Belly Bangs!

Today as I was checking my e-mail, Cameron started to squirm quite vigorously. In fact, she almost knocked my laptop off of my lap, so I decided that I would take a little time and completely stop everything that I was doing and enjoy her little dance. I already love the way she makes me giggle. I have found that she is quite the character and already such a diva. She is not afraid to let me know what foods she likes and what foods she doesn't like. Her little kicks, pokes, and squirms aren't quite what you would consider to be modest either. She is quite a strong little one, and I will definitely say that she shares this characteristic with her big brother. I would be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy having her all to myself for the moment. Tomorrow begins my 6th month of pregnancy and I of course am experiencing a variety of emotions concerning my growing belly among other things. All I will say regarding this matter is, praise the Lord for my friend Amanda who was recently pregnant with her daughter Annabeth. I remember a post that she posted not long ago that was simple and short, yet highly insightful. I believe the phrase she used was, "Never look back at it!" -(regarding other expanding body extremities that seem to rear their ugly head during pregnancy.) This statement always makes me laugh and somehow can always bring a smile to my face even in the moodiest moments. All this to say, I always end up cherishing my pregnancy at the end of the day and this moment is usually accompanied by something decadent and sweet. I can't think of a better way to end my day than to be sharing a sweet treat with the sweetest little girl in the whole world... my sweet Cameron girl.

~Love Momma

The Big 4

We had such a great time we just couldn't resist sharing more pictures from Campbell's big 4 birthday bash!

Campbell in his new wagon- (This could be trouble!)

Campbell opening a few presents from family... we asked friends not to bring presents this year seeing as how their friendship was more than enough, and also because mom and dad are overwhelmed with all of the toys that have taken over their house recently!

Retrieving the candies!

Eating delicious cupcakes with Liam.

Waiting for the go-ahead from dad to blow out his candle.

A few friends at the party... we really didn't do a great job of picturing everyone... oops!!

Campbell and his bestfriend at school, Liam. Everyone knows that you have to hug before starting a game of hockey... right?

What's a party without Tonka Trucks and sand?

Just thought we would share a few more pictures of Campbell's big day... especially since this will be his last birthday party without a little sister who has to tag along! Blessings dear friends.

~Love The Smiths

Our Baby Boy is Four!!!

Recently, Nate and I had the privilege of celebrating four years of sheer joy, blessing, and happiness with our big boy Campbell Vance Smith.  Campbell turned 4 on January the 27th.  We partied hard... Transformers Style of course.  We had a great time with a few friends from school along with cousins and family.  Campbell was absolutely in heaven.  We decided to have Campbell's party this year at the house, so we set up a few stations inside and outside for the kiddo's to play at and they had a blast!  The stations out back included, the swing set and slide, a s'mores station, a tent, the sandbox with Tonka toys, and a few other outside sports like soccer and hockey.  The stations inside included, Sponge Bob hoops, bowling, air hockey, a music station, a puzzle station, a Transformers action figures station, a Transformers cartoon playing on the big screen, and then we ended with an activity that the kids did together.  -(The Pinata!)  

Below are a few fun pics at the party!

Campbell telling Uncle Nick how to do the Transformers Puzzle.

Blowing out "The Big Four" candle!

Testing the icing to make sure it meets "Campbell's standards!"

Driving a car on his cake... yuck!!!

Taking a shot at the Pinata... funny story behind this one!

Okay... couldn't resist telling this story about the Pinata!  This picture is completely misleading!  Campbell laughingly took the first whack at O-Prime and then calmly walked away... not a care in the world.  This was true, or at least until his friend took a second whack at O-Prime and Campbell had a conniption fit!  He started screaming "Don't break my new toy!  Stop it!  Stop it!", and then began to cry.  Nate and I were taken back at his awkward behavior when we suddenly realized that we were horrible parents. Considering we didn't explain to Campbell in the least bit what a pinatas main function in life was, he had no idea why we were beating up on his new best friend.  We finally realized that Campbell had never seen a pinata, or even been to a party where a pinata was present.  -(Again, we were horrible parents!  Our little precious was highly confused.)  He literally thought we were all evil... and couldn't grasp the idea of his sweet friends and cousins beating on his new special toy that he and momma picked out at Walmart just a few days before.  We began trying to explain what was happening, when suddenly one of his older cousins busted O-Prime pinata and candy flung to the floor like no bodies business.  Just when it seemed that all hope had been lost in trying to make Campbell understand, we found that the candy was the answer to our prayers.  Needless to say, he quickly mourned the loss of his new friend and happily celebrated his short lived life with mounds and mounds of pure bliss... his favorite candies!  Other than this little incident, we had a wonderful time.  It was a great day!

