The Smittys

Happy New Year!

2012-01-16T22:22:00.003-06:00

Instead of writing a letter and sending it in the mail...here is a little letter for you to let you know what we have been up to.

As previously mentioned Mark is now working for Hope Church as the Campus Pastor of our new Mindframe Campus. He is being stretched, learning a lot and really enjoying this new adventure. He taught one class this fall at the University of Dubuque but this spring semester will be the 1st in 7 years that he hasn't taught a class! A big change for him!! He will continue to stay plugged in with college students as he is now heading up that ministry at church. The Dubuque Rugby Team won the Iowa Conference and will be advancing to the 3rd round of the playoffs. With all the changes in our life this year, he hasn't been able to play as much and stepped down as team captain but he hopes to be able and play a bit this Spring.

In addition to keeping the whole family running smoothly, Emily spends lots of time playing with her favorite "toy". The kids often join her in playing with the Kitchen Aid baking everything you can imagine. With Toby's arrival this year, Emily has taken a short break from the Pregnancy Center and has not taught any of the abstinence programs in the schools. She has been participating in Bible Studies and MOPs and will be leading a discipleship group for new believers. She has no problem talking to kids about STD's and abstinence, but is a little nervous about teaching this class. However she is looking forward to this new challenge. To fill in any remaining free time she likes to host lot's of coffee playdates and is extremely thankful for all of the ladies God has put in her life.

Lillie who just turned 4 is growing fast! She loves her role as a big sister, and is always helping in any way she can. She is as determined as ever to figure things out for herself and isn't afraid of anything. Most recently, she broke her little sled doing a pretty sweet jump off of a ledge...she ended up in tears, not because of fear or pain, but because her sled was shattered! She proudly tells anyone who will listen that she goes to school (which is Awana). She loves doing crafts and can write most of her letters, even "Happy Birthday". We are so proud of who she is becoming!!

Titus, is a boy!! He has an amazing ability to turn any object he finds into either an airplane, truck or train. He can then entertain himself for hours with this object, last week it was a piece of paper. Oh the simple things. He is busy testing all of his boundaries and yet has the ability to melt your heart or "bust your gut". Lillie has given us so much hope that we will make it through the terrible 2s and the trying 3s. :) Titus will be turning 3 on January 21st, and we are hoping that this new year will bring big boy underwear and a boy who likes to keep them dry while wearing them!!

Toby was 4 months on the 9th. He grunts, smiles, chuckles, sleeps and plays. He is a joy!! He has begun to grab at toys and different objects. We have begun to notice him watching his big brother and sister, following them with his eyes and smiling most of the time when they come near! We have a slight suspicion that he will become a body builder as he has started working on his crunches already. :) He has a dr. appointment coming soon and we will find out his weight and height percentile! Tune in later!

We pray you have a wonderful New Year and that you are blessed and see God for who He really is!!

*Note: this blog was co-written by both Mark & Emily, so neither of us wrote about ourselves in third person, although we did spend some time talking that way... Go Team Smith!!!

Love! The Smiths

Testing 1, 2..

2012-01-08T12:22:00.001-06:00

Hello? Is this thing on? Oh HI! I have been gone for quite sometime...last post...HOME. We brought our sweet #3 home and the blog went bye bye. Why? Because, we brought #3 home! Before Toby was born I often would ask mom's of 3 or more..."which was harder for you, 2 or 3?" What will I now say when asked? Two was hard, forsure hard. Lillie and Titus, my Irish twins (meaning they were only a year apart) was hard and exhausting...but 3 is just plane CRAZY! Matter of fact, the only noise I hear right now is this keyboard and my tea pot warming up some water for some good ol' sweet tea...can't cut that sugar yet...anyway back on track...and I am praising God for the stillness in this home. The days seem to fly, the nights fly even more. Toby is now sleeping through the night and has been since before Thanksgiving. We are very very blessed with babes that sleep through the night quickly. Anyhow, it seems that we lay our head on our pillows and the next noise is Toby or Titus waking us up...around 6 or 7. December was insane...just so busy and jammed packed full and now the first week of January we are re-cooping. I think we are going to be okay! I meant to blog about it...but of course never got around to it but most of you know that Mark had a total switch of careers here recently. He is now the Campus Pastor at Hope Church Mindframe. A year ago he began the candidate process to become the new Campus Pastor of our quickly expanding church and today was our first LAUNCH! I had tears in my eyes and a crack in my voice singing those precious worship songs this morning. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty! Who was and IS and is to come!" The EFree church here in Dubuque, Hope, was getting to big for the facility, with no more property room to expand this was the other option...expand into another building in a new location of town. We are meeting in a theatre here ever Sunday morning at 930. It seats around 300 and I just know we are not going to be there too long before we have to find a bigger location! I am honored that God would see fit to use us in this...humbled....and daily...momentarily in prayer for strength and grace. I am often overwhelmed at the broken lives we have seen healed by the power of Jesus. I am overwhelmed at the worship and gratitude that comes from a broken life completely surrendered to Him. I am so grateful to witness a sneak peak of all the beautiful healing that has taken place in lives here in Dubuque and I know this year will hold more!! This year will be a year of learning and growing...I just may become that morning person I thought would NEVER happen. I am so excited to see what this year will bring...and no doubt I will be praying my whole way through it!!

Home

2011-09-14T22:22:00.002-05:00

Toby Blaine

2011-09-09T17:14:00.000-05:00

Our new little man is here!!
He was born at 1:14 pm weighing 7 lb's 10 oz and 20.5 inces long.

The C-section went well and both Toby and Emily are doing well.

Titus holding his little brother

I think she likes him!!

Checking out his feet

This Time Next Week

2011-09-02T23:53:00.001-05:00

This time next week our sweet little one will be here. It has flown by really and as we prepare I am overwhelmed with gratefulness, feelings of blessing, excitement and even feelings of "lasts". I was thinking today that I probably won't be pushing just Lillie and Titus side by side in a cart again and our outings of 3 is coming to a close and that is strange. I was looking at pictures of the kids and I have decided that I did not really cherish the age from 1 to 2. Probably because they are hard, especially when they are 13 months apart. I was hoping I was going to survive, that they were going to survive, that we would come out ok. I want to do a better job cherishing moments with this one. I started prepping the baby's 1st year calendar....and come October will have probably forgotten about it. It is amazing going into #3 how much more you know than how much more you thought you knew with #1. Whew...I pray I am more patient, more loving, more gentle, more present. We are so thankful God has blessed us, we pray we are a delight to Him.

37 Weeks

2011-08-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

Here is Baby Smith and Mommy rockin' in in front of the pantry doors...37 weeks. This was last week. Tomorrow I am 38 and a week from Friday at 1:30 we will see this baby face to face!!!

Under Construction

2011-07-19T16:21:00.003-05:00

The blog has taken a back seat seriously. So I am slowly attempting to get it back in order to sit for another year or so! Haha!

Here are some pictures in the meantime...we are enjoying our summer forsure....lots of swimming, watermelon, smiles and friends.

This really is what most of our pictures come out looking like, and lets face it...if I am not going anywhere this is what I look like...sometimes I feel like Lillie looks...and if you are wondering that is a stamp she got at church she thinks its fun to put it all over her face....

This is my sweet friend Laura, we invited her and her family over for a BBQ a couple weeks ago and this is what we wore...definitely not planned, because its clear to see...one looks much larger in white these days...

Titus and Lillie love to play with the camera....this was Titus' turn.....

And this was Lillies.

Our friends have a 4th of July parade in their neighborhood and Titus, Caleb and Jacobie were lucky enough to get a ride in Bob's new toy!!

Yes my kids played with sparklers.

Now getting together with these girls...you better have some extra pants available in case you laugh to hard and be ready for some good times.

Need I say more???

Mark's oldest sister and her friend Lucy were driving across the country and stopped to stay a night with us. We had a great time!

Auntie Carianne pushing Lillie in our new tree swing. Daddy put this up on Father's day....yes...he was up there on Fathers Day and I was thinking....good grief we may lose him on his own holiday...

We picked strawberries in June at a huge strawberry patch, this is what Lillie did most of the time.

And though he WON'T eat them, this is what Titus did!

We have been spending a lot of time at Papa Dan and Miss Jan's house swimming this summer....our kids are becoming quite the little swimmers!!

This is Trisha and I. I mentored her throughout my college days. We reconnected in May and it was such a blessing. God makes beautiful things out of us!!

Happy Summer :)

Great Room Swap 2011

2011-06-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

In preperation for baby #3 we had to do some re-aranging in this 2 bedroom home of ours....so if you were wondering why we have been gone....this is what we've been up to....

Turning This....

This was our first baby/kids room. Very Red and Brown with some other color accents....if Mark and I were going to be having this room there needed to be some major changes.....

Into this...

This headboard we found at St. Vinnys (a local store like Goodwill) for $5 dollars! So after paint, it cost us $7!!

Mark built this bookshelf out of random wood in our basement, after some chats with my designing eye friend Laura, we went yellow! The guy at the paint store was saying that Mark was a good man picking out a color like that! He definitley is but I didn't need paint to tell me that!

I need to hang my silver curtain rod yet, and get a chandelier. I am looking for a black vintage looking one.

Here are the kids new bunk beds, a $10 garage sale find, after powder coating they look great! They used to be white and red!

We have some work to do in here yet...need to find Titus some bedding and Lillie is getting a new twin mattress because hers is a XL twin and it is shoved in there!

The crib will go on the opposite wall. When this room is all done we will post more pics. In the mean time.....

Ramblings

2011-04-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

I have not blogged in about 8 weeks or so I believe. I am an awesome blogger. :) I guess its time for some updates and ramblings.

* We are doing really good, not like everything is perfect by any means, but we are just at peace. We are blessed to know we are doing exactly what God is calling us to be doing, we are exactly where God is calling us to be and with that comes huge freedom and joy!
* We have been taking some Dave Ramsey classes (if you do not know about him, you should...at least the concepts!) We are doing the envelope system and I haven't used a debit card in a while and that is also freeing and awesome! Everything is cash! It is amazing how powerful the dollar can be. The other night I was going grocery shopping and Mark said the grocery envelope was all set, well when I went to pay all that was in there were $100 bills, it was a weird shock to pull out a $100 bill. I didn't want anyone to see it or take notice! Isn't that funny? We can swipe $100 or more in groceries and its no problem, but when you hand someone a real $100 it is something soooo much different. I love envelopes. I love writing down what we put in them and what we've taken out and seeing a real exact number, and finding out that the envelopes balance....and no we hadn't balanced our checkbook in a while if you are wondering...I think the the online banking has crippled our society, there is just something great about the old fashioned way of writing things with a pen. I think I would still pay bills with a check and a stamp...seriously.
* Our church has officially reached the 1,000 mark! Wow, when we came about 2 years ago it was running about 700ish....And the awesome thing is...its new believers and people seeking who this Jesus is....and let me tell you they come with a truck load of baggage. WHO CARES! God IS THE Redeemer and makes ALL things new and uses ALL THINGS to glorify HIS NAME! AHH! So happy to see lives changed. It feels good to be alive!
* I am now 16 weeks pregnant and at the end of this week I will be 17(duh, incase you stopped learning to count at 16). I am finally popping out more but mostly I think I just feel bloated! I am in the maternity clothes don't fit and neither do real clothes fit stage...so I am rubber-banding my pants and wearing long shirts as much as I can. But the end is a sweet snuggly result and we are praying and praising God for a healthy, chill baby!! :)
* OUR 6th Anniversary is Saturday the 9th! This Friday our friends Mary and Matt are coming to stay with the kiddies so we can get away for 2 nights...because here is the secret...it takes one to decompress! I think as I add the kids, I should add the nights...3 sounds perfect but we are HAPPY and not complaining about 2. I am a FIRM believer that hubby comes 1st, marriage 1st and so that means leaving your kids overnight with someone else, you trust. So find them if you don't have them. Seriously, those babies, my babies are leaving the roost one day (a BIG COCA DOODLE DOO) and I want to know my husband when they are gone.

