Smithereens

Plain Jane

2011-04-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

I can't help but fall into the temptation of thinking we live a relatively plain life. Our goals are honestly to live each day to it's fullest and that's pretty much how each day transpires - full and -est and etc. (bedtime).

We've spent the last 10 years grasping perspective while the advance stages of parenting have all at once assumed position. God help us as we raise these babes while feeling constantly inexperienced. I don't know that we could attach anymore extraordinary circumstances to the ordinarily complicated ones we already have. I'm not just speaking about parenting but adding other ventures to making ends meat, surviving this world and doing it all for God's glory -- that is what I've come to observe is not enough of a challenge for some.

I spent my early adulthood signing up and volunteering for way more than I was able to undertake. It required a heap of burning failure and stalled ambition in order to realize that I could only give so much. Having three children has enacted a maternal self-awareness that has forced me to filter through these vast "opportunities" in order to maintain the strength and energy my children need from me on a daily basis.

So I am tempted to ask, "Is what I'm doing enough? Counted as worthy? Equivalently self-sacrificing?"

I'm a stay-at-home mom. I am a student. I am a spouse - a military spouse - and therefore a single parent at times. I am a survivor of once paralyzing anxiety and depression. I am a Christian in a world that despises absolute truth. I am ordinary and that's about all I can manage right now - by the grace the God.

Song Lyrics: Channeling Bitterness and Resentment

2010-11-13T12:01:00.001-08:00

You ever find yourself telling someone off in your head while driving, cleaning or some other everyday task? The sheer emotion and precision that goes into a clever comeback or manipulating the most deep cutting remark is, what I believe, the same ruthless effort that goes into a good song.

Generally people, musicians and listeners, admire a song that fulfills an emotion for them. The words of a song speak for them the way they’d like to speak in a given life scenario – love life, family life, work place. That and a catchy chorus that manages to plaster itself in your head so easily that you’re singing it unconsciously throughout the day.

I was thinking this while reeling from a deep seeded emotional reaction I had recently, thinking “this would make a good line in a song”. That would maybe be the best place for it, since voicing it at any one person would enrage greater conflict and as a Christian I can’t justify stirring that kind of anger. So lately my head has been filling with “song lyrics” and that is a nice way to put it.

So vomit those aggressive words out on paper and spare your neighbor, family member or friend that mouthful of hate….please.

Little Picasso/Pollock Artists

2010-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Creativity in the Midst of Necessity

2010-08-09T10:57:00.001-07:00

Having a difficult time managing merely the necessary tasks of the day....by the time a quiet moment comes around I hear a little voice inside me say "I want to make something!"

I observe a lot of incredibly talented moms doing far more than just the necessary items of motherhood and I have been more or less envious and/or resentful of their accomplishments. "How do they have time for so much creativity!?" I imagine the argument of personal organization would play a part in this. But how many artistically minded folks do you know who struggle with personal organization? I am one of them.

So I plot out a routine on paper - something far too complicated and over-zealous and I cripple my attempts before I even get started. Again the curse of certain artistic neurons that react to pressure and personal expectations before there's an idea formed.

So I've resorted to the hobby of simply THINKING about creative things for now and one day something will become realistically do-able and cohesive with my artistic disposition and I will satisfy that small voice inside constantly yearning to CREATE!

Brainstorming:

1) Pick up my dusty guitar and fabulatize some covers with my alleged singing voice. Play out, get some performance anxiety therapy. Whoa, maybe I'll get DISCOVERED! All things are possible in the brainstorm scenerio.

2) Love of Art. What can I use it for? Art speaks volumes through images both current and archaic. Connect visual art ultimately with the glory of God's creation. Not paintings of bright illuminating crosses and Bibles stories, but the struggling Christian, tempation, beauty in humanity linking moral value to an undeniable seed planted by God in man. Abstract art revealing the Gospel...not the open-ended fate, po-mo blasphamey that fills the 21st century art scene lately. Get involved in the long-standing debate of "What is Art?" Is it definable? Is skill and talent necessary to create something people can relate to? Why then do we have the title artist as opposed to angry,absolute truth despising 20-something with a paint brush What is the difference between "fine art" and just anyone's doodles and personal sketch book?

baby's crying, to be continued....

