THE SMITH SNAPSHOT

It's been awhile

2011-02-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

So, to those of you who have been checking our blog in anticipation of the next amazing post, well... here it is! We have gone from our last new years post, to having a second kid, starting to finish our basement, trying to sell our camper(any takers?), to having an amazing child live with us while we hope to finalize her adoption into our family. I had the chance to go to Haiti recently to help with some plumbing at the orphanage where our child was from. It was hard being away from my wife and kids for 9 days, but with the blessing of my wonderful wife, and a group of family and friends willing to help out, I had an amazing time. No time for leisure, but a time of realizing how truly blessed we are! God is sooooo good! If you have ever been to a 3rd world county, you know what I mean. There is such a feeling of where do you start? How can you get through the day? Where is my next meal coming from? Thank God there are people that have a genetic make up different than mine willing to tackle some of these questions. If you look at the big picture it would bowl you over, but as we tell our Keke when she eats, "you need to take small bites". That is what you need to do take "small bites". You don't have to solve the world's problems all at once, just be willing to help. If you take enough small bites, you will get full. That sounds a bit lame or like it came from one of those Anthony Robbins motivational speeches, but I think it's true. Not that you yourself get full, but that if enough people do just some small part in helping those in need, it goes a long way. You don't have to travel but just down the road to help. Maybe I wax to like, rah rah help guy, but I wanted to shoot a new post, and this is what started coming out.
Anyway, my trip to Haiti was sweet. The work was hard but good. The food was great, and the weather, well, 90 and sunny. Sorry, had to say it. I saw my first U N helicopter, U N soldiers, and the U N dude on the truck with the machine gun stand in the bed of the truck. We were safe. No riots or anything. Although the blizzard of '11 messed up other people's travel plans, mine remained on schedule, and I got home safely and on time. That was due to the tons of prayers lifted up so I could get home to my wife and kids. Thank you all!
So, I hope that after this update you all aren't hoping that I won't update for another year or so. Sorry for the lack of updating. I hope to keep you all in the loop every 6 t o 8 months or so. Enjoy the snow. Craig

New Years Celebration

2010-02-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Katelyn with her cousins Anna and Emma getting ready to bring in the new year!
Grandma Nana admiring her 22nd great-grandchild (what a legacy!)
Grandpa Adams with his three littlest grand-daughters
All the grand-kids on the Adams side (oldest to youngest)....Natalie, Billy, Becca, Isabel, Alyssa, Emma, Katelyn, Anna and Elijah
Craig and Elijah catching a few extra winks after the previous night's festivities
We pick names for Christmas and set a limit.....my sister's girls had all the boys!!! She got these fabulous jackets at Old Navy for an outstanding price!!!!! Cute! Not sure how much the boys liked being twinkies :)
Kristy Lyn, my sister, with our Grandma Adams
The dads/uncles and older kids LOVED playing Rock Band at my brother's house

We started 2010 spending time with our immediate and extended family in Wisconsin. Everyone was thrilled to meet our newest addition!

Highlights From Christmas 2009

2010-02-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at our house with my family who decided to join us in attending the service at Corinth that night
My parents with the kids....KJ in her new penguin jammies from G&G
   Katelyn and best bud/cousin Emma Grace
   We were so thrilled to have Aunt Catherine join us!
Elijah with his big cousin Isabel.....when she's around, we don't have to wonder who's holding our little man
I used "What Jesus Wants For Christmas" (a box set with characters/stable) to share the Christmas story with the girls...they loved the required audience participation!
Emma and Katelyn stood in front of the tree and sand every song they know for us
Christmas morning!!!!! Daddy set up his old choo-choo train the night before to surprise KJ
   Lots of hugs and kisses.....
Elijah and his one gift from us :)......I can't wait until he can appreciate this adorable wooden choo-choo train....for now his sister is!
   Katelyn got her first dollhouse----AND loves it!
We started Christmas morning with Mommy reading the Christmas story from our children's Bible then praying as a family and thanking Jesus for His birthday
Does Elijah look Irish OR what is this pic with Uncle Jeff!!?!?
   Proud daddy!
Katelyn getting smothered by hugs from cousin Regan whom she adores!
Cheryl and I love playing games on the holidays with "the teens"
Ahhhhh...........Craig and his brother, Randy, crushing poor sister Susan!
We had to change Elijah every few hours just so he could wear all his cutie holiday clothes
   Our little reindeer with Grandma Smith

I was hoping to be better at updating our blog this year....it's been a slow start! I've been back to work since early January and things are going wonderfully, but it is busy! Enjoy a few highlights from our Christmas celebrations! We are so blessed by two wonderful families (Smiths/Adams) who know and love our Savior! What a meaningful time we had celebrating with all of them.

BIG Sister

2009-12-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

Now that Elijah has joined our family, Katelyn just seems so big! She continues to enjoy spying her letters wherever we are and loves to play ABC school in the bathtub!! Bath-time has never been so much fun! She got the foam letters and numbers for her b-day. The other day, she put all her letters in a row, told me what they all were, then pointed under them and said "Helicopter"! "I read, Mommy! I read!"

Elijah Making Friends

2009-12-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Elijah and Daniel Erdmann getting to know one another
Sweet Sam Hondorp showing some love to little E-man

Smiles, Smiles Everywhere!!!

2009-12-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

Elijah has stolen our hearts with his contagious smiles!!! We love our little man :)

Snow Day!

