Summer...soon ending!

Being as I am a teacher...I have always had a summer vacation! This summer has been the most wonderful time of my entire life! Due to my maternity leave it has also been the longest 'break' I have ever had. ("Break" with a new baby?? maybe I should choose another word!) When I think back on some of the amazing summer trips of my childhood, fun summer parties of college days, and even the first summers of our marriage, I realize that I have been blessed with lots of great summer memories! However, nothing compares to the sheer joy I have felt with Tyson this year! He makes the sun brighter in my world!

This being said...I need your prayers! As summer is coming quickly to an end, I am so sad about returning to work. I feel physically ill when I think of leaving my 'sunshine'! Although I am very thankful to have a job, I can't help but feel depressed thinking of returning to work! I just love him so much! I have a wonderful daycare situation, so I know he will be just fine...I may not be! Sure-millions of moms do this everyday, but oh my goodness I am just sad about it! PLEASE PRAY for me and my job situation. I know that God has plans for me and I must trust that he will help me follow his lead.

**HOWEVER** I have two more really fun summer adventures before "D" day! Brianne is coming to NC ('where babies like to live' Ha Ha) this weekend! Morgan and Cedric are bringing Gabriel to our house and Jessie and Brianne- along with Baby Ryan- will join us! I am so excited to have three of the four seasons together for a reunion! Morgan and I have not met Baby Ryan (6 months old) and we just can't wait! It will be so fun to have my best friends and their baby boys together with me and mine!!!! We only wish we could have Cynthia with us too! She is in Texas living up to her name "BIG MAMA" as she is expecting Baby Mackenzie to arrive soon. We will really miss her! She should expect some late night phone calls!

Then the following weekend, Mom and I are taking Tyson to Atlantic Beach--my favorite place on Earth! My Aunt Tillie is letting us use her great condo. Michael and his new girlfriend may join us as well.

VBS

Tyson attended his first Vacation Bible School at Pearces Church. VBS was so much fun to me when I was a child, so it was special to take him. Although he was in the nursery (so that I could help teach), his teachers did 'crafts' with him. They even made him a onesie to match the children's T-shirts! How sweet!!!!

Traveling Tyson!!

Before traveling to Florida I was really worried about how Tyson would do on the drive down. His mother is not known for 'traveling well'! Although I love to go--I hate the "getting there" part. However, my sweet baby did amazing! He did not cry, drank from a bottle while we drove, and did not cause a single stop that was not planned! Travis, Mom, and I really had fun talking and laughing as we traveled. Travis drove, mom took care of Tyson in the back seat, and I pumped! (There is nothing like pumping going down I-85!!)

On our way home we made several wonderful stops after saying goodbye to Jeff and Jennifer. We first visited Coach Clark at the Sheppard Center in Atlanta. We were thrilled to see his progress. He got to meet Baby Tyson and it seemed to lift his spirits. Next we visited Travis's grandma--it was a non-stop photo session. She is just precious! Then we spent the night with Chris and Donna Keeter, our Honduras missionary friends from Kings Mountain. (They are state-side due to the continuing conflicts in Honduras right now.) We had so much fun with them...and with their beautiful daughter Kala. Sunday morning we were able to attend church at First Baptist. It was great to hear an excellent sermon from Brother Chip and visit with our old buddies in Sunday School. Finally we hit the road to head home...sweet home!!!! We were very happy to see Uncle Mike, who kindly took care of Ralph and Nick and my flowers while we were gone. I missed my Ralphie so so much! I promised I would not leave him again for a while!

Family in Florida

Last week we were on vacation with Jeff's family in Panama City Beach, Florida. Although the thrill of PCB is certainly not the same as it was when I was a freshman in college (girls-just remember the turtle!!!), we had so much fun together as a family! It was great to relax, laugh, stay up late, shop a little, eat a lot, and most of all- enjoy the beautiful beach!

Three Months Old

Three months ago...the sweetest baby boy was born.

...my life changed forever.

...I discovered how it felt to truly love something unconditionally.

...our family felt whole.

...God blessed our family with living joy!

Today...I am so in love with the sweetest baby boy.

...his smiles make me melt.

...he is beginning to laugh and coo--it blesses my heart!

...he has discovered his hands and feet--growing so fast!!

...I am thankful for every minute I have to love him!

Tyson Olin Smith- I love you with all of my heart!

Friends!!

We enjoyed a visit from Baby Carter and his mom and dad (Jessica and Jame). Jessica and I really enjoyed being pregnant at the same time. And now...we just love being mommys together! Carter and Tyson are lots of fun. Babies and boobs were everywhere!

Baby's First 4th!

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating the 4th of July with friends and family! Tyson, mom and I spent most of the day at the Alford's pool relaxing! Shannon decorated everything to make Tyson's first 4th very special! Travis cooked steaks for us that evening before we went to see the FIREWORKS at the Mudcat stadium. Tyson slept through it all! Grandma Juel joined us! After that we enjoyed Miss Kim's homemade ice cream! What an 'All American" day!!!