There is more to say I am sure but in order to keep me blogging, maybe I will hold out for a couple more weeks or months :)

Good Stuff

2011-03-15T14:44:00.001-05:00

Today I found this quote and I just couldn't get over how encouraging this could be to someone who needed to hear it.

"But if you are a poor creature-poisoned by a wretched upbringing in some house full of vulgar jealousies and senseless quarrels-saddled, by no choice of your own, with some loathsome sexual perversion-nagged day in and day out by and inferiority complex that makes you snap at your best friends-do not despair. He knows all about it. You are one of the poor whom He blessed. He knows what a wretched machine you are trying to drive. Keep on. Do what you can. One day (perhaps in a another world, but perhaps far sooner than that) He will fling it on the scrap-heap and give you a new one. And then you may astonish us all-not least yourself; for you have learned your driving in a hard school. (Some of the last will be first and some of the first will be last.)"

C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity

Wrong Number

2011-03-13T20:08:00.000-05:00

So we had our mens and women's CRW (Christian Retreat Weekend)* over this last month. The men's ended a week ago today. During this retreat one of the guys in the kitchen missed a phone call that was actually the wrong number, he didn't check the ID just immediately called the number back. It was a grandmother who was frantically trying to get in touch with her kids, she was driving from California to Las Vegas and needed directions somewhere, but not only that had just found out that her granddaugther was mauled to death by a couple dogs. This family happened to live in Hopkinton, Iowa which is about 45 miles away from Dubuque. The man whose phone it was heard she needed some info about Las Vegas and just handed the phone to my friend, Laurie, who happened to be in the kitchen and happened to live in Las Vegas in the past! So she started talking with the grandma and knew exactly what it was she was looking for. Laurie preceeded to tell her that she had called a Christian Retreat Weekend and that there were lots of people here who were praying all over the building already and would be praying for her and this situation. They then prayed with her over the phone, she then came up to the room where a bunch of us women were praying and proceeded to tell us what happened...we prayed and prayed some more...this isn't the end. Since then some women from our church have kept in contact with this family. They attended the wake for this young 3 year old girl and this morning they were at our church!! A few of the ladies had texted the grandma and the mother and father and invited them...they came! So they circled around them and prayed over them and later our Pastor, Matt, spoke with them. Can I just say this story BLOWS my mind and perfectly exemplifies the GREAT BIG GOD I serve! The God who is in charge of all our days! We are expectant that this story is not over yet! I am so excited and honored that I get to watch God work like this!!!!

*Our church does these weekends, they are modeled after the CEW (Christian Experience Weekend) that Catholics do, except hit has a evangelical message. It is the MOST intense weekend I have ever attended and the power of the Holy Spirit changes lives and it is amazing to watch! People say its better than Christmas! If you haven't been to one of these, mark your calenders for next spring!!!!

8 weeks!

2011-02-03T23:22:00.001-06:00

So in case you wondered why in the world I was showing a picture of a cake "that's not even cool" you didn't read or think on it long enough. We are 8 weeks pregnant with Smith #3! Yes it was planned, yes we are excited and yes I have random freak out moments and think and say (possibly in a higher pitch than normal) "what are we thinking!?". We are feeling so blessed and Lillie is getting excited more and more, she often prays for our baby and asks about the baby. We are pointing out babies to them on TV and want it in their head that come mid September we will have a new baby! I have been feeling T I R E D! No morning sickness really just really really exhausted. We've all been sick with that cold/sinus junk that hangs around about a month and that has added to the worn out feeling. We are on the up and up praise God! Mark has been and still is amazing. He has let me pass out on the couch while making dinner and/or cleaning up several times. I just have been feeling so very thankful for him.

Speaking of my amazing hubby-he has now started his 30th year of life!!! We celebrated all week, starting off with a big surprise dinner at L.May with our friends Dan, Georgi and Pablo. I checked to see if they'd be around the area on February 1st and it just so happened they were doing music at a camp in Wisconsin the weekend before. So Sunday night Mark and I headed out to celebrate "just the two of us" and to his surprise, Dan, Georgi and Pablo were awaiting his arrival at the restaurant! And He WAS surprised! Yay! *We didn't get one pic which is so dumb* They were able to stay till Tuesday and left before our big storm hit. It was so great to see them, but never ever long enough!

Today was the first day in a while I've felt motivated to do anything. The sun and the first cup of am coffee in a few days helped a lot. I'm hoping this February takes me by surprise and proves itself to be a bit more cheery and bright or I'm going to need one of those sun lamps to sit under. The snow is abundant and the temps are low, the clothes are cute and snuggly and hide my non walking booty but I just am READY for spring. Ready for my peach tree buds and to plant my garden, ready to see my flowers bloom. I've been trying to read the Bible and get writing in my prayer journal but I always end up asleep. I've been trying to not feel like a sloth or the laziest member of this family!! Wow, here is a warning pregnancy will make you very tired, add sickness and real life to it, a few kids who are sick and aren't sleeping through the night because they don't feel good and you've got zombie mommy! I've worked out a system since my Lillie doesn't nap, I have quiet time on the couch while she watches some noggin in the den, its the only way I've been able to get a break and take a snooze. Its working and she's still smart so I'm just not worried- plus I'm not alone-thanks Have :)

There will be more updates to come I am sure but for now my crackberry hands must rest. Goodnight all :)

Titus Turns 2!!!

2011-01-22T21:13:00.001-06:00

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TITUS!!

You are so loved you sweet boy!!!

*Titus is very much at the "difficult to photograph with a slow shot camera stage"*

Having a special birthday breakfast "snack" (as he says) of cereal...of course.

Titus turned 2 yesterday and we had a wonderful 2 day celebration!

Celebrating with Grammie and Pop and Uncle Blaine

He is all about the trains and planes!

A little help from Lillie

Mommy couldn't make a cake this year, but we think the ladies at Sam's did a great job on the writing :)

Happy Birthday Titus!!!

The last little while

2010-12-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

So for the past month or so, our computer has decided to go on strike. It refuses to charge and will not let us share with all of you the happenings in our lives. I know that you all have patiently waited for updated pictures, so since we are here in Des Moines and have access to Grammy's computer... here you go.

Our first big snow happened at the end of November, all of us went out to enjoy it. Here are my handsome men.

Lillie's 3rd birthday! Grandma Smith came to celebrate and brought a gingerbread theme. They baked a cake and we celebrated just the 5 of us.

Titus needed some help, so mother hen assisted.

Santa's cookies....are GONE!!!

A Pillow Pet! It was all she talked about, good thing Santa listened!

Obviously I am excited about my new boots...I hoped for some...and my dream came true! Ha! Along with my favorite hairspray off to the left. Yay for Mr. Santa.

Mr. Titus is so obsessed with planes and trains right now, pop flys RC planes and is practicing inside with a little helicopter. The kids LOVE IT!!!!

On Christmas day we all went outside to sled and play in mom and dad's backyard. We had a blast!

We celebrated Christmas with my whole family on Sunday, can you handle these little kiddies?? Below are some of the precious moments opening up the presents!

Uncle Blaine and Amanda got Lillie and Titus BIG WHEELS!

Some of the best fun of our lives was riding around in those things.

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas!! We are so thankful for how the Lord has blessed us, we are warm, more than full in our bellies and the kids have more toys than they need.

God is very good and we give Him ALL the Glory!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T23:11:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

This is all I got for now. :)

Love to all,
Mark Emily Lillie and Titus

blogging in the car

2010-12-14T12:51:00.001-06:00

Someone reminded me lately that my blog was Way. Past. Due. It is, definitley...the reason why-our computer is broken, dead. Yes we can no longer charge our battery. So as we drive now to take Marks mom to the airport in Madison, I am trying this on my Blackberry. So, be appreciative of this life update!

Lillie turned 3 this past Saturday-shes the reason we started blogging. I wish I could post pictures!! Is there a way to do so from your phone?? Marks mom came last Tuesday from Spokane and helped us celebrate. We had a gingerbread theme, they colored gingerbread every day and hung them up in the kitchen, Lillie wore a gingerbread apron had gingerbread pancakes for bfast and a gingerbread cake to celebrate! She was so excited! She is getting more and more fun, a great helper and so funny. We had a little celebration just us 5 at home and that was wonderful.

Titus, is getting more and more boy all the time. He has the sweetest voice I've ever heard and I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever. He is obsessed with airplanes and trains right now. He just melts me!!

Mark is still the love of my life! Of ccourse-I know you were all worried about that! Lol! He is busy with work and will be starting his 1st ever JTerm come January 3rd. He and several others from UD will be carrying out a dream they had and I'm so proud of him. He should get a service award. His lives it everyday and now teaches others how to do it. He's incredible and I'm truly blessed.

I just spent two weekends speaking to our churchs youth group about Abstinence and the story of Joseph and Potipher's wife in Genesis 39. I'm so excited and blessed to use my gift. I also get to sing in our Christmas Eve service (all 3 of them!) And I'm so excited. I love the spirit of a christmas Eve service, the night of our dear Savior's birth what is more important? We celebrate our childrens birthdays sometimes to the extreme and to not celebrate Jesus' or even acknowledge it is sad. So yay for Christmas! And Happy Birthday Jesus, thank you for loving me!!

My great friend makes knits hats and she told me about the looms to make scarves. So that's what I've been up to latley. knitting like a crazy :). My other addiction is still baking- I can't seem to get out of the kitchen. I'm trying to tackle chocolate chip cookies-because hear this world-I can't make good ones for the life of me!!!! Its absolutely ridiculous. So if I ace it ill let you know...I hope to bake some goodies before Christmas to take to my moms for christmas but I'm not sure what all to make! What do you love to bake at Christmas?

Well we have about 20 miles to Madison, so ill sign off. If I don't roast to death beforehand! Haha!

Comment....

2010-11-08T15:27:00.000-06:00

visit this blog:http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/

i read her last post...and then wrote this comment...good grief, i wrote her a book and i don't even know her. she said comments were her love language...lovin on my sister today.

Wow...well said my dear. How old are your children? How did you have the moment to think and sit and write this? I found your blog because my sister in law was reading it and said that she was reminded of me when you said you don't want your kids to be happy...she was talking about how she was proud that I often stand up for God so strongly. Ugh, I hope I do. I have two little babes, Lillie almost 3 and Titus almost 2. This is probably the hardest season of my life. My Lillie is my strong one...the one I pray I make it through with and Titus is the joy of my life. I feel guilty for just saying that but oh the battle. I feel called to keep going even though I don't always understand. Today my Titus was in the street, he had gone to the back of the house...well unknown to me he had made his way around the front again and into the street. My neighbor hollered, "EMILY!" And I came around to find him walking there in the street, saying "cars" oh geesh!!! I felt like the biggest piece of crap EVER. She didn't say much but "my heart is not beating". I sayed thanks and walked to the back feeling like a big failure. I was scared but not much, not like her and why not?! I was praying, God is there something missing in my brain that I do not react quickly or fast to things that could hurt my kids? So today I was praying for a sound mind. I feel like this mom job, wow, sometimes gets the best of me and I hope I am making a difference. Good grief, how did I even get here. I think I will now copy and paste this to my blog, lol.
I am so glad you love God the way you do...I will keep following you. Inspired that you have chosen adoption in your life. Hope to hear back from you ;)
Emily

its true, Titus did take a trip to the front of the house...I was with Lillie...she wanted to help me cut back the hostas...ohhh boy....

Mines of Spain

2010-11-07T21:20:00.000-06:00

This past week we have had such perfect fall weather, so Sunday after naps we headed out to the Mines of Spain for a hiking trip.

