It has been an emotional rollercoaster for me lately. I still struggle with Chad's very hectic schedule. This time in our lives is a test of my faith as well as a test of my patience.
My patience bottomed out Saturday evening and Chad and I had a very lengthy conversation which lead to both of us setting aside all our normal activities after the kids went to bed and we secluded ourselves in our master suite for the night. It was a much needed time of conversation and intimacy. Of listening to the sound of the ocean while relaxing in a bath. Of remembering what life is like without responding to email, working on church activities, doing homework, or just puttering on the computer.
I was so thankful that Chad chose not to teach Sunday school this morning and we combined our class with our neighbor class, as we do from time to time when one of the teachers is sick or out of town. It takes Chad two hours to prepare his lesson and that time was redirected to our relationship instead.
Now I don't want to paint some picture of marrital disrepair, but I am learning that a marriage ebbs and flows. Time marches on and we are continually molded to be either more like Christ or less like Him. As that happens, a husband and wife must continually touch base and reconnect or they simply drift apart. It is encouraging to me to hear from mentor couples who tell me similar stories of having to learn each other anew after having children.
Marriage is a constant work in progress (as am I!). I'd like to think that we will one day "arrive" and have this perfect blissful marriage, but the reality is that we never will. We are human and sinful by nature. I know that I will put my foot in my mouth countless times before this week even ends. I also know there will be decisions I make before consulting Chad or, more importantly, consulting Christ.
Chad was somewhat dejected when we first talked Saturday night, but I told him I was actually encouraged. Just the fact that we were discussing the challenges and seeking to make course corrections indicated that we are both still very much in love and that we seek to enter eternity as husband and wife.
Marriage is such a richly rewarding aspect of life but is also so very complicated. I could not imagine life without Chad or our three beautiful children. Despite the challenges that do arise, I am so very thankful for these blessings. We are going to work very hard to carve out "mommy and daddy time" each week now. That may be an actual date (where we leave the house and everything!) or it may be a board game or some very awesome snuggle time. Whatever it is, I will enjoy it because I will be having some much needed quality time with my sweetheart. And there's nothing shabby about that!
News from the Smith family
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Prayers
Tonight's prayers:
Hannah: Thank you God for the earth, the sun, astronauts, and rocket ships.
Zachary: Thank you God for lady bugs.
And Mommy just smiles.
Hannah: Thank you God for the earth, the sun, astronauts, and rocket ships.
Zachary: Thank you God for lady bugs.
And Mommy just smiles.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
What an exciting time we had around here the last two days! We celebrated Chad's birthday yesterday (separate post on that later), played in the snow yesterday and today and made snow ice cream this morning. Can you believe that we got 8-1/2 inches of snow! I posted a link to all our fun pictures below.
This morning was so peaceful and beautiful. Chad said it reminded him of the first Narnia movie. I agree. I'm thinking about making some of those pictures into gigantic puzzles. Especially the ones where there is just one or two red birds popping out. I remember snows like this in my childhood in Tennessee. Nice walk down memory lane. My only regret is that I didn't go to the grocery store on Wednesday as I had originally planned. Oops! But we are surviving just fine. The snow will be gone in a few days, but all the beautiful memories will remain. :)
This morning was so peaceful and beautiful. Chad said it reminded him of the first Narnia movie. I agree. I'm thinking about making some of those pictures into gigantic puzzles. Especially the ones where there is just one or two red birds popping out. I remember snows like this in my childhood in Tennessee. Nice walk down memory lane. My only regret is that I didn't go to the grocery store on Wednesday as I had originally planned. Oops! But we are surviving just fine. The snow will be gone in a few days, but all the beautiful memories will remain. :)
Snow Days (130 photos), by Julie Smith
I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos
Cousin Play Day
Amy and the kids came for a visit on Tuesday. We had so much fun! I can't believe how much Finian has changed. He really enjoyed playing with Rebecca's toys.
And later he fell asleep in the high chair clutching Mommy's finger. Isn't this just precious!
I tried a recipe with the kids dipping bananas into butterscotch pudding (and adding Mickey sprinkles, of course!) and then freezing it.
