As We Are

it's just real.

2012-02-09T20:42:00.003-06:00

Today was one of those days where life was R.E.A.L. Real life, ups and downs, treasured moments, and then the moments I choose to treasure, even though I feel beaten. Here goes my day:

*Email Lanie's wonderful teacher, and meet with her at 9:00 a.m. Discuss the fact that a little boy in her class has been tattling on her for things she did not do. ~Move forward about 8 hours~ Find out that Lanie has only been telling the half truth and I get completely embarrassed and frustrated with the fact that I now have to call and apologize to Lanie's teacher for the half truth discussion. Lanie will also be apologizing, and went to bed right after supper ~ at 6:30 p.m.

*A few minutes after Lanie is in bed, she is crying and calls for me. With a precious, broken heart, she apologizes and says she is so sorry that she hurt my feelings. She promises to never tell a lie again! I tell her that God made her better than that and that I believe in her. We hug, REAL hug, and then I kiss her sweet, teary face goodnight after prayer. In grace, I went from frustration to loving that girl more than my life in less than an hour. God is so good.

*I work out for the 30th time since January 1st, and seem to notice that I have gained muscle mass, yet I am not able to see it. I acknowledge that after I turned 32, there seems to be a problem with me not counting my calories, but every calorie counting. I guess I am going to have to cut back on the peanut M&M's. What is this world coming to? It all seems to be meeting in the middle, and every pair of jeans that I own is shrinking ~ instead of my waist line. I've decided that growing older comes with consequences. I refuse to turn 33.

*We took Lanie in to meet her surgeon. We will have a large, weird mole removed from her sweet, precious head full of beautiful brown hair on February 23. They are pretty sure it is ok, yet after seeing the cupped out calf of a husband who faced melanoma at 29, there is fear. I'm choosing to believe the best.

*My gorgeous, red headed 10 year old was asked to be a handsome boy's Valentine today. In complete honesty and innocence, my girl asks what it means to be a Valentine? I tell her that even though that is an honor, and we think that boy is great, her Daddy will be her only Valentine until she is older. But, she is more than welcome to be his really good friend. She smiles, knowing, that our answer is firm. That God, and her Daddy and I, have bigger plans for her. That we are holding out for the Valentine that will have her heart until death do them part. I can't believe that we are there. ~there~ We are at the place where boys ask and girls giggle. We have a daughter that is old enough to begin to wonder, and we BEG for wisdom in this. We pray and do our best to handle her God given curiosity of boyfriends and girlfriends with grace and firmness. Oh how parenting will bring you to your knees. God help us!

This has definitely been a day of pondering. A day for seeking and looking for just the right words to say. Words that will teach and not break. Words that will encourage and not fight. Words that will sooth anxious thoughts and comfort in fear. Words that will hold tight, even when they do not see the why. Words of love. ALWAYS words of love.

old man.

2012-02-04T20:40:00.003-06:00

Oh, the irony of my last post. In all of my best attempts at being a great parent, I have felt more guilt this week over not spending enough time with my kids. Guilt is gross. It has been a CRAZY week, and it's a good thing that we are giving coupons in their mail boxes, because we need some great excuses to make up for lost time.

We are not people of hiring help. We choose instead to do EVERYTHING on our own, wearing ourselves out and hating our house by the end of it. For the past 2 weeks we have been tackling our horrific (and I mean that in the worst sense of the word) children's bathroom. It was bad, and we finally had it in the budget to remodel it. It is looking so much better, but after Kyle spent 6 stinking hours changing out the faucet and drain today (because it was rusted and 50+ years old, not because he didn't know what he was doing), I think we were both so close to locking the doors for good and moving to Hawaii.

I'm not sure why we do everything on our own? I am not a prideful woman and fully acknowledge the fact that I am desperately in need of a maid. For some reason, my husband does not see that. And I'm sure all of the "working" Mom's think I am a wretched woman for even suggesting that I get a maid, since all I do is lay around and read books every day, for crying out loud!

But really... must we do it all ourselves?

I'm starting a rebellion, and it is all for the sake of quality family time, spent without a paint brush in one hand and the blasted yellow vacuum in another.

And now that I have hopped off of my soap box for the day, our Valentine mail boxes really are going on quite well! It has been the cutest thing to see the kids get excited about their coupons and words of encouragement. My favorite part of it all, is that the kids are giving each other coupons and gifts! They spent all day today raising those sweet little flags and writing the kindest notes to one another. Lanie even gave Kailee a "date with Lanie" coupon :) Precious!

And finally, the true highlight of this Mama's day was when Lanie Belle came marching up to me saying, "We found something in your closet. It's a book called How To Talk to Your Kids About Sex." (Grin. So proud of herself.) "We hid it from you, because we don't want to know!"

I don't know if I have ever laughed so hard. I could still almost wet my pants thinking about it! Ha!

~Happy birthday to the old man Larry!

May your feet be sweaty and your arms be hairy.~

being gushy.

2012-01-31T21:41:00.002-06:00

Every year around this time, our pastor makes sure that we as a church, understand his take on Valentine's Day. He does not like it, and by all means he has a right to his opinion in the matter, yet it has never settled well with me. All though his words are pure, this idea of letting your spouse and children know how much you love them every day of the year just doesn't seem to be cutting it.

What I see is marriages in a mess and children who are left feeling more and more shuffled around because we as parents have made a life of busy. My goal is that I would show my husband and kids how much I love them every day. Reality is that I fall short of this goal about every other day.

I want to love them well. I want to love others well. I don't see any hurt in taking 14 days to really, really express how amazing your life is with them in it. Be romantic. Make cards. Take time to show love.

Kyle and I came up with coupons for our children this year because we are choosing to love with time, not gifts. Daddy and Mommy dates. Late to bed. Back scratches. Coupons that say our time with you is so much better than anything bought with money. The grand finale will be an invitation to a special Valentine's dinner, table set for 5.

Cheesy... yes. Will the kids love it... yes.
That's all I need to hear.

We bought tiny mailboxes at Target in the $1 isle, and they will be found hanging outside of their bedroom doors tomorrow after school. Each day the flag will be raised and they will find another coupon that will secure a moment of us. A tiny piece of our day, undistracted.

They will also find this sign on their door, and every day we will list a character trait that we so love about them. About who they are, individually, no copies allowed. In the end, they will have 14 days worth of words from Kyle and I, reinforcing and encouraging what God instilled in them and the world will try to tear down. They need to hear it, and we need to take the time to say it.

All in all, it's virtually free, and we hope it leaves our kids knowing that we are taking the time (which in itself is so much) to just show love. I think it's a win, win.

Words of life.

2012-01-27T22:30:00.001-06:00

Today as I was working on my James Bible study, Kailee came back to our room with me to lay on my bed. She came home early today because of feeling really yucky with asthma, and just needed to be close. :). While I was writing out the verses of James in my study, which is part of the homework, she asked if she could do that too? I said of course, and she ran and got her colored pens, notebook and Bible and began working.

It was just a really sweet time between that big girl and I. I pray that those words will be planted deep in our hearts, changing us daily.

God, give us a hunger for your Word!

Sleepy boy.

2012-01-22T21:27:00.001-06:00

Even during a super exciting football game, our sick boy has no trouble falling asleep right in the living room floor. So sweet.

Go 49ers!!

oh, let it be so.

2012-01-17T19:40:00.002-06:00

I just visited Karter and Kailee's coffee shop. Karter informed me that if I believe in Jesus, my coffee cup will never empty.

I just have to hope that there is some truth to that. I sure hope my ever-full mug is the black and red heart mug that sweet Lanie gave me for Christmas last year :)

Bliss, pure bliss!

our coming and our going.

2012-01-16T20:23:00.002-06:00

In completely random order, here are a few things that have been filling our days lately:

*Kyle's birthday! He is one year younger and as handsome as I have ever seen. I can surely say that this man is getting better by the year, and we enjoyed some much needed downtime this weekend without the kids to celebrate a fresh new year to come. We ate a delicious dinner at Outback Steakhouse, saw Sherlock Holmes 2, slept in, took a long, slow walk, and laughed. It was wonderful. Happy 25th birthday honey! ;)

*My Mom's birthday! Today was Mom's birthday, so the kids and I loaded up since the girls were out of school and headed to the big city of Vega to take her out for lunch. Grandma met us and we enjoyed such a sweet time of laughing, visiting and a hot pink sombrero.

*Reading, reading, reading. (Well, 4 out of 5 of us) I have been reading 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and can not say enough great things about it! It is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. The kids and I are reading through the Chronicles of Narnia, and we are totally intrigued and into them. Surprisingly, even Karter has sat motionless as we make our way through book 1.

*Dreaming. Kyle and I have not so much made news years resolutions, but we do have a plan and goals for this year. We have layed out financial goals that we are working hard to stay on track with. I have made a goal to exercise more than 10 times this year, and so far I have done pretty good. It feels so great to start a new year and dream up our best for the year. Even if we don't make them all, I figure any is better than never starting at all.

*Growing. We have many days full of tears and questions. We have children that are learning what it means to be one year older, more responsibility and more pressure to become the world and not Jesus. We have jeans that are too short and tennis shoes that need replacing. There are fewer and fewer inches between our heads and theirs as we lean in for strong, sweet hugs and kisses. There is definitely some growing taking place here.

*Cooking. I believe that Kyle's love for cooking may have transferred over to me, and one of my favorite past times is browsing through beautiful cook books and making grocery lists. I am terrible at creating, but my goodness, at least I can finally copy! The library stash of cook books is now my best friend, that of which I believe my family is quite happy.

*Praying. We are thankful. We are broken hearted. We are blessed. In a time of abundance and smooth in our home, we are confronted daily with needs of those close to us. So many torn marriages, addictions, stressful situations and longings that have left us pleading for our friends. Oh, that Jesus will show up BIG this year in each request.

What a great 16 days 2012 has brought us! Our cup is over flowing.

a hand full.

2012-01-10T21:16:00.006-06:00

Dear Karter Scott,

In my wildest dreams, on January 10, 2007, I could have never imagined what 5 years from then would look like, nor how very quickly, too quickly, it would come. Holding that 7 pound 5 ounce handsome baby boy changed my life forever. During this hand full of years, we have laughed, snuggled, roared, and varoomed more than any Mommy and Daddy deserve. You bring SO much joy into our lives.

We celebrated your 5th birthday at the indoor playground you love with some very special friends and family. You let me know early on that you wanted a friend party this year, and there were friends everywhere! You played so hard on that playground that your cheeks were as red as a fire engine. You said it was the best birthday party ever!

All of your gifts this year included lots of B.O.Y. Nerf guns, race car track, remote control monster trucks, Legos, and more boy. Today we have race car track strung from one end of our home to the other, and you have learned how to make those cars fly. It is such a blessing to see you grow into a big boy. We love it that you enjoy all things fast and wild!

Today on your actual birthday, you had your first day back to preschool from the Christmas break. You were very excited to see your friends again and take your race cars for show and tell. Daddy and I brought Donut Stop for your special birthday snack, and there was not a peep in that classroom as you devoured those donuts! Your donut was chocolate with sprinkles ;) You looked so big standing up there as the class wished you a happy birthday. It was a fun morning for you.

Tonight for your special birthday supper, you chose Chucky Cheese. Actually, you chose Chucky Cheese last year the day after your 4th birthday, and have reminded us many, MANY times through out the year, of your choice for supper on January 10, 2012. We played games and more games and ate pizza until your sweet, big heart was content. I love to watch your eyes light up as you play those fun little games. It was the perfect end to a great birthday weekend.

5 Amazing Details of Your Life @ 5:

1)As mentioned previously, you are CONSUMED with race cars and track! We may have to start moving it outside to fit it all in. The faster and wilder the better.

2)You still cannot say your R's, which just makes me so pleased. I love to hear you say things like, bweakfast, race caws, and wed. A little part of me wants you to hang on to that for a while.

3)You are all boy, yet you still have a sensitive side that will take you far someday. You tell me about 10 times a day that you love me, just because. All of your prayers are full of passion and plea's for those you love. You will still hold my hand and give me the best kisses.

4)If Daddy does it, you want a part in it! If he has a tape measure, you grab one, too. If Daddy is working on the house, you run along side him to help. If Daddy is taking out the trash, you grab a bag and work with him. You two are pretty good partners.

5)Angry Birds. You have a pretty heavy addiction to Angry Birds, and I could not have written this post without mentioning it. It started on Mamaw's iTouch, then Memme's phone, and now my phone. You are better than all of us at it, and would sit playing that game all day if I would let you. Which I don't, and that does not always make you happy :)

Karter, you rock my world. You are growing into the most amazing big boy, full of compassion, strength, adventure, and curiosity. You make this Mama proud to call you my son.

Happy 5th Birthday to you. And many more....

girl time.

2012-01-04T13:50:00.003-06:00

This morning I experienced a vision that I want to store. I want to keep it tucked tightly away, so that at a later day when all seems out of control, I can replay it in my mind...

As soon as the kids and I finished breakfast this morning, around 9:15, the girls ran and grabbed their blankets, coats, gloves, snow hats, books, and Mad Libs. They each hauled their bundles of warmth to the trampoline, where they would sit together for the next hour and 45 minutes, smiling. My little man was kept (trapped according to him) inside due to a yucky cough since it was only about 40 degrees out. He was not happy about that for one minute, but it allowed those sisters a time together. From my kitchen window I could hear giggles and jokes, and it was such a sweet moment for them to just be friends. All arguing aside, they were able to share a time of coloring, reading and Mad Libing, and it was such a special moment for them, and for this Mama to peek in on.

I have always prayed that our family could be great friends. I know that Kyle and I have a job right now of being the parents, but as our kids grow and leave, I so hope that we are the best of friends. I want those 2 girls to share with each other, encourage one another, serve together and love. I hope that they are the mades-of-honor in each other's weddings. (That is IF they get married, which Lanie says she is not!) I pray that our relationships bloom with each year that comes our way. It is so important to me! I think that all starts with moments like this. Times where they can grow their relationship as friends and not just sisters.

merry happy new christmas year.

2012-01-01T21:05:00.002-06:00

Our Christmas celebrations ended this weekend in Vega with my parents and brother's family. It was low key, full of laughter and no sleep thanks to a white dog who is lucky to have made it back to our house. It worked out great because we were having Christmas on new year's eve, so we mixed up the two and partied all day. Well, we partied Goldsmith/Hubbart style. I believe that Karter and I actually made it all day without getting out of our p.j.'s, and I'm quite proud of that. I'm not sure that Kyle holds the same value in my flannel red reindeer pants, but Karter needed me. We had to do it together.

We enjoyed our time there so much. It always feels good to go home where the memories are rich and the people are so close to your heart. We enjoyed a little time with sweet Aunt Monnie who, even in pain and discomfort, remains the most precious woman I have ever met. Our visit with her and Grandma was an hour and a half of pure bliss. They are 2 women who have etched their love on my heart with selflessness and tenderness, making me want to be just like them.

Finn kept us laughing as he smiled that big toothy smile and replied to every question with a "ya". Mom and Dad were such gracious hosts, especially due to the fact that our dog made every effort to cause everyone a mental breakdown. With all of the Mario Bros. and Farkle, we managed to enjoy or days to the fullest, and even keep our eyes open long enough to see in 2012.

I can say that this was the first year of many that I have made it until midnight to ring in the new year. My Mom was determined that we would all see the ball drop, so we played games and ate until the big time arrived. Even our three sweet, sleepy eyed kids made it (which is a miracle!) and we watched the clock switch over with smiles and sparkling grape juice for all. It really was a priceless moment for me. I'll never forget looking in their big eyes, praying that this new year is such a good one for them. With each number counted down from 10, I looked around the room realizing what a great year 2011 was for us.

2011 you were good to us!

10 - Growing, healthy children turning 4, 7 and 10.
9 - Paying off debt and remodeling our finances all around.
8 - Trips to the mountains and lots of fun staycations.
7 - Gaining the sweetest new neighbors and a precious, new niece.
6 - Celebrating 11 years with my best friend/flannel reindeer pant lover.
5 - Having Lanie's tonsils out and from then on a strep-free year!
4 - A memorable trip to Austin with Mom.
3 - Our big boy starting Pre-K, and loving it.
2 - Kids who learned to swim, ride bikes and play the piano.
1 - Life. Full life. Busy life. Good life.

Welcome 2012!

~May we cherish every moment as

you quickly make your way through our lives.~

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T20:15:00.003-06:00

What a Christmas we have have had ourselves. 1 full month of celebrating and family, coming to an end this very new years day. Once again, I find myself in disbelief that another Christmas time has come and gone. We have filled our bellies and our hearts, and we are thankful for one more week at home to recover from all of the fun.

Christmas 2011 began in Hereford with the Goldsmith's. We celebrated our sweet nieces 6th birthday with an amazing swimming party. It was the perfect start to the holidays, with much laughing and the cutest penguin beach balls.

With much sadness, we ended that fun night with our 11 month old niece heading to the emergency room due to almost cutting her thumb off on a folding chair. It was just horrible, and no one slept that night worrying about sweet Mabry and her worn down parents. They ended up driving to Lubbock in the middle of the night for emergency surgery, and came dragging in around noon on Christmas eve, weary and glad to be home.

We ended our time in Hereford enjoying Kyle's family and being so thankful that Mabry was alright. It was great to see his sister, Tamra, and of course Mama, Mamaw and G-dad.

Christmas eve night was spent with the Sides family at my Grandma and Grandad's house in Vega. It is such a large group, and my grandparents love it when we are all there together. It only happens once a year and they work so hard for it. The Side's are a loud, funny group. I love it. We played Bingo and did not win a penny!

We ended Christmas eve night at home with 3 precious kids who were exhausted yet excited to get Santa's cookies set out and headed to bed before he was delivering to Texas. We just knew that we saw his sleigh flying over head as we were driving back into town. I know we just barely made it in time! Last year Santa ate the reindeer's carrots, so this year the kids made sure they left him a note telling him they were for the deer. Silly Santa!

Lanie's teacher had also given her a bag of green Grinch dust that we sprinkled over the lawn to keep any Grinch's away on Christmas day. We only wanted smiles and joy at this house!

Kyle and I were awoken at 7:00 a.m. on Christmas day to two little Goldsmith's running down the hall excited to share what Santa had brought! After waking up Kailee, we opened gifts and enjoyed a yummy breakfast together.

As we sat and ate, the snow outside our windows continued to fall and the flakes grew bigger and bigger. It was beautiful and such a dream come true for my man. Truly a white Christmas, and one we will always remember.

Soon after lunch, we bundled up and ran outside to enjoy this treasure. We played until our toes were frozen and we did not have an ounce of energy left. There were snowballs thrown, snow angles made, play grounds conquered and snow flakes eaten. I love to look outside and see a yard full of snow boot foot prints. It means lots of fun was had at that home, and it was so true that day.

Kyle decided that we would have Chinese food Christmas night, in honor of our first Christmas night together. It's not easy to find an open restaurant on Christmas, but he was determined, and we enjoyed fried rice and lots of laughs.

It was just such a sweet day. We have so much to be thankful for.

On the Tuesday after Christmas, we gathered with the Hubbart's for a Christmas dinner of enchilada's. I always enjoy seeing my cousins that I grew up with. Oh, how the years have changed us and grown us. My Grandmother and Pa have always had such a warm home, full of love for their family.