Lillie & Mommy liked to run along the trail

Titus and Daddy liked to walk through the trees

Titus found a nice stick to use for the hike

Lillie declared herself a Pirate!! once she had the stick

Lillie picked up this rock halfway through the hike and carried it the rest of the way back.
(it is currently in the back of the car)

Stopping to enjoy the view

Lillie was trying to find a campfire we saw on the other side of the river

Fun Bonus Challenge - In how many of the pictures above can you find Lillie's rock?

First person to correctly guess wins the Rock (shipping not included)

Updates

2010-10-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

I really want to write a blog about things I have been thinking about and experiencing lately, but for now some pics will have to do!

First of all....2 years ago I asked my dad if he would make me a buffet for my dining room. I sent him some pics of ones I liked and this weekend he brought it to me! I love it and I can't wait to fill it up and de-clutter some of my other spaces! I am dreaming even of the generations who will have this!

Titus is now in a big boy bed! And we found a matching toddler bed to Lillie's for $20 on craigslist! Yay! I am really over the red and brown and Titus initials are a bit off don't ya think? I am probably going to be redoing this room soon! Ideas are forming :)

When all else fails, just be silly...

This is a spectacular picture of my Director Kris and I at our fundraising banquet! I love love my job! My 2nd job...

Miss Lillie got her ears pierced because she is potty trained! She kept asking and asking...this was her reward for her great work!

Mark's rugby team went undefeated this season and next Saturday is the first round of the playoffs! Go DUBUQUE!!!! National bound!

What else can I say...Titus can't even believe it himself...

Mark took me to a Sara Evans concert this month...we had a great time taking pictures of each other...not her.

Good note to end on don't you think...yum.

OH YEA!!!!!

2010-10-18T23:09:00.000-05:00

We have a blog!!!!! Duh!!! Yea, haven't written in a while, haven't posted in a while. Seems I am not very fast at getting pics from my camera to the computer to this place...even though we have a new camera...its our computer giving us the fits now. So we shall see...put that on the list with bunk beds, a new car and some running shoes for mark. Oh yea and no debt. Lets see whatcha got God!

We have started a small group and we have 4 other couples who have joined us. We are studying the book "Power of A Praying Parent" Loving it. It has been good to reinforce what we are doing right, and what we definitely need to work on...more the what we need to work on :) We are growing in our closeness as a group and that is an awesome thing.

Mark's rugby team is UNDEFEATED! So we are the number one seed in both Iowa and the Midwest...so Nationals here we come! Make it somewhere hot and sitters please be available! We will host a playoff game here at the end of the month, play another and then head onto the Midwest Final Four Lord willing and the creek don't rise. Or shall I say Mississippi...

I am back to teaching PT Abstinence in the public 7th grade classes here in Dubuque and the surrounding area. I . Love. It! I somehow am made to do this crazy job and when I leave I feel so pumped up and ready to go! My students really got it last week and told me all the facts I had told them at the end of our time together. Very rewarding...take that Planned Parenthood! Get out of here! The Clarity Clinic is having their annual fundraiser this week, Thursday. So pray pray pray for God to be glorified and lots of money to be raised!

As I said ... bunk beds... yes we are on the hunt... very limited budget and hoping for a full bottom (like mine) lol and a twin top (uh hem). Ok, I couldn't resist. Anyway...yes my beautiful children need beds so if you know of anyone getting rid of some let me know! Its about that time as Titus is starting to put one leg over the railing, put his top half over the railing...its only a matter of time before his whole body is over that railing. Beds aren't cheap and if they are they are metal and stupid.

I guess thats all for now...hope to post some pics soon!

Boundaries

2010-09-07T21:44:00.001-05:00

I have often wondered about the book Boundaries, have I read it? No. I probably should. I have this problem, I don't want to let others down. I don't want to say no. I want others to like me and never be hurt by me. The trouble...I expect this in return and don't always get it or I fail and hurt others. I tell ya. I am so glad that God did not call us to be perfect. Just passionate. "God did not call perfect women, just passionate women" so I think I will let this sink in a bit more and try my best to dive deeper into pleasing HIM first. I cannot always say yes to others. I cannot always please others, I will always let someone down and someone will let me down. I need to set some priorities and I think that 3 big ones start with an M an L and a T.

Get on It

2010-08-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

My little kiddies are sleeping, both of them...ahh totally a blessing. Mark has started his busy busy days, students are coming back and today he will work a 15 hour day and tomorrow will probably be the same. I am trying to busy myself with friends while he is away, as you know if you know me, I don't like to be without people! Call that what you want, sometimes it is tiring and I do need to slow down...live and learn. Yesterday he worked about 11 hours taking a break to take us to dinner at UD with the students. As I looked around the room and interacted with some of them it was hard not to wish I was working with him, we make a pretty dang good team if I do say so myself. Working together, impacting youth and young adults, awesome. After dinner was over I took the kids to the mall to play because it is about 100% humidity and in the 90s and there is NOT MUCH TO DO other than that. So as the kids were playing I noticed that Titus' diaper wasn't quite holding the contents it is made to hold, I will spare you details. So I am totally sicked out and totally grateful there was only an older lady with her grandson there playing. Titus' overalls were totally messed and we had nothing. Just a diaper...so over to the Gap we went to find something. Lillie aggravating Titus in the double while I am hurriedly trying to get a shirt for the boy and find a good deal. Thanks to the clerk I got a super cute polo like onesie for like $5 and off we went...he was happy for a bit then he just thought he should scream his way out of the mall. And that he did. I didn't want to go home, we had been home all day. I wanted to get out and see people. So as I am going to the car as fast and calmly as I can I think (because I am honest whether its easy to hear or not), I gave up my life to do this!?! Give me a break! We get in the car and I am just going on an on about how they are going straight to bed when we get home. This mothering thing is quite a science and really is refining, I am a selfish person. I need daily help just parenting, for me the parenting thing is definitely harder than the wife thing. I mean seriously when we were dating if Mark screamed his way out of the mall, or pooped his drawers I would have just ditched him. We get to pick our spouses! Oh dear. I know I say all this but truly I love my kids, they do bring me a lot of joy. I look at them and I am thankful and blessed. I just pray that by the grace of God I will teach these children in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. Who knows who they will grow up and impact, maybe they will reach more youth than I ever thought possible.

God is doing so much cool stuff right now! Oh man! Our pastor got choked up about it this weekend during one of the services. He was saying that it truly is amazing to see how God is changing lives and working, when we get to see this we are blessed and blessed we are. I know that God is a redeemer. He is THE Redeemer. He has made beautiful things of ashes. Saturday night before church I was talking to 2 ladies from our church and I was just getting choked up because God is turning hearts toward him, people are searching and people are indeed being changed and I get to see it!!! I had to keep myself together leading worship because if I truly stopped to think about all that God has done in and through me I would just have to break down right there. "who are we that you would be mindful of us? what do you see that is worth looking our way? we are free in ways that we never should be, sweet release from the grip of these chains." Boy my arms were hurting from the chains I was in. I know that parenting is a huge mission field, we are called to show our children Christ but man alive when I see an older person turn and find Love in Jesus that is something I just can't get enough of!! God heals! And we are called to go and make disciples, so get up and get out of your comfy place and go find the people. I am learning we have to go where they are, maybe a bar *GASP* yes I did just say that. Give me a break, where do you think hurting people gather? Thats another thing I just cannot stand, legalism. It is not about the rules. Do you know how many people we could reach if they really knew it is about JESUS, a personal relationship with the Son of God! Seriously, I did not save myself! Christ did, so why don't we just go tell others! Aren't we called to show the world Christ's love? I should be seeking those lost people. What if instead of talking badly about the couple getting the divorce we just reached out to her? What if we committed to be the DD for someone who had a bit of a drinking problem and built a relationship with them? What if we brought meals to the widower who just lost his wife? What if we said hi to the person walking on the street instead of walking past them? OH my heart is so heavy for those who don't love Jesus, I am praying this year God provides opportunity for me to share the gospel. Do you have a list of people in your life that need to hear about Him? Do you even know unsaved people?? Get on that, pray over it. God is changing people.

John 13: 34
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵ Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Isaiah 61:10
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!

Mercy Me - God With Us

Who are we--- that You would be mindful of us?
What do You see--- that's worth looking our way?
We are free--- in ways that we never should be.
Sweet release--- from the grip of these chains.

Like hinges straining from the weight,
My heart no longer can keep from singing.

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified:
Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song.
The debt is paid, these chains are gone.
Emmanuel, God with us.

Lord, You know--- our hearts don't deserve Your glory;
Still You show--- a love we cannot afford.

Like hinges straining from the weight,
My heart no longer can keep from singing.

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified:
Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song.
The debt is paid, these chains are gone.
Emmanuel, God with us.

Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary;
Nevertheless,
We lay it at Your feet.

Such a tiny offering
Compared to Calvary;
Nevertheless,
We lay this at Your feet.

All that is within me cries
For You alone be glorified:
Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song.
My debt is paid, these chains are gone.
Emmanuel, God with us.

Kentucky Trip

2010-07-30T14:47:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago we traveled to Kentucky to attend the funeral of my Great Aunt Ene and her son Ben. This was my grandpa's last sister so it wasn't easy on my grandparents. We jumped on the chance to travel down there with my parents and I am so glad we did. Grandma and Grandpa Varney's house hold a VERY special place in my heart and anytime I can go I am on it and I really believed that by bringing our kids it would be a good joyful distraction. Several of my Uncles were there and we were able to see our buddies the Nelsons! Here are some pics....

Lillie and Titus with Grandma and Grandpa Great

4 generations: My Mom's mom, my mom, myself and my Lillie

Uncle Charles and I, love this guy!

Lillie and her Great Uncle Charles after playing in the rain, I am not sure who had more fun, her or Uncle Charles!

Lillie and her Great Uncle Ben

Lillie assisting Uncle Charles on the deck repair.

Are you sure you are doing that right Pop?

Love LOVE LOOOVE this picture. The kids are sitting in the rock gutter that runs along side of the drive way at my grandparents. This was a place of many an adventure for my cousins, brother and I. At the end there were always lots of frogs to catch!

Eric Nikki Mark and I in front of the HOT LIGHT!!! Eric is one piece of work.


Awww, Jennifer Davis

And this my friends is how Eric had to drive when Mark thought it would be a good idea to get in the back of Eric's little truck and ride by Nikki. Oh man, we sure felt like a bunch of crazy teenagers.

So happy we took this trip!!!

Calling all Praying People!

2010-07-22T11:13:00.001-05:00

Mark and I have decided to sell our Suburban, I am trying not to be sad about this but its the only car we have and financially it makes sense so that we can in turn buy 2 cars. We are selling it for more than we bought it for so we will be able to pay cash for a car and then have a smaller loan on a van. Yes, a van. Oh dear. Anyway. There is a potential buyer coming tomorrow or Sunday and we have nothing for the interim and nothing in mind to buy yet! So please pray that God will be glorified greatly and provide above all we could ask or imagine at just the perfect time!!!! Also, pray I won't worry about this, we were just telling Lillie yesterday that we do not need to be afraid or worry because God is in control....So my mommy heart needs to believe this too! Thanks!

All Things Patriotic

2010-07-02T10:02:00.002-05:00

I didn't have a fun festive porch sign for the 4th...so I painted one....

then 3 more and it turned into this....

So I put them HERE to see if someone else wanted one, I just got so carried away :)

Porch Chair After!

2010-06-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Oh I just LOVE it! The fabric is so beautiful I think I could use it all over my house! Don't look to close at the upholstery detail...that was the hardest part :)

YAY! Its COMPLETE!!

Porch Chair Before

2010-06-26T20:42:00.000-05:00

This little dandy was purchased at a garage sale in hopes for a new look...that is my project for the weekend...I know some of you have seen it on my porch for a year now...I am really getting to it this weekend. Stay Tuned!

Lots of what you want. . . Pictures!!

2010-06-15T23:44:00.000-05:00

This is what we have been up to lately...for sake of more time here is what the pictures are from:

*Mark's parents were here visiting for a week so we did some work around here and a little exploring in Wisconsin. We did MAJOR work on our landscaping. THANK YOU!!

