Zach is stylin' with his Spider-Man umbrella.
Hannah is the pretty princess with her Arial umbrella.
They are usually so skittish when we have storms come through, but in this case they were so giddy and just wanted to stay out there forever.
News from the Smith family
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Singin' in the Rain
I got the kids character umbrellas several weeks ago. They finally got a chance to use them about a week ago when we had some light rain move through.
Zach is stylin' with his Spider-Man umbrella.
Hannah is the pretty princess with her Arial umbrella.
They are usually so skittish when we have storms come through, but in this case they were so giddy and just wanted to stay out there forever.
Zach is stylin' with his Spider-Man umbrella.
Hannah is the pretty princess with her Arial umbrella.
They are usually so skittish when we have storms come through, but in this case they were so giddy and just wanted to stay out there forever.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Dibs on the Heaven Plane
Hannah asked today how we get to heaven. Her question was not about salvation but about logistics - how do we physically get from here to there. So I turned it back on her.
Mommy: How do you think we get there?
Hannah: We fly there in a plane. But who flies the plane?
Mommy: Who do you think should fly the plane?
Hannah: Pop Pop. But I need to take my car seat.
Mommy: Yes, it's good to be safe.
Hannah: I want to sit in the front seat.
Ever the competitive child, even when it comes to getting to heaven.
Mommy: How do you think we get there?
Hannah: We fly there in a plane. But who flies the plane?
Mommy: Who do you think should fly the plane?
Hannah: Pop Pop. But I need to take my car seat.
Mommy: Yes, it's good to be safe.
Hannah: I want to sit in the front seat.
Ever the competitive child, even when it comes to getting to heaven.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Zach's Birthday List
Here are some birthday ideas for Zachary.
Favorite characters: Marvel Super Heroes (especially Spider-Man), Toy Story, Pixar Cars. Thomas the Tank Engine
Clothing size: 4T
He could use t-shirts, shorts, and PJ's. You'll earn a bonus COOL! if they have a favorite character on it!
He is really enjoying playing with his friends' action figures, vehicles and accessories. He goes nuts in the toy section when he sees his favorite characters. Please minimize the small parts as Rebecca still sticks everything in her mouth.
He is also still a huge fan of Thomas and collects the Take Along Thomas trains and sets. He does not yet have the following sets: Tidmouth Shed, Knapford Station, Sodor Airport, Timber Yard, and extra tracks would also be useful. You'll just need to make sure to get Take Along Thomas (smaller sized) and not the larger scale sized items.
Zach is also starting to enjoy sports. It would be great to have a t-ball set or small basketball goal.
Favorite characters: Marvel Super Heroes (especially Spider-Man), Toy Story, Pixar Cars. Thomas the Tank Engine
Clothing size: 4T
He could use t-shirts, shorts, and PJ's. You'll earn a bonus COOL! if they have a favorite character on it!
He is really enjoying playing with his friends' action figures, vehicles and accessories. He goes nuts in the toy section when he sees his favorite characters. Please minimize the small parts as Rebecca still sticks everything in her mouth.
He is also still a huge fan of Thomas and collects the Take Along Thomas trains and sets. He does not yet have the following sets: Tidmouth Shed, Knapford Station, Sodor Airport, Timber Yard, and extra tracks would also be useful. You'll just need to make sure to get Take Along Thomas (smaller sized) and not the larger scale sized items.
Zach is also starting to enjoy sports. It would be great to have a t-ball set or small basketball goal.
Baby birds are gone
All our baby birds have flown away. I can't believe how fast it happens! I got this picture of the baby wrens just a day before they took flight. It was so fast that we missed it, even though we were all home that day!
Our baby cardinals also took flight a few days before. I have a video of them learning to fly on the front lawn that I am attempting to upload to Facebook. Unfotunately, our second set of cardinal eggs did not make it. We think the mama bird was young and just didn't put the nest in a safe spot. It was too bad, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. Can't wait to see if we get any more hatchlings this spring. If I remember correctly, sometimes we get two hatchings in the same spring.
