Smitty 1, 2, 3 and 4

House hunting

2015-03-03T20:18:00.001-08:00

I am heading to Maryland tomorrow to house hunt with Chris.

Thankful my amazing dad is here to watch the littles. He flew in today.

Don't know what I'd do without him. Hope it is smooth sailing for him.

It sure will be busy; Nora has an event at school, there's dance and baseball practice (all on the same day!), helping a friend with her son, opening ceremonies for baseball, and Wilson's first baseball game.

I tell you, he deserves a medal!!!!!

Next Adventure

2015-02-28T14:29:00.001-08:00

Life has a funny way of working out. Just when you think you have it all figured out. BAM.
Turns out we didn't need to go on an adventure for Wilson's birthday because we are going to be moving soon, like in the next 4-6 weeks...

The Smiths are relocating to Maryland. Goodbye gorgeous, sunny, warm, west coast and hello rainy, beautiful, seasonal, east coast. It is going to be one amazing adventure. The drive across the United States should be fantastic.

Chris reports to MD on Monday and I am meeting him on Wednesday to begin our house hunt (my dad is coming to watch the kids). We hope to find something quickly to get the process moving along rather quickly. We have discussed waiting until the end of the school year to move; however, we feel that it is best for the kids to move before. We feel that it will be better for Wilson to be the only new kid at school for the last few weeks of school rather than being one of many on day one in the fall. This should allow him to make some new friends and get comfortable with the staff and his new school campus. Plus, this will allow Nora the opportunity to see the school and get acquainted with the campus as well (since she will be starting kindergarten next year).

I love CA!! The weather is amazing. The schools are fantastic. The people are even better. This area has helped me become the woman I am meant to be, and has helped reinforce what God has called in my heart. I have grown and blossomed here. I have a rich network of phenomenal women that I am fortunate to call friends, and I will miss them dearly. dearly.

With that being said, I am excited for our next adventure. I am looking forward to meeting more amazing people, and allowing them to influence my life in positive ways. I am also very grateful to be within 6-7 hour drive to our families in Ohio.

Life is what you make and we are making it great. We are happy, excited, and looking forward to the next chapter of our lives.

Here comes our 8th state of residence.

Wilson is Eight

2015-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

Wilson,
I honestly can not believe that you, my sweet little boy, are eight years old. Eight years have passed since I saw your sweet face for the first time.

It seems like a lifetime ago, and yet it seems like it was yesterday.

You are such a fine young man and I am not saying that because you are my son. I am saying that because you are.

You are compassionate, empathetic, optimistic, loyal, athletic, loving, kind, intelligent, always seeking knowledge, opinionated, thoughtful, a vigorous reader, a Lego master, the best brother Nora could ever have, a best friend, a Scout, dedicated wrestler, curious, brave, jovial, full of emotion, observant, scientific, a pleaser, a leader, joyful, spirited, grateful, trusting, dependable, supportive, understanding, and so very LOVED.

This wasn't the birthday we had planned for you. We planned to take you to Monterey, CA to explore the coast and the renowned aquarium. Then we were going to stop by Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA on our way home. We had discussed that this was an adventure year (not a party year). Unfortunately, with our family sick for the past week, those plans didn't get to come to light.

It all started with your sister last Friday evening. She went missing before dinner and when I found her in bed, just before six, I noticed that she felt feverish. Her fever lasted three days. Yours came on Saturday early evening and lasted until Tuesday evening. (I, thankfully, never developed a fever, only a head cold, which I had since the Monday before your sister's fever). On Wednesday evening, your dad came home from a business trip with a fever and he still has one.

This virus is no fun. We have had an entire week off of school (it's your winter break) and we have spent most of it inside sleeping and watching television. In retrospect, we did manage to play Uno outside on the trampoline, go to the dog park a time or two, and make one trip to the pool and playground. The amazing thing is, you have not complained once. You have been in a house with your sister and I for seven days. You have not been able to talk to your friends and your birthday was completely altered. Still, when I asked you if you had a good birthday you responded with. "Of, course! This was a GREAT birthday. I was with my perfect family! Thank you, mom, for making me feel so special! I am so lucky to have you."

Your day started like every birthday. The night before, just after you go to bed, I decorate your Birthday Chair, put out your birthday balloons, presents, and hang your sign (I started this tradition when you turned three).

I know you look forward to your birthday traditions and I'd like to believe that these traditions reinforce our love for your, and make you feel special.

We always open presents right away.

Your sister got you this awesome geology science kit, Buckeye got you geodes to break open, I got you a Knowledge Encyclopedia (in which you cried when you read what I wrote inside the cover-- you are such an amazing child), your dad got a remote control car that was supposed to defy gravity and climb walls, but it didn't work (we exchanged it later). Gramma sent you a Seahawks jersey, t-shirt, and funky socks (that you freakishly love), and you were finally old enough to crack open your piggy bank from Papaw. (The bank was full of unique coins from other counties, a token from the merry-go-round in Spokane, WA, an Air Force coin, quarters from the year you were born (both Montana and Washington), a special grandson token, and about $26 in ones and fives).

You were so excited to receive every gift. No complaining for more toys or wanting more. Your grace made me want to give you the world...

As another birthday tradition, you get to pick the day's meals. You haven't wanted to eat much so you asked for a smoothie for breakfast. Lunch was turkey sandwiches on your favorite bread , Dorito's, mangos, and Dr. Pepper (minus the Dr. Pepper, I honestly think this has been your lunch nearly every birthday for the past five years) and dinner was pizza (spaghetti was your go to dinner for about three years or so, but you switched it up on me this year).

Through-out the day you were able to talk with some family on the phone, many others sent you texts, and you even Facetimed with your papaw and Cate.