*Our garden, we will have more updated yard pictures soon...that is a post all in its own because my husband is awesome.Also, Mark's mom hid butterflies or "blutterflies" all around the yard and Lillie had a blast finding them!

*We went to Des Moines to see my brother's band play. They did a great job and the vertical picture of the band, Lillie took it no joke. We should have gotten a picture of her up there taking it. It was priceless.

*Grime, IA Carnival It was so fun to see the kids ride the rides. It was a glimpse of hope, to see Lillie alone and riding rides!!

*Swinging with my parents in Grimes

what blog?

2010-06-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

whats that? i have a blog? oh yea....

mark's parents were here and we did tons of work on our garden and our rock walls and landscaping...our yard is looking pretty sweet these days. THANK YOU SMITHS!

we have produce a plenty growing and that is oh so fun. just picked some cilantro for my salsa yesterday. oh yea.

kids were off schedule, my back was so dang jacked and i wasn't sure if i was going to make it...praise God for chiropractors and schedules...today was a better day.

tomorrow we head to des moines to see my bubba play with his old school band. can't wait. ankeny park 7 pm. be there. he rocks.

Wild Horse

2010-05-13T15:15:00.001-05:00

Every now and then I find myself at the end of my rope. I have a strong willed one on my hands and I don't always know how to parent her properly. It is hard. Today I was reading on Focus on The Family's website about parenting the strong willed child HERE because I don't know how to do it! I think this is why it has been hard for me to parent, and I think I am bad at it, because those who either know how to deal with this do it well or those who don't have a strong willed child just don't get it. Do some of you just feel like YES I LOVE BEING A MOM, this is what I was MADE to do? Do you find joy waking up everyday and getting to work? Boy oh boy, good for you. This week I taught 172 7th graders about Abstinence, we talked about sex and STDs and marriage and that was a whole heck of a lot easier. This mommy job is like trudging through mud with heavy wet clothes and shoes on not singing The Sound Of Music on a mountain. Sometimes I feel guilty for saying this, seriously, like where is my heart in this job? Just call me an honest person I guess.

Here are somethings I read....

One has to wonder why so many "experts" on parenting have failed to notice that some children are tougher to raise than others. One would never get that impression from reading the advice offered by this army of permissive psychologists, counselors, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and columnists for women's magazines, who are convinced that raising kids is as simple as falling off a log. All parents need to do, they have been saying for decades, is give them a lot of space, treat them like adults, and if absolutely necessary, explain every now and then why they might want to consider behaving better.
How nice it would be if that were true. Unfortunately, this rosy view is cruel nonsense. It leaves Mom and Dad with the impression that every other parent in the world finds it easy to lead children, and those who are having trouble with it are miserable failures. In most cases, it is not fair and it is not true.

How Parents Can Lead a Strong-Willed Child

You should not blame yourself for the temperament with which your child was born. She is simply a tough kid to handle, and your task is to match her stride for stride. Boy can this be tiring and confusing..
Your strong-willed child is in greater danger because of his inclination to test the limits and scale the walls. Your utmost diligence and wisdom will be required to deal with him. You simply have to be tougher than he is, but do it without being angry and oppressive. Sadly, I am often angry...and in my anger I become oppressive.
If you fail to understand his lust for power and independence, you can exhaust your resources and bog down in guilt. It will benefit no one.
For parents who have just begun, take charge of your baby now, hold tightly to the reins of authority, and quickly begin building into her an attitude of respect and obedience. You will need every ounce of awe you can muster in coming years. Once you have established your right to lead, begin to let go of the reins systematically, year by year.
Don't panic, even during the storms of adolescence. They never last forever. The sun will shine again, producing, perhaps, a beautiful rainbow over your spirit. You're going to get through this.
Don't let your child stray too far from you emotionally. Stay in touch. Don't write him off, even when your every impulse is to do just that. He needs you now more than ever before.
Give that kid time to find herself, even if she appears not to be searching.
Most importantly, I urge you to hold your children before the Lord in fervent prayer day by day by day. Begin every morning with a prayer for wisdom and guidance.

What do we know specifically about children with particularly strong wills?

There are nearly three times as many strong-willed kids as those who are compliant.
Birth order has nothing to do with being strong-willed or compliant.
Most parents know they have a strong-willed child very early. I discovered this early on, when Lillie was a new baby and was nursing in the middle of the night...she was so worked up she would not eat screaming and crying, finally I had to just have Mark take her away because I was getting so angry. I was trying to feed her and do what I was supposed to...
The temperaments of children tend to reflect those of their parents.
Parents of strong-willed children can expect a battle during the teen years, even if they have raised them properly.

The best news for parents of strong-willed children is the rapid decrease in their rebellion in young adulthood. It drops almost immediately in the early twenties and then trails off even more from there. Some are still angry into their twenties and early thirties, but by then the fire is gone for the majority. They peacefully rejoin the human community. This part was a little discouraging...its going to get harder maybe during the teen years?

This is the HARDEST thing I have ever done. AHHH Seriously, sometimes I do want to quit. Resign and turn in my mommy badge...even now as I am trying to type this and have some mommy time we are battling for naptime, she didn't seem to notice her eyes were heavy.

Heres the good news...we have an awesome Father God who is ultimately their Father...somehow he has found it proper to entrust us with these little lives....here is a prayer for us mommy and daddys of the strong willed.

"Lord, You know my inadequacies. You know my weaknesses, not only in parenting, but in every area of my life. I'm doing the best I can to raise my kids properly, but it may not be good enough. As You provided the fish and the loaves to feed the five thousand hungry people, now take my meager effort and use it to bless my family. Make up for the things I do wrong. Satisfy the needs that I have not met. Compensate for my blunders and mistakes. Wrap Your great arms around my children, and draw them close to You. And be there when they stand at the great crossroads between right and wrong. All I can give them is my best, and I will continue to do that. I submit them to You now and rededicate myself to the task You have placed before me. The outcome rests securely in Your hands."

I've found that God is faithful, as a loving Father, to hear and answer that cry of the heart. Turn to Him for solace when you've reached the end of your rope. He will be there to comfort you and work within the soul of your beloved child.

If you are a mom and you have gone there and done that and your child is grown...feel free to take me under your wing...I will be your younger woman you can mentor. God knows I need it!

HaPpY MoThErS DaY!

2010-05-09T22:29:00.001-05:00

You've Been A BAD FRIEND

2010-04-26T21:40:00.007-05:00

Saturday was truly just what this girl needed. It had been a rough week, just exhausted and in need of a break from mommyhood and wifeyhood and just sometime with women and JESUS. Praise the LORD He delivered (duh) and I was recharged. I want to tell all of you about the simulcast because if you weren't there I am so sad, it was so good and Beth was so encouraging and REAL. She loves her some Jesus and she just threw her heart right out there for every woman to see, all 300,000 or so of us!

The Topic- So Long Insecurity ; You've Been A Bad Friend. Seriously, what girl doesn't need to hear this? If you think you don't well, I don't believe you. I feel like it is just part of being woman and here is the truth, insecurity is such a trap. It roots its ugly self down deep in us, maybe from something we experienced as little girls growing up, maybe the middle school boys making fun of your zit on your nose? Or because you bought a puffy coat but should have bought a pea coat because all the thugs wear puffy coats. What? Where'd that come from...anyways, we all have dealt with it somehow and let me say this...it is BONDAGE! And girlfriend it is time for you to be set FREE! FREEDOM actually happens to be my word of the year. I know it to be true because in the last year I have felt like a brand new woman. I feel so happy! Really really happy and I think it is because I have truly been encountering Jesus and it is wonderful. Anyway...I want to tell you about the simulcast so this could get lengthy...I'll share my notes with you...here ya go...I hope it touches you even though there is no incredible music team leading you in worship and no beautiful humble blonde speaking these words aloud to you from a stage. To see this womans heart was incredible, she really was burdened by this topic of INSECURITY. She said it was a horrible battle she began about a year or so ago and she said she wasn't going to take it to her grave and so God worked on it in her life...and now he is using it in ours. I hope you can pull some good truths that encourage your soul from my notes.

There are many things Beth said that stuck out to me, one being that we Christian women are to be POSTER CHILDREN. Before and Afters because of what Christ has done in us! We are meant to be freed and secured in the marrow of our bones. Grace came that we may be complete and made NEW. If we don't look different and we claim Christ, we need a self check...

She centered her message around Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV-see also NLT)

¹⁷So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

²⁰You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

We were taught Christ, so we are to live as Christ

...REMEMBER WHAT YOU WERE TAUGHT...

A SECURE WOMAN is:

Saved from herself (can I get an amen?!)
The human mind is twisted by idolatrous self interest. Security would set us free from a life of Narcissism (excessive preoccupation with self). A narcissist has the most insecurity of anyone. At the heart of our sin is the fact that everything is curved back to us.

"Did they see I was there?"

"Did they say something about me?"

Beth likened it to shaving off wood and watching it it curl up and under. She encouraged us to curve out and up, up to God.
Insecurity is its own form of Pride...WOAH...We need to know our place and be secure that we may think LESS OFTEN of ourselves!
KNOW YOUR PLACE. You are a daughter of the MOST HIGH KING. Seriously, live in that. Who cares what others think, we only need to please the LORD GOD our maker.

Entitled to Truth
We as women, daughters of Christ, we get to KNOW, BELIEVE and WALK OUT TRUTH!

WE ARE ENTITLED TO THE TRUTH!

We need to weed out the lies in our life....like the one our culture believes and tells us as women "to be valuable we must be sensual". The last thing the enemy wants you to know is truth. Where are you going to find truth? God's word.
Beth shared that if we live a life withdrawn we will just get into deeper darker places, places of addiction and what not. It is in those places the enemy pours lies into our lives. A friend of mine wrote an incredible song about Satan being a bitter friend in a beautiful disguise...oh that he is...and he is also the Father of Lies. You my dear sister, don't deserve that crap.

Clothed with Intention
A woman dresses on purpose...DRESS ON PURPOSE!!!

Proverbs 31:25
She is clothed with strength and dignity (The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect),
and she laughs without fear of the future.

Not one of us will walk in security on accident.
We have say "woah, that was the old me...I need to put on the new me and try this again." If we do not have a power greater than us taking over we just can't do it!!!!

We cannot wait until we feel secure to act secure!
It begins in our minds!!

Upended by GRACE
Grace takes up the space in a secure woman.

Ephesians 4:32

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Grace others just as Christ as graced you.
How likely would we be to forgive if we were SECURE?

***A huge reason we are easily offended is because we are insecure***

Grace turns everything around. People who really believe that they have been graced will forgive others. It begins with whether or not we believe WE ARE FORGIVEN!!!

Hebrews 10:19-23
¹⁹Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

There is no more powerful tool the enemy may use against us than guilt. Do not be downtrodden dear sister. Pick up your face and let HIM sprinkle your heart with HIS cleansing blood. BELIEVE you are forgiven.

Did you say it?

Did you mean it?

THEN RECEIVE IT!

We sometimes think that if we give up our bitterness or unforgiveness we lose, not so. This example was good because the previous night I was acting...a little stubborn with my husband, it had been a long week, I was in great need of rest in all sorts of ways but I was just mad and bitter and angry and sad and all kinds of emotional hormonal junk but there was something in me that wanted to hold the power and not make peace. But you know what...I was sitting there sulking in my passenger seat and it wasn't doing any good, just making me more and more miserable. I once heard Rhea Briscoe say that bitterness shows on people and "honey it is not attractive." Lets make ourselves attractive and let go of our bitterness.
How much has pride damaged our lives?? When we chose not to forgive someone, it is like an ugly tapeworm eating us up inside, eating us alive. Do you have tapeworm? I'm doing my best to get rid of mine...

