Our Thanksgiving Trip

We are home from our Thanksgiving trip. We had a wonderful time. We spent Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning at my parent's house in Dandridge, TN. For Thanksgiving Day Mama cooked a huge and super delicious meal. We spent Thanksgiving day with Mama and Daddy; Bo, Amanda, Hunter, and LeeAnn; Granny and Papaw; and Ronnie and Donna (a couple from Mom and Dad's church). That morning Mama, Granny, and I did the last minute things for the meal. We ate a little after 12:00. After lunch the kids all played and rode horses with Papa. Aaron and Bo watched some of the football game and slept. Then we woke them up, and we adults played a game of dominoes. Aaron and I had never played before. It was fun. We will probably be buying a set for ourselves very soon. After dominoes we ate leftovers from lunch. The leftovers that night are my favorite part about the meal! I love to make a turkey sandwich on a yeast roll. The time at Mom and Dad's was too short, and I didn't get to stay long enough for more leftovers. Friday morning we had to leave and head for Mobile, Alabama, because Aaron was preaching at a church there on Sunday.

After a long day of driving and riding in the van, we arrived in Mobile Friday night. The temperature was 72 degrees there. We really enjoyed the break from the cold. Saturday morning we drove around and looked at the town for a little while. Then we went to the church for a lunch meeting. That night the church had a carry in dinner that we attended. Aaron preached Sunday morning and evening. Monday we headed to Birmingham to visit my family that lives there.

Monday evening Aunt Gloria fixed a delicious southern meal for us. I love butter beans and cornbread in the cast iron skillet! We got to see family that we hadn't seen since Asher was 6 months old. That was the last time I had been to Birmingham. Aaron hadn't been since our first year of marriage. The kids got to play with more cousins. We were so glad that we got to visit.

Yesterday we headed back home. We pulled into our driveway covered with snow last night about 7:00.

I took lots of pictures, but for some reason they won't all load to my computer. Aaron will have to figure it out for me later and I will put them on the blog. For now the pics below are all that I have to share. We spent a lot of time in the van, so these are all from the riding. Tuesday night and Wednesday we drove 430 miles to TN. Friday we drove 555 miles to Mobile. Monday we drove 250 miles to Birmingham. Yesterday we drove 580 miles back home.

Aaron- he rarely lets me take a normal picture of him.

Me- I am looking rough after all of the riding.
Chloe- She looks really sweet here, but she probably just finished annoying Abigail. Isn't that what sisters and long car rides are for?

Abigail- She was really getting sick of being stuck in the van. She was very good most of the time. The last day was not so good though.

Asher- He slept a lot of the trip.

Justus- He is trying to take his shoes and socks off. He loves to be bare footed.

Other pics to come soon!

Happy Thanksgiving

We are away in TN for the Thanksgiving holiday. Then we are off to Alabama for a few days. I wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and share these pictures of the kids dressed up for school.

My Little Pilgrim Girls

My Little Indian Boy

Asher is making his Indian call. Poor Asher isn't dressed up too much. I couldn't find my face paint to paint some marks on him. The feathers are all that he had. I made the outfits for the girls a few years ago with a lady from our church. I have got to work on an Indian vest for Asher for the future.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'll be back to the blogging world next Wednesday.

Happy 6th Birthday Abigail

It was a cold, snowy morning six years ago...

when Abigail Geneva Smith quickly arrived. (Seriously my active labor was about 48 minutes. My mom barely made it into the room in time.)

She weighed 7lbs. 11oz. (my smallest baby).

She has demanded that her presence be known ever since!A few minutes old

A week old

6 months old (yes, she was sound asleep this way)

12 months old

18 months old

22 months old

early 2 years old

late 2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

This Morning: 6 Years Old!!

Yes, she is dressed as a pilgrim. It is Thanksgiving at school today and all of the kids dress up. I have pictures of that scheduled to post tomorrow. I don't want to take away from Abbie's big day.

We are heading to TN for Thanksgiving tonight after church. Then we are off to Alabama for a few days. We will be back next Tuesday night.

Just for Laughs

Aaron's Aunt Tonya sent this to us. I must admit that I laughed and laughed when I saw the picture at the bottom. I had to share it with you.

Tough Love vs. Spanking - Good Argument

Most of the American populace thinks it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of 'those moments.' One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk.

Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc. Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot too.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.

