Pastor Appreciation. . .

October is Pastor Appreciation month, and while there are several Pastors I am thankful for today's post is about one of those pastor's wonderful wife! When Andrew and I were called to Danville, we made fast friends with Jason and Casey Barber. Jason had been the Senior Pastor here at North Main for about 6 months when we were given the privilege to come alongside them and begin serving the city of Danville. I remember a conversation I had with my mom about a month after we moved here. I told her that of the churches we had served I had never felt so much a part of a ministry team. It wasn't just the Pastors of the church. It really was a team of families serving alongside one another to bring the light of the Gospel to our new city. A huge part of it feeling like a team was the hospitality and togetherness that was taught by our Pastor and his family. Casey never failed to take an opportunity to welcome the staff families into her home. Every staff member that was brought in to Danville while they were here stayed at their house at least once. It was not because the church would not get them a hotel room, but because Casey's spiritual gift is hospitality, and it would not do for someone to have to spend the night in a stark hotel room. It is evidenced in how often she opened her home and her heart to others. Not just prospective staff members, but anyone. Not just once or twice a year, but often. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to serve alongside Jason and Casey for 5 years, but most of all I am grateful to be able to call Casey not only a mentor, but one of my best friends. Casey, I appreciate you, and all you pour into others. You and your family are in our prayers as you guys serve in Georgia. Thank you for your friendship.

How can you resist????

We went out last Saturday and took some new family pictures. . . My s-i-l, Summer took them and she did an amazing job. Here are just a few:

This is trying to get everyone to star jump at the same time! FUN!

Just look at that face on Asher!

We had a blast taking all of the pictures and there are many more that are wonderful as well! Anyway, as usual, life in our circus is crazy and fun! We hope you are doing well and will keep in touch and let us know what's up with you where you are!

Ps. In case you missed the newest Katie Grace-ism... in her class her teacher was talking about how the letters Q and U always go together. . . She raised her hand and said, "It's like "Q" is a popstar and "U" is his number one fan!"

Where in the world does she come up with these things?

Pace is THREE!

Yummy! That cake is good! This little cutie is growing up too fast! I can't believe he is 3 already. He loved his Lightning McQueen party. We had a few friends over for dinner and cake and ice cream. It was a great time.

Aunt Summer got some really good pictures. . .  in this one you can't tell that what was really happening was that just a moment before Pace was trying to prevent Asher from touching any of his cars by laying on them and making sure they were all underneath him. . . It looks like they are playing sweetly! Thanks, Aunt Summer!

 We also had a terrible time trying to get that silly boy to look at the camera! I love this picture. Look carefully at my hands and you can see the death grip I have on him trying to get a picture. Still couldn't control those eyes, though! All in all, it was a very fun day, and I will share more pictures soon!

Pace- You are  a wonderful addition to our family. You make us laugh with your sweet, funny spirit and sometimes cry with your determination. We are so proud of the little boy you are and who you will grow to be (We just wish you would go potty)! We love you!               - Daddy and Momma

Another one bites the dust. . .

     I cannot believe how fast time is flying by! Asher turned 8 months this week, Pace will be 3 in 2 weeks, Katie Grace will be 6 in 2 months! AAAGGGHHH! Make it stop! They are all growing up too fast!
     We have had a really good couple of weeks in the Pace department. He is still having attitude when you correct him, every once in a while, but as a whole it has gotten much better! Doggone that boy, though, he just makes me laugh!
     We are getting into a routine now with our new fall schedule. Sarah Joy has a pretty fun reading teacher. She reads aloud to the class with LOTS of excitement! Sarah Joy says its really good!  She is reading a series about Kung-Fu fighters and called a local Karate center and got each one of  her reading students a free week of lessons. Unfortunately, we will not be able to utilize SJ's because the times are during Monday's dance and Wednesday's church activities. She could go to the Thursday lesson, but not sure the karate center would go for that. I may call and check just to be sure though. I thought that was so cool, that she would take the time to seek out something fun to let the kids experience what they had been hearing about in the book. I know there are alot of wonderful teachers out there, but I am thankful that alot of them are at our school!
     Not too much else going on here! Hope all is well with your circus!

Asher is growing. . .

So people say it all the time, and I know he is getting big, but last night when I was changing Asher's diaper, a pair of Pace's pajama pants were sitting on the changing table. . .so I tried them on Asher! Hahahaha, they are 2T and while they were too long, they were not gaping at the waist either! So funny! That little boy isn't gonna stay little long! It is so hard to believe that I am less than five months from having a 1 year old, a 3 year old and a 6 year old. . .  and not long after that Sarah Joy will be in double digits! They are all growing too fast!

Katie Grace loved her dance class last week! She came out very happy. Sarah Joy loved her classes, too- especially jazz. She has her first tap class, today! It's at the new studio, we can't wait to check it out!

Open House is tonight at school, we are looking forward to going and making sure all is well for both girls.

More in Katie Grace news. . .

This morning before school, Katie Grace lost her first tooth! She is soooooo excited! She had eaten a bite of an ear of corn on Monday night and gotten it really loose! Andrew told her last night he felt sure it would come out today if it did not come out in her sleep! She also starts dance today! This is her first year with Mrs. Lackey and we are looking forward to it. Sarah Joy has had Mrs. Lackey for several years and has always loved her. Sarah Joy's first class will be Friday. They didn't have it Monday because of Labor Day, so we will be dancing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this year! Fun times ahead!

Falling in the Mud. . .

So this morning, I got a phone call to bring Katie Grace some more shoes. She had fallen in the mud at school. When I get there, I saw a happy little girl! Katie Grace has gotten to where it seems like she is crying at the smallest things, so I was expecting to hear that she had cried when she fell in, but they said she didn't and that she never got upset. I told her how proud Andrew and I were that she was a big girl when she slipped and fell! We sent extra clothes at the beginning of the year, so when I got there, she had already changed clothes, just needed shoes.  They handed me her dirty clothes in a wal-mart bag. When I got home, I pulled out the clothes to clean them, and I think the pants might be a lost cause. I scrubbed, and they are currently soaking. She had only gotten a little on her shirt and it came out really quickly. I got her shoes clean, too, but those pants are another issue. Yep, her middle name's Grace.  Love that child.