They seemed to enjoy linking off all the toppings and pudding more than eating the frozen banana.
Zach really dug it though and ate just about the whole thing!
And later he fell asleep in the high chair clutching Mommy's finger. Isn't this just precious!
I tried a recipe with the kids dipping bananas into butterscotch pudding (and adding Mickey sprinkles, of course!) and then freezing it.
They seemed to enjoy linking off all the toppings and pudding more than eating the frozen banana.
Zach really dug it though and ate just about the whole thing!
It's so wonderful living so close to some of their cousins! I've mentioned it before, but this is special to me because my cousins were all so far away growing up. These are memories they will have forever. What a treasure!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Did you know?
Did you see the white leg warmers with pink and blue trim that Hannah is wearing in the snowy picture at the top? Did you know that those were mine when I was a little girl? Those are some oooooolllld leg warmers!
Growing in Faith
Every so often, God presents Christians with an opportunity to grow in faith. I will be honest and admit that I have shied away from some of those opportunities and as a result my relationship with God suffered. I have had periods in my life where people I worked with did not even know I was a Christian because my behavior and my language did not reflect it. It is those memories that rekindle the fire within me that Christ started more than 26 years ago. But sometimes I still stumble when presented with a hurdle to jump.
I have come upon one of those hurdles in my life. The small hurdles are easy. You can usually see the other side, size up the size of the task, and think, "With a little boost from God, I know I can make this." The medium hurdles require a little more faith, a little more stamina, and a bigger boost from God. The large hurdles are the toughies. You can't see over the hurdle. You aren't even sure how big or how long of a jump is going to be needed. And you need to fully rely on God to get your through it. I am reminded of Indiana Jones in his third movie where he had to step out into a great abyss and believe that the footbridge was going to be there. You have to believe that God is there with a larger goal that you can't even imagine.
These hurdles are unique to each person. For me at this time in my life, this enormous hurdle is walking in obedience while my husband obeys God. If there is anything I have learned from reading the Bible, it is that God's call for obedience often affected an entire family. When Abram was called from his homeland in Ur to "go to the land [God would show him]," he took his entire entourage with him, including his wife. Did she want to go? Did she fully understand or believe that Abram had received a word from God? Was she concerned that no final destination was provided when God simply said "go"? The Bible doesn't tell us, but it does list her as one of the ones who left with Abram.
Now, I don't believe God is calling Chad to be another patriarch, but I do think that I must learn that sometimes my obedience means supporting my husband and setting aside some personal agendas while he steps out into the abyss, fully believing that God is there to carry him across - one step at a time. That means having time with God every day, reading His Word daily, and remembering how God is always faithful to keep His promises.
As I look upon this hurdle, I realize that the bigger the hurdle, the greater my faith has to be. How will my faith size up? I am praying that the biggest hurdles are yet to come.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengenths me." Philippians 4:13
I have come upon one of those hurdles in my life. The small hurdles are easy. You can usually see the other side, size up the size of the task, and think, "With a little boost from God, I know I can make this." The medium hurdles require a little more faith, a little more stamina, and a bigger boost from God. The large hurdles are the toughies. You can't see over the hurdle. You aren't even sure how big or how long of a jump is going to be needed. And you need to fully rely on God to get your through it. I am reminded of Indiana Jones in his third movie where he had to step out into a great abyss and believe that the footbridge was going to be there. You have to believe that God is there with a larger goal that you can't even imagine.
These hurdles are unique to each person. For me at this time in my life, this enormous hurdle is walking in obedience while my husband obeys God. If there is anything I have learned from reading the Bible, it is that God's call for obedience often affected an entire family. When Abram was called from his homeland in Ur to "go to the land [God would show him]," he took his entire entourage with him, including his wife. Did she want to go? Did she fully understand or believe that Abram had received a word from God? Was she concerned that no final destination was provided when God simply said "go"? The Bible doesn't tell us, but it does list her as one of the ones who left with Abram.