Cyclopentasiloxane

2010-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

I had a totally blonde moment reading the back of my hairspray today. I read this ingredient, "Cyclopentasiloxane" which is kind of a beast to pronounce and type out. I immediately thought to myself "what essence of a one-eyed creature was ground up and made into this hairspray!?" Knowing that must be ridiculous, I was still curious if there were some word root association with a cyclops, because although gross it would ultimately make hairspray that much more fascinating.

Here's what I found:

"Cyclopentasiloxane (or CPS for short) is one of many types of silicones. In general, silcones are known for their ability to lubricate, waterproof and provide shine. (Think “Armor All” for your head.) There are many types of silcones – some have a very heavy, sticky consistency and others are very lightweight. CPS is a water-thin so it’s very good at dispersing thicker, greasier silicones. For this reason it’s often used in combination with dimethicone. It is also volatile, which means it will evaporate. So, not only does it help spread heavier silicones but it doesn’t leave your hair feeling weighed down after it’s done."

Pretty much a ridiculously long fancy word for a silicone they use in lots of cosmetics. Stupid factoid for the day.

One big happy

2010-06-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well we officially have three babes in the house along with a set of wonderfully loving grandparents and a dingo-mut fox dog named Zulu. It really is beginning to feel like the Waltons around here.

After starting what I hoped was early labor last Wednesday my mom made a comment at the dinner table, "Well tomorrow we may have 7 for dinner!" Sure enough Miss Leona arrived the next morning and we were back home for dinner that evening. THIS is why I chose to give birth at a birthing center. Call me crazy but I wanted to have an un-induced, un-medicated birth so I could go home for dinner afterward.....

While appreciating the personal challenge of natural birth it is by far one of the most challenging things I've ever undertaken. I have a feeling the self-application will continue to transform my perspective on pain, suffering and all those ingenious methods God uses for His glory. God shined in my labor and carried me when I felt I could not go any further. I know my friends and family were all praying for me as well which was evident in the blessing of a rather quick delivery once things progressed.

I am in awe of experiencing another beautiful babe of God's creation and intricate design. Leona is small and delicate baby figuring out her body and space just like her older brother and sister have. It is a fascinating scene to see some of their traits in her and also see some of her own. For now she reads similar to Daniel - super gassy, eats like a horse and falls asleep virtually anywhere.

Thank you Lord for the many blessing all each of these children and bless sweet Leona as she grows.

EDD - estimated due date

2010-06-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Recently I read that the estimated due date is not entirely accurate in determining baby's arrival, but somehow all our hopes, planning and and expectations revolve around this day and when it passes some mom's become really discouraged. In the past I have been vastly disappointed exceeding even 38 weeks gestation and grown impatient with every additional day I remained carrying. At the end of my last pregnancy with Sophia I was really disappointed with myself for having a really rotten disposition through the last couple months.

Today I reached 40 weeks - my EDD and I don't feel anxious or disappointed...yet. I prayed a lot in this pregnancy to have some courage toward the end. I'm also more pregnant than I've ever been not having ever reached the official 40 weeks; I feel sort of accomplished in making it this far. Now it really is up to baby to let me know when she's ready. Somehow I have peace about this that I've never had before. Only took three pregnancies to find contentment...

My greatest concerns now are just to remain patient with courage to face the final birthing marathon which will also be an entirely new experience for me. I know women of every race and culture birth babies all the time and everyone's method of managing the discomfort varies. I pray that I will know what to do when the time comes, when to lay off and relax and when to gear up and be brave.

Sweet Sophia

2010-06-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

She's brazen and the most confident little miss I've ever encountered and she's not even voicing opinions yet.....