Rebounded by LOVE

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We will never move forward in our security if we do not live like dearly loved children of God. For Lillie's baby dedication I sang "Jesus Loves Me", playing it on a grand piano in a gigantic marble chapel...when I was rehearsing I could barely get through the song...because I was singing that Jesus Loves Me...Really? Me, this girl? Yes. Jesus loves me. In the emotion of the moment and knowing where I have been and what he has brought me from, what he has saved me from what he has blessed me with I was in awe and overwhelmed that Jesus. Loves. Me.

Beth also said that if our hearts do not heal...they harden...lets get our hearts healed by Jesus.

When we know we are loved we love.
When we know we are forgiven we forgive.
When we know...

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Exceptional in Life
Beth encouraged us to stick out like a healthy green thumb and be lights and a difference in our generation.

Celebrate being female. God does not want us to brace ourselves through life and its trials, he wants us to be exceptional through it.

The "except her" person! That people wonder what it is about you...that they wonder why you are happy, why you are exceptional through situations, why you radiate ......

SECURE

All because of Jesus.

Beth Moore Tomorrow

2010-04-23T14:21:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow I'm going to a live simulcast entitled So Long Insecurities. Beth Moore is going to be speaking to women all over the country, all of us at the same time. I hope you are signed up to go to the one near you. Its not too late, for a listing go here. I am sooooo excited! I was telling Mark that I was wondering about if they would have a worship team open up and lead us all before she speaks and he said that would be amazing knowing that all those women are singing praises to Jesus at the same time. Wow, can you fathom it? Just a small thing in comparison to when we all are singing praises to Jesus in heaven! I am getting giddy just thinking about going and I think about Beth. Is she sitting in her office working out the last little details getting butterflies in her stomach? Is she on her knees begging God to speak and use her? I couldn't imagine knowing that I would be speaking to thousands and thousands of women all over the country and with such a big important message for any lady. God is so faithful and it is so exciting to see Him use people. Praise God - praying for you today that you can find a way to go and praying for you Beth that God would use you in a mighty way to change all our lives.

Glory to God!

Easter

2010-04-19T18:26:00.005-05:00

Ahh! Happy Easter! Or um, late Easter I shall say...

Long overdue Easter pics...just got them today from my mom. I am happy about this because I thought I had ZERO pics of my kiddies in their ever so cute outfits...whew.

Our Steve's Ace Hardware here in town had an Easter Egg hunt on Saturday with baby chics too! This egg hunt was awesome because each kid had to get the same color and number of eggs so it wasn't a crazy free for all! Lillie had a great time! I love her sweet smile in this pic.

Okay, seriously, oh man...

My little Chickadees!

Praise God! Jesus IS Risen!!!!
This Easter was probably one of my absolute favorite. (Though bittersweet as this is usually our Kentucky weekend) Mark and I went to OUR church and celebrated AND witnessed NEW BIRTHS! We were excited about the REAL meaning and not necessarily all the little details of outfits and such but Jesus, He has Risen for you and for me! WOWEE!! Don't know what it was but it just hit us for real this year...

THIS FRIDAY!!!!!

2010-04-10T13:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a date night idea for you!
Friday April 16th
The INELOQUENT
HOPE CHURCH DUBUQUE
The event is for married couples only and its only $20!
You have to prepay, so if you are interested stop by the church before or after one of the 3 services this weekend (5:30 Saturday and 9:30 or 11 Sunday) and buy your ticket!
If that doesn't work for you contact me and we can work it out!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

Beautiful Beautiful

2010-03-27T11:37:00.003-05:00

This might be my favorite song right now....

LISTEN HERE

Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli

Don’t know how it is You looked at me
And saw the person that I could be
Awakening my heart
Breaking through the dark
Suddenly Your grace

(Chorus)
Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it’s pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face

I have come undone
But I have just begun
Changing by Your grace

Almost Amish

2010-03-11T21:31:00.005-06:00

Well I was on the brink of becoming Amish...not because of some religious reason but because everything was breaking!!! We just got our computer back today after some repairs, Praises the Lord it was only a $45 fix and not a some hundred odd dollar expense on a new computer. I am so glad to be back in touch (we don't have cable either ps). Our DVD player broke, my vacuum broke, our car is going to the shop for some repairs. WHEW I tell ya! It never ends! I am realizing the blessing I have in the small things and that someday I will get rid of these hand me down couches and buy REAL NEW ONES! Fresh off the press (or floor model if its cheaper :) just for our home! I will wait patiently because tomorrow at 9:30 Billiam the Blazer will be SOLD!!!!!!! Another answer to prayer! I have my eye out for those perfect couches so that when you visit you can be cozy and comfortable with coffee in hand, or tea Mom Smith :). I think that is one of the biggest reasons I dream of new seating...obviously so it looks nice....but also so that my guests can feel happy when they sit their bottoms down.

On another note, for those of you who were questioning the "emotional high" I may have been on....I'm Still PRAISING JESUS! And my hubby is up now for his weekend. He leaves tomorrow and I am so excited to see what awesome healing and encouragement God is going to give these MEN! What is hotter than a athletic man of God like mine? I'm not sure. I am doing Beth Moore's Esther study and it has been SO SO GOOD. I hope you are sitting down, I am NOT behind! Can you believe it! I have NEVER finished a Beth Moore study due to the intensity and the craziness of my young mom lifestyle...or lack of discipline ? SSShhh... Anyway. I am loving this study and it has been so good, life changing. Shoot God is Good!!

I will leave you with this....Mark and I had some good ol' time with our Rugby Family at our 80's bowling night...betcha are jealous....and I'm sure this wouldn't fly in the Amish community.

2 legit 2 quit baby....

Who wouldn't want awesome hair like this?!? I think it was that awesome piece sticking up that got me that free drink bowling left handed!

The Raspberry Beret Lady and I. You Go Kat!

Christian Retreat Weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-01T13:43:00.003-06:00

OK....What do I say??? Where do I begin??? I just spent an INCREDIBLE weekend with 115 amazing women. Women who were angry, broken, feeling like "ugly pieces of crap", seeking for something....someone.... and boy oh boy did GOD SHOW UP!! I have been to retreats before, I have been to huge conferences with amazing musicians and very gifted speakers but NOTHING and I mean NOTHING will compare with this past weekend. The event is called CRW-Christian Retreat Weekend. People share their hearts, people are healed, restored and truly see Jesus. I am overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions regarding this time I had. I am thankful for all God has done to forgive all of us from our dirty crap! But guess where that crap is! Its been thrown as far as the east is from the west (PSALM 103)! Its gone! And he wants to use us despite it! OH MY! I have been forgiven and I left it, I left some real junk this weekend because GOD seriously LOVES US! And I know, I KNOW that He wants to use me, He wants to use my family to do huge things. BECAUSE GOD IS HUGE!!!!!!!!! Get Him out of the box that you put him in, get Him out of your pocket! He wants to use YOU too! He wants to heal you too! He wants to FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been a Christian for a long time, you know the story, grew up in a Christian home with parents who loved God too and I am so thankful. Overtime God has been revealing HIMSELF to me in REAL ways, through BEAUTIFUL people. We limit Him so much...because its safe. And I just don't want to live safe anymore. PEOPLE ARE HURTING, PEOPLE ARE DYING and who is going to tell them!?! By golly I want to do something about it!!!! Whew, I am all worked up! I feel like my friend Kelly and her blogs, how she is so excited that the fonts are all crazy. I know why now, because she is so HUNGRY for God and SO wants to be used by Him and I guess in the blogging world this is the best way we know how to get it out! Because inside I am screaming! I am screaming about how much I love God and how grateful I am to see Him work in the lives of women, to heal their deeeeeep hurts, to see them radiate Jesus because they have FOUND HIM! The Love of their Life. Forget religion people, it is about JESUS, it is about his death on the cross for you and for me. That we may KNOW HIM! Diving in the Bible and reading what he has done for you and for me. Oh God thank you!!!!!

The men's weekend is coming, and you need to get your man there!!! March 12-14. Go HERE to see the brochure. The weekend is full of surprise so you don't get many details but it is amazing. Truly, amazing. I figure you have nothing to lose by checking it out, only your whole life to gain....

1 Timothy 1:12-17
Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy ¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, ¹³ even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. ¹⁶ But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

Love to you all,

Fruitcake

Learned Thing

2010-02-22T13:30:00.005-06:00

I don't think that being super mommy is automatic, I just don't think that it happens for everyone when their babies are born. Not for me, it was a whirlwind, it is hard, it is WORK. True, hard work and until you have experienced AROUND THE CLOCK care of a child you can't understand it. The good news is that, slowly I think it shows up and you start to fit into your role a bit better and even enjoy it most of the time instead of sometimes. As Lillie is getting older I am enjoying my time with her so much more. She is like a little buddy, and she brings out the kid in me. We sing together at the top of our lungs and dance like maniacs, sometimes we run around the house just for fun (and to wear her out before naptime...). Today it was $5 days at the Grand Harbour Indoor waterpark here in Dubuque. Lillie and I went with some of our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) friends. And we had a grand ol' time. Lillie wanted to go down the big tube slides, so down we went, again and again she just couldn't get enough of it. It was so great going down the slide with her holding on to me and seeing her big smile when we got to the end. The great thing is...that she even sat by my side sticking her little feet in when it was the moms turn to sit in the hot tub. She is a fun gal and I am proud to be her mommy.

***Im working on the layout of this blog....bleh....***

Right now

2010-02-07T13:53:00.004-06:00

Right now, I am tired. Right now, my kiddies are sick and I wished they would just get better. Right now I have about 3 more Beth Moore Esther lessons to finish before my Study tomorrow night. Right now I have had too much sugar and I need to remember it just makes me more tired. Right now, I am overwhelmed by schedules and places and things to do, I have to have a crown replaced tomorrow at 4 then I have Bible Study till 8:30... Right now I am ready to take my family to a secluded island and get some sun and not see anyone, any snow or deal with any other thing. Just a healthy happy adventure far far away. Right now I miss my hubby and wish we could just get some time together (alone) to meander. I love to meander. Right now I am thankful for my God who sings through me and encourages others when I feel so very weak. Right now I am saying "you are my strength when I am weak, you are the treasure that I seek, help me to make you my all in all" Right now I think about the message Pastor Matt shared this weekend....does money rule you or do you rule your money. Good question. Oh money how you drive me crazy. You are not my provider, God is MY PROVIDER. Right now, we are learning how to be better stewards and get a hold on this $ thing. Right now I am going to pour some pressed coffee and get on those studies. Right now, I hope I don't fall asleep like my mom does when she sits down...that seems to be me lately.

Happy Birthday Mark!!!

2010-02-01T09:26:00.004-06:00

You my dear are the most wonderful man to ever enter my life. You exemplify Jesus to me in a way that is tangible and that is priceless. I love you. Happy Birthday!!!

Grandpa Smith and Baby Kolbi

2010-01-29T11:21:00.004-06:00

Mark's Grandpa Smith died this morning, so today we remember Him and pray for those who are saddened. Praising the Lord for our new nephew Kolbi James Smith, born yesterday to Mark's brother David and his wife, Melissa. This is not the first time there has been a death around the time of a birth. God knows we are weak and HE is so good to give us life in a time of death and sadness.

You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Remembering you today Grandpa Smith. And welcoming you baby Kolbi.

Love you,
Mark, Em, Lillie and Titus

How to enjoy laundry day

2010-01-24T21:17:00.004-06:00

When you have to spend an afternoon putting laundry away, don't get down. Just follow Lillie's example and have some fun.

2010-01-24T16:19:00.003-06:00

A couple snapshots from Titus birthday celebration on Saturday. We forgot to get the pictures from my dad's camera-which holds pretty much all of the great ones! So, here are a few from ours! We can't believe he is so big!! I feel like even in the last couple of days he has GROWN UP SO MUCH! Oh my baby!

needing a little help from his sister...