That marks Christmas #4. One more to go...

the big girl.

2011-12-20T20:25:00.005-06:00

About this time every year, at semester's end, my big girl is worn out. I believe that her mother might be right there with her. She works hard and plays hard, and by the time Christmas break is nearing, I can feel her exhaustion. She is our girl that needs sleep and rest. She is our girl that is not afraid to lock herself in her room for a few minutes to find a little quiet. She is our home body that just loves to be HOME.

She has had a full, first semester of 4th grade, and has become such a beautiful young tween. Every day I see in her the challenge of trying to discover exactly how grown up she really is. She tells me she is a grown up. She will show signs of being grown up. But sometimes, she is just my first, baby girl. She is snugly and loves to read together. She enjoys playing Santa and his elves and reindeer with her brother and sister. She has the biggest heart for little ones, and is not afraid to show it.

I'm hanging on to it as long as I can. Kailee, grown up lasts forever, so don't be in too big of a hurry :)

Last week was the 4th grade Christmas play, and I am proud to introduce Elf #4! She was the cutest elf up there (at least to us), and did an amazing part on her lines and solo.
We are always so proud of her fight to beat fear and anxiousness when it comes to being on stage. It does not come easy for her, yet she gets up there and does it like a pro. It helps having her sweet friends next to her.

They all did a great job!

(I hate the microphone in the middle of this great pic!!)

(And this bald man seems to be in all of my pics...)

Another addition to Kailee's schedule this semester was volleyball. She asked us if she could join in on the second session, and even though we were very thoughtful about adding another thing to her schedule, we decided it would be ok to let her try it.
Of course, she loved it. She jumped right in as the new girl and worked hard to catch up. I can't count the number of times I heard the volleyball hit our roof as she practiced her serves and bumps, but it's a lot. She did really well at getting the ball over the net, and even got to score the final point to win a game on one of her serves!

Being 5'1" and from a small town, I had NO clue how to play volleyball. We went in this blind, and with many questions asked and lots of learning experiences, I think we are getting there. We are learning together :)

The sweet girls and coaches on Kailee's team were so supportive and encouraging! They cheered her on every step of the way, and helped her in the right direction when something new came up.

We will see if it sticks... for now it is a sweet time with her friends and a little exercise while she's there. Bonus.

Great job this semester Kailee Grace!! From: Your #1 Cheerleaders

May your Christmas break bring you lots of rest, mornings by the fire, and time to just be you.

1.5 days until Christmas break.

4 days until Christmas morning.

to Him be all glory.

2011-12-13T09:30:00.009-06:00

There are moments in life, like when I look at this picture from last week, that give me chills at the thought of being married to this guy. It's when he tells me that I am his best friend, or that I am beautiful. Knowing full well that talk is cheap, he shows me with the way he loves.

Our marriage has been, and is by no means perfect. We argue. We get frustrated. We fail each other. We are selfish. But, when it comes down to it, there is no place I would rather be.

6 months ago, in one of my distressed, crazy fits, I confessed to him that I was done. Not with him, but with the debt that had been looming over our heads for years. Much of it dumb and senseless, a bit of it necessity in a time where we were only making about $1,000 a month, with a rent of almost $800. I was done with guilt. I was done not owning up to it with responsibility and just paying it off. We were not using credit, but we were not taking care of the old stuff effectively. We were not struggling financially by any means. We paid all of the bills ahead of time. We had been so blessed by Kyle's job and the debt did not hurt our pocket book, it hurt our hearts.

You see, debt was our companion since before we were married. It snuck it's way into our marriage on March 11, 2000, and we have cried and fought for years over it's destruction. We knew it was bondage, but it was so common. We were numb to it's effects simply because everyone we knew was in it also. It is the secret agent, sucking life out of marriages and suppressing joy in hearts.

I knew it was time. God was working a powerful lesson in my spirit, and I refused to give in any longer. I did NOT want to be a part of this party any longer, and I was ready for war. My go big or go home personality said, sell the house, the car, the dog.... Get rid of everything and do this thing fast. Then my man lovingly swept in and brought a calm, reassuring peace to the situation and said NO, we did this, we will fight this the right way and pay it off dollar by dollar with hard work and dedication.

We sat down that late June night and layed it all down. Together. We had a goal and made a commitment to each other that we were done living our lives this way. We knew and loved Dave Ramsey, and had started his plan when we lived in Dalhart, so we logged on to his website and listed all of our big, ugly truths painfully before our eyes. We were ashamed. We were hurting. We were determined.

That night we made a plan to pay off all of our debt in 18 months. It was a good, strong plan and we were anxious, yet excited. We hoped we could and would do it, yet it is a painful process when you see how much money is taken up for the next year and a half. It would take sacrifice and denying our fleshly desires, but we were ready. We wanted this so much.

I remember going to bed that late night, begging God for strength and help. I knew that without Him, we could possibly once again fall right back in the same, old apathetic routine of days past. I prayed for hours and asked for His wisdom in changing our family's future. We were desperate for His move in our hearts, changing them forever.

And He did.

Now to him who is able to do far more

abundantly than all that we ask or think,

according to the power at work within us,

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen

Ephesians 3:20, 21

After we had made our plan, Kyle's sales numbers and bonuses just kept increasing. He was working so hard and so diligently, and the fruit of that was produced in the pay checks we were receiving. God just kept showing up with a BAM, and little by little, and then bigger by bigger, our debt was disappearing. With every payment we rejoiced and gave thanks. With every goal met, we cried and were humbled. With every window sold, we gained anticipation over what God was doing in our plan. He had taken over, and it was no longer our plan, but His amazing, miraculous move, showing us that He had heard and was making this thing happen.

On December 8th, at about 9:45 P.M., we paid the last penny to our credit card. It came with a fight, and God made sure that we clung to Him, right down to the last dollar sold... but it happened. We both felt very confident that God had moved our ending date to December of 2011, and we both knew that it would take His hand to make it happen. The last day of sales for the year, on November 23rd, my husband sold $1, 000, 140.00, and received the bonus we needed to meet this goal by a mere $140.00. Close call to us, but God knew exactly what He was doing.

I can not express how truly grateful and in awe we are of this all. We did it. God did it. $14,000 paid off in 6 months. We are now free from all that entangled us for so long. He took our man made plan, threw it in the garbage, and showed us what He was able to do. He showed us how feeble our own ways are and humbled us that He would even care so much.

Now to him who is able to do far more

abundantly than all that we ask or think...

I needed to write this post for a couple of reasons:

*I need it to remember the details of how God took us through this process.

*I need it to remember to thank my amazing husband everyday for how hard he works for us.

*I want anyone who needs hope, to receive hope through our story. We are no longer ashamed of where we were, but enthralled at where we are. There is so much shame and guilt in debt, and if even just 1 person could find a ray of light in their struggle, it is worth exposing our ugly, yet redeemed, truths.

~Sweet, strong man of mine, it was an honor to fight this good fight with you. You have been a solid strength in my weakness, and I have never been more proud of your dedication to provide for this family of yours. Thank you. My love for you has grown leaps and bounds through this, and I am so thankful that you are mine. Let's party!~

~To our prayer warriors who stood in the front lines of this battle with us, we will never be able to tell you how much your prayers mean to us. You are precious to us and we are so incredibly thankful for your encouragement, your prayers and your friendship.~

Now, just as our children wonderfully echo back to us every day:

~Debt is DUMB, and debt is DONE!~

playing catch up.

2011-12-12T20:06:00.002-06:00

December is flying by and as hard as I stinking try, the days just seem to keep increasing in speed. I'm not complaining though. We have already enjoyed many special moments with our family, friends and kids this month. So many, that I have not had a minute to get on here and blog about them to save the memory.

There have been many nights by the fire, a trip to the museum with Todd, Maureen and Finn, a couple of volleyball games, Christmas light looking, tree decorating, parties, gift buying and lots of talk about baby Jesus.

~Picture above taken by the talented Kailee Grace~

These 3 have kept us on our toes. It seems that the colder it gets outside, the wilder our children seem to be inside. They have become such sweet friends, and even in the midst of a little arguing, they can sit for hours and laugh while playing games. Their new addiction is Mario Bros. on the Wii, and it is the funniest thing to watch all 3 of them play together!

This Friday night, we had our annual college friend Christmas get together, and even though it has sadly dwindled down due to everyone moving off, we still managed to have 2 of the most precious families with us. There were 6 adults and 9 children, and there was no denying the fact that we adults were the minority! The kids ran wild for 4 hours straight, playing and laughing as though they were all family.

We have seen so much of life as a family with these sweet friends. None of us denying reality, friendship raw and timeless. Some of our favorite moments are sitting around the table laughing until we cry, and sometimes crying until we laugh with them.

We are so thankful!

Saturday night, we went to see Arthur's Christmas at the theatre and then enjoyed some Chick-fil-a while we drove around looking at Christmas lights. It was just a good, fun night with our kids. We knew it was time to head home when Kailee was falling asleep in the back seat. Happy kids, sleepy eyes and full hearts.

Only 13 days until Christmas morning.

on this early thanksgiving morning.

2011-11-24T06:54:00.002-06:00

I woke up at 5:00 this morning, and my mind was instantly filled with all of God's goodness. His peace in uncertainty. His grace in our doubt. His miracle in our mess.

Thanksgiving 2011 brings so much to be grateful for:

~Kyle's job in the midst of lay offs and cut backs.
~A good, full life chasing 3 healthy children.
~The ability to be a stay at home Mommy. There is nothing better.
~A husband who fights so hard for me to have that privilege.
~A marriage that is strong and growing.
~Goals met in miraculous ways.
~A warm home where the neighbors are even warmer.
~New friendships and old friendships.
~A basket full of amazing parents and grandparents.

32 years of life, getting busier and better every day. In this trying year, we have seen and grown. There is so much to be grateful for.

what a big day.

2011-11-17T20:54:00.005-06:00

Meet ~ Boy Who Wears Grumpy Face. That's the Indian name that I gave him after his sweet Thanksgiving Feast at pre-school today. The feast was sweet, NOT my boy. He was tired, mad at his costume and ready to go home. (insert super whiney voice) He did NOT sing the songs with his class and made sure that I knew he did NOT want that feather on his head. It was one of those joyous moments as a mother, where you want to slap their nose in the corner right in front of every one because you are a little embarrassed by his attitude, but instead you pick him up and let him be tired.

All in all, it was yet another moment that made me so grateful for this job. I was the one who was there to hold him while he ate his roll and turkey, and then brought him straight home for a good, long nap.

He was the cutest little Indian I've ever seen.

The funniest part of the whole situation was on the ride home while I was visiting with my Mom on the phone. I was spelling out to her that Karter was very t-i-r-e-d, and that he needed a n-a-p bad. From the booster in the back, Karter yelled, "N-O!"

Smart little booger :)

In other Goldsmith news:

Lanie has lost a tooth!!!

Well, I say she lost a tooth... the dentist had to pull 2 bottom teeth yesterday, but we count that! This girl has baby teeth that are completely committed to her, even though her adult teeth are screaming their way through. She was so brave and proud to show all of her friends her beautiful gap.

She asked if the Tooth Fairy could please leave the tooth mouse? She wanted to keep it. She also asked if she lost 100 teeth, would she have $100 under her pillow? She's catching on now.

Happy First Lost Tooth Day Lanie Lou! You wear that smile proud.

UPDATE!

2011-11-16T14:55:00.003-06:00

I just messed with my camera, and that stinkin' thing worked! Yee-Haw! (see previous post) I guess it was because I was a gripey hiney earlier. The holidays can go on!! :)

i'm thankful for...

2011-11-16T12:27:00.002-06:00

I'm thankful for these pictures because for some amazing reason that is yet to be seen, my 2.5 year old camera is dead. D.E.A.D. Which is perfect because the holidays are upon us. It is also perfect because Dave (as in Ramsey) says that I can't buy a new one until I have the cash to pay for one. Which is perfect because this is the year of tight budgets and not an extra penny to spare. So, since I am aiming to be grateful in ALL circumstances, I am thankful for these last few pictures of the year 2011.

This is how our Lanie works. Intently. Barefooted. Full concentration. Creatively. Free.

We have been told that she will find her "thing". I don't know how many times we have said, "She's just not into sports", and always is the response that she will find the one she likes in her own time. No, I don't think you get it, it's not her thing. Response: When she sees her friends playing, she will want to play.

No, we don't believe so. She is her own "thing" and there is nothing that pleases my heart more than to watch her create. She is purposeful and brilliant. She stays outside of the lines and chooses every color that does not make sense. Yet, every time it is beautiful.

Most days we will find her, just like this. Color in hand, imagination working at full capacity, and finger tips dyed. It's the way we want her.

Lanie, for every word that is said to scar and make you feel any less than the amazingly talented, beautiful daughter God created in you, may there be strength to speak. Speak words of His LOVE to your heart and soul, healing and pure. Strength to speak words of LOVE to others who have been hurt and need standing up for. Strength to speak words of forgiveness, even in pain.

You are precious. You are loved. You are His.

aaauuuggghhh...

2011-11-01T14:10:00.004-05:00

November 1st. Dear sweet November 1st. This is one of Kyle's favorite days of the year, and this year I welcome it as well. October kept us running, and we are excited to turn the page on a new clear month of the calendar. I'm sure it will fill up in time, but for now we are breathing a sigh of relief for a week that is a little slower. Once Halloween is over, my man begins playing Christmas music and looking forward to the holidays ahead. We are a family that LOVES the holidays!

But, for now here is a quick recap of the past week's events:

Karter's pre-school class party. Can you guess which one he is?

Iron Man!!! I am pretty sure he was smiling under there :)

Snow. SNOW in October. Crazy, but our kids loved it. The second they got home from school, they were bundled and out in it building all types of snow creatures.

This is the first year we participated with Trunk or Treat at church. We decided to dress up as the Charlie Brown characters and pulled it off in the MOST budget friendly way. If you could only see Kyle's comb over...
it was awesome!

Here are Peppermint Patty and Lucy.
I had to get a picture of Peppermint Patty's flip flop/socks. We almost didn't make it out the door like this, but she pulled it together and did it for us. So fun!

The kids had so much fun handing out candy and seeing all of the costumes. They were such great sports about working instead of playing. They were greeting everyone and having a blast. It was a great night to remember as a family.

The second we got home around 8:10, our doorbell rang and it was some sweet neighbor kids. We snapped a quick picture and then let them go around the block trick-or-treating. It was the perfect ending to a sweet night.

One more Halloween in the books.
May every year be as memorable as this.

just a little photoless update.

2011-10-25T13:00:00.004-05:00

Man, the days are flying by! I can't believe it has been this long since I posted. We had a layed back, fun weekend. Friday night we didn't have a thing which is rare, so we chose to stay home and be as lazy as possible. It was successful. Saturday we decided to drive to Hereford to visit Kyle's Mama, and in the process found out that his Dad bought a new travel trailer. Of course we had to spend some time over there cheering for Mamaw and G-dad, and letting the kids go driveway camping for a while. We could not be more excited for G-dad. He finally has the toy of his dreams :)

Mama was feeling yucky that day, so we stayed for a little while and visited, and then took our crazy bunch out of there. Let me say that there is NO rest or quiet as long as this gang is present. We have been praying that her head feels much better SOON. It was a blessing to get to see her and hug her sweet neck.

Saturday night we loaded up and went to cheer on the Buffs in Canyon. We had not been to a WT football game in so long, and the kids had a blast! The game was not that exciting due to the fact that we were creaming the Greyhounds, but that did not stop us from enjoying being outside, eating at a concession stand, and listening to the band. That is one family adventure that we hope to get to do more often.

On another note:

I randomly ran into a blog last night that has heavied my heart and given me vision. The blog is We Are That Family and the Mom/Author has an amazing heart and passion. She is the visionary behind the Mercy House, which is an amazing project in Kenya, meeting the needs of young pregnant girls who have horrifying testimonies, and teaching them about life and Jesus. I was so inspired as I read about sweet Maureen who runs the home in Kenya. You can click HERE and see her story on video. The thing that hit me hardest, was the fact that Maureen was a Compassion kid.

Last November, our family sponsored Julius from Tanzania, and it has been the best decision we have ever made. I hope to add to our sponsorship someday, and if you are looking for a GREAT gift to give your kids this Christmas, I can say that sponsoring a child through Compassion International will be the most meaningful and lasting one you can find.

Listening to Maureen's story confirms that.

2011-10-18T13:32:00.003-05:00

On this chilly, blustery morning, I had the privilege of escorting my little man on his pumpkin patch field trip. Much to the girl's dismay, preschool is full of field trips, and I am ever thankful to be able to participate in every single one. I like to consider it a job perk.
Now, Karter feels a little differently. On the way to school this morning he asked me if I had to go on the field trip with him? He let me know that he was just fine going by himself. I gently told him that he was out of luck, stuck with a Mama who has to witness every special detail of his last year at home. I felt better when he held my hand as we walked between the rows of colorful pumpkins, having to touch each one with his frozen, tiny hands.

Karter and Conner are right at 4.5 feet tall according to the scarecrow. They would measure, run and play, and then come back for a remeasure. Making sure they hadn't grown any in the last few minutes. From my perspective, it seems as though that is all it takes for inches to be added. Minute by minute these kids of ours are gaining ground on us, and before we know it Karter will be looking that scarecrow in the eyes.

After all of the pumpkin exploring, they settled in the hay to read a sweet book. The book is called The Pumpkin Patch Parable, and it is such a sweet story using pumpkins to describe the way God fills us with His light.

All in all, our allergies are horrible, but our hearts are full. The wind did not stop the fun, and it was great memory for Karter-man and I.

is it just me...

2011-10-17T14:32:00.002-05:00

Is it just me, or is everyone leaving Blogger for Pinterest?? I am so intrigued, but I can absolutely NOT take on any other form of addiction! I am already struggling with the Skittles that are above my fridge for my Sunday school class, and I'm pretty sure that another temptation would put me over the edge.

We have had an amazingly (is that a word?) fun and busy weekend. We had 2 soccer games, multiple birthday parties, a picnic, church, put in a new garage door opener, cooked, cleaned, played and so on. It was wild. Thankfully we had about 1 hour to nap on Sunday afternoon and catch up on some much needed rest ~ until the neighbor girl rang the doorbell and woke us all up after about 15 minutes. I think that should be an unspoken, universal rule: Every Sunday There Is To Be NO Doorbell Ringing. Period.

So, we all started our week a little sleepy this morning, but the weather is beautiful and life is oh so sweet, so there is no room for complaining.

Our pastor has started a new series at church titled In God We Trust, and even after only 1 Sunday, I feel my rear end has been kicked. Spiritual spanking! Kyle and I have been working so hard to figure out our finances this year, and for the first time I feel as though we are on the right track. For the first time in 11.75 years, we have a substantial savings account, our house loan is down to 15 years, we are almost out of debt, and our kids should have their college funds going by next year. That is not all of it, and it has taken a lot more work than that last sentence reads, yet around every corner God is whispering to my heart that I am still not trusting Him.

A precious friend of mine and I are doing a Bible study together right now, and last week we talked about how God has a theme where He is working on us. Mine right now is TRUST.