2009-12-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

Katelyn and her cousins, Isabel, Alyssa, and Emma had a blast building a snow fort and snowman on the first Snow Day of the year!!! Aunt Jeanne was in charge of all the kiddos :)

Few Favorite December Pics!

2009-12-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, Katelyn refuses to hold Baby Elijah...this is as close as it gets! (She does love him very much, but is limited to kisses and rubbing his fuzzy hair!)

Baby Elijah Growing and Changing!

2009-12-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Our handsome VERY LONG little man!
This is a fuzzy picture, BUT one of Elijah's first smiles :)....he started smiling one week ago at 4 1/2 weeks.......after reading Katelyn's baby book, she started smiling at the exact same time!
Nothing cuter than a cozy baby with his warm little hat and BIG pacifer (that takes up 1/3 of his face :)
One of my favorite things about watching Elijah sleep is seeing where he places his hands....folded like he's praying, covering his little eyes, resting under his chin like the "perfect innocent child" that he is :) or cuddled up by his face like this.

E.W.S

2009-11-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Elijah Wayne Smith

November 1, 2009

8 lbs. 3 oz.

22 inches long

Praising God for His Protection

2009-10-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Friday was one of those days I will never want to relive! A couple days prior, Katelyn came down with a typical cold (although her cough always sounded a little "barky"....little did we know that was our first sign of what was to come). Craig and I both received a call at work from his parents, who were graciously baby-sitting that day, saying they were really worried about her. Katelyn woke up from her nap wheezing and lethargic. Craig raced to meet them, and I made a call to her pediatrician who informed me that we needed to go straight to Urgent Care since her breathing was compromised. When I met up with Craig and Katelyn, I almost broke down. She was so emotional (scared because she couldn't catch her breath), drenched in sweat and the most clingy I had ever seen her. We spent the next three hours there, which consisted of a breathing treatment, a liquid steroid, and much observation. She never "got over the hump", although was showing signs of improvement. Unfortunately, she had a rebound affect to the medications she had taken and was worse than ever. She was gasping for breath, experiencing retraction in her chest (majorly caving in with every breath), and scared to death. In tears I had Craig run for help, and instantly we knew the staff was as afraid for her as we were. They called an ambulance to transport her downtown to Devos Children's, started an IV in her little arm taped to a board for stabilization, and put her on oxygen. I took my first ambulance ride, and couldn't stop praying and singing/humming "Jesus Loves Me". We were so impressed with all of our staff/doctors that day, but especially with the ones assigned to us at Children's. We were escorted to the "Elmo" room and had people constantly coming to see us so they could help our little one. An incredible peace joined us there (thanks to so many who knew the situation and were already praying), and Craig and I both knew things were going to be okay. Katelyn calmed down, was given another breathing treatment and was spoiled with slurpies, and Sesame Street movies. By 12 am, the doctor requested Katelyn take a walk around the hospital in her little gown, while her pulse-ox was monitored. She did great, waving and saying hi to those who passed by. We were released by 12:30 and home by 1am thanking the Lord for how the night had turned out. It's moments like these when you realize that your children are not your own, you cannot be in control of all things, and that God created them and loves them and is the only one who in in charge in a moment like that. We are thankful that he heard our prayers and provided such a quick healing for her. She's been resting all weekend and every day is more herself. That was a day we hope to never relive, but one that we will always remember. We don't want to forget the reminders God spoke to both of us that day.

Fall is Here and Baby #2 on the Way!!!!

2009-10-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

We can't believe how big Katelyn is looking and acting this fall---she's going to be a wonderful big sister!
Katelyn LOVED her very first cousin sleep-over with Emma, Isabel and Alyssa (Emma and Katelyn slept in the same room....AND made it through the night!) Isabel and Alyssa camped out in the family room
Bath time is so much more fun with cousin Emma (is what Katelyn is thinking, I'm sure!)
Before heading in for a night of pizza, games and a movie, all of us had a blast outside (playing and then going for a nice walk)
   Alyssa and Isabel are so good to Katelyn :)
Friday of the big sleep-over, Grandpa Adams took Auntie Kristy, Emma, Mommy and Katelyn out to breakfast at Wealthy Street Bakery before we went to the Farmer's Market downtown
A few weeks ago, our small group girls had a girlie day of shopping, eating, talking, eating, relaxing, eating, walking, eating....(you may be able to read between the lines to see what consumed most of our time :) THANK YOU, Jenny, for hosting us!!
    Fun time looking at Jenny Girl's wedding pics! Bradi, Melissa, Brenda, Jenny and I were in attendance (Deb was missing this time around :(
   My hip friends :)
Katelyn with her cousin Regan
Katelyn building forts and sandcastles with her cousins Justine and Regan
Katelyn showing how much she loves her Grandma Smith
Katelyn having a ball on Uncle Jeff and Auntie Susan's boat! What a great time of boating, tubing and water skiing (the latter two for those who weren't pregnant!)

It's been a great transition into fall. I finally got the spring cleaning done that didn't happen in the spring or summer (ha...ha...ha!)---thanks to my current nesting state! School is off to a terrific start! I have a wonderful class and continue to count it a blessing to be serving at The Potter's House for another year! At this time, we are most excited about the arrival of our newest addition.....baby boy Smith due Nov. 6 (or sooner, if I have anything to say about it!). We are counting our blessing's yet again. We tried to include some recent pics of what's been happening with our family since our last post!