I am regularly moved by Sophia's cheery disposition and especially on her off days. She has a way of sounding, looking and showing her sweetness that is SO feminine and I cannot take any credit. She encapsulates sugar and spice and everything nice!

The waiting game

2010-06-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Having exercised little patience during my last month pregnant with Sophia I have committed my entire pregnancy with Leona to a greater effort toward patience and contentment. Ask my husband and parents and they may tell you differently, but I AM trying to be cooler about this one.

At 38 weeks I feel no signs of labor only increased heaviness and the inhibition of physical strength to make life fun for my kids right now. As a result they're watching more TV/movie replays than I would prefer. Don't even ask how much we're frequenting meals out and McDees.

This pregnancy will also be different in that I have been seeing a midwife and planned to deliver at a birthing center unmedicated. Mostly because I hate being trapped at the hospital and all the opinionated nurses who tell me what I feel or how ready I am to go home. No offense to L&D and post-partum nurses, but ya'll have a professional committment to hospital procedure which is primarily developed due to liability issues that do not pertain to every birthing mother and when I bring my babe into the world I don't want to be lumped into that scenario anymore.

The idea of adding a third munchkin to our family has been alarming and uncertain, but that's pretty much how all of our children have entered our life - bringing Mommy and Daddy to the cross and seeking God's provision and wisdom. Although our family planning has been anything but, God has apparently had a plan all this time and that is reassuring to me. Really the last several years have been very much a matter of God's planning apart from mine or Adam's there's no telling what the next several more will bring. God is always present and always promising our protection with unconditional love and that is absolutely enough to calm the most uncertain of times.

Photo diary: D's birthday @ 35 weeks prego

2010-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Leona Renee Smith

2010-03-16T12:41:00.001-07:00

Finally a name for this little one. It has been a longer decision process than I/we expected. So why Leona?

Leona is the feminine form of Leon which is latin for "lion". I've been taking an Ancient Classical Humanities class this semester and culturally the image of a lion resembles that of power. So when we considered the middle name we wanted it to coincide with a powerful concept like "grace", "faith" or "truth". BTW Vera is a lovely Slavic name which means "faith; truth". The name Leona is pretty dated (hasn't really been popular since the turn of the 20th Century). Yes, except for Miss Leona Lewis the british pop star who won't quit bleeding everywhere...this was a brief reason to debate the name, but I pushed through it.

Renee is French and means "reborn" which is appropriate for our desire to see our children each turn their life to the Lord and be born again for His glory.

Any Smith would agree, you have to dress that last name up very carefully and with our recent adventures in identity theft because of Adam's name I felt confirmed in this regard.

Leona Renee Smith (rhythmic pattern 3-2-1) feels flowy in the right way. It's certainly better than calling her baby #3 or Tutti which was Daniel's suggestion for a name.

It's really only for these massively intimidating and permanent decisions that I deliberate so much. I'm pretty sure that's why all our kids have been unplanned because I don't think I would have come to a time of certainty about having a baby.....just plowed right in.

The Kids in February

2010-02-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

Venting

2010-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Mistakes have become so expensive lately, it's like the world's greatest means of revenue - overdraft fees, late fees, break lease fees, HOA VIOLATION FEES!!! Things like this really encourage my cynicism when I am really struggling to be hopeful and certainly more patient with God's plan.

To give you some idea we have had some unfortunate mishaps whether due to our disorganization of time or just plain fraudulent robbery. It's like bumping your head on the same low door frame everyday. My sin nature wants to point the finger and blame blame blame that blasted door frame for existing right where my spacial awareness is blind but that's ridiculous.

We are victim to about $6200+ worth of these insane violations and fraudulent occurrences and it's all happened as we have made the greatest headway to reduce our debt. I admit I am maybe worshiping the day when I can confidently say "I don't owe any money to anyone!" The point at which what comes into our bank goes entirely toward our future and not a penny recovering our mistakes from the past. Is this possible? Is there some deeper lesson to be observed from this constant reality of debt?

