It happened...

And, just like that I'm "30." I have to admit that the night before my birthday (my last day in my 20's), I did shed a few tears. Life just seems to be flying by. The days are going much faster and I don't know that I'm exactly where I thought I would be at 30. I'm not sure where I really wanted to be at 30, but at an age like this, it makes you stop and reflect on your life...

Am I the person I want to be?

Have I done anything significant up to this point?

What's in line for the future?

Am I making healthy choices?

I mean, I'm probably close to 1/3 done with my life on earth. It really puts things into perspective. Life is so short. So, I am going at this year with a new plan. Usually, I make resolutions (in the spirit of New Years and my birthday), but this year it's this:

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious. Slow to anger, abounding in love." Psalm 103:8

I want to be more like God, more like Jesus, more like the Holy Spirit. More like them. More like HIM. I want to be slower to get angry and full of more love than ever before. Afterall, the world needs to see HIM, and at the end of my life, if I've shown HIM, then I've accomplished all that I was purposed to do.

I'm so thankful that:

" '...My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

With Christ, I can do all things. With Christ, even my weaknesses can be turned to strengths. I have a lot to look forward to in the coming years with HIM inside of me.

For my birthday, we played in the snow as a family, and I didn't have to cook or do any dishes...which is a HUGE blessing to me since we don't have a dishwasher! :) Sometimes, I feel like I've spent all day in the kitchen!

Then, last night, my MedWives Girls Group friends took me out for appetizers and desserts at a great little train station restaurant. So fun!

So far, 30 is looking pretty great!

The BIG 3-0

Yes, I'm turning 30 in two days. I know I don't look that old (wink, wink), but I really am about to cross over to the 30-something category. There are plenty of things that have happened in my life to bring me to this place, but some of these things have really surprised me:
1. I am okay with turning 30! I'm thankful to be alive!
2. I don't dress like a 19 year old anymore...and I'm happy about it.
3. I like who I am more now than I did when I was 15, 20, and 25.
4. I feel confident in (most of) my decisions.
5. I've learned what it is to live off of next to nothing.
6. I'm okay with my hand-me-down clothes and my bargain groceries.
7. I love being home with Madilyn (literally just being home).
8. I'd rather skip a hair cut if it means I can have a sit down dinner date with Cameron.
9. I should've paid more attention in history classes because that stuff really is important.
10. Home is where Cameron and Madilyn are...even if it's a 22 hour drive from all that is familiar.

I am happy to be turning 30. I love what God has done in my life. There has been so much He has brought me through, and there have been so many blessings along the way. He is a FAITHFUL friend and a loving, just God.

A song that has spoken volumes to me in the recent years is by Nichole Nordeman, called "I AM" and here are the lyrics:

Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed.
You watched my team win, and watched my team lose
Watched when my bicycle went down again
When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name
And I said Elbow Healer, Superhero, come if you can
You said, I Am

Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10 pm?
You saw my mistakes and watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name
And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper, be my best friend
You said, I Am

You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said 'forever' to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is 2 am.
When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name
Oh, Shepherd Savior, Pasture Maker, hold on to my hand
You said, I Am

The winds of change and circumstance
Blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that's familiar
And bless the moments that we feel you nearer

When life had begun I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
Who can say when, but they'll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak, still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End
I Am, I Am

Christmas in TEXAS!

Well, Christmas came and went...and a few weeks later, I still feel like I'm recovering from it. I know my laundry is still recovering anyway :) Madilyn got EXACTLY what she wanted...which was Squinkies...and thankfully those babies only cost $10, so Mom and Dad could provide this year. No disappointment here :)

We had such a nice time seeing family and a few friends while we were in town (though we would've loved to see lots more friends). Time literally flew by. It is nice to be back in Erie, PA but I seriously miss being close to family.

We have a lot of cute pics from the trip, so I'm just going to save some time explaining each one and just show them to you. I found a pretty sweet little editing site, so I was able to caption the pictures for your viewing enjoyment :) Go with me here...

We had a nice time seeing family in Amarillo and opening presents. Madilyn got SO MANY GIFTS that she literally had to stop and take a break in the middle of present opening. She is a very blessed, loved little lady.

Madilyn also took the time to enjoy a good story with Poppy. I'm pretty sure she told him the story because she kept interrupting while he was reading. After all, 3 year olds know pretty much everything :)

One night, while in Amarillo, we went over to Tyson and Jenny's (my brother's) home, and they made us some delicious, spicy potato soup and we played Scrabble. Madilyn loved getting to spend more time with them, and I'm pretty sure she talked their legs off. The girl loves a captive audience of those that adore her.

