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.
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?!
My brother Danny--dressed as a robot--sitting next to my brother Jonny.
Emma
The girls both picked Barbie costumes (from the latest Barbie movie) 
Jonny's costume
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.
I am sure my last post was a bit confusing (well my husband informed me that he thought it was a bit confusing). I was basically spewing.
I had just finished some great worship time with my Heavenly Daddy and was crying tears of joy for HIS love, care, and for HIS drawing me close to HIM--
I had been in such a 'funk' since summer. I just couldn't seem to shake it.
So I started the post explaining how I have been the past few months, not sure--at that point--how I would express the indescribable joy that I was now experiencing (hence the reason it is called INDESCRIBABLE). While typing I was listening to the Blessed is the One (see below post for info on song)--and it all just fit. 
How could I NOT-- sing and praise HIS name-- when I am sheltered deep within his grace, when my sins are overcome, when I am aware of his steadfast love, and HIS sovereign care?!
....focusing on ALL that and much more causes me to burst...to praise HIS name and shout that he is MY SAVIOR, MY REDEEMER, ALL I WANT, MY EVERYTHING...
which sometimes comes out in the form of SPEWING. It is so nice to 'be back'....to be bursting with joy and praise because God has displayed his art all over HIS sky this morning or because I smell fall in the air. To be bursting because of HIS great gift of my three girls and a husband who loves HIM as well, and understands why I want to cry when I see my Heavenly Daddy's art surrounding me. To be bursting just because of HIS grace. --maybe this is spewing again, I will have to ask the expert. :)
We are off to the great woods up north today. I can't tell you enough (without spewing) how great of a worship time this is for me...my body aches to be out in the elements. 
This is the last time I will be out in the elements in my 20's---sniff sniff...yes, I turn 30 in only a matter of days. (you could say this is also my escape to avoid the dreadful change)
--see you all next week. (hope I made some sense of the last post--if my husband was correct and you all WERE confused)
"sins are overcome,
Jesus, Your blood covers all my sin
hiding at my Savior’s side
My Savior, My redeemer, all I need---- everything."--
Indescribable joy, thankfulness, eternal view--heavenly focus.
Thank you Father for reminding me of the amazing things you have done in my life. Thank you for your grace--your wonderful grace that washes me clean.
--(some of this is from: sovereign grace music--Blessed Is the One--from the Psalms album-highly recommended for some great praise music: click HERE for the website and HERE for the song)
I adore my girls.
I am told at least a few times a week that they will live with me forever...I know inside they won't always feel that way, but for now I like to imagine and 'glow' along with them when we talk about it. 
I get more cuddles, kisses, hugs, and loving rubs in ONE day that are too numerous to count.
It is a gift from God that I am able to spend every day with them, teaching them--learning from them, growing along with them as 'sisters in Christ'. They are my joy. 
If only time could slow down just a bit more. every day is a special gift. Thank you Father.