Not that this is anything new. It's a reoccurring theme, weaving itself in and out of my thoughts and plans. It is there reminding me that since I didn't fully learn it last time, God will keep working and sifting, until I am committed to live it out fully. Until I am ready to hand over every detail~

~The fact that He has a plan and will fulfill it in our children, EVEN if they do not have a fully funded college account by the age of 18.
~The fact that our debt will be paid off, EVEN while we are giving where He shows us a need.
~The fact that He holds my children in His hands, EVEN while they are out of mine.
~The fact that being very comfortable doesn't always mean we are where we are suppose to be.
~The fact that comfort and stability usually mean that my cross is laying on the ground instead of being carried on my back.

And it probably also includes that fact that I WILL live if I don't get to eat 5 mini bags of Skittles before the girls walk in the front door after school. He is working and I can feel it.

Even down to the smallest details of my heart.

lanie loves.

2011-10-10T12:38:00.004-05:00

I just want to remember this. Every morning our kids make their beds, and Lanie is by far the most intentional in how hers is arranged. And actually I'm not sure that Karter even qualifies as making a bed, due to the fact that all of his blankies and covers are all hanging off of one side. Kailee does make hers, but by the time she has dressed and done, and redone, her hair, that is the last item on her list, and it's quick and basic. She is a simple-ist.

Not our Lanie. It's as though she is nurturing each and every pet, with a kiss and a hug as she walks out the door. She sleeps with 7, and only 7, stuffed animals every night. She still has her 4 year old Littlest Pet Shop sheets and blankie, and even though they are paper thin, she is faithful to the death to those thread bare treasures. Every animal has a name, and they come from all people and places. She can tell you who gave it to her, and when. She LOVES her bed. Just like this.

One night I walked in to tuck her in (which is quite the process!), and she had her head buried in her covers, crying. I asked her what was wrong, and she said that her Daddy had asked her to put some of the animals up because they were taking over her bed and she no longer had any place to sleep. With a true broken heart, I gave her a sweet hug, grabbed all of those fuzzy, worn animals, and turned out the light. Please don't tell Kyle. We usually always work as a team :)

It's her thing. And because it's her thing, it's our thing. Precious beyond words.

it's days like this...

2011-10-06T11:42:00.005-05:00

When the highlights of my job shine. There isn't anything more priceless to me than being able to go on field trips with Karter. Especially field trips to Fire Stations, which make him a little clingy and bring out the brightest blue of his sweet eyes.

He was in awe of the big, red firetrucks, and said the best part of the trip was getting to sit inside of it.

He was pretty nervous when this fireman came out in his full set up, but he let the kids give him fist pumps, so that eased their nerves. All of the firemen were amazing and so sweet with the kids. They were true heroes, giving these little ones someone to look up to.

If the only moment I had witnessed was his eyes glowing and smile growing as the lights came on the fire truck, my day would have been blissfully complete. A day for the books.

well, now...

2011-10-05T13:14:00.007-05:00

Karter and I have been enjoying this beautiful, drizzly day to the fullest! We have Legoed, read tons of books and snuggled tight under blankets while the rain fell just slow enough to sound, and smell, heavenly. It is just one of those days in which wearing your p.j.'s until 1:00 and only getting as far as clean just make sense. Who has time for make-up when there are blogs to be posted and pumpkin muffins to be made? I say that, but in all reality ~ I'm not wearing make-up due to the fact that my face cannot decide if it wants to wrinkle like an older woman or break out like a teenager. Today the zits are winning, and I'm hoping that keeping it clean will dry it all out. And then, it will wrinkle because it's dry. The things I have to worry about!

Speaking of pumpkin, I have purposefully stumbled upon the most delicious recipes that I hope to try out very soon (as in today). Here are a few:

*Just click on the words :)

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

It's just that time of year!

Other than gaining weight, the Goldsmith's have been enjoying a lot of socca. We now have a "socca playa" in the house, and that little red head is GOOD! I mean I hate to brag, but something about being out in that field of little guys, with miniature testosterone flowing and pint size competitive energy rushing, our boy gets after it.

Now, let me start over by saying that it wasn't always that way. Kyle and I didn't know one lick about soccer, but some sweet, Jesus lovin' new neighbors of ours asked if Karter could play on their team this season. We thought it would be good for him to have something for himself since he chases the girls around every day of his life, so we signed him up. We were a lot worried about things like: crying every time the ball was taken from him, needing a band-aid every time he fell, getting tired and sitting down in the middle of a game, having to go potty every 5 minutes, and other 4 year old so ons...

But, after following everyone around and checking out the crowd for the beginning half of his first game, something inside his little precious heart kicked in. It said, "Don't you let them get that ball from you!", and off he went scoring his first of many goals. Amazing!

We are not those parents, but we sure are proud and we are definitely crazy about watching him play. It is a blast to have the male side of sports. Kailee swears that anything athletic, other than hoola-hooping, is just SO hot, and Lanie would rather pull out her eyelashes than let a coach tell her what to do for an hour. We are enjoying this new perspective of parenting.

We are also convinced that if that boy is going to play sports, soccer may have to be it. Since I am 5'1", and his Daddy is 5'7", there are not a lot of options in bigger towns for the short people.

So all in all, this has been a great experience for our family! We couldn't love the coaches more, they are so patient and encouraging, keeping it fun and at the 4 year old level. We've seen some of those other coaches and teams, they are the ones who taught our boys how to smack talk.

Now if I could only get him to be so intent on cleaning his room. For some reason, the focus just isn't there??

an unending work.

2011-10-04T14:25:00.003-05:00

I'll never forget that at one point in my parenting days, I actually thought that this work as a Mom would get easier. That possibly when she slept through the night, it would be easier. That if she could only get through potty training, my life would be simpler. Maybe, just maybe, when all 3 are in school, life will slow down. That when they are grown and gone, I will find me, the one who is juggled between soccer practice, piano lessons, and homework.

I am learning, and seeing, what a false belief that is. All the while, I LOVE my role as Mama to these 3. They continue to challenge, grow, and break me. Even on the easier days, there is weariness. On the days where energy seems to flow freely from an invisible resource, we battle. In moments, one will make my day as another breaks my heart. It's a sacrificial love for them that keeps my desire steady, longing for nothing more than to make sure that grace is consistent and Jesus is seen.

And then, there are the women I look up to. They have changed my perspective of Mothering, giving me a glimpse into life unplanned ~

~It's the woman who gives up restful, free afternoons after a long, hard week of work to attend a grandchild's soccer game and encourage a weary daughter with a sweet smile and a bright pink sweatshirt.

~It's the Mom who has willingly given up a year of life for hospital stays, mending wounds, rocking a new baby, and housework. With each tear that fell, I saw the sustaining, ever fighting spirit of a Mother.

~It's in the woman who chooses to give up what has been hard earned to help a grown child who is longing and searching for the Light.

~It's the Mother who has buried her own children, longing and wishing it would have been the other way around.

It's the phone calls, the prayers, the heart ache, the time. They all confirm that as we take this role of Mama, we are choosing a work for life. There is no other job like it. Taking it on with excitement and joy, later realizing that in the joy, there is also pain.

But hard work reaps much fruit. Such a small price to pay. Our payment is lasting. Each memory of smiles, snuggles, precious prayers at bedtime, and little hearts broken over a hurting soul remind me that the challenges make the sweet times all the better. Memories tucked away to aid during the rough patches.

I'm ever thankful for those who have walked this road before me.
I'm overwhelmingly grateful for those little ones that allow me to mess up and still love me the same.

We are in this together.

10.

2011-10-03T14:36:00.003-05:00

As a Mama, there are times when you just want to stop. Stop time. Stop growth. Stop your little babies from becoming big kids. Today is one of those days. It's the day when our biggest girl turns 10. Double digits. 2 years away from Jr. High, 5 years from high school, 6 years from driving, and 8 years from graduation. The decade that will determine so much about who she will become as an adult. The years that will bring many life altering decisions. But for now, she's my little girl. The one who still loves to climb up in my lap and tell me about her day. The big girl who isn't too big.

Kailee, at 10 years old you are the most beautiful red head I have ever seen. You have such a pure beauty that stretches from the kindness in your huge heart right out to the very last freckle on your nose. You are growing and stretching, and not only the length of your jeans. Those legs go on for miles, but so does the story that God is wrapping around your life. He is molding and shaping you. You are learning what it means to walk in grace and gentleness.

You were sewn together with a very complex personality. You can be a very serious girl, thinking deep and happy to just be home. The next thing we know, you have cracked out of your shell and you can be the silliest girl, filling a room with laughter and friendship. A beautiful mixture of them all, keeping us on our toes and bringing joy and challenges alike.

Some of your passions are reading, babies (especially little cousins), music of any kind, shiny jewelry and shoes, riding your bike and your sweet friends. You have made the greatest friendships, and we love seeing that grow. You all love Jesus, and we pray that He will use the Fabulous 4 in the most amazing ways.

These 10 years have flown by, but what an honor it is that you call us Mama and Daddy. You are precious to us. We pray that this year is your best yet.

Happy 10th birthday sweet Kailee. We just love ya' to pieces!!

soldier mama.

2011-09-28T14:45:00.004-05:00

Nehemiah 4:17

Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other...

I have read this story in Nehemiah quite a few times, and have loved it every time. It has never been more profound to me in life as it is right now. As this story was discussed this past weekend, it was as if God was saying, "Tamra, grab your sword!"

I may not be rebuilding the great wall, but I do have a home to protect. In fact, I don't want a wall at all. I want open hearts and open doors. But none the less, I have a family to fight for. Children to guide and guard, and then let them go one little step at a time. A marriage to hold tightly. All of these precious pieces of my life being challenged daily by the raging war that is both seen and unseen.

My work is our home, the drive to piano and soccer, evenings with my man, the playground. It's what I do, and I'm quite proud of it, not longing for anything more. In my life, this verse looks much differently on the outside. More like dish towels in one hand and a shovel in the other, but the battle is much the same. It's fighting off that which has come tear down where we are building.

Building children who are in love with their Jesus.
Building an amazing marriage that will last all our days.
Building a home where we love on those who are hurting.

Brick by brick.

labor day weekend.

2011-09-07T13:41:00.006-05:00

Let me introduce you to the newest member of our family. Her name is Green Bean, and I think I am in love. Kyle and I decided a while back that we would give each other a bike for Christmas, and on Monday we decided it was time. It was in the 70's and we had a whole day off, so off we went to Academy to purchase 2 shiny, new bikes. I think it is the best purchases of 2011. Isn't she beautiful?! Here goes Papa duck and his little biking ducklings :) We all geared up and road around our neighborhood for an hour and a half. It was the funnest thing we have done in a long time. It was exercise in disguise :) I highly recommend it. It makes you feel like a kid all over again, minus the really sore tail bone. Our next purchase ~ better, comfy seats :)

Our other Labor Day weekend events included a super fun evening spent with college friends. We headed to the big city of Panhandle for supper and some football. I tell you, there are no friendships more precious to us than these crazy people. We have all been friends for 13-15 years, and it runs deep. We are so blessed to have them, and even better to have them close.

Between the families who made it Sunday, there were 7 adults and 11 kids ranging from ages 1 - 10. It's completely wild to think that this is how far we have come since college. The kids play so well together, and they almost treat each other like family. It's so fun doing this family thing together with them all!

At the football field, the parents all learned that we are NOT in our 20's any longer. I think there were plenty of pulled parts and strained muscles. None the less, it was a blast! We laughed at each other, and made complete fools of our selves. That may be one of the things we love most about this group is that they just don't care.

Here are all of the kids, minus one. They were the cutest little football players and cheerleaders.

A great Daddy pyramid. They were really good sports, especially considering there were a few kidneys being punctured.

The old man group. Not much has changed since college ;)

The women of the group. We go way back. I could tell you some secrets on these girls. I could write an entire book on all of the good times we have had. I could also go on for years about how much each one of them means to me. They are priceless. The best friends this old woman could ask for. I truly believe that when we are old (older), and grey (under our color) we will still have the most special bond.

It was a great weekend. Many memories in the book.

pre-k.

2011-09-06T09:57:00.005-05:00

Dear Karter Scott,

In my wildest imaginations, I could have never thought that you would already be old enough to head to pre-school. You are 4.5 years old and at the right age for pre-school, yet you have been asking us to go to school for 2 years now. You have begged and pleaded, yet as our baby, we held on to you pretty tight.

Little did we know, you aren't one to be held on to. You are strong, out going, friendly, and smart. Oh, you love us ~ lots, yet you were still ready by 7:30 this morning with your back pack on and your bed made, ready for your big day. I believe that hour and a half may have been the longest of your life as you tapped your foot and asked Daddy over and over again to show you where the minute hand on the clock needed to be to head out the door.

Much to your dismay, you are only going Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00 - 12:00, because your Mama could not stand the fact of missing out on any more of you. You have been my sole companion for 2 years now, and it is a hard thing to let you go. None the less, I see your desire to be a big part of this huge world. The sparkle in your eye when you meet a new friend lets us know that you will be just fine. The harm in keeping you all to myself when God has such great plans for you outside of these four walls is not a chance I want to take, nor something I want to miss out on.

So, as you begin your small start in this world away from home, we want you to know that we are so proud of you big boy. You are the most caring, sweet, funny, strong son, and we could not ask for more. May Jesus be huge in you as you grow. We love you ~ a whole bunch. That school will never be the same!

Karter with his teachers ~ Mrs. Lisa and Mrs. Sheila

2nd grade.

2011-08-22T08:51:00.005-05:00

Lanie Belle,

Oh my goodness, what a fun summer I have had with you! You have grown leaps and bounds over these past 3 months, and you have even gotten a little taller. Your silliness is contagious, and your view of life and all its goodness brings out the best in us all. You have decided this year that you will just be yourself. That makes us so incredibly happy. You also decided last night that you would wear your Snoopy t-shirt for the first day of school, the SAME t-shirt your wore for the first day of 1st grade. That's just your way, and we happily oblige.

Over the summer you have become an amazing swimmer, have learned to ride your bike like a pro, and decided that you will no longer wear pink or bows. You have learned to write all your numbers and letters going the right direction and your teeth have finally decided to start wiggling and maybe even falling out soon.

There is not one word to describe you Lanie. Just like your art, you are colorful and full of imagination. You bring so much light and joy into your world, no matter where you are. If there is water, you are splashing in it. If there are children, you are making friends and playing. If there is no alarm, you are sleeping in and snuggled under a mountain of blankies. You are a bundle of joy. We LOVE being your Mommy and Daddy!

As you are heading into 2nd grade, we are completely confident that you will make the best of this year. We pray that your year is full of fun and friends. We pray that you will make a little time to study :) We pray that you will love on each and every child you come in contact with. We pray that God will protect you and keep you from anything that might take that joy from you. We pray that you will always be so proud of who you are, not changing for anyone, but letting God mold you.

Lanie, have an amazing year in 2nd grade! We are so proud of you. I can't wait to see you run down the street after school, arms open and ready for a hug. We love you Lanie Bug. Happy 2nd grade!

4th grade.

2011-08-22T08:20:00.002-05:00

Dear Kailee,

What an amazing summer I have had with you. At the beginning you had a little of the end of 3rd grade, too big to be little attitude, but within just a couple of weeks we began to see our little girl again. The girl who loves to giggle and play barbies. The big sister who cares for her brother and sister with the sweetest heart. The cousin who made it her goal for the day to get her baby cousins to giggle and smile. The daughter who helped and talked and snuggled. We have had a great summer.

As we watched the summer come to an end, it became very real that all too soon you would be heading back to school, where the temptation and the pressure is tough to fight. Where you are expected to be strong, smart, physical and grown up. Know that when you leave school and enter into our arms and our home, those pressures will cease. We are your refuge and your encouragement. We are here for you.

Already this year does not look as we hoped for. We hoped that you would be in class with at least 1 of your best friends, but for a reason we do not know yet, His design looks different. You received that news with grace and patience. You handled it much better than your Mama. You took the pieces of encouragement you received and molded a positive attitude about what this year might hold, in spite of your disappointment. Your perspective and trust has grown us all. We KNOW there are amazing stories waiting to unfold for you this year.

Kailee, you are an amazing daughter. We are so proud of who you are becoming. More than anything this year, as you grow older and life is changing and the challenges are fierce, we pray that you have fun. We pray that 4th grade brings amazing, godly friendships that can soften the blow of our harsh world. We pray that you are encouraged to reach out to the broken hearted and those without friends. We pray that God would grow in your heart more and more every day, making Himself known to you in large, obvious ways. We pray that you would find yourself laughing a lot and living a full life.

May 4th grade be a year of growth, friendship, and Jesus. We are your #1 fans. You are precious to us!

i want to ride my bicycle.

2011-08-09T14:08:00.004-05:00

Last week was a very successful week for the Goldsmith's. We now have 3 bike riders, and not a training wheel to be found. Kyle received a tip from a friend about a video that teaches kids how to ride with much less drama, stress and tears. Within 5 minutes Lanie was taking off on her own confidently and the next night Karter learned in about 10 minutes. Every parent should know this trick. Now we go out every night and watch the kids ride around until their heads are sweaty and their legs are jello-y.

Look how good Dad is doing. He is getting so big!
(On a pink Barbie bike)

He is the best bike riding coach. He gets full credit for all 3 kids. I was merely the cheerleader from the sidelines. Way to go babe! You are a great Daddy!

Here is Lanie from behind. I couldn't catch the front of her she was going so fast. She feels free and has lost all sense of caution and care that we held on to for her safety.

Here she is taking a go at Karter's bike. Silly girl.

Here is big boy himself! He is fast and dangerous!
Both of his knees are scabbed over from all of the
crashes he has taken either going down a ramp
or turning way too sharp and way too fast.
This boy thing is going to wear me out!

He loves it though. It has raised the level of
"guy" in him and he makes more growls and
screeching noises now. After he had been riding solo
for about 2 minutes he said, "Ok Dad, I'm ready
for the ramp!"

Other than bike riding, the kids have found a way
to entertain themselves 150% of the time this summer.
We have had more fun and sun than this Mamma should
be able to take, but some how the energy keeps showing up.

It rained for about 3 minutes the other day, so the
kids ran inside and grabbed their much neglected
umbrellas and headed for the yard.

Then it quit raining and they decided to get our
the sprinkler. (and wash my newly washed windows ~
insert ugly face on Mamma now)

Then it was sprinklers, umbrellas, mud and buckets.
After 2 hours we had mud everywhere, dirty windows
and a nasty dog. But it was a good 2 hours, and that
is what counts.

As summer is coming to a close, I am really torn
between feelings of begging for fall weather
and wanting to hold on to my girls a little longer.
We have had the best summer, even in the midst
of the 100's, and have worn ourselves right out.

I had the best of plans to get all of Lanie's letters
and numbers going in the right direction and making
sure that Kailee went to school remembering her
multiplication rules, and we did that a little.
But now I just want them going to school knowing
that their Mamma loves them. That I took time to
get in the pool even though I had already fixed my
hair for the day and jumped on the trampoline even
though it was 1,000 degrees.

I need them going back to school with one thing in mind ~
that school is important and so are their friends,
but their family matters most.
That their crazy Mom and Dad think they are the
best little gifts ever.

