pets, which made returning to NC even more difficult. Though many of our friends here don't want to think about it, our hope and prayer is that we will be able to move closer to our family next summer. 

       We kicked off July with my foot surgery, a necessary evil to help deal with the arthritis and pain in my heel and ankle... all residual from my car accident. So far, so good... I was in a fiberglass cast for four weeks and have had an aircast (which is a blatant misnomer) for two weeks... and I still have 6 more weeks to go before I can try to walk. Needless to say, I will not be able to start the school year along with my colleagues. Thankfully, I have disability insurance, just praying that I have enough leave to keep all of my benefits. During my next doctor's appointment I'll have x-rays taken to make sure that my one joint is fusing well and then let the walking begin! 

Justin has done more than his fair share of the housework, cooking and running to the bathroom with our Anna (who sometimes doesn't announce that she has to "go" until she is actually "going"). Words cannot express how thankful I am that he has been able to be home with us and how blessed I feel by his loving care. If the last four years have taught us anything, we know without a doubt that with God's help we're going to be there for one another through thick and thin, short tempers and frustrations, joys and sorrows... and on and on. Justin likes to joke, "We've got the 'in sickness' part down, I'm just waiting for the 'in health'..." We both realize that our troubles and pains could be a lot worse and we have been blessed through even our most strenuous circumstances. 

  As for our Anna Banana... oh where do we begin... she's just amazing! We can hardly believe she is 2 and a HALF! Everyday she astounds us with something new that she has learned, warms our hearts with each "I love you" and our little pet names Maddy (Justin) and Dommy (Me), makes us laugh at her silly dances and pretending (or "preteasing" as she calls it) to be a puppy... or kitty... or baby... or monkey... or Dorothy (AKA "Dorabee") from the Wizard of Oz.  She loves singing and dancing to her own little songs... usually a combination of Bible songs and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She's growing non-stop it seems... stretching beyond her size 9 shoes and 4T clothes... not to mention how thick and long her hair is getting. Unfortunately, Anna also seems to be outgrowing her afternoon naps as well... she can spend over an hour singing and talking in her bed and still not sleep. Some days, we can really wear her out... but lately Justin and I seem to be the people in need of a nap. Anna loves spending time at her B's house (B is Debbie, her babysitter) and swimming at YaYa's pool (YaYa is Debbie's daughter Leslie). Thanks to a really cool floatation device, Anna is really confident in the water... still a little unnerving for me... but maybe that's just because all I can do is watch her swim to and from everyone else. We are so blessed to have Debbie and her family, honestly we don't think we'd be able to last this long away from family if we didn't have a family here that loves us and treats us like three of their own. 

 Well, I think that is all the catching up I can do for now. 

I hope you all can forgive me for neglecting out little weblog... perhaps the Summer 2009 photos will return me to your good favor. We hope that all is well with you and yours! God Bless!

And Now... Two Months Later...

Needless to say, it has been too long since my last post. Spring has sprung... March, Easter and our spring break have come and gone, the high school baseball season is in full swing (no pun intended), our students have already broken out in an epidemic of summeritis, potty training is underway...     

Signs of Spring and Simple Things

 Yes, it's only February and we have flowers in bloom. The temperatures are still a bit cool.  Yesterday, I caught a glimpse of our first daffodil but we have two bushes that have been in bloom for a week. The bright blossoms are not the only signs of spring in the Smith house... it is also the start of BASEBALL season... and that means less time at home for Justin but a little more excitement as we all enjoy his passion for coaching. I'm anxious to walk to the field with Anna this year (it's only about 6 blocks away) and catch as many games as possible. However, I am going to have to start paying some 6th grade girls in concession snacks to help keep tabs on our two-year-old. Last year I could at least keep Anna in a stroller for a couple innings, I'm thinking she will have no desire to comply this season. Thankfully, like most places we travel Anna is well received and there will be plenty of eyes on her... especially for her dancing between innings.      

This time of year is always a little challenging for me... today, February 22nd, marks three years since my car accident. Though I am reminded daily of what that one little moment changed for my physical health, I rejoice because I know that through my accident and recovery I have found strength. I have gained greater mental and physical strength, greater perspective, greater faith as well as greater patience, compassion and acceptance for others. Our marriage has strengthened in love and endurance... and who could forget the precious gift of the "unplanned" yet perfectly timed gift of our little Anna. We have received so much comfort and support from family, friends and even strangers that remind us of God's provision and love. We have learned so many lessons and sometimes we are pressed beyond what we think we can bear... but then we are reminded... we can survive.