Sincerely,Your Friend

This seems imaginable when your babies are little. But.... when they start to back talk, this may actually cross your mind, even to those of us who do still practice the old fashioned spanking. Of course, no, you wouldn't really do it, but I bet it would work.

Just Every Day Happenings

I have Lydia again today. She is a very good baby. She only cries when she is hungry. Justus has been quite jealous today. He was alright yesterday, but today he has been a troublemaker. I suppose one day of a different baby was okay for him, but showing up for another day he does not approve of. Afer I fed her today, he found her bottle and drank the rest of it. I am making a point to give him extra attention and kisses, so he knows that she is not taking his mommy.

After I get the kids from school. We will be heading over to the church to decorate the fellowship hall for our Thanksgiving dinner. Then we will be off to town to get the needed supplies like plates, silverware, cups, etc...

It is absolutely freezing here today, 32 degrees. The wind is the bad part; it cuts right through you. It is snowing again too. I love the snow, but could do without the bitter cold. Tomorrow our high is only 30 degrees with more snow forecasted. I am looking forward to curling up with my cup of peppermint hot chocolate tonight.

Enjoy your day! Stay warm!

Itty-Bitty Baby In The House

I am babysitting this beautiful baby girl (Lydia) on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday until Christmas time. Then her grandma gets to keep her. Until then, I am going to enjoy having her around the house. I watch her from 7:30 until 2:00. It is perfect timing. Daddy takes our kiddos to school at 7:30, and I leave to pick them up at 2:10. So, I have her while my older three are out. I am not sure yet how Justus is going to take having the extra baby around. He does enjoy being the baby. Lydia is only 8 weeks old, so she will be cutting in on his attention. She still eats a lot and of course has to be held to get her bottle. There are soooo many people around me having babies right now. Having Lydia around will help me satisfy that little baby itch that might come around in my head.

This is Lydia with her mommy and daddy in the hospital.

These two pics are of me with Lydia when she was first born.

This is Lydia today. Sound asleep in Justus' baby swing.

So far, this is how Justus has spent most of the morning.

I Just Found These

We went to dinner at a local Mexican restaraunt a few weeks ago. I forgot that I took a few pictures of the kids. They are not very good pics, but here they are. I have noticed that Chloe has this horse sweater on a lot on this blog. She loves horses, so she does wear a lot of horse stuff. This vest seems to get the most use.

Here is Abbie. Of course, she had to do something goofy for her picture. First, notice the baby doll. This is her baby Justus (She got him for her birthday last year and named him after our Justus). He goes everywhere with us. He even rides in a car seat. Second, notice our Justus peeking out around Abbie's cup. He didn't want to be left out.

Asher loves to eat chips and dip. Actually he loves any food that has a dip. It is fun to him.

Then last, but definately not least is Justus. He was having a wild hair day.

Outside My Window...It is officially here! It has snowed several times already, but today we woke up with a blanket of snow on all of the roof tops and on the ground. We are suppose to have snow falling today and tomorrow. It is so beautiful!

I am thinking...I am excited for the upcoming week and holiday!

I am thankful for...for the rest that I have been able to get, even though it had to come with the illnesses. I am feeling better today. My fever is gone. I am barely hurting.

From the kitchen...dishes to be washed breakfast- waffles, lunch- sandwiches, dinner- roast

I am wearing...butterfly pj's

I am creating...plans for Abbie's birthday

I am reading...nothing other than my Bible

I am hearing...music from the blog

I am hoping...that I can get a few things accomplished today and still feel good afterwards

Around the house...Laundry

One of my favorite things...peppermint bark candy- the kind that has dark and white chocolate with peppermint chunks on top. It is expensive, but well worth it. Plus, it only is around at holiday time, so I splurge once a year.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...more resting for recovery (I can't do too much too soon, even though I want to jump right back in.), on Wednesday I start baby sitting a beautiful 8 week old baby girl, mid week service at church, preparing the church for our Thanksgiving dinner and services

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Abbie will be turning 6 on the 25th, so I am sharing a picture of her. This was her birthday last year. She had fun sitting on the vent and watching her dress puff up.