Because they are.

if this is any indication...

2011-07-25T15:05:00.012-05:00

Big girl is at camp. And if the way I feel right now is any indication of what it is like to have a child leave home for college, I'm doomed.

She was signed up to go to camp with our church, with me as a sponsor, and then the bears invaded the camp ground and they had to cancel. True story. So, our second choice was for her to attend camp with 2 very sweet girls from Trinity Baptist. Not only was I excited about her getting to go with sweet friends, I was also very confident in sending her with 2 amazing, godly women I know.

None the less, when you send off your oldest for the first time with someone other than family, it does something to you. It means that they are growing up. It means they are out of your hands.

It means that parenting is a constant state of growing and trusting God.

All in all, I have not heard from her today, so I know she is having the time of her life. That is what we want, except it would be ok with me if she did get a little home sick. :)

I know this is a first of many times that we will send her out. It is NOT easy, and might not ever be. More than anything we want three things out of this week: We want God to capture our daughter's heart, we want her to build friendships that are full of Jesus, and we want her to grow. To feel confident in herself ~ without us.

As hard as that is, it's our job. To take this sweet, shy, timid daughter of ours and show her how to be strong in this world. To open our doors and little by little help her spread her wings.

God is going to have to lead this one. If it were up to me, I'd lock the doors and keep them all to myself. I've already seen how fast these days slip away.

60 years.

2011-07-07T14:02:00.007-05:00

Today is my Grandad and Grandma's
60th wedding anniversary.
60 years together.
Amazing.

This is the anniversary picture we took
in May of the whole family.
To say that they have done well
is an understatement.

They were married when my Grandma
was 15 and my Grandad was 14.
60 years of hard work, ups and downs,
health and heart ache,
new births and death.
60 years full of
amazing stories and lots of love.

Grandma and Grandad, I am SO
proud to be a part of your family tree.
The love you have shared with this family
could never be returned in full,
even in 100 years,

But here's to trying.

Happy 60 years together!

You are priceless to us!

*Amazing picture by Kara Piehl Photography*

conclusions.

2011-07-07T12:40:00.003-05:00

I have come to a few conclusions. All of them are worthy of noting, even if only for my re-reading in a few years. Each one full of life altering information, which I hope you can use for yourself. I can not remain silent any longer. Life is simply too short.

Conclusion #1 ~ Having a dog for a pet is complete foolishness. They require way too much money, potty on the carpet way too many times, and create messes and dirt, even in places my children can't get to. Our dog is about ~t h i s c l o s e~ to getting the gate opened and me standing on the trampoline watching her run away and yelling "RUN LASSY, I MEAN LIZZY, RUN FREE!!" Do not get a dog. If you do, we will not be able to be friends any longer. If you disagree with me and think I am a horrible person, I'll have to take that hit and move on. If you love dogs so much you can't stand it, we have one you can add to your bunch. I take back everything cute I ever said about her. I was deceived.

Conclusion #2 ~ Pedicures are worth every extra penny. I had my first one in a year on Tuesday and felt so spoiled and relaxed that I almost asked her to clear off my new polish and just start all over. Go get one. You won't regret it. The sweet lady doing mine said, "Do you want flower on you toe?", and I said YES, anything to stay in this massaging chair a little longer.

Conclusion #3 ~ Celebrating the 4th of July came with a new perspective this year. It feels more like we are living in the Land Of the Free, Home of the Slave. While I am thankful every day that I live in the US, it seems more and more of us are choosing to live in chains instead of freedom. Our freedom has provided us the right to become alcoholics, live in overwhelming debt, leave our families, neglect our children, and become poor and lazy. As free men and women we choose slavery to alcohol, money, electronics, images, and selfishness over true freedom. We may not have bombs outside our door steps, but there is a war going on and it is very close to home.

Conclusion #4 ~ Watching your 10 month old nephew once a week will hold you accountable to keeping your floors clean.

Conclusion #5 ~ Financial matters are difficult. While discussing the fact that our 9 1/2 year old will be graduating in 9 years, we decided it was past time to get serious about college funds. But in order to start a college fund, we need to build up our savings. And we also want to cut our home mortgage to 15 years, but in order to do that we must pay off a few things. And in order to do that we must be disciplined and wise. And in order to do that, we must get rid of our dog, whose haircuts cost a whopping $35 each!

That's all I've got for today. My 3 + baby boy Finn are all asleep and I have a book I'm trying to get into. And speaking of books, I have just joined http://www.goodreads.com/ and it is FUN! It would even be more fun with friends who read, so join and let me know!

Happy Thursday.

back in the saddle.

2011-06-29T15:21:00.004-05:00

Well, the Goldsmith's are back in the game of life and Lanie Lou is better and arting away. Today she came home with all manners of hieroglyphic art and explained in FULL detail the pottery she crafted that MUST dry over night. (Insert exaggerated facial expressions here)

Our 3 children must have been spending way too much bonding time together over the past few days, because we could not manage for one of them to get along with the others. So, I lathered 4 layers of 80+ SPF on their white bodies and we enjoyed an exhausting 2 hours at the pool. They were able to play with friends, swim hard and the sun drained their energy so that this Mama could have a few minutes of peaceful bliss. I don't know if it helped. They may still wake up griping about who took their favorite toy dog that is their very best friend even though they haven't seen the thing in 7 months, but ~ after a quiet moment and a vanilla diet DP, I might make it through the day.

Kailee would kill me if she knew I was sharing this, but it was too interesting. We had just arrived at the pool and were unloading our pile of swimming paraphernalia, when she very privately mentioned a woman in front of us. She said, "Mom, I know some women wear bikini's, but that lady's boobs are all falling out." Innocently and quietly, not tacky, as though pondering why someone would allow that mistake to happen. I wanted to break out my camera and take a picture for future reference, and then quote some scripture about modesty. I didn't. I let that life lesson speak for itself.

Note to women: Our daughters are watching. Their eyes are roaming and we hold the power to encourage great inner self worth and beauty. May our standards be higher and our hearts be pure.

** Side note #589 ~ Dear father-in-law, I will not block you out, it is an honor that you read this blog. Also, I'm sorry I mentioned the above b*** word in your reading presence. **

well.

2011-06-28T13:37:00.002-05:00

Well. This sweet girl is still feeling a little yucky. Of course I rushed her to the doctor yesterday to rule out the evil strep, and her test was negative!! Yippee! That is the first time she has had a negative strep test, which makes the tonsillectomy worth every penny. The down side is that it is a virus. Random fevers, achy, yuck. No medication will help, you have to wait it out. I hate it when they say that.

On the up side, she is eating. Popsicles. Just when I think she is feeling a little down hill, I'll ask if she needs anything. Her reply is always "no thanks". Just as soon as I turn around to walk off I hear, "but Mommy, can I try the fruit punch flavor now?" Scientist will never profit off of the healing power of a good Popsicle. I'm a believer.

Big sister is off swimming with a friend, so I am having a low key, drama free afternoon with the 2 littles. Aside from a little laundry and vacuuming the living room, we are keeping the couch up and watching a little t.v.

I think I deserve a break after opening the salon this morning at 8:00 a.m. I had 4 customers who desperately needed my services, and I wanted a good tip. It amazes me that our family saves about $50 when I cut their hair. Kyle and Karter are easy cheesy. Kailee and Lanie's trims are a bit of a struggle due to their random waves. I would say that I can get it 75% even, and for $30, we are good with that! Curls cover a multitude of strays.

I'll never forget Kyle telling me right after we got married that I could cut his hair! I was scared to death, but we were living off of about $15 per week, so it was either that or a frizzy, red Afro. I got out the clippers. I've done it ever since, except for the few times where I just had NO time to do it. Like when I went to Austin with Mom a few months back for 4 days, and put on Kyle's list ~ Go Get A Haircut (and if I come home and you haven't, your dead meat). Of course I came home and he had NOT gotten a hair cut. And of course we had family pictures the next day and every hair cutting establishment was closed. Not that I'm really holding on to that.

Well, I'm off to enjoy the fruits of my labor and fold some laundry. What can I say, these people pay good here.

a few rambling thoughts.

2011-06-27T16:51:00.003-05:00

I have no pictures today, but simply a few thoughts. Thoughts that lead to more thoughts. A mere tiny section of this mother load of a brain, where thoughts last just a second, barely long enough to form.

I have contemplated making this blog private. Many of you may wonder why I blog to begin with, and it is not for the fame :) It's to keep up with the memories of days passing all to quickly. However, with each new post I do have around 75 different viewers, which either means that many of you are not commentors, or that my Mom is getting on here 55 times a day to see pictures of her grand babies. I'll stick with the first one. In the same breath, the fact that I have 75 viewers and very few comments kind of creeps me out. Who are you out there? Show your pretty face!

My Lanie has started Art Camp for the week. A week she has been so excited for, and us for her. Today was her first day, and of course she began running a fever of 102.6 right after getting home. Of course it is a virus. It has to run it's course :( This is the one week of the summer that I would pray the best health for her. Now I am praying that this dumb fever is short lived. Art is one of her 2 passions, and it would be a tragedy for her to miss the entire week.

My Man has won Daddy of the year award as of last night. Actually parent of the year award. His Lanie has a cry and heart that can melt him to the core, and when her new Zooble that she had bought with her birthday money broke the same day, he spent an hour taking that tiny thing apart and working on it until it worked again. His patience and passion to heal her sadness were amazing. I think my love for him grew about 10 pounds at that moment.

We have the sweetest new family living across the street with 2 girls and a little boy. They fit right in here and I love watching my girls ride scooters down the street with them. If I could recommend anything to parents, it's to find a great neighborhood. We have fallen in love with our neighbors and are so happy to be here. We have the perfect mix of older and younger families, leaving us to feel right at home.

And finally, a note to self: When going back and reading this years from now, never complain about temperatures in the 90's or rainy days when you have planned out door events. This summer has been one too hot, even for me. There are clouds out, and I am praying for a down pour even amongst only a 30% chance.

Happy Monday everyone! May the mild sticky humidity be enough to cause a sweet bead of sweat and a curl around your head today!

7 years of laughter.

2011-06-20T14:24:00.012-05:00

This weekend we celebrated 7 years of FULL, EXCITING, JOYOUS, STUBBORN life. Our Little Lanie Lou came into this world with a bang, and she has not disappointed since. She carries more facial expressions, silly voices and energy than the rest of our family put together. She never stops talking and always has a fresh story to tell. She is the reason for 75% of our laughter, and brings a smile to my face the minute she walks through her door in the morning. She is our sunshine ~ ever bright and radiating warmth into every room.

Our girl wanted a back yard camp out party. No pink. All bears, tents and smore's. It was a blast!

The 3 Goldsmith kids + 2 McNeely's. These 5 cousins played so hard and got along so well. We are so thankful for cousins! Megan wrote Lanie the sweetest little card for her birthday.

We had a search and rescue for 24 tiny plastic wilderness animals. Karter took his magnifying glass very seriously. Poor thing was looking so hard he never found one. I had to step in and give him a few tips.

Kailee would have sat and held this precious bundle of sweetness all night! Miss Mabry is so big and beautiful. We are ever thankful for her.

For some reason, right before the party Lanie decided that this would be a good idea. She was so proud of herself. She really is our monkey!

The Goldsmith family. I sure do love these guys. I have found that our best pictures together are silly pictures. It shows off our true colors.

7 candles. Amazing. These 7 years have flown by so fast. 7 things we love about our Lanie: 1)the fact that she is never afraid to be herself, even if that means walking like a gorilla in Walmart. 2) Her willingness to share everything she has with anyone she meets. She offered to give half of her birthday money to her sister so they could have the same amount. 3) The fact that she will stand in JcPenny's and argue with the dumb lady who worked there and tried to joke with Lanie about how she is not as special as the other 2 because she doesn't have red hair. I about punched her, but Lanie just stood up for herself and went on. 4) That she is learning to not give up. She has fears, but she is finally learning to face them and overcome. 5) Her snuggles and kisses are so real. Never for attention or trying to get her way, but only to say that she loves you. Precious. 6) The fact that her pint size body will never stop her from doing anything. She sees herself as a giant, and her personality and character would agree. 7) Her loud laugh. It's so contagious, and she is often laughing at herself. You can't help but laugh with her.

I could go on and on.....

Meet Allyson. If Lanie were to ever have a twin, this girl would be it. They talk the same, love animals, laugh all the time, play hard and love each other dearly. Lanie's other birthday request was to take Allyson swimming. They swam hard and then we had to finish off the day with a little Bahama Bucks, of course.

The 3 goggled girls. We are so thankful for these 3 sweet girls!!

Lanie, words on this blog can not express how much joy you bring into our lives! We pray that you will always have something to laugh about and someone to laugh with. We love you 10 times more than you love animals! Happy birthday sweet 7 year old. You are precious to us!

when you just don't know.

2011-06-13T16:46:00.005-05:00

For about a year now, this girl has had stomach problems.

Just weird, inconsistent issues.

I'll leave it at that to save her from me sharing her

personal details all over kingdom come.

We decided it was time to go see a doctor.

Of course, that doctor said that we needed to see another doctor.

We know it is a problem that can be easily fixed, it's just

that we need to find out what's wrong first.

We have tried a million different things, and

none have been the solution to her mystery.

So, we are waiting on a phone call that will set us up

with a specialist in Lubbock.

We are anxious for answers and solutions.

We are praying that her 4th grade year is a new

start, feeling all better again.

Here's to a healthy, growing body and less visits to the nurses office!

it's the little things that are big to me.

2011-06-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

Oh my, summer is here and we hit it with a bang! We have not exactly relaxed up to this point, but this next week we will be planting our rear ends in the pool and planning a much anticipated future 7 year old's back yard camp out birthday party. I'm so excited to have some time to take walks with my Kailee early in the morning and snuggle with my sleep in crew once they decide to pull their sleepy heads out of bed. The mornings and the late evenings are my favorite part of summer.

As I was preparing supper last night, my big girl was at the piano, as she most often times is, and just sat down and started playing. Not by book. Not by memory. Just playing. And it was beautiful. The notes were perfectly matched and it created a melody that this Mama is so proud of. Of course Kyle heard it and went running :) He was so excited to sit with her and show her how to expand her creation. They sat and played together for a long while, making beautiful music together out of their hearts and not off of paper. My heart was full and I am so excited to see Kailee grow in the talents and gifts God has given her.

As for Karter, he has experienced an awakening of sorts. In his full life of 4.5 years, he has discovered what he believes is his calling. He is living in the world where Legos and Star Wars collide, and last night bought with his own money, his first 2 sets of Legos Star Wars. Last night he and his Daddy set down to build, and at bed time he needed to make sure that they could "fight" in the morning. So, the battle continues and there will be lightsabers ready to defend the light. I'm sure it will all happen before breakfast today.

Lanie. All I can say is that this girl is up to no good. She is in your face, all over you if you sit down, and never stops talking. Ever. And we LOVE that girl. Yesterday as we were headed out to let the kids spend a couple of their hard earned dollars, she had $2 more than her big sis. As soon as she found that out, she reached over, handed Kailee a $1 and gave her a hug. She likes to keep things even and fair. Her heart is MUCH bigger than her pint sized 40 pound frame, and she is so giving and sweet. (Kailee mentioned that I must add weird to the list, to which Lanie would whole heartedly agree.)

All in all, if we are correct in our guessing, God is creating in our 3 children a Jedi architect, a broke veterinarian and a fashionista musician. Not too shabby. I'll take what I've got :)

another end of the year.

2011-06-03T08:28:00.009-05:00

We ended the 2010/2011 school year with much excitement for summer, and a little sadness over the fact that our big girl is now a 4th grader, our brown head is now a 2nd grader, and Mr. Karter will be headed to 2 day preschool next year. They are all way too old and it will be the first time in 10 years that I will not have a kid with me for even half a day. The fact that Kailee is only 2 years away from Jr. High is enough to make me barf, and I realize there is much to be done before that time.

It was an AMAZING year. The girls had the best teachers and they learned so much! We are so thankful for a public school that has such faith filled teachers and so many sweet Christian friends.

They have grown in such amazing ways. Not only have they gotten about 6 inches taller, they have grown in and through so many different situations. We are learning more and more about each girl and who they have been created to be. While so different, we could not be more excited about each of their special gifts and personalities. And boy are they different!!

First Day of School

Last Day of School

I had added so many more pictures, but once again my blog is making choices for itself, so I will just have to give word pictures.

Each girl had an awards ceremony the last week of school. Lanie received the award for Most helpful Student, straight A's, and most friendly Bobcat. We just shook our heads and giggled. Those awards could not be more appropriate! Kailee received an award for being on the Hoola-Hoop team and the award for science. That blew our socks off. We knew she liked science, but not that much! We guess her Mamaw's love for science is part of her as well. Yet another neat Kailee detail we learned this year.

They also had the school track meet. That day is always so fun to watch as parents. Especially parents who's girls could really care less about anything athletic :) Kailee ran the 50 yard dash, the 75 yard dash, the 50 yard hoola-hoop run, and the soccer kick. Everyone was SHOCKED when she got first in the 75 and 50 yard dash. She really is fast, and has a little bit of a competitive side to her, but she just doesn't like to sweat. Ha!!

Lanie ran the 20 yard dash and the 20 yard crab walk :) She got 3rd in the 20 yard dash and 2nd in the crab walk. She was much more interested in digging in the dirt for bugs with 2 of her other animal loving friends. They were there for the outdoor time, not the races!

We celebrated the last day of school with yogurt at Orange Leaf and a night of Putt Putt golf. It was such a sweet time, and a great way to go out with a bang. We could not be more proud of our girls. Not only because of their straight A's, but because of how they love on others. Because of the way they are respectful and helpful to their teachers. Because of the sweet things their teachers said about them, not about their grades, but their attitudes.

It was a great year. We have been in summer shock this week, but ready to relax a little bit and enjoy the pool. Happy summer everyone! May you be blessed with tan legs, ice cold snow cones and giggles a-plenty?

it's may.

2011-05-13T13:23:00.003-05:00

Well, it's May and our lives are just as crazy as yours. We have run from place to place, enjoying most of it, and trying to grab a high five in between races. Kyle and I are going on a date tonight, and it will be nice to reintroduce ourselves. I believe I am married to a great guy, it will be nice to find him :)

Our master pianist competed in Greater Southwest this past weekend. She has been taking lessons since September, and I am so incredibly proud of her hard work and God given talent! It's her passion, and it could not make her Daddy more proud. To hear them sit at the piano together and play makes this Mama want to cry buckets of tears. I.Love.It.

She has really been worried about this contest because her goal is to learn to play only for family, and no one else. Another reason she loves piano is that there is only her and Mrs. Wynn in the room, and not a group. That was the shortfall to ballet. RECITALS.

She practiced and memorized her song and went in and played for that judge like a pro. I wish I could have her song played on my blog so you could all hear. It was great. Shortly after she played, Mrs. Wynn brought her the score, and it was a 0. They score from 0-5, 0 being the best :) Out of all of Mrs. Wynn's students, only 3 received a 0. I say that not to brag, but to express how impressed I am with her dedication and hard work.

It payed off sweet girl. You are amazing and I am your #1 fan. I love you!