Friday, April 30, 2010
New TV Rule
We have been encountering some behavior problems with Hannah lately. Seems that she is very much like other 5-year-olds, but I still want to deal with it head on so that we hopefully don't have to deal with it so much later on.
With that in mind, I am enacting a new rule effective Monday - Friday. No TV before 11:00. This will hopefully make us more family oriented, encouraging conversation, uninterrupted school time, and increased creativity. In turn, I am also trying not to do any major house cleaning until after 11:00 so that the kids get more of my undivided attention.
Will this new rule stick? Will it make a difference? Statistics tell us that it takes 21 days to make a new habit. I'll give a report in three weeks!
With that in mind, I am enacting a new rule effective Monday - Friday. No TV before 11:00. This will hopefully make us more family oriented, encouraging conversation, uninterrupted school time, and increased creativity. In turn, I am also trying not to do any major house cleaning until after 11:00 so that the kids get more of my undivided attention.
Will this new rule stick? Will it make a difference? Statistics tell us that it takes 21 days to make a new habit. I'll give a report in three weeks!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
My Expanding Childhood Vocabulary
I added a new word to my vocabulary yesterday. Mucocele.
On Monday while Hannah was brushing her teeth, I noticed something swelling in her mouth. On closer inspection, it was indeed a swollen portion of her bottom inner lip and it was about 1/2 inch in diameter. Since I knew Hannah was going to see the pediatrician on Wednesday, I didn't panic too much and decided to wait it out.
But when the pediatrician looked at it, he mentioned a few things but then admitted he didn't really know what it was and we needed to see her dentist. Nice.
So Friday afternoon we went to see the pediatric dentist. I had to take Zach with me which was oh-so-interesting. He basically ran amok, playing with the toys out in the waiting area, jumping on the bean bags, frantically telling me he had to take care of business (of course while the bathroom was occupied), and trying to play with the toys in the dentist's reward treasure chest. Meanwhile, Hannah laid on the exam table focusing on The Little Mermaid playing on the TV on the ceiling.
Dr. Roberts greeted us and took one look in her mouth then became all business. He inspected it for several minutes and quizzed me before giving the verdict. It's a mucocele. A very large, very deep mucocele and the largest he has ever seen. Hannah has a tendency to chew on her lip and often bites it while eating. She bit her lip very hard last week. When that happens, the salivary glands usually heal up without any problems. Sometimes, though, they heal improperly and the gland duct is permanently severed. The gland does not know this and continues to produce saliva. Having no where to go, a pocket of saliva builds up under the surface. Usually the gland is close to the surface and can be surgically removed without any complications.
The complication is that this gland is twice the depth of a normal gland, and the swelling is now the size of a marble. After much discussion, he recommended we allow the swelling to continue since it is not causing Hannah any pain. It will burst on its own hopefully in the next week. We go back on May 4 for a follow up and he will determine if it is safe to surgically remove the gland or allow the body an opportunity to reabsorb it which may or may not happen.
So I continue to learn more and more about the human body and all the things that can go wrong. But I am thankful that I am not learning about things like broken bones, snake bites, or appendicitis. I guess this is just part of the joys of parenthood!
On Monday while Hannah was brushing her teeth, I noticed something swelling in her mouth. On closer inspection, it was indeed a swollen portion of her bottom inner lip and it was about 1/2 inch in diameter. Since I knew Hannah was going to see the pediatrician on Wednesday, I didn't panic too much and decided to wait it out.
But when the pediatrician looked at it, he mentioned a few things but then admitted he didn't really know what it was and we needed to see her dentist. Nice.
So Friday afternoon we went to see the pediatric dentist. I had to take Zach with me which was oh-so-interesting. He basically ran amok, playing with the toys out in the waiting area, jumping on the bean bags, frantically telling me he had to take care of business (of course while the bathroom was occupied), and trying to play with the toys in the dentist's reward treasure chest. Meanwhile, Hannah laid on the exam table focusing on The Little Mermaid playing on the TV on the ceiling.