Not a couponer, but I do like to save!

...and thanks to my SIL's blog, I did. I got a new pair of glasses for cheap!  I did have to spend almost 50.00 but that's awesome for the frames, lenses and the fact that I got them hi-indexed, so it doesn't look like you are looking through coke bottles to see me! :) Ha.  Anyway- so excited. They should be here in a couple of weeks.

Anyway-not too much else going on. The boys and I are just trying to get our schedule figured out for during the school day. I am having a little trouble fitting in my run with Asher still taking 3 naps a day, Pace having his nap, and starting next week- dance 3 afternoons a week! Like I said when I renamed this blog~ Life in the Circus! To be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. Blessings!

Quick Trip, First days, etc...

So we took quick trip to Alabama for a few reasons, one we were meeting Nana to pick up Sarah Joy,  we also went to see Andrew's grandmother who wasn't doing extremely well, and on the way we had the opportunity to stop and spend some wonderful time with our friends in Georgia, the Barber's! Our trip was fast and furious but a whole lot of fun! It was the first time several people had gotten to see Asher- Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Whitney, Grandmother Bea, Mr. Jason. It was a whole lot of fun to introduce our sweet big'un to everyone. I had almost typed "little one," but that would definitely have been inaccurate. He is for sure the most fluffy baby we have ever had~and we all LOVE it! When we got home it was just a week before school started but we had the opportunity to get everyone's school clothes organized and ready. I am so sorry this has taken so long to get online, but when we got home, our modem had been fried, and it took several weeks to get a new one. Anyway- all is well now and here are a few pictures from the first day of school for Sarah Joy and Katie Grace.
Sarah Joy is thrilled with her 4th grade teachers and with her friends in her class! Katie Grace is loving kindergarten and is enjoying herself alot.She is very excited about her teacher and the fact that one of her best friends is in her class. She is just tired at the end of the day. You can tell she is not used to missing naptime. They take a 20 minute rest everyday at school, and she falls asleep everyday. It's just not quite enough for her to make it through to evening. Mr. Shields says that every time he sees her at school she is smiling, and that in gym the whole time she is running she is laughing and smiling! We are so happy with our school and thankful for all of the relationships we have in that building. I never worry that if my kids needed something and couldn't get me, that there would be a problem. I know that there are many in that building who would love them and take care of them. That's a great feeling to have when you drop them off at the door.
So anyway. That's the last weeks of summer and the first week of school in a nutshell.

Shoe Tying

Well, a little frustrated with myself that I did not sit down and teach her sooner, because we showed Katie Grace twice how to tie her shoe and she got it! Yesterday evening I sat down with her and showed her once and she tried then Andrew came in and sat with us and he showed her again. She tried again and got close but said she knew what to do. She tried a few more times and got it perfect. This morning she got her new shoes for school and said she was gonna practice and she remembered how. So proud of my little one. . . but all the more realizing she's not so little anymore. It sure is bittersweet to be teaching them independence. I am scared I am going to blink my eyes and she will be as big as Sarah Joy. Anyway. That's what's new today at our house!

That's So Daniel!

Summer Music Camp is finished! The kids did a GREAT job on their performance Sunday night! I was so proud of each and everyone of them! Andrew and I were both really nervous Sunday. It all seemed to be going too smoothly. From setting up the stage and making sure we had all the costumes ready to our final run-through Sunday afternoon. It all went so well... that we were very concerned for the performance, but they NAILED IT! They all did wonderfully! The drama went well, the music went well, the motions went well! It was great. Andrew and I were so pleased with all their hard work! They continue to surprise me every year with how quickly they learn.

Sarah Joy left Monday for a trip to visit my mom in Arkansas. While she is gone Katie Grace and I plan to go through the playroom and get all of the little girl toys packed up to give away or get rid of. Then next week, SJ will come home and we will have our last week and a half of summer before I send TWO to school for the first time! I am not ready for this!
Katie Grace got her new tennis shoes for school and put them on the other night with her blue jeans and a little collared shirt and put her backpack on! She looked so grown up! AAAGGHHHH! Where does the time go? I just want to wrap them all up in my arms and make them stay little forever! One other thing I want her to learn before school starts is how to tie her shoes! Whoops.
Pace loved the musical. He asks to listen to it all the time, and makes me be the mom and the grandpa so he can be Daniel. He is sure to correct me if I get the lines wrong! Who is that kid?
Asher is growing up more everyday. I finally started giving him cereal on a consistent basis. I can't tell that he is really sleeping any better but he is doing well with it! I'm just not ready for my last baby to grow up!

Summer Music Camp-Day 1

Whoo-hoo! Day one was a HUGE success! We had 38 children and they did a great job. Speaking parts have been given out and t-shirts are ordered. . .  they've got a good handle on most of the songs already! We are looking forward to a great week. We are doing ,"That's So Daniel," a musical about making good choices. . . from choosing to put good things in your body to how we behave, it's all about honoring the Lord. It's alot of work to teach a whole musical in a week, but it is our prayer that the truths the music teaches will be hidden in the kids hearts for them to call on for the rest of their lives... I still catch myself singing songs from musicals I was in as a child.

Kids- Update

Last week was Katie Grace's screening for kindergarten. Not a huge deal, really, but you still want them to do their best. Katie Grace was sick last week and not feeling 100%- but nonetheless, she went Wednesday. My girl scored a 92.5! Pretty good no matter what, but Excellent when all things are considered! The teacher who did her screening said that she was only the second child this year so far to have scored over a 90. Great job, little one!

Friday was Asher's 6 month check-up and shots appointment. That guy is 17lbs and 2 oz! WHAT??? He is turning out to be a little chunker! I LOVE IT! He is completely healthy and doing everything he is supposed to, EXCEPT eating solids. I know its time, but he is growing fine and I am NOT ready to rush him to grow up. He has had some rice cereal, but nothing on a regular basis. I can't believe his first year is halfway over already! He is always such a happy baby- and is starting to get a sweet little personality.

Pace is a mess! That boy keeps me on my toes from morning til night! He loves to play outside, play guitar, drums, sing, play with cars, play basketball, baseball, and soccer! He loves to play Ninja-he is all boy and we are having a ball!