Next on the important list of May activities is that Lanie Belle is taking swimming lessons. This is her practicing her leg kicks with her trusty goggles on. With those goggles she can dive the deepest oceans and ride the largest whale. Without them, squat. I know that because we ran out of the house without them this week, and she swam, but was not near as secure.

This girl has been able to go under water and swim like a fish since last summer. It's amazing. This year we are working on swimming above water. Our Lanie likes to do things backwards :) She is now able to float, swim, and tread water with the best of them. I don't know how those little legs keep her going, but they do.

Lanie ~ you are the cutest fish I have ever seen! I'm proud of you for being brave and swimming where you can't touch. I bet the dolphins would have a blast with you! I love you.

This big boy has been along for the ride, with a smile on his face and a skip to his step. He swims when Lanie swims and plays while Kailee "plays". I'm so thankful that God gave us a third child who is happy wherever life takes him. Well, except for Target.

Karter, thank you for loving your sisters so much. You support them and encourage them every day, and I love that about you. You are my hero. I love you!

the life of a bum.

2011-04-29T11:08:00.003-05:00

I am sitting here in a hotel in Austin, TX, it's 11:00 AM and I am still in my p.j.'s, only to have thrown on some clothes to run downstairs, grab breakfast, and head back to my hole. I have had the amazing pleasure of joining my Mom in Austin while she is attending a school for work. We came down a day early, and we left our room at 8:45 yesterday morning, and arrived back at 9:00 PM, having shopped ALL day. ALL day. We had breakfast, shopped and shopped, and then had supper around 8:00 PM! It has been such a treat.

We started our day yesterday with breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, and oh dear goodness gracious, it was delicious!! We had our coffee, tied our tennis shoes, and drove straight to Ikea. It was a first for both of us, and I guarantee you, we will go back as soon as possible! We spent 3 hours there, just looking and picking up a few things that we could NOT live without :)

Next, we trekked over to Home Goods and TJ Max. We spent a good chunk of time and money there as well. Oh how I would love a Home Goods back in the big city. It's probably better for our budget that we don't. They just have the best stuff for the greatest prices!!

After much shopping, we stopped at Chipotle for some supper, and drove our tired, hot feet home. Let's just say that we both slept very well last night!

This morning Mom had to go to her class for the day, so I am here at the hotel without mode of transportation. What's funny is that people were worried about what I would do?? Would I get board?? Where would I eat?? Um... for a Mommy of 3 and a very busy home life, this is a D.R.E.A.M!!! I am sitting here checking up on all of my favorite blogs and drinking coffee. I haven't done any dishes or laundry. I haven't had a shower, and maybe in a little bit, I'll walk down to the pool, grab a shaded lounge chair and a drink and read my new book. Please don't worry about me. I'll be ok.

Don't get me wrong, I MISS my amazing husband and my 3 sweet kiddos! I would love for them to be here with me. But since they aren't... I'm going to enjoy me some silence.

~Disclaimer: Although we did a lot of shopping, I did NOT spend a lot of money :) We window shopped with the best of them, and found some super bargains. This is for the heart health of my husband when he reads this post.~

On a completely different note: I am not really into the royal wedding. It is a big deal and it is history making, but I am horrified that in our own country, 100's of lives have been lost due to tragedy, and we can't even cut all of the wedding coverage short to bring it back home and bring awareness to what's going on here. I mean seriously, wasn't once or twice enough for everyone to see the dress? I'm so sad for all of those families who are devastated, yet I can't even find it on one of the 20 news channels to see a new update :( And that, is my soap box for the day.

sweet day.

2011-04-25T13:26:00.015-05:00

We had such an amazing Easter day! We went to church Saturday night, which was an amazing time of worship, and then headed out of town to the big city of Vega to stay the night. Sunday morning we woke up, ate a huge breakfast, and stayed in our p.j's way too long. My parents invited everyone over for Easter lunch, and we enjoyed our time with family so much. Both sets of grandparents, my brother and his family, Aunt Monnie, Mom and Dad, and us. It was beautiful outside, so we enjoyed every minute of it until we had to head home at 7:00 that night.

Here are way too many pictures to detail parts of our day:

Please notice that the only one smiling is Lanie. Lanie: the one who NEVER does a serious face during pictures. Here, during our silly picture, she is serious.

Beautiful Lanie.

Bubble blowing Karter. He did this for about 2 hours Sunday.

Their favorite tree at Memme and Mamps'.

My sweet girl, Kailee.

A smile!!

My favorite 3 little people.

Chubbylicious Finn!

Our kids and 4 of their great grandparents.

Sweet, sweet Aunt Monnie. (Kailee is wearing my Grandad's glasses!)

Karter and his special egg.
It was also my Grandma's 75th birthday! Happy birthday Grandma! We love you so much!

Easter.

2011-04-23T12:48:00.008-05:00

I have to say, Easter this year has been on my heart and in my mind at every moment. Perhaps more than usual. I am not sure why it has happened this way, but I am glad for it all the same. There have been unusual reminders of past sins forgiven. There have been words out of the mouths of our 3 sweet kids that have been so incredibly powerful in such astoundingly simple ways. The cross has been real, not foreign. We have read together, prayed together, remembered together. So ever thankful for the sacrifice.

I believe the cross gains meaning in my life the older I get. My sin seems so much darker, and I in return are in such a desperate need of forgiveness. As our children grow, we seek and beg that they would engage in a belief that is humble and honest, one that hungers for purity and righteousness, all the while remembering that we are nothing without Jesus. The cross and the resurrection mean the world to me, but for my children and the sake of their lives, it means more. Grace. Amazing grace ~ hope that no matter how ugly this world becomes, we have a way out. The cross created that way, and the resurrection gives it validity. Promises kept, and we have a reason to remember and to celebrate.

We have already had such an amazing Easter weekend. We are SO thankful for the day off yesterday, and we did a lot of nothing. We enjoyed the beautiful day and even took a long nap. All of us.

Today we are preparing for the celebrating! We have baked our goodies for a family gathering, Kailee my great helper. I just wonder how long it will be before she does not need that stool, and her tutu's turn into something much more grown up? I hope never, but that is not reality. For now, I will cherish these moments where she wants to sit in the kitchen with her Mom for hours, cooking together and talking.

After our cake and pie were finished, we decorated our eggs. I honestly never knew where the egg came into play at Easter time. I knew we decorated them and hunted them, but why an egg? Then we read some of the sweetest Easter books that taught us just that. That lilies and eggs are signs of new life. Yes, now I get it! That gives a much more meaningful approach to Easter eggs. And a fun one at that!

Karter had to add sports stickers to his. He really got into the egg decorating this year, although he does have a hard time waiting for the color to do it's job.

Kailee and Lanie on the other hand, do their eggs with much precision and care. They have a plan, and keep to it. Lanie can do amazing drawings with that silly wax crayon. We can't figure out how she does that good when she can't see the lines? On one of KGG's she forgot the "n" in spring, so we at the Goldsmith house are wishing you all a "Happy Sprig" this year!

Best kids in the world! At least to us :)

Our family wishes you a very

blessed Easter as you celebrate

new life and His love for you.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4

one of the things i love the most...

2011-04-18T13:21:00.010-05:00

is that my children love to read. They absolutely adore a trip to the library, and I have to give them limits on how many books they can take home, or we would wipe the whole place out.

This morning, I was hunting for Lanie so I could do her hair before school. I looked and looked and couldn't find her. I opened her closet door and found Karter and Lanie in the floor with sleeping bags... reading.

This is the look I got when I said, "Lanie, are you putting your shoes on?" Of course she wasn't, she and Karter were doing Where's Waldo!

On the hunt :)

Then I moved into the living room and found this. KGG in our ugly recliner... reading.

At least she was ready for school, and taking a moment to get in a little Goldilicious before running out the door :)

And speaking of reading children's books, here are a few of our recent favorites:

1. Skippyjon Jones - These are Lanie's favorites, and we all laugh SO HARD at them!!

2. Sarah Plain and Tall - One of my favorites growing up, and Kailee just read it and loved it.

3. The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village by Francis Chan - GREAT story!

4. The Jesus Storybook Bible - All time favorite children's story Bible!

5. How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You - All of this series is a favorite of Karter's.

6. The Kid's National Geographics Readers - These books are education and great! Lanie loves them all.

7. A is for America - This book is great, and so are all the others in this series. Very educational, but easy for kids to read and understand.

These are just a few books in the piles and piles that we could read over and over again. My goal is to unplug more with less screen time, and give our kids a love for reading. I believe it is one of the most important tools we can hand down.

By the way, Trigger, Tremor and Lightening had to go back to school today. They were great guests for the weekend, but I will be fine if we don't have any more crawly creatures in our home for a while! Great job with your project KGG!!

all things crawly and gross.

2011-04-17T15:01:00.009-05:00

This weekend, Kailee brought home 3 silk worms to take care of for a class project. Ummm... this project has me now considering home schooling, because I fully realize that we will be doing this two more times in the future.

It has been so windy, and my idea of them staying on our back porch did not work out. So, they are on the girl's dresser, in a shoe box. KGG has done a great job taking care of them! She has found the leaves, cleaned out their box, and even given them names.

Saturday morning, Kyle hopped out of bed and made home made apple sauce muffins. They were delicious, even though they were definitely NOT the low sugar version :)

Last night, in honor of our 3 guests, we decided to make dirt~n~gummy worm dessert. The kids would have done a great job, had their nerdy Mama not stepped in and forgotten to mix the Cool Whip in WITH the chocolate pudding. So, Lanie decided that our "dirt" dessert would be covered with snow. We raise our gummy worms tough around here. They are all weather creatures.

Karter's favorite part of cooking!

Yummy!! We have had a super busy week, full of even doses of work and fun. Friday we took the kids to see Born To Be Wild, and even though it was REALLY short, it was amazing and inspiring. Our animal loving children drank in every minute of it.

Saturday, we spent the afternoon at our church's Spring Carnival. It was huge, free, fun and windy. Kyle kept our attitudes positive and we played until we were worn out.

This week's calendar is full, and we are ready for the 3 day weekend. We are anticipating Easter, and ready to celebrate with the heavens!

my new favorite number.

2011-04-11T21:01:00.012-05:00

Early this morning, I received a text that read, "Happy 133 month anniversary!" Seriously, who does that? My sweet man reminded me that we are pretty close to the day where I will have been involved in 1/3 of his life. I told him it has been the best 133 months of my life! Kyle Scott, thank you for being so good to me :)

Now, on to more unromantic things, like dining chair boxes from Pier 1. Let me tell you, if your kids are bored, go get ya' some boxes. Big ones. We pulled these suckers out of the garage 4 days ago, after bringing in our new chairs, and you would have thought it was Christmas morning at our house! The kids squealed with delight, and we haven't seen them since :)

They have colored the entirety of the insides and even had a flash light hanging inside for a lamp, until the batteries died. The end of the second box, where you will see Lanie's sweet face below, is a doggy door for Lizzy. I think it would be well worth it to go make a huge purchase, just for the box. It's nice having new chairs, but the memories these kids are making in these cardboard rectangles are so much more valuable!

Doggy Door :) Poor Lizzy!

When you are finished playing in your boxes, I strongly advise that you RUN to Target and buy a box of Legos. My boy had saved up his money for almost a year and finally decided that he wanted to buy something. Legos. Lots of tiny Legos. I had no idea what an impact those tiny, colorful building blocks would make on our family!

Karter received his in the mail on Saturday afternoon, and that night we as a family huddled around our famous white coffee table, and played Legos for two straight hours! We built trucks and houses, race cars and swimming pools. Lanie, of course, built a hippo and a dog.

We had so much fun, and Karter has had a blast building and using his ever creative imagination to come up with some amazing masterpieces. I think it is so good for him to stretch and create, not always looking at the pictures, but coming up with a few special works of his own. He is really good at it, and gets very serious.

Our construction worker's house and garage.
He even has a special place to put his tools.

a few favorite things.

2011-04-07T14:20:00.004-05:00

I tell you, I cannot get enough of the blog A Holy Experience. Her writing is so intriguing and peaceful, and I long to be able to be as quiet as she is. I don't live out in the country, far from cars, schools and fire truck sirens, but I believe there is peace to be found. Even here. In the middle of it all. God IS Peace. I pray that His peaceful presence would be right smack in the middle of our wild, crazy, loud lives.

Another favorite today is when my boy uses the word, "double". He says things like, "I am double hungry Mommy", or "It is double windy today". It means a LOT. Huge. A whole bunch. Two nights ago, we had put all of the kids to bed and were sitting in the living room. I was in the rocking chair and I heard his door open. This is not rare. He usually comes out at least once to say he is thirsty or needs to potty. Maybe even 10 times per night, but who's counting? On this special night, he opened the door and came straight to me. He said, "Mom, I missed you." and climbed up in my lap for one of the best hugs I have ever experienced. We snuggled and did the good night routine all over again, and as he was leaving the room said, "Mom, I double love you." I sat there with tears in my eyes and tried my hardest to remember every sweet detail of that exact moment. His red tipped ears and cheeks, his little boy undies because he likes to sleep "naked", him itching his arm as he walked back to his room. I have to say, that is one of the best moments of my life. The moments that make this Mommy thing worth it, times 100. "Double" worth it.

Favorite #3 ~ All of the sun time we get now that Spring is here.

Favorite #4 ~ Hearing the birds outside my open windows.

Favorite #5 ~ Easter is coming!

Favorite #6 ~ Tag teaming in this parenting thing with my man.

Favorite #7 ~ Listening to Kailee Grace play the piano.

Favorite #8 ~ Going through old pictures of family.

Favorite #9 ~ Coffee. Multiple times a day.

Favorite #10 ~ Watching Lanie lay outside and find cloud animals in the sky.

It's not a bad life, you know?

well.

2011-03-31T14:40:00.003-05:00

Here at As We Are, Inc., we seem to be having some bloggy technical difficulties with downloading pictures and messy print. It's driving me crazy and I am looking into new blogging options, and would love any advice. Does anyone use another program? I can't stop. It has created such an amazing way to post and keep up with family memories.

So, since we can't see pictures, I will have to make a list of things of most unimportance to any of you:

1. Minus a table, floors, counter tops, windows and wall art, our kitchen is complete. We have worked on it for 3 months off and on and that list still involves all of the major expenses. That's depressing. I felt so accomplished before I made this list.

2. I've just discovered that A Holy Experience has now come out with an Easter devotional (click HERE), which is similar to the Jesse Tree project that my family so enjoyed. I'm pumped, printed and ready to take it on!

3. I have finally cleaned out, organized into months and years, and edited ALL thousands of our family pictures since 2001. I almost had a serious mental break down when I thought I had lost all of our pictures from Lanie's first year, but alas, I found them in print. I will be taking them soon to be transferred onto disks. After reading about this house burning down I got on the ball and am taking extra steps to make sure those babies don't get lost.

4. Tangled is out on DVD. Enough said.

5. I have been searching high and low for new, yummy recipes. I have cooked most of PW's and need something fresh to add to my fat binder of deliciousness. I would like to have recipes that could widen my binder and not my rear end, but I'm finding that hard to do.

6. I've been getting ready for a garage sale we are having this Saturday with 3 other families. At our house. In our garage/work shop. That has concrete stained with old oil, multi-colored spray paint mess ups and is covered in saw dust. It will be great. The chillin's will be selling lemonade if you want to stop by and help fund their empty pockets. You will never be more refreshed!

7. Dear editor and chief Kyle, I have already found many embarrassing mistakes in this pointless post, but I'm sure you will find many more. I wanted to tell you that I so appreciate your valiant effort to create in me an educated brain. I'm sorry I have failed you in so many ways. I will increase your pay 10 fold.

Craving all things chocolate,

Tamra

get ya' some friends with rich friends.

2011-03-28T10:28:00.003-05:00

I have been buried in loads of laundry as high as the eye can see. I'm not complaining though. It's all due to the fact that my great friends Shawn and Brea have dressed my younger two kiddos for the summer, and for that I am eternally grateful. (with the voice from the aliens in Toy Story)

I have been unloading tubs of hand-me-downs, and this stuff is no junk. It's all great! Some of it looks brand new, and that due to the fact that even though it has been worn a million times, it is of great quality, so it lasts through many children. Shawn has a very financially healthy friend who hands down all of her clothes to her. We are reaping the benefit of that, so I do suggest that you find some friends with rich friends. A blessing indeed :)

It is such an amazing life treat to have friends. Close ones. The ones you can see in your grungies with no shower, and they still treat you kindly. The friends you trade books and recipes with. The women who can come over right after your children have made your house look as though a major hurricane has just occurred, and they will still use your potty. Those friends. I'm am so thankful for you friends!!

Now onto a completely different subject:

Lanie Lou is learning to ride her bike without training wheels!

Now, none of our children are crazy adventurous. They are all pretty chicken when it comes to anything new and uncertain. Lanie proved me right when she cried her way to the bike without any trust in Kyle and his expertise bike riding advise. We won, and she got on that bike and did amazing!

It helped to have these 3 enthusiastic cheerleaders on her sidelines.

~No, that is not a real dog. That is Fluffy, Kailee's fake dog. The only one worthy of being able to take out in public.~

And, she's off! We take them to a park here in town with a slight hill to roll them down for a little boost. We also teach them on this flat grass, so when they bust it, it doesn't hurt quite as bad. A little security to help with their fear of dying by bike riding without training wheels.

Lanie really did amazing! Even though we had to bribe her with $5, she learned to get back on that bike and ride it like a champ. She even told Kyle a few times that she was not going to let fear keep her from trying. Amazing.

We are SO proud of you Lanie!!

Kyle, I'm also proud that you ran that whole time without passing out. I would have died for sure. Your patience and strong encouragement with your girls is why they will do this for you, and not for me. Your a great Daddy!

After bike riding, it was a beautiful day at the park, and I thought I might get a cute new spring picture of the kids together. I thought wrong. Maybe after bike riding we should work on getting our kids to take pictures without cheesy smiles. I fear that will be much harder.

big church.

2011-03-27T14:04:00.004-05:00

All during church God was reconfirming a thought He gave me a while back that has been stirring in my heart ever since. After lunch Kailee said she had an idea, that I should blog about what I learned in big church today. I think it's a great idea :)

About two weeks ago, I was thinking about a poor family in our community that is a set of grandparents raising their 5 grandchildren, all from different fathers. The oldest son is in a lot of trouble and they have had so many problems over the years, and now the grandma is in the hospital with an infection they can not seam to fix. She is in ICU and has been in a coma for 18 days. I was racking my brain as to how I could help them, making meals, sending restaurant gift cards, on and on. I knew it was time to reach out, and this thought hit me: I have done a really great job reaching out to the saved.

The saved. Who can still hurt none the less, but the saved all together.

Today our pastor gave an excellent sermon about sharing the hope that we have in Christ with the lost. I have hope. I have so many examples in life of areas where hope has been the only thing I could cling to.

He challenged us, as people of God, to come up with one person to invite to church Easter weekend. Yes, I can do that I thought! What a great plan! Yet, as I sat there and tried to come up with that one special person, I was blank. I know lots of people in town now. I've met many families in our neighborhood. I've gotten to know many of the moms of friends of our girls, really well. But they all go to church. Somewhere.

