My life, God's Direction

snow princess...

2010-03-05T23:15:00.003-05:00

My daughter just celebrated her 7th birthday! I seems crazy to think that it has been 7 years already. Oh my what a lovely lady she is becoming too. She amazes me daily with her sweet heart. She makes me laugh EVERYDAY! She definitly has her daddy's humor and quick wit. She is always there when you need a hand with anything. When I'm feeling sick she's the first to make me rest and she'll run to get me whatever I need to make me feel better(which usually is one of her favorite stuffed animals so that I can snuggle it). I am so blessed to have such an amazing little girl in my life to take care of and love...

Thank you Jesus for such an amazing daughter. I pray that she grows to love you more and more and more each day. Amen.

Simple life

2010-02-16T09:58:00.003-05:00

We've now lived here in our little "God Pod" as everyone calls it, for 7 months now. It has gone way better than we had ever imagined. I mean, I guess we should have imagined that it would being that we live with our 2 best friends. We've always joked about just getting one house together to save money-and then we wouldnt have to have late nights driving to and from each other's houses. But circumstances kind of lead us here anyway without really planning it. We check in on them often to make sure that it is still okay and that everyone is still comfortable with the situation. And so far so good. Our daughters love it here. They say it is so cute and cozy. We've all decided to give it another year and then we will re-access. See how things are...make changes if necessary. But for right now, we are happy and content in the small things. Actually, I hope we remain just that. Happy and content with little. Because that is what we've been learning these past 2 years. SIMPLIFY. I'm loving the simply life....

Life at the Smith's...

2009-10-02T10:14:00.004-04:00

Here I am again. It's been a long time since I've posted & a lot has happened since. The girls started a new school since we moved & so far, all is well. I think they miss their friends & just the familiarity of the routine. Isabelle said to me" I like our old school better because they taught you about God in EVERY subject. "

wow!

It's crazy that a 1st grader noticed that. I miss that part too though. It was comforting to know that they were being taught how God is IN everything. When problems happened they were taught to lean on Him & find peace & solutions.

Yes, of course we also teach these things at home but there's something to say about it when you hear it outside of your own parents & hearing it from every teacher.

Beyond this we still feel like we've made the right decision to switch schools. Our family life has become less stressed, we have TIME now in the evenings together where we never did last year. Sometimes we ride our bikes or walk to school. Everything is just better this year. And our family needed this time of "togetherness" after a hard & stressful year last year.

I have been searching for a part time job-something, anything that I can do while the girls are at school. During this search David & I have been talking a lot about me just staying home to continue writing.

About 5 yrs ago I wrote a book that I've been too fearful to do anything with. Yet God continues to whisper to me to just DO IT & trust in HIM! So, I'm moving forward(again)and this time not stopping.

A few weeks ago I had a focus group of women over of all walks of life to read & discuss my book.

The response was amazing! Young & old told me that I needed to get this book out there.

I had young women say to me," I never thought of it like that, I'm going to try to do those things"

That's what I want for this book. Women's hearts changed. Girl's hearts opened. For them to see that they are loved & noticed.

That book is basically done. I'm just praying for a low cost editor to clean things up for me so that I can send out the manuscript to publishers.

So, I'm gonna keep writing. I have several ideas for other books & David has a few ideas up his sleeve also that he wants me to start writing.

If a job comes up that is like 3 days a week or so, I might consider it, but for now I'm gonna write.

What a different season we are in as a family. Our hectic, busy lives are over right now & to be honest...I am glad.

Don't fool yourself & run, run, run. It may seem fun & okay at the time but you gotta s...l...o...w down. Life is too precious to miss something really important. And what's really important is right here with your family...just being together-taking walks to Handel's ice cream, riding bikes, playing ping-pon, telling stories cuddled up with a blanket, laughing at a comic strip, collecting rocks, coloring, talking about God & his world, laughing till you pee your pants...these are the ingredients to a happy, healthy family life. Try it you'll be glad you did.

In awe of God

2009-08-17T10:21:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how time has flown! I know I say that almost every post, but it is sooo true!

Much has happened to our family over the course of a year. We lost our home & have moved in with our dear friends. The economy has taken a toll on David's job & his sales have been at a record low. I am constantly amazed at my God who protects & encourages during these times & I just could not imagine life without Him.

What a blessing to have such an amazing pool of friends who offered help, prayers, their time & their homes to us! We were in awe each day...

We were especially amazed at how God brought us our living situation. Dan & Jen(friends of ours for over 20 years) bought a home & fixed it up. They realized that the home was plenty big for both families to live in & asked if we'd like to stay. There would have been no way for us to fit our entire home in a small apartment & I'm sure we would have been paying WAY to much for rent anywhere else. We literally JUMPED at the opportunity. And those of you that know the 4 of us know that we've always joked about living together...I mean why not? We were together ALL the time anyway. So since June we have been "house sharing" and we truly love it! The house stays cleaner, the dishes stay washed, we have a laundry mat downstairs so you can do 2 loads at once, jobs around the house get done faster & it's just plain fun to be able to hang out after the kids go to bed.

Yes, yes we've also set up some boundaries...I mean everyone need privacy & time alone with your family. I am constantly checking in with them to "make sure everything is still ok" and they tell me that it's good.

So praise God for such great friends who love us regardless of our past failures & mishaps who are literally sheltering us during our storm.

In the midst of these trials we have learned so much about pride, money, making wise choices & allowing people to love & help you even when you THINK you have it all together.

Thank you God for your love, your guidance & for such amazing friends! And I mean ALL of you!!!!

oi vey

2009-06-10T18:47:00.002-04:00

oi vey, so it has really been a long time since I've even touched my personal blog...that's what a full time job, plus being a mommy, a wife, a friend, a chef & a maid will do to you...yikes!
Where has time gone? And yes, I do say that ALOT! But so much has taken place since my last post, when I get an extra minute-hee hee-I'll share more!

My God will provide all my needs

2008-11-08T00:03:00.002-05:00

Yes, yes my God has provided. Over the last month a lot has happened. No, we did NOT sell our house yet. But thru much prayer God has provided a full time job for me. After the retail store where I was working was not giving me the hours that I desired I started searching for a full time job. What a pain that was. Interview after interview. Driving mile after mile to the interview. The interview turning out to be "too good to be true". At one point I almost walked out before I was even seen because it didnt look like a reputable place. Yikes. I was tired of searching. Bummed at our situation. Bummed that I had to keep fighting for more hours.

One day David was having breakfast with some of his guy buds from church & mentioned my "job search". Jason quickly said " have Angie call Kim right now-there's a job opening in her office"
David called me. I called Kim. She set me up with an interview for that week & I was hired the next day!
Now that's cool!
I've been working at a Doctor's office as a Medical Receptionist for 4 weeks now & I really like it! I'm learning everyday but I love that I get to talk with patients & love on them as they come thru the door.
Thank you once again Lord for taking care of business for us. We will continue to pray for growth during this time in our lives. We know that you've put us here to mold & shape us. We will trust in you & know that you WILL provide ALL of our needs. More than we could ever hope or imagine.

Thankfulness...

2008-10-24T23:01:00.002-04:00

I know, I know...I always say this...but seriously, can life just please slow down just a little bit? Here I am yet another month gone by & I have no idea where it went.

I have truly enjoyed admiring the fall colors of our October days & I love making fires out back & roasting marshmellows late at night with my family. We have taken more hikes this season just talking & laughing about our crazy life. Yet, life still flies past me like the passing wind.

I have so much to be thankful for though. My families health, happiness, the celebration of a great new job that I landed(with a lot of help from my friend & much prayer), unexpected acting jobs that provided us with some extra doe. I am thankful for 2 amazing little daughters who make me laugh daily. I am thankful for a husband who inspires me & encourages me & love me like no other man in this world could. I am thankful for a God who loves me unconditionally-even though sometimes I forget about Him. I am thankful for friends who give advise & wisdom during the rough times(even when the advise is hard to hear). I am thankful for the same friends who constantly pray & lift us up before this same God who not only loves me but forgives my shortcomings.
I have watched God move in so many ways over the last few months...it has been so amazing! For these things I am thankful.
I want to continue to be thankful-even when things don't go MY way. I want to continue to be thankful when times are hard. I want to continue to be thankful when there just does not seem to be anything to be thankful about. I just want to be thankful.

I'm Back!!!

2008-08-07T21:05:00.003-04:00

I just realized that I have not blogged since the end of June. Wow. Time really does goes by quickly & it seems that this summer has flown!

Here's an update...

Abby had her tonsils taken out & is doing beautifully

Isabelle learned how to ride a two wheel bike(no more training wheels) :)

David got a huge job that will go into the far lands of Dayton & Cincinatti

I lost 3 more pounds

I stopped biting my nails (again)

Our house STILL has not sold

Our kitty Winner died(she lived a good 16 years)

We learned how to make a rockin sand castle

We've finally made a decision that the girls will be going to a private Christian school this year

Got another call from my casting directors-will find out more tomorrow (hopefully)

Spent some awesome time with friends during the month of June

Hung out at every park known to man(at least near our house)

Went swimming

Laughed alot with my girls

Played at Kalahari with our friends

Went camping on the islands

As a family we worked hard together & won a scavenger hunt

Summer is soon ending & I plan on making the most out of every day we have left before the girls go to school & I head off to work...more fun, more laughter, more swimming, more parks...enjoying each moment.

This afternoon a friend & I saw the musical Mama Mia in the downtown Theater District. It was so much fun! I recommend this musical to anyone who loves to laugh & sing! There was a song in particular that was between the mom & her daughter who was about to get married. I just balled. It was such a beautiful picture of the relationship between a mother & daughter & how you have to one day let them go. Yikes. I hope that day does not come too quickly but I'm realizing that it probably will. I need to take the good & bad days & treasure them with such passion. Because one day they will be gone. I told the girls tonight as I was putting them to bed about this song & how it reminded me of them and Isabelle said to me, "Don't worry Mom, I just won't get married. I'll live with you FOREVER"

Let's see how she feels about that in 20 years. But it was heart melting at the thoughtfulness.

Commercial work

2008-06-25T21:38:00.003-04:00

I just got an email from one of the commercial jobs that David & I did. You can finally view them. Check out http://www.foundyourcalling.com/
click on the commercial under the section that says"I.T"(under Fatal Error), then the one that says"fashion design"(under Doggy Wears Prada) and also the one that says "business"(under Mail Clerk). It's not Hollywood but boy was it fun!
Enjoy!

Summer Break!!!!

2008-06-10T14:44:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Abby on another year of homeschooling! Wow she will now enter 2nd grade! Isabelle will be in Kindergarten! They both will be attending either private or public school next year. They are growing up so quickly right before my eyes.

Since I started working I just noticed them both acting differently...well, they have had to adjust to me all of a sudden not being around as much. So with much thought, I decided to only work on Saturdays. I was nervous going to my boss to ask such a thing, but she was amazing! She didnt think twice at allowing me this blessing. In fact, she told me to only work every other Saturday during the summer & when the girls are in school next fall I will go back to full time. Crazy. What boss would allow that? Another God thing in my opinion!So props out to my boss! She really is awesome!

So, our summer has begun. We've already taken advantage of our time together...going on walks, playing at the parks, swimming...what fun! I will cherish this time I have with them.

Here are a few picks I took before they each got their hair cut for summer...enjoy!

God's blessings

2008-05-29T10:20:00.003-04:00

In the midst of everything going on God has continued to show himself faithful to us. Why? I'm not sure, He is just like that. That is just my God being who He is. I certainly do not deserve a lick of grace but He keeps showing it over and over again.

David & I have been talking about going to one car for about 6 months now...with gas prices at $4 who can afford to drive 2 cars anyway? We experimented with the thought & he would drive me to & from work to see how we could survive...well, it wasnt easy but to save some money we decied that would be best. Our leases on our cars will be up this year & we wanted to get out of them early & just get one good car. Well...........I guess that wasnt in God's plan because a good friend of ours just decided to give us their car. Yep, I said GIVE...they are getting a new car themselves & have an old car they wanted to give to someone....so, they are GIVING it to us!!!!Amazing! So, now we will be taking our leased cars back to get a good car & we'll also have this FREE car to use if we need it! Again let me say... amazing!!!!!

I'm not sure why I am always amazed at what God does...I should just expect great things...but I forget sometimes.

Thank you Lord once again for taking care of us...

Re-locating

2008-05-17T01:05:00.002-04:00

Yep...we are relocating...again.
The economy has really taken it's toll on our household & David's job that we've decided to downsize so that we don't find ourselves in any trouble down the line. So, who knows what's in store for the Smith's? I do believe that God's hand is in all of this because David & I both feel a sense of peace about it. We are actually excited to see what lies ahead!
Also, we may have a potential buyer (which is CRAZY since the housing market is so slow). So we can only give glory to Him!!!!!
Why should I worry when my God in Heaven is watching out after me?
I'll update as things progress...

Time

2008-04-20T01:12:00.003-04:00

Time seems to be going so quickly. I can't stand it. I just want life to somehow s...l....o....w down. It won't. Since I've started working 7 weeks ago I just feel like life is just passing me by. Somehow, somehow I need to savor the moments. The time with my kids, the time with David(which seems like "hello" then "goodbye" anymore) seems so quick, so rushed all the time.

I need to look at each opportunity & just take a picture...click. Remember it, enjoy it, savor it. Love each short minute with each person that I love in my life....my family, my friends.

My girls will be going to school next year(that is "outside" of our house-I've been homeschooling for the last 2 years) so on every day off that I get I just like to play (well, when school is done for the day). We play star wars, play-doh, Narnia, littlest pet shop, dress up, lions...whatever the girls imagine, we play.

I have to enjoy this time. Even though inside I am soooo tired, and soooo ready to just fall asleep, or I'm starting to think about all the housework I have to do, I just have to remind myself to just PLAY. Play hard. Love my time right in this moment.