Sarah Joy is growing up. She is just a little over a head shorter than I am. I can't believe what a wonderful helper she is! When she is home for the summer she makes my life so much easier! I love having her around! She is alot of fun to talk to and laugh with as well! I cannot believe she starts fourth grade in a month. Where has my little girl gone?

Oh well, thats a quick update on the animals in our circus! Let us know how you are doing!

Summer so far. . .

I am trying so hard to enjoy our last summer before Katie Grace heads to school, but it is flying by, no matter how hard I try to slow it down! But it sure has been a GREAT summer! The week before school got out we went to Charlotte for Andrew to lead worship for a retreat with our former student minister, Joseph McMurry. The Monday of the last week of school was Awards Day for Sarah Joy, but we missed it! Instead we loaded up in the van (with Uncle Trey and Aunt Summer) and went to Norfolk to get to see my Dad before he headed out of country. We had never had the opportunity to do that before and it was very special to get to see him right before he headed out! We went to the beach over Memorial Day weekend, and had a blast! I was so surprised by how NOT crowded it was! We had so much fun! The month of June was full with the girls taking a trip to Alabama to visit Cece and Poppa and getting to see their cousins. They had a great time and got home just in time for VBS at church. Nana got to come visit for July 4th weekend and will be back in about a week!  Whew, it's been busy but I wouldn't expect any less in our circus. We head to the dr. tomorrow to find out how much Asher has grown! It's his 6 month check-up already! Where does the time go?

Blogging Again!

Wow! What a struggle this has been. I really do like blogging. I do find it hard to make time for it.After many comments from friends about needing to change our blog name because of the additions to our family I have finally come up with a name that I hope you agree accurately portrays who we are and what our blog will be about. SixSmith's- Life in the Circus. Watch out! You are about to immerse yourself in Our Circus!

Archives 2009-Jan 2011

Baby? 

January 13, 2011

So, we are in the hospital waiting. . .  they started meds at 9:00 am, and hopefully when the doc comes back at 1:00 to check, things will have really started getting moving! I am having more contractions than I was before the meds. . . so now we would like them to increase in intensity- not too much, too quickly- mind you, but enough to get the show on the road so that then we can ask for an epidural and get this little boy here! We are excited. I cannot wait to see the look on Pace's face.  . . over the last couple days he has really taken to talking about baby Asher. . .so I think he might be finally getting it!n Guess that's all for now, hopefully more will come- sooner rather than later! :)

Christmas 2010  

January 3, 2011

Christmas at our house was very different this year! We usuallly load up in the car after the Christmas eve service and drive to Alabama... but this year with the baby being so close I wasn't travelling so our original plan had been for Andrew and the kids to drive to AL for a couple of days after Christmas. Some contractions on my part changed those plans, another plan was for Andrew to meet up with his parents so at least the kids could go but then the weather changed those plans. So we actually had a few days of quiet Christmas around our house. Christmas morning our kids didn't get up until 8:00! Andrew and I were shocked! So we got up and did Santa and family gifts and then they played while Andrew and I fixed a big breakfast! Then we played some more and took a nap and about 4:00 we loaded up in the car and went to see Tangled! The girls LOVED the movie. Pace enjoyed it too, but his favorite part was the tub 'o popcorn! Then this past Wed. my parents got here and we were able to do Christmas with them! We had a blast! and as usual my kids got way more than they needed! But I guess that's what Grandparents are for! Yesterday morning when Mom and Dad were getting ready to leave, my mom joked with Pace about taking him with her... he did not think it was a joke and wanted me to go pack his stuff so he could. We had to tell him we would do it another time. I don't think my mom thought he would really want to go so easily! I was not surprised! So anyway! We had a great holiday and are thankful for today and tomorrow before we jump back into our regular routine! Sarah Joy doesn't go back to school until Wednesday! Happy New Year! Blessings in 2011!

Happy Birthday, Katie Grace! 

November 22, 2010

Today is Katie Grace's 5th birthday! This little girl has definitely added fun and sunshine to our family! It has been a fun day. For dinner, she wanted LoneStar (where she chose Mac-n-Cheese and french fries) and after we finished eating we started on dessert! We had brought her cupcakes with us and as we started eating them the waiters and waitresses came out to sing to her and she said, "Thanks, that's what I was waiting for!" Who knew? I was kind of nervous she wouldn't like them coming to sing to her. I should have known better! After dessert, it was home to OPEN PRESENTS! She had been so patient, all day while SJ was a school and Daddy was at work, and she was so excited! One of the things that she got for her birthday was a "real American Girl" doll! It was not a new doll, but one that had been stored in a box for several years. She took it out of the box and took off her hat and rubbed her sweet little hand across the dolls forehead- at which time, the doll's bangs came off in her hand. Katie Grace leaned in and said, "Whoa. A little bald." That girl. She was so sweet and she never fussed at all. We are now looking into sending "Sophie" the very real and very bald American Girl to the American Girl hospital. All in all, she had a very fun day and went to bed a really happy little 5 year old.

fun stuff!  

November 17, 2010

Christmas shopping is well under way! I am pretty far ahead of schedule if you look at my normal pattern! I LOVE going out shopping for Black Friday, but there have been so many good deals already, that I might not even get up! That makes my friend, Kelly, very happy since she is going with me this year and is NOT looking forward to it! Sarah Joy is done, KG is very close to done, and I have a great list for Pace! Most of our extended family is done as well. Our Christmas cards are designed , just waiting to see if Sam's Club runs the special they did last year Thanksgiving weekend before ordering them! I figure I better get as much done as I can, cause who knows what can happen over the next few weeks! I am 31 weeks prego today. About 9 weeks to go! I cannot believe how fast this pregnancy has gone! We are looking forward to meeting Paco, and can't wait for him to get here! Although there is no official name yet, sorry! We will have one before we come home from the hospital, I guess. We have a couple of things we are thinking on, but nothing has JUMPED out at me that it's the one yet! I am trusting that the Lord will help guide me to this sweet little blessing's identity! Well, we will be celebrating Katie Grace's 5th birthday on Monday of next week, and my parents will be here this weekend for that and an early Thanksgiving visit! happy Thanksgiving to you!