And his car cake, and I didn't do this...ALL the credit goes to my hubby!!!!!!
He is one amazing man.

Happy 1st Birthday!!!!

2010-01-21T08:40:00.003-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday Mr. Titus Man!!!
Mommy & Daddy LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Rugby Awards Banquet

2010-01-18T09:40:00.004-06:00

Well this girl always loves a reason to get all dressed up. This time it happened to be for Mark's Rugby awards banquet! We had such a great time celebrating the good year with the Rugby family. We are heading to Chicago on May 1&2 for THE MIDWEST FINAL FOUR! So everyone is super stoked! After that we hope to head to National Sweet 16 in South Carolina at the end of May!!! Then off to Colorado Springs for THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!
Pray us in people!!

Here are some shots from the night :)

The cake, made by Derby's mom!!

The captain and his wife, wearing a headband I just couldn't resist!

Kathleen, Mary and I

The guys and their awards, my favorite is Hiram popping a squat.

The guys

And their dolls...please do not notice how ridiculously short I look!!!!!!

We had a great time out with our friends!
Thanks to the Lances for taking our kids in exchange for us taking their kids when they went hunting. Wonderful!

GOOD LUCK AT MIDWEST FINAL FOUR GENTLEMEN OF DUBUQUE!
You are loved by us Smiths!

Sweet Girls Surprise

2010-01-15T10:43:00.005-06:00

So instead of milk and corn we decided that maybe paint would be more fun! So here is our girl painting with her new paints! Lillie we are SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!

cleaning up!!

If You Should Poop Your Pants...

2010-01-14T16:26:00.004-06:00

and happen to get it on your onesie, no worries, you can still be cute!!!

Good BYE!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-12T20:21:00.004-06:00

So proud of Lillie! She threw her "broken" pacis in the trash! I told her that I was so proud of her I would get her a special surprise at the store and she said, "milk!?" "corn!?" Oh my heart!

Goodbye pacis! I will not miss searching for you at naptime, and bedtime, in the car on trips. Nope, not even in the middle of the night.

Dining Room

2010-01-09T21:05:00.005-06:00

So here it is, my dining room. My new curtains, thank you mom and dad for the wonderful gift!

I am comtemplating moving the white little wreaths, to our bedroom. We used those at our wedding ....aww...

(day time shot, hard to take pics with the blinding heap of snow outside our large windows!)

The other side, simple, my dad is in the process of making me a black buffett to put there under the mirror, ooo can't wait! Right now it is just our computer/music station!

This was a great find at BIG LOTS! Yup, $7.50 total, love it. Platter was $5 and the fruit was only $2.50!

I love these fruit, they are so pretty to me. They were actually ornaments and I cut off the strings. Growing up BIG LOTS was the store you wouldn't dare say you entered, I don't know why and who the heck cares!

Mark and I wanted a dark dining room, there is something about it that makes me thing fancy eating all the time? Wierd, IDK. I think I am happy with the way it is unfolding.

Wall Collage Or A Little Hodge-podge

2010-01-08T09:29:00.006-06:00

Okay so I know there are decorators out there, because I see what you do and am inspired! So please, view. I want to do something on this wall. The color in our dining room is VERY dark brown, I do love it but I know it take the perfect decorating. So after looking around I have decided to try out the wall collage/wall of frames. I'd like to call it wall of fame because its all pieces i love but don't know where to put them! So, here we are....it is a work in progress. Im thinking as I get more pieces I may need to move them closer....

I love this one....when Mark was going through his box of kid stuff he found this and I just happened to love it. I love it when things look old school, like olden days.

I just put up those curtains, but I have to iron them yet and get the ironing board out of the dining room. When I do, I will post a pic of the room....

Input please.

Home

2010-01-07T21:02:00.005-06:00

I *heart* IOWA

We are finally home after a 17 day Christmas World Tour. Okay, US tour. We are thankful for the big fat snow we got so that we could hunker down and get some work done around here and enjoy some sweet time together. We love to travel that much is obvious but we have been gone a lot this year so it is nice to enjoy sometime at home.

After Spokane, we went to Des Moines and had Christmas with my parents. (I don't have a good pic of Blaine and Amanda or I'd post one of them...just saving her some embarrassment :) Mom's neighbor came over and took these photos and unfortunately my bro was on the sick side. I am sure he is so sad to have missed out on the family photo shoot. But we forgot to get one of all of us anyway...so ya know. We had a good time there and a wonderful Christmas and New Years Celebration, introducing some of them to fondue!

There is lots more to say but Mark and I are settling in with some good coffee from his Momma. Thanks Diane!

Nighty.

*Lillie wanted us to hold her hands, I am not being a physco mom at that moment and holding hers down. for the record. lol

Christmas in Spokane!

2009-12-23T18:47:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures from our journey! Our first day here we went on a carriage ride downtown Spokane, looked at the gingerbread houses at the Davenport Hotel and saw Santa and Mrs. Clause! Lillie even had her 1st Starbucks-kiddie hot cocoa- and I am so sad I missed a picture of it! The Smiths have a HUGE tree, 22 feet tall HUGE!! We went hiking up in the hills to find that beast in the snow and ice! Good times! The cousins had their picture taken together today, it is so fun to see Lillie play with them. See below!!!

Driving home from the airport...tired kiddies!

The most handsome men of my LIFE!!!

Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Grandma Smith!

Professional Carolers!

Grandma, Titus and Lillie with Santa...Titus doesn't know what to think about him!!

Oh My Love

"PIZZA!!!"

I just had to post this picture...so sweet!

For a little perspective...

Mark and his sister Carianne decorating the high part!

Way up there, you can see my excitement...

Finished product!

Making Sugar Cookies

The cousins and Grandma, minus one...baby Evan was the sleeper. Girls wore pink and guys wore brown for the professional pic earlier that day!

I hear that the weather is crazy in Iowa...we will be missing that! Good luck all of you who are enduring that!

Lillie the Star!!

2009-12-11T22:17:00.004-06:00

Our Sweet Lillie Girl turned 2 today!!!
We had a wonderful party with friends and a STAR theme!
Thank you to all of you who made it so special!!!

Birthday Girl!!!

Daddy: "How old are you Lillie?"
Lillie: 5 Fingers in the air, "TWOOOOO!"

Little Smith Family

Lukas opening her birthday card from his family, what a nice helper!

And Judah, her little soul mate - showing her his present, a purse, lipstick, cell phone, keys, makeup! What fun!

Lately

2009-12-01T21:28:00.004-06:00

I have gone and done it again-updated the background without a new post.

We traveled to Kentucky and had a really good time, a little stressful with the gma situation but over all good. Blaine came and brought his girlfriend, Amanda, and I tell you what-having them there was a wonderful thing. Over time our extended family, that once was incredibly close (I mean getting together for almost every holiday all the aunts and cousins) has really taken some steps back so making sure we concentrate on our immediate family has become so important to me. I think it just happens with time, we make our own families and when you have to travel every time you are going to be with some family member you have to make decisions! So, all that to say. I praise the Lord that my parents are back in Iowa and that my bro has a great girlfriend and that Mark and I have started a happy little family that will keep growing Lord willing! We will begin our own little pack of cousins and aunts and uncles and make great memories! Kentucky is always a special place for me and seeing Grandma and Grandpa Varney any chance I can is important. I love to see my kids get loved on by them and to see my kids bring smiles to their faces. Thank you Lord for the opportunities.

An update on Gma Lillie, she is in rehab...doing some physical therapy. She is showing some signs of Alzheimer's or Dementia so she will probably be making her home in Iowa soon after rehab. Its sad to see your family get old and go through these struggles. When I first saw her last Tuesday laying in her hospital bed, it was hard. And when Lillie saw her Great Grandma Lillie with her oxygen tubes and started to cry and say "boo boo" that was even harder. Praise the Lord for Jesus and Heaven and that pain doesn't last forever.

Room Change

2009-11-22T14:03:00.002-06:00

Hi! If you are still iterested in sending GMA a note of encouragement her room has changed.

Back to ICU she goes....

So...
Norton Audubon
Lillie M. Robinson
ICU #12

Thanks for the prayers an support. We are heading out tomorrow morning to have Thanksgiving there in KY.

Update!!!!

2009-11-20T12:33:00.004-06:00

As I have told many of you-each day is different for Grandma! She had a good evening yesterday, ate solids and had conversations with my mom!!!! Last night though before going to sleep she had some confusion...mom says this may come with a stroke. We are waiting to see if this did occur as it doesn't often show up for a few days after. She may be moved out of ICU today! So we are praising God!! Thank YOU! For praying and caring!!!! You are awesome!!!

If you know my grandma, have been blessed by her blankets or funny sense of humor please or just want to wish her well - send her a Cheer Card at the hospital! Go HERE and it will tell you what to do!
Lillie Robinson
Rm# Heart Bed #6
Hospital Norton Audubon

I know she will be encouraged by all the notes!

Thank you!!!!

Oh Grandma

2009-11-17T23:57:00.005-06:00

I am not doing much sleeping tonight...because this lady is keeping me up...Oh Grandma Lillie...

She has been in ICU for a week now. She's gone through an awful lot. Triple by pass, pacemaker, now some blood clots, possible stroke and she can't seem to use her right arm. The screen is getting blury, I haven't lost a loved one this close before and I'd like to keep it that way. She doesn't want to seem to fight though this...I was lying awake my mind just racing. I want to be able and say goodbye to her if she doesn't want to fight anymore and I hate that Louisville is 8 hours away and not next door. I don't want this to sound morbid but I just had to get all this out and I thought you all should know about it. Pray.

This lady is crazy, seriously. So strong, loves red, knows lots of random facts, works hard for Cedar Grove Shell, makes baby blankets for every baby she knows that is born, gives and maybe too much. She drove here through the night, snow and ice to get here for Christmas last year, alone. She loves her church and makes Oatmeal raisin cookies for them every week. She reads fictions books like crazy and now I have most of them to prove it to you. She used to drive Blaine and I in her old burgundy car on the country roads of Kentucky and we'd listen to Randy Travis Diggin Up Bones, or that crazy guy who sings about the squirrel getting lose in the church, Ray Stevens. She loves Elvis and old country. She says she doesn't love bread, but I know she does. She is probably Swiss Colony's best customer. If you need someone to talk to, just call her right up. She will think the best of you and brag about you to every customer that walks through the doors of the store. One time she took Nikki and I on a little shopping trip to Victoria Secret, I have more lip glosses than I'll ever need. If you need a kitchen gadget just as ask her, she probably has it. Her strawberry cake is THE BEST.

She's my grandma and a grandma she is...

Please pray for this lady, she is special to me. Pray for my parents as they take care of her, it is a tiring job and there]s a lot to do. Pray that no matter what happens, people will be encouraged to love Jesus more and that HE will be glorified. Pray for wisdom for her doctors, nurses and caretakers. Pray that those who are not right with Jesus will get right. Life is quick.

Mrs. Jennifer Nicole Neslon

2009-11-13T12:31:00.005-06:00

Long time I know...my dear friend reminded me it is time to UPDATE! So this is what we have been up to....

I had the blessing, and I mean 100% blessing of going to Tennessee for my friend Nikki's Wedding. My parents were gracious enough to watch them for 10 days while I traveled and Mark went to a work conference. I am so thankful for the time I had.

Nikki, and I have been friends since 4th grade! We met in 1990 and have been friends ever since. As I spent this time with her I really have come to realize that she probably is my best girl-friend. Our friendship has outstood the test of time and distance. When we are together we pick up who were we have left off and act as though we are still crazy 4th graders giving that substitute teacher an awful lot of trouble. Oh dear me, poor lady. Anyway, she married a wonderful man of God, Eric Nelson who loves her so very much and it is beautiful to see. Which is fitting because she is an amazing woman who I know loves God with all her heart and is such an encouragement to me Their story is beautiful and a true picture that God is gracious, a God of many chances and loves us like CRAZY!!