Straight up now tell me

2008-04-03T13:07:00.003-04:00

This afternoon over lunch, we started talking about "future husbands". Isabelle who is now 5 says "I really wish that I could marry Daddy!"
" I know sweetie, he is the best isnt he?" I replied.
" Yes, I just want my husband to be JUST like him" she says back with a huge smile.
" Well, why don't we start praying for your future husband to be JUST like your Daddy..someone who loves God, who is kind & gentle."
"Okay. "

At this point I thought the conversation was over...then we start talking about American Idol. They watched it for the first time with David the other night & they are now hooked. (David Archuletta is their favorite).
Then Isabelle says "Mom, I wouldnt want to marry someone like that mean guy on that singing show" she paused then continued," I wish I was a boy then I would marry that nice girl"
"Which nice girl are you talking about?" I asked her.
"The one who always says the nice things" she replied.
"Oh you mean Paula!"
"Yes, I wish I was a boy so that I could marry Paula!"

That's right folks, my daughter wants to marry Paula Abdul.

2008-03-29T23:27:00.002-04:00

We are opening the new store this week & what a blast it has been! I am so glad that I am part of the team to open this beautiful, chic store! We were able to work on some projects as a group & it gave us the opportunity to get to know one another. So far everyone has been awesome! We have an incredible diverse team!
I never realized how tired I was going to be when I got home after work...but wow...I am tired! The moment I sit down to rest, I'm pretty much OUT.
So, I'm just checking in while I have a free moment before I crash tonight. I actually have 2 days in a row off so I'm gonna soak it up-then next week we will be working hard to get the store ready for opening day! Which means LOTS of hours!
Nighty-nite....

life of a working mommy

2008-03-17T14:16:00.002-04:00

Since I have been working I need to figure out how to schedule my "new" life. It has been a full week of work & overall it went pretty well. I love the new job! I find its like a race. Quite literally since I am on my feet all day & running around helping people. I actually lost 3 pounds in my first week :)
I like dressing up the store windows-undressing the mannequins is a little strange, but it's fun to make things look appealing. I've really enjoyed helping people with fashion questions & I'm learning a lot.
But my life at home needs some work too. I need to prioritize my days when I'm home. I am still homeschooling Abby & we're finishing out her 1st grade year so I need to do school, clean, do laundry, play, make meals...etc on my days off. I started to get down on myself for not being able to do it all. Then I realized that I have just been taken away 32 hours out of my normal routine from home....wow!!!!! 32 hours!!!!!
So, I am making out a schedule of when things "get done". And when they don't...oh well. I am not superwoman.
David has been a great help with everything & we're trying to figure out our new way of life together.
I really look forward to coming home to my family after work. The girls actually run up to me to greet me. Since I've always been with them I have never really gotten a whole lot of that before. It's a great feeling. So I am really treasuring my time with them even more.

Spring Ahead?

2008-03-10T14:32:00.002-04:00

When I think of spring & Easter time I think of cute little spring dresses, easter egg hunts, trees beginning to bud with flowers...not snow!!!!!
The snow has been nuts around here. The entire winter has been strange. Some days we'd have 60 degrees other days we'd have a blizzard all within one week.
I have to say it has kept us in to rest which has been much needed.
Since our commercial shoots, my new job, my business taking off, David's extra jobs, sickness, homeschooling & just keeping up with life...we have been pretty busy. So, it was nice to take a break, to be forced to NOT go anywhere & just chill (literally).

We had a blast sled riding down our hill (our driveway), making igloos, playing fetch in the snow with our puppy, going on a winter hike in our backyard & sipping hot chocolate when we got back to the house. It was a wonderful weekend of rest.

Give me a F...give me a L...give me a U...what does that spell?

2008-02-28T14:45:00.004-05:00

Yep. Influenza struke our entire household this past week. Aches, chills, fevers of 103 was common among us all. We are finally starting to feel better-if you call having a harsh cough better. It literally took us like 6 days to get over this nasty flu.

But now we are ready to roll again. School is back in session & housework is being done. Fun, fun fun!

While we were all sick we celebrated Isabelle's 5th birthday on Feb. 26th!

Amazing!

It seems like just yesterday that she was born.

She has made our lives such joy since she's been a part of our family. She adds a lot of humor & laughs into our everday routines. She really knows how to make you smile just when you need it. I love how Isabelle crawls into bed with me on Saturdays & gets really, really close to my face & says"Goodmorning beautiful mommy"

And her bright smile just lights you up inside!

Isabelle has such a gentle kindness to her. She always notices when someone is in need. And she will immediatly fill whatever need at any moment!

She is learning everyday & growing up before my eyes.

The other day we were looking at the "Isabelle book"(the scrapbook I made her of her life so far)and it was such fun to watch her expressions as we turned the pages. She has been a blessing from God since day one & I can't wait to see what God is going to do in this amazing girl's life!

Happy Birthday my sweet Isabelle!

2008-02-19T14:52:00.002-05:00

I landed some more commercial spots. It's funny how things happen when your not really looking. I stopped looking for opportunities & they keep coming to me. Thank you Lord. And the best part is they are paying jobs. I have an opportunity to work with a web company that is starting to market companies websites. They are making commercials to add to their websites to help promote them better so that people can physically see what they do. Not Hollywood, but great for my resume & learning about the filming industry.
My first commercial I'm playing a boss(kind of like Lumburgh from Office Space-except female) mmmmm-k?
That will be fun.
I then have another commercial where David is also going to be in it...we are playing a married couple who is leaving their dog with a doggie day care type place while they are on vacation...we actually get to work with a dog & trainer for this shoot. Even more fun...a doggie & my hubby!

We have some more lined up that I'm not sure of yet...I'll post some pics if I can get my hand on some while we shoot...
Have a nice day-mmmmmm-k?

2008-02-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

After a long couple of weeks, I'm ready to get back in the saddle. Both of my girls ended up having strep throat (at different times), and when they did they both felt horrible. They only laid around wanting someone to snuggle them. I was blessed to be the one who comforted them since I am able to stay home. I didnt get much done...well, actually nothing got done. But that is all part of the mommy job. You love, you comfort, you put things aside for your kids. Sometimes it is difficult to remember to not worry about what the house looks like but after you see the sweet little faces beaming up at you...you just don't care about anything else but them.

I love being a mom. I love snuggling in bed on Saturday mornings watching cartoons (well, they watch cartoons I just snuggle & get some extra sleep). :) I love hearing them call me "momma" still. I love seeing their eyes light up when I am away from them & we return together (even if I'm only gone for an hour). I love the deep conversations that we have. I love the crazy playtime of tickling, wrestling & pretending that we are characters from another world. I love dancing around the kitchen shaking our "toushes" .

At moments I wonder how I'm going to get through the day with all the chaos. Some days are just crazy. Lots of tears, lots of disagreements. Little girls argue over some crazy things. But thankfully my God somehow gets me through. Each day. And each day I thank Him for my life. The good & the bad times.

We are about to embark on a new chapter of our lives.
The girls will be going to school next year. And I will be going back into the "working" world.
I am excited yet in another breathe somewhat scared & sad. It has been almost 8 years since I left my job. I loved being at home with my girls. But I am excited to see what God brings my way. My resume' is already out there. I want God to lead on this one.
I had an opportunity at my old work place but it would have required me to start working now. Abby would have had to go "into" a school in the middle of her first grade year, and I would have had to find somewhere for Isabelle to go. I interviewed for the postition & I really wanted my old job back but I did not get it. In a way, I'm relieved. I was frantic. I did not want the girls lives to be turned upside down mid-year. Again, God took care of that. I know He has the perfect thing out there for me, in His time.

still waiting

2008-01-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

I'm still waiting to hear how things are going to turn out...I'll post more when I find out. In the meantime, I've been spending a lot of time giving things to God. He is in control...no matter what happens. Even if NOTHING happens, He knows what He's doing. He may just be wanting me to focus on Him more, to give up the steering wheel & let Him drive. He may just be opening my eyes to other opportunities, things I may not have thought of before.

I don't know. And that's okay. He knows & that is all that matters. By the way, my twitching eye has stopped (the minute I stopped worrying-was the minute it stopped) :)

Thank you Lord for your timing & not my own.

forgetting to breathe

2008-01-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

I am forgetting to breathe. I need to take a big, deep breath & I just can't seem to. My mind is filled with the static of some life changes & I'm actually forgetting to breathe. I am not normally an anxious person. Actually not at all, I just don't worry about a lot. I tend to find the good out of every circumstance. I drive David crazy with that. But I'm feeling a bit anxious these days...I actually have a twitching eyelid because of this-it just won't stop. Some things came up that we didnt expect until around the fall. So we need to make some decisions a little early. Don't get me wrong, we DO feel this is God's hands...but wow, we didnt think our prayers would be answered soooo quickly! Over the next couple of weeks things around here will be changing dramatically...I need to find peace in my Lord once again & know that He is in control...(breathe in breathe out)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....there it is....

New Year

2008-01-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

As I reflect on the year 2007 I think of utter craziness & utter JOY...the sell of our home, building our new home, moving my in-laws into our home, finishing the basement until they could move into THEIR new home, in-laws in a serious car accident, dealing with 2 new puppies that were very sick, sending the sick puppies back, getting a new HEALTHY puppy, Abby starting 1st grade, teaching Isabelle this year(pre-K), David's work craziness, screenplay ideas, commercial shoots, Abby dealing with 'true love', Abby learning the hard way about her role models making poor decisions, sharing with a young couple thru couple mentorship about marriage & life, loss of friendship, friendships being restored, forgiveness, God providing during hard times, God revealing himself in moments of feeling alone, planting grass, landscaping in-laws yard, welcoming old friends back to Ohio, helping the same friends flip their house, ideas, ideas & more ideas that God is giving us...I could go on & on!

Thank you God for another year of your faithfulness, help us to become more faithful to you this coming year. We will trust in you & we will strive to be joyful in ALL circumstances whatever 2008 brings!

Winter Fun

2007-12-27T11:55:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas it was...being with friends, family & just plain doing nothing. We have really slowed down since last year & I love it! This year for Christmas we tried to focus more on the reason we celebrate rather than the world's view of Christmas. We took time to ponder Christ & His birth...every morning of Christmas we tell or act out the Christmas story(which of course the girls love doing). A friend of ours told us how she only gives her kids 3 gifts(afterall that is all Jesus got-right?) So we took on this new way of thinking, which limited our spending also. What freedom that gives when you know your limitations...

Here are some photos of us enjoying our time as a family during our snowy days...

Hope you have a wonderful beginning to your new year!

Friends for over 23 years!!!

2007-12-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

Yikes that makes me really old! I just spent an evening with my friend Margaret & her family & we had such a blast! Margaret & I have been friends since I was in 4th grade & she was in 5th...it seems like just yesterday that we both were walking down our Christian school hallway wearing our uniforms & dorky glasses to match! We became instant friends the moment we met. This past saturday night we reminisced about life over the last 23 years & well, we laughed...and laughed, and laughed. (that's about all we do when we're together). So here's a picture of Marge & me! (Then & Now-can you tell which one I am in the pyramid?)

I love ya Marge! Thanks for hanging out! It was nice to catch up & laugh about our time together over the years...

Dream Big

2007-11-28T15:54:00.000-05:00

I had to post this because Isabelle just looks too darn cute not to...in this picture she worked really, really hard to make a pillow tower to reach the ceiling...about 2 years ago I took a picture of Abby doing the same thing! That picture is in my scrapbook right now & below it reads " Expose yourself to the possibility of doing something remarkable!"

That sums up my two amazing daughters...they are both always trying to figure things out & doing pretty remarkable things along the way...in my eyes, making a huge pillow tower is pretty cool!!!!! Sitting on top without falling is pretty remarkable too! I like that they both dream big! As kids nothing holds them back, nothing! I want my life to reflect that...right now I'd say things like"yeah, but it might fall" but why not say" yeah, but it could stay up "

Dream big!!! Why not? What have I got to lose?

I know that I keep quoting Erwin McManus in his book "Soul Cravings" but listen to what he says here...

"We were created to strive for progress and to pursue it with passion. It is God who designed us this way. He made us creative, and he makes us responsible. "

We are the ones who have to ACT on the creative juices He gives us...we have to build the baseball field so that "they will come", we have to put together a "pillow tower" to reach the ceiling...why not? Yes it might fall, but why not try...dream big!

Late Anniversary Post

2007-11-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting to put my pictures on my computer so that I can post about our 13th Anniversary vacation...so here they are!

We traveled to the Erie Islands back in October to get some R & R and to have a little fun with the girls.

It was almost 90 degrees the entire 4 days that we were there...beautiful weather & wonderful family time together. We sailed on a boat, Abby got to surf at Kalahari, we met pirates, stole buried treasure, took nature walks, discovered a deserted beach & walked thru underground caves...Kelly's Island, Put-in-Bay are Cleveland's lost hot vacation spots...I'd recommend anyone spend time up there! What a beautiful place!

I can't believe it has been 13 years already since David & I said "I Do". What joy it has been to call myself his wife. We have grown alot together(especially since I've known him since I was in 2nd grade & he was in 5th grade)we've grown not only as individuals but as a couple as well. I never realized that I would love him more & more with each coming year! I never thought it was possible to love him more than I already did! David is an amazing husband, father, son & friend...he loves soooo good on people! He gives his all to others. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers many years ago by giving me this Godly man...I adore him & I'm thankful for being able to stand beside him...thru the good times & the hard times...I look forward to many, many, many more times to come!

Role Models?

2007-11-03T13:33:00.000-04:00

Last night we had a special HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL birthday party for Abby & her friends...we had about 8 kids & 8 adults over & just had a blast! The kids had a little talent show & sang to all the songs & did a show for the parents...we had a few HSM trivia games...we put play microphones, starburts & HSM stickers in the kids goodie bags...what a fun party! Abby & Isabelle had a great time!

This morning after breakfast, I noticed David & Abby were suddenly missing from our morning playtime...they had closed the door of the school room & were talking-Daddy & daughter...I had no idea about what...until they called me in. David was practically in tears...

They then shared with me that one of Abby's friends who was at her party told her about Vanessa Hudgens (Gabriella from HSM)...I'm sure you all heard about her taking her clothes off & taking some photos of herself that ended up all over the internet...well, Abby's friend told her that it wasnt true & of course Abby wanted to know if it was true...so David told her that the rumor was true. Abby apparently began to weep. She loves Vanessa, she thinks she is so talented. She is supposed to be a role model...