Traveling Children  

November 8, 2010

Katie Grace and Sarah Joy just got home Sunday night from a visit to Georgia. Another family from church was going down to visit the Barber's and they were kind and generous enough to allow our girls to make the trip with them. They have done nothing but talk about how wonderful the trip was. While they were gone, Andrew and I were able to get a good grip on our Christmas Shopping. One of the best things was that we could go together and since Pace is only 2 we could discuss things and not have to worry about little ears hearing us! Andrew and I went down and checked out the new Tanger outlet in Mebane, and then were able to get lots of stuff done here in Danville as well! So excited!

Changes... 

November 2, 2010

There is alot going on around here. Just normal life mostly, but then Andrew had his trip last week, and this weekend the girls are going out of town and next week Andrew has to go to Lynchburg, Monday and Tuesday. WHEW! I am tired just thinking of all of it. We also said goodbye to some special friends Sunday night. You can check out their blog (the Uyboco's) for their full story, but in a nutshell, Jon and Suzanna have answered a new calling God has placed on their families lives and are in transit to California for Jon to be part of the Pastoral Team at Grace! As sad as we are to see them go, it has been amazing to watch how all of the details have been worked out by the Lord! I hope you will be in prayer for them with me. I didn't get many pictures of my kids in their costumes Sunday night, but I did get a couple.  On a different note, I hope whatever is going on in your lives there are some changes as well. . . because we definitely need to be changed. I know I am thankful for the large and small changes going on in our families lives.

Andrew gets home TONIGHT! 

October 31, 2010

We are all so excited here at our house! Andrew has been gone this week to a Worship Intensive, and he gets home tonight! Yippee! Though not having him around is always difficult this time seems so worth it! I really haven't been able to talk to him much because they have been so busy. He has had the opportunity to pick the brains of alot of people! One of the things they did was a song-writing session. When Andrew and I were first married (and even before) he used to write fairly often, but with the busy-ness of life and ministry and 3 children, he hasn't taken the time to do that in a really long time. Their song turned out so well that they got to sing it this morning at Grace Fellowship- the church that has been hosting them for this week! Andrew texted me and let me know that they would be streaming it live, if I could watch. After singing with the praise team this morning, I went in his office and got tuned it just in time to see the 5 guys that have been there for the Intensive introducing themselves and then they sang their song! It was REALLY GREAT! It was a collaborative effort between the 5 of them and it was so good to see and hear some of what they had been doing this week. I am excited for him to get home and share with me some more of what God did this week while he was away! Tonight is Fall Festival at church so I better run make sure I have all the parts to all the costumes for the evening! Hope to get pictures of them up tomorrow or Tuesday! More soon!

A visit from "Famous Girl!"  

October 27, 2010

Last night we had a visitor at our house! Her name is Famous Girl. She is a really pretty little girl who wears a scarf, sunglasses, a princess nightgown and Mickey Mouse ears. She came in and introduced herself and I told her I wanted her to meet my daughter, Katie Grace. She told me she knew what she looked like and would go find her. . .then Katie Grace came in and said, "Yes? Mommy? You needed me?" and I told her I had met a little girl named Famous Girl and I thought they would be good friends, but now I couldn't find her. She said, Oh, I will go find her. . .  and off she went. . .back and forth. This went on for an hour or, with Trey and I laughing the whole time... Finally she came in as KG and said, "Momma, did you know I was both? That's why we couldn't be here at the same time." That little girl just cracks me up! I love my kids! They are my very own comedy show! So glad I get to watch them and hear the very funny things they say. . .I hope to add a picture of "Famous Girl" up later today.Be sure and check it out!

_{Recipes and Cleaning tips.}  

_{October 25, 2010}

_{So yesterday after church we had a lunch fellowship to tell some dear friends goodbye! For lunch we had "Walking Tacos" SO FUN! There were individual bags of doritos and fritos and you opened your bag and crushed up your chips then you put in taco meat, and cheese and ate it with a spoon. . . similar to a Frito Chili Pie if you've ever had one (I was surprised by how many of our friends yesterday had never heard of a Frito Chili Pie!) Anyway- it was fun, easy clean up and different. . . I got to thinking about it and you could totally add refried beans and rice to your toppings and even I guess lettuce, tomato and onion- You just gotta make sure you don't overfill your bag. So after lunch and dessert we were all just hanging out and Sweet Pace (bless his heart) was playing in the room with the bigger kids and picked up a dry erase marker and used it on a dry erase board and himself. Nevermind that he had worn a BRAND-NEW shirt to church yesterday that I was pretty careful with lunch and took off of him while he was eating. . . but we came home and I googled getting dry erase marker out... and SURPRISE the solution I tried WORKED, the first time! I was a little nervous about even trying -but there wasn't really anything to lose, the shirt had bright blue dry erase all over the front. . . It was Murphy's Oil Soap. The key is to use a little bit at a time and not get it all over the item, just where the stain is, because after you get the dry erase stain out you then have to get the oil residue stain out, so after I got all the dry erase marker out I put dishwashing liquid on the shirt again trying to keep it localized so that you don't spread the oil stain. Then you launder as usual being sure NOT to dry it until you know it's all gone! I let the shirt air dry and it looks just like it did when I put it on him yesterday morning! SO EXCITING! The key is like with all stains, try to catch it early- once you have dried the item it's a losing battle!  I saw several other suggestions, but this one had a 100% success rate on the site I found it on.  So hopefully, if your little one or you (I've done it- back when I was teaching) have an incident with a permanent marker or dry erase marker, this solution will help you, too!  Anyway- I guess that's it for me today. Happy Fall!}

_{What? Twice in a week?} 

_{October 21, 2010}

_{So I got the pictures from Julia. . . So great! She did a phenomenal job. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Went to the Dr. yesterday and had my glucose test. Haven't heard anything yet- so hopefully we will make it through the day without a call from their office. If so, that means everything was fine. I really don't want to have to go take the 3 hour test again. That experience is one I don't want to repeat! Otherwise everything was great. Heartbeat was 146. I cannot believe I am 27 weeks now. It's flying by! Well, I gotta few things to finish up around the house for today so I am gonna cut this short. Thanks for checking in! Enjoy the new pictures!}