I hate unmarked letters for this reason; they make my heart jump into my throat and choke me. This is the money devil isn't it? They say you can't be buried with your money but when you die who gets left with your debt? Yes I am indulging my cynicism now.

2010 Full Force Ahead

2010-01-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

It is always amazing to look back and observe the period of waiting both with humiliation and with hindsight and thankfulness for God's blessing.

As many of you know Adam finally found a job just before Christmas which allowed us to enjoy the holidays with a little more peace.

We are also expecting kiddo #3 in June which has also been a challenge to our ability to cope with the longer-than-expected period of unemployment.

Adam begins at UCF next week stepping closer toward his degree in Electrical Engineering. Meanwhile this new job is a super thrill for him working with military defense training and exhausting his skills and aptitude with a group of guys from all military, engineering and technical backgrounds. The job has been a wonderful answer to prayers prayed even 5 years ago when Adam was first entering the civilian career field after his tour with the Navy. We prayed for something relevant and chock full of skill building experience for his degree pursuit. I'm really thrilled for him.

I am slowly and somewhat diligently pursuing a degree less than quarter time right now. Recently I've been more anxious to develop some sort of trade in addition to my first love of Art History. The idea of juggling the schooling with three little ones frightens me, but I've seen God make anything happen over the last ten years and I have faith He will make the time and opportunity available as it pleases Him. I'm considering a degree in Radiology Sciences for the purpose of becoming a technician as my "trade".

I know these years with small kids will go fast. I already experience the rush of their change and maturity. My main goal right now is to keep it together while I'm still learning how to be a parent and to multiple children. Something tells me I'm going to be learning until my kids have kids.

So if you think of me or Adam just pray that we can make a God-glorifying juggle of marriage, survival and parenthood. One day at a time has never been more real to me. The process of sanctification is abrupt at times and a relief to my worldview in respect to the many circumstances in this life which are entirely out of my hands.

Letting God be God.

Four years in the making

2009-07-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

Daniel Dance

2009-07-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Separation Anxiety

2009-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's here. Daddy's dreaded departure for almost 3 months straight. It is our rescue and the next greatest test of our faith.

We wrestled with the idea of Adam joining the Navy Reserves for a long time. We took into consideration the time commitment and potential life commitment that realistically exists serving in any branch or status with the military right now. We made a go of it in December '08 and Adam began his drill weekends in January. We were as a result able to eradicate 95% of our debt and now in the unexpected season of unemployment have this means of income to count on. The Lord works in every step of our lives.

Adam leaves this coming Sunday and we've been aware of these details for a while now. This afternoon he enlisted Daniel's help in packing his seabag. Daniel is so anxious to help and especially enjoys learning new words like, "seabag", "uniporms", and "Daddy going to work for the Naybee". It is so precious and heartbreaking to realize Daniel's fun now is preparing for a long separation from his daddy that he doesn't quite grasp yet. I felt it like a pit in my stomach just today, he's leaving in a matter of days now, it's really time to prepare.

We've setup our webcams in hopes to have opportunities to see and talk with Daddy. We're recording some of Daniel's favorite stories read by Daddy. We're in the graces of my parents while Adam is away and will have their help in Adam's absense. I have not prayed nearly as much or as seriously as I should though because this pit in my stomach is so disconnected from the peace that passeth all understanding.

My God, though our bodies are separated keep us close in one another's hearts. Help us to seek You during the heaviest moments of this separation. Help me to know that taking care of these precious energetic children is not only a high calling but one that I will not do alone or by my own strength. Keep Adam and I close and draw us closer through the distance. Help me to take greater trouble to love him with my words and support. Help me to reassure him of my strength through You to keep us safe and contented while he's gone. God You are my beginning and end, please keep your favor with me and lead me to greater faith and trust during these strenuous times. I love You Lord and Your perfect plan which was so sufficiently executed by Your only beloved Son. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Physicality of our Faith

2009-04-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

I've ascribed to the intellectual and verbal affirmation of faith in God since I was a little girl but it has not been until I was greatly challenged with life that I was able to affirm my faith in God's ultimate sovereignty.