We have all made mistakes, I know I have..too many to count. But if only the celeb's realized that people look up to them. Abby didnt end the conversation there...she decided to write Vanessa an e-mail. After I read it I then realized why David was almost in tears. It was heartwarming. She told Vanessa that she was sad about what happened & told her that she was beautifully & wonderfully made & that God loved her & that she would be praying for her...

Amazing...she was still not finished...she then printed off some HSM pictures & wrote on them "Remember to pray for Vanessa & the rest of the HSM cast"
She put the picture up in her room so that she'll remember to pray for them!
What an example...
...my daughter is "reaching Hollywood" right where she is at...
Beautiful.

Abby's 7th Birthday!

2007-11-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

Where has 7 years gone? I remember the day that Abby came into this world(what mom wouldnt right?). She wanted to come about 3 weeks earlier but the doctor wouldnt let her-but she still decided to come 3 weeks before her actual due date. That's my girl! Abby is on her own agenda! She has a mind of her own. She wanted to get started on her life! Things to do!

We always knew (somehow)that one day we'd have a baby girl. While David & I were dating we would always talk about naming her Abigail...we didnt know why-we just knew.

Then when the doctor forgot to announce what we actually had...David so gently whispered in my ear "Ang, it's Abigail Rose-we have our baby girl"

My heart leaped! What a beautiful baby(even though she had a slight cone head due to the sucction they had to use to get her out) :)

Now 7 years later I look back & see how God is beginning to grow her into this incredible girl. Everyday I think "wow"...I know that she is going to do amazing things in her life. When we sit & read the Bible together daily, Abby challenges me, she asks questions that I would never even think to ask about God. She wants to learn, she wants to do His will, she desires to love Him.

We went through a few weeks of her not saying "I love you" to either of us(not even David)...we would say it to her everyday & wonder why she wouldnt respond...we prayed, we questioned...is she confused about love? Abby is very deep. During our times of prayer about this we realized that Love is an important word. You shouldnt just say "I love chocolate" ...yes, I REALLY like chocolate, but how can I put "I love you" and "I love chocolate" together? They mean two different things...Erwin McManus talks about this in his book "Soul Cravings"...get this book-it's a great read...so we asked God to calm our worries...to let us just LOVE her regardless if we heard it back or not...we patiently waited, loved, kept telling her that we loved her...and then she asked "how do I know if I really love someone?"

Woooo, her deep mind took her to a place, where if she wasnt sure about love then she didnt want to say it...she didnt want to just say it and wonder if she really meant it.

Well, one would normally be concerned about this...but God reminded David & I both that one day, we don't want her to just say "I love you" to anyone...yes, she is commanded to "love everyone" but to give her heart fully to express "love" is slightly different. I want Abby to carefully think about who she loves...who she one day will give herself to (future husband).

It's beautiful actually...I then started to enjoy her "time of searching"...we didnt push her, we just loved & waited...

Last night for the first time in a long time, Abby said" I love you mom & dad"...David & I both melted. I know that love is not about "hearing the words back" and getting your fill from someone, but wow did it feel good to hear her say it. And I could see in her eyes that she truly meant it-it wasnt just a response...it was from her heart.

Thank you God for my beautiful, amazing Abigail! She teaches me everyday...

Happy Birthday Abby!

Will post soon

2007-10-12T11:27:00.000-04:00

I've been really busy with...well, lots of things, so I will post later. I have a lot of pictures to share of our little vacation away last week...and I'll let you know about an audition that I'm going to later tonight...fun, fun, fun!!! Chao.

A little time away

2007-09-25T10:03:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I spent driving alone out to Columbus to visit a friend who moved out there. The entire trip I sang my heart out...!!!!!She invited me to spend the weekend with her & a few other friends of hers to just hang out, shop, go the the salon & have fun! We spent the entire day Saturday shopping-uninterrupted-literally ALL day! I don't think I have ever done that! But being on a budget I didnt spend very much money-the other girls spent around $200-$300 each....wooooo! Then we headed to a salon where they all got massages & I decided on a new haircut! What fun to not be in a hurry-to just chill. I read a magazine, I ate slowly, I walked slowly thru the mall...I took my time. We tried on hair extensions(wow, that was so much fun), we got free makeovers & just had fun!
After we shopped till we dropped we finally got to dinner-at 10:00pm! We had an amazing yummy dinner at a restaurant called Mimmy's.

Then the next morning-I slept in to almost 9:30am!!!!!Ahhh, it was nice to not have to rush, get up, take the dog out, make breakfast...etc...I slowly got out of bed, took my time in the shower, ate breakfast & enjoyed conversation with the other girls.

Everytime my friend & I get together she asks a lot of questions about God. We always get into deep conversations because she is really searching. She takes her kids to Catholic church but does not believe all that they do. So we all just sat around & talked about God over cinnamon rolls & coffee.
Thank you Lord for a wondeful weekend of relaxing & sharing a little about you...

No writers block here!

2007-09-12T12:41:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh, my mind won't stop! I have so many things up there that I don't know what to do with them all. Yes, I have a writer's pad that I jot my ideas in, but then what? Where do they go from there? God is sure teaching me patience as I see opportunities coming my way...it seems like everywhere I turn, more & more doors keep opening. It's just that I don't know what do to after they open...I'm an ideas girl, not an admin girl...I think up ideas....then I sit on them...forever! I'm praying for someone to come into my life that can help me make up a plan. My friend Joy, who is also an ideas girl, just so happens to be an admin girl too(wish I had both gifts) but she is so graciously helping me with one of my projects. My book, which I wrote 3years ago, is finally moving forward. Joy has made up a timeline for me to focus on-a goal! She is also helping me to write some"pop ups" that will appear throughout my book. I am so excited about her doing this-she is funny, intelligent & brings such a different feeling to my words.

I'm also working on several other ideas that I truly believe God has inspired. He is working on David too because he is starting to get creativly involved in the ideas & dreams...!

It's scarey sometimes when you don' t have a clue to what God is doing. But on another note, it's awesome! So many times, I've watched Him take me to new places & I was fearful, but He is always good, He always has a better plan. Even the hard times take me in places I'd never venture to.
God, thanks for opening up these doors. I can already see your hand working...use me for your glory. Wherever you lead, we will follow.

My Sweet Isabelle

2007-09-07T14:20:00.000-04:00

I havent bragged on my girls lately & I think today is a great day to do that! Abby started school about 2 weeks ago(1st grade already)and of course I am homeschooling again...we have double the hours this year & a lot of great classes...science, art, music are some of our new ones this year. I love working in our new homeschool room! It has been a little hard motivating her to do math, but wow...she loves science & history-which are both classes I hated in school! I want to focus on what she loves. We, of course are going to learn math(because she HAS to)but I can see a real passion for the others.

She wants to be a detective when she grows up, and I believe that she would make a great detective! So, we went to the library to find some detective books & mysteries. (if that's how you spell it-I never said I was smart-hee hee-in fact, I'm re-learning right along with Abby) She really loves to help "solve" them as we read!

Isabelle is not quite 5 yet so she missed being able to go to kindergarten this year, but she sits in on most of Abby's classes, and I have a special workbook just for her. She really loves learning how to write her letters! And she learned how to make patterns, she is quite the organizer so she really enjoyed that!

Both girls started gymnastics this week-we are trying it again to see which activity to choose. I don't want to be one of those mom's whose kids are involved in EVERYTHING! I don't think it is healthy. I want them to experience everything, but just not at the same time. So, we decided on one at a time. They both are really enjoying it so far!

The other night I was putting Isabelle to bed-we go thru this little ritual everynight-brush teeth, potty, stories, songs, we dance together...then we snuggle! As I was giving her a kiss goodnight, she puts her nose right up to my nose & says "mom, your the greatest mom EVER"

then another big hug & smooch!

Ahhhh, my heart. She had made my hectic, crazy day worth it all...

My sweet Isabelle.

Eyes still wide open

2007-08-29T07:36:00.001-04:00

It's amazing the things that God throws your way when you have your eyes wide open...last weekend David & I were on a date...we wanted to see the movie "Transformers" and it was only playing in a theater out in Valley View(which is not any where close to us)but we went knowing that the movie would be leaving the theaters soon...we drove out there & when we walked in we were greeted by one of David's clients. She has a non-profit organization that helps people with cancer. Her mother recently died of cancer. She was there not about her organization but about herself. She needs to raise a lot of money for an upcoming surgery that she HAS to have to save her life-she found out that she has some major heart problems(I don't know the medical terms for it). She not only asked for prayer but she said that she needs help to fix her house to make it "live in care" ready(she'll need someone to care for her during this time)she said she needed to build some sort of shed to house her extra boxes to clear out a spare bedroom....praise God, our church just started a program that reaches out to those in need. I suggested Mosaic(our church)to come & build what she is in need of! She was blown away! I plan on organizing this project this week with Mosaic...

Then another woman greeted us asking if we were interested in doing a Moviegoer focus group...what in the world? We were interested since the movie world is our thing...she told us to come to this office in a few days, watch some previews, talk about them, critique them & we'll each make $100!!!!!Okay, was there a catch? Nope. We went, since we love critiquing movies & commercials...and we had a blast! They filmed us as we talked to show to the movie producers & such...not only was it fun, but we had a chance to share some cool God stuff about why the movie idea was either good or bad. Who knows who will be watching it & what God will do with our words...We both were very open about our comments & felt like God had led us there...plus, we each earned some Ben Franklins!!!!! What fun! Thank you God for yet another cool, fun opportunity!

Awesome Night

2007-08-16T23:21:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to share what an awesome night I had tonight! We are involved with our small group from our church Mosaic & during the summer we've been meeting just for cookout & hang out time(not really bible study). We encourage everyone that hosts a cookout to invite their neighbors...well, it was our turn to host this month & I totally forgot to invite my neighbors...

Last night as David & I were taking our pup out I noticed a neighbor just getting home-I basically ran to their house(barefeet & all) and rang the doorbell...after I invited them, she actually hugged me & thanked me for the invite! Then as I walked home(barefoot)I noticed my zipper was down....haa haaa...I must have looked like a dork! But then I walked across the street & invited 2 more sets of neighbors....after I zipped up my zipper of course.

Well, let me just say how good God is....all of them came tonight!!!!!!!Everyone! Usually when you invite 3 people you'll get maybe 1(if your lucky) but we invited 6 and got 6!!!!!God is good!

We had a house full (about 16 people plus 10 kids) & I was just praying that we'd have enough food-and of course we did! It reminds me of the fish & the bread story in the bible.

I got a chance to connect with a neighbor who just had a stroke(about 3 months ago) and she is unable to speak really well. She understands everything but she can't always remember the words to say...I wrapped my arms around her & tried my best to make her feel comfortable(I can't imagine what that must feel like-to suddenly not be able to talk)
the other neighbor ladies & I discovered that we all love to scrapbook so we are planning a ladies get together in the next couple of weeks...

Man, God is good! I almost didnt run to my neighbors...I remember looking at David saying" It's too late, they arent going to be able to come-it's tomorrow"
But they came! Thank you God for being bigger than I am! I'd like to think that I'll continue to keep my eyes wide open to your prodding...zipper down & all! Hee hee....

Our summer in a nut shell

2007-08-14T14:02:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos to enjoy of some of the things that we did this summer! As school approahces I am reminded that summer is almost over :(

Some of our favorite memories are:

Kalahari

Kirkland Farm

Swimming with friends

Picnics

Hikes

Reese(our new pup)

Idlewild

Camping

Stan Hywet(the butterfly conservatory was amazing)

Soccer with Mosaic

and just plain doing nothing...being together!

Windstream commercial pics

2007-08-07T13:29:00.001-04:00

Finally, here are some photos of David & I shooting the commercial...the guys we are with are the directors. They were awesome, down to earth guys that really made sure that we were ok...every half hour or so, they'd poke their heads into the trailer and say"you guys okay, do you need anything?" They took such good care of us. We are still in contact with them & are hoping to do more work for them in the future.

The hours that we waited for our time to be on set gave us opportunities to chat with the other actors & crew members. Its amazing the work that goes in behind the scenes to stuff like this...you work hard, then you wait a lot! And eat!

I loved watching behind the camera-it was incredible to see how the commercial will actually look from just seeing it in person. In the back sat the sound crew & the Windstream clients with head sets on to make sure they were getting everything they wanted from the shoot.

Being that we were the last ones on set with the crew it gave us even more opportunities to get to know them & how things are done. I asked a lot of questions & just watched. I love this stuff!

It made me want to pursue this dream even more!

So, be on the look out for the commercial near the end of August & don't be surprised if you hear us on the radio & see us in some print ads! Crazy, fun stuff!!!!!

Love=Forgiveness

2007-08-06T22:21:00.001-04:00

Our pastor has been talking alot about love & forgiveness...I've been thinking about it lately. Do I love even though it is hard too? Do I forgive? If I do not forgive then I have not love...so I am not loving like God has called me to do. How often do people look at me the same way? Have I asked for peoples forgiveness when I needed to most? God forgives me daily...and daily I need His forgiveness...but do I extend that same type of grace/love to others? Hmmm...reality check.

eyes wide open

2007-08-02T21:51:00.000-04:00

I have much to post but such little time...I'll be back & running soon...I'll share some photos of our commercial gig & our time out with some friends...and some great deep conversations with our friends about life & God...
I recently watched the movie"Bridge to Tarabitha"(loved it-hated it at the same time)but I love what the little girl says"Keep your eyes WIDE open"
I'll post more about that later too....in the meantime, I'm keeping my eyes WIDE open....

Here's my news!

2007-07-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

Okay so a couple of weeks ago my casting director contacted me about an audition for a commercial-so, David & I both auditioned together...just for fun, not really thinking that we'd get it-and it went awesome! We improved the entire time. The audition was for a Windstream commercial. They were going around nationwide looking for only 16 people to be in this commercial. Well, we both felt very good about the audition but never thought that it would go any further than that...well, I got a call last Thursday to confirm that yes, we BOTH got in!

They are flying us out on Thursday morning & we arrive in KY(why KY-I have no idea)and we shoot all day & night on it! Then they are flying us home on Friday! Talk about in & out!
They are paying for everything-hotel, airfare, food...we even get our own hair, makeup & wardrobe people! Crazy stuff!!!! I only had wardrobe for Spiderman 3...
We are soooo excited! We're making this into a little getaway because the kiddos are staying with Nanie!