_{Back in the Saddle...} 

_{October 19, 2010}

_{So those of you who REALLY know me are surprised I am sure that I keep having bouts of slacking on a blog...hahaha. no those of you who REALLY know me, well you know me! There has been alot going on in our crazy lives here as I am sure you have lots going on too. But, for me, this is (unfortunately) one of the first things I bail on is blogging. Sorry about that. Anyway. Pace is 2! Where oh where did my baby boy go? Um, I pretty sure he is the one running up and down the playroom hollering, "Aw man, ball!" When he threw the ball and it didn't go where he wanted it to go. Or maybe he is the one I hear yelling, "two, three, go awww yeahhh" and playing his drums and singing!" Oh wait, it's Pace. Somehow, unbeknownst to me, he seems capable of doing all of these things at the same time! Needless to say life around here is not boring by any stretch of the imagination! We are having fun trying to hang on for the ride! For those of you who read this, I have several friends going through some major changes in their lives and I just ask that you would lift them up to the Lord if you don't mind. They will never know you did it, I probably won't either, but our Lord knows and each of their situations are extremely different, but ALL of them are extremely important. Thanks in advance for that. We had family pictures done this weekend and I hope to put some of them up here by next week or so. . .  and also to get a jump start on my Christmas cards... do I have your address? Please email me if you even think I don't so that I can get my info up-to-date. (and remember it's me we are talking about- I've quite possibly lost it!) Anyway. Hope all is well with you and yours. Comment back and let me know how you are!}

_{Oops. I don't mean to be a slacker. . .} 

_{August 18, 2010}

_{I am so sorry I haven't done much updating over the summer. Well, Baby Smith number 4 is a boy! We have affectionately nicknamed him Paco at this point. We are absolutely thrilled. We had a scare last week that forced us into the doctor and because of that we got to find out about 3 weeks early that a boy was on his way. Lots of excitement on everyone's part here at our house. The girls claim that they are really excited because Pace will have a friend to play with and (here's where you get the truth) he wouldn't bother them while they were playing. hahaha I think they forget how long it will be before Paco and Pace will be "playing together!" And they certainly haven't thought of the fact that it will really just be 2 little brothers wanting to play with them instead of just one. At this point we are praying that my issues will resolve on their own. We will be having monthly ultrasounds to monitor progress. If not, it will force us to have a c-section which while i know lots of people that have had them, still concerns Andrew and I. Most likely, just because it is new to us, but after 3 others I feel like I have a pretty good handle on how everything will go, and now here comes the curveball. We know that whatever happens our God is plenty big and will handle it all according to his purposes for our lives and His Kingdom. Unfortunately- even though I try, sometimes my human side grabs hold and I get to worrying about it. Please pray that I would not allow that to happen and that I would rest in my Father's love and protection for me and my family. I am trying to slow down myself so that I will not have anymore complications that would force bed rest. Can you imagine what that would be like with 3 children? I really can't even comprehend it at this point! So, again, pray with me that God would just take care of it all and I would use the brain He gave me to pay attention and slow down without the dr.'s having to FORCE the issue. Well, Sarah Joy has started her first week of THIRD grade. She absolutely loves her teacher and there were no new students in her class. She is looking forward to a great year! I will get her pictures of the first day of school posted at some point. I have to go back and find the ones from the first day of K, 1st and 2nd grades to compare it to! Fun! Take care and hopefully now I can get back in the rhythm of updating at least once a week.}

_{Disney Pictures and Trip Report}  

_{July 21, 2010}

_{PLEASE forgive the lack of activity on this site over the last month and a half!  I never even finished my trip report. For those that missed it,  I was really tired and my only excuse on top of life being busy- we came home and jumped right into VBS and then getting ready for Music Camp and all is that I was right in the throes of finishing up my first trimester and was just exhausted. It's amazing how much harder it is to stay rested when running after 3 other children! I don't want any of this to minimize how very much fun we had on our trip, though. IT WAS AMAZING! After the Fort Benning portion of our vacation to see Uncle Michael (who is now safely in Alaska) graduate from Basic we went to visit our dear friends in Roswell, GA. The Barbers were kind enough to open their home to the kids and me for a few days. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We got to go see the American Girl Boutique again (which the girls loved! SJ has a long list of things she wants to save up to buy from there!) and we got to go swimming but best of all was just the time playing at the Barber's house letting the kids do their own things. There were singing and dancing shows, and little boys (Pace) running around with Owen's bat and ball. Owen was amazing with Pace, helping him play baseball, and shoot baskets! Sadly, our time to go came quickly, as it tends to do when we are with special friends. Sweet Ella,broke my heart, cause she didn't want her Katie Grace to leave. (Don't worry, Ella- Katie Grace is using all her Pixie Dust wishes from Disney World wishing that you guys were sisters!- but that is another story!) But that Wednesday afternoon, Poppa Larry and Cece pulled up in the Barber's driveway and we began working to load all of our stuff in their van and the very loaded down Montana pulled out- Florida-bound! Casey got a good laugh at us packed in like that! We stopped somewhere in GA and spent the night and finished up our journey on Thursday (June 10- Owen's birthday and Andrew's and my 10th anniversary!) Andrew drove all day from Danville and finally arrived in Orlando about 9:30 that evening! Yippee! Well this entry has gotten LONG- so I will finish with the Disney part of the report another day! Enjoy the pictures!}

_{Baby Number FOUR!}  

_{July 1, 2010}

_{For those that I haven't had the opportunity to talk to in person lately, you might be completely shocked to find out that our family is expecting again! Baby number 4 is expected to arrive on January 19, 2011. We finally told girls and Pace yesterday after our Dr's appointment. Everyone in our family is excited and we hope that you will share in our excitement and pray for a healthy arrival of our newest blessing! I hope to finish my trip reports over the next few days and ask your patience as I get pictures uploaded for you to see! (I've been a little tired- but otherwise feeling great!) We will keep you updated as best we can! Thanks for checking in on us!}

