A Fun Birthday!

I can't believe he is four. It seems like yesterday that he had a binky and wore diapers. I miss those chubby cheeks and lack of hair. It is always fun watching them open their presents. We had put out his presents on Sunday afternoon by the fireplace. Ally was looking at them and Drew told her - Stay away those are my presents for my birthday!

We had a fun party a week later. I am glad that we didn't do it before his birthday because that Sunday was WINDY and COLD. The next weekend was PERFECT. The highlights of the party were the four-wheeler rides, hayride, bonfire and egg throw.

A month before his birthday I asked him what he wanted to do for his party - meaning Playstation, Children's Museum or something similar. He said, "I want to throw eggs at Grandma's house." Last year at his party, she painted an "x" on the trees and the kids each got a dozen eggs to throw at the "x." It was very exciting. I am sure that we are encouraging egging in the future. This year the adults (okay boys or men) got into it and almost pelted me. Arghhhh.

Make a Joyful Noise

I don't know how many of you know "Down by the Bay" but here is Drew's version complete with the guitar. He knows the lyrics and probably better than his Momma!

Carving Pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is a lot of fun, but it ends up being a mom and dad project more than a Drew and Ally project. As you can tell by Drew's face - he is far from amused!

Ally lasts longer and longer each year though. Half the problem might be that we don't let her use the knife. What terrible parents we are!

We found a site online that helped out design your pumpkin face and then we could print out the pattern. Ally did help mark it out on her pumpkin. I am a little bit more patient on the curved lines than Daddy is! The warm weather this year didn't help our pumpkins out. They wilted quickly but looked really nice for a couple days!

Pumpkin Farm

I love pumpkin farms! I am not such a big fan of the extra costs of going, but they make a fun-filled afternoon as a family. Next year will be so different. I look back at Ally's first pumpkin farm and WOW did she look slightly different. (That is a price tag in her mouth!) Hammey will be about this size next year.

This year we went to Grinnell to a farm which was cool. We had read about it online and they had petting zoo, corn cannons, pumpkin cannons, tractor rides, corn maze, wheelbarrow races - just to name a few.

Mercy Dedication

Jason has enjoyed his job thoroughly. We were talking last night about how his career path has changed drastically from college. I'm pretty sure that he wouldn't have changed a thing. His new job has come with many new and interesting challenges. He rarely comes home without a smile and reminds me how much he loves his job! PRAISE THE LORD!

His first task was overseeing the flood reconstruction of the hospital. They managed to it done in 100 days and over 60 million worth of construction. It was quite a task for him and for our family! They dedicated the building on September 28th. We left KC early and my parents brought the kids back from KC with them after the big Backyardigan performance. The Archbishop came to do the service and we toured the building for the last time before it was taken over by patients!

This picture shows how high the water got on the hospital. This isn't much according to the rest of the city, but the hospital was in the last block that got flooded. It was enough though to evacuate the building and have to strip everything down to the studs which had to be individually cleaned specially.


This fountain never stopped running during the flood. They wanted to shut it off, but the control switch was in a closet that was sandbagged and if they tried to get in, they would ruin a lot of electrical stuff.

Artist in the Making

If you have ever been to our house, you would know that our kids LOVE crafts. It might be an understatement. Our office floor is typically covered by little scraps of paper. They go through a ream of paper a month by themselves. Yesterday Ally was using all my post-its to label all of the things in our house and then wrote a book about it.

They really like the glitter glue, fun scissors, and paints the most. But Mommy is a hard-nose and typically only lets them get the markers and scissors out. Gluestick is no problem, but I hate it when I go look for tape and find out Ally has used it all on her latest project.

One night Jason was helping me pick up when he noticed a Sponge Bob picture laying around. (Our kids don't watch it, but do have one book.) He asked how Ally had made it. She told him that she drew it. We aren't sure if she traced it from the window or did it free hand, but whatever it is pretty good for a 5 year old!

Final masterpiece which will go in her art scrapbook - only the good stuff gets kept!

Firepit

We love to roast marshmellows. I love fall! We got out our firepit and to make supper and have some s'mores! Ally is becoming quite the expert marshmellow roaster. She likes to set them on fire and blow them out. Then eat them of coarse! Drew could care less about them! It was a beatiful Saturday night - perfect family time. I am sure that next year we will have little hands crawling towards the fire. I am sure that it will be a lot more hectic!

Fun at Grandma Janelle's

One beautiful October Saturday, Jason took the kids to Grandma Janelle's while I helped throw a shower for a good friend, Emily and her sweet baby girl.

They had a blast picking pumpkins,

going on a scavenger hunt for their name pumpkins,

raking leaves,

picking apples,

eating apples, and

climbing trees.