Smith Family Summer Fun!

2009-08-15T13:35:00.001-07:00

Katelyn made a smooth transition from crib to toddler bed this summer (the crib is now freed up for Baby Boy Smith!) Two musts....LOTS of stuffed animals and blankets.
Since Katelyn was little-little she's LOVED sleeping with stuffed animals on her head (this use to make me nervous, but now it's just humorous!). When I see her doing this, I think of my friend Bradi, who loves to sleep the same way :)-----girl weekends reveal all kinds of secrets :)
Katelyn with her sunglasses and a book! Some of her favorite things in the world :)
Whitecaps Game with our Small Group-----Katelyn with "Auntie Jenny"
One of our favorite garage-sale finds this summer! Katelyn LOVES her kitchen!
Our kiddie pool with our slide (which was one of Mom Smith's best garage-sale finds for us this summer!!!!!!)

Smith Family Camp Trip in the UP! (Indian Lake State Park/Hiking at Pictured Rocks---40 min. from our campground)

2009-08-15T13:10:00.001-07:00

   One amazing view we saw on our days hike at Pictured Rocks
   After 3 hours of hiking, we made it to Lake Superior! What a sight!
   Daddy and Katelyn Hiking by the waterfalls
Katelyn admiring the water and ducks while with her cousins while we set up camp
One view of our camp-sights (right on the water with its own private small beach)---this is where we set up camp for the week
The other view of our camp-sights where Jeanne's brother/sister and families stayed
Katelyn passing by time on a cooler afternoon reading her little heart out! (We brought an expandable playpen.....AWESOME when you have small kiddos!
   Katelyn with Cousin Isabel
   Sunset on the water right beside our camp-sights
Cutie Babies! Katelyn with Cousin Emma playing in the water on our camp-sight
Katelyn's Four Oldest cousins on Mommy's side (Billy, Becca, Isabel and Alyssa)

Still Alive and Well!!!

2009-06-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

We were in WI for Father's Day weekend....this is Katelyn with two of her cousins (closest in age). Emma (2) and Anna (just turned 1)
Crazy girl trying to ride one of cousin Anna's toys! Notice the curls in Katelyn's hair....the humidity really brings out the waves!
   Playing ball.....precious!
   Just hanging in her diaper playing with her horsey!
Katelyn with her cousin/best friend Emma! It was Emma's 2nd b-day in April!
   This silly child LOVES to wear sunglasses (any kind!)
Since Dec. Katelyn has been using the potty.....still not regular, but very cooperative! We're working hard this summer before baby #2 arrives!
This was a Daddy/daughter moment....Katelyn was trying to put ALL her bows in her hair (but had some trouble). Daddy decided to help!

You can tell it's been a while....5 minutes on and I've already screwed up my post! (I accidently posted only a title in case you didn't notice.)

Please enjoy a few favorite pictures from the last few months. Katelyn continues to be such a joy to Craig and I. She rarely is without a smile and we just know she's going to be a fabulous BIG SISTER! (In case you didn't hear.....Baby BOY Smith is due to arrive at the beginning of November! Can't wait!)

YES! The Smiths are alive (and well!)

2009-06-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful girls

2009-02-13T05:50:00.000-08:00

This is a Valentines for the most beautiful girls in my life. I am sorry for the many others of you that thought you might be named here, but these are the greatest, most funny, smart, cute, loving, sweeties I know. They are also the only ones that can tolerate me. To my lovely wife Jeanne, and my beautiful daughter Katelyn, I wish you both a Happy Valentines Day! I am so blessed to have the both of you in my life. Every day I thank God for blessing me with you. I love you so much. Your Loving husband, and Dad, Craig

Bored

2009-02-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

This past Monday I, for lack of a better word, "krunked-up" my back. I am doing better now finally, but I find, like most men, my identity in my job. So when you are out for awhile, be it from sickness, injury, or now even in loss of a job or lay-off, you get into a funk. Sure it is sort of nice at first, even if you were "crippeled" like me, but you want to get back into the swing of work. We all have times when we complain about our work, but when it boils right down to it, we are glad to have a place where we feel needed. Thankfully on Monday I will be able to go back, but I know I am part of the lucky ones that are able to do that. For that I thank God!! Even though when my back exploded, I was "telling" God the contrary. Maybe I have been listening to too much Radiohead this week. Side note, why when the weather is gloomy, rainy, or just stinky does Radiohead's House of Cards song just fit the mood? Try it next time. Anyhoo, Like my post states, I am a bit bored, sorry. Here's to a better week of walking upright, and not looking like I am 90yrs. old. Thanks for reading, Craig

Katelyn Growing So Fast!

2009-02-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

Daddy was in charge of bath time today, can you tell?
Katelyn with her best buddy and cousin, Emma, who's cheering her on! (This is the potty at Grandma and Grandpa Adams' house)
Over Christmas Break, Katelyn started using the potty. She loves to sit on it first thing in the morning while Mommy is getting ready. She always needs to brush her teeth while on the potty. (ba ba....as she calls it!) She goes regularly in the morning and sparatically during the day. We're getting her potty trained so we can think about baby #2 :).
After brushing her teeth, it's time to read a book (boo...boo).
Mommy loves that Katelyn is infatuated with books! (Mommy loves to read too!) This is a typical evening in our house after dinner. Mommy and Katelyn have their own books and Katleyn is reading hers out loud (don't worry, we got it on video!).

