Happy 4th Birthday Emma!

Four years ago this past weekend Emma surprised us three weeks early! She made us parents and for that we are forever grateful. On Sunday we celebrated with a party at a local gym. She was such a lucky little girl to have so many friends and family members there.

Princess decor & goodies

Cupcake tower

Making a wish

Playing with a couple of her besties (Brinley & Adelaide)

Opening gifts (what are we going to do with all these toys??!!)

The birthday girl

Our fam

"A daughter is your greatest source of pride and your greatest hope for the future... The happiest moment of your life was the day she was introduced to the world." ~ Bettie Meschler

Preschool party

I've always looked forward to the day I got to take cupcakes to preschool.  This morning I got to do just that :)  Since Emma's birthday falls on the weekend her class celebrated today.  Her sweet teacher, Ms. Susan, made it very special and even took photos for me.

Here is her whole class:

She was so excited to choose a couple of fun goodies out of the treat box.  She got bubbles and playdough!  The other little girl is also an Emma ;)

Here is a bunch of sweet smiley friends. 

When she left today they all shouted "Happy Birthday Emma S.!!"



Preschool has been such a blessing this Fall.  We are so thankful for Emma's wonderful teacher and eleven new little friends. 

Yoe Nation rolls on.....

The Yoemen played a great game against the Tatum Eagles this past weekend.  The kids and I were so excited to finally make it to a playoff game and it was c-o-l-d!  Thank goodness for pea coats and consession stands stocked with yummy hot chocolate.  We were very impressed with the turn out of Yoe fans.  I spent the entire second quarter under the stands with Owen.  He walked and walked!  I did not take these photos but love them:

This Saturday Yoe takes on Lago Vista at UT stadium.  Please come if you can!  Emma is excited to share her 4th birthday with game day :) 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. -2 Timthy 4:7

My itty bitty helper

"Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don't do it." ~Author Unknown

Advent

Aunt Becky sent the kids their very first advent calendar!  Emma absolutely loves getting mail (she gets that from her mama).

Emma was so excited to open the first tiny window today (mostly because she found chocolate!)  She even shared a small piece with her little brother.

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.

Feeling better!

Just thought you might want to know.....

Our little guy is feeling so much better!! 

And we are SO glad :)

Thanks so much for all of the thoughts and prayers!

O Christmas tree...

Christmas cards are sent, 14 gifts are wrapped and as of last night the Smith family Christmas tree is officially up and decorated!  We really wanted Jarrod to be a part of putting it up but he doesn't have many spare moments these days!  As you can see, most of the ornaments are placed higher because our littlest has found great interest in the branches, lights AND ornaments!! 

Roxie Louise is really getting into the spirit :)

Each ornament has a story.  One of my favorite things about preparing our home for Christmas is unwrapping each one and telling Emma where we got it.  Here are a few I wanted to share:

A wise coach once said that if you are still playing high school football in December you are doing pretty good!  Well, for the first time we are playing football in December!

Here is Emma's first Christmas ornament.  It's hard to believe this is her fifth Christmas!

And here is Owen's first Christmas ornament.  He is going to be a lot of fun this year :)

And lastly, he is the first ornament Jarrod and I ever got together (in 1997).  This will be our 14th Christmas together.  Time flies when you are having fun :)

We hope that you all enjoy this holiday season.  Amongst the hustle and bustle we hope that you will always reflect on the real reason for the seaon: Jesus' birth.