Too bad they didn't take a nap on the way home!

And you wonder....

What in the world is Brenda doing? She just posted 8 random August and September posts? Well this is our family journal. You get to be lucky and see our family's happenings through my eyes. I am going back and starting where I left off to get all of the important events in our lives.

Enjoy them - there are 9 more to come - then the things that have yet to happen!

Backyardigans!

We made a CRAZY trip to Kansas City with my parents to meet - Chris & Amy (and girls) and Amy's parents to see the Backyardigans. I can got a glimpse this weekend of the joy God must feel when He gives us good things. The joy on my kids' faces watching this show brought tears to my eyes!

We stayed in a hotel a LONG ways away due to the fact that a dog show, Chiefs home game and NASCAR race were all happening the same weekend. It was fun. There aren't a ton of pictures since we couldn't take any during the show.

Grandma and Grandpa kept the kids while Jason and I headed back to Iowa for the hospital dedication. They enjoyed swimming, going to the park and lunch with them and their cousins!

Grandma Rhonda's House

Once and awhile Ally and Drew have sleep-overs at Grandma's house. AKA - Date night for Mommy and Daddy. I can meet my mom on my way home from school and then pick them up the next morning. One benefit of only living a half an hour away!

Ally and Drew are very creative and lot to make projects. Grandma has all the fun tools. The mess there is just as big as it is at home!

They love to hike with Grandma and watch Grandpa in the field. They follow the deer paths and watch for other animal tracks.

It was "close" to Grandpa Charlie's birthday so Jason and I brought his "favorite" McDonalds lunch to eat in the field between raking and bailing.

Priceless face of Joy

We went back to the reservoir a couple weeks later. Jason was washing the kids off. I love Drew's face in this picture!

This was ALL covered by 10-15 feet of water in June. I am amazed!

Reading to My Brother

One of Ally and Drew's favorite activities is reading. I can't complain about it either. I can find them many afternoons or during rest time with a book. The biggest punishment it to threaten to take away books at bedtime.

I wish they always got along like this!

Labor Day at the Res

The resivoir is a common place for many people from our area to spend their weekends boating and hanging out. We hadn't been there except to look at how high the water had gotten. We decided to head out for a nice Labor Day picnic with my parents.

We took the kids to Fossil Gorge first. Back in the Floods of '93, the water washed away a bunch of rocks uncovering TONS of fossils. There aren't any dinosaurs sticking up but lots of fishy stuff and shells. This year more were uncovered. It was fun to explore. We were also visited by a few random deer that wanted a drink.

We had a picnic on the beach. I hate sand and the beach but know my kids love it. We didn't bring their suits since it was slightly chilly, but I guess it is never too cold to get wet. They had a blast digging in the water. A couple weeks later we brought them back - also on a cold day, but they still got drenched! Kids will be kids. I am sure that back in my younger years I would have done the same thing.

Labor Day Trip to St. Louis

We hadn't been back for awhile to some of our favorite spots to see some of our favorite people. Our kids had been looking forward to this trip for a month. They love to eat Aunt Melody's chocolate chip pancakes and play with Daisy. Randy is good to see also. Mike and Ashley showed up too. Ally didn't cry when she saw Ashley! Ashley babysat Ally a lot while we lived there. She knew that if Ashley came - then mom and dad were leaving and that didn't make her happy.

We got to watch the Georgia game with the Scoggins and Shaws. It was fun to tell them our big news. The kids love playing together. Ally still believes in her heart that she will marry Trip. I am not sure if he could make it in the Iowa cold and I am not letting my baby move to Georgia!


We were blessed to get to see almost everyone else at a Labor Day bash at the Andersons. There was some adult conversation but much watching kids run every where. It is hard to belive that when we started this care group 8 years ago that there were only 3 kids - Jay and Jeremy Roe and Audrey Millikan. Now there are too many to even count! We finally gave in and made them sit down to watch a movie. Ally wouldn't look for the picture.


We miss STL a lot but know that God brought us to Iowa City to do big things. He taught us a lot there and we have gained so many friendships that are not replaceable.

Iowa State Fair 2008

Every year we enjoy our family trip to the state fair. Not many people live in Iowa and don't go. It is a lot of fun. We have our favorite attractions that we visit yearly.

Things that we have to do at the fair...
1. Funnel cake
2. 4-H Building - I like the crafts.
3. Butter Cow (and this year Shawn Johnson)
4. Doll houses
5. Ice cream
6. Varied Industry Bldg - business trying to get you to buy stupid stuff. Also has the Universities stands which means free posters!
7. The Slide
8. Animal Barns - includes big pig, cow and bull
9. Petting Barn
10. Little Hands farm

I am sure there is more but those are the ones that stick out in my head!