 I try to remain as upbeat as possible especially when I try to give updates on this blog... but today I feel the need to be honest and reveal my weakness. The truth is, I struggle. I struggle to get through everyday. Physically, I am constantly feeling pain with every step even after three cortizone injections and exercising brings added risks and fear of injuring myself further. I know that I am blessed to have the mobility that I do and I have the insurance to cover my continued health needs. It's just difficult to deal with the reality that I will have problems with my right foot, heel, ankle and leg for the rest of my life... all because of one little moment that I do not remember and cannot erase. I cannot explain why but even with all of the blessings... there is still the memory of what "used to be" and the reminder of my limitations. I'm sorry for the complaints, but I'm fighting back tears as I just tell the truth. I have trouble sharing my weaknesses, so thank you for listening to/reading my confession. For those of you who are praying folks... please pray for my constant battle against guilt, depression, painful arthritis and for my upcoming surgery on my foot this summer. 

On a happier note... the passing of three years brings relief because the statute of limitations is now expired and the woman whose car I hit has not sought any litigation. Also, the points on my license will be removed which will also reduce our monthly car insurance. 

So today, I'm reminded to rejoice in the simple things and I am thankful for blessings like hot lemon tea and honey, warm towels fresh out of the dryer, watching a talking a pig with my sticker-covered daughter who manages everyday to bring joy to the depths of my heart, sitting on the couch with the man who has stood by me through the roughest, toughest and tenderest moments of my life and I still feel a flutter of my heart when he holds my hand. I'm thankful for our simple little home, our simple little life... and God's enduring love. 

Anna's Barnyard Bash

We celebrated Anna's 2nd birthday yesterday with her new friend "Wilbur-Babe." Her babysitter's daughter, Leslie, was gracious enough to allow us to hold the party at her home. Leslie also searched and searched... made phone call after phone call... and finally found a piglet that we could borrow thanks to a great guy named Ronnie (who also helped us find our cute little rental house). Leslie and her girls lovingly scrubbed our stinky pig in their tub before the party. 

Anna's party was short and simple... partly because we were a little delayed due to me locking the keys in my sister's car... which contained all of the party necessities. A few bent hangers and $40 later... we were ready for a party. The little set back did nothing to dampen the mood as our little piglet brightened everyone's day. The kids loved the pig though he was a little scared when he was taken out of the crate. We waited until after everyone left to let Anna walk him around. He made the cutest oinks and snorts... but oh the squealing, or should I say SCREAMING... when he was upset. We tried to get a good close up with Anna sitting right next to someone holding the pig and he just screamed his little heart out. I wish I would have snapped a picture of Anna's response to the shrieks. She said, "Piggy scared... hold me Mommy, hold me!" At only 22 days-old and in his first hours away from his Momma, our little Wilbur-Babe was still pretty calm and sweet. He was sleeping when it was time for us to go, so Anna's departure was not as dramatic as I had feared. She just said, "Bye Wilbur. Night-Night."  After his debut, Wilbur-Babe went on to meet a 5 year-old boy who will now get to take care of him and not eat him. 

Thanks to the piglet entertainment, the party inside was simple. The cupcakes I made were quite a hit. I loved making them and it didn't take very much time. The kids loved biting off the marshmallow noses. Anna's presents were just right for her. The large MagnaDoodle from B was quite a hit as well as her 2 new bikes, a trike and a big wheel. She has a little animatronic piglet that hardly left her sight as well as several new books, a rolling Dora back pack and some neat art supplies. 

For me the day was bittersweet... she's growing so quickly, we're so far away from family... but my God, look how blessed we are to have such a loving, vibrant child and so many people who love us and adore our little Anna. 

Enjoy the many photos of Anna's special day. 

WoooHooo... Anna's TWO!

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. But today... well, today is a special day... our Anna Renee is now an official two-year-old. We woke her up this morning to a little present and two balloons. She and I made cupcakes on Sunday which I decorated for a little party at B's house today. We'll be having a party on Saturday. We're looking forward to my dad and sister coming down on Friday... as well as Anna's cousin Rex Romeo. It's really hard to be so far from "home" in general, but especially on days like today. 

I've added a few photos to the Feb. album. I have plenty more photos to add... just not enough hours in the day. The last couple weeks have been pretty hectic at school and baseball is getting underway for Justin. The weather has been odd too. We had a 2-hour delay for snow on Wednesday and today it was a balmy 71 degrees.