~Love The Smiths      

What's in a name...

A few days ago was an emotional day for the Smith family.  Early morning of February the 2nd, I was having some problems that aren't normal or consistent with five months of pregnancy.  I called the doctor, upon which she demanded that I come in immediately for an exam and possibly a sonogram.  I called Nate, and being the amazing husband he is along with our amazing God who has provided him a job that can be flexible in emergencies, he rushed home to take me to the doctor.  As we drove to the doctor, we thought of all the possibilities that worried parents would concern themselves with in this type of situation.  After praying together, Nate and I both had a revelation.  You see we are naming our child Cameron.  This name may not mean anything to most, but to The Smiths this name stands for a time when things seemed overwhelmingly hard, and through the innocence of a little boy named Nathan Smith who use to pray every night, "Lord thank you for this wonderful day, and don't let the devil have any friends!", they were reminded daily to remain steadfast in the Lord.  Cameron was the town that the Smith family lived in when Nate and his sisters witnessed their parents be strong for their children and remain faithful to the Lord through the worst circumstances.  We were reminded of our precious little one and the name we had chosen for him/her as we drove to the doctor, and we began to feel relieved.  God was already at work in us through our child.  As it turns out, my exam went great!  The doctor wanted to make 100% sure everything was okay, so she scheduled a sonogram immediately following the exam.  The thought of finding out the sex of our child was the furthest thing from our mind, seeing as how we were only concerned for the health and safety of our little precious.  During the sonogram, Nate and I closely watched every move and every measurement the doctor made.  Each measurement and test was absolutely perfect.  PRAISE OUR MIGHTY GOD!  Nearing the end of the sonogram, the doctor looked at us with a smile as he asked if we would like to know the sex of little precious.  Nate and I were shocked... we were suppose to find out the sex of the child on the 12th of this month.  We, of course exclaimed, "YES!!!"  Turns out that little precious is going to be BABY GIRL SMITH!!!  I broke down in tears from the emotional exhaustion, relief, thankfulness, and "still" pains that I was having in my belly.  A strange whirlwind of emotions that day held, but -God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  His good work!  (2nd Corinthians 9:8)  Seeing as how we are having a baby girl, her middle name will be Marie.  Marie has a powerful meaning as well.  Marie was the middle name of my dear aunt that passed away this June.  Maggie-Marie was a warrior in the Lord who battled cancer for over ten years.  She never strayed from remaining faithful in the Lord, and was a constant encouragement to others through all of her pain.  She was the type of woman, who would have a chemo session and in the same day would listen to her girl friend cry on her shoulder over a problem with all sincerity.  She gave all of herself to making others feel special and important.  She never put herself first.  She spoke truth over all who knew her.  She was a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and had faith that could move mountains.  One day, as she went into a seminar for cancer patients, she sat with her husband and doctor along with the newly discovered tumor in her throat, she prayed allowed that God would heal her of that tumor and that His will would be satisfied in her that day.  She walked out of that seminar only to be examined and healed of the massive tumor in her neck!  She was one of my greatest inspirations!  Aunt Bubble gum!  She never came over without my favorite bubblishous gum.  That was consistent with her character.  She was always thinking of others.  I am now Aunt Bubble gum to my nieces and nephews, and it is my honor and joy to carry on this legacy.  She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.  She was and is victorious.  I would love for my little girl to model the characteristics found within these two names.  Lord let it be!   We are so thankful for our new baby girl Cameron Marie Smith!  

~Love~

The Smith Family 

Secrets....

Secrets.......  -(after a very long day!!!)  :)

Full Circle!