A Reminder for Me as Teacher

Teachers often call home about kids. Typically it isn't positive. I got an email from Ally's art teachers today that reminded me why I should call about the positives too! It made my day (and Jason's too)!

From Mrs. Macumber
Ally is SO awesome! Her class had a hard time cleaning up and she really pitched in to get the job done. After she was finished she gave me a big hug. (Which I REALLY needed because one of her class mates had just called me stupid because he didn't want to clean up and I had to take his work away from him!)

Thanks for having a great kid!

Yeah!

The weather outside is frightful.... Okay it really isn't but winter is coming! "Snow" is falling but not sticking. I have a new winter coat to go over the belly, snow boots, mittens, hats, and coats are bought BEFORE the rush - all is good!

Bring on the Snow!

Voting

We (meaning me and the kids) voted on Tuesday together - a little crazy but not too bad. Hopefully they weren't too bad but did crawl under the booth - I hope they didn't bother anyone.

When we walked in, Drew asked if he could vote. Ally responded quickly by telling him - no you have to be 7 or 8 to vote. Hum I think they need some social studies.

Ally asked me who we voted for as if she had an opinion and really wanted our candidate to win. When we got home she told Jason - Daddy - I hope "the king" wins. Jason had a stumped face - which is typical. Then she followed up with "because that is who we voted for. "The king - McCain - ahhh they sound similar.

Breadstick

Last night we had spaghetti and all the good stuff that goes with it. Jason was cleaning up supper and I was picking up when I hear Jason go - Drrrreeeewww! My garlic & salt loving boy was LICKING the garlic off the breadstick. He put it back on the counter and said - what it's good!

Who Said We Teachers Can't Have Fun?

Would you be proud to work with these people? Last week in celebration of Halloween - we had some basic dress up days instead of letting the kids wear gory costumes. The teachers had more fun with this day. We dressed as students and the kids dressed as teachers. I have pictures of us with our student look alike but that is for another post - picture some of our boys dressed as pregnant teachers!

We love to imitate how they act in class! I am "Chyann" a girl who ALWAYS has on all black and a slipknot t-shirt. I obviously didn't have the t-shirt, but printed out a picture of them and taped it on Hammey.

Still Funny

This morning Ally said: Daddy is still funny EVEN though he is 32....

Ha! Jason's response - I will be funny til the day I die. (Okay looks don't count)

Happy Birthday Drew!

It is late and I want to go cuddle with my honey, but I will post a couple pictures of our FOUR YEAR OLD!!! Yikes. He is old and Jason keeps reminding me that I am old. What a nice husband?!?!?

Drew is so sweet and melts my heart. I am a sucker for this little guy - even when he yells down twice during small group to tell me that he didn't feel good.

I will post more about the big day later!

Sixteen and a Half

Had a doctors appointment today and was really nervous. Who wouldn't be? I hate that you can't feel the baby all the time to know that everything is okay. I have been praying for faith and to trust God.

The heartbeat was strong and everything looks good. I would like to worry (even though God tells us not to), but Dr. Wenzel seems confident that everything is fine and is completely gone. I get to schedule my half way ultra sound in the next month! Not that I haven't seen it already several times - one more is always great.

God is good. Continue to pray for our little Hammey. I have started feeling it about once a day but it is SO random but in the same exact spot every time. He is just letting Mom know he is fine.

Monkey See - Monkey Do

Last night at supper, Ally was showing us some "new" tricks she had learned at school. Ellen had shown her how to make tooting noise with her arm pit. I quickly kabashed that adn said that girls don't do that ESPECIALLY at the supper table.

I go on eating just to glance up to notice Jason trying the same thing. Goodness. Drew started in but with just the noise from his mouth.

I admitted that this behavior is probably from the Smith side - aka Nathan, Chris, David, and Andy passed down from Uncle Ken.

Less than 2 Weeks!

Jason went and picked up Ally and Drew's costumes the other night. They decided that they wanted to be Batman and Batgirl. We knew the first costume wouldn't be difficult to find, but hadn't seen the other one in the store. We had found it online, but oh my the cost. I wasn't willing to spend about $40 for a one day deal.

We finally found it on Wal-Mart.com and the only store around here was the CR store. Jason headed there the next day - hoping their computers were right. Much to our kids' joy, he brought them home. They fit well. As Drew had his on, he said - Mommy don't my eyes look scary! Oh yes Drew you are scary.

Ally love to fly around with her cape.

Just a few days until load up the kids with sugar day! How exciting for a school teacher!

Sorry the pictures are not so hot. My camera batteries were dead so I used my phone.

Meeting Makenna!