Currently I do not have that sense of confidence in God's provision. I can tell you that I will rely on Him and I will encourage and remind anyone who I observe struggling to rely on His promise to provide for those who love Him, but my pulse and central nervous system is not engaged in that reassurance. I am not trusting and my body is the prime indicator of my lack of faith.

So now I pray. I pray for my mind to speak or maybe arrest my physical being in a way that will absorb God's promises and send a deep inflicting peace through my bones. I meditate on these things...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will card for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Mat. 6:33-34

Blogettes

2009-04-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

I get overwhlemed by the idea of blogging because I'm not a photographer with sweet photos that tell a story and not nearly as witty as some of these supermoms.

I have some cute kids though...

Uhh....lately I've been contemplating the lost definition or absurd developments of post-modern art. I'm taking an art history class right now hoping to determine whether or not I'd like to continue a degree pursuit in that field. It is slightly devistating to observe the multitude of artists and also art historians who have concluded that art today is best defined by the amount of shock value the piece or performance receives. Thought provoking art is one thing, but terrorizing the emotions is quite another. I don't need to explain anymore except to direct you to this piece by a recent Yale grad. Please note that the medium was entierly fabricated as the following report by FOX News

Sense of self

2008-11-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Whether you base your self identity in the world or in God I think it is inevitable that you will now and again lose that sense of self through distraction or disappointment.

Being a mother has been a very high calling: one that I feel at times unqualified for yet still in great pursuit of success. We have had our guinea pig baby and are now on to the second. My sense of self seems lost a lot of the time. I struggle to see anything other than my son's inquisitive eyes or baby girl's vulnerable face. There is never a moment when I am not thinking of these kids and I believe that is what makes me their mother.

I'm 25 years old and seemingly a young mommy. I think I'd be vacillating between jobs and career choices if I weren't raising children. I'm sure there would be something incredibly exhausting in solely pursuing a career, but the grass is always greener and I'm positive my patience and level of sacrifice is experiencing a greater strain being a mom.

I would hate for my kids to know I was unhappy at times while they were little. I would never trade these experiences for anything. It is hard to watch myself be selfish in front of my children---hard to be humbled before them. It is difficult to know when to steal the time to be selfish for strengthening purposes. It's true some times I just need like two hours outside of home to reset and find that new energy to be creative and more tender-hearted with Daniel.

I couldn't ask for a more gentle spirited baby. Sophia has been such an easy-going baby, I hate to be superstitious and think that the worst is yet to come. She is completely opposite of the needy and complicated labels generalized for baby girls...unless I've been under the wrong impression. She actually smiles more than cries everyday. She gets distracted from eating and can't stop smiling at times...I thought babies this young only had hunger in mind.

The greatest strain of my self is in the desire for security and safety with having children. Because they are completely dependent on me and Adam the weight of care and awareness is heightened. My purpose on earth is heightened and therefore my life and health are of great importance. I have never felt more necessary on earth until I had children and furthermore never felt more dependent on God to protect us from the sin and danger of this world.

In considering all this on an everyday basis I am constantly exhausted and maybe not trusting/relying on God enough. I have put most of my dreams and self ambitions on hold or reserve and have assumed this role as my greatest calling yet. Being a mother is tough. I hate to complain. I am still such a newsie and hoping to truly embrace motherhood with great pride.

She's here! She's here!

2008-09-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Baby Sophia Marie Smith was born on August 29th, 2008 in the wee hours of the night (morning) at 12:54am. Labor was eventful and an experience I have never encountered even though this was baby number two. She had her own plan for arrival and although it strained my overall tolerance for pain it was quick.

