Packing Procrastination

We are moving.  What a rollercoaster of feelings!  Exhausting.  Mind boggling.  Overwhelming. Bittersweet.  Exciting.  Apprehensive of the unknown but confident that this is all just a part of God's master plan.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6

 For Sale sign in the yard

Giant plastic tubs stacked everywhere...

Time to carefully wrap our fine china....again.  Not sure that we even used it at this house.

Where did we accumulate all of this stuff?  When in doubt, throw it out! 

I lived in the same house for over 18 years.  I moved four times during college, three times while living in Oklahoma and now we are preparing for our fifth Smith family move.  This is my twelfth packing process in the past twelve years but my first as the mother of two.  I should be a pro at this by now, right?!  So.many.toys.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  ~Philippians 4:6

Perhaps the most uneasy thing is not knowing when we will need/see the stuff being packed.  It could be merely a matter of weeks but more likely it will be several months.  I have great faith that we will be able to make our big move before the Summer heat arrives (for once)!

Guess I better continue packing.....

  "My God shall provide ALL your needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:19

Yard boys

My favorite yard boys were hard at work over the weekend :)

Owen loves any opportunity to be outside, play with his favorite toys and most of all, spend time with his daddy.

He truly wants to do everything his daddy does.  He is a lucky little boy to have such a wonderful man to look up to :)

"My father didn't tell me how to live;

he lived, and let me watch him do it.” ~ Clarence B. Kelland

Jarrod Smith, AD

With bittersweet emotions the Smiths trade in our maroon and gray for orange and white.  We are excited to share that Coach Smith is the new Athletic Director and head football coach at Trinty ISD.  We are thrilled about the opportunity and look forward to what this new adventure has to offer!

Last night the whole family traveled to the piney woods of East Texas to attend the school board meeting and for Jarrod to sign his contract.  I must say that I was super proud that our 5 & 2 year old were on their very best behavior (so thankful for gummy lifesavers)!  Everyone made us feel very welcome and we look forward to making it our home soon.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  ~Jeremiah 29:11

Parables from the Potty

I'll be honest.  Potty training is not the most glamorous part of parenthood.  In fact, with Emma it was one of the most challenging things I've ever encountered.  She was three-and-a-half  before she was completely out of diapers.  She wasn't enticed with stickers, candy, or even new Princess panties.  What they say is very true....every child is different.  The same method of teaching doesn't work for everyone.

Initially I intended to prolong potty training Owen for as long as I could (at least until he could communicate better)!  He is so fascinated with the Cars potty he got for his birthday.  I figured it wouldn't hurt anything to get him familiar with the idea.  Emma has been his biggest cheerleader!  She brings him water, books, and anything she thinks might help him out :)

Boys and girls are different in so many ways but this one is a BIGGIE!  I think daddy may have to take the lead....

One day last week in particular he sat on his potty for extended periods of time off and on.  For the most part he was happy to sit but with no progress at all.   

That same evening after bath time he took it upon himself to open the lid, scoot on the potty and GO!!  Emma and I had encouraged him all day long and he finally did it!!  We were shocked and proud at the same time.  We cheered so loud that the neighbors probably heard us!  At bedime Emma gently took his face into her hands and said "Owen, you need to do that again next time.  It made my heart happy".

It hasn't happened again since, but I am okay with every step of progress. We are proud of you Ohoh!

Typically Two

We have really watched Owen's growth and development take off over the past month.  Several people have commented on how tall he is getting!  He is finally developing his own opinions and ideas.  His vocabulary is still growing, slowly but surely.  Some of the newest word additions include "Wowen" (Owen - meaning he wants to do something without help), "Mine!" and "Noooo".  His temper tantrums seem more frequent and intense.  He has become much more familiar with being in time out.  Bless his heart.  This is all part of growing up :)