We made the long trip today to visit the newest addition to the family - Makenna Faith Willis born yesterday morning at 6:20. She is the smallest baby that I have ever seen weighing in at a whomping 6 lbs. 6 oz. Mommy is doing great except when Jason pulls out the one-liners - she never knew he could be so stupid - I am mean funny.

Ally was so thrilled to hold her - she was also perfect size for Ally to hold. We might have an interesting time in a few months. Ally wasn't too thrilled to have to share the cuddle time with other visitors though.

Drew refused to touch or hold her. He told me at bedtime tonight that only girls can kiss babies. But he did say that he would kiss his baby brother or sister.

This is my favorite picture. The are so excited about Hammy coming to our house. This gives us some good practice before one comes to live with us. Ally was slightly confused why we had to leave when Makenna wanted to eat.

Coffin For Sale

Jason has almost got his latest project finished. SIXTY-EIGHT shelves need to be sanded and then we need to get it all varnished - which will be a task all in its own!

Our yard on Saturday looked like a Coffin yard sale. We have them for all sizes - big or small.

Many guys are owed some big thank yous for giving up nights and Saturday to help with this project. It all goes to show how much the church is a family. In the above picture, Andy is sanding down the last one!

Trying to Keep Quiet

I wish that our kids slept in but because of our weekday schedule, they rarely sleep past 7:15 on the weekend. Usually Ally is up first and asks to play in her room. We try and get her to be quiet, but you know our talker. Last Sunday we didn't realize they were up until I walked out and heard some giggling. I took a peek into Drew's room to find this. I ran downstairs to get the camera and tried to be quiet, but the sound of the camera turning on got their attention.

Sometimes they play so well together! Wish that is was more often...

One Busy Saturday

As I was "relaxing" on Saturday, Jason was building bookshelves for Pastor Jeff's office or small library. There are 16 shelves of varying sizes. I can't wait to see what this office actually looks like! Before the day began, the garage was finally clean after 2 years. Jason had me take some pictures because he knew that it wouldn't last long! After a finished basement and some yard work (which still needs some attention), the garage got its much needed organization and cleaning. Wish we would have had time to get it painted - guess that if for winter ummmmm later... Some great guys came over from small group to learn how to use some tools. We are so thankful that they were able to give up some time on a Saturday to help us out. One of the guys from Jason's work also came. Poor guy is from San Diego but was transfered here to help one of the construction companies with flood reconstrucution. He got married in April and moved his beautiful bride to the flooded plains to an extended stay hotel - they have a place on the beach in California. They have been coming to Parkview and have also just joined our small group. We are praying that we get a good snow storm before they leave at the beginning of December. Here are Jesse and Jason putting one of the shelves together. Here are the piles of shelves in our garage - at least my van can still get in there! We still have a pile of plywood in the drive way to build some sound thingys (technical name). The kids decided that they were going to have their own Olympics and are practicing their jumping and twisting. They wore themselves out! Ally got some good air on this one. Jason entertained me by trying his own jump out. He is the BEST! I love him more than ever!

Hammie Update

First off I want to thank so many of you that prayed for us the last few days - please don't stop we have 26 long weeks ahead!

It seemed that the doctor was not worried as much since the bleedy has stopped, but said we are not completely out of the woods yet. It could happen again but it hopefully will most likely heal up and be okay. They have no clue why this happens and have no "treatment" for it. She said that we tell you to relax and put your feet up but that doesn't always seem to work either.

So I am still taking it easy. Any excuse not to vaccuum or to just lay on the couch. I still don't feel 100% but that could be just my anxiety. On a positive note (for me - not the dr.) I have actually lost weight! But it could be due to the fact I throw up several times a week. I might actually be feeling the baby a little too or that could be gas.

Enjoy the video of our little Hammie. It's not the best - wish they could have gotten the first picture we saw - it was so clear and wiggling so much. Jason said that I could be in trouble in a few weeks when I actually start really feeling it!

Pray for Hammie

Last night we had quite a scare. I lost quite a bit of blood last night and thought I had lost our precious little it. After much relaxing and sleeping through the night, we headed in for an ultrasound this morning to find that Hammie has strong heartbeat at 168. But I have a subchorionic hematoma. After doing some research on google, I found out it is fairly common and can possibly scary.

I am probably in the scary catagory since mine is a large one. The baby is completly oblivious to this problem and isn't effected unless is causes it to not get the blood it needs through the placenta. So pray that I can rest and put up my feet and that the kids will be kind to me when they get home.

Ally prayed such a sweet prayer this morning and I know they care so much for Hammie. Pray for faith since I have so little right now. We assume the worst, but know that our God is a God of miracles and is our Healer. Praise God for great friends at school that have taken over my lesson plans so that I don't have to worry about my classroom - that is hard for any teacher to do!