As our pastor prayed that we would be thrown out of our comfort zones, I agreed with him, but with much nervousness. I want to be able to reach out and love on the lost. I have just put myself in a shell, where I haven't moved beyond my church zone. It's not that I'm against it. We are just blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing believers.

But it's time to move. It's time to go further. I'm praying that God would put me in the path of someone who needs to know His love for them. I'm walking forward with eyes and heart open, ready to listen and love.

After all, Easter is only in 4 weeks.

not sure where to begin.

2011-03-25T14:25:00.005-05:00

I have some great pictures and thoughts to share about the end of our spring break, but the pictures are on my Mom's camera, so I'm saving that post for later. Spring break came to an ugly, abrupt halt and we were NOT ready for things such as bed times and school schedules. We are a family that enjoys the easy going, and it is not always to our benefit.

On a much happier note, look who came to wake up the kids on Wednesday! Our beautiful, miracle of a niece, Mabry. Oh.My.Goodness. That baby girl is an angel and those pretty lips were almost too much to handle! Her Mommy had to go in for a heart test, as they have still not found out how to help her. We are praying for some serious answers real fast!

Kailee was not the least bit excited to go to school when there was an adorable baby to be held at home. We had to force her out the door, which led to much kissing and hugging on Miss Mabry. Lanie loved on her too, but as we all know, getting a great picture of Lanie doing anything is almost impossible.

We had Mabry on Wednesday morning, Finn on Wednesday for 2 hours, Finn all day Thursday, and the Graham 4 for a bit on Thursday. Dear Shawn asked me if they had another one, would I still volunteer to watch their kids? I told her "nope", 8 is my limit :) We had quite the zoo here this week, and we all really enjoyed it!

This week has been the week of painting. We have a back porch covered in the most amazing art, and this white table has been covered in every color possible. Thankfully it is all washable, but even if it wasn't, it is my favorite art anyways.

This brown head could sit with a paint brush for hours. We go through tons of white printer paper, and she will line the bar and fireplace with wet art waiting to dry and be given out to those she loves, or hung in her bedroom.

Another recent favorite past time is the building of forts or houses out of pillows. I know it is creative and stretching the imagination, but this one drives me crazy. There are always random pillows piled around a table or chairs, creating a dog house or place for Lanie and Karter to hide.

This white table was free, and it definitely has earned it's keep here.

The weather has been gorgeous, except for the days when the wind will blow your wig off, and we have taken advantage of it! Kailee took this picture of her Daddy's yummy burgers he grilled. We had a picnic outside and played until the nasty clock struck 8:00 and it was time to retire in for the bedtime routine.

Here are the burgers, but in the process of creating protein for some much growing, strange kids. I don't know who these kids are anyways?? If they are yours, please let me know and I will return them as soon as possible.

Karter has been out practicing his baseball, and I tell you what, that boy is pretty good! He might go pro some day, but I'm guessing at that point he will have to start wearing pants when he goes up to bat. He also might invest in a baseball jersey instead of a "baketball shirt", which he thinks he needs to wear every day of his life.

Another Kailee picture, and at this very moment Karter was yelling, "pitcher, pitcher, belly itcher!!" to me. I also hope that when he makes it to the big leagues, he has someone that can actually give him something to bat at.

Over all our days have been sweet, windy and full of dreams where bedtimes are a thing of the past. Summer break, we can smell you coming, and we are ready!

debbie downer.

2011-03-16T08:16:00.004-05:00

When it comes to school holidays, I really have to prevent myself from sliding into depressed mode as I count down the days until it's over. Like now. We are in the middle of an amazing spring break, and this morning I woke up thinking, YUCK, we are halfway through already :(

This morning I am choosing to live in the blessing of time with our great kiddos and post about some sweet memories made already. (I really wish I had taken my camera!)

1: We began our Monday with a fantastic trip to the Discovery Center with the 2 youngest Grahams and their amazing Mama. Our kids played and discovered and created for 3 hours straight, and we still did not get to do everything. Kailee's favorite was dressing up as a cowgirl and cooking at the campfire and roping some cattle. Lanie and Karter's favorites was the GREAT dinosaur display they have set up right now. There are huge dinosaurs set up in a jungle setting, and they are interactive with you. It's amazing. There were even baby eggs with dinosaurs cracking out of them. Thanks Grahams and next time let's bring the other 3 :)

2: Tuesday morning we met my sweet cousin and life long friend, Amanda, and her 2 great kids at the park for a picnic and playing. We could barely get the kids to eat they were so excited to go play, which was great because it gave Amanda and I some much needed catch up visiting time. The kids ran and played for 2 1/2 hours and were worn out! We love that family so much and should really do it more often.

After a quick nap that afternoon, we loaded up and headed to big P-town for supper and play time with our friends, the Olson's. Once again, the 5 kids ran and played in the back yard until they were exhausted and frozen. They played Jedi's, on the swing set, robbers, family, and drove the every so slow gator :) We had some wicked ice cream and brownie sundaes, piled high with every topping you can imagine. It was such a sweet time to catch up with our friends without a bedtime to worry about.

So, that raps up the first half of spring break 2011. There is much more to come, and hopefully a few pictures next time!

a little girl named tawanda.

2011-03-13T21:24:00.003-05:00

Now, let me start this post by saying that I've been frazzled this afternoon, ever since that fateful trip to Market Street United, where a lady actually rammed her cart into mine in the checkout line because she thought my groceries were taking too long. Not to mention, she did it AGAIN as the sweet checker was telling me about her brother, who lives in Japan and they haven't heard from him since Friday. I felt like I was in a taping of that show, What Would You Do?, and I almost told that lady off right there. I just about grabbed my basket and gave her a Tawanda right out the door. But I didn't. I was polite. There is something about Market Street. It's usually rich, old ladies, but today she didn't seem rich, nor old. Just rude.

I am posting today so I can recap a few sweet memories from our past CRAZY month, I just needed to get that off my chest.

This first picture is of Kyle and Karter as they were heading out the door to go to the motorcycle races here in town. They were pumped for man night, and we were worried that it might be too loud and Karter would want to come home early. Quite the opposite actually: Kyle said he stood in his seat and yelled and cheered the whole time. He LOVED the races and when they arrived home at 10:30 PM, he was so wired that it took until 11:30 to get him asleep. He has retold stories of that night over and over again, with very specific detail of the racers and their motorcycles. It was perfect for that little guy, and such a great time with his #1 man.
On a girlier note: My parents took the girls and I to see the Broadway Beauty And The Beast that was here a couple of weeks ago. Not that my Dad is girly, but he sure does know how to make his girls feel special. We had such a good time, and the show was wonderful! The girls were such troopers, staying up until almost 11:00 on a school night. They loved the show, and loved the company :)

It was so cute, Memme and Mamps showed up at the door with the sweetest wrist corsages for the girls. Kailee was thrilled and told us that it was like the "real prom!" I'm not sure how she even knows about prom, but it was sweet. Lanie loved the flowers, but would not put it on to save her life. Once again, the difference between our two girls shines through, but I would not have it any other way.

We have been busy working on the house, cleaning out the yard, playing outside with the beautiful weather, and relishing the fact that Spring Break is HERE and we are pumped!! We have a fun week ahead, and I am so excited about some extra time with my girls. I'm also excited that we have nothing scheduled this week. Taxi Mom is hanging up the keys for a while! It's time to play!!

11 years : March 11 : 2011

2011-03-11T15:53:00.004-06:00

In the chaos of this life we call our own, we have successfully made our way to our 11th wedding anniversary. 11 years. Even though this year's anniversary celebration is not near as extravigant as last years trip to Antigua, it seems so much thicker. We are making our way into another decade, enjoying life and trying our hardest to keep up with our children, who seem to be running through their lives at lightning speed.

Here are 11 things I want to remember about this anniversary:

1. This year we bought Mario Bros. for the Wii for our girls, and instead of letting them play it, we played it every night until we conquered that sucker! We laughed and screamed and had a blast. I love it that I can have fun with you, kid style :)
2. We are remodeling our kitchen and after all of the house work we have done together, I still love it that you can do pretty much anything. If you can't do it, you learn. I love that you are teaching Karter how to do man stuff. Like fixing our toilet.
3. On the flip side, I also really enjoy the fact that you will go into Pier 1 and spend an hour shopping for decorations for our house with me. Your my favorite shopping partner, whether we are looking for towel hooks or door knobs.
4. We are getting older, it is a fact. You have ear hair and I have chin hair. I'm ok with that. I love growing older with you.
5. I'm so proud of you for reading that big book. If you ever finish it, we will throw a party. I'm serious! I love reading with you.
6. You listen to my stories about PTA and laundry as if they were the most important subjects of your life. Thank you for taking time to hear me.
7. I believe we are a little anti-social at this point in our lives. We usually spend at least 5 nights around the table with our children for supper, and I believe that is one of the most important things we can do as a family. Thank you for not choosing golf or other hobbies over your family.
8. After 11 years of marriage, we are still very unsuccessful at keeping our cars clean. I believe it will haunt us for the rest of our lives.
9. We still have our differences: you love the Fray, I don't. You like to cook, I don't (usually). You can grill, I refuse to learn. I'm a project finisher, you are a project starter. I pay attention to dates, you forget them. It's ok though. We will make it.
10. For the first time, our hair has joined as one and we are both losing it. Our hair, not our minds.
11. We just fit. It feels as though we are blended together like a chocolate milk shake, our kids the whipped topping that completes the dessert.

I love you Kyle Scott. Thanks for being my #1 as the list grows on, and on...

sunny days.

2011-02-16T12:55:00.003-06:00

Oh my, what a week it has been. Our Lanie

is back at school after spending a week just

like this on our couch. She clocked many hours

coloring, stamping, and watching movies.

I sat at the foot of the couch, meeting her

every need and I couldn't have been happier.

She is feeling much better and had a great

report from Dr. Stroud on Monday.

We did enjoy our snow last week.

Kailee and Karter were out there

playing every minute I would let

them. Lanie even got to enjoy a few

snow balls. They made foot prints all

over the yard, each one made on the way

to either throw a snow ball or

dodge one. Lizzie loves to get in the snow

and chase the kids. She thinks she is

one of them :)

Karter was just so happy to

be outside of the house.

After being inside for a week

of nasty cold weather, he needed

to run free and fast, burning

much built up energy.
He has been so sweet to check

up on Lanie often, making

sure she is sleeping well and

feeling ok. This boy will make some

woman very happy some day.

Much to my surprise, our Kailee

LOVES the snow! She is not one to

be uncomfortable, so it surprises

me that she will get out there and

dive in, covering herself completely

with the snow. It shows us her

wild, silly side and I can't get

enough of it. She is usually pretty

serious, but not when it comes to

tackling her Daddy in the cold,

wet snow.

Over all, our days have been

blessed and busy. We could not

be happier about the sunshine

and warmer temps outside.

With my babies all healthy,

we have parks to explore and

bikes to ride!

tonsil free.

2011-02-09T12:49:00.002-06:00

Well, our girl is home and tonsil free,

and hopefully strep free for a long time.

She breezed through the surgery and once

again amazed us with her bravery

and trust. The only tears have been

the ones shed during her waking

in the recovery room as she tried

to figure out where she was and who

in the world all those people were.

As soon as they wheeled her bed

into the room where her Daddy

and I waited for her, she opened

her eyes and asked us if they had

already taken her tonsils out? She

also wanted to know where the tube

in her arm came from, and was very

curious about her I.V.

We only had to wait about 30 minutes with her before she was drinking good enough to go home. She had downed a Sprite and watched them take her I.V. out, dozing in and out of sleep, and was ready to take her blanket and monkey home.

Her recovery time at home has gone so smoothly, and she has been drinking LOTS of water and eating LOTS of lime and orange sherbet. She is sleeping with Momma, and told me yesterday that we were getting LOTS of Mommy/Lanie time :) I asked her if she was tired of me and she said, "NO, I love it!" That made my heart swell with joy.

I'm sure glad God chose me to be this girl's Momma.

choosing to NOT be a popsicle.

2011-02-03T11:02:00.003-06:00

If I had a choice in the matter, or maybe even a vote, I would choose for it to not EVER be this cold again, as long as I so shall live. I have been inside all week, going from pj's to shower to sweats and back to pj's again, and even then my little toes have been aching with a chill. Yes, I'm whining. Yes, I hate the cold. Yes, I'm dreaming of Antigua, where the sun shines and the humidity feels oh so wonderful! But, since I am out and about all day today, I'd better suck it up and pull on the layers.

We had Lanie Lou's pre-op visit today, and man was I proud of that girl! First of all, she broke through the 30's and now weighs 40 pounds! She has been in her 30's since she was 2. 2! Now she is 6! Second of all, that girl hopped on my lap and put out her arm and watched the whole time she was having her blood drawn. Not one flinch! That makes a Mama feel good. Especially a Mama that 3 months ago had to drag her 9 year old out from under a table and sit on her while she got her flu shot. I'm glad we could all wear our big girl panties today. Lanie took blood work like a woman, and this Mama didn't pass out. Success!

She will have her surgery Monday morning at 8:30. It's a mild surgery, but even so, anytime you put your baby under someone else's hand it makes you a little nervous. Hopefully this will put an end to her strep and her snoring :)

Lanie, at 6.5 years old, you weigh 40 lbs. and you are 44 inches tall. Dr. Stroud said that you may just take off after this surgery, because infected tonsils can stunt your growth. I kind of hope not. I like you just like you are :) Shrimpy and all!

If you happen to be in the tonsillectomy looking phase of life, and wanting to spend $2,400 out of pocket in one week, Dr. Stroud is amazing! He really is. When he first met Lanie he was getting to know her and asking her lots of questions. He asked her about siblings, and she told him that she had an older sister and a younger brother, to which he replied, "You know it takes a very special person to be a middle child, right? You get to be the big sister AND the little sister. No one else gets that." Lanie smiled so big and proud and at that point I was in love with that man. In a weird, dr./patient, respectful, your a man with a light around your forehead kind of love. For the first time in Lanie's 6 years a stranger complimented her to her face about how special she is. No red hair mentioned, if you know what I'm sayin'.

cute poots.

2011-01-31T20:35:00.002-06:00

These little stinkers have kept this

Momma busy this past week!
But, they are so cute, I can't
hardly be upset about that.

Kailee has been invited to
join a book club, and they
are reading the Boxcar Children
series, so we made our
every other week/month
trip to the library and ended
up with a mile high pile
of books of all kinds.

We have books on Earthquakes,
Polar Bears, Baby Foxes,
trains, and dump trucks.
And Kailee did get her
book club book so she can
be ready to participate in
the deep conversation about
Mike and his mysteries.

Looking at the weather forecast
and it being a high of 9 degrees
tomorrow, we might make it
through all of these new books,
plus another 100, while
we sit in front of the fire
drinking hot chocolate.

We may live across the street from the
school, but at that temp, I may have to
bundle the girls up and drive them
up to the door. That's safe, right?

Speaking of snow, our kitchen
remodel is now on hold :)
We are instead spending all
of our savings on a tonsillectomy
for our sweet brown head.
She has surgery on Monday
and we found out today that
we are suppose to bring a fat
wad of cash to the pre-op
appointment on Thursday.
Ouch. Worth it, but when
did day surgeries get so expensive?!?

Well, I'm off to read a little
and find something else to sell
on Craigslist :) I wonder
how much Lizzy would bring in?

our lovely kitchen.

2011-01-26T09:24:00.006-06:00

I have recently had quite an explosion on the top of my vintage 60's stove top. Let's just say that when I do something, I do it BIG! I made a huge mess, and since we are remodeling our kitchen, I have decided to leave it instead of clean it up. Gross, I know. After all, we will be ripping that sucker out any day, so why mess with it? Maybe, just maybe, it will get us moving a little faster towards getting that room done (or even really started for that matter).

I'm still trying to come up with paint colors for our walls and cabinets. I'm having such a hard time with this room for some reason. I have a few extras picked out and will take any suggestions. Kyle really wants to paint our cabinets a color, so we will stick with a pretty neutral on the walls.

I found this artwork on Etsy and I

am completely in LOVE with it!

It will go on our wall above the table.

This light is also on Etsy,

and is the much cheaper version

of one I found at Anthropology.

If we choose this one,

it will go above the kitchen sink.

This is the much cleaner version of our light over our sink.I also love it, and they have it in the cutest green.

We have to install double, sideways

lights above our table so that

our lighting can finally be

centered, thanks to the

dumb vent right over the table.

I have always loved drum shades,

and I really love this

dark brown/white print.

Kyle however, is not sold

on the drum shade :(

I love this rug, and can

see it under our table

and being so cute.

I can also see all of the

food that Karter drops in

the floor right on top of it.

So, there will be no rug for us.

Fabric Print #1

Fabric print #2

Fabric print #3

Hat that I found on Etsy.
Nothing to do with the
kitchen, but man it's cute!
I could WEAR it IN the kitchen???

So, thank you in advance for your prayers and support as we tackle mud and paint. Someday it will be gorgeous, right??

karter at 4.

2011-01-25T16:24:00.002-06:00

Karter, today you had your 4 year well child visit with Dr. Medford, and boy have you grown!

At 4 you are:

*35 pounds
*39 inches tall
*50% in both your height and your weight, making you just right!

You had to get 3 shots, and you got right up on that table like such a brave, big boy and took it like a man :) I'm so proud of you!

This was our last well child visit ever. I can't believe that we are already at that stage of life, but all of our babies have gotten so big. I have to say though, 4 has been so fun! I love this age, and if I could keep him 4 forever, I might seriously consider it.

karter's prayer.

2011-01-25T12:58:00.003-06:00

This was so sweet that I just had to write it down so I would never forget it :) Every night before supper the kids rotate saying our thank you to God prayer. Last night was Karter's turn, and he usually has something new and exciting to add to our every day list.

Here is how it went:

Dear God,

Thank you for our food,

forks, napkins, drinks,

plates, table and house.

I pray that no one in our

family dies.

I pray for the boy that

had to eat pig food,

and that his Daddy

still loves him.

In Jesus name,

Amen

He has been learning the story of the prodigal son in Sunday school :) SO, SO sweet!!!

this, that, and the other.

2011-01-23T19:54:00.003-06:00

This weekend has been fantastic.

We have been home, together,

and lazy for 2 days. Note:

We did NOT get any work

done on our kitchen,

but that will happen all

too soon. The only

work that took place in this

house this weekend was

done by these 2 red heads.

They are very professional.

We have played Picturika,

watched Green Bay win

to go to the super bowl,

and spent way too much

money at the grocery store.

We were ALL actually taking

a nap yesterday...

that is until a girl scout

rang our doorbell

selling cookies.

For the love.

Teach those girls to knock!

I did end up at the doctor yesterday with Karter due to a weird infection on his left middle toe. He got it when one of Kyle's drums fell on his foot 2 weeks ago. The doctor treated it and didn't fail to mention that the toenail will probably fall off at some point. She said to leave a sock on so it doesn't get caught and get yanked off...

Ummm, if that happens I hope someone else is around because I will surely throw up and then pass out, leaving poor Karter no consoling or help what so ever. Hopefully we won't have to deal with that.

In other news: Morgan, Marci and Mabry went home last night! Amazing! She went home way earlier than expected and is doing great! Boy, does our God know how to amaze or what?