I just keep praying that God reveals opportunities for me to "Reach Hollywood"
That's one dream & whisper from Him that I will never forget. We'll see what He has in store!
I'll post more after the big trip! Thank you God for yet another opportunity!

Exciting news!

2007-07-12T16:39:00.001-04:00

Here's a teaser...I just got a call a couple of days ago from a NY producer...I know some of the info but she's supposed to call me back either today or tomorrow to give me the details on the project...I'll post more when I find out...

Jeremiah's fears & mine

2007-06-25T10:53:00.000-04:00

Jeremiah 1-
The Lord gave me a message. He said, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart & appointed you as my spokesman to the world."
I said to the Sovereign Lord," I can't speak. I am too young"
"Don't say that for you must go wherever I send you & say whatever I tell you. Don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I the Lord has spoken."

Then the Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth & said, "See I have put the words in your mouth. I appoint you to stand up against nations & kingdoms, you are to uproot some & tear them down, to destroy & overthrow. You are to build others up & plant them." "Get up & get dressed, go out & tell them whatever I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them...for I am with you & will take care of you. I the Lord have spoken."

Wow! I am soooo much like Jeremiah. I am fearful of failing. Of disappointing the Lord, or others, or myself. I am too young to go and do God's work(this is clearly an excuse since I am in my 30's)
I have so many projects that I am just sitting on...just waiting for something BIG to happen...but nothing happens because I don't ACT!!!!! I don't Do what God wants me to do. I sit, I wait, I fear, I make excuses, I listen to the negative remarks that that jerk Satan is telling me"this is not good enought, you can't do this, that will never work..."
But my God is saying something VERY different...

For He is the one who created me. He is the one that knew me before I was even concieved. He gave me these desires, these ideas...what am I waiting for?

Right now, my book that I wrote almost 3 years ago, is waiting to be published. It's waiting to be read, the words that God gave me are waiting to be heard. I NEED to act! I need to DO what God is calling me to do.
I am moving forward...knowing that God is gently saying" I am with you, I will give you words to say, I will take care of you..."
With Him I will NOT fail!!!!

Time with my girls

2007-06-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

David has been on a Men's camping trip since Friday so it has just been me & the girls. It's not often that I am parenting solo since David is so involved & it such an amazing father. We had fun playing together outside & just hanging out. Then in my rush to leave one afternoon, I locked myself out of the house....here I am trying to be independent on my weekend alone...and I lock myself out! My in-laws(who live with us)were not home & no one else has a key...so after about 1 1/2 hours outside, my kind neighbor & I broke in! Yep! Hopefully he isnt a robber or something...hee hee, because now he knows how to get into my house...yikes!

Note to self: leave a spare key somewhere....

Got Milk?

2007-06-14T22:57:00.000-04:00

The other day as I was working out, my daughter, Abby came in to watch me...she lifted up these weight bands & slowly started to stretch them up one arm at a time...as I was watching her she made the funniest faces as she strained to lift them higher & higher...she then said to me, " wow Mom, this side is stronger...it must be getting more milk to it!"

Made sense to me...

Friends from afar come to our rescue!

2007-06-02T23:00:00.001-04:00

Our amazing friends Dan & Jen (as couples, friends for over 15 years, Dan & I have been friends our whole life)came up all the way from Athens, Ohio(3 1/2 hours)just to help us plant our grass! Wow! What sacrifice. We didnt even need to ask, they just came. They are the most giving couple I have ever met. They left 4 years ago to help start a church along with 2 other couples...just like that. They left their jobs, families, friends...to start a much needed ministry out in the college town of Athens. Amazing!

We toiled hard yesterday in the blazing sun, working like maniacs to beat the rain. Raking, shoveling, raking, seeding, fertilizing, laying hay, watering...all before sundown! If anyone can make a job like that fun it is the four of us. We had such a good time thru our labor. David & I could not have done it without them! We would have STILL been out there as we speak! Then after we got cleaned up we enjoyed wings & friday nights Cavs/Pistons game that we had taped! What a way to end the evening!
I pray that God blesses this couple for all of their hard work & their many years of serving Him!

Life in a nutshell

2007-05-27T21:35:00.001-04:00

Wow, it has been awhile since I last posted! I guess life has been busy...but a good busy. Not the busy that we used to be...it's more of the selective busy, where I am in control of how busy we get...make sense?
Well, all has been well here at the Smith household. We have finished school this year(actually we finished early May-so we've been enjoying an early summer break)
Abby is siked about being a 1st grader! And I can't believe that she is already! She did amazing in Kindergarten & is reading like a maniac! I love to hear her reading to her little sis. It's so sweet.
Isabelle is excited that I'm going to "teach" her next year(not officially-but our own stuff)and she can't wait to learn how to read like her big sis!
She is still making me laugh constantly & is now creating her own language...abooga wega, morta, woooo...ya know...stuff like that...it's actually funny because when she gets to speaking this crazy Jawa language Abby cracks up hysterically & uncontrollably...then Isa just keeps it going...

David is crazy busy with work! Praise God, even during the "slow season" God has provided lots of work!
I've been getting the homeschool room ready for next year & working on launching my business in the next couple of weeks. And I'm also considering teaching a group of homeschoolers in a acting class this fall, for some extra fun money. So, things are picking up- but it is things on our "to do" list...or should I call it "it's about time" list?

We are still working out like maniacs(more than ever in my entire life)and David has lost 22 lbs!!!!!! I refuse to get on the scale until we are finished with this program but my clothes are FINALLY fitting again!
So, that's us in a nutshell, I'll post more later about what God is doing in our lives...mostly just teaching us to be patient more, rely on Him more, and to finally put some action to our faith(and stop JUST talking about it)

SPM3

2007-05-04T08:43:00.000-04:00

What a blast we had last night at the midnight showing of Spiderman 3! The theater filled up at 10:00(2 hours before the show)and people were dressed in spidey gear & even some in costume! Our good friends Mike & Keri braved the late show with us & supported my crazy idea to see it before everyone else at 12AM!!!!!!
The movie is intense, funny, romantic, scarey & just plain awesome!!!! Sam Raimi outdid himself in this movie! I would even consider it part of my favorite movies list! We are going with about 6 other friends tonight & a cast member that I met on set! I can't wait to see it again & find things that I did not see or pick up on during my first viewing.
Well, about 35-40 minutes into the show you'll see the Cleveland shots that we took! It was amazing to watch the whole thing unfold since I was actually part of making it! Not even a glimpse of me was shown, but I have no regrets! To be part of something so incredible was worth every minute of the 2 weeks that I was filming it-thru the cold Cleveland air, to getting sick & losing my voice during the filming & standing around waiting & waiting & waiting for our cues....it was worth it all!!!!!
I'm looking forward to some auditions coming up this month for a few indie films(not Spiderman)but anything for the love of the art!
Enjoy the show!

Finally after a whole year of waiting!!!!!

2007-04-30T10:09:00.000-04:00

AHHHHH, I can't wait until Spiderman 3!!!!!
I have been waiting patiently all year since the shooting of the movie & it is finally here...!
I've convinced myself that it is okay if I am not actually seen in the movie(yes, okay, I guess I will be a little bummed after all the hard work)but I am still excited to see the footage that we did. And what a thrill it was to be a part of something that I've always been so amazed by...
So, go check it out THIS weekend!!!! Friday-May 4th is the official release date!!!!!
In fact, I'm going to a midnight showing on thrusday(yes, I know, I'm crazy)and a bunch of friends are going with us again on Friday-May 4th....what fun!
So, if I were you-don't get any popcorn or pop because you don't want to have to go to the bathroom & miss my big break...(hee hee)look for the car chases in the city, a fight between Spidey & the sandman, and a crazy woman wearing black reacting to spidey hanging from the back of an armoured vehicle(crazy woman is me) :)
Enjoy!

Update

2007-04-12T23:34:00.000-04:00

So much has happened & time keeps slipping away from me. My daughters are growing up & changing into beautiful girls(they are no longer babies). I try to do my best to live in the moment but the moments keep getting away from me. But what fun we have! Everyday I get the pleasure of playing with my girls & pretending & imagining with them. Today I was a Star Wars character being attacked by the evil Dark side. Pillows instead of a life sabor was being thrown at me. We giggled & laughed together & so many times I think I'm still not spending enough time with them!
I can't believe the school year is almost over-Abby will be in First Grade-she did awesome in Kindergarten & I loved being her teacher! She just sent in her first book for a writing contest for her school...it was called"The Adventures of Princess Ella & Her Brave Siberian Husky"
I loved her ideas & watching her come up with the story line. Her eyes would twinkle as she told me about the characters & she'd giggle when said something funny in the story. What an imagination!
Isabelle is quite the clown! She makes me laugh everyday & always has such great ideas! She has a heart of a giver & always wants to make someone feel better when they are sick or sad. She also loves to sing, dance & especially loves to draw. She is an artist like her Daddy. We put up a special "Art Wall" in her room to display some of her creations. Simply beautiful to watch her work! Her favorite movie is "Flushed Away"! She knows all the lines, all the words in the songs & all the actions...I enjoy watching her more than the movie-what an actress!

We have been busy getting David's parents settled into their "living area" and my is it beautiful! Our friend from church did it all & it turned out better than we had ever expected. They seem happy there now that they have a place to call their own.

David is still doing amazing at the shop. He is busy all the time with work that God has blessed him with. Together we have been doing this intense nutrition/exercise program & over the last 6 weeks our bodies are being pulled & stretched in ways we never thought possible. We've always wanted to loose some of our bad eating habits & some extra weight that has creeped up on us & finally we are seeing results. I admit, it has been grueling-but I don't think we will ever go back to the way we lived. Eating was such entertainment for us-we love to eat...now we are loving to eat all the RIGHT things. It has been fun to cook the amazing meals & sweat like maniacs to get the yuck out! I've never had so much energy before! It's amazing how eating healthy can actually make you feel better! Go figure...
So, life here is still going-just not much time to post as often as I'd like, but we are still here!

Retreat

2007-03-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

What an amazing weekend we had at the retreat! I can not express what it was fully like because God just plain rocked my world! It is beyond complete expression in words..I will try.
We had 28 women who came out & were even early & anxious to get the weekend rolling! We started out just meeting & socializing with one another enjoying fellowship...then Colleen started to speak. Our focus was on John 15. These verses are ones that I have read time & time again, but God revealed more in His words than ever before. Remain In Him. Remain In Him. Apart from Him we can do NOTHING!!!!!
Yes, I do my bible studies, but are they on a regular basis? No.
Yes, I pray, but do I think about Him throughout my busy day? No.
Am I ready to be hated because of my faith. I'm not sure.
Am I going to follow the call of loving others unconditionally? Well, I hope so. But do I? Not all the time.
I realized that I need to stop saying that I'm going to spend time in Christ, I'm just going to DO IT! I need to do it. It is the only way that I will survive this Life...praise God the last two mornings I have woken up 15 minutes earlier than my alarm clock to spend time with my Heavenly Father...I give Him all the glory. He is passionate about me. He is passionate about spending time with me. How amazing is that? The God of the universe wants to spend time with ME! With me. An imperfect person, who disappoints Him daily.Wow!
What an amazing God we have!
So in saying all of that, I realized that I need to give Him more of me. Remain In Him, Love others, go & share about His love without worry or being afraid.
Many of the women expressed what God was revealing to them...a lot of the same things...some addictions that they needed to rid themselves of, some sins they needed to surrender...the list goes on....
It was beautiful to see my fellow sisters in Christ coming together uplifting one another in pray & accountability.
Praise God I even set up a blog for everyone that went on the retreat to post what God is continuing to do...I just set it up this morning & the posts are coming in left & right!
Thank you Jesus for your word in John...may we continue to Remain in You...

Mosaic Womens Retreat

2007-03-02T13:13:00.000-05:00

wow! Time has come so quickly & it is already time for our first Mosaic Womens Retreat!!!!!
We were a little worried at first since we only had 10 people signed up as of 2 sundays ago, but last sunday the ladies just kept signing up...we are up to 30 women! The lead time & I have been planning for several months now on how this weekend is going to look...and God kept on telling us His agenda...no matter what we kept thinking...God kept whispering something different in our ears. I am so glad that we listened & went with His way! It will be amazing to see how God is going to reveal many things to us thru these 24 hours. This will NOT be your typical womens retreat...it is not just a time to get away from the hustle & bustle of life...but a time to just sit quietly with God. Most retreats that I've gone on have been great, but it has mostly just been about me getting away from normal life...this time we don't just want to get away from our normal life but we want to get in closer with our Maker. He desires us to be with him, and our normal crazy lives get in the way that we don't make time for Him.
We are studying the scriptures that my blog header is based on..."Remain in Him" John 15:5-17

I have been thinking & praying about this scripture since we decided on it to be the one that we are focusing on...and let me tell you...it has been kicking my butt!
I seriously need to "Remain in Him" more in my life! He longs for it, that type of fellowship with Him draws us closer to Him & more & more good hidden things become revealed....How cool is that? So, why don't I just DO IT!!!!!!
"Remain in Me and I will Remain in You."

I'll post more on how the retreat goes...

School Picture Time!

2007-02-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

Catch up

2007-01-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

Even though our schedules have been depleted(due to realizing that life is too short to be soooo busy-we have a "less stressed-less busy" policy in the Smith household). I was noticing how I was becoming one of those moms that had their child in EVERY activity...and I was recognizing other moms pressuring me to do so...So, after I killed SuperMom(read my "Velvet Elvis" post if you have no idea what I'm talking about)we decided that we needed to slow our lives down & only commit to what is truly important to us. With all THAT said, there has been a lot of activity over here & I'm going to catch up & fill you in on what's been going on...

David has been crazy busy with his job!Praise God! This is the time of year that things should be slow for him but God has been giving him job after job...he still works from home & loves it, and he is working on several "life" changes(instead of resolutions)where he is starting to hear God's voice directing him in life...He is the best dad ever, he gives so much of himself for us girls in his life...I'm proud of him everyday...

My in-laws are now living with us as of Dec 2nd...things couldnt be better! Praise the Lord we have really enjoyed our time with them...we have a contractor working on their living space, as we speak & it should be finished within 4-6 weeks or sooner! We thank God everyday for orchestrating this whole thing so beautifully with both houses selling, the moving of both our families, emotions & His Timing...beautiful...beautiful...beautiful...