Now, I don't believe God is calling Chad to be another patriarch, but I do think that I must learn that sometimes my obedience means supporting my husband and setting aside some personal agendas while he steps out into the abyss, fully believing that God is there to carry him across - one step at a time. That means having time with God every day, reading His Word daily, and remembering how God is always faithful to keep His promises.
As I look upon this hurdle, I realize that the bigger the hurdle, the greater my faith has to be. How will my faith size up? I am praying that the biggest hurdles are yet to come.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengenths me." Philippians 4:13
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Quiet Moment
This is what breakfast often looks like with little miss Rebecca. She'll eat some, then stick her passy back in to chill out for a bit. It is as if she needs a passy "hit" every once in a while. I foresee a future coffee drinker.
My Exploding Head
Last night I thought it was allergies. Sneezing over and over. Nose running profusely. Tonsils swelling and hurting as the minutes ticked by. I took Benedryl Allergy and it hit me so fast that Chad had to help me back to the bedroom.
I had an annual doctor's appointment this morning. Me and my dry thirsty mouth drove down to McKinney so I could have a blood draw by one of the worst nurses I have encountered in awhile and to stand on an unforgiving scale. Meanwhile, I started feeling like a ton of bricks was slapping me in the face over and over and that a vise was permanently fixed on my temples.
Turns out that the last few days have been low pollen counts though mold has been moderate. Perhaps it is a cold that has been creeping in threatening to explode my head. It's either that or some sci-fi critter feeding off my brain and getting ready to break free. Oh, dear. I think I need some more sleep . . .
Monday, February 1, 2010
What Julie's Been Up To
I am in awe that February 1st has arrived. Is it really possible that a whole month has passed in this year? I noticed last week that I had neglected my blog recently. When my father-in-law made a comment to my hubby, I knew it was time to get back to it!
After my interview on Jan 11, I immediately had to prepare for the two conferences I was about to attend. On the 14th and 15th, I went to Ft Worth for a Lifeway VBS preview. It was completely amazing! I got such wonderful ideas and it helped me learn how to communicate better with children. Thank you Susie for staying with the kiddos so I could "get out of Dodge" and get to Ft Worth in time. And thank you Mandy for letting me spend the night so I didn't have to dish out moolah for a hotel. What a fun time to get to catch up a little!
On Friday, I drove straight from Ft Worth to Richardson where I attended a Children's Choir conference for two days. There are no words to describe the joy I had in attending this. I had just started leading the preschool choir on the 10th and realized quickly that my limited experience just wasn't going to cut it. Thankfully, our Worship & Arts minister recognized the benefits of this event in December and offered it to me and the children's choir leader. The only expenses I had at that event were breakfast and a $6 CD I bought to add to my personal kiddo collection. I learned so much at this event and had implemented as many as possible in the three lessons I have had since then. And what an awesome time I had getting to know our pastor's wife better as we shared a hotel room!
On Monday the 18th, I joined a Girlfriends Unlimited walking group here in Gunter. They meet twice per week at the high school, but my schedule only permits me to go on Mondays. But I don't mind at all because it still provides me with more excercise than I usually get in a week!
Our Mommy & Me play days started back up on the 21st. I was surprised this morning to get an email through our M&M website from a mom who found our group through my KXII interview! She has already said she and her daughter are coming to the next play day this Thursday and already called me to ask what snack to bring. I LOVE being a part of this ministry!
Last week was appointments for the kids, as I mention in an earlier post. Last Saturday, I finally got to take my knitting class. I can actually say that I knit now! It was much easier than I anticipated. I have had a couple of friends show me, but I always had trouble catching on. Being immersed in it for 2-1/2 hours did the trick! Plus it was so relaxing - and very addictive! But don't expect any gifts from me yet. Trust me - you don't want them just yet!
On top of all that, I have had the privilege of leading Council Time during Sparks on Wednesday nights while our Director is on a leave of absence. Sparks are kindergarten through 2nd grade and they are soooo enthusiastic! I always pick volunteers, stick a few props or costumes on them and get them to act it out while I tell the story. Another thing I just totally dig!