Good night and have a blessed week! Look out for falling drums.

numero tres.

2011-01-20T21:34:00.002-06:00

Revelation #3 did not take much to figure out. My man has been out of town for business and I have MISSED that guy! He is actually on the plane right now and will be home any minute and I cannot wait!

I hate it when he is gone, but I appreciate him so much more when he arrives back home. He is my best friend, my helper, my babies Daddy, my Wii partner, my trash taker outer, my hard worker, the one I want to spend my time with, the one who can make me smile when I am really ticked off, the one who watches the Office with me, the one I talk to after the kids go to bed, the one who makes all scary situations easier, the one who puts his arm around me at church, the one who gives the best hugs, and...

my love.

Revelation #3 ~ how blessed I am

to have such an incredible husband.

That simple.

update.

2011-01-20T09:10:00.003-06:00

The amazing, superwoman Mommy.

Doesn't she look great?!

The Daddy, big sister

and big brother ~ waiting.

Miraculous.

After a LONG day of waiting, Marci delivered Mabry last night right before midnight. Marci was so brave and strong and after only 2 pushes, that sweet 7 pound baby made her way into this world. Even 3 weeks early she was perfectly knitted together and ready for birth. She is so beautiful!

Marci did not have to be transferred to the ICU as told before because she is doing so well. Our God has defied the odds and amazed the nurses and doctors, and we are eternally grateful for His protection and healing on both Marci and Mabry.

Marci is being monitored and will have more tests ran on her heart to make sure that her new medication is working and that her heart is recovering from having a baby. It's such a blessing that Marci is doing so well and not in the ICU because she is getting to hold and feed Mabry from the start.

I can not say thank you enough to all of you who I know, and those I don't, for praying for my sweet family. I know they have felt your prayers and we have all witnessed a miracle as God took Marci in His hands and carried her through this with gracious, loving care. Thank you!

Welcome Miss Mabry May!

We love you and are so

thankful for you!

Happy birthday sweet girl!

revelation #2.

2011-01-19T08:04:00.007-06:00

FEAR.

I woke up this morning at 6:45 and asked God to reveal Himself to me again. One thing I have learned is that if you ask Him, He is so faithful to show you ~ and quickly at that!

This would be one of the ugly, nasty revelations that I would want to keep tucked deep away in the privacy of my thoughts, but since God knows it is better that I face my sin, He slaps it right in front of me with a big warning sign. He's sweet like that :)

Last night I let fear get hold of me. I was not afraid of physical things, but heart issues. Issues of relationships and pain. The fear did not hold the revelation, but what God showed me this morning is that fear stems from selfishness. It comes from me believing that my plan is better and that I have control over every situation. My fear is a result of my thinking that my life deserves to be pain free and oh so comfortable.

On the contrary, God never promises me that.

Blessings - yes! Comfort - No!

I tell you, I have a pretty cush life. I could make a list a mile long of how many things are going so well in my life right now, and the fear comes in when I think that my list may be shortened.

The fear of the Lord

is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One

is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Today, I will focus on holy fear. The reverent fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom.

After all, look who showed up at my house this morning.

What am I worried about?!

work with me here.

2011-01-18T14:13:00.002-06:00

Well, seeing as how I am working off of limited sleep since I had to have my man out the door by 6:00 this morning, this post may seem a little... unput together. I think unput is a word, but if not, I'm also blaming that on the drooping eyelids.

My Tuesday morning Moms group has started a new Bible study by Beth Moore on the book of Revelation, and I fear it will kick my rear-end, but in a great, need it kind of way. In the first session, she challenged us to seek out revelation from God. I believe He is revealing Himself to me all the time, but I need to SLOW DOWN and see the beautiful things, and maybe even not so pretty things, in my life. I'm challenging myself to write about my revelations so that I can look back and see what God has shown me. I want to see, and I sure hate the idea of Him moving all around me, but me being too busy to have a part in it.

As I was leaving the church I was asking God to do just that, open my eyes and help me see His hand in my life. I did not take 2 steps before He brought me a sweet memory:

This morning was different than others because I did not have my man to help get the girls ready, fed, packed and out the door. Kyle always walks them across the street to school, mostly because he is the only one who's pajamas can count as walk-your-kids-to-school-appropriate. Today, I held their sweet, little hands and walked them across, kissed their foreheads and wished them a wonderful day at school. As I watched them head towards the doors, I felt such a rush of gratitude. I'm so thankful to be the Mommy of these 2 girls who make sure that we are watching them walk so that we can exchange blown kisses at least 5 times before they walk through those doors. I was reminded of how quickly my blessed life as a stay at home Mommy could change, and I prayed right then and there, telling God that I do NOT take this for granted. I am thankful!

So, that is my revelation for today. That I've been charged with the job of preparing 3 little crazies for walking through many a door. Doors that may be harsh on the other side or a party waiting to happen. To catch each kiss and put it in my pocket, cherishing each minute I have been given with my family.

I am so thankful.

mabry may mcneely.

2011-01-17T14:01:00.003-06:00

Meet the McNeely 5.

You may be saying,

there are only 4 in that picture,

but there is a very special

little girl growing inside

of that sweet Mommy.

A little girl that this

family has fought very

hard for.

Meet Mabry May.

She is our precious niece

who is scheduled to be

born this week.

Isn't she beautiful?

Marci is Kyle's sister,

and for those of you who

don't know, Marci was diagnosed

with a heart defect in the middle

of this pregnancy, and has been

very high risk since then. Her heart

is not working at full capacity,

putting her and the baby at risk.

God has fought on her behalf

and she has done so well these

past weeks, amazing the doctors

with her progress. She was suppose

to deliver Mabry 3 weeks ago, but

they decided that since she was doing

so well, they would wait until 37 weeks,

and the magic day is Wednesday.

I'm asking for your prayers.

They are taking Marci's case

minute by minute and she will

be induced at 7:00 AM. She will

have her specialist, her cardiologist,

and the ICU and NICU nurses

waiting on her hand a foot.

Her case is high risk and special,

but I think she is pretty special

herself. I don't know who 75%

of you reading this blog are,

but won't you cry out for our sweet

girls this Wednesday?

Right after she has Mabry

she will be taken to ICU

so that the doctors can monitor

her heart and watch her

as she recovers from delivery.

They will also be putting her

on a new medication that

will stabilize her heart and

help it pump correctly.

A dear friend of mine emailed

this prayer after sending out

an update on Marci, and I

could not have written it

better myself.

Please agree in prayer with us.

I'm asking God to slam the door SHUT to FEAR and to open it WIDE to FAITH and HOPE!!! I'm praying the doctors have an inordinate amount of wisdom, clarity, anticipation, knowledge, skill faith, awareness and stamina for the big event. I'm praying God holds Marci's heart in His hand and protects it and keeps it pumping at a normal rate. I'm praying Mabry is a champ and comes out kicking and screaming!! May God bless and hold this family in His big, strong hands--hands that hold the whole world together and that don't allow things to fly apart. I'm praying for the family to be enveloped in God's love as they wait---that perfect love that casts out fear. God BLESS Marci, Mabry and the family!!

We love you McNeely's and can't wait to hold that sweet girl!

33 years + 4 years = love.

2011-01-16T21:04:00.003-06:00

My two favorite guys in the

whole world celebrated a birthday

this week. Karter turned a big 4, and

I just can't believe it! It seems

like we were just taking that

stinker home from the hospital.

My sweet husband was the

best of men, and took a truck

birthday party and pizza on his

big night. I did manage to get him

some Italian Cream cupcakes and

cream soda, and I hope it made up

for the fact that his big night was

full of big boy stuff :)

Karter wanted a truck party

with chocolate cupcakes with

chocolate icing. He also wanted

his buddies there, including

Big Mason, Little Mason,

and Kelby.

At one point he said, "Mom,

I love you, but I don't want

you or any gulls at my party.

Only boys." I told him that

without Mama, he doesn't

have a party, so he decided

that I could come!

My big 4 year old with his requested mohawk and bare feet.

Karter's buddies, minus Kelby the great, who had a program that night.

Karter Scott, you are a joy to our lives and you bring so much laughter into our home! We love your crazy dancing and your endless knock-knock jokes. We love your passion for all things boy, including trucks, dinosaurs, football and race cars.

These past 4 years have been the best of our lives, but man have they flown by! You have grown into a big boy who is so gracious and giving. You are always the first one up in the mornings, and you are also the first one to say I love you. You are constantly telling the girls and Mommy that we are pretty, which makes our hearts melt. You love to do ANYTHING with your Daddy, and you two have a great time "doing your job" and working together as a team.

I love how you want to rock in the evenings, and you will hold on to my hand as we snuggle under your blankie. I love how you still want to drag that nasty old blanket around everywhere you go. It let's me know that you are still little enough. Even though we see glimpses of you becoming a bigger guy, you still let me have a little bit of little, too. I love reading books to you, and you love to read as well. I also enjoy it when we get to snuggle together in my bed before you have to get in your bed. That is when you tell the best jokes and stories :)

Karter, you are so precious to Daddy and I!! We love you endlessly.

little drummer boy + dr. doolittle.

2011-01-09T15:14:00.005-06:00

We the Goldsmith's have taken

down our Christmas decorations.

They are all put away in the attic

until November, which brought

feelings of sadness, and sneezes

because of all the dust. Instead of

putting our front room back together,

we ended up with a huge drum set

right in the middle.

My Drummer Man is back and

is trying out tomorrow to start

playing at church again.

He of course will make it

because even though he has

not really played in years,

he can pick up those sticks

and sound just as good as he

did the day I met him.

That brings back so many

sweet memories to my heart,

because when I met and fell

in love with Mr. Goldsmith,

he was a drummer.

It's a little bit of youthfulness,

loviness, and noisiness that

has blessed this home for sure.

There is also something

so precious about the way

music has just glued itself

to Kailee and Karter.

Kailee has been taking piano

since August and has taken

off and excelled. She is a natural.

Karter has his old garage sale

Rock Band guitar, and he can

pick that thing up and jam

with the best of them.

He also loves his Daddy's

drums, and he can hit those

drums all day and it does

not bother me. I love

it, from Karter and Kailee's

beginnings to Kyle's talented

playing on the piano and the drums.

It truly is music to my ears.

Now let's talk Lanie.

That girl has mysteriously

had a family of birds make their home

right outside of her window. She says

it is because she is a friend to nature,

and don't we believe it!

She decided that they needed

some food, so she and Kailee

broke up bread and put it on

her window sill.

They also grabbed a few

bites for themselves :)

It was serious business to her.

Here is the bread all lined up and
ready to be a birdy snack.

I think there was WAY too much
giggling taking place for the birds
to show back up right away,
but I tell you what, this morning
that bread was gone.
Either we have a really
happy mouse,
or those birds are flying
full this afternoon :)

friday night.

2011-01-07T23:14:00.004-06:00

Kyle and I have spent the evening with 2

of the cutest things around.

They are loud. They are crazy.

They are a little bit stinky.

But they sure are cute.

They actually get along a little bit

better when the oldest is not around.

Strange.

We bought "Picable Me" (Karter) or

"Despicafal Me" (Lanie) yesterday

and have since watched it twice. We

have laughed and laughed as Lanie

and Karter pretend they are the little

peanuts and repeat their lines.

Kailee had a birthday party and it is 11:16 PM

and we are still up waiting on her. Even

at 9 years old, her bed time is quickly

exceeding mine. They were suppose to

be out toilet papering yards in our

neighborhood, so of course they had

to wait until everyone went to bed.

Except for me.

It has brought me the strangest

feeling as we wait up for her.

Feelings of being a parent of an

older child. I'm not sure I

like it.

Kyle and I did have a chance to

make our way through Mario Bros.

and it about caused me to have

an ulcer. It was stressful, and if not

for Kyle's dedication, I could have

bailed ship and quit right before

the final dragon. I'm a quitter.

It doesn't bother me one bit.

For the first time in a long time

I am the last one awake at our house.

In the quiet I can remember

sweet moments of the day:

*Karter's last kiss on the ear

before he falls asleep.

*Lanie covered up in her 10

blankets and 20 animals with

drooping eye lids, telling me she

is not that tired.

*Kyle drooling in the recliner

because he took an Advil PM.

It's the moments like this in life

that make what I do worth it.

Best job in the world.

i spoke too soon.

2011-01-06T14:05:00.003-06:00

About 5 hours after I wrote yesterday's post, Lanie came walking across the street with red cheeks and complaining about her throat hurting. Needless to say, her tonsils have won again and trapped that strep right in for another round. Poor thing! We tried to get her going on another round of antibiotics, but everyone else in town is dog sick too and we couldn't see a doctor until this morning. Now she is being treated and has an appointment with a great ENT doctor, thanks to her VERY persistent mother who was not leaving until they listened.

Not only that, but my sweet husband has fallen prey to the big nasty sickies that have welcomed themselves into our home over the past 2 weeks. Poor guy woke up feeling gross and running a fever. So, he made the 5th doctors appointment for our family in 2 weeks and will hopefully be feeling footloose and fancy free by tomorrow.

All I'm saying is, Karter run for the hills! I'm almost to the point of believing that leaving town is the only way to recover or miss this mess. We had to reschedule Karter's party, much to my sadness and regret, but we will all recover and celebrate that handsome boy on another day. We are all praying that God will give him a super dose of kung-fu germ fighters to make it through this.

On an encouraging note, the nurse did tell Kyle that this whatever-it-is-sickness can hang around for 4-6 weeks. That gave me a reason to barf.

to the one who lights my fire...

2011-01-05T09:53:00.004-06:00

Oh my goodness, I just sat down to post a blog and wondered, why haven't I blogged since December 24th? Well, this picture reminded me that on Christmas morning in all of it's glory, the big fat SICKIES entered our house, and since then, today is the first day that my girls are back at school and I feel well enough to sit up straight and type.

Poor Lanie woke up Christmas morning with a high fever and strep. It's her specialty and yet the doctors keep telling us that those HUGE tonsils are normal for children her age? I'm thinking we may have to get a second opinion on that one. Poor baby girl took some Tylenol and then managed to get up and enjoy herself a bit before heading back to her snuggly place on the couch for the day.

Just about the time she was getting better, Kailee woke up with a fever and was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection and asthma (or bronchial spasms for the insurance). Sinus infection my thanks-to-Christmas-bigger rear-end! The next night I woke up with a fever and thought I was going to pass out my chest was so tight and gross.

I'll spare all of the details, but needless to say, our girls were ripped off as far as a Christmas break goes and we spent the week coughing, drinking Tylenol like it was Cool-Aid, and praying that the man and boy in the household would stand strong and stay healthy. $40 spent on Musinex later, we are mending and better and looking forward to a great new year.

It feels too late to post my regular after Christmas post, and I just feel like a list needs to be made, so here it goes:

*It is January 5th and our Christmas decorations are STILL up. Well, the tree is up and Kyle makes sure and turns it on every night. To him, what is the sense in having it up if we aren't going to turn it on? I just feel like a slacker. The rest of the decorations are piled on a table in our front room. It's a start.

*Our new year project is our big nasty kitchen. During the week of sickies Kyle managed to get down most of the wallpaper and it already looks better. Weird.

*Karter's birthday party is suppose to be on Friday. Yes, 2 days from now. My house is a MESS, our Christmas decorations are still up and we are in the middle of a kitchen remodel, but we are going to PARTY ON! That boy wants a truck party at our house with pizza and decorations, so I am fighting this overwhelming laziness and moving forward. Maybe I can just decorate the tree with trucks?

*Our sweet girls were NOT ready for school to start! Kailee was begging for more fever so she could stay home 1 more day and Lanie had to be DRUG out of bed this morning, kicking and screaming. I'm sure their day will be great, but it sure is quiet around here with only 1 little monkey. I sure get used to having 3 of them here all day.

*Kyle had the entire week off between Christmas and New Years, and it was so great! Well, great for me, but again, he was kind of ripped off. He spent the week running for more Advil, cooking, buying groceries and not having fun. He was the most amazing blessing and could not have taken care of us any better! I think I asked him 100 times to light the fire because we were shivering with fever, and every time he would sing, "Come on baby light my fire" and make me laugh. Thanks honey. We will conquer Mario Bros. soon enough! One more castle to go baby!

2011 seems like it should start this weekend. I think we have gotten a late start, but all in all I am so thankful for our time together at home. Every sweet snuggle, homemade get well card, and 6 days in a row in our p.j.'s reminded me that this is a year to slow down. Not to add to our already growing list of needs-to-do, but to just keep up with what we have on our calendar and make sure that we laugh a lot.

And if our tree is still up in February and the lights are on, come on in and we will drink apple cider together. After all, tis' the season to be procrastinators.

Christmas crazy.

2010-12-24T13:11:00.008-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Goldsmith's!

Yes, we took our children to see Santa,

and yes Karter wore flip flops and

Kailee wore her house shoes, but

we did have fun.

Sweet Karter.

Silly Karter.

Sillier Karter.

Crazy Karter.

Normal Karter.

Our Christmas tree in the front window.

Our Jesse Tree halfway to Christmas.

Our letters to God underneath our Jesse tree.

I love how Lanie wrote "I live God"

on the outside of hers. I think "living" God is more

important than saying that we "love" God.

Meet Julius!!! The newest member of our family.

The kids saved all of their allowance and we all pitched

in and sponsored him for our Christmas project.

It has been so fun to watch the kids learn about

children in 3rd world countries. It has opened all

of our eyes to how much we have here.

We only had a few inches of snow, but it was plenty

to play in! And play they did (while Mommy sat

inside the house with the camera shooting out the

window). It was plenty for me.

Sweet snow boots.

Lanie worked so hard on this snowman and snowdog :)

We have already had our Christmas with

the Goldsmith side, and we had so much fun seeing

everyone. Please continue to pray for Morgan,

Marci, Mason and Meghan as they await the

arrival of their sweet new baby, Mabry.

They should have her any day and we pray

that Marci's heart will be strengthened,

that her labor would be easy on her body,

and that the chaos of doctors would have

godly wisdom as they choose what

is best for them both.

That is at the top of our Christmas list this year.

Happy birthday Jesus!

Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on

whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:14

merry and bright.

2010-12-16T11:20:00.002-06:00

I have been desperately looking for great holiday snack recipes this year, and I have found two that not only I adore, but everywhere I take them, the pan ends up getting licked clean. I thought I would share them, just in case I'm not the only one who was empty handed this year :)

The Blizzard Blitz Party Mix is a yummy, white chocolaty, salty snack that I have made 4 times this year just since Thanksgiving. I've given it away and we have eaten plenty as well. Do not read the reviews, obviously some people don't know how to melt white chocolate chips and pour it over chex mix. It's so easy, and oh so yummy!

The Hot Jalapeno Popper Dip has also been a huge hit. It has just the right amount of heat, and is so delicious with the cheese and bread crumbs on top! It takes about a minute to make, and you can make it ahead and leave it in your fridge until you need to heat it up. Another great invention I have found is the Merretta Tamed Diced Jalapeno Peppers in a jar. I don't cut up jalapenos, so this has been freeing for me. Buy jar, drain jar, dump in dip. Easy as pie, except it's dip. They carry them by the jarred peppers in your grocery store.