Abby is doing amazing at homeschooling. We both really enjoy it, even though sometimes she says" Ahh mom, can't I just play today?" She is excelling in her courses learning about History all over the globe, Math(including Geometry already, Reading(which she is at a 1st grade level) & Language Arts(which is her favorite because she get to not only read but act out what she's learned). Her teacher(whom we have only talked to on the phone)said that she is doing great & she could move on to 1st grade early if we wanted.Abby performed in her very first play this Christmas where she got to be an angel bringing the good news of Jesus' birth. She loved learning her lines & dressing up as the Angel. She is an example of gentle kindness daily as she cares for those in our family...if someone gets hurt, she is there to aid in ANY way she can...from silly faces, to kleenex or bandaids...Abby is right on top of it...she has a very gentle & kind spirit.

Isabelle amazes me everyday with her heart & sense of humor. She loves our kitty, Winner & takes such good care of her. Lately I have found her to be a genius at organizing...seriously, I don't know where she got this from, but she makes a point everynight to organize her toys for the next day. It is adorable to watch her at work! She loves to play games on the computer while Abby & I are doing school. She has great ideas about everything & anything...she loves to share her toys & everytime she gets something new she automatically gives part of it to her big sissy...she has a very generous heart...

I have been loving my new position as a teacher. It is not as difficult as I was worried that it would be. Props out to Ohio Virtual Academy for their amazing system that makes teaching easy & fun for both student & teacher!
I had the opportunity to Assistant Direct a Christmas play at VCA this past year. It was fun watching the kids come to life as they learned their lines & movements...this is something I hadnt done for quite some time, so it was wonderful to be a part of it.
I am still singing with our church band at Mosaic.(check it out www.Mosaicneo.com) I love it every week! This is also something that I hadnt done in many years, so what a blessing it has been to serve in this way! Our band rocks! There are so many talented people in it! And we just plain love to worship together! I am, like David working on some "life" changes this year. And I'm proud to post that I have conquered my first thing....hold on to your seats everybody...I no longer bite my nails!!!!!!!!This might sound funny but it has been a serious problem with me, my whole life-so this is HUGE for me. One day, I was just plain sick of my gross looking hands...so I stopped. Praise the Lord for giving me the self control that I needed...one down...many more life changes to go...(updates as they come)

I also just started mentoring a young women at our church where we meet every other week. It has been a wonderful experience to get to know her, pray for her & just live life with her...we are having a blast together!
My book is still in production & I'm starting to see that God wants me to write more to it...I guess there is more to my story that I didnt tell yet, so we'll see what God leads me to say...I'm NOT giving up on this story...it's too important to tell. When my friend Joy took me to Bethel College with her to speak on purity & relationships I realized that there were many girls in my shoes & they needed to be reached...I have been chatting with some of these girls via e-mail & they've shared with me some things that I might include in my book of things girls struggle with. On that note, I'm not finished yet...and I won't stop until it's done!

Other updates: Spiderman 3 comes out in theaters May 5th(so excited-I can't wait to see the scenes that we shot)
I've gotten a few phone calls to audition for other movies(but the audition was in CA-so you can imagine my disapointment) I just know that I'm needed right here, right now & if that is something God has for me, he will provide a way later too...so one day...but I did tell my casting director to inform me of any other projects in Cleveland...more & more movies are being shot there...

So that is it in a nutshell...some ups, some downs, some crashes, some falls, some mistakes, some successes(if I can spell that word-lol)but overall, thankfullness...

I love my family!

2007-01-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

I came across these pictures & just had to post them! I have the most adorable daughters in the world!!!!They light up my life everyday...and they keep me on my toes too! I always knew that being a mom would be the best...but I had no idea what that actually looked like....now I know. Pure Joy!
Yes, there are times when I want to ring both of their necks but beyond those moments...pure joy! I love how they call me "momma" still, I love how they always cheer me up, I love how Isabelle organizes her room, I love how Abby smiles & makes me laugh, I love how Isabelle hugs me and says" I can't let go of this mommy"

I love my family.

Happy Birthday

2007-01-05T14:42:00.000-05:00

David,
We have known eachother for almost an entire lifetime...when I look back at your life I remember some wonderfully fond memories... when you were only 11 years old rollerskating at Skate 8, smiling as you glided by(I thought you were cute then too), I remember when my mom would tell me that you were coming over to have dinner with us & she would say"One day you'll marry that David"(I could have only dreamt she'd be right), I remember the many times you'd come to play with my older brother & you would always come to my rescue when he was mean to me, I remember when we were both signed up for the same karate class & how we stood next to eachother in our gee's, I remember you sitting next to me in youth group playing with my long hair, I remember you walking into a party with your striped baggy pants & muscle shirt(wooo you looked hot)I remember you asking me to a Michael W. Smith concert(as friends)and how long it took me to figure out what to wear, I remember the kiss on my forehead, I remember you sitting under the stars telling me for the first time how much you cared about me all of these years, I remember sitting on my parents couch when you told me that you loved me & wanted to spend the rest of your life with me, I remember your face as I walked down the aisle, I remember holding your hand & you smiling at me as you so gently told your vows to me, I remember your sweet voice telling me to breathe as our first & second daughters were born, and I remember your face how it lit up as you held each of them, I remember eating late at night watching movies & laughing uncontrollably with you...I look back and know that I am truly blessed...I have married my best friend, I can't imagine life without you David. Thank you for being who you are & for loving me so unconditionally throughout the years. I love being your wife, your friend & your pal. Thank you for being such an amazing dad & husband...you lift me up everyday! I pray that you have a wonderful birthday & I look forward to spending many, many, MANY more with you...

Community

2007-01-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

This is my church. We have been attending Mosaic for almost 2 years now & we love it! My kids LOVE it! I am so glad that we have found a church that we can call home. We were beginning to wonder if we were ever going to find it. Mosaic's motto (if you want to call it that)is "To live by faith, to be a voice of Hope and to be known by our Love"
I love this! What a perfect description of how the church should look. All too often churchs are not living this way & many get fed up with the idea of "church" because of it.
No church is perfect. But I'm glad that our leaders at Mosaic are striving to model our church the way Jesus would want..."To live by faith, to be a voice of Hope & to be known by our Love".

Last night we had about 14 people from Mosaic over for a last minute New Years Bash(thanks Kim for volunteering our home!)It was great. We ate & ate, laughed, played crazy games & just plain enjoyed eachothers company. This is what Jesus would want us to do as a community of believers. Enjoy life, eat together, laugh, share in eachothers lives, encourage one another...did I say Eat already? Live life together.
I'm excited to see where 2007 brings us. We already have some amazing things lined up for Mosaic. I am co-hosting a women's retreat this March & I can't wait to see what God is going to do to change & encourage women's hearts.

2007!!!!!

Amazing.

On a personal note, David & I have some ideas of how we are going to change this year. Yes, a couple physical ways, but mostly spiritual. We also have many, Many, MANY things on our LIFE checklist that we want to accomplish...updates to come...
So, Happy New YEar one & all. I pray God reveals many, Many, MANY things to your LIFE checklist this upcoming year...

Time with Family & Friends

2006-12-31T08:33:00.000-05:00

Christmas was so fun. We enjoyed the semi-warm, sunny weather. I made my very first turkey dinner(with my mother-in-laws assistance)(and by the way, it came out great!)We had our dear friends Dan & Jen, Brian & Leslie, Kevin & Missy over for a spontaneous get together that lasted all night until wee hours of the morning(4am!!!). They taught me how to play Idiot Poker(because I'm too much of an idiot to learn the REAL Poker I guess-hee hee) We sang worship songs while Jen & Dave played guitar, we talked about our upcoming Hawaii trip(okay maybe not upcoming, but next Christmas) Yippee!!! We spent wonderful time with both our families, eating & laughing uncontrollably. We told the kids the christmas story & acted out the events to remind them the true meaning of christmas(we do this every chrismas morning). And we spent time just chilling out from our last few months of craziness...beyond the whirlwind it has been & the trying times, God has continued to reveal himself to us...thru an answered prayer, a unexpected phone call, an unexpected guest at christmas time, honesty spoken & also thru the words of my child.

Thank you Father for the love of friends & family, thank you for laughter in the midst of pain, thank you for your undeniable love, guidance, and patience with me...I know that I am not as faithful to you as I should be but I can't imagine my life without you...I love living life for you...remind me daily to do this more & more...so that I can continue to see your face thru everyday life, your creation that surrounds me & thru those that I encounter daily...

Velvet Elvis

2006-12-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

I just finished a book that my pastor had recommended me reading for over a year now...The book is Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
At first I was like "what could this book really be about-he is just rambling on & on..."
Then he got to the point, the big point. Actually "points".
We as Christians are so up on becoming a christian then living the good, easy life...no way, God actually said it would not be easy...many of us struggle daily with everyday, everything and don't really admit it...to anyone, especially our brothers & sisters in Christ. Well, I'm sick of the game! Yes, that's right, sick of it. Let's get real. Let's get personal, let's get down right dirty and clean up our junk!
Over the years, I have played the role of SUPERMOM...well, I'm not. And I'm tired of this role. In Bell's book he states,"I meet so many people who have superwhater rattling around in their head. They have this person convinced they are supposed to be, and their superwhatever is killing them. They have this image they picked up over the years of how they are supposed to look and act and work and play and talk, and it's like a voice that never stops shouting in their ear.
And the only way to not be killed by it is to shoot first.
Yes, that is what I meant to write.
You have to kill your superwhater."

So, I shot. SUPERMOM is gone. I can't do it all, I can't BE it all...and I'm okay with that. Sometimes I need help...and I'm gonna start asking for it. My mother in law(who is now living with us)keeps saying things like "why don't you put up more decorations on the house...around the house, on the deck..." And I am simply not even fazed by it...normally I would have hurried to content her, hurried to make all perfect, hurried to please...nope, not any more. SUPERMOM is dead. I don't have time to do more decorating...that's not what this season is about anyway. I am doing just fine with what I AM doing. And that is loving my kids, my husband, my family, my friends, reaching out to my neighbors, being a child of God, homeschooling my daughter...the list goes on...so all of the other "stuff" that I THINK is important, really is not. I can't do it all. And I am finally at peace with this "new idea".

SUPERMOM has left the building.

One more adorable picture

2006-12-19T13:05:00.000-05:00

Photo Time!!!

2006-12-19T12:41:00.000-05:00

Every year we try to get a christmas picture of our family so that I can send them in our christmas cards...for some reason this year was more difficult than in the past...it was quite entertaining to watch Isabelle & Abby as we "set up" the photo. Isabelle would suddenly get mad & make this hilarious angry face & Abby would suddenly break out into giggles galore!!!! Then she'd fall to the ground(messing up her hair & the pose)...after some bribing we finally got them to sit still for 2 seconds to take the picture...the event reminds me of several movies that show these families pretending to be happy just long enough for the photo...it was funny actually living the moment & forcing the girls to look happy...hee hee...well, we got them giggling & we really were happy in the end...but wow! I look forward to the many years of christmas pictures with my family(imagine the teenage years-"MOM, this is soooo stupid"-"Do I have to do this?")
Yep, I'm gonna make them then too...and you WILL LIKE IT!!!Hee hee....

Holiday Fun

2006-12-16T00:29:00.000-05:00

After we settled into our house a bit we decided it was time to find a Christmas tree. We ventured to a new tree farm(new to us, at least)and found the perfect tree. It was a great, family owned business in Peninsula that gave you a sled as you searched for your tree. We had more fun & spent more time sledding then looking for a tree! After about an hour of sledding we finally decided that a pre-cut tree was just fine(we were too cold to keep looking). Then we got cozy by the outdoor fireplace at the farm! We has a blast & will return next year for sure!

Then last night we went to see David's uncle(who lives in Cleveland)he puts on a huge display of lights on his home where people come thru to see it. The girls were in awe at all of the lights & christmas decorations...it put us all in the holiday spirit! With everything going on with the move we have all been a bit tired & busy to stop and think about christmas...we are ready now! This year I really want it to be more about Jesus' birth more than anything else(my daughter keeps reminding me"It's not about how the house looks mom-it's about Jesus!"...and she is sooooo right)So I decided to listen to my 6 year old & slow down the season, and think more about it's meaning instead of the stuff that clutters it...

Even after saying all of that, we still had fun tonight decorating our first Gingerbread house....what a blast! And the girls did great! It came out beautiful!

Crazy, crazy Craz-EEEE

2006-11-28T21:06:00.000-05:00

We finally got our internet set up in our new house...lots of stuff happening over at the Smith household...not much time to post....more unpacking to do...trees to put up, decorating to do & life to live...post more later...

An Early Christmas Present

2006-11-18T01:07:00.000-05:00

Keys to our new house!!!!!
That's all I have to say!!!!!
Well, okay, I never was a girl with few words, but we are so excited to see the final walk-thru of our house(we havent seen it in over 2 weeks)...and it is finally done!!!!
We have been blessed to stay in a friends home for the past 5wks but we are soooooo ready for our own space. The girls are so excited to see all of their toys again(they are in PODS)and I just can't wait to cook in my own kitchen! And hang my clothes on a hanger(we have been living in boxes).
You know the little things make us happy...
So on Wednesday we are officially moving in....thank you Lord, once again for taking care of us thru all of this. Again, your timing is perfect!

Girl Talks

2006-11-06T17:07:00.000-05:00

I had the priviledge of joining my good friend, Joy to Bethel College last week for a couple of days. Her daughter & also my friend, Ashley is in her junior year there. Joy is an amazing speaker who I admire. She adds humor, honesty & encouragement when she speaks. God has truly gifted her. Bethel College asked Joy to come to speak at their chapel service on Wednesday morning & also invited her to speak to the young women later that evening for a girls only session.
What a great time we had with Ashley & Jessie (another great friend who came with us)we laughed until wee hours of the night on tuesday helping Joy prepare for her talk. Joy even talked me into doing a drama for her-impromptu! We had a wonderful time sharing about life & crazy questions that Joy was throwing out at us.

