Monday, December 30, 2013

Thankful for 2013...Eager for 2014

 Oh, the Drama!! 
This was taken last year as we celebrated the coming year. Leia wasn't a fan of our saying, "No!" and after a year, she still isn't a fan. 
Christmas break has been a bit of drama. Sibling drama in our house. Let me tell ya, I'm ready for school to start back.
But for now....
Let's talk about the upcoming new year. And thinking back over the happenings of 2013, I'm reminded that God is Good. 

It seems as if this was the year for loss. 
Numerous friends lost their dads this year. All I could think was we're getting older and life happens. We will never live forever even if I feel my dad is stubborn enough to be around til Jesus comes back. It makes me sad to think that soon it will be my dad going home to Heaven.  I see the diligence of my friends still pressing on even when their favorite person isn't here. It's an inspiration to me and others around them. It teaches me to be thankful for dad (and mom) and to cherish every moment. 
Our family had a loss this year. My cousin, her husband, and unborn baby were in killed in a tragic bus accident. I never understand why bad things happen to good people. But my aunt and her family showed us that "God is good ALL the time." 

Heaven gained so many of our loved ones this year. It's incredible to try to imagine the reunion when we all see each other again. What a day that will be.

Yes, it's been a rough year. But without the unpleasant times, we wouldn't appreciate the good times. I'm reminded this every time I see my mommy friend's little boy. He is my reminder that God is Good. She suffered the loss of a child just as I was finding out that I was pregnant with Miss Leia. My heart hurt for her. It was hard to be excited about my pregnancy when I knew she had just lost her sweet baby boy. God and lots of prayer brought her a sweet miracle this year...a bouncy baby boy. I keep their Christmas card on the fridge as a reminder that God is Good ALL the time. Oh, life gets rough, but just think of the awesome things that are about to happen. 
I'm reminded of this little funny from Momma Price. She was busy changing diapers in the nursery one Sunday morning (and it was a day for stinky diapers). Next thing I hear "With all this poop, there's bound to be roses somewhere."  

Happy New Year from The Smiths!!
-enJoy ♥

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

I love Christmas

I love Christmas!!
I love seeing the smiles on my children's faces over the sheer delight of Christmas lights, hot chocolate, and candy canes. Just a few little things that make the season for my kiddos.

Sometimes, I miss not spending the holidays with my parents and siblings...but I do enjoy creating new memories with my family (hubby and kiddos). Starting traditions and passing down traditions.

I can't help but be thankful for family during this holiday season. It's been a year of losses for my friends and family. Some are celebrating first Christmases without their loved ones. I pray they find peace and comfort.

Love the ones you're with and be sure to let them know that they are loved.

I love Christmas! and I ♥ my family.


Monday, December 9, 2013

Laid up, but festive...kinda ;)

A joint injury is positively dreadful.

I've given birth to 3 children. The recoup time for that is pretty quick; but this knee injury feels like it will never recoup. (yes, I'm complaining a bit...I'm sure the chilly temps aren't helping it either).


The day before Thanksgiving, Jed and I took the kids to the football field to run off some energy. Of course, we brought the soccer balls and kicked them around for a bit. We all got into the action. Halfway through our time there, I went in for a kick. I connected with the ball and then came back down on my knee and heard what I would describe as popping an enormous amount of bubble wrap all at the same time. I fell to the ground thinking "fabulous! I'll just lie here for a second and then get up and it should be fine." Well, I was able to walk on it; but once we were home, the swelling started. :(
ER trip for me during the middle of the night. My sister took me because Jed needed to be here with the kids and he was already getting things ready to bake a yummy turkey.

No breaks or dislocations...but lots of swelling. I was put in a leg stabilizer and told R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, and elevation)

It's doing tons better than the first 24 hours, but I still don't feel 100%. 

My sister from Florida was with us last week. A family friend is in the ICU here locally and she brought his sister to come visit with him for a bit. Please pray for Ben. He's critical and can use any and ALL prayers right now. 

All that being said, Tammie was here. So, she helped me get the house festive for Christmas, and the kiddos rooms cleaned. She's a fabulous organizer and exactly what I needed during this recoup time. I'm SO glad she was here to help me for a week. 



The children are super excited for Christmas...especially Christmas break. We still have some Christmas shopping to do, but for now, we'll enjoy the ambiance of the Christmas tree and decorations. 

That's life in our neck of the woods. Sorry for the blog hiatus. Hopefully, many more to come before this year comes to an end.


We celebrated Lilyann's 6th Birthday on Thanksgiving Weekend. I can't believe she's 6 already. Crazy how fast time flies. She wanted a "bow and arrow" party...so that's exactly what we did. She helped me make her decorations with construction paper and glitter.  Lots of fun for my pretty Lilyann. I started this blog just shortly before Lily's heart diagnosis. It seems like just yesterday we were dealing with doctors, feeding tubes, and surgery recoup. Look at her now!! 6 years old and proud of her zipper :) I hope and pray that her story  has helped other heart families going through the same issues. It's incredible how amazing our God is.