Katelyn's 1 Year Pictures!

2008-11-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

This is a very special stuffed doggie that Katelyn got when she was born from her Grandpa Adams.

We were so blessed once again by the incredible talent of our dear friend Brenda Hondorp! Here are just a few of our favorites!

I'm ONE!

2008-11-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

Katelyn VERY content after enjoying a chocolate cupcake on her actual b-day!

   Katelyn's B-day with the Smith side of our family (and "Auntie Jenny")

   Katelyn with Grandpa Smith
   Siblings :).....Craig, Susan and Randy
   Katelyn about to open a present as big as her from G & G Smith

   The cake! Ta...da!
   Katelyn's B-day party with the Adams family (already enjoying one of the animals from her Noah's Ark from G & G Adams)

Another B-day cake (pie)! Caramel Apple Crumb (YUM!)
Katelyn with her cousins Alyssa (Joy!), Isabel and Emma

Marriage Retreat 2008

2008-11-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

   Watching the Christmas parade in the freezing cold "downtown" Shipsee
Craig always has to take a pic of us of by himself (he loves to see how well-centered we are!)
   Brenda and Joel
   Ahhhhh.....smoochy, smoochy, Nate and Melissa
   Brad and Bradi............and Joel?!??!? (Where's Waldo?)
Small group peeps......Brenda, Bradi, Jeanne, Melissa and Deb ( I was sure NOT to forget your name this time :).
   Craig and Joel bonding.....sharing jackets and a little smoochy!

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-17T11:59:00.001-08:00

Katelyn sporting her new "big-girl" car seat that we finally bought about a month ago!
Katelyn with Grandma Smith on Halloween night
Katelyn with her cousin Regan at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's trick-or-treating
Craig participated in our church's trunk-or-treat---he set up a "plumber's" candy station
One of Katelyn's costumes this year....she wore her ladybug one during the day when we watched her cousins, Isabel and Alyssa, in a Halloween parade at their school

Romantic Weekend in Las Vegas

2008-10-15T12:55:00.001-07:00

   Our hotel!
   Early morning walk at 7am (due to the three hour time change!)
   View outside our hotel window.......loved seeing the mountains!
Floor to ceiling windows in the family room and bedroom.....Craig was pretending he was King of the World :)
Our last night we got 1/2 priced tickets on the strip and went to a Cirque D'Sole....it was their martial arts one called KA! It's incredible what people can do with their bodies!!
   We were spoiled with a big-screen TV in our living room
Beautiful bedroom (we had to settle for two queens since we purchased on Price line and they were short on King rooms)

   The bathroom was nearly the size of our bedroom at home!
I (Jeanne) enjoyed a bath daily.....reading, relaxing, and watching our small flat-screen TV in the bathroom

Shark Reef: Everyone carried a talking wand that explained all the exhibits....very handy!
   The sharks were amazing to watch
We walked through a glass tunnel with the sharks swimming above us---yikes!

The had a petting tank with small sharks, crabs, and stingray....we both we brave enough to greet the stingray face-to-face
   One of the 7 pools...this is the wave pool (which we really enjoyed!)

   The Lazy River was a definite highlight!
   Exquisite Fall Sights inside the Bellagio (we enjoyed our first breakfast buffet here!)
   It even had moving trees like in the Wizard of Oz!
   The ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio
   Ceasar's Palace was a world of its own! Out of nowhere this thrilling show popped up....Fire and Ice fighting over their father's throne (Greek god).
   Paris Hotel.......the Eiffel Tower (as close as we've ever seen it!)
   Bellagio with the musical fountain show (spectacular....every hour!)
   Luxor Hotel (next to ours) Egyptian theme
   New York, New York just over the bridge (city and the statue are approx. 1/5 the size of the original)
   Replica of Lady Liberty.....amazing!
   The Brooklyn Bridge just outside New York, New York

Craig and I went away alone for the first time since Katelyn was born!! We had free airline tickets and hit the jackpot with Price line (TOTALLY AMAZING 5-star hotel). It was an enjoyable long weekend.....warm enough to enjoy the 7-pool resort on Friday with temps in the high 70's. Although there was tons to do our theme was RELAX, RELAX, RELAX.

Pumpkin Patch Fun!!

2008-10-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Smith-family photo op at the Pumpkin Patch (thanks to Brenda and Melissa we have any pics from this day....our batteries died on arrival!!!!)
Katelyn just LOVED meeting the animals face-to-face (instead of just reading about them in her books!)
   Mommy kissed the horse on a dare :)
   Hay-ride out past the maize and into the pumpkin patch.
   Raegan, Emma, Sydney and Katelyn.....Say "Cheese!"
Katelyn on her very first ride....mommy chased them all around afraid for her life! :)
   Sydney's being a friend checking on little KJ
Toward the end, it got a little too bumpy. Mommy and Mrs. Brenda has to wave the driver down so Mommy could save Katelyn....it was a little traumatic at the end!

A couple weeks ago Katelyn enjoyed her first Pumpkin Patch experience. We had a wonderful time with some of our "small group friends" :).

Busy End to Summer!