I went last week knowing that God has a plan for me. I have to speak. He wants me to share my story. Joy asked me to share 10 minutes with the girls only session about my story on purity & marriage. I did not want to. It has been a long time since I've spoken on this subject & I was not ready...but Joy so calmingly kept saying"your ready"

So I spoke. And boy was I nervous. But before I went on to speak, God reminded me of Moses & of Ester & many others in the Bible whom He gave the words to...Moses muttered & could not speak well, Ester could have been killed for what she said, but God made a way for them...and they spoke. And mighty things happened...So, I gave my voice to God & spoke. I shared my story of purity & forgiveness. I prayed that God would let just one girls life be touched(I would have been happy with just one)but He had another plan....God spoke thru Joy & thru me & these girls would not leave...they wanted more...and more....they were hungry for what God was saying. Many stayed way past our allowed time & we answered questions...hard questions...but again, God gave us the words...later, I recieved a couple of e-mails from girls that had more questions...praise God...He touched hearts that night. Girls are re-thinking what they are doing & desiring a holy life...

I know that God wants me to speak. I don't know how, or when or to what level but I will continue to follow His lead. Don't deny Him, like I almost did-Go...just go....and He will give you all that you need.

Do Not Worry

2006-10-25T11:07:00.000-04:00

I know that my Heavenly Father is taking care of me. But sometimes in the midst of trials & uncertainty I forget.
I'm typically a very calm person, I really don't worry a lot. I just believe that everything will be okay-I don't know if that is a completely good thing because there are some pretty dangerous things that can happen by being that way, but overall I like that quality in me. Now my husband on the other hand, complete worry wart. So, we balance eachother out. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is this...

Matt.6:25-34
"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body. what you will wear. Is not your life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow? They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all of his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry,saying"What shall we eat, or drink or wear?"For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I love that! How to the point...Just don't worry! God will take care of us.

I have seen His hand a lot in the past few weeks. We, by a miracle, sold our home, for just about what we wanted, when all of the other homes for sale around us still have not sold. We were left homeless after we had to quickly move out within 3 weeks of the sale, not knowing where to go...God reminded a good friend that her in-laws have a home that we could "use" while they are in Florida for the winter. (another amazing thing is that it is in the city where we are building-how perfect)They willingly let us move in without hesitation(and we barely even know them). David's parents house sold the same week that ours sold, which was a huge burden thinking that we had to sell two homes in this slow real estate market...but God made it all happen!
I knew that he would, but I have to say, I was getting a little impatient. I wanted it to all happen sooner, but he knew that it could not...it had to happen in HIS Time. Not mine. Not David's. Not according to OUR plans. But His....Thank you God, for YOUR plan on our lives...thank you for your timing. Thank you for always taking care of us.

"My life is going to slow down...no, really"

2006-10-06T23:59:00.000-04:00

It's funny, I really thought this would happen. I really thought life would get "less busy". I made a pact with myself I said" Self, stop busying your life" and I guess I didnt listen. We have been sooooo crazy busy-I can't even stand it. Between selling our house, packing our house, selling David's parents house, packing their house, homeschooling Abby, entertaining & loving Isabelle, being a wife, a housekeeper, chef, friend, daughter, writer and singer...I havent had much time to breath...ahhhhhh....there it is, I breathed.

It was the worst possible time for it, but we decided to go away(this is our way of running from our crazy lives)just get away...we hoped in the car and headed to Sandusky for a couple of days...like I said, worst time for it since we are closing in on our house, packing our house, homeschooling Abby(oh sorry I won't give you the list again-hee hee)but we just knew that we needed it.

I am so glad that we did get away. My family needed some time out, away from the craziness. We ended up at an indoor waterpark called Kalahari! If you havent been there yet, take some time to enjoy this place. It is perfect for the family, the young couple with or without kids, older families...it was just plain fun!!!! We all had a blast riding the waterslides & soaking in the water. Abby and I loved the thrill of the zipcoater(wheew what a rush)....

So we got away...for 2 nights...and yes, I came home to a messy, cluttered, full of boxes & piles of laundry home...but who really cares? I wouldnt trade that time with my family for the world.

"I hate mornings"

2006-09-29T07:35:00.000-04:00

This is something my 3 1/2 year old daughter says to me almost every morning...not because she really "hates" mornings but because her favorite orange, tabby cat-Garfield says it on his cartoon...well, last weekend she got to meet this loveable, yet sometimes craby feline...Isabelle lit up when Garfield appeared at the Kids Fest at a bookstore that we went to...she couldnt stop smiling. Garfield hugged her & we even snapped a photo of them...
...so, even though I am greeted by the phrase"I hate mornings" when I wake my little girl up, I still smile because it is so adorable the way she delivers the line & wrinkles up her face...gotta love it! In fact, I love mornings because of this precious time.

School Update

2006-09-14T22:47:00.000-04:00

We have already gotten thru 3 weeks of school! I can't believe it! I am so thrilled with the homeschool program that we chose. Props out to the Ohio Virtual Academy for making their school so full of interesting subjects & tools! Abigail is loving History and of course Language Arts(she gets to do a lot of imaginary play with this subject)! And with History she has already learned all of the continents! Each week we "travel" to each continent and learn about the different animals and places there! I'm actually learning a lot too! (I don't think I could have even told you what all of the continents were)

Little Isabelle is doing great too! She sometimes gets involved in the lessons of the day or she keeps busy by playing around us...

Abby and I have kept it a habit every morning to pray together before we begin school time...we hold hands and pray for a good day together & I pray for patience...the other day she prayed for us and said, "God, thank you for school and especially thank you for the best part of it which is my mom being my teacher."
I melted!
Thank you God, for my wonderful daughters that I get to love & teach everyday...bless them both!

Reunion

2006-09-11T08:29:00.000-04:00

My friend Marge & I planned a reunion of all the people in our old youth group...what a great time we had seeing everyone & chatting about life over the last 15 years!!! Wow-time goes sooooo quickly! Enjoy the pictures!

"Breaking my heart"

2006-08-30T22:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Abby & David were dancing together & Abby looked into David's eyes & said "Daddy you are breaking my heart. I love dancing with you"

That alone is adorable. I explained to her that she could say "Melting my heart" and she wondered what that meant...of course we explained that when you are in love or something really touchs your heart you say"melts my heart"...

So today, while David was playing "Here I am to Worship" on his guitar...(which is Isabelle's favorite song) she stopped singing and said"Daddy, you are cracking my heart"

...all we could do was smile...

what a sweet, adorable lady she is...and they are both soooo in love with their daddy...

Soaking up the last days of summer

2006-08-24T20:54:00.000-04:00

I have not looked at summer like this before since I was in school...yes, when August rolls around you might as well say that summer is over. Now that I am planning on homeschooling Abby I feel this way all over again...but the difference is that we are planning lots and lots of field trips while the weather is still beautiful. No sitting in class for us when the world is a huge classroom! Abby officially starts school on Monday...wow, that came up on us fast. And we are ready! We have all of our supplies, her room is furnished with a computer & school books galore, along with a globe & other learning materials.
I never really understood why some parents decide to homeschool...I never thought taht I would be one of those parents...but let me tell you I am so excited!
We made the decision officially around the time we put our house on the market. Our new home should be done before the holidays and we didnt want to have to put Abby in a local school here in town then take her out again only a few months later...that would be hard. So homeschooling seemed perfect for our situation. The idea of homeschooling her was always in the back of my mind(and I stress BACK)but I have slowly warmed up to the idea especially thinking about our situation. It just seemed to make sense. So, we'll see what happens...we may love it, we may hate it...but we are going to give it a try...Isabelle is excited too, she just started learning how to work a computer mouse(so she says that she is "in school" too)Too cute!

So, right now we are soaking up summer...swimming, riding bikes, swinging at the park, picnics & just being together!

Busy time

2006-08-23T10:07:00.000-04:00

It has been soooo crazy around here...I havent had much down time to actually write anything worthwile. Or any thing at all for that matter. I've been busy showing our house & cleaning & showing our house & cleaning...etc...the pattern goes on & on. But I am so excited to see things come together with our new house! Even though it has been a rough path getting to this point I know that God has led us right where we are. We got a chance to meet our new neighbors already...all of them! There is a young family across the street from us with 3 boys, an older couple, a single guy, and another family with kids 6-13years old....how awesome! We have already connected with each of them in some way & I'm soooo excited to see where the relationships will go....Thank you God for placing us right where YOU wanted us...
Onto another subject-I got an e-mail from one of my casting directors from SPM3...he wants me to call him to chat about upcoming projects....! Hmmmmm......

what our life motto as Christians should be...

2006-08-08T11:22:00.000-04:00

Live By Faith
To be known by Love,
and to be a voice of Hope...

Just Go!

2006-07-31T08:17:00.000-04:00

I love what my pastor said last night at church..."if the apostle Paul were with us right now and we asked him how we need to reach people for Christ he would probably say 'just go'"
It doesnt matter how you win people's hearts over to Christ it's just that you do it! If your way is by sharing the gospel with words, or by actions or by love in how you live your life then do it! Just go! Don't worry about the how...just go!

I'm so excited about this in my life...I know that I need to "go" more often. I need to share Christ more often & love more often & reach out more often...I don't need some HUGE Life changing drop everything event to get me there...I need to "go" now! I need to love my neighbor NOW...I need to reach out and hug NOW....I need to GO now....I keep thinking about our new neighborhood and how it will be fun to start over with a new batch of people to reach out to...but it's funny because I've almost forgot about the ones around me-right NOW...right here...Lord, remind me of the lost right here in my backyard...show me creative ways to love & to share you with them...I want to "Go" now for you...starting today...

My story

2006-07-27T00:08:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how God uses your life...your faults, your mistakes, your past sins to bless someone else when you FULLy give your life over to him.
I never imagined in a millioin gazillion years that I would be admitting my past to anyone...especially to someone that I didnt really know very well.
A new friend of mine at our church who is a new believer told me that she was "living in sin". She laughed but I think she really felt convicted for the types of things that were in her life. She asked my opinion.(Which amounts to not much of anything in my eyes)but I gave her my opinion. I told her that I would love to meet with her sometime to chat about my story and fill her in on how God changed my life.
So, today we met before I had band rehearsal and we walked around and around the church building just talking. She was almost speechless. Her eyes welled with tears. She was moved by MY story... Yes, I wish I had made better choices in my past but I am so thankful that God is able to use me regardless of my faults and sin. I think I see why it is important to open up to those around us. To just let go of our inhabitions...you never know who you will bless or who you will be blessed by...thank you Lord for forgiving my sins and for giving me the strength that I needed to speak your truths...

Summer, summer, summer Time(sing like Will Smith when you read this)

2006-07-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

I love summer! I love the heat! I love the sun(yah, no rain today)!The girls and I have been spending the days of summer just resting at the pool(or jacuzzi-that is)and what fun we have been having...sometimes I just watch them play & laugh at their cute little sun bathed bodies or sometimes I just lay by the pool and read a book...ahhhh the life...

Last night after church we took them to their first drive-in movie. They couldnt believe the movie screen was Outside...Isabelle kept saying in this adorable voice"The movie is OUTSIDE? What? That is sooooo silly!"
We had such a blast! Summer, summer summertime...summertime....la la la la la la la....summertime(I really don't know any other words)

So, go enjoy the hot days of summer-and be sure to sing that song everywhere you go....

Legend of the Tooth Fairy

2006-07-06T21:33:00.000-04:00

For several weeks now Abigail has had a loose tooth...actually she has a couple that are loose. We have been explaining to her about how she will one day grow "big girl teeth" and she thinks that is sooooo cool! Well, one tooth, which seemed like overnight, decided it would get really really wiggly...and the next morning it came out...she jumped for joy! She also knew that this meant she would get some sum of money provided by the tooth fairy.
I found a cute story about the tooth fairy from the internet and so that night we read it together to find out how this tooth fairy started her business taking little children's teeth in the middle of the night...after reading the story Abby says to David"Dad, how much does the tooth fairy leave for kids anyway?"
He told her that back when he was her age it was only like one dollar...but he was certain that since economy is up that she would leave more these days...Abby thought for a moment..."hmmm..." she said looking at her ceiling and playing with her gums...as David began to leave she said" Dad, I know you & mommy are the tooth fairies...I just like to pretend with you"
She paused again in deep thought.
"So how much are you gonna give me?" she questioned.
David smiled & replied" I don't know-I'll have to ask the other tooth fairy"

Important family member has major surgery!!!!

2006-07-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

It was a sad day at our house the day one of our own had to have major surgery...screams rang thourghout the house before the incident happened...my heart stopped thinking the worst was happening...tears flowed like big rain drops and emotions all over the place...our beloved Dottie has lost her tail!

For those of you that don't know Dottie personally...she has been part of our family for 3 1/2 years. She is Isabelle's favorite stuffed animal, but she is so much more than that, she is a blankie, a snuggler, a best friend. She never leaves Isa's side.

When it happened Isabelle screamed soooo loud that I thought SHE had been hurt...nope, she had just accidentally pulled off Dottie's tail(she rubs Dottie's tail and over time is has been slowly coming off)

I had to perform major surgery and Quick!!!!

After playing Doctor I was told that I was the best mom ever!!!(Smile-motherhood is so great-you can be so many things for your child-I guess "Surgeon" is one of them)

And by the way, Dottie is doing great...she's going to be just fine!

My Superhero

2006-06-22T10:47:00.001-04:00

Ever since my Spiderman movie my daughters have been "Spidey" crazy. They both used to be afraid of the man in red tights, now they think he is the coolest hero around. We even found them spiderman costumes so they can play the movie. Well, this morning Abby was coloring Spiderman and she said to me, "Mom, I love Spiderman, when you do your next movie with him can you give him this picture that I colored?"

It's funny because she thinks that Spidey and I are tight...it got me thinking(I know that's dangerous when I start thinking)but how awesome would it be for them to think that I am so tight with the only true hero-the one that took my sin, died on the cross for me so that I can be with Him in Heaven one day-so tight that I go to him daily to read and learn about the type of guy he was-the type of REAL hero he was on this earth & who He is now...hmmm....my kids need to know that my priorities are Christ centered...that I seek Him in good & bad...that I look to HIM to save the day!
Then after this thought Abby turned to me & said, " you know Mom, Jesus is my favorite superhero-he's the best of all of them!"