_{Our trip. . .part one.}  

_{June 25, 2010}

_{We got home last Saturday night from our trip and jumped right in to VBS so I haven't taken the time to blog. . . Our trip had 3 parts! The first leg was to Fort Benning, GA to see Michael (my youngest brother) graduate from Basic Training for the Army. The ceremony was really nice and when it was over we got to spend the rest of the weekend with Michael. Some of the guys had only 15 minutes to visit with family and friends before they had to leave for their next duty station, but we were lucky. Michael even got to go home with my parents for a few weeks doing what they call "hometown recruiting" before he has to report to his next duty station. . . ALASKA! Whew- glad it's him and not me. I HATE TO BE COLD! My children were all really excited to be with their family. We had a blast. More on our journey in the next entry. . . Our trip. . .part 2.}

_{Sarah Joy!}  

_{June 3, 2010}

<sub>So I wasn't planning on taking the time before our trip to blog again, but. . . yesterday was Sarah Joy's 2nd grade awards ceremony. Somehow I missed the notice coming home to tell us when it was, and Andrew had been picking with me that they didn't send one home because she wasn't getting an award. That would have been fine, if she had honestly tried her hardest. However, he was right she didn't get AN award. She got THREE! She was the only one in her 2nd grade class to have all A's for the whole year!  She got a trophy for that award, and then she also got 2 medals, one for reaching and exceeding her 2nd grade Accelerated Reader goal and one for  "Advanced Achievement" on her SRI (Scholastic Reading Inventory) which is the test she takes for her reading placement. (To get specific a perfect score is 1000 and they want you to have over 850 in 5th grade- She made a 941!) Sarah Joy has worked very hard this year in school and I just wanted to take the chance to share her achievements with you! 

PS- We leave today! Yippee!</sub>

_{Memorial Day Weekend!}  

_{May 31, 2010}

_{This weekend has been so fun, but also very busy! Sarah Joy and Katie Grace spent the night with Miss Brenda, Friday night! Saturday they went to three parks, played UNO, and just had an all around good time! Saturday night we had a Bible Fellowship get-together and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. It was a fun time. Sunday morning we had church and then because of the holiday there was no evening service so we got together with the Burton's and got to see their new puppy dog, Duke! He is gonna be a monster! He is a 12 week old black lab, who is pretty laid back. Today, Sarah Joy has school, but it is FIELD DAY! Andrew got to go with her and is gonna check her out after all the fun stuff and let her come home early! We are trying to get started with our packing for our journey around Georgia and Florida! We leave Thursday and after a little change of plans we are gonna get to go visit with our friends, The Barber's for a few days and then Andrew will come down to Florida and we will do Disney World and the Southern Baptist Convention! Exciting days, ahead! If I don't update too often, be sure we are having a great time and I will try to fill you in when we return home!}

_{infomercials.} 

_{May 27, 2010}

<sub>I have always enjoyed watching infomercials. But my enjoyment does not begin to match my middle child's enjoyment (and memorization) of them! She really likes to tell me what I NEED from the infomercials- a shark steam-vac, bumpits, bendaroos, live butterfly garden, etc. The best however was this morning when she was eating breakfast and asked me if our mattresses had springs inside them. I replied, "Yes they do." She said, "Well, we need a tempurpedic, its better for our backs." I said, "Yep, that's what they say on the commercials, but Katie Grace sometimes that's not exactly true." to which my precious, insightful, little girl inquired,"Are they just trying to sell me stuff?" Yes, dear. That is exactly what they are trying to do! Awesome. She makes me laugh. Hope you enjoy her stories as well!

In other news, Sarah Joy has "Water Day!" tomorrow for reading and earning all her AR points for this year. Monday is Field Day and next week is our last week of school! She is ready to be home with the rest of us and we are ready to have her back with us all day long!

Pace is talking more, and even Joe Schmo off the road would understand some of what he says. He has always talked alot, but not many of us could understand him! He still refuses to say,"Please!" I say, "Say Please." and he says (nodding his head emphatically), "Yeah!"

That's all for now. Hope you have a happy Memorial Day!</sub>

_{check em out!}  

_{May 23, 2010}

_{So, just in case you didn't realize... over in the right hand column of my page there are some bookmarks that will lead you to some of my favorite sites/blogs. When you have free time, check em out. I think they are worth your while! Hope you are having a restful Sunday. We are!}

_{Another Katie Grace story!}  

_{May 20, 2010}

_{So Trey and I were talking and he finally remembered to tell me a tale of Katie Grace. Katie Grace was riding with Trey to take Momma to the airport earlier this month after Sarah Joy's dance recital and birthday. They had stopped and eaten lunch with mom before they dropped her off and then after leaving the airport they were driving down the road and passed a ColdStone Creamery. In typical Katie Grace fashion, she started telling Trey a story. She said, "Hey, Uncle Trey! There was a man and he had 15 legs and 15 Ice Cream Cones. . . and I reallly want ColdStone!" hehe. That girl makes me laugh.}

_{Everybody's growing up!}  

_{May 17, 2010}

<sub>Just wanted to give you all a quick synopsis of all three of the Smith's children's current goings on...

Sarah Joy just brought home her last progress report for the year and so far she still has all A's and S's for her school career! We are very proud of her hard work. She is working on her multiplication and starting some simple division as well. She continues to work on her writing skills and still loves to read. She is done with dance until fall and is eagerly awaiting summer vacation and all that goes with it!

Katie Grace is enjoying her Reading Lessons and is doing very well with them. She is excited about being able to read a book to Pace all on her own. She continues to entertain us with her funny stories and imagination.

Pace is talking alot! and we are starting to understand more and more! He says cup, cookie, mama, daddy, Sissy (Sarah Joy) ka-dace (Katie Grace), down, ni-night, and yes - just to name a few. He loves to play with his sisters and they are starting to  include him in their play instead of playing around him- but he will let them know when he is done or doesn't want to play what they want him to play.