2008-09-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Jenny, Brenda, Bradi, Melissa and me out for dinner
Chillin' on the deck
Melissa and me at dinner
A magnificent view!
Walking the pier just behind the condo
Grandma and Grandpa Adams with Isabel, Alyssa, Emma and Katelyn
Daddy and Katelyn at Tahquamenon Falls
The Falls
Katelyn and Emma's gated fun area
Emma and Katleyn in Mackinaw City on a kiddie ride
View of the bridge at our campground
My sister, Kristy, and me on a hike
Katelyn with her cousin Emma first thing in the morning

Summer ended abruptly for me as I began preparing for another year of teacher. Due to the busyness, I haven't had the time to update our Blog recently. Here are a couple highlights in the last month or so. In August, our family took a camping trip up north and stayed just over the bridge in St. Ignace (Straits State Park). Early September, I had the privilege of going away with a group of girlfriends for a weekend in Ludington. We stayed free-of-charge in a beautiful condo on Lake Michigan (thanks to a former co-worker of my close friend Jenny). We only had to pay her house cleaner!! Amazing!

I'll be Nine Months on August 12!

2008-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Brenda, took some sweet shots of our little one once again this morning! Hard to believe she's just about 9 months!!

Yeah Summer

2008-08-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Katelyn was mesmerized this morning watching her friend "Big Emma" (as opposed to "Little Emma" her cousin) run and play like crazy at Palmer Park

What a face!

Emma loved riding in Katelyn's stroller
Getting so big.....wanting to stand and crawl everywhere (dirt isn't bothering me like it use to!)
My friend Brenda with her daughter Emma. Brenda took Katelyn's 9 month pics this morning so be watching! I'll post them very soon :).
We were lucky enough to keep Abigail Erdmann one day this week while her mommy and daddy enjoyed a "date night"
What a cutie with her little dimple!
Abigail just started sitting up by herself....she looks like an old pro next to KJ
Katelyn is still working on being a good friend and learning how to share her toys :)

This was another milestone week for our growing baby. Soon after Katelyn started cruis'en the floors two weeks ago, she began holding onto our hands walking all over the place. Now she has figured out how to pull herself up to stand....that started during a nap time when she apparently wasn't quite tired enough! The only problem is, she can't get down. I went running into her room when I heard screams of terror! The poor thing was standing and shaking. I thought she lost an arm! (The crib shots were taken the same day as "the incident"....before the crib was lowered!)

Summer Visits

2008-08-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

A Visit From Kathy Gribbon

Gary, Stephanie, Claire and Kevin (Gary and Stephanie are friends of Jeanne's since she was only 14)
Katelyn LOVES water!
She would have stayed in the pool all night!
Ahhhh.....Will and Daddy VanderMaas
Suzanne and little Abigail just chill'en
Robyn feeding Sleep-deprived Katelyn
Abby Brogger standing so tall
Katelyn and Andie VanderMaas
Katelyn, Abby Brogger and Abigail Erdmann

We've been enjoying time with family and friends this summer! Most recently, Jeanne had high school friends visit that she hadn't seen in 7 years, and a professor from college that she hadn't seen in 11 years! Yeah Facebook.....(Craig still thinks it's a cult)!

Play Date with Cousin Emma

2008-07-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Emma copying Katelyn with her two-finger-suck!
Gotta love Emma's beautiful brown eyes!!
Emma is constantly kissing Katelyn...in this pic she doesn't seem to mind!
How cute are they??!?!?! Can't wait to show the girls all their twinsie pics in about 10 years!

Smith Maiden Camping Voyage

2008-07-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

   Our home on wheels!

   Sweet set up with a heated pool and hot tub!

Beautiful (and clean!) bathrooms and showers with constant Christian music playing everywhere!

   The camper filled up quickly with the many baby necessities!
   Pack-n-play.......great for night time, nap time and play time!

What would camping be without all the amenities (water, AC, oven, stove, microwave)...

   Katelyn loved playtime on the "big people bed"!
   Swing, Swing, Swing!

Yes! We finally went camping in our new pop-up!!! After Craig's huge sacrifice of selling his Harley this past Spring in order to purchase a "family toy", it was about time! We spent the weekend in Holland at a private campground not far from the beach. Due to the weather, we stayed close and enjoyed family walks, playing at the park, swimming in the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, playing games, campfires, (staying dry) as well as all the necessary camping foods :).

The Critter is Crawling

2008-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Cruiz'en the Floors
Loves to Give Kisses
She enjoys sitting up in her crib, but sometimes forgets to lay back down to sleep.....

Katelyn has become officially "mobile" by crawling this week. She's just 8 months old and continues to light up our home. She also cut her two top teeth a couple of weeks ago and just recently they have really come down! She's looking so big!

Isabel's 9th Birthday!

2008-07-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our niece Isabel's birthday at Grand Haven on Sat. (Isabel is my sister Kristy's oldest). We had a great time with the Adams/Perez gang!!

4th of July!

2008-07-07T15:34:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a full 4th of July! It started with breakfast in Door at the CRC church, followed by the parade (which Katelyn thoroughly enjoyed!). We then chilled at Mom and Dad Smith's house for an afternoon of swimming and grilling. We wrapped up our day with fireworks in Grandville with Kristy and Mike and their girls, as well as Joel, Brenda and Emma. (Don't mind Craig's crazy look after we purchased a "date-night" snack at the fireworks of roasted pecans and a virgin pina colada for a mere $16!) The weather was perfect and it was a magnificent day al' round! Katelyn doesn't know how blessed she is to be growing up with wonderful family all around us!