I guess she had the same thoughts as I did...

School Time update

2006-06-15T16:08:00.000-04:00

Yes...for all of you wondering...yes...Abby is starting school this fall. She is enlisted in the Ohio Virtual Academy and will start at the end of August. The awesome thing is that I just got a call from one of the teachers there & she was so excited to inform me that Abby placed high for her age in the tests that she has been taking...I always knew that she was very smart for her age-but it was really nice that someone outside of our circle agreed. The teacher asked if I would feel comfortable moving Abby to a 1st grade reading & math level...!!!!!!!!

I was speechless. We have always read to Abby from birth-so when all those commercials say "READ to your kids" I guess it really pays off.

Congrats Abby on a job well done!!!!I'm so proud of you! You are going to do great in school!

Transforming our Character

2006-06-13T21:12:00.001-04:00

David & I have been attending [o.r] community for the last year or so. It is a church filled with honesty and raw preaching. I love this about our church. We started to get involved pretty fast after we uncovered what the church is about & what their vision is for the future church. This past month we have been reading in the book of Acts. Following the early churches perspective on what "church" looks like. Our pastor asked some hard questions to us a couple sundays ago...
" Are you swimming in a raging sea of Hope & Dreams in your life?"
or "Are you treading in fear"
He used dominos as a visual to represent the choices that we have made that has led us to where we are right now.
"Are my choices changing for God?"
or "Am I in the same place that I was for God-last year"

"Will the cycle ever change for me?"

Each decision we make is based on our character.

Do we have the character traits of God?

Then our paster peeled open a banana...he said" you never wonder what is inside of a banana...because God makes everything with integrity"
What about when you slice open a Christian(just an analogy-otherwise it would be gross)? What is inside? What is their Character?

In the days of the early church they didnt have cool websites, or smart marketing tools to get the word out about their church-the news just spread because God's message of salvation was being heard & people were gettting saved & lives were transformed for Christ!
How simple...yet why havent we (as the church)caught on to this idea?

[o.r] is feeling God's hand moving us to go....well, backward. Pastor Ted is encouraging us to have a Character transformation. With the guide of our church & the community of believers that fill it we are going to look under the hoods of our lives to get inside of our character & weed out the dark spots. Then we are being sent out into the mission field. Now that doesnt mean that we will not spread the news of Christ along the way, but we do need to see where our hearts are & where we are going FOR HIM! I am so excited for this. I know there are places in my life that need weeding out. Places I probably dont even want to visit or expose...but in doing so God will use me & mold me & make me transform for Him.

Imagine...Christ in You.
To have a mind like Christ.
That if we remain in Him, He will remain in us.

Like our pastor said" The shape of our character is the shape of our future"

If you want to hear more about what's happening at [o.r] community check out their website
www.orcommunity.com

lost without my computer

2006-06-02T12:25:00.000-04:00

What did we do back in the day when there where no computers? We were probably less stressed and read more-right? Well when we arrived back home from CA we were welcomed with a big computer mess...I am no computer genius but all I know is that we have to wait for this part to come to fix things...in the mean time I'm working off of the lap top(that doesnt have any of my files on it-bummer)so, I will be posting more later when things clear up...maybe I'll go catch up on some reading...

Sunny California

2006-05-11T23:37:00.000-04:00

We are leaving this saturday to visit David's sister in sunny California! Neither of us have been there before and I have always wanted to go! So finally we planned a two week trip. David's sister pretty much has our whole trip planned for us...San Francisco, Pier 39, the big tall trees(Muirwoods)whale watching...I'm so excited to just spend 2wks straight with my family. Since Spiderman I havent seen David much(he's been so busy at work trying to set up being gone for 2 wks.)So we are ready for some good old family time! I'm also excited to just be away. We've had a lot going on around here lately and it will be nice to just get away from everything and everybody. Ahhhh...time to take in some sun!

Reach Hollywood

2006-05-05T15:08:00.000-04:00

I'm finally rested up and ready to post my experiences on set of Spiderman 3.
First let me start off with a story about 3 years ago at a youth event. There was this speaker who wanted us to sit and think about God and pray that God would just speak to us about what he wants us to do with our lives & our dreams. I thought and prayed...and nothing. My head is usually so full that it takes alot for me to sit and listen to God. It was just about time and the speaker was ready to continue speaking and I felt like God said"Reach Hollywood".
Okay, random. Where did that come from? What does that have to do with anything? I set the thought aside, thinking it was just my crazy dreams again...
Then the thought would not leave me alone. "Reach Hollywood"...reach Hollywood?

Over the next 3 years since that event I never really knew what that meant. How would I ever make an impact on Hollywood? I don't even live anywhere close to Hollywood...and an acting career now in my life is out of the question...

Then several weeks ago my mom called me and told me about the Spiderman 3 casting call in Downtown Cleveland. At first I wasnt going to go. I was too busy. But the idea of it intriqued me. I really wanted to go! I loved this stuff! It would be so great to be able to be a part of something like that! So off we went. My whole family. We stood in line for about 2 hours. With my photos in hand I truly never thought that out of all of these 4, 000 people that I would get the opportunity to be in a major motion picture.
As the casting directors room got nearer and nearer I prayed..."Lord, you know my heart, you know my dreams, if this is of you please let me get a part in this movie."

We left and the week that I was expecting a call from, the call never came. Then finally 2 days before shooting an unknown number came in on my phone. It was them, I just knew it!

"Angie, hi this is Amanda, one of the casting directors for Spiderman 3-are you still available to work on the film starting this saturday?"

I kept my composure while on the phone then after I hung up, I was jumping up and down out of excitement! I really got in! I couldnt believe it!

The next week was an absolute whirlwind! But let me just say that God provided.

The first day of shooting I had to get up at 4:30am to be downtown by 6am! I had to wear a business suit. I get to be a business woman on the streets of Manhattan. What fun! When I arrived at the road block it was such fun to say, "I'm with the cast" and they gave me a special place to park. My Honda Civic is also in the movie!

I had to wait in line at wardrobe where they gave me a coat to accompany my suit. They asked us to take our seats. I found a seat next to a lady and listened as the directors gave us our instructions. From there we were sent out on the streets of downtown Cleveland (East 9th & Euclid)where the 2nd director(we called him Purple)placed us on set. I was partnered with a lady named Nicky. We quickly got to know one another since we stood there for almost 3 hours before we even starting filming. I guess that's the business..."Hurry up and wait"!
Nicky was born in Malaysia and is 37. She is so beautiful, such amazing features. She models on the side and wanted to do this for fun. We instantly became friends. We were so excited when "Purple" yelled "Action" and we got to walk down the set and continue our conversation. I knew God placed her in my path. The rest of the day no matter what happened Purple kept putting Nicky and I together on set. Or very close to one another. He usually changes your postion but God kept Nicky and I together. We had such a great time. We laughed almost all day!

Before I left that morning I took some time to sit and talk with God. I prayed that somehow God would use me. I wasnt sure how, but I wanted him to help me "reach Hollywood". Whatever that meant, I would find out later, but I wanted him to know that I didnt forget what he whispered in my ear 3 years ago...

The week went on and I continued hanging out with Nicky. We spent many hours talking and laughing. We had alot of down time as the crew re-set different scenes. I also met a guy named Josh. He is from Florida State and is a film student there. The three of us hit it off and we talked a lot. A couple days into filming Josh randomly comes up to me and says"What church do you go to?"
I never told him that I went to church, but he said that he just knew that I was saved! He then shared with me some things that happened to him in the past with this church and how it had turned him off from God. We talked for a long time about forgiveness and how salvation is a gift...

Then I met this girl named Melissa. She was one of those that would do anything to get into acting. We got to know one another...

One morning I came in chewing gum-one of the casting directors (who is a very large man)saw me and said"Do you have gum?"
I quickly spit it out and said"not anymore"(I thought I was in trouble)
He laughed and said"No, do you have some, because I would like a piece?"
Embarrassed, I shared my gum and he said"your Angie Smith-right"
I said yes, surprised that he knew my name and we laughed about what had happened.
Later he and I got a chance to talk and I shared with him that I loved writing and that I had some ideas for some screenplays. He gave me some advise and said that he had just finished his first screenplay and that he had a producer looking at it right now. I told him my ambitions and that I loved acting and have always wanted to pursue it. Then I shared with him about my book and purity and reaching young women.
Later on in the day he told me that he would like to use me in his upcoming projects. He has something coming up for the History channel and something else for HBO...

WOW! He had all of my information already and he gave me his e-mail address so that I can send him an updated head shot!
Now I don't know if this will even go anywhere but how cool that I got my foot in the door...and I wasnt even trying!

...the list goes on with how many interesting people I met on set...I had so many opportunities to love and reach out.

"Reach Hollywood"? Yeah. In a way.That was the next generation of Hollywood...so until I get there myself and do whatever God wants me to do-I'm reaching Hollywood right here in Cleveland Ohio!

I had an amazing experience watching this production come to life!! I saw cars being chased and crashed, Spiderman fighting off a villian & swinging from his web(well cable at least)and most of all I got to hear and be a part of the director saying "ACtion &amp;amp;amp;amp; Cut & that's a rap"

What a week! Thank you Lord for giving me this chance to play out my dream...I'll go where you lead...

Spidey and me

2006-05-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

This is pretty much all I have in me right now to post...but here is a little teaser...a photo of Spidey and me...yes, that's right...the real Spiderman! He is really nice AND he helps people...can't get any better than that!
This picture of me is pretty bad-I know-but I was working off of like 4 hours of sleep everynight during filming and I had bronchitus(sp)!!!!But was it worth it? OHHHHHH YESSSSS!!!!!!!!

too pooped to post

2006-04-29T23:53:00.000-04:00

well after a long week of shooting the movie I am too tired to update right now...but I will say that I have had an amazing week...God sure knows how to surprise and provide! I'll post all about it later...here are my two favorite words that I heard on set..."Action" and "Cut"...I never thought I'd have the opportunity to hear those words...thank you God for this chance to "reach Hollywood"!!!!More to come...

What do spiderman and I have in common?

2006-04-20T20:42:00.000-04:00

What do Spiderman and I have in common?
We are both in the upcoming Spiderman 3 movie!!!!!!!
That's right folks, a couple of weeks ago I went to a casting call in downtown Cleveland and auditioned for an extra role for the new movie that will be in theaters in 2007! When I went for the casting call I truly never thought that out of over 3,000 + people that I would be selected...not only that, but I was of the few that got chosen to work all week long! Around 3pm this afternoon I got a phone call from a number I didnt recognize and when the casting director said who she was, I couldnt contain myself! I acted all cool and collective on the phone but as soon as I hung up I was jumping up and down! I guess they are starting to transform Cleveland to look like downtown Manhattan and we are filming bright and early Saturday morning(6am!)
I will be getting another phone call tomorrow night for all of the details(where to go & what I'll be doing)all I know so far is that I have to come in business attire and bring along 2 other business outfits...how fun!
I've always wanted to be a part of something movie like-call me crazy but to me it is so fun to watch and be a part of a production-but Spiderman? Wow, I would have been happy to just watch them film it, but now I'm actually going to make it on the big screen...! Maybe Spidey will even save me from a tall burning building!
I'll post more later about my adventures in film...maybe I can even take a few photos to share...

What have you done for me lately?

2006-04-18T17:58:00.000-04:00

When we moved from Kent to Medina I was so excited to see where God was going to place us. I knew where our house would be but I'm talking about where as in "people placement". I love the idea of meeting new people and shining God's light in new ways...over the two years that we've been here we have met and tried our best to embrace people the way that God would want us to. The problem was that they werent real responsive. We invited them to baseball games, ladies get-togethers and stuff like that but many times we were turned down. "God,(I prayed) I thought this was the place you have put me...why is this reaching stuff not working?"
After being frusturated and down about not connecting the way that we had hoped I realized that Jesus had the same problem. Not everyone followed him, not everyone believed, not everyone treated him kindly. But he never gave up. He just loved. He just listened.
We never were the "turn or burn" type christians that constantly harrassed people with their fate...but I do want people to know that we are different. I want them to wonder who we are and why we are the way that we are...DO THEY...? Do they see a difference? I don't know. I hope so. I pray so.
Then God reminded me that it is not always in the big stuff that people see Jesus. It is in the everyday life. The small & short conversations about nothing that they see our sparkle in our eyes, it's the way that we love within our family...it's our life. So as the idea of moving and leaving Medina comes to light-I often ask"what have I done for you lately?"
So today as we were playing outside...I just loved. I just listened. My friend Emily had a great post about loving people and looking for opportunities to love...she & her husband Matt nailed it. The listened with God's heart and acted upon his voice...read what Emily said below...

::An Easter Visit::
We came home from vacation to a bare fridge and empty cupboards. Aunt Ally came to play with Addelyne so Matt and I headed out to the grocery store. We hate paying high prices for food, so we shop at Marc's and Aldi's. We avoid, Tops, Giant Eagle, and, God forbid, Buehler's at all costs!
After a 12 hour drive home from Hilton Head, we opted for Aldi's because it was closest. We quickly circled the store, filling up our cart with vegetables, fruit, meat, and several staple items. The checkout lines were long and so I had plenty of time to people watch. I quickly settled on the woman and her daughter in front of us. The woman looked weary, older than her age, and beaten down by life. Her daughter was inquisitive, friendly and boisterous. The woman had a handful of items in her cart and I saw her pull out a warn wallet and thumb through a few crumpled bills. She looked from the groceries to her wallet and I could see her mentally adding up the total in her head.
My heart broke.
She had $16 to spend and had to choose several things to put back from her meager selection. I looked at Matt pleadingly. We didn't know what to do because we didn't want to hurt her pride or offend her. But my heart wouldn't allow inaction. As she was leaving the store, I asked the cashier to ring the items she couldn't pay for--juice and several packs of lunch meat. My heart pounded as I approached her and handed her the groceries. How would she react?
She looked at me incredulously and said, "You bought these for me?" She was so appreciative. I nodded and smiled; words weren't necessary and, even if I could have found the right ones, they would have been overwhelmed by tears.
I bit my lip until we got outside, but I couldn't hold it in any longer. Sobs overwhelmed me and I cried on and off the whole way home. Matt's eyes glistened too.
Please, don't read this story and think, "Oh, Matt and Emily are so great." We're not. The times I don't do anything, or worse--I don't even notice--greatly outnumber the moments when God prompts me to act.
I share this story to remind you of God's economy; the whole love your neighbor as yourself thing. We wouldn't need welfare, WIC, Head Start, and the host of other government and state programs if we followed His plan for caring for those who need help.
This passage kept flooding my mind and I'll leave you with its simple, beautiful truth.
Matthew 25:34-4034 Then the King will say to those on the right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'"37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' 40 And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'"
May God unexpectedly visit you this Easter!

