breathing deeply

My girls 'smell things'--like me. I love to breathe in my surroundings. When I am in the woods I search for that familiar smell, the same with the rain, the snow, spring, etc...I find that my girls do as well. The minute we step outside the door I hear a comment with how it smells that day. Now, when we drive to the ocean, they ask me to roll down the windows so they can smell the ocean. It is just not the same to them to be driving by the ocean-- seeing it--without being able to smell it.We had a November beach trip, which was just wonderful, and it was like a visit with an old friend. I needed that 'visit'. I had an aching to be reminded of what an awesome God I had and sometimes I need to just get out in 'His art' in order to find that reminder. It is not just a reminder from what I am seeing but to be able to breathe it all in. To smell it, taste it, and feel it--along with seeing it. Some days life can just be too much and I forget to breathe, I start to lose focus, get discouraged and forget that my strength needs to come from my Daddy and that He is much bigger than all of this. I am so thankful for his creation. I am so thankful for those moments of fresh air and beauty. I am so thankful that HE is the one in control.

Twin Tales

These two have been the biggest goof balls. They are beginning to understand that they look alike and that others confuse them--not to be mean, but because they really can't tell them apart. They have started exchanging clothes and one morning at the kitchen counter I noticed and told them that they are going to confuse me--they both smiled--and when I went to turn around in the corner of my eye I saw them slap 5. Can you believe that?! I couldn't. Then just recently I was in the upstairs bathroom and I could hear them getting dressed for the day...there was a bit of whispering going on--some laughing--and then I heard Nora say something about wearing Hannah's clothes--then I heard one of them say--"it's a deal"--then the funniest thing--I heard a slapping of hands followed by a "GO TEAM!"--...the twin scheming begins. Hannah already refers to herself as "we".

November

I love watching my girls create. When they paint I sit with them and watch. I love to hear their stories and listen to what they are imagining when they begin mixing colors and then without any hesitation--none at all--they begin filling a canvas. With the smallest bit of thought put into it they begin and just as quickly they have a finished product. I sometimes say--"Are you sure you are finished...is there anything else?"--which is always answered with a--"yes" and without looking back they walk away. I am amazed with how confident kids can be with their work. I love having new art to decorate my kitchen.

Big birthday month

Yes, it has been a very big birthday month in the Smith house. Hannah's elephant--Butternut--turned 2 on Nov 1st--Daddy celebrated that b-day while I was in Boston. Then Nora's hamster--Lilly-turned 2 on Nov 4th. Here are the pictures from her b-day party.

Turning 30-- with friends...

A wonderful group of girls planned a great bday surprise for me. They booked a 4-star hotel for me in Boston--at the Omni Parker House--in a great area next to about everything and then they completely spoiled me. We went in early Saturday morning and spent the day walking, shopping, and eating...eating and shopping and eating more-- with a few rounds of Starbucks in between, of course. The hotel was wonderful...(except for the alarm going off after we were already in pj's and having to evacuate and go down 12 flights of stairs, with many others, to finally make it to a crowded lobby to hear we can head back up--but that was still an adventure--for some of us anyway.) We had room service for breakfast...nothing like waking up to a hot breakfast delivered to us and served to me in bed!--watching a chick movie, and drinking another Starbucks while still in pj's and still in bed at 11 a.m.--AMAZING--and then to go do some more shopping, and eating. It was SO MUCH FUN. Thank you so much girls!!!! (Also thanks to our husbands for all the work and support they gave-- for us to be able to get away.)



So, time to make plans for the next birthday?!

Halloween

Had a 'family' party this year. My brother Danny--dressed as a robot--sitting next to my brother Jonny.
EmmaThe girls both picked Barbie costumes (from the latest Barbie movie) Jonny's costume

My bday

I adore my girls. They put so much work into my bday this year.--thanks also to my mom and Robin who took care of my kids while we backpacked up north that weekend.