Just over 6.5 pounds and still growing into her skin Sophia is already a night owl....that's how she came into the world too. She eats well and sleeps hard during the day. Already seeming like a content baby we're praying her gentle spirit continues, but prepared for whatever the Lord wills.

She initially didn't appear to look at all like Daniel and actually seemed to resemble my sister as an infant. So the breakdown from what we can tell now is that she has Adam's toes, Amelia's eyes, somebody's ridiculously long fingers....that's all we can tell.

Daniel is adjusting well it seems. He's deffinitely felt the change in attention or at least the need ot be more careful around the house now that there's a little baby here. He loves to hug and kiss Sophia and unfortunately poke her eyes.

We're all doing well and adjusting to this new life, but glad to be onto this next exciting phase of life. Praise God for a healthy baby girl and so far easy post-partum. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

No, the baby is not here yet

2008-08-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

I am due on August 30th...that is this Saturday. I have elected to be induced but that did not work out today and has made me nervous about the convenience, organization and overall proceedure of labor and delivery at Winter Park Hopsital which has been inundated with active labor women all day and likely into the night. God wants me to wait. Sophia would like to chill out in my womb for like another 3 weeks maybe. Daniel would like to go all places all the time and I can't keep up with him. I'm impatient, I know, but there is no telling whether she'll come on her due date so it's not's as if three days will pass and boom! the waiting is over. Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh!

SMILE!

2008-07-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

This picture cracks me up. I have never gotten such a HUGE smile out of Daniel when taking a picture. The teeth, the hair....he's too much.

Waiting for baby

2008-07-21T08:17:00.001-07:00

We have most everything ready for baby now, we just need the baby! We've been putting a diaper on this stuffed lion of Daniel's to show him about babies. He's not as gentle with the "baby" as I'd like, but I'm sure a live baby will be very different for him.

34+ weeks and 6 more to go. We'll keep you posted.

Daniel's Swimming Lessons

2008-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

....more or less a drowning prevention course. We signed him up when he was 15 months old and he learned the techniques wonderfully. After the winter he forgot the method and lost confidence in the water. So after 3 weeks of refresher classes now 26 months old he is back in familiar territory. At the end of the course they test him in both summer and winter clothes...

Reasons for Unexcused baby weight

2008-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

late night bowls of Apple Jacks! A lot of pregnant women revert to chewing ice late at night to curb the cravings....and I do this most nights, however sometimes I just can't resist a useless carb high of sugary Apple Jacks.

Entertaining a 2 year old

2008-06-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

...the greatest challenge I've faced recently. It's not necessarily the lack of ideas it's just the lack of energy needed to sustain his ever attention desiring heart. Dad asks, "How's the little blonde tornado?" and it couldn't be a better metaphor. He's not so much into breaking things and but the speed and potential for disaster is easily present.

So splash parks, and really anything to do with water have been a great compromise...not any on his part. Plus with the hot hot sun pouring down on us now I couldn't feel better about him running around as long as he stays cool.

It's amazing the inescapable expense you could go to in order to entertain a child. It's ridiculous actually and so the 2nd level of challenge is to find things to do on a regular basis that don't burn a hole in our pockets. Hence the reason for this arrangement.....

....he won't know how lame it really was until he's like 4 or 5. For now my roasting pan makes for an excellent mini splash park, especially when I get the bubble machine rolling, haven't seen bubbles AND fountains anywhere...but I haven't been to Disney in a while either.

Life is good with a little bit of creativity and some odds and ends.

New Home, increased exhaustion

2008-05-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

After a tiring week we finally transferred the last of all our belongings to the 3rd floor apartment. It's spacious and feels good, but I'm reluctant to get too cozy since we're planning to find a house by the new year.

Exhausted.....the best word to describe the way life feels right now. I think it must be the pregnancy, but parenting has proven to be one of the most excruciating challenges lately.