My Organized Mess

2006-04-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

I havent posted lately because I've been doing alot of cleaning...cleaning out I should say. I've been the organizing queen over the last couple of weeks. Except the funny thing is that my house is a total mess! "How can I be so organized yet so messy?" You ask yourself...well, this goes in this bin, that goes in that bin, this gets thrown away, that gets to go on e-bay...you get the picture? So, if you were to stop at my house right now you'd go"oh my" because that is what I have been saying lately...oh my! An organized mess!
Well, at least it's organized-right?

On a different note, I just celebrated my 32nd birthday yesterday...wow, 32! What happened to 16?
We went to dinner with my parents, my in-laws & David's sister Donna. We had the best time. I couldnt have asked for a better present to have both sets of parents there. (they never get together-it's not that they don't like eachother, they just feel strange around eachother)anyway, we laughed the whole night!
David's mom invited everyone to her house for dessert and EVERYONE came...even my parents...it was great to sit back and watch everyone interact. I had such a wonderful night!
Oh, and Emily, thanks for my pedicure...my tootsies have never felt soooo soft...I love our birthday tradition! This is an old picture of Isabelle painting her cute little toes...if you look close you'll see Davids toes painted too...hee hee...such a daddy's girl...

I want my hair to look like Lucy Pevency!

2006-03-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

So Abby says to me the other day,"Mom, I think I'd like to cut my hair to look like Lucy Pevency(on the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe)"
"Really" I sort of set the idea aside because I adore Abby's long hair. And also because everyday she wants to "pretend" that she is someone from some story or movie. So I thought that this was just one of those moments...well, she continued with the thought and asked me again.
"Would you really want to cut your hair?" I asked her.
"Oh yes!" she said with excitement.
I then remembered a friend of mine sharing with me how she had donated her hair to "Locks of Love" which is a non-profit organization that takes donated hair and makes wigs for kids that lost theirs to cancer or other reasons. After some research, I presented it to Abby and asked her what she thought of it...she lit up and said "Yes, I want to do that-I want to help another kid"

This is so much like her. She is so giving and so willing to help others. She loved the idea and it gave us such a neat way of teaching her about reaching out to people. So after a brief photo session WITH her long hair, I set up the appointment...
She was beside herself, so excited about the idea. I'm sure because she was now going to look like Lucy Pevency but also because some other little girl was going to receive her hair. The hair stylist looked at several pictures of Lucy and sat Abby down in the chair. Then it was gone. I was also getting my hair cut and when I had the opportunity I turned to look at "my Lucy"...wow...what a different girl! She grew up right before my eyes. More beautiful than ever because as she sat there she shared with everyone why she was doing it..."I'm giving my hair to someone that doesnt have any"
I about cried. What an amazing sacrifice. Ten inches of beautiful flowing hair cut off so that another little girls prayers could be answered...

So here she is...

The mind of a 3 year old

2006-03-18T22:03:00.000-05:00

I was putting little Isabelle to bed tonight and we were just talking and shooting the breeze about tea parties and veggie-tales(the usually random stuff), then I decided to pray for her. I love this time because we hold hands and I get a chance to verbally thank God for my sweet girl. I have to say that tonight was an extra special prayer(not that I normally rank them or anything)but it was a good prayer-beautiful and rich in my wording-but after I said"Amen" Isabelle's eyes lit up and looked up at me...I thought that she was going to say something like"your the best mommy in the whole world" or " I love you mommy thanks for the prayer"...well, she didnt say either of those...instead with her eyes all lit up she said...

"Mommy, doggies pee!"

Yep! That's usually what I think about after a prayer...but she was so excited about this fact and continued the conversation about it for the next 5 minutes!
I have to say, it was awesome! She had so many wonderful things to say about doggies peeing and how when we get a dog she will hold it's tail up so that she can teach it to go potty in our bathroom...on our potty! I can see it now...
I love that girl, what an imagination. And she was so believable, with her eyes all aglow, that I even started to believe that she could teach the doggie to pee on the potty...

Do not worry

2006-03-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Luke 12:22-34

It is rather long but the idea is to not worry about life. Life has enough worries on it's own. But God cares so much for the birds that He feeds them, he cares for the lillies and helps them grow, he even cares so much for the grass in the field...and yet he tells us that we are more valuable then these. He tells us to not set our hearts on what we will eat or drink or wear, for he, our Father knows that we need these things. Instead, seek His kingdom, seek His face. And he will give us exactly what we need. In full and them some.

I went thru a time a couple of weeks ago where I was not seeking his face. I was far from Him. He was always with me, but I was not acknowledging Him. Now in a desperate cry out to him I realize that nothing on this earth satisfies me like him. Nothing. I was relying too much on others to fill that joy, but God wantes me to fill it with him. Often people fail us, all too often, and we need to realize that He is all we need...we need to seek his face.
Thank you God for bringing me to this lonely, quiet place where I realized that I needed you. You are my one and only...I will worry no more.

2006-03-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

Isnt this amazing?

Isabelle turns 3-Feb.26th!!!!!!

2006-02-27T16:35:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has already been 3 years since you were born, my sweet little Isabelle Marie. Since day one, you have been such a joy to have in our family. You make us laugh everyday and I'm amazed at how much you are changing. I love how you sing to me(especially"Tomorrow" that's my favorite)and I love your creative, joyful, fun-loving spirit! As you continue to grow, I pray that God blesses every move you make, teaching you and molding you into the princess that you are(the kings warrior princess). I pray that your Daddy and I will raise you in the ways of our God so that it will equip you for whatever He has for your future...we love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Totally clueless

2006-02-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

So I finally get a chance to sit down and work on cleaning up my book before I send it to an editor and what happens? Nothing. Yes that's right. I spend most of my time trying to find which documents are which and what CD has my final draft. You see, I am completely and totally clueless when it comes to computers. I haphazzardly(sp) fumble my way thru making things work. I also am working off of two computers. Our home computer and a lap top while David is working on our home computer...yikes! So, because of my cluelessness...if that's a real word...I have been saving different files & different disks, CD's and whatever else I can get my slow hand onto that I'm just totally confused! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Almost in tears, I tell myself not to start "really" crying because God is not going to have me write this book for me to lose it...then I found it. WHEW! (sigh of relief)

I now realize that I need to get my clueless act together and put everything(I mean everything) in the same place & then save it there...yep, clueless. I guess I need some computer courses...are there any for the completely and totally computer stupid?
Look, even my 5 & 3 year old know more about computers than me....hee hee hee

God is good!

2006-02-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

God is so cool! I'm amazed at Him everytime I actually give Him a chance to speak...unfortunatly I do most of the talking. I posted awhile ago about a meeting that I had with a friend of mine who is a well known speaker. He advised me to consider finding speaking events so that I could get comfortable with doing it and also to promote my upcoming book. I have known for awhile now that God was leading me in this direction(even though I've fought it for about 2 years now). I feel like God gave me a story to tell and that I have to tell it. No matter what. Well only a week after my meeting a friend approached me with an event. She wanted me to come and share my story with some young women. Amazing! I just about jumped out of the booth that I was sitting in. Again, God is good. He is always good, I just need to listen and pay attention more!

So, the event was a couple of weeks ago and let me say again...God is good! He gave me peace that I have never felt before while speaking in front of others. And He blessed the event dramatically. One mother who was at the event actually cried when I told her why I was there & what I was speaking on. Turns out that she had been praying for someone, like myself, who the young girls could talk to and open up to. Again, God is good! They heard my story on purity and now they want me to come and do another event for the rest of their friends...Should I say it one more time? Yeah, okay...God is good!

Since then I've gotten some Godly advice on how to better myself with public speaking and I'm excited to see how God is going to sharpen me in this area(I need a lot of sharpening too)...that's the exciting part of being in His will...when we seek Him, He will sharpen our gifts and He will open opportunities...God is good!

Real Beauty

2006-02-08T16:04:00.000-05:00

I just got word of this campaign that Dove is promoting...check this out! WHat a breath of fresh air since all we are ever seeing in the media are these perfect, fake models(who are usually airbrushed to look thinner)...Dove is showing some REAL Women, REAL GIRLs with REAl Bodies...it's about time we get to REAL BEAUTY...later I will post about INNER Beauty and what an awesome weekend I had on this subject!!!!
www.campaignforrealbeauty.com

Are you a Theophilus?

2006-01-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

Last night I met with an teen girl who I've known for about 9years. She is a beautiful girl who has always struggled with being "set apart". Now her situation is not a problem of how to be set apart...she really is set apart! She knows her calling from God(as a 16 year old!)and she serves Him in every opportunity that she can. We met and talked for about an hour. She gave me a glimpse of what it is like as a teen girl in 2006. I have to say the issues havent changed much but I've lost touch of what these girls are going thru. It brought me back to my "teen struggles" and it reminded me that I had no one to talk with about them. She told me about a friend of hers who actually said to her mom the other day"I just wish someone would talk to us about sex & purity".
Wow! She desired someone to share with her. To help her deal with her everyday struggles with this! She needed someone to listen. Someone to give her Godly advice. She just needed someone.

Last week I met with a friend who goes around speaking on different subjects and sex is one of them. I met with him hoping that he would give me insight on what to do with my book on this very topic. He encouraged me to get the book edited, send it out to several publishers and pray. He also told me that it had taken him 20 years to get published(yikes) but you know what, I wasnt discouraged...I know God has a plan for this. He also encouraged me to speak. Something I'm not comfortable with but know that God is pushing me towards. So, since my meeting with him I've been praying for opportunities to come up. How? Where? I'm a stay at home mom-who am I going to speak to-my 5 year old? That's a little too soon to share with her about purity...so back to my other meeting...this teen girl is having a night of fun, pampering, movies, food & speakers & the topics are on sex & self image...
Man, God is good! She asked me to share my story...share about what God has done for me...share about mistakes I've made and how God has transformed me, share about his mercy, his forgiveness, his love...God is good.

So what does this have to do with "Theophilus" and what is Theophilus you ask?

After this girl and I met, I headed to my bible study. We have been studying the gospel of Luke. In the beginning of the first chapter Luke writes to "his excellent Theophilus".
I thought this was a specific person. Our leader shared that it was not a person at all, it's Hebrew for "lover of God".
Who are lovers of God? Anyone who serves him, loves him & want to do his will. That's me. That's you if you are a believer. Luke is writing this beautiful story of Jesus' life for us! He carefully examined it, studied it & wrote down what he had seen & heard. I feel like this is what God is doing in my life. I've been examining my life, my story and now I'm about to share it with others. So, I'm looking for Theophilus's...Lover's of God...people willing to hear & tell the story of Christ and their own experiences of what God had done for them. As the book of Luke continues throughout the entire book it tells of different people sharing in their stories, sharing in their joys, their sorrows and how God has moved thru them...for example...in chapter 1:39-45 Mary hurries to Elizabeth's house to share in her joy!
Zechariah who was mute for several months after he had found out that he was going to have a son, in verse 67-80 he immediatly praises God & thanks him for his goodness and he runs to share it with others(notice how he didnt complain about being mute?)Another lesson, another time...

So, I'm on a journey to find more people like this. More people who are willing to "serve Him fearlessly" and share the gospel with unbelievers, share with eachother(lovers of God) on what he is doing for them! Are you a Theophilus?

The sun will come out tomorrow!

2006-01-23T16:11:00.000-05:00

So last week I saw on television that the movie/musical "Annie" was on so I taped it! Since the 1982 film came out I have always loved it. If you can believe it I even cut my long hair(which came down to my butt)and I got a perm because I secretly wanted to BE Annie...crazy, I know. But my friend & I knew every line to the script, knew all the words to the songs & we would even dress up to look like little orphans. I remember walking thru JCPenny's one day(back in 1982ish)and seeing a red dress just like Annie's and begging my mom to buy it for me...well, I havent seen the movie in several years & I enjoyed sharing it with my daughters. The loved it just as much as I did when I was so little...from that moment on we've been playing "Annie" and David downloaded the songs for us so that we can sing along too!!!What fun it has been!
Then the other day I saw a commercial for Playhouse Square and what play are they putting on in Feb? None other than Annie!!!!

My girls(and myself included) are beside ourselves to think that we are going to see Annie in person(yes, I know that she is just an actress)so David is taking "us girls" on a date in Feb to see the play...I can see it now, David & 3 beautiful girls dressed in red!

Getting my head back together

2006-01-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

Okay so I'll admit, I havent posted anything worthy of reading in the last...well, a really long time. My head has been "mush" lately. I now know why. 12 weeks before Thanksgiving I was training for a 4 mile race(I know it's not that BIG of a race but for me who has never ran long distance it was HUGE)and I was eating healthy, making time for my Heavenly Father every morning, and just plain...taking care of my outward & INward self. Well after the big snow storm which did not allow me to run the Thanksgiving race I pretty much stopped running, stopped getting up early to meet my Creator and my eating...well, let's not talk about that! So, a couple of nights ago when I saw my mom who has lost about 80 lbs and is walking everyday...I decided it was time for me to get my head back together again. This morning I woke up(almost at the time I wanted to)and I had some serious face time...confessed to God that I had been spoiled in my "loving sleep too much" and not waking in time for our morning meetings...how sad. Jesus just wants me to meet him, face to face. To chat with Him. To pursue Him. He desires intimacy with me. To speak to me. It's beautiful really. A God who created the whole earth, wants to talk with ME? Amazing...yet, I don't make time for him...

It was nice to sit with Him this morning...Just the two of us. I am looking forward to our meeting throughout the day when I call on Him or when He reminds me of His love thru my little girls sweet kisses, or from the sun coming up, or a uplifting song...I am also looking forward to my time in the morning...Thank you Lord, for loving me...always. And for always allowing me to come back to you...