Girls Breakfast

2008-07-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed catching up with some girl friends this past Saturday at our monthly "Girls Breakfast". If you haven't yet attended and are interested, let me know! I'm including my recipe for Breakfast Strata in today's post....by popular demand :)! Enjoy!!

Breakfast Strata (thanks to my friend Valerie!!)

2 lbs. breakfast sausage rolls (1 hot, 1 mild)
1 pkg. (5 1/2 0z) herb seasoned croutons
2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 c shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 c mined onion
8 eggs, beaten
2 c 1/2-n- 1/2 cream
3/4 c milk
1 1/2 tsp try mustard
salt & pepper to taste
garnish dish with chopped red and green peppers

1. Cook sausage in large skillet until browned. Drain, crumble, set aside.
2. Spread croutons on bottom of lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish
3. Cover croutons with cheeses
4. Sprinkle cooked sausage and minced onion over cheeses
5. In large bowl, beat together eggs, cream, milk, mustard, salt, pepper
6. Pour mixture evenly over sausage
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours
8. Bake at 350 for 45-60 min.
9. Let stand 20 minutes before serving

More Spring Favorites!

2008-06-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Still perfecting the art of blogging.....the last post "posted" a bit early without any labels. Sorry! A lot of pics without explanations. Hope you can enjoy them anyway! Pictures do say it all!

Spring Recap

2008-06-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

We thought we'd post some highlights from the last month. I (Jeanne) ventured out into the world of baby-food making. Katelyn loving bath time in her new duckie tub (believe it or not, king-sized baby was still in her baby tub up until 6 months....what can we say! She's our first) Picnic with Kristy and Mike (Jeanne's sister) and the Erdmanns....crazy cute baby pics! Katelyn and her cousins at Grandma and Grandpa Adams' kiddie pool. Planting flowers and our first garden. Play date at the mall with Emma, Syd and Regan. And just some of our favorite pics of our favorite kiddo!

Smiles, Smiles Everywhere!

2008-05-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

We're having such fun watching Katelyn grow day by day. What a privilege to celebrate my first Mother's Day! To our surprise, Katelyn had cut her first tooth that day (bottom middle), which we spotted while feeding her some yummy sweet potatoes for lunch. A couple days later, another popped! In addition, she started clapping this week when you say, "Yeah!!!" She's been rolling from back to tummy since 4 1/2 months, but just learned how to go the other way this week too. It's amazing....if you close your eyes for just a minute, you might miss something!

Celebrating 4 months with our Katelyn Joy

2008-03-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone said having a baby would "change everything". Well, it has! For the absolute best!! We are completely loving parenthood and consider each day a gift from God. Katelyn is such a happy and easy-going baby, full of a million different smiles each day for us. She loves to be talked to and listens so intently when we speak to her. She is full of stories to tell....babbling on and on all day long. We look forward to the day when we will hear her stories in English :). Each day we praise God for his goodness and for the most precious gift of this baby girl. We stand in awe, yet again, at his marvelous creation!

Katelyn and I (Jeanne) spent one afternoon last week with my close friend (and amazing photographer), Brenda Hondorp. Thanks for the sweet pics, girl!!

C'mon summer!

2008-02-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

Those of us that are stuck in the northern hemisphere are starting to wonder if summer, let alone spring, will ever reveal itself to us again. Every year at this time, winter starts to take a bit of a stronger hold on me. At the start, we all can't wait for the first frost (to kill the misquotes). Then the first snow, in anticipation of Christmas and holiday gatherings. Then we have time to play in it for awhile, then.... I wish it would leave. Adios. Show me the sun, grass, rain!! Don't get me wrong, I love the change of season. I don't think I could live somewhere where the seasons didn't change, but winter seems to be lasting forever once we hit February. Maybe the warm weather is like anything else, if you have to much of something good, you'll get tired of it. For example, if you live on Lake Michigan and always felt the cool breeze off the lake in July, or hear the gentle lapping of the waves as you wake up in the morning, or see the bright orange sun settle softly in the lake at the end the day, you might just get tired of it. Um..NO!! I don't know about you, but I was just there! Just hang in there my fellow snow people, we have only a few months left.

Favorite Top Ten Pics of our "Joy"

2008-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Pictures say it all!!

Katelyn's New Pals

2008-02-10T11:26:00.001-08:00

Brooke Copeland, Isaac Pazdur, Abby Brogger, Reed Osterink, Hailey Zondervan, Andy VanderMaas, and cousin Emma Perez.

Catchin' ya'll up on Cutie...

2008-02-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Our best gift this Christmas was our Cutie!!!

More pics

2007-12-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ya'll want some pics, here they are...

Sweetness is here!!

2007-11-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

Real quick. Baby is good, dad is good, and mom.....has been better. She is having a hard time walking after separating some cartilage. Today she had a fever and went to the emergency and found out she has mastitis in one of two. She is on antibiotics and the fever has broken. I will post more later. God is Good!!!!

Just waitin'

2007-10-11T13:08:00.001-07:00

All went well with the baby turning procedure. Thanks for all the prayers!! It was nice to be there, and kinda get the sense of what it will be like when "the lovely" comes. We half wanted her to come that day, but she just decided to chill out in her new position for a bit. It was a dreary, cold fall day, but we had fun spending the day together and blast out some baby related errands. Jeanne is such a beautiful mom to be. She tells me she doesn't feel that way, but to know that she is carrying our child, and in Gods timing, give birth, I just stand amazed at her. God is good!!!