We got out of the house some: Target to exchange your car, and the dog park and playground to get some fresh air and exercise.

You asked for your cake earlier in the day (because your sister wanted cake, you didn't actually eat it until much later). The cake was complete with sparklers, chocolate icing, birthday candles, and green writing (like most of the cakes I make it fell apart, and was glued together with icing).

We ended your day watching a movie (Big Hero 6), laughing and teasing each other in your room, and then you quietly read yourself to sleep ( a book from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series).

You know, in retrospect, it was a pretty great day!!

I know the next eight years are going to be amazing. (Oh my goodness, you will be 16 years old in eight years!!! SIXTEEN. Can we just freeze time?)

Love you always,
Momma

25 days of Christmas

2013-12-03T23:39:00.001-08:00

Day 1, put up the tree and watch Griswalds Christmas.

Day 2, remember the reason, go to church. Discuss Jesus' birth and Hope.

Day 3, watch Frosty the Snowman.

Day 4, make donut snowmen.

Nora's room rules!

2013-11-25T11:35:00.001-08:00

Nora asked me to make her a sign that said, no burping, gulping, and tooting. I went to her room and found that she marked x in all the places you are not allowed to burp, toot, or gulp. Laughing... And hoping I can get the marks off.

Married ppl text. :)

2013-10-12T22:30:00.001-07:00

Lissa's visit

2013-10-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Lissa, Clara and Charlie came to visit over the Fourth of July and we had so much fun.

We went to Santa Monica, multiple beaches (Santa Monica, Torrey Pines, Solana, and La Jolla Coves), Legoland, and had a ladies night.

Fabulous times with our best of friends. I just wish we could see each other more.

Smith wedding

2013-10-09T21:31:00.001-07:00

September 15, 2013

Chris' sponsor (from USAFA) family's daughter, Caitlyn, got married in Newport Beach, CA on a beautiful yacht.

We had a great time and are so very grateful that we were able to share their day with them.

The Smiths are such wonderful and kind people and we have been blessed to know them.

Del Mar

2013-10-09T21:02:00.001-07:00

We went to Del Mar this weekend to enjoy a street fair and have a family breakfast at one of our favorite restaurants. It was a nice Sunday together. Our life has been overwhelming and stressful and this day/morning was just what the doctor ordered.

Pictures tell the story

2013-07-22T23:17:00.001-07:00

Our children don't draw every day but when they do... It's something else. These are Wilson 's drawings. This is one he drew at school of jake.

This he drew the night I told him that we were having the vet come to the house and help Jake die. He asked what friends were in heaven with him and he drew what he thought Jake would look like in heaven. Catching salmon, of course.

Here Jake is with my Papaw Lonnie and Obie... catching more salmon.

Now for Nora's masterpieces...I have to say she impresses me for three.

Nora's self portrait.

Our family portrait. With Jake too. It's been over one month since he left us, but he's still in the picture. I hope she never forgets...

These children of mine have my heart...

and I still mourn for my dear best friend... it's amazing how sadness and joy can blend together.

Text messages from a 6 year old.

2013-07-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

Jake Thomas 10/9/00-6/14/2013

2013-06-14T11:45:00.001-07:00

This is such a hard day...

Tonight I am saying goodbye to my very best friend. He has been my constant companion of nearly 13 years.

I can't even express the amount of love that I have for him. I wish he could be with me forever...

He has lived in many states, traveled across the country, more than once. Flown in planes, ridden in fishing boats, ferry boats, and countless cars. If you have been part of our lives then you know that there is no other dog that can compare. He is our once in a lifetime pet and I hope he will be waiting for me...

first day. last day. hooray.

2013-06-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

Last game

2013-05-15T22:48:00.001-07:00

From the phone

2013-05-14T22:24:00.001-07:00

Water polo dreams
He loves to catch
Family Mother's Day shot
Representing the Madden's at Petco field
Silly
My garden

Going Pro

2013-05-10T06:20:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day luau at Nora's school

2013-05-07T23:40:00.001-07:00

Padres Little League Day at the Park

2013-05-06T16:18:00.001-07:00

He's a trip

2013-05-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

Wilson took 200 pictures of himself (and the ceiling) tonight on my phone. These are the ones I want to remember...

The weekend

2013-04-28T22:37:00.001-07:00

My wild girl.
Wild outfit. aka Nora's style.
Homemade blizzards.
Self portrait.
Tball and hot dogs.

Reading.

2013-04-24T21:53:00.001-07:00

So happy for Wilson. He has been determined and although perseverance isn't natural to him, he has dug deep and fought for it! Well done. So proud of you.

Bring on those chapter books!!

Letter to Wilson's Teacher

2013-04-24T19:44:00.002-07:00

Dear Mrs. G,

Nora got a hold of Wilson's library book and decided that it needed some improvements, e.g. no clear cover. In the process of her book modifications were minor damages... The back cover flap is torn.

When confronted she quickly said she was sorry... then blamed our dog Buckeye. She even offered an appropriate consequence for him. ( "Since Buckeye ripped Wilson's book; he doesn't get to play with his toys for a really LONG time".)

Needless to say, NORA, not the dog, is in the dog house and Wilson has let her know that she needs to apologize the you and buy a new book.

Please let me know what you need us to do. We can purchase a new book for the school, if need be.

Nora is sorry. And so am I! :(

I'll send the book back so that you can let us know what we need to do...

Proud of my boy

2013-04-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

Great writing. So proud of Wils and how much he's improved in his writing skills. He used transition words and had perfect sequencing.

Someone is getting ready to be a first grader!

Can't believe his first year of school is almost over.

Playtime with friends

2013-04-20T17:37:00.001-07:00

Papaw

2013-04-14T21:07:00.001-07:00