We started rehearsing for the Easter production a few weeks ago. It is full of monologues and has 8 songs. It is going to be so emotionally charged being a part of this. I am humbled to say that I will be saying a monologue as Mary, the mother of Jesus and singing a solo. I got to sing it with the choir last night and I can see that this will be a challenge to do and not fall to pieces sobbing.
I am still homeschooling Hannah and Zach. Today we had a special math lesson. They were each given three $1 bills and got to shop at "the store" which included DVDs for $2 and a few books or trinkets for $1. They had to choose what they would buy and it had to add up to $3. It was a good lesson on the value of money, adding 1+2 and that the Smith store has no returns or exchanges. All sales are final, thank you very much. LOL
So we are oh-so-busy, especially since Chad started Biology on January 19. It's difficult to not have him at all for two days a week when I have been so spoiled by his presence. But we are adapting. I have oodles of pictures which will one day be uploaded to Snapfish. But now it's time to post this and get upstairs to some kids who are very much done with naptime!
After my interview on Jan 11, I immediately had to prepare for the two conferences I was about to attend. On the 14th and 15th, I went to Ft Worth for a Lifeway VBS preview. It was completely amazing! I got such wonderful ideas and it helped me learn how to communicate better with children. Thank you Susie for staying with the kiddos so I could "get out of Dodge" and get to Ft Worth in time. And thank you Mandy for letting me spend the night so I didn't have to dish out moolah for a hotel. What a fun time to get to catch up a little!
On Friday, I drove straight from Ft Worth to Richardson where I attended a Children's Choir conference for two days. There are no words to describe the joy I had in attending this. I had just started leading the preschool choir on the 10th and realized quickly that my limited experience just wasn't going to cut it. Thankfully, our Worship & Arts minister recognized the benefits of this event in December and offered it to me and the children's choir leader. The only expenses I had at that event were breakfast and a $6 CD I bought to add to my personal kiddo collection. I learned so much at this event and had implemented as many as possible in the three lessons I have had since then. And what an awesome time I had getting to know our pastor's wife better as we shared a hotel room!
On Monday the 18th, I joined a Girlfriends Unlimited walking group here in Gunter. They meet twice per week at the high school, but my schedule only permits me to go on Mondays. But I don't mind at all because it still provides me with more excercise than I usually get in a week!
Our Mommy & Me play days started back up on the 21st. I was surprised this morning to get an email through our M&M website from a mom who found our group through my KXII interview! She has already said she and her daughter are coming to the next play day this Thursday and already called me to ask what snack to bring. I LOVE being a part of this ministry!
Last week was appointments for the kids, as I mention in an earlier post. Last Saturday, I finally got to take my knitting class. I can actually say that I knit now! It was much easier than I anticipated. I have had a couple of friends show me, but I always had trouble catching on. Being immersed in it for 2-1/2 hours did the trick! Plus it was so relaxing - and very addictive! But don't expect any gifts from me yet. Trust me - you don't want them just yet!
On top of all that, I have had the privilege of leading Council Time during Sparks on Wednesday nights while our Director is on a leave of absence. Sparks are kindergarten through 2nd grade and they are soooo enthusiastic! I always pick volunteers, stick a few props or costumes on them and get them to act it out while I tell the story. Another thing I just totally dig!
We started rehearsing for the Easter production a few weeks ago. It is full of monologues and has 8 songs. It is going to be so emotionally charged being a part of this. I am humbled to say that I will be saying a monologue as Mary, the mother of Jesus and singing a solo. I got to sing it with the choir last night and I can see that this will be a challenge to do and not fall to pieces sobbing.
I am still homeschooling Hannah and Zach. Today we had a special math lesson. They were each given three $1 bills and got to shop at "the store" which included DVDs for $2 and a few books or trinkets for $1. They had to choose what they would buy and it had to add up to $3. It was a good lesson on the value of money, adding 1+2 and that the Smith store has no returns or exchanges. All sales are final, thank you very much. LOL
So we are oh-so-busy, especially since Chad started Biology on January 19. It's difficult to not have him at all for two days a week when I have been so spoiled by his presence. But we are adapting. I have oodles of pictures which will one day be uploaded to Snapfish. But now it's time to post this and get upstairs to some kids who are very much done with naptime!
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