We were making a rare attempt at getting our kids on video tonight– the results will be posted on here very soon.  However, while Steven was editing it we came across this:

Notice Eli is still in diapers~ and if I remember correctly Monica was “calm” by the time we started recording.  Eli totally had her captivated!

I was tagged by my friend Beth Ann to upload the 4th picture in my 4th folder on my computer.  Isn’t that a GREAT idea?!?!  Such a trip down memory lane….  Here’s what I got:

I can’t believe December 12th this pic will be two years old!

Now, I’m not going to tag anyone that she did becuase I want to see some new pics. So Meredith, Debi, Sarah W, and Molly you’re tagged!

Yes that’s right, we did leave!  I didn’t admit it just in case some person somewhere was interested in taking our non-valuable but special-to-us stuff while away.

I’ve got ALOT of unpacking to do so I’m not going to be able to update all at once but I said I’d be back today so I’m keeping my word.  If you have a facebook account I’ve posted pics there….. Our trip definitely accomplished it’s purpose. We are very refreshed!

An inside scoop to where we went…. hmm should I say??  Yep, Branson and some really cool places in St Louis were on our agenda.  Here’s my favorite family pic from The City Museum in St Louis.  I’ll fill in all the details soon!

I recently heard a great quote by General George S. Patton, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”  Isn’t that the truth?!?!  I mean when you’re tired doesn’t the littlest thing seem impossible to accomplish?  Well I’m not going to tell you what we’re up to just yet but I want to let you know that I will be away from blogging until  Friday the 26th. We are taking a break from everything routine for 8 days.  We may be here, we might be gone, but whatever we do just know we are catching up on our rest!!  I’ll fill you in on all of the details when I return to blogland.  You guys take care and have a blessed week!!!

Oh and here’s a smile maker for the day thanks to Robot Eli’s creative imagination…

I think I did it a bit earlier than what I normally would, regardless of that fact the Smithson house is now decorated for fall.  Not that I have a plethora of decor, but the odds and ends we do possess are now moved out of the attic. They are nestled in their new homes until the Christmas nick-knacks overtake them.  Fall is my absolute FAVORITE time of the year!!  Autumn leaves, bon fires, hayrides, pumpkin carvings, football games, yummy spice candles, brisk weather, and just the overall all coziness of color!!  Rustic browns, blazing oranges, deep crimsons, and eclectic golds just “do” something to the soul. Don’t ya think?

God is so good to bless us with seasonal change.  In our part of the United States each season brings new traditions and family memories.  What are some of the things you do as a family to announce fall’s arrival where you live?  Whether it be with food, activities, games, or a simple trademark your home possesses this time of year I’d love to hear about it! There’s a good chance the Smithson family will try to adapt it to our home. We like memory makers!

Oh and by the way, for those of you who take time to leave a comment occasionally, with all sincerity thank you!!  It really makes my day–

What are these verses?? – Just a reminder to me that God is the one who sculpts the season!  They made my heart happy this morning. =)

Let’s march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!
And why? Because God is the best,
High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
His hands sculpted Earth!
So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!

Psalm 95:2-6

(The Message)

All day PJ ventures seem to be coming to a close now that Eli is going to school.  Yes I most definitely had those!!!  However, since Eli has started preschool he and Monica both seem to think that we have to get up early everyday, including Saturdays.   I’m talking between 6:00 and 6:30.  I know that’s not early to some of you, BUT they used to sleep in until 8:00!!!  This allowed me to either sleep in with them (which was needed when they were up in the night)  or get up before them and get things done before they were awake.

It seems those days are gone…. sigh. To survive I’ve been living on caffeine. Did you know that caffeine can be lethal? I learned that from the info below.  No wonder it’s so great– Anyway Coffee and Coke classic are my survival drugs (yes it really is a drug!) – very bad I know, but you do what you have to do.

