Where to begin

One way or another six months have passed. We have done many things in this time, some new and some just routine...none of which are too crazy like our friend Mr. Ed.

 

 

Anyway I could go month my month and drag out all of the details, which is no fun for anyone. So how about bullet points.

 

 

This has been a challenging year. Everyone of us (including Vern, my car and the house) has had some major issue this year. There are lessons to be learned unwavering faith, c, understanding, Agape love. Even through all of our issues we were able to travel to New Orleans, Ohio, Dallas and Jacksonville. Not to shabby.

Skyler "Jackson"

Its a little mock of Jackson Square in New Orleans, cute.

 

We went to Drago's for char-grilled oysters

We all loved them, Yum.

 

 

The real Jackson Square

 

Skyler ate a bug,

and talked Scott into eating one too...not so good.

 

We kitty-sat Nacho

 

Sky with Uncle Fred's Helmet on,

it was really cool.

 

 

All aboard the Bradford Train

Bradford Ohio, it used to have a turn-a-bout where they could change the direction of the train.

 I'm not sure if that is the correct name.

 

 

Skyler and Grand Master Soon Ho Lee

Sky was super excited!

 

 

On our way to Dallas, TX

 

 

 

Scott Graduated this summer from DBU.

So proud of him!!

 

Tomorrow will be 2 years Skyler officially became a Smith, we cannot believe how fast time has gone by. We have all come a long way and continue to work on getting closer as a family and to God.

 

 

–    Psalm 29:11 ~ May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

 

 



Gotcha Day ~ 2 years ~

Gotcha Day & Storms

Last Saturday we hit the two year mark for "Gotcha Day" with Skyler. I can not express the blessings and valleys that we have been through and are still going through. It has been an amazing journey to watch this little guy open up his heart. To see him wonder, learn, explore, be silly, mix up his words and watch him grow up. We are excited to see more of his personality and what is in store for this little fella and our family.


I can see God working in our lives and I am peaceful in our current storm (mostly...there were a few bad days). Peaceful only by God's gift. We continue to cling to Him and follow His lead for our lives. Sometimes bad things happen and life here on earth is not just or fair. We all have things going on whether it is the dryer not working for a month, the car needing to be fixed, death in the family, unplanned trips that need to be taken, years of sickness, a loved one that needs help, but won't ask, pets that need surgery, people who don't do their job and then blame you...the list goes on and on. We are all bombarded with trials or storms in our life. One key I have found is to keep focused to not let the trial over take you (I know.....easier said than done).

God is the only constant. He helps keep us calm and collected when the storm is rageing upon us. But, we do have to do our part. Be or get prepared in the good times, Focus on Him, His word and what you know is true....not how you feel. I have personally been working on this for awhile now. Trying to not ignore my feelings or sickness, but not let them rule my day has been a struggle. Our life here on earth is just a short temporary time, compaired to eternity. Whatever my storm or trial may be, is nothing when I see what others have or are going through.

I think about our little guy and my heart breaks for him and what he has already had to endure. I hate that he and other children have to go through this process. And I cannot save them all, I cannot mend his heart or mind. I know that God can fully restore him, I know God has a plan, I know God is alive, real and He cares for us.
 

–    Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

–    Psalm 116:1-2 ~ "I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live."