Hope all is well with everyone. 

I know... I know... it's about time...

Finally, I've taken the time to post a few new photos in both the December and January albums. Be sure to check them out. With the long weekend ahead I'm hoping I'll have time to post a little more. Anna and I are chillin' on the couch. I'm elevating my foot and enjoying the relief. Anna's watching Dora on her portable DVD player, pretending that she has a lap top like me. It's too chilly here for any time outside before dinner... yes, believe it or not our normally mild NC will have below freezing temperatures tonight and tomorrow morning. Cross your fingers for a 2-hour delay tomorrow fro school... a little extra sleep couldn't hurt. 

I think that we've finally recovered from our Christmas break and we're back into our usual routine. I'm hoping will have a few Ohioans make the trip down for Anna's 2nd birthday (I KNOW... SHE'LL BE TWO!!). Visits from family make the distance a little easier to bear. Family updates... Justin's dad is doing well since his triple bypass and insertion of a defibrillator. Obviously, he will need several more weeks for recovery... please keep him in your prayers. My grandmother also had open-heart surgery the week before Christmas. She, too, is doing well... getting a little anxious to be back to her normal activities. We know that having both Papa Smith and GiGi to share our holidays with was truly a blessing. We felt a lot less stressed during this "vacation", I think because we were just so grateful that we could be near everyone. We tried our best to split the time... thankfully everyone lives so close to one another. We didn't get to see a few friends... but honestly, family has to come first. Anna was quick to pick up on names and her infectious happiness and loving personality lifted everyone's spirits... as did her dancing to "Boogie Shoes."  

Well... it's supper time... Thursday night leftovers... Mmm....chicken tacos or "chacos" in Annaese. 

Love you all.

"It's the most wonderful time..."

 Finally... our last day of school and a 10 hour car ride is all that separates us from being in Ohio with our family. Of course, the winter storms may hamper our travel plans but don't worry... we will be careful and smart... and pray that every other vehicle on the road will be too. 

For some reason, I woke up at 1:30 am and could not fall back to sleep. I am anxious to be home...the past three weeks have been pretty emotional and challenging. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve... seriously, I remember this same feeling and sleeplessness. So, I've done some last minute online shopping, checked the weather reports and updated our December photos... there will be plenty more to come. I'm not sure when I will be able to post again. I cannot wait to support and to be surrounded by our family. Please keep Justin's dad in your prayers and my grandmother as well (just had heart surgery this Wed.) Our hope is that they will both be home for Christmas to share every moment. 

                                                                                                                             Wishing you love, blessings and joy this Christmas and New Year!           

Love~ The Smiths

Thinking of Papa Smith...

Anna's Papa Smith will undergo open heart surgery tomorrow. Please pray for a safe and successful surgery, a strong recovery, no complications, continued good health from here on out, peace and comfort for our family and financial provision to handle all medical costs and lost wages.

I thought the photo might be refreshing at a time like this. Imagine the peace of a precious child and remember the promise and hope that this holiday season brings. Often just looking at Anna lightens the weight of the world that I feel baring down on us... I hope that today, her soft expression does the same for you. 

Is that SNOW in NorthCrackalacky???!!??!??

Last Friday morning we awoke to see... SNOW... yes, the real stuff, big, fluffy flakes, melting on most of the ground, sticking to cars.... none-the-less... it was SNOWING! You can't really see the flakes in the photos but if you look at our car to the right you can see the astounding accumulation. I'm sure many of you "Northerners" will not understand our appreciation for such a moment. We knew that there was a chance of flurries... but like most meteorological reports around here, we had reasons for our doubts. Of course, Anna's winter coat was still damp from being washed the night before, so I had to double up her sweatshirts. Way to go, Mom! She loved watching the snow fall and she kept reaching out to catch the flakes, all the while saying,"I got it...I got it...I got it."  Oh, we miss the snow...well, let me rephrase that, we miss Ohio... and the beauty of snow fall, white blankets over trees, shrubs and lawns, making snowmen, sledding, and most of all SNOW DAYS (by the way, we cannot believe there wasn't a 2-hour delay for school). However, we do not miss the shoveling, warming up your car for 30 minutes, scraping windshields, treacherous driving... and oh yeah, people complaining about the snow. No matter what, Justin and I are still hoping for a WHITE CHRISTMAS... just not a blizzard!

I'll post again soon. Tomorrow is our last day with students before break....YiPeE!!!!