Anyway, here are some pictures from the adventure. I will post again soon with pictures of the kiddies :)

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Nelson

Mark drove down to meet me the Friday before the wedding, it was so fun to have US time!!!

The wedding was gorgeous, the flowers were amazing and the place was perfect. It was like a magazine wedding!

The night of the wedding Nikki gave Amber, her maid of honor, and I along with our hubbies suites at the Inn where she was married. The next morning we had breakfast all together, the 6 of us. It was such a beautiful day!!

Amber, Nikki and I

Amber and Jason, Eric and Nikki, Mark and I

Guess Who...

2009-10-19T09:36:00.002-05:00

Was Dedicated Yesterday....

My Sweet Titus William. Thank You Lord that you promise to help us raise this wonderful baby boy.

So commit yourselves completely to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. So that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors. Be careful to obey all the commands I give you; show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and clinging to him.
Deuteronomy 11:18-22

making memories

2009-10-12T21:45:00.003-05:00

Mark's mom sent us these pumpkins for Lillie to color. Growing up Mark and his siblings would color these pumpkins and make individual faces on them every year. So that's what we did tonight! Now they are posted inside the cabinet.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTIONS

2009-10-07T12:57:00.003-05:00

If I may just have the floor one more time here....

I am so sick of this HPV vaccine. I recieved this email today from Connie Newcome:

I saw an article recently on ABC News concerning a 17 year old British girl who was denied U.S. citizenship based solely on the fact that she refused to take the Gardasil vaccine. She stated she was a Christian, she was not having sex, she was going to school, and she did not feel certain that the vaccine was safe. The next time I looked on the news site, the story was gone. 

Another story on Gardasil below. Be sure to let all your friends know a bout this horrible vaccine before they suffer also!

Then this article was attached.

Really people?? This article states,"It defends against two HPV strains which cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases"
But there are over 100 strains and these vaccines don't protect you from all!

Also a little background on HPV : "The human papilloma virus is contracted through skin-to-skin contact during sex — vaginal, anal, or even oral sex. It is not passed through the semen of the male, but is harbored within the cells of the entire genital region. While we strongly encourage the use of condoms to help prevent sexually-transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, HIV, and gonorrhea, condoms are less likely to prevent infection with HPV. " (http://www.womentowomen.com/understandyourbody/tests/abnormalpapsmearsandhpv.aspx)

This means you don't even have to have INTERCOURSE!! And CONDOMS don't work!!!!!!
Safe Sex= ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN in ONE MONOGAMOUS RELATIONSHIP.

Let me just tell you right now, I am NOT of the group that believes in this vaccine what so ever. We can't go around teaching girls that its okay to have sex with anyone and not to fear because there are vaccinations for protection. I have said it before and I will say it again, THESE VACCINES DONT PROTECT A GIRLS HEART and I guess if it kills you, you obviously won't be getting cervical cancer. Lets get to the REAL ISSUE America.

Marriage Ministry

2009-10-04T14:46:00.009-05:00

Our small group has helped to start a new marriage ministry at our church - HOPE in Dubuque. We have been so blessed to be a part of this new ministry. Our first even was a one night conference where Mark and I did a skit...pretty true to our lives and pretty funny. I don't really love being in skits but it got some good laughs and that makes it worth it! Last night we had the first date night. We planned a scavenger hunt for the couples from church. They had 4 stops and as it turns out they wished it was longer! That is good news! Keep coming back for more! Our next event is Friday, January 29th which will be another one night conference! Check out Hopes website our the Married Life Blog to learn more.

In the skit, Mark suprises me by taking me "out" for dinner, more like OUTSIDE FOR DINNER!

I tell him....its really neat honey but this really isn't what I had in mind...but don't worry I was only sassy for a short bit and then we came to communicate the real issue...Mark wants to be at home as much as I want him home and we had to learn to understand each others desires to get out or be home. I think you get the point...anway...

This is our awesome small group that we have grown so very found of. Us, the Lances, the Ormords and the Allisons. These people love Jesus and want to MAKE HIM KNOWN!!!! They have a great heart for hurting people and are amazing servants. Thanks for loving us!!
*disclaimer, none of us voted for Obama.

Fall Is In the Air

2009-09-30T20:28:00.003-05:00

The Gentlemen of Dubuque played Iowa Falls this past Saturday (and won of course).
I was able to go without kids, which was so nice. Afterward we were able to go to the social and I had such a great time talking with the ladies and not chasing kids.

This looks like a first date picture because I wasn't getting any closer!!
(And this was the good one.)

On Sunday when we came home from church we decided to snap a few shots on the porch.

*When I look at this picture I just crack up, he looks like such a fat old man!!!!

Oh! Can you handle it?

Superwoman

2009-09-23T13:11:00.001-05:00

This is the song I use when I need a pick me up in mommy land! Be encouraged oh Ladies!!!!

Thankful

2009-09-17T22:49:00.003-05:00

These are a few things that made me smile today.

This growing boy, oh my heart.

My pretty little lady, wild as ever.

And this, my mother's piano now taking up residence in my home. It has already added so much joy to our home, little hands, daddy's simple tunes
and the freedom to worship anytime.
Beautiful.

Welcome Home

2009-09-13T22:04:00.001-05:00

Welcome Home Grammie and Pop!
The Corn State has surely missed you!!

Big 27

2009-09-11T13:16:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and Mark did the best job yet! Mark planned for the kids to stay with some friends and he took me out to the Woodfire Grill and where we had some amazing food. Then we headed to the Mississippi Moon Bar to watch the dueling piano show, which was so fun and I recommend it! I felt so cherished and that felt so good.

Flat Bread Starter with fresh basil and mozzarella. YUM.

Blurry picture of our Apple Wood Bacon wrapped Shrimp Pasta

Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Pork. The BEST pork I have ever had.

My studly husband.

Him making fun of me doing this...

Taking a VERY large picture! LOL

Thanks so much Love.

Part 2

2009-09-10T13:36:00.004-05:00

NOW LISTEN TO THIS

Julie Barnhill noted today 3 things that trigger us. The one that gets me is Internal Pressures. Can I get an AMEN! It is amazing the pressures we put on ourselves and the thoughts we put in our head, we believe so many lies from the devil! Lets pray for TRUTH to permeate our hearts and lives.

I am not an angry person but when I get angry it is when Lillie hurts Titus or other children, biting them pulling hair whatever it is, it just gets to a place I didn't know exists. After the pressures of the day, the mommy this or that or picking up a spoon or cup a million times, hauling 2 children up and downstairs AT THE SAME TIME, a napless daughter, it finally is enough! I raise my voice and then the guilt just comes and those lies from the devil "you are a horrible mommy". Seriously, yesterday I asked Mark what in the world was God thinking entrusting these two little people to ME?! I am so blessed to have his amazing grace AND help through my day and HE HAS equipped me.

In this talk she also noted how Marvelously Complex we are as women. How many times a day do we bend down, carry a child, move a high chair, unload a stroller? We are physically emotionally and relationally complex! We have to maintain a home, maintain an intimate love relationship with our husbands and take care of these little babes! It is A LOT! Cut yourself some slack, pray for God to forgive you when you do wrong, change you from the experience and pray for a sincere heart for your children! In the meantime, Let it go and send those lies from the devil right back to Hell where they belong!! GIVE GRACE! So many people have just thrown this down the drain, don't judge moms, especially if you aren't one and just
LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Dr. Dobson also encouraged dealing with our spiritual state, be in prayer and in the word also deal with your fatigue! Chose a nap over dishes, or laundry. Rest. He compared it to an army with no reserve. Don't be without reserve.

2 Timothy 2:13 (New International Version)

if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

God is crazy about us and he wants to use us to further His kingdom!!

"God gave me the gene, Its ok. I like to say what that woman has thought and is unable to say."
I think this is me. How often I say things that make people take a step back, because honestly I want to be the person that is the same INSIDE and OUT what you see IS what you get. Genuine. Real.
So that is why I post this, I am so far from perfect.
Be encouraged sister.

Calling All Moms

2009-09-09T22:13:00.002-05:00

Ok seriously, being a mom is THE HARDEST thing I have ever done and how many of you think this but maybe are just kidding yourself? A woman I respect so much told me about this .

Listen to this, Parts 1 and 2. I am almost done with Part 1. Thank you Jesus. You are so good.

I Need A Savior

2009-09-03T11:56:00.002-05:00

I have been teaching Lillie to sign "Thank You Jesus" when we pray, hoping that she will get the real reason why we pray (cute as she may be when she does fold those little hands and speak). Today when I did this Titus was in the exersaucer getting ready to eat so we prayed and this song came on the radio. It was a real mommy moment let me tell you.
My eyes were far from dry. God, please save these little souls.

Feels Like Fall

2009-08-31T13:59:00.004-05:00

So as you can see I have changed my background to match the weather! It is just like fall here in Iowa and I don't mind! I would love it if it stayed this way until December!

The kids and I just returned from Kentucky for a trip to Gma and Gpa Greats house and we had a wonderful time but we sure missed Mark and are glad to all be back together again! My dad's 1st day at his new job is the 14th of September and we are so excited to have them here very very soon!! Our first Rugby game is this Saturday at home! Ready or not here we go!

Mark, love, I know you probably think I have jumped the gun on this fall thing but that is why you love me! I am on the way to the store now to get some of that pumpkin spice creamer...just kidding.

Some pictures from this summer...

Doing the obstacle course with Daddy at UD.

Why the majority of us Varney decendents are addicted to coffee and mostly short...

The new double jogger that does some good magic on a napless little girl.

Cutest kid around!

Cleopatra.

Helping mommy make some yummy chocolate cake.

First cereal!!

Loving being a girl.

For Sale!!

2009-08-16T21:48:00.004-05:00

This cutie house is F O R S A L E!
Why you ask?

Oh simply because it's owners aka MY PARENTS are MOVING to
DES MOINES IOWA!!

Yey!!!!
*said with much enthusiasm and for lack of better words at the moment!*

Long Time No Post

2009-08-06T15:18:00.003-05:00

Here is a map with all the states we have visited this summer! We have figured out we have been traveling since March and according to our calculations it won't stop till January! and I say BRING IT! So far this summer our family has traveled through 17 states and been from the Puget Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. We will be adding Tennessee in October and possibly Michigan to the map in November! There is one draw back however, I cannot grow a garden or maintain the weed population when I travel during the growing season! So I am not a garden master, I cannot even grow zinnias because I am not home long enough to maintain them. So if you drive by our house feel free to pick a weed or two, we are probably somewhere on the road.

Meanwhile when we are home we have really enjoyed meeting with our small group from church. We have been studying 1 and 2 Peter and spending some good time together. We also house sat/kid sat for some of our friends for a week. Mark and I were the parents of 8 again, they have 6 ages 9-19!

Lillie is potty training! It is going well and she is such a big girl, the biggest battle is me remembering to take her to the potty! It may take us sometime until we get to big girl pants but I say praise the Lord for using less diapers because they stay dryer longer!

God is so good and doing lots of fun and exciting things in our lives. We are building some great friendships and doing lots of healing from a year of craziness. I did a Psalms study and learned a bit about forgiveness and also have been reminded about God's crazy love for us all. I have an several opportunities to sing on our church's worship team and i LOVE it. I am honored and so blessed to be a part of it. It is incredibly organized. Mark and I have also been playing church softball, we are the pitcher catcher team :) We are one of the top teams and hoping to finish strong! Rugby starts up soon, so we will be busy with that. If you know of someone getting rid of a double jogger please let us know, we are going to need it for the games!

I hope you all are well, I will post pics soon.

Love to All!

FINALLY!

2009-07-14T20:08:00.006-05:00

Finally! Here are some pictures from our way home from our trip out west! I have been a little slow getting these up!! We had a little change in plans on the way home and stayed an extra day at Mark's parents house so we had to pick one National Park/Monument to visit. We picked the Badlands and I am so glad we did!! It was so beautiful!