T-Minus....

2007-10-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

The time is quickly approaching. My lovely daughter will be here soon! It is crazy to think that in a couple of weeks, or when the Lord decides, our baby girl will be here. Some of you that know me might feel a bit nervous for her, being that I will have quite an influence on what she thinks, and who she will be loyal to. I know that she will be fine since her mom, Jeanne, can offset any "bad" ideas I might put in her head. I do know one thing, and brace yourselves, she will be a Michigan fan, and love the soon to be World Champion New York Yankees! I will give those of you, who fell over with these revelations, a second to compose yourself....... Alright, now to serious stuff. This Wed., Jeanne and baby girl are going to the hospital to see if Sweetness can be turned in preparation for coming into the world. There is a chance that baby might come that day if the doctors see any change in lovely's hart rate, or stress to her. J and I want her here, but not if it isn't the right time. Plus we don't have our mini-van yet. I thought that when you have a kid, the hospital just gives you one when you leave. I have found in my revealing that I will be a dad soon, that some people will say, "that your life won't be the same", followed by a funny smirk. I have been groomed by God for this time in my life, and I can't wait!! I know my/our life will change in ways I don't even know, but I welcome it. The Harley might be getting some more dust on it, but I will trade that for anything to have some sweet time with my daughter watching the Yankees charge onto the field after winning the World Series. Boom goes the dynamite!!! See you soon baby girl, your mom and I love you!

Um.. just a reminder

2007-09-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know, October is comin'. Enough said. Boo Ya'!!

Summer, come back!!

2007-09-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok. I have been checking on our post, but not updating. I see by the comments left here, that our fans are upset with the lack of posts. Well, here is a small post to keep ya'll happy. I can't go into length on how insanely busy our summer has been. I might let the escapades of our fun trickle through out the next few months, so that the melancholy of winter is broken up with warm memories. We have traveled a great deal. Chi-town in July, North Carolina also in July. Wisconsin in August, and again this weekend, and on Labor Day, Silver Lake in Hart Mich. Even-though it was crazy, summer in Mi is sweet. Thanks to momz and dad for giving the Smith fam a sweet Labor Day weekend to end the summer with. Now J and I look towards Oct. 31, not holloween, that is the day when the sweetness comes. Our baby girl. Preparations are complete, the room is set, and now we wait. Jeanne is doing very well. School is good, and she gets nightly foot rubs. I will do better with the updates, and I will have some pics of our summer o' fun. Rollin' out, Craig

A bit harsh?

2007-07-30T18:00:00.001-07:00

The last post was justified, but it might have been a bit harsh. They did make my wife cry, and that led to my post. Due to extenuating circumstances, we will be shopping at Target. The convenience of said store is hard to pass up. We will shop there, but in protest. Our nursery is coming along, spearheaded by my lovely wife, Jeanne. Our families have helped out tons. Thanks! We have celebrated our 1 yr. anniversary. We rolled to Chicago for a couple days. We love Chi-town. Jeanne lived there, and I just love the feel of it. Big city with a small town feel. While there we went to see Wicked. It was a sweet show. The weather was awesome, and we walked everywhere. Jeanne had some pals come and see us, and we ate out by Millennium Park. The next week we had family come in from Wisconsin for our nieces baptism. My brother-in-law rolled in on a new Honda VTX 1800. It is a sweet ride. My church, Corinth, had a car show, and bikes were welcomed. We had our bikes in the show, and I have to gloat a bit, I won best of show for motorcycles! Sorry Bill. After that though, we went for a ride to Grand Haven. There is nothing like riding!! Live to ride man! We are so happy to welcome the Osterink and Pazdur kids. Glad to hear all are doing well. Check their blogs for pics. Quick props. There is an amazing drummer out there that you must check out. He plays for Dream Theater, and Liquid Tension Experiment. Itune the later and listen to Paradigm Shift. It is sic!! Anyways, thanks for the time. Til the next post, I am out. Craig

Target Stinks

2007-07-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

O.k , we just came back from Target to return a brand new boxed stroller for store credit. Wouldn't you know they would only give us $40 on a $200 stroller. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! We, (Jeanne especially), were very upset. J gave them the what for, and they wouldn't budge. We called the "customer satisfaction" (HA) line" and they just said how valued our opinion was, and that it would go through to the higher -ups because they value our opinion. If they valued it so much, they would do what they could to satisfy the customer!! This post is to boycott Target. Don't register for anything there. Go to BED BATH AND BEYOND.(at least for wedding stuff). They know how to treat their customers. Spread the word. Target is terrible. We hate Target, and will never go there agian!! Thanks for letting us vent. Enjoy the shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Thank you

2007-07-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days I had some thoughts rolling around in my head, and I just thought I would put them on the blog. This past weekend the Grand Rapids Police lost an officer in the line of duty. He was a young man with a little daughter. I didn't know this man, but I do know some people in jobs that potentially put themselves in harms way. I felt like I have been taking them, and their jobs for granted. They are people that are willing to do whatever it takes to keep every person safe. My brother-in-law, and good friend from school are police officers. There is always the jokes about doughnut shops, and hassling people for no reason but to just hassle people. Then you realize that when called, these men and women are called to protect us citizens, that they are willing to give up their lives for you. I am not limiting this post to just police, I feel the same for firefighters, EMT's, first responders, and of course our military. We owe all these people our thanks, and more!!! In the next few days, whenever you see a police car, fire truck, ambulance, or see news about our military, lift them up in prayer, all the men and women who swore an oath to protect us, whatever the cost. Thanks to all of you!!