Me and my red toe nails are off to make lunch for my red headed boy, then I will be headed to two little girl's school Christmas parties, and I can't wait! It's what I love most about being a stay at home Mommy ~ getting to be involved in all of the little things that are so BIG to them.

Merry 9 days until Christmas!

when it pays off.

2010-12-15T13:20:00.003-06:00

This afternoon is when Christmas

organization pays off.

It is the week before a

weekend FULL of family

Christmas's, and I am spending

Karter's nap time painting

my toe nails a new red that I

bought, eating M&M's

and drinking a diet, vanilla

Dr. Pepper from Sonic.

I'm also watching The Blind Side, and I don't care how over played, over talked, over advertised that movie is, it is still a favorite of mine. I pray that our home would always be so welcoming and open to those who need a warm place to stay. I believe any movie that moves us to giving more of what we have to those in need is worth a couple of hours.

So on this blustery Wednesday afternoon, prop your feet up, put in a movie and give yourself a minute of bliss. It feels pretty good!

christmas-y things.

2010-12-13T13:20:00.003-06:00

This past week was full of things

Christmas-y and fun!

Lanie had her 1st grade program,

and did such a great job learning

her part of Bear #6. She

was pretty adorable, if

I can say so myself :)

Friday night we invited over some friends

from college who have been such a HUGE

part of our lives. Years ago we started

this tradition, and we have dwindled down

to only 3 families living in the Amarillo

area. To all of you far away, we

missed you!!

There were 6 adults and 9 kids

between the 3 families. We had

so much fun talking and eating

until our bellies were FULL. The kids

ran wild and free through out the

house, but the adults put all of the

food on the dining room table and sat

around it snacking, drinking and laughing

for 6 hours straight. It was a delight!

We love these families so much.

We have seen each other through

many a hard time, and we have

laughed, cried, and rejoiced

with each other through

12 years of growing and changing.

I think the best thing about our friendship

is that we can just be ourselves.

We never feel like we are trying to impress,

dress right, have a fancy enough house,

or be anything that we are not.

We can just be us.

To our friends near and far,

we love you so much

and thank God for you!

growing pains.

2010-12-07T12:54:00.003-06:00

We have been experiencing a few

growing pains here at the Goldsmith house.

Not only is Karter waking up

crying, saying his legs hurt,

but Kailee and Lanie have already

outgrown so many of their school

clothes and shoes from the beginning

of this year.

And not only are they outgrowing

everything in the house,

they are also growing up.

I stumbled upon these pictures

from Christmas 2008,

and about fell in the floor

crying floods of tears due to

the fact that Kailee now has

all of her teeth and Lanie's little

face has lost all of it's baby fat.

And words cannot express

how I feel about Karter.

He has grown up so much in these

past 2 years. He doesn't need a

sippy cup any longer, and his

sweet chubby hands have

gotten so much bigger.

Christmas 2010 brings me so

many things to be thankful for.

Thankful that our 3 kiddos are

healthy enough to keep growing,

and growing,

and growing.

Thankful that our home is warm

enough to heat up our toes

and our hearts.

Thankful for the awareness

of those who are hurting and needing

this winter, and for the ability

to help.

Thankful that Jesus has been

born to save us from all

that is broken, and that

He is growing in our children's

hearts with every day that

we count down until

Christmas.

i pledge...

2010-12-04T14:10:00.007-06:00

This morning Kyle decided that we would head to Cracker Barrell for breakfast. It was crowded and CRAZY, but our kids love it, so I put a smile on and we had a lot of fun. Eating together is something that is so important to me. We eat together at our table pretty much every night, and if we eat out, we spend lots of time talking and laughing. Ok, so we also say "sit down Karter" a million times and "Karter, if you would stop playing with your silverware it wouldn't end up in the floor", but for the most part it is a special time for us.

This morning Kyle whispered to me about a couple sitting behind me with a little girl who looked about 8 or 9 years old. He said that since we had sat down, the parents both had their i-phones out and had not said a word to anyone and had barely looked up. Now I'm a HUGE people watcher, and once he said this to me, I snuck a peek back to see them, and yes, they were on their phones and the little girl was fiddling with the famous Cracker Barrell golf tee game that I can never win. I listened and through our entire hour at the restaurant the couple did not say ONE word to that sweet little girl. Not ONE word. She sat in silence, eating her eggs surrounded by family, but very alone. They didn't even speak to each other, but at least they had their virtual world to "talk" to. I felt so bad for that little girl that I almost asked if she wanted to come have fun at our table. To feel important, involved.

We don't have i-phones. We didn't even carry a single phone into that restaurant. We have a No Phone At The Table rule, and after seeing that little left out girl this morning, now I feel even stronger about it. I have already signed on and am a huge believer in the Don't Text and Drive

Pledge that has swept across our nation with so many deaths due to texting and driving. I think after today I will also fight for the Don't Text and Dine pledge, where parents choose to put down their dumb phones and actually talk to their kids. If we don't, I fear the consequences could be just as tragic.

where santa and Jesus collide.

2010-12-01T13:17:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Christmas central here at the Goldsmith house. We love Christmas, and leading us in this fearless month of hot cider, jingle bells and The Grinch is my husband who really LOVES all things Christmas. He is the first one to drag down the decorations. He is the first one to start the music. He is the first one to drag out the 3D glasses and sit with the kids to watch The Polar Express. He is the first one to buy a gift, and give the gift away WAY too early :) It's just how we roll, Christmas style. We are in 100%.

But lately I have just had this YUCK in the pit of my stomach. You know, the one that says, "hold your horses, something isn't right!" I've been searching and prepping a 25 day project for our family to do every night until Christmas starting tonight, and it just wasn't working out. I was in a funk. A funk that says that everything busy in my life is more important than Jesus right now. A funk that causes a HALT every time I try to spend a quiet moment alone with God. It may be from my lack of discipline or my confused priorities, but I think a lot of it had to do with stuff. Like all 3 of our kids constantly seeing commercials, newspaper ads, or magazines full of toys and sitting down to "read" them with 50 "I wants" from each one. It started small and began to grow into this giant ball of spoiledness that made me want to gag. Not just the kids though. I was working on my list as well.

So, I am declaring this month of the birth of Christ an "I don't need or want anything" month. Our gifts are bought and under the tree and the toy magazines have gone in the trash. I amazingly have been bombarded with blogs that are using the Jesse Tree advent and it has been such a huge blessing to find a plan that is powerful enough for Kailee, yet simple enough for Karter. It is available here if you are interested: The Jesse Tree Advent Devotional

So, tonight as we begin our celebration of the coming Messiah, we are letting the kids choose a child through Compassion International to support and encourage. We have had this on our calendar for months and have saved our money and I think this is the perfect day to change our perspectives. From getting to giving. From Santa to Jesus.

Let the celebration begin.

clearly these are sugar free.

2010-11-17T14:31:00.006-06:00

Items on my "to make for Thanksgiving" list:

*Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Cream Pie found here
*Pumpkin Spice Donut Muffins found here or here

Now, I can see that these two starters will NOT be on my low carb diet. But, I CAN make them organically :) Does that count?

Speaking of the holidays, we have had to have some work done on the vent in our hallway. It has really been giving us trouble, keeping the screws in and all. I called our handy-man and he came right away and has taken care of the problem. If you need some work done, I can give you his number :)

there's no explanation.

2010-11-16T13:46:00.002-06:00

Meet Tonto.

Horse extraordinaire.

Fastest ride in the southwest.

Calmest pet in the Panhandle.

Great with children.

Cheap to feed.

Karter's green cup holder.

One of my favorite things about

being a Mommy is finding

treasures like this :)

Brings a smile to my

"suppose to be cleaning"

self.

Happy Tuesday all!

turkey or crab legs day.

2010-11-08T13:50:00.005-06:00

Can I just say that I am SO excited about Thanksgiving!!?? I love the time with family. I love the fact that I'm going to eat what ever I want for 2 whole days. I love the games. I love the desserts. I love playing the Wii with my kids in our p.j.'s all day. I love that the kids don't have school and my man doesn't have work. I love remembering all that we are thankful for. I love that the Pilgrims landed here instead of Antarctica. I just LOVE it!!

Now, notice that quite a few of the loves above are about food. Which leads me to my question:

What is on your menu for Thanksgiving this year?

I am obsessed with searching out yummy recipes, yes some of them with low sugar, but delicious all the same. I am looking for great side dishes and desserts. For my man's family this year we are kickin' it New Orlean's style. We are doing a crab boil and it is just what my sweet sister-in-law needs to bring a smile to her tired face. It was her request and much to my husband's delight, it's on.

My side of the family is always so hodge-podge. We have never cooked a turkey or ham, but we do dig a great rack of ribs. Yum. The debate is on for what will center the great table this year, but I can guarantee you, no matter what the meat choice, it will be consumed in a ferocious, starved child manner. We aren't usually the ones to chew each bite 25 times as recommended during the holidays. That would mean no time for seconds :)

On a different holiday note:

My man bought me one of these for my birthday. No, my birthday was not this weekend. Actually, it is not for another 15 days, but he seems to have some disease that will not allow him to keep a great surprise from me. I think it is absolutely adorable and I love it about him. Now, I could have beat him for splurging on a gift like that, but instead I just hugged his neck and yelled YIPPEEEEE!! I've wanted a new video camera for some time so we could just download the video onto the computer and instantly burn a DVD. We have about a million hours of video on tapes that need to be transferred, and now that list can end. One day, probably far, far from now, we will get that done. Until then, at least we can watch Karter's younger years on t.v.

Well, happy meal planning you all. Only 17 days left, you know?

thanks to you all.

2010-11-03T14:12:00.008-05:00

Hey, thanks to everyone for all of the ideas, support and encouragement from the last post. I feel that life will go on now. I am now pushing forward to not eat ONE piece of Halloween candy that sits on our kitchen counter, calling my name, even in my sleep. It's not the organic that kills me, it's the sugar free. Oh sweet chocolate, how I miss you!

After writing that post I have had a couple of questions sent my way and here are the answers:

1. You need to watch the Food Matters Documentary and the Food Inc. Documentary. They are both very educational and very controversial when half of your family farms :( They taught me so much and have encouraged me to press on.

2. The meat company that I am going through was recommended by my sweet friend Kari and you can find the website at http://www.paidom.com/.

3. Yes, a lot of the people you meet in the whole foods store are strange. It's not about the high rise jeans or the frizzy, long hippy hair, it's the fact that I am really not interested in your kids moving off and being free spirits and that is the way you wanted it to be. I'm glad that you couldn't be happier, but I would be fine if mine lived next door to me forever.

*I really didn't get asked about that.

It was just important for me to

get that out.*

Well, happy Wednesday everyone! Eat a piece of chocolate cake for me!

frustrated, broke and balding.

2010-11-02T14:26:00.003-05:00

Get ready ya'll. This isn't going to be pretty. No pictures. Just the facts.

About a year ago I had been having some trouble for a while, so I went in for some blood work with my family physician, and he diagnosed with with hypoglycemia. Great. So, I started eating better and cut out LOTS of sugar from my regular diet.

However, the symptoms did not get better, so I went to my girly doctor and after $900 out of pocket expenses for blood work, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Great. No big deal, a nurse called me and told me that I needed to go on the pill for 3 months to see if that helped.

Here we are months later and I am finished with those 3 months and STILL having some trouble. Frustration #1 is that my doctor simply told me what I had and did not manage to have the time to tell me how to actually FIX it. I started doing a little bit of research and here is what I have found:

Symptoms are:
*cysts on your ovaries (check)
*gaining weight in your middle (check)
*acne (check)
*losing your hair (check, check, check)
*tired (check)
*insulin resistance (check, hence the hypoglycemia)
*some other girly issues not appropriate for a blog that your Father-In-Law reads (check)

So, I do have PCOS and a lot of the symptoms, but what scared me was when I read this:
*If you are a woman with PCOS (and 6-10% of women have this), you are at a HIGH risk for Type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, seizures, and cancer.*

And my doctor simply told me to get on the pill for 3 months. I guess it is a lot more serious to me than him.

After a little more research, I found that there is a HUGE number of women who had great success treating this disease with an organic, low sugar/carb diet. So, I'm on the wagon. Not 100%, but slowly climbing up. We are about to take on ordering all of our meat from a local farmer because my body cannot take any more hormones, and let me tell you that the meat at United is full of them. If you have PCOS your hormones are OUT OF CONTROL and you have way too much testosterone in your system, which causes facial hair (check) and other weird symptoms so regular meat is out for now.

All of this to say, I'm wacky right now, our budget for groceries is SHOT out of the water, and my sweet husband is so good to me and right behind me full of support and love. If any of you 5 readers have any advice on organic shopping, I'm all about that! I have a great friend from church who has been so helpful and full of advice already. Thanks Kari!!

Also a little encouragement to study up on your own. Your doctor might just be wrong after all :)

oh so fun.

2010-11-01T14:13:00.005-05:00

Watch out! Iron Man and

Batgirl are on their way!

Ready to fly!

Dorothy and Toto heading
to Kansas.

Scary faces.
Waiting.
More waiting.
Finally!!

Trick-or-treat :)

OH so fun. OH so sweet.

molly.

2010-10-25T18:03:00.004-05:00

This sweet girl was in our youth group

in Dalhart and just found out that she has

cancer. She is a freshman at Tech and

has a beautiful heart for God and a beautiful

voice. Her cancer is in her throat, and

thankfully her voice teacher caught it.

She has surgery on November 3rd

and I would so appreciate your prayers

for her and her awesome family.
Thanks.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them

that those who love your name

may rejoice over you.

Psalm 5:11

nerds.

2010-10-25T10:06:00.004-05:00

Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll

end up working for one.

Bill Gates

It's nerd day at school today, and I could

not be more proud of Kailee! She dressed

up with pride and walked out the door

without a care in the world of what anyone

else thought of her. I think she is the cutest

little nerd around :)

We have not been parents who pride ourselves

on academics or athleticism. But the fact

that my girl can wear these awesome glasses

to school brings a tear to my eye.

You can ask any of our ex-youth

and they will tell you that Kyle and I

are nerdy. You can ask our children,

and they will tell you that we can be

silly with the best of them.

Life is too short to be serious all the time!

Let's have fun!

Lanie did not have to dress up like

a NERD today. This is her as she was

whooping her brother in a heated

game of bowling on the Wii this weekend.

Why she needed 3D glasses for the

Wii, I'm not sure. Like I said,

it's just how we roll.

CUTE.

2010-10-24T20:54:00.005-05:00

I'm on the hunt for a fun Halloween treat to make with the kids on Saturday. We will be making Carmel apples with a variety of toppings to add to the caramel. I also thought about cupcakes, and ended up searching for fun treats. I have a few favorite blogs I love to look at for parties, and let me tell you that they have the CUTEST stuff to make! I love this Halloween stack of treats above.

I LOVE parties, and I would LOVE to throw them all of the time, if I had the moola to do it. Since I don't, I'll just have to drool over the ones on these blogs:

http://www.onecharmingparty.com/

http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/

http://www.karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/

http://www.hostessblog.com/

So, I'm not sure what else we will be making this fun trick-or-treat weekend, but I guarantee you, it will be fun!

Have fun exploring. I can tell you,

you will be inspired to create a party of your own!

i'm getting better.

2010-10-20T14:16:00.005-05:00

I'm getting better at blogging. Blogging our days, our memories, our funny moments. But, as I get better at blogging, I'm sure there is something else that is being neglected. Do you ever feel as though you are always suppose to be getting better at everything? Better at...

*working out
*eating better, healthier, organic
*recycling
*helping at the school
*helping at the church
*sending cards
*Bible study

I just feel as though there is an extensive list in my head a mile long and my brain is crying out to my dry hands to SHUT the calendar and stop worrying about it. So, for now blogging is it. Next week, it may be cleaning windows. (probably not)

I think I have more time to blog now because during the day I am down from 3 sweet munchkins to 1 crazy, silly boy. I usually get a few quiet moments to myself during the day, which leaves me refreshed for the afternoon. Fall has not only brought a few minutes of calm, it has been deliciously cooler with our windows open and our various pumpkins placed on the porch. We the Goldsmiths do LOVE the fall!

Until it snows, then I'm ready for spring.

A few of my favorite fall time interests are:

*coffee, all day :)
*music on in the house, all day
*reading
*Great Harvest Bread Co. Cinnamon Chip Swirl bread (with coffee and reading)
*the leaves changing, even though we have no trees
*getting to use snuggly blankets again in the evenings (while drinking decaf and reading)

I have also really loved a series that is not new, but new to my little brain by Beth Moore. I have been doing the pod casts for free from HERE. Go to April and May of 2010 and she is teaching on Wisdom as a Wife and a Mom. They have been GREAT!

Also, since this is the post of a million subjects, I have to mention that My Man has met his goal for the year at work and I am so PROUD of him!! He set out to sell $1 Million smackers, and even though they didn't believe in him, he DID it!! I made fun of him this morning, just joking around, so I had to post this so he knows I really am sorry :( Babe, I LOVE you and I'm SO incredibly proud of how hard you work to provide for our crazy family. Since you are my biggest blog stalker, I know you'll read this as I tell all 2 of my readers :)

rock on.

2010-10-19T08:43:00.012-05:00

This past weekend, Kyle and I split up for some

kid time fun. I took these two little stinkers to the

Mickey Mouse Rockin' Road Show. We had some

sweet friends who were also going to the same show

meet us there. It was so cute.

My all time favorite part of the show was when

Karter's eyes LIT up as the Toy Story soldiers

marched onto the stage.

Karter's favorite was Buzz Lightyear. Shocker!

Lanie's favorite was Tigger.

We had a blast!

For the big 9 year old, Kyle surprised her with tickets

to the Superchick (or Superchickens as Lanie says)

concert. Even though she was a little tired, she had

fun. Kyle said that her gangsta rapper came out a couple of times :)

Superchick is wild, crazy and loud, but all of their

songs encourage girls to be bold for Jesus. Their message

rings out to teach girls how to be themselves, not who

the world wants them to be. I love it that Kailee is

hearing that now. Being the music nerd that she is

we also want to her to know that there are amazing

Christian artists out there with a great message.

Last but definitely not least, Karter has himself

a pair of new slippers :) He won't wear p.j.'s, but you

won't find him without these Elmo's on.

*Sorry about the annoying spacing of my paragraphs. I'm so annoyed with that right now, but can't fix it :(

boy time.

2010-10-15T14:51:00.004-05:00

Thursday, Larry asked if he could

take Karter to a high school football game.

Of course we said yes, and here

they are getting ready to leave.

He was so excited, and I'm not sure

if he was more excited about the

football game or the McDonalds

before the game. I warned Dad to make sure and

take Karter to the potty before

heading to the game and he brushed

me off like I was crazy.

During the game we had a text that

said that Randall had run a 70 yard

touch down and he missed it

because Karter had to poop.

When will he learn that every

once in a while, I DO know

what I'm talking about?I'm not sure which one of these guys

is more strong headed. Dad said

that on the way to the field he told

Karter that they would have to get some

popcorn. Karter very knowingly replied,

"Mamps, there is no popcorn at the

football field. Only at the movie

theatres."

Thanks Dad for making Karter

feel very special and loved!

He had a blast!