Cameron and I got to visit some of our favorite places while in Amarillo (i.e. Trinity Fellowship Church, Thai Arawan), and we had lots of great meals from various spots. My mom made my favorites (enchiladas), and we enjoyed mostly relaxing and taking it all in. One of the days there, we were able to drive to Dalhart (my hometown) and eat at LaEspanola and see my Gang Gang and Anna.

Madilyn got to read stories with Anna, and she almost fell asleep. I have vivid memories of always falling asleep at my grandparents houses...I think the combination of quietness, loads of love, and the fact that house is always warm makes it easy for any kid to relax. Hmmm...maybe I should take note of that :)

While in Amarillo, we were also able to visit the Discovery Center with my family, and Madilyn had such a wonderful time. We saw an IMAX movie about the weather and it had aliens (Ach-ew-onns, as Madilyn says). Her eyes were as big as they could be during the entire 20 minute movie :) They had lots of fun experiments and gadgets to play with. I'm pretty sure Cameron and I had as much fun as she did!

Next, we drove 4 1/2 hours to Abilene with Cameron's grandmother "Grandma Patsy." I wish I had gotten a picture of her this year, but somehow she didn't make it on my camera...but she was there, and we enjoyed the car ride with her! She told Cameron to drive 55 so he could save gas. She said it only took an extra 45 minutes to get there. Cameron told her that 45 minutes could be life or death when it's concerning a car ride with a 3 year old. He drove 70. We still got great gas mileage. She said we must've had a tail wind. I said thank you to Cameron because another 45 minutes would've done us in! :)

While in Abilene, we visited the zoo. Weird, but we actually get in free with our Erie Zoo Membership. They're in the same network...so we enjoyed it quickly because it was FREEZING COLD that day...like literally not above freezing. I think we must've brought the cold to Texas when we came. When we left it warmed up again. Ugh. Oh well.

We had nice family time with the Smith side of the family. Aunt Melissa played the guitar and she even took the requests of the 3 year old of the house. Madilyn enjoyed getting to know Uncle Colin and Aunt Melissa even more this year! She got a book from them, and when we got home, she was reading it and said, "Mommy, they love me. Colin and Melissa love me." Very sweet.

She even let Uncle Colin take a picture with her, which doesn't happen very often.

And, Madilyn got to decorate cookies with Papa and eat all the frosting she wanted. She loved being in control of the decorations, and she did a great job telling Papa what to do. She didn't want to decorate. She wanted to eat frosting and tell Papa how to decorate. So, of course, that's exactly what happened :)

What an exhausting, exciting and fun trip! We came, we saw, we conquered, and now we sleep...and sleep...and do laundry...and sleep :) Blessings on 2012 to all of you friends and family! Much love from the Erie, PA SMITHS!

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving came and went without a hitch this year. No extra cleaning for company since we didn't have any. No getting up early to get showers (we stayed in our pj's almost all day!). No baking 4 pies or taking Madilyn to the E.R. the night before for ear infections (that was what happened LAST year!). No, this year was pretty much amazing.

While we were sad to not be with family this year (I got a little teary at times),we went to our friend's house for a dinner on the evening of Thanksgiving. They made the turkey, we all brought the sides (there were 7 couples total and 5 kids!). It was so nice to taste other people's traditional Thanksgiving recipes since we are all from different parts of the U.S., and I came away with an AMAZING Crockpot Spinach recipe. OMGoodness. This will probably make an appearance at our Christmas table this year (thanks, Corinne!).

We enjoyed our family time so much! We ended up watching movies in our pj's, hitting up the park and the zoo and even shopping at Walmart together (which never happens, and it's kind-of my love language, I think! haha)

While at the park, Madilyn made friends with two little girls from New Jersey named Zoey (4) and Sarah (5). When we were all leaving the park that day (because it was getting dark), Sarah pulled out her very own Lego digital camera and started snapping pictures of Madilyn. Then, she rubbed her head and said, "I will look at these pictures of you everyday so I never forget you." It was absolutely precious. So, here is a picture of Sarah taking the pictures of Zoey and Madilyn.

After Cameron had to start studying again (as all good things must come to an end), Madilyn and I decided to visit our beloved zoo one last time. It was super cold and rainy, but like I said earlier, if it's above freezing, we're going outside, so we went. And, I'm so glad we did because it closed today until the first of March because the snowy weather should be here soon.