Honey do list

2007-07-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

To any of the men that might be reading this post, you already know of what I am going to speak. There is list that is composed shortly after marriage, or maybe it starts after the engagement. This list is the "honey-do list". I am not saying the list is a bad thing, but it is a weight on the man's shoulders. Some guys lists might be longer than others, but mine is manageable. One of the bigger things I checked off my list was basement shelves for all our moving boxes, and other things. I seized my opportunity to complete my task when my lovely wife ( and little girl ) went on an economic conference for work in Richmond Va. a few weeks ago. I had a week. The first day, Monday, was hot and draining at work. I got home and crashed. The next 2 evenings were spent at my parents, and my in-laws eating supper. Thanks for the awesome grub! So, that brought me to Thursday. I purchased the material, and proceeded to pour out massive amounts of testosterone. I was drilling in the cement walls, cutting wood, sweating, and lifting. I would start after work, 3:30p, and work until 9-10p with supper at 10:30ish. I did this Thur-Fri, and all day Sat. I finish it before my wife, who I missed terribly, came home at 8p on Sat. She loved the shelves, and understood why it took a bit to complete. I did surprise her with a magnetic-type picture frame thing also. Our friends Brenda and Bradi had these frames at their houses, and they had them made, and Jeanne loved them. So, I did earn a bit of a reprieve from the list, but soon the list will come up, and more tasks will need to be completed. But for now, I will enjoy the time off.

The new Smith baby is..........

2007-06-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, if you haven't heard yet, Jeanne and I are going to raise a .... . As I sit here composing my latest post, I am struck with the realization that I am really going to be a dad. This last ultrasound showed ( more clearly ) that there is a baby growing in my beautiful wife's stomach. I am so happy to see the little critter squirming around. We, I mean Jeanne, is set to deliver at the end of October. I think that is the same time my Yankees will be playing for their 20- something world championship. ( That is for Marc and Jag ). Our GIRL will be in our live just in time for the holidays. Yup, I said GIRL. Now comes the fun part, names. Is Harley a good girl name? Since Jeanne is at our friend Brenda's b-day party , I can ask this. If you, the readers, have any good girl name suggestions, let me know. There will be no prize, but you would know that your name would be attached to the might Smith legacy. We will keep you... posted. Excuse the pun. Until next time. Craig

What have I done!?

2007-06-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know, I (Craig) own a motorcycle. It is not just any bike, it is a 2000 Harley Roadglide. It is sweeeeeet! There have been rumors that I might sell the bike. Now these rumors are not the product of my lovely wife, Jeanne, but from me. I was doing some soul searching this past winter/spring on how much I really was going to ride the bike once our bundle of joy comes. Riding is more fun with your spouse anyway. I know, I have been told you can get side cars for the squirt, but c'mon, really. So this spring, I decided I should sell the bike. This now leads me to the heart of my post. Today I went to my in-laws for supper. (Jeanne is in Richmond VA. for a conference for work). So, since the weather is tight, I thought I would roll out on the HOG and go to the in-laws to eat, and then a quick ride home. If you know anything about biking, or know someone that does, there are no quick rides. I was out for the better part of 2 hrs. As I am riding , I was wondering how hard it would be to put a sidecar on this thing. It is easy to say you will sell a bike in the winter, or when the weather sux in Michigan, but when you have a day like today, with the sun, cool air on your face, and the sound of a 1550 cc machine underneath you, it's a bit harder to let go. So why did I torchure myself tonight? Maybe it wasn't torchure, but just a nice night for a ride. Lvie to ride- Ride to Live. Geezerglide.

Summer Jeanne

2007-06-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of our readers out there are married to teachers, but there are two distinct persons that you live with. The one that you know in the fall is, well, focused. School is a very big part of their life for the next 9 months. Then, just before spring break, the teacher has summer break in the cross-hairs. After a lot of loose ends that are tied up for the last day, you can see the "summer" personality come out. It is a re-birth. The summer is like a release for the teacher. They are able to help out again. Housework is fun, laundry is almost a spiritual experience. I love my summer Jeanne. Don't get me wrong, fall Jeanne is awesome too, but she is a bit preoccupied with school. It is fun to see her get into summer mode. I am happy for her, she works very hard and aside from all my remarks on how many "vacation days" teachers get, I am very proud of her. Now she has the energy to mow the lawn, put up shelves in the basement, finish the bathroom downstairs. ( I had to throw that in there, I didn't want you to think I was getting all soft & stuff). Summer is sweet, spend it with your summer loved ones. Out, Craig

look at us now

2007-06-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are. We have now entered the blog world. Just like our baby that will arrive in October, we are a bit blurried -eyed, confused and for some reason, covered in goo. So, since we have been married for almost a year, and have a kid on the way, and with the encouragement from friends and family, our blog is born. Jeanne and I will do our best to keep up on the updates, pix, and other info. we feel the world might need to know. The hardest thing is trying to think of a non-corny name. I think we (I mean me, Craig) did ok. Jeanne is sleeping, so I took creative license. Well, this ends our first blog post. Look us up for updates. Later, The Smiths