Dr. Roberts greeted us and took one look in her mouth then became all business. He inspected it for several minutes and quizzed me before giving the verdict. It's a mucocele. A very large, very deep mucocele and the largest he has ever seen. Hannah has a tendency to chew on her lip and often bites it while eating. She bit her lip very hard last week. When that happens, the salivary glands usually heal up without any problems. Sometimes, though, they heal improperly and the gland duct is permanently severed. The gland does not know this and continues to produce saliva. Having no where to go, a pocket of saliva builds up under the surface. Usually the gland is close to the surface and can be surgically removed without any complications.
The complication is that this gland is twice the depth of a normal gland, and the swelling is now the size of a marble. After much discussion, he recommended we allow the swelling to continue since it is not causing Hannah any pain. It will burst on its own hopefully in the next week. We go back on May 4 for a follow up and he will determine if it is safe to surgically remove the gland or allow the body an opportunity to reabsorb it which may or may not happen.
So I continue to learn more and more about the human body and all the things that can go wrong. But I am thankful that I am not learning about things like broken bones, snake bites, or appendicitis. I guess this is just part of the joys of parenthood!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Doctor Visits
I took the girls to the doctor yesterday for their well child visits. Hard to believe that Rebecca is now 18 months old.
Rebecca is growing very well and adding about one word a day to her vocabulary. It's really amazing to watch her as she figures things out and tries to communicate with us. Here are her stats:
Weight: 25 lbs, 4 oz (64%)
Height: 32" (60%)
Head Cir: 18.75" (79%)
She got one shot but didn't scream too loudly. I was most grateful for that since I was leaning over her face holding her arms down!
Hannah had her 5 year check up. She didn't fare so well. She failed her right eye vision test and we are going to have to visit a pediatric optometrist to get her eyesight checked out. She also has a large sore in her mouth which is not causing any pain but looks awful. The doctor did not know what it is so now we have to make a trip to the dentist to have it checked out. Thankfully she did not need any shots. Here are the little pea-mite's stats:
Weight: 35 lbs, 6 oz (18%)
Height: 40.5" (12%)
I don't have any clear recent pictures with just Hannah, but here are some recent pics of all three of the kids.
Having a picnic lunch.
Taking a ride in the wagon.
Rebecca is growing very well and adding about one word a day to her vocabulary. It's really amazing to watch her as she figures things out and tries to communicate with us. Here are her stats:
Weight: 25 lbs, 4 oz (64%)
Height: 32" (60%)
Head Cir: 18.75" (79%)
She got one shot but didn't scream too loudly. I was most grateful for that since I was leaning over her face holding her arms down!
Hannah had her 5 year check up. She didn't fare so well. She failed her right eye vision test and we are going to have to visit a pediatric optometrist to get her eyesight checked out. She also has a large sore in her mouth which is not causing any pain but looks awful. The doctor did not know what it is so now we have to make a trip to the dentist to have it checked out. Thankfully she did not need any shots. Here are the little pea-mite's stats:
Weight: 35 lbs, 6 oz (18%)
Height: 40.5" (12%)
I don't have any clear recent pictures with just Hannah, but here are some recent pics of all three of the kids.
Having a picnic lunch.
Taking a ride in the wagon.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Downsizing
I have entered a new phase in daiper bags. No more do I need the gigantic overnight bag which holds 2-3 sets of clothing, 10 diapers, numerous odds and ends, a swaddling blanket, a few toys, snacks for me and my moochers and whatever accidently fell into the great abyss.
I officially downsized to a small diaper bag yesterday. This has offered both freedom and remorse. I have cleaned up the behemoth, but can't seem to bring myself to put a JBF tag on it yet. I have a few weeks to the sale to sever the connection.
So Rebecca is now using the modest little blue jean teddy bear bag which happens to be the first diaper bag we got after we announced Hannah's coming arrival. (Thanks Grandmommy and Papa!)
I officially downsized to a small diaper bag yesterday. This has offered both freedom and remorse. I have cleaned up the behemoth, but can't seem to bring myself to put a JBF tag on it yet. I have a few weeks to the sale to sever the connection.