Anyway- lots of fun!</sub>

_{Getting Ready. . .} 

_{May 12, 2010}

_{At the Smith house we have just realized that summer is coming soon and with it comes busy-ness! Sarah Joy will have to miss the last day of school for us to make a trip to Fort Benning, GA to go see my brother, Michael, graduate from Army Boot Camp. His next journey will be to Alaska! Sounds cold to me! Then we will come home for a few days before heading to Orlando, FL for the Southern Baptist Convention and a trip to Disney world (we are so excited)! We will head home on the day before VBS kicks-off at church then June will be gone! Whew. Looking ahead, July doesn't look quite as busy, but doesn't look calm either! Whatever your plans are this summer, I hope you are gonna have as much fun as we are. Keep checking in, and I will do my best to keep you updated to all of our goings-on! Would love to hear how you- our precious friends and family are doing!}

_{Learning to Read-}  

_{May 11, 2010}

_{So I have finally made an honest attempt at starting Reading lessons with Katie Grace! We finished lesson 12 today and she is doing really well. So far she is reading the sounds a, m, s, t, r, d, e, and has read the following words all on her own: seed, sam, rat, me, see, ram, am, eat, sat, mat. She is working really hard and I am very proud of her! Maybe soon we can get a video of her reading to you up here. The funny part about all of this is that she has seen the infomercial for "Your Baby Can Read" and has wanted me to order it for Pace. I told her I would NOT teach Pace to read before she learned how! So that coupled with Nana telling her that she would call everyday at 10:00 to make sure she was doing her lessons has finally helped her WANT to do it! Yeah, I know Sarah Joy wasn't given the option of wanting to do it. . . but as those of you with multiple children know they are all different. So anyway- here we are getting going with reading and if all goes well (and by well- I mean if I keep up and don't let KG get slack) we should be done with our book by August! Whoo-hoo!}

_{Mother's Day 2010}  

_{May 10, 2010}

_{Whew. I cannot believe this is my 8th year to be able to celebrate Mother's day! Sarah Joy was a week and 2 days old when I celebrated my first one! WOW! How time has flown. Yesterday was a pretty special day. Andrew and the kids got me a new necklace that I love. It's one of those that has interlocking silver rings. I got lots of compliments on it yesterday! They did really well! We had a very relaxing afternoon.  With the way Sarah Joy's birthday and dance recital fall, it has been a really long time since I have been able to spend Mother's Day with MY mom or that Andrew has been able to spend it with his. Maybe sometime soon that will workout again, but at least we got to see them both last week! Here's hoping all you mom's had a great day!}

_{What a fun weekend!}  

_{May 5, 2010}

_{This weekend (actually starting last Thursday) has been full of fun. On Thursday, KG and Pace and I picked Nana up from the airport and Cece and Grandmother Joy drove up from Alabama and on their way picked up our precious friend, Lettie! Thursday night consisted of tacos and then dance recital! So fun. We even put Lettie's hair up in a bun and put some makeup on her too! We didn't get home until 11:20! Whew! Then we started all over again Friday morning, SJ went to school  and then Friday night we ate dinner at Ham's and then we all went to watch the show! FROM THE SECOND ROW!!! Our seats were wonderful. Sarah Joy got to watch the first act with us and then at Intermission we took her back so she could dance in the second act! It was so fun to actually see her face as she danced!  After the recital was over we came home and got everyone in bed. Another night of getting them in bed at 11:30! Yikes! Then Saturday was pretty laid back during the morning and early afternoon and at 4:00 we had a family birthday party complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and COOKIE CAKE and ice cream! Then we had to get ready for our final night of dance recital! We didn't have to be there until 8:30 and we wound up getting home around 10:15 or so. So after 3 extremely late nights we were absolutely worn out! Sunday after the early service the Alabama train took off on its journey and we had to say goodbye to Lettie and Cece and Grandmother Joy! It was such a fun weekend and we are so glad they got to come to spend it with us!  Then Sunday evening was Awana awards where Sarah Joy finished up her third year of Sparks and Katie Grace finished her first year of Cubbies! We enjoyed our last night with Nana before she had to head back home to Little Rock. Uncle Trey and Katie Grace drove her to the airport on Monday morning! We are almost recuperated from such a busy time but it was SO WORTH IT! We loved having everyone here and are thankful for them taking time to come! Monday was also Sarah Joy's eighth birthday! I cannot believe she is 8! YIKES! Where has the time gone? She is growing up to be such a special young lady that her daddy and I are very proud of! Pictures to come!}

_{Dear Sarah Joy. . .} 

_{May 5, 2010}

_{you my dear are very special. Your daddy and I are so thankful God chose to add you to our family! You are a huge blessing to us. I am having a lot of fun watching you grow into a young lady. One of my favorite things about you is how loving and forgiving you are. I see it in so many ways. I love to watch you play with your friends and your brother and sister. I cannot believe how old you are. Has is really been eight years already? Sunday morning when I turned to look at you after coming down out of the choir loft you brought tears to my eyes. Your beauty is not just skin deep. I was proud to hear you say at supper last night that you really liked the verse about doing everything without complaining. I know that's a hard thing to do but you are right you just have to keep trying. YOU MAKE ME SMILE, little one, and I love you.  I am so blessed to be your mom.}

_{Busy Week!}  

_{April 28, 2010}

_{So last week finished up my 3 weeks in a row of being away from my family for State VBS training! It was fun but I am glad to be back to my fam! This week is even crazier... it's dance recital week! Fun times! Nana, Cece, Grandmother Joy and Lettie will be coming in Thursday and staying through the weekend! We are so excited! This is our first year in act II so that will be different for us! The nights we aren't watching- Sarah Joy doesn't have to be there until 8:30! Yikes! That's a lot of late nights! But as much as she enjoys it, it is so worth it! We will also be celebrating Sarah Joy's birthday with the family this weekend. Her actual birthday isn't until Monday- so stay tuned for some flashback fotos of Sarah Joy! Hope you are having a good week where you are!}

_{So funny!} 

_{April 16, 2010}

_{So I haven't been getting stuff on here very timely. . .so just in case you missed it the Easter pics went up earlier today and as I was finishing up with getting them on here, Pace got his guitar and a microphone out and started doing a concert. So, I had to quickly get my memory card out of my computer and put it back in the camera so you guys could see it, too! Hope you enjoy! It was pretty rockin!}

_Drama.  