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A MUST SEE CHRISTMAS MOVIE

I love holiday movies. This one made me cry and cry and cry and cry and cry. I am not kidding; my pillow is soaked. Maybe it is the medicine I am on or something; I don't know. I haven't cried at a movie this much in I don't know how long. It is an old one, but a good one. I give it a thumbs up for a holiday season rental. I think it is a great family movie! All moms have got to see it with a box of tissues close by; seriously, I just watched the you tube video and tears came to my eyes again!

It is called The Christmas Shoes. The music playing is from the movie. The above you tube video is of the song with clips from the movie. Thanks Jennie for helping me figure out how to post it. I couldn't find the right code by myself.

I am off of the couch today. My fever is gone!!!! I am not hurting very much today either. Praise the Lord; I am on the mends.

More About Me

I have signs of the infection starting to get out of there. The fever is now only reaching about 101.2, so that is a good thing. The pain is a little more under control. I can go a little longer now without really bad pain. I only woke up two times last night hurting badly. Of course, I am still on the couch, but things are improving. Aaron had to go to work today, so I have the boys. Asher stayed home to play with Justus. That helps me out. Then later on I will have the girls too for a little while by myself. Pray that they behave.

Me and My Body

I can't type much today, but I wanted to let you all know what is going on. I am just now returning from the hospital.

I thought that I was doing well enough to resume daily activities, so Monday I went to get the kids from school. I got so sick on the way and on the way home. I had to pull over and I threw up in the middle of the road. I finally made it home, and started getting so cold. My fever was up to 102.2. At first I thought it was just the flu. Then that night I started having severe pain. I went to the hospital and was admitted. After several lab tests and two ultrasounds they discovered that I have a severe infection in my kidneys and bladder. It is causing me so much pain that I am sick to my stomach. The infection is also continuing to cause me to have a high fever that spikes at about 103.9. I know when the fever is coming. I get so cold that I can't get enough blankets and my entire body shivers. I can't stop it. It is very irritating. Then I know when it breaks because I will be so sweaty and hot all over that I can't get the blankets off of me fast enough. Aaron is taking good care of me at home. Pray that we can get this keep this fever under control. If we can't, the doctor said that I have to return. I would much rather be at home. I am on several medications right now for the infection, the pain, and the fever.

The Simple Woman Daybook

Outside My Window...Brrrr! It's cccold! It literally snowed all day yesterday, but none of it stuck. Today looks like more of the same. I can't see the sky-only gray snow clouds.



I am thinking...my feet are really cold, about the many things God is presently doing for my family (also be sure to read our prayer request below)



I am thankful for...my husband who has been taking care of me after surgery and doing his best to take care of the kids and house-It doesn't come naturally for him. God's provision.



From the kitchen...nothing I haven't been able to really do any cooking yet- breakfast: cereal, lunch: ?, dinner: ?



I am wearing...my blue snowflake flannel pajamas


I am creating...a grocery list for Aaron- he has to do the grocery shopping for me today



I am going...to get the kids from school- Once again I am driving before I am suppose to, but I must. Aaron is out of town today. I promise I will go right there and come right back! Chloe is worried that her Mommy will have to pick her up in pj's. That is mostly what she has seen me wearing since my surgery. They are warm and comfortable. I told her that I will not embarrass her. I will get dressed first. I can't believe my 7 yr. old is already worried about being embarrassed by her mom! I thought I would have a few more years until that stage arrived. Maybe ---I am just that embarrassing! Just kidding--I think!



I am reading...Romans and all kinds of Christmas crafty stuff


I am hoping...to be back to 100% myself soon


Around the house...all kinds of stuff- I don't even know where to begin. I will tackle the laundry today. The rest I am not ready for yet.



One of my favorite things...cuddling on the couch with a warm cozy blanket, a cup of peppermint hot chocolate, and a good movie--my plans for this afternoon



A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...mid week service and catching up around the house



Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
This is one of those "everybody is doing there own thing" pics. So funny! I took this last October, right after Justus was born. These are all of the immediate cousins on Aaron's side. All of these grandkids came from only one brother and one sister. Aaron's sister has one more on the way. I wonder how many grandkids we will have?

Rachel"Help me!", Hannah and Julia"Oh I love my sister!", Chloe "She is falling on me!", Elizabeth "Boy! Am I gonna be cute in this pic.", Abbie and Justus "I get to hold my brother. Nah. Nah.", Asher"I want to be the baby!"

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snow, Snow, SNOW

It is amazing to me how much difference a week can make. Last weekend we had 70 degree weather. Then this weekend our high is 40. Today we have had several snowflakes falling. Nothing is sticking yet, but I am sure it is soon to come.