I've been worried that I must appear tired and un-enthused about baby #2. I don't know how I'm going to do it and I know I will not be alone but I fear my human limits of patience and flexibility. Of course God does not let it stand at that - human limits. I am limited but not without a great force of support and love on my side. I really must grow about 4 more spiritual limbs in order to take on two children and still maintain some independent identity. I will hold baby and ruthless toddler in my two arms and pray for strength constantly.

The Police

2008-05-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

We saw The Police play at the Amway Center this past weekend and it was every bit as incredible as I had hoped. I wasn't too fond of the opening band (Elvis Costello) my apologies to those of you who are Costello fans.

Between Costello and The Police was a drastic set change of instruments and equipment. Oddly enough The Police set was less elaborate than Costello save the drums and percussion section. They were set all on the same level of the stage drums center back, Sting front left and Andy Summers front right.

The minute the lights were killed and three silhouettes entered the stage was absolutely thrilling. They broadcast a big screen view of the band just behind the stage for those of us sitting a quarter of a mile away. Beginning with a softer song the name of which escapes me Sting was perched on a stool with a small classical guitar of sorts looking hardly as old as I think he is. It was surreal to behold this phenominal trio of musicians who hadn't performed like this since I was too young to walk. They played a thoroughly satisfying collection of classics, Message in a Bottle, Walking on the Moon, Can't Stand Loosing You, Roxanne, De Do Do Do De Da Da Da, Don't Stand So Close to Me, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, Every Breath You Take. Each song was accompanied by a show of lights that was simply hypnotising.

Sting is the most enthusiastic performer I have ever encountered. He was believably excited to encounter the fans of Orlando and rallied us on throughout the whole performance. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland were likewise entertaining their wit and skill on stage. One element I was particularly surprised to notice was Sting's bass, it looked like a blankie he had had since kindergarten it was so worn. I imagined it was his baby and it certainly played like it was loyal to his hands. I've read his autobiography and I can't seem to recall the story behind his bass and whether he uses just one or not. Andy Summers seemed to stick to one guitar as well for most of the show. It was just reaffirming of their talent to be able to stick with one instrument throughout the performance.

Honestly words cannot describe what my ears heard but it was every bit as magical as I could've have imagined. So thank you to my husband for splurging on my behalf for my birthday this year and allowing us the opportunity to see The Police in concert.

Life is Hectic...moving again

2008-05-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Apart from the pregnancyDanielworkdomesticroutine we are now moving, trying to buy a home of our own by the new year and hoping to maintain a good family connection in the midst of it all.

We move into a bigger apartment for a temporary lease that brings us to the beginning of January next year. This apartment happens to be within the same complex however on the 3rd floor (we're currently on the ground floor). Everybody says it's a beast climbing stairs to get home, but I'm sort of looking forward to the default exercise. This will be the 4th time we've moved in 3 years.

Upon researching Florida Housing Assistance programs I was able to meet with two counselors that said we qualify for government assistance. If possible we can qualify for a mortgage with down payment assistance by January of next year. The idea of finally owning a home is incredibly exciting and somewhat intimidating for Adam and me. Mostly it would be nice to gain some equity and have a regular neighborhood and backyard for our soon to be two children. Hopefully we will be able to secure everythin necessary to move into a house!

Family Additions

2008-03-10T10:38:00.001-07:00

Here is the most current photo of Smithlett #2. Expected to make his or her debut around August 31st, 2008 Pregnancy seems to be normal. We will know the gender by mid-April.

We've been re-evalutating our space in the anticipation of another little one. We're praying that God will provide the most suitable home for our family.

Daniel has no idea of the baby in Mommy's belly. He knows "baby" and "belly" but cannot understand that they go together. We're hoping he doesn't suffer too much from the shift in attention shared with a little brother or sister.

The Daniel Saga Continues

2008-01-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Today Daniel ate well after I gave him some cucumber dipping sauce to go along with his sandwich. He absolutely loved it! Getting this one to eat a whole meal is like he's being taken to the doctor for a shot sometimes. Praise God for cucumber dip!

