Five Months

The Smith Family @

the Grant Christmas Parade

Five months is a long time between posts. I have had the best intentions, but LIFE! I reviewed a friends beautiful family blog and was inspired to catch up. I can't load 5 months worth of pictures tonight. But enjoy what I do get up!

We have been in our new house for a little more than 2 months. There is still so much to do (if anyone loves to hang pictures, enjoys decorating, landscaping, come on over!). I feel like I run just to keep up with the daily tasks; how do I add the extra stuff like scrapping, hanging pics, sleeping? Nancy Leigh DeMoss says we have enough time in each day to do the things God has for us to do. The key is to communicate with him to find out exactly what those things are. I tend to get caught up in my own to-do lists. Is it too late for New Year's resolutions?

Claire is 3.75 years old. She is growing in stature and wisdom. She asks some amazing questions like, "how does God get us up to heaven?" Her proudest moment this year was earning the Cubbie Star at AWANA's last Wednesday. That is an award for the most well-behaved pre-schooler. She's been working on it all year. If you know Claire, you know how hard it is for her to sit quietly and not talk. She showed everyone at church her Cubbie Star prize (tatoo). "I'm really proud of myself," she told me later that night.

Sarah Kate is still off the charts. She is 15 months old, growing taller, adding words, climbing everything. She loves the horses that live across the street from us. She shouts "neigh" at them through the window. Most of the time you can find her walking around the house with a purse on her arm, some type of dress shoes on, talking on her cell phone. Or standing under me with her arms up. She would let me carry her around all day if I would!

David is doing well, working hard. The winters are rough at the hospital. He has found some regular tennis pals and spends most of his freetime doing that. He keeps the girls 2-3 days a week so I can work. He does a great job as Mr. Mom! .

That's us in a nutshell!

Starting . . .

Both girls started something new this week. Sarah Kate started walking. She's up to about 4 or 5 steps before she plops. The first few times she did it, she grinned so big, scrunched her little nose up and looked around to see who else was so proud of her! She likes to take a few steps then point to you to make sure you noticed what a big girl she is! I've tried unsuccessfully to catch her in the act; hopefully I'll have a better picture of her to post soon.

Claire Bear started dance this week. She picked out her leotard, complete with a tutu and sparkles. She was so excited the first morning. She really enjoyed it. She learned to turn on her toes. She told us her teacher said not to run, but she ran a few times. I'll keep you informed about her recital date, in case you want to come see a group of preschoolers dance : )

It was hard to get a picture of her; I couldn't get her to stand still!

We went to Playhouse Disney last weekend. That was fun! Claire had a hard time understanding why The Little Einsteins were real people instead of the cartoons she is accustomed to. Sarah Kate enjoyed the first act and took a little siesta the 2nd act.

Claire and Rylee

And finally, Dad and Adam's birthday (August 20/22). . .

Dad (58) Adam (21)

Claire playing with "Sebatian" the crawfish

Sarah Kate enjoys Paw Paw's cake

. . . really enjoys it!

Sarah Kate's Baby Dedication

Here are a few pictures from Sarah Kate's baby dedication service today. It was very sweet. To see the video we showed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW5ghndzuwA

After the church service, we went to The Farmhouse for lunch. This is one of Sarah Kate's favorite places to eat. She had butter beans, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, turkey & dressing, a French fry . . . a few bites off of everyone's plate, it seems! She enjoyed it so much. This is her covered in creamed corn after licking David's bowl clean.

Thanks for coming: Grandmother, Granddaddy, Grandmommy, Monica, Isabella, Paw-Paw, Ann, Jessica, Matthew, Jason, Kathie, and Rylee.

"Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may walk according to your truth.
Grant me purity of heart,
that I may honor You!"
Psalm 86:11

Kris Turns Four

We enjoyed a day at the pool celebrating Kristopher's fourth birthday. This is our one guaranteed swim day every year. David and Joanna always throw a great birthday party. We had pizza, "Go Diego!" cake, and lots of fun in the sun. Sarah Kate missed out due to a fever virus (she's all better now). Claire was fearless. She jumped in without floats, sometimes sinking to the bottom before coming up. She loves to swim!

Mom caught some of their conversation on tape. It went from "we have the same plate," to "when I poo-poo . . . " Can't wait to see that one! These two really get along well--great cousins!

Isn't she lovely?!

This is Claire teaching Sissy (Aunt Jessica) how to swim. She tells her, "let me show you how: you do your arms like this, then get on your tummy, and do like this." It was really cute!

Quick Pics

I don't have a lot of time to narrate--enjoy the photos of June and July! I tried to pick the highlights. Let me know if you want to see more of any of these events!

Cinderella and Sarah Kate @ Rylee's Birthday Party

(could Claire smile any bigger?!)

Claire does the bungee jump at the mall.
Yes, she's up to the 2nd floor and loving every minute of it!


Riding a pony at the Will Rogers Festival.
"I'm riding the range! I'm on the biggest one!"

Mom: "Claire, you can stick your feet in the water.
Just don't get your clothes wet."

Claire @ Libby Lu (for Rylee's birthday) transforming into a princess.
(gazing into a mirror in photo on L)

Princess Claire

with Princess Mommy

Rock on!

Tennis, anyone?

Claire with Sissy and "her"Matthew @
The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged.
(Claire things Matthew is so funny! Especially when he is
falling down or swallowing fire!)

Sarah Kate enjoying the 4th with Jeanna

Claire swimming--no fear!

More of Fearless Claire @ the Olinger's on July 3rd

On the front steps of DAR . . . only 2 years to go!

FATHER'S DAY

Porchcop the Handy Turtle

Claire met a new friend this morning. We found a turtle about to make a journey across Mr. Walker's garden. She stopped to observe him. After she warmed up to him a bit she struck up a conversation.

"Don't be scared, turtle. What's your name?"

She decided he was too scared and too young to tell his name. So she named him "Porchcop" (whatever that means!). She said, "When he gets big like me I wish I could ride him. He would be very handy for riding. People could get on him and ride around when he gets older." So in, say, 250 years, maybe you'll see one of Claire's great-great-great-great grandchildren riding around on Porchcop the Handy Turtle.

Splish-Splash

Sarah Kate loves a big-girl bath!

"ARRRRR!"
Claire and Rylee--princess pirates at Cole's birthday party!


"Come on Rylee! This is gonna' be fun!"