So Rebecca is now using the modest little blue jean teddy bear bag which happens to be the first diaper bag we got after we announced Hannah's coming arrival. (Thanks Grandmommy and Papa!)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
He is Risen!
What a glorious Easter morning this was! I am so blessed and I cannot seem to say thank you enough to God for the amazing blessings He just keeps pouring out on me and my family. From life experiences, I know there is a direct correlation between obedience and blessings.
There was a time in my life that I strayed far from God. Looking back, I remember feeling adrift and empty. I knew I was missing some piece of my life puzzle, but I just couldn't seem to figure it out. It was only after several despairing moments in my life that I turned my full attention to the cross. Though I have been a Christian for nearly 27 years now, I know that I did not seek to develop a relationship - a true relationship - with Him for about 17 years. The last 10 years of my life have been an amazing journey. I weep for my fellow Christians who sit in despair as I did, forgetting that our risen Lord is waiting to be the great Comforter, the Healer, the Rock, the Deliver, and the Redeemer. I have learned through my brief journey that there is such freedom in seeking God with all your heart through obedience and worshiping him every day, not just on Sundays or maybe even just at Christmas and Easter.
I had the opportunity to follow through in obedience this morning. When I first learned about our Easter program, I looked at Chad and told him I felt called to be a part of it. When I saw the cast, I felt the tug towards Mary. I knew this was where God wanted me. There was no ambition involved, no puffed up pride. I simply knew that was where God wanted me. And I was so thankful to receive affirmation from our Worship & Arts pastor who also felt that prompting.
I have a lot of experience with stage performance. It is a gift that God has allowed me to use. He has blessed me with a singing voice and with the ability to become a character in ways I could never fully explain. I have used that gift many times to receive glory from man. But today I was so privileged to use that gift to glorify my Lord and Savior. I weeped as I delivered my lines and sang this morning. But as I told Chad on the way home, it wasn't me. I had prayed that God would empty me and fill me with His Spirit. And I can tell you - that wasn't me singing. I could feel the Holy Spirit guiding me. No words can describe. Only tears of joy.
So today I joyfully proclaim that my Jesus is risen! He is sitting in Heaven at the right hand of the Father. And one day I will join him. I pray that you will all be with me. What a breathtaking experience it will be!
There was a time in my life that I strayed far from God. Looking back, I remember feeling adrift and empty. I knew I was missing some piece of my life puzzle, but I just couldn't seem to figure it out. It was only after several despairing moments in my life that I turned my full attention to the cross. Though I have been a Christian for nearly 27 years now, I know that I did not seek to develop a relationship - a true relationship - with Him for about 17 years. The last 10 years of my life have been an amazing journey. I weep for my fellow Christians who sit in despair as I did, forgetting that our risen Lord is waiting to be the great Comforter, the Healer, the Rock, the Deliver, and the Redeemer. I have learned through my brief journey that there is such freedom in seeking God with all your heart through obedience and worshiping him every day, not just on Sundays or maybe even just at Christmas and Easter.
I had the opportunity to follow through in obedience this morning. When I first learned about our Easter program, I looked at Chad and told him I felt called to be a part of it. When I saw the cast, I felt the tug towards Mary. I knew this was where God wanted me. There was no ambition involved, no puffed up pride. I simply knew that was where God wanted me. And I was so thankful to receive affirmation from our Worship & Arts pastor who also felt that prompting.
I have a lot of experience with stage performance. It is a gift that God has allowed me to use. He has blessed me with a singing voice and with the ability to become a character in ways I could never fully explain. I have used that gift many times to receive glory from man. But today I was so privileged to use that gift to glorify my Lord and Savior. I weeped as I delivered my lines and sang this morning. But as I told Chad on the way home, it wasn't me. I had prayed that God would empty me and fill me with His Spirit. And I can tell you - that wasn't me singing. I could feel the Holy Spirit guiding me. No words can describe. Only tears of joy.
So today I joyfully proclaim that my Jesus is risen! He is sitting in Heaven at the right hand of the Father. And one day I will join him. I pray that you will all be with me. What a breathtaking experience it will be!
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