We got up Friday and drove from Spokane to Spearfish, South Dakota where we camped that night. This is what Mark and I found as we went to settle in for the night...

Can you even handle that? So sweet.

This is one of the cows at the campgrounds petting zoo. I loved those little cows. I think I was meant to grow up on a farm but missed out. This particular cow really liked Lillie!

And the Badlands...

I think this is one of my absolute fav..

Where's Lillie?

It was rather windy...

This picture was taken by a nice biker couple...not like leather Harley people but like bundle up in wind suits because we are going to take a walk on the moon people.
Thank you moon walkers.

Bunnies!

2009-07-08T20:45:00.001-05:00

Mark found these cuties in our backyard! I wish they could stay forever.

Rescued!

2009-06-30T15:10:00.004-05:00

It is sad to think that I have settled for comfort in the past. That I haven't wanted my boat to be rocked because I might get wet and mess up my hair. I knew that in my comfort I was missing something and I see now it is JOY in our Great God. Our God who we can be CONFIDENT. SURE. and SECURE in. Praise You Jesus that when you rocked my boat I thought I was going to drown but instead you rescued me from a boring comfortable life.

Psalm 30:1-12 (The Message)

A David Psalm

¹ I give you all the credit, God— you got me out of that mess,
you didn't let my foes gloat.

^2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.

^4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

^6-7 When things were going great
I crowed, "I've got it made.
I'm God's favorite.
He made me king of the mountain."
Then you looked the other way
and I fell to pieces.

^8-10 I called out to you, God;
I laid my case before you:
"Can you sell me for a profit when I'm dead?
auction me off at a cemetery yard sale?
When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs
and stories of you won't sell.
So listen! and be kind!
Help me out of this!"

^11-12 You did it: you changed wild lament
into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band
and decked me with wildflowers.
I'm about to burst with song;
I can't keep quiet about you.
God, my God,
I can't thank you enough.

To the West Continued!

2009-06-21T20:08:00.008-05:00

Here are some more pictures of our adventure. We have spent sometime basking in the sun and playing very hard! We took a couple of days and went to Seattle to see some of Mark's family and to visit the Point Defiance Zoo. We are having a great time here!

Playing with fellow cousin Silas....

Riding ferocious alligators....

Brushing goats...

Surviving crazy shark attacks with cousin Kodi...

Posing with elephants...

Watching sea otters...

This was mommy's FAVORITE animal. This huge walrus weighed 3300 lbs!!! He barked, growled, talked and whistled! He also rolled back into the water, floated on his back with his arms crossed on his chest!

The peacock who greeted us!

This was fathers day, 4 generations. Daddy, Titus, Great Grandpa Smith and his son Grandpa Smith! Great Grandpa Smith is holding up his thumb and warning Titus that his will go crooked too if he keeps chewing/sucking on it!

We've Made It!

2009-06-15T10:55:00.007-05:00

We set out bright and early Saturday AM at a beautiful 5 am! We arrived at Devils Tower Wyoming that evening and set up camp! We had a great night camping, the kids did awesome and slept through the night in the tent! The next day we made breakfast consisting of eggs, toast and of course coffee. Then we set out for Spokane Washington, Grandma Smiths house! After a few or many a few stops for diapers, feedings and explorations we arrived here safe and sound! We will be here until the 25th, at the end of the week we are going to take a short trip over to Seattle. We will try to keep posting some pictures!

Here is our blurry Wall Drug picture. We didn't know it was blurry till we got in the car!

Can we just take the stage coach guys?

Lillie helping Daddy set up camp!

The national cemetery at the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument

Titus doing his stretches after the long ride.

This sign says "Continental Divide" Can you not see it through the rain drops and blur? Mark was so excited about this sign. My geography genius.

Little Ones

2009-06-10T14:45:00.003-05:00

Titus helping Mommy with laundry

Sometimes at night when we go to put Titus in his crib, we find Lillie has made her bed here with her big stuffed dogs! Its just so cute and she's sleeping so we don't care!

Good day!

2009-06-09T18:51:00.003-05:00

I just have to say what a good day it has been!

I had a dentist CLEANING but unfortunately didn't past the test as Mark calls it. I have to get a crown redone (at thier expense) and 2 cavities filled. Boo. But hey she worked on my coffee stains...haha Then I ran a couple quick errands and had coffee with Kati, which was so long over due and it was so sweet to catch up. I had a wonderful visit with our "Nena" who brought Lillie all kinds of fun surprises for our road trip! Then Lillie helped me air out sleeping bags, wash out the cooler, blow bubbles and bake cookies! I had a great conversation with my daddy and a wonderful dinner with my family!

It is almost time to relax with my hubby!

Oh and here is one of our camping stops along the way for those of you who think we are crazy....
Devils Tower WY

Deal , okay maybe Steal!

2009-06-05T15:24:00.003-05:00

Today I ordered this! Even if it works for the summer only, I would say the $14.99 was well worth it! I look forward to summer evening grill outs sitting back with a nice drink listening to some wonderful tunes. Rock on Deal of the Day and Annette you awesome bargain hunter you! Note: if viewing this after Friday 6.5.09 the website will be posting a new deal, maybe its just the deal you have been waiting for!

Fuzzi Bunz and Bum Genius

2009-05-27T13:17:00.006-05:00

These are just 2 of the many types of cloth diapers and accessories out there and all of the information is OVERWHELMING! Mark and I are really thinking we should go this way. We could save about $100 a month if we go cloth! HELLO! So, do you use them? How many do I need to start for a 4 month old? For an 18 month old? HELP!

GUESS WHO'S....

2009-05-21T09:31:00.004-05:00

4 MONTHS OLD!!!

ME?!?!

REALLY?

Yes, Bubba don't be sad, your not that old. I am practically an old lady...

But I will always be there to help you.

Even when I am bigger than you?

Thanks!

Potato Soup

2009-05-18T22:19:00.004-05:00

Lillie and I had a wonderful time making this yummy recipe for dinner

She is still learning they don't taste as good uncooked.

Hard at work, look at all those peals she has in the sink...ok, mommy has in the sink.

Washing the dishes! This kept her entertained for a very long time!

Daddy Date

2009-05-09T00:13:00.002-05:00

Lillie got to go with Daddy on a date to UD's bachelorette tonight, she was very excited to be in her dress! We think dates with daddy are very special.

Lillie has an obsession with these headbands, she always wants to wear them...even if she is wearing a pretty in her hair.

Also after taking these pictures I realize what a NON attention to detail person I am... I will work on that.

All Iowa Rugby Tournament

2009-05-04T21:26:00.006-05:00

We have been gone the past few weekends for Rugby. This past weekend the four of us went to Iowa Falls for the State Tournament. We had a lot of fun together as a family and enjoyed some time with our Rugby family. We had two full days of Rugby for the guys and two full days of running around in the open field for Lillie.... and Mommy.

Saturday Night was our first family of four hotel stay. Titus went swimming for the first time while Lillie was quite the little daredevil and tried her best to swim on her own.

We hit the road bright and early at 6:45 am.... Yikes!

Lillie's 1st Happy Meal

On Sunday, Blaine and Amanda came up to watch the final game.

The Gentlemen took 3rd place in Division 2

On the way home we stopped at Dairy Queen for a little ice cream treat, thanks for the sweet necklace Derby.

P.S. Today a special little girl went poopie not once but twice in her big girl potty!
Way to go super star!

Water Boy

2009-04-28T11:09:00.001-05:00

Easter in Kentucky

2009-04-12T22:01:00.007-05:00

here are a few photos of our time with my family in kentucky. it was wonderful and much too short.

Snapshots

2009-04-06T21:00:00.011-05:00

Mr. Titus Man...wide awake...maybe due to mommy's coffee addiction...

Titus' first rugby game...here we are at the social afterward

Family walk to the park, nice stick Lillie.

I think she may be a pole vaulter or maybe a jouster.

Saturday we drove to Freeport to see daddy and the gentlemen play some rugby! They won and Lillie played hard with Bo and Luke! Here she is finally conked out after a day full of activity! Titus just slept both drives...good boy. Lillie on the other hand tried to escape out of those straps...for now she is definitely the one with the crazy demeanor. Like mother like daughter.

2 Months!

2009-03-26T22:13:00.004-05:00

Mr. Titus Man had his 2 month appointment yesterday and he did extremely well! He weighed in at 12 pounds 10 ounces and is 23 inches long!! He ranges in the 70th percentile for height and weight and 100th percentile for handsomeness... hehe...what a love.

Some Needed Time

2009-03-21T22:29:00.007-05:00

Thank you tax return. Not only are you good for paying off medical bills, credit cards and such but you are also good for getaways! Mark took me to Madison last night and we had a wonderful time! Our friends Sam and Ale came to watch our kiddies so we could get some undistracted (is that a word? its underlined in red.) shopping in. I got these shoes for Easter...I love me some FuNky heals.
We went to the Melting Pot, oh yum. My favorite. We sat in "Lovers Lane" a little booth tucked away in a nook, it was great.

This morning and afternoon we spent our time shopping and here is one of my most favorite items...

Bare Minerals, all over face color in TRUE.

These times are far and few between so we really enjoyed ourselves.

God's Country

2009-03-13T19:11:00.002-05:00

This is what my Uncle Charles calls Colorado and perhaps I believe it. We have been here since Tuesday visiting Uncle Charles and Aunt Jody and our dearest friends ever Dan and Georgi Eakins. We came for a secret surprise mission. Dan's birthday is St. Pattys Day and so we came a little early...we were here waiting for him Wednesday when he came home from work. It truly was a surprise. We are supposed to leave tomorrow to head back home...this is when I wish we were driving the Blazer and it was too broken to use. I am not ready to come home, so if I don't show up you will know why.

Flu Buddies...

2009-03-04T16:57:00.005-06:00

Super Dad himself holding both of the kiddies...
Mark has been A M A Z I N G through all of this.
I love you Bear!

So I guess Lillie felt left out...she wanted a taste of this flu...look at those sad blue eyes.

On a good note though Titus went back to the Dr. today and his fever is GONE and the doctor says he is handling it all very well! I believe he is looking more like his handsome self!

THE FLU!

2009-03-02T22:38:00.002-06:00

What a time we have been having....Mark was sick last week, I was sick this weekend and just yesterday we had to take Titus to the dr for a fever. Turns out Titus has the flu, which I guess is what Mark and I both had. We have to take him in to the dr. today just so they can see how he is doing. Praise the Lord he doesn't have to be admitted into the hospital as they warned me may have to happen. He is eating, sleeping and going potty but he just is sad...you can tell he doesn't feel good. Thankfully Lillie is not showing any signs of being sick and we are praying like crazy she doesn't get sick one bit. We have also started watching our friends little girl, who is 4 months during the day. So needless to say it has been an interesting time. Keep us in your prayers and that we all will get over this junk completely and that Hattie and Lillie will not get any of it. Here are some recent pics of our little guy.

Mr. Tough Stuff

Introducing...

2009-02-22T21:31:00.004-06:00

GOLDIE & LOCKS

Tonight we decided that every kid should have some goldfish, so here are Lillie's (because Titus doesn't care yet).

The rocks are the same color as the fish...we'll work on that!

There we go...Bahama shells...

You don't really need an excuse for more pictures.... right?

2009-02-21T13:16:00.004-06:00

Well this was our first week without any visitors. It was truly bittersweet... We had a wonderful time with Emily's mom and then when our friends, Nikki and Eric came for a Valentines celebration week! The pictures from that week will have to be posted later...we took them with Eric's awesome camera and then figured out we couldn't upload them to our computer. Boo. Things are going pretty good, Lillie is doing awesome with Titus. She loves him and we are so thankful she is adjusting well.

This is one of the crazy games we play during the day...

We call this one pile the toys on Titus...

Lillie didn't want Titus feeling left out so she gave him her favorite toys. What a good big sister!