I am so thankful that God brought us to Erie, PA. He's provided great friends for us, great neighbors, and a wonderful church to call home. It's not anything like Amarillo, but I'm guessing it never will be. It's Erie, and it's a fun place to add to this adventure we call LIFE. Since being here, I've learned that I love hummus, whoopie pies, pepperoni rolls and that I can actually survive with eating delicious Mexican food at least every other day (although I miss Mexican food terribly!). God has provided for us. He has made a way. He has settled in this momma's heart that everything is alright. He is more than faithful. He is more than good. He is more than a loving Father. He is my everything.

Our little Copycat :)

A couple of days ago, we were sitting enjoying a family meal around the dinner table and chatting about life. (Let me preface this by saying that I ripped a hole in my favorite pair of jeans...SAD!) Anyway, so I was telling Cameron about the jeans I was wearing and how I didn't like them very much. They're stretchy and a little big and they're kinda like Pajama Jeans...even though I got them at Target. I've never worn Pajama Jeans, but this is what I imagine they're like. Super comfy and stretchy, but probably not that cute :) (No offense if you wear them and like them!)

So, I say, "Cameron, I H-A-T-E my pajama jeans." Madilyn chimes in, "Mommy, I A-C-D-H my shirt." Needless to say, it got a great laugh from all of us, and then she proceeded to say it 30 times more because she knew it was funny.

Oh be careful (my) little mouth what you say! :)

Port Farms with MOPS :)

We finally got to visit Port Farms and see what all the fuss was about. All of my friends have been to Port Farms more than once, but we'd never had the chance to go. Thankfully, my MOPS friends wanted to make it an outing...so we went. And, Madilyn is still asking to go back (even though we can't, 'cause the weather is too yucky and it closes in a few days anyway). Next year. Definitely next year.
Here are some fun snapshots of the kids enjoying their day.
This first one is of Madilyn, waiting in the parking lot...wondering what all this pumpkin farm business is about...

Here are Caleb, Madilyn and Asher...they loved looking at all the pumpkins.

And making silly faces. But what kid doesn't love a good silly face picture?

Then there were the slides. There are little slides and big slides down the sides of a hill.  Madilyn was scared to go on them, but after we tried a few times, she went down the big one all by herself. She's conquering her fears and having fun. I love it! :)

Mommies can have fun on the slides, too.

There were goats and chickens and bunnies that they kids could feed.

But Madilyn liked the fake cows the best of all.

Corn was another highlight of the outing. There was a cornfield, and there was a big corn box, full of dried corn that the kids could play in.

All in all, such a fun day! Can't you tell by the happy passenger on the Fun Bus?

We will definitely be going a few times next Fall. And, we're taking Daddy with us next time! :)

Fall Fun Day!

Today was Fall Fun Day at our church. We have never been, so Madilyn and I weren't sure what to expect...but it was FUN!!!

This morning was very cold, windy and rainy, and it would've been the perfect day for me to stay in, but I had signed up to bring 3 dozen cookies to the event...or else I probably would've just stayed home. But I guess I'm learning that if you live in Erie, you go to stuff no matter how bad the weather is because you have no idea when it's going to get better. Can't stay home forever! I'm so glad we went, though, because we had a blast!

Madilyn painted a pumpkin which is still drying as I type this, 8 hours after it was painted. The kid loves to paint! She really knows how to apply it thick, too :) She picked the pumpkin that had all the pimples on it...I guess she knew it needed some love.

Next, we went to face painting. At first, I asked her if she wanted to get her face painted. She replied, "Yes, I want to paint my face. My do it!" But, after I convinced her that those paints were not hers, she still wanted the sweet lady to paint her face. I have never seen Madilyn sit as still as she did today. And, the "Fy-fwy" (butterfly) turned out just great!

Then we headed over to the food. They served meatball subs, chips and cookies with lemonade to drink. There were crayons and color pages for the kids to work on while they ate. I ate the sandwich and Madilyn ate all of the side items while she colored a masterpiece. We make a pretty good team! ;)

Lastly, we stopped by Candy Bar BINGO before we left the event. I wasn't sure how she would do at this since she doesn't quite get the concept of letters with rows of numbers, but she surprised me and loved it! We didn't win the first round, but we played another round and Madilyn got a BINGO! She got to pick a full-size candy bar...and she picked a Hershey Bar with Almonds. The girl's got good taste.

She ate the majority of the candy bar on the way home (hey, I had to sneak a couple of bites) and then she started in on my Reese's Pieces (I got the consolation mini-size candy bar since I didn't get a BINGO). This was such a treat since we don't give her candy very often at all, and if we do, it's in tiny amounts :) I'm pretty sure she's going to dream about chocolate tonight!