Then I bought him a mini traffic cone at the Home Depot and he fell in love with it. I had to pry it out of his hands so he would go to bed, otherwise I think he would try to cuddle with it 'til he fell asleep.

Simple things like this make a world of difference in my attempt to maintain sanity while trying to appease a 20-month old tot.

Parenthood at it best

2007-11-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

Adam and I are new parents...despite what it may seem we love our son Daniel, but lately he has been quite a handful. This image was taken while we were trying to get a casual family photo however Daniel was not in the mood that evening and we were not so successful in getting him to sit still....

Here is our one normal shot for the evening:

I think I read something about bribing kids with M&Ms when it comes to getting them to sit still. I guess I'll have to remember that next time.

Busy and Christmas Coming

2007-11-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

The only time Daniel is this still is when he's watching "Charlie and Lola". We all watch it actually with sincere interest. If you get a moment you should check it out on YouTube it's an adorable 2D show about an English brother and sister who observe life in a simple and vastly imaginative scenario.

Anyway I realized I hadn't blogged in a while....has that become a useable verb now? Blogging? Weird, sometimes I really do wonder if we're headed for a 1984 generation. I've been caught up working more and now the holiday season is hitting and I really want to savor it this year and go to all the little "events" around town. Plus Daniel is able to be fascinated by lights and colors and music so I'm anxious to expose him to Christmas culture.

Speaking of Christmas, I was browsing through Target only a day after Halloween and they had already begun displaying their Christmas inventory. I became so excited looking at all the decorations and party hosting supplies. It was like a sugar rush and once I realized how much it would cost to do up a party with all of that stuff I crashed into disappointment knowing it wasn't something we could afford. It was not until a few days ago that I was humiliated by the biblical truth behind Christmas and actually desiring to celebrate Advent and the Nativity in place of the all the holly and the ivey. Plus you rarely come across a tasteful nativity scene so I wanted to think up a really unique display for our little apartment. Any suggestions are welcome...

Playground

2007-09-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show this great picture of Daniel on the slide at the playground. He really loved the thrill...I can see him already being a roller coaster fan.

Labor Day Launch

2007-09-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

After much intermittent napping our Labor Day came to a close with a great bit of excitement as we watched Adam's rocket explode into the air. This was actually the second attempt to launch the rocket...

See Adam bought some model rocket materials shortly after his birthday. He spent two weekends carefully assembling the rocket with a few ingenious modifications including designing and building a launch pad and control pad.

Once the rocket was ready to launch we set out to an open location to try it out. This first attempt was met with the discovery of incompetent battery voltage. So Adam did some research and discovered he just needed MORE POWER!

Last night we set out to launch her again and this time with higher voltage control. Adam also brought bigger fuel cartridges by accident so the rocket was certainly geared for a big show. This video clip tells the rest...

Unfortunately, we were not able to recover the rocket as we're convinced it must have broken the atmosphere and is now orbiting somewhere in space...at least that's what we'd like to think.

Adam has felt both excitement and loss at the outcome of his first rocket launch. He has already made plans to build another and we will keep you posted as to the next appointment for launch.

Puppy Syndrome

2007-08-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

The puppy killed my phone charger...

Domesticity at its best

2007-08-27T11:56:00.001-07:00

This is us today

Average daily routine:

Wakie, go for swim lesson, come home and run around the apt., walk the pup

Eat some snacks, read some books, take a nap

While Daniel sleeps I....

work, walk the pup, do laundry, clean house, pay bills, maybe find time for a shower....do I sound bitter? I'm not. I feel pretty accomplished and I know my son is content.

When Daniel wakes up we eat some lunch then go outside either swimming, biking, or running errands (also part of my job).

Dinner time is quick once Adam gets home from work, eats, changes, then heads to class (2 days a week). I get Daniel ready for bed and WHEW! I usually clean up some more at this point, or work, or just sit and stare at the wall wondering where the day went.

I'm working on adapting to a new schedule...