The picture is of the first snow that stuck last year.

Special Unspoken Prayer Request

Our family has had an unspoken prayer request concerning the direction that God would have us to go in our ministry that we have been praying about for quite sometime now. We have willingly gone through every open door that He has brought to us during this time. Through each one we have sought His direction. We are now going through another open door. We want God's will for our ministry and family. Pray for us during these next couple of months. We want to be sure to do what God wants and not what we want. In the past these opened doors have been closed for us. This door seems to be opening wider and wider. We pray that if it is not God's will that the door will be closed. Pray for our children also. This could be hardest on them.

Surgery Update

I had my surgery yesterday. All went well. Thank you for the prayers.

I am feeling a little bit better the day after than I did last time, afterall I am typing a post. I am sitting on a pillow to do it, but at least I can hold my head up without feeling like I am going to fall over. I have some much better medicine this time too. It gives me about three hours of feeling alright, and then about an hour of pain waiting until I can take it again. Still much better than last time! I went for days without any decent relief before I finally gave in and called the doctor for a better medicine.

The doctor did another DNC yesterday as well. She felt it was needed. Then she did the procedure I was there for. I am going to feel like a bit of an alien for the next few days as my body purges everything, but I pray after all is said and done I am finished with these difficulties I have had since my teen years.

Surgery Today

I am having my second surgery on my mommy parts today at 9:00. Pray for the doctor as she performs surgery. Pray that all will go well this time, so hopefully my difficulties will be over. Pray for a quick recovery. I have a lot of people to take care of.

Presidential Results

I just don't know what to say. I am so disappointed! We, Christians, must fervently pray for our country. Soon, we may not recognize her. Soon, our current way of life will be gone. Soon, what will normal be? Soon, the CHANGE that so many Americans obviously wanted is coming.

I VOTED TODAY!

I voted today! It was a relief to finally cast my vote for McCain. I have an anxious, sickening feeling about the results that this day may bring to our country. I have that same gut wrenching feeling that I had on 9/11 when I looked at my 6 week old baby girl and wondered what kind of America I would be raising my first child in. I now am thinking of my four children with that same feeling and wondering that same thing: What kind of America will I be raising these children in?

Indiana is a big state in this election. I personally recieved six phone calls this past weekend polling me about my vote, 5 were Obama's campaign, 1 was McCain's. I was expecting to get questioned on my way out or into the voting center as well. I was going to tell them that the only way I would vote for Obama was if I somehow went into a seizure and pushed the wrong button, but there wasn't anyone at the voting center this morning.

I am praying that this day brings us a vote against Obama. However, if this day brings us the horrible news of him being our president elect, God is still on the throne. I am trusting in Him.

Outside My Window...beautiful fall colors on all of the trees, leaves piled on the ground for the kids to jump in, and a cloudy sky that will soon be bringing us rain and more cold weather

I am thinking...I have a lot that I need to get accomplished today

I am thankful for...a happy, cheerful baby. He is a joy to spend the day with. He is so easy to please.

From the kitchen...a dishwasher waiting to be started, waffles for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, cheesey chicken soup for dinner

I am wearing...my pajamas

I am creating...a list of movies for my husband to get for me (I am having my 2nd surgery on my mommy parts this Wednesday, so I will be on the couch for several days.)

I am going...to the doctor today for my last pre-op visit, to the hospital for pre-op blood work, to the mall to get Justus' picture taken and try to find a decent church dress for Chloe (appropriate little girl dresses are really becoming difficult to find now that Chloe has entered the girls size 7 and above section), and to pick up the kids from school

I am reading...Romans

I am hoping...that I can get everything done that I want to before my surgery

Around the house...cleaning everything so it doesn't get too badly backed up while I am having to recover, last time I tried to do too much too soon Yes, Aaron will help, but he will have his hands full with the kids, dinner, and his own responsibilities.

One of my favorite things...holiday movies, especially the older ones: Holiday Inn, White Christmas, Christmas in Connecticut, Miracle on 34th Street, etc. I plan to watch a lot of those this week.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...VOTING NO TO OBAMA TOMORROW, surgery and recovery

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is another oldie but goodie. It is also another one of the girls in the first big snow (no, not this year, at least not yet). They were making snow angels.

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