Mother Moments

~Campbell~
Today as we were getting ready for school, I suddenly began to realize what a big boy you have become. I can't believe that you are 4! As we were eating cereal together I just watched you in complete amazement. When did you start to get you own cup from the cabinets? When did you start to get your own water from the refrigerator? When did you start bringing your dishes to the sink all by yourself? When exactly was it that you began to carry on such grown up conversations? I don't exactly know. I know that you have been doing these things for a while now, but I guess these moments just never cease to amaze me. It seems like yesterday we were in the delivery room and I held you in my arms for the first time in complete awe and wonder. I can't believe that four years has passed us by so quickly. As I was thinking about all of the progress and changes that you have made in the past few months, I remembered we had to hurry and get ready for school, or we were seriously going to be late. As I looked at the clock and yelled, "Campbell it's time to get dressed! Where are you?" I looked up only to find that my little boy had completely dressed himself from head to toe! What a big boy you have become. I am so proud of you Campbell. Though you may be growing and maturing faster than ever.... I want you to know that you will always be my baby and I will forever be your mommy. These are a few moments I have enjoyed with you these past few months. I hope one day you will look back on these moments and cherish them as much as I have.

Campbell Vance Smith 4 years old, and quite the stud if I do say so myself.

Reading the nose book with my favorite little boy in the whole world!

Enjoying the nose book with my favorite little boy.

Your first Tea-Party. You weren't really enthralled about the whole Tea-Party idea, but you still had fun. You always do. You seem to find the good in most everything. I love this quality about your sweet little spirit.

Having Tea and scrumptious treats with your friends at school. From Your right to left: Briley, Carston, and