Four and three years ago, Nate and I lived in Sulphur Springs, Texas.  One day we were driving home from eating at Chili's when I noticed that a new baseball sign had gone up in front of a business and many houses.  The sign read Braydon.  My heart broke, for I knew that the sign meant another child was facing the horrible battle against cancer.  In Sulphur Springs, our community supports children with cancer by putting out signs with their names on them to raise awareness and benefit for the victims and their families.  Braydon would of been about 2 or 3 when Nate and I began to pray for a healing over, who was then, this precious child that we didn't even know.  Through the years, we moved back to Irving and then recently we have moved back to Sulphur Springs again.  We have even more recently joined a church.  Every Sunday at church Nate and I would smile at this precious little boy who would usually walk by us holding his daddy's hand.  Nate and I had no idea who this little boy was, but we both agreed that he was special and seemed to have this glorious presence about him.  Every time we saw him he would just flash us the cutest smile.  I was trying to explain to Nate one day that this child was truly special, and the only way I could put into words what I felt when we exchanged smiles was that it just seemed like the hands of God had touched this sweet boy.  During our recent move to Sulphur Springs, we have become extremely involved in our new church, working with the youth, bible studies, music, and fellowship.  One evening while I was in bible study, I felt the urge to stand and ask the 50 beautiful women in my study to pray for a friend of ours who has been diagnosed with cancer.  Upon pleading for prayer, a woman, Victoria Smith wrote me with her encouraging story that brought me to my knees as tears flowed down my face.  Victoria wrote me an e-mail about her story and her sons battle with cancer for three years.  She exclaimed that her now completely normal and healthy 6 year old little boy, Braydon Smith was doing wonderful, and had been healed of his cancer.  Not only was I encouraged and touched by her story, but I was completely taken by my Saviors perfect love for His people.  You see, Victoria is the mother of the little boy that Nate and I smile at every Sunday as he walks by holding his daddy's hand.  I had no idea that the little boy that Nate and I knew was so very special, was the child we have been praying for for the past three years.  Our God is so amazing in the way that He brings things full circle.  He never ceases to amaze us.  It is as if He wants us to know that He always hears our prayers and He is always waiting for us to come to Him, and He truly is beloved.   -(In the corner of my page you will see a link that states prayer and praise for Braydon Smith.  This is a link to his story, his battle, and then Christ's victory in Him!  Praise God!  What an awesome mighty God we serve that He cares so intimately for His children!) 

Love~The Smith Family 

Let's Play Catch Up

Let's Play Catch Up!

What a whirlwind of holiday events that seemed to have passed by us so quickly!  We were so blessed to be able to spend this wonderful holiday season in the company of great friends and amazing family.  This year was especially exciting!  We continued our Smith family traditions of fun train exhibits, rides, school parties, and baking Jesus' birthday cake -(just to name a few.)  Of course Santa was pretty good to Mr. Campbell this year too!!!  :)  Below are just a few pictures of the moments that our family delights in sharing with you all.  -(Not pictured is the amazing time we had at Papa and Lovee's house on Christmas Eve... silly me forgot to take pictures, but Nate was not innocent in the situation either.  He wore the camera around his neck all night.  Oops!) 

Smiling with Gogo on her vacation visit to our house!

Giving Jerry Bear a check up with our new doctor gift... turns out Campbell says he is going to be alright.  He just needs a sucker! -(At my parents house) 
My precious baby niece laughing at her silly Aunt Boo!  She is so beautiful in her little Christmas decor!

Campbell shoots hoops with daddy!

Daddy shows Campbell how to shoot hoops.
Unwrapping The Incredible "Honk" boxing hands from Powpow!!!  So much fun!
Waiting our turn to open all of our wonderful gifts from Powpow and Gogo!
Campbell's new favorite gift from Uncle Nick and Aunt Jamie!  Hoop it up!

Campbell on Christmas morning!  Thomas, Super Car, Bumblebee, and The Incredible "Honk" were all brought by Santa! -(Our house)

Playing on Christmas morning!
Opening presents from mommy and daddy on Christmas Eve.
Too many presents!

Enjoying the train light show. -( The train ride)

Looking out at all the beautiful lights.
Entering Santa's workshop... screaming Super car all the way!
In the caboose getting ready for the big train ride and light show.  So exciting!

Campbell and Carston playing duck-duck-goose!  -(Campbell's Pre-school party)

Campbell helps Carston open his present!
Playing the Rudolph Relay game... wonder how he got the nose to stick?
Dipping his nose in whip-cream to get the nose to stick in the above picture.  So cute!

In front of the train exhibit waiting to see Santa! -(The train Exhibit)

Inside the train exhibit and looking at all the cars with their cargo.

Telling Santa he wants a Super car, Incredible "Honk", Transformers, and Thomas!

We had the best Christmas and most wonderful Holiday Season we could of hoped for.  We hope that your holidays were bright and merry and we wish everyone a blessed New 2009 Year!!!  

~Love~

The Smith Family