Okay so that’s all.  I’m tired and I’ve used spell check way too much on this post because my fingers are asleep.  Soooooooooooo off to get another cup of coffee.

CAFFEINE FACTS

Excess Caffeine
3 cups of coffee is considered an average or moderate dose, but 10 cups of coffee per day is considered excessive.

• Jitteriness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Flushed face
• Nausea
• Accelerated heartbeat

Info gained form this website- http://coffeetea.about.com/cs/caffeine/a/caffeinefacts.htm

Through a series of experiences I was inspired to try some ethnic cooking. It has been a BLAST!!! Yesterday I went on a cultural venture to the Asian Market with Monica in tote . The layout of the store was definitely unique. Beyond the appearance of things, the biggest thrill was that Monica and I were the only Caucasians around– something you rarely experience in our part of the country!! I didn’t’ mind a bit. It was so great browsing around, looking for things that for the most part I didn’t even know how to pronounce. (I had a list from my very educational “google” experience.)

I wanted to walk away from the market with supplies to make three things.

1. Basic Sushi

2. Fresh Thai Springrolls

3. Homemade Eggrolls

Well I found EVERYTHING including the asian condiments to go with them. YAY!!!!!

I don’t recommend making any of this if your in a time crunch. I have no idea how Asian restaurants can make enough food to keep the public fed! I was quite a slow first time “roller.”

I don’t have anything exciting to share today. We’ve just slowly been getting back in the swing of things. Piano lessons started up again. This is the first year since we’ve moved here that I’ve had a waiting list. Part of me hates it that I can’t take everyone and yet at the same time I love it because my schedule is now solid and dependable.

Anyway it’s been a very relaxing week. It’s been that way partly because we’ve been a bit sickly and tried to keep things low key. I ordered a bunch of old Disney movies that totally took me back to my childhood-( So Dear to my Heart, Summer Magic, That Darn Cat, Follow Me boys, ect.) I have LOVED them and my kids did too! I am a bit weird I’ve learned that I like these movies. Most friends my age just look at me funny when I tell them I do but I just CAN’T imagine my childhood without them. I found I could still finish most sentences in almost every one!!! The generations that haven’t seen them have missed out!!!

Besides the reminiscing, the week has been relaxing because I LOVE schedule and I can feel it beginning to take place again. It’s been very peaceful having Steven home and the house in order. …..sigh…. I’m enjoying every minute!

I’m hoping that with Eli starting to preschool and routine beginning to take shape that I can start working on a few hobbies that have lain by the wayside– photography being the first I’ve missed!! Anyway- I let you see any new tips I learn.

I’m a HUGE fan of knowing tidbits that make life go a bit more smoothly. I’ve recently learned two that I’d thought out share.

1. To get rid of the “tang” that generally accompanies powdered lemonade add 1 packet of sweet n’ low to a 2 quart pitcher. It doesn’t alter the flavor just neutralizes the tang. Very Cool!!

2. Never fail JUICY grilled corn? Whether you’re grilling the cobs in their shucks or wrapping them in foil add an ice cube to each ear and then wrap back up tight. It makes a world of difference!!

Monica last summer nibbling!

Sooooooooooo what little nothings do you guys have up your sleeve out there?? I’m all up for the tips!

things have been a bit “hum-drum” since my last post. “Hum-drum” isn’t a complaint just our status of life– actually I’m so glad it’s that way and not the craziness we’ve been in. Our “norm” has consisted of moving back in our home, DEEP cleaning, having a yard sale, putting up corn, and seeing Steven off for his last six days of summer camps with the youth. I am so very ready to get him back home for good!!

Today is my birthday (27 years old) and to celebrate I think we are going to drive up to where Steven and the youth are– hoping that will be fun.

On a side note please be in prayer for our church members that are leaving for India tomorrow. There are several mommies that are leaving their little ones in order to serve. My heart goes out and prayers up for them and their families while they are separated.

Okay well that’s about it. A few pics of our past week-