_{April 16, 2010}

_{So I sat down and got ready to add the Easter pictures and a few pics of Pace playing the other day, then things got busy around here and I never finished. I had also started a journal entry and wound up not saving and posting it, so now I will try again. It had been titled Easter and Spring Break. Since then, however, life in our house (as I am sure in yours) has been busy. Crazy busy! Tomorrow is my second week of 3 VBS clinics to lead on Children's Bible Study. This one is at North Main so at least I don't have to be gone from my family overnight! Katie Grace and Sarah Joy were trying to hide from the Burton's last Wednesday night at church and were going to climb under Miss Leigh's desk when they crashed into each other. This in turn caused Katie Grace to crash into Miss Leigh's keyboard tray under her desk with her eye. We probably could have used a stitch or two, but because of where it was I don't think they would have done it. We just put ice on it for about 20 minutes and kept some ibuprofen in her for  a couple of doses to keep the swelling down. She has a black eye today but otherwise it doesn't seem to be bothering her. You can count on my little girl for drama. ALWAYS! In other news, Sarah Joy is just a few weeks away from Dance Recital! Fun times. I can't wait to see her dance on stage, again! She is working really hard and doing a great job. Pace is doing well- he ran fever last weekend because he was cutting 4 teeth all at once but he's doing great now. He is such a mess. Thanks for keeping up with us!}

_{Lettie's Birthday!}  

_{April 2, 2010}

_{So our friends were in town last week and we got to celebrate Lettie's birthday. Sarah Joy had Lettie and Anna spend the night. Here are a few pics of the girls opening Lettie's birthday present and just being silly. They had such a good time. WE REALLY MISS THIS! We didn't do it often enough when they were here, I hope I will remember this lesson.}

_{Preview to Easter!}  

_{April 1, 2010}

_{So this year, much like last year, I was kind of late getting started on what we would wear for Easter. I like for the kids to match at Christmas, but I like for the whole family to "go" at Easter. So Tuesday afternoon after dance I ran into Ross to look around...and there it was the inspiration behind it all... A Tie! So I started with Andrew's tie. Then, Wednesday, I went to look for the rest of us and within 2 hours I had everyone taken care of.  So here is  a preview of what we will wear for Easter. So excited! As Sarah Joy said to Mrs. Wynell last night. the color is Blue. not royal but a good bold Aqua. Hope we look as good in it all as it looks hanging on the hangers!
Happy Easter. Hope yours is filled with joy and love as we celebrate and worship our Risen Savior!}

_{Fun times!}  

_{March 23, 2010}

_{What a great week! The Barber's are coming to visit! There is so much excitement in this house, I am afraid our house will burst at its seams! Then Saturday morning is the Eggstravaganza at church. We are making some new friends and inviting them to North Main to visit. We just have lots of good stuff going on!  I am posting some pics today that I have been meaning to post for the last few weeks. Some are from our trip to "the Lodge" and others are some of KG's last ballet class for this year. A few of Pace playing on his John Deere 4-wheeler, and some of SJ's Sparks-a-Rama games! Their team came in 4th (of 4) in our circle but they represented us well with their attitudes and good sportsmanship! (but truthfully- they were robbed in a couple of events!) Birthday season is about to hit our house, as well as Dance Recital time! Whoo-hoo! As busy as it is, we absolutely love it!}

_{Yikes! It's almost March!}  

_{February 18, 2010}

_{Gracious! Where does the time go? Pace and I have been playing Legos here lately! He's getting so big! He likes to talk on the phone to his daddy while he's at work. Loves to follow his sisters around and at just the right time, knock down whatever they are playing with. There's a new album on here with a couple of pics of the Pace man! One he is sitting in the rocking chair- which he did on his own- reading to a bear- which he also did on his own. However as I was getting the camera his dear sisters decided it should be a posed picture so they added some more animals and a blanket- not nearly as cute as it would have been, but oh well!  In the second picture he was walking around in his PJ's with an American Girl doll purse. I believe this was the same morning that we later had to take Katie Grace to the ER! If that sweet girl makes it to adulthood with teeth, I will be a happy mom! Anyway. That's it for us right now. More pics to come in a couple of weeks after the Great Wolf Lodge trip!}

_{Christmas 2009}  

_{December 7, 2009}

_{We just finished our Christmas program at church! Now we are excited to enjoy the fellowships and parties and to slow down and enjoy this wonderful season! We hope your Christmas season is filled with love and the knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ! God Bless.}

_{Return from the Capitol!}  

_{October 26, 2009}

_{Whew!  It was a whirlwind trip! SO MUCH FUN! We were able to spend all day Thursday with Papa seeing lots of the monuments and memorials and doing a rather quick walk through of the National Archives and the Natural History Museum. I experienced "the Metro" for the first time, and it was all fine and fun until we changed stations and were riding down the escalator with Pace and Katie Grace in a double stoller, Andrew, Daddy, Sarah Joy and myself when we were all dumped out in to the middle of two females fighting! Yikes. We all made it out fine, its just a really funny story to tell, now! Friday, Daddy wound up having to work all day so Andrew and the kids and I went to the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum and then walked to the White House. (side note here for the proud grandparents- as we were getting ready for Andrew to take a picture of all the kids and I in front of the White House- one of the security guys commented to Andrew about how well behaved all of our children were!) then we hopped back on the metro and went back to eat dinner with Papa! Saturday morning before we left, we went to Arlington and got to see a Changing of the Guards ceremony and were also able to see them change out the wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. I think this might have been one of the highlights of the trip for me personally! Thanks for checking in on us. Hope all is well with you, too!}

_{Fall 2009}  

_{October 20, 2009}

_{We are getting ready to leave tomorrow to go up to Washington D.C. to visit Kimberly's dad! Papa Bobby is stationed up there for about 2 months so we are gonna go and visit and get to see the capital of our Nation! This has been a busy fall already- Andrew is just finishing up helping to coach the Westover Christian high school soccer team, we have also just celebrated our 5 year anniversary at North Main Baptist Church here in Danville, VA. Sarah Joy is in rehearsals to be in the Averett University Choral/Theatre departments fall Broadway revue! She is in her starting her 5th year of dance and is working hard in all her activities as well as in second grade! We are very proud of all her efforts! Katie Grace has just started Cubbies in our Awana program at church and is also in her first year of dance and will be celebrating her 4th birthday next month. Pace has just celebrated his first birthday- and while he is a little small according to the growth charts we think he's a big guy! He got his first haircut last week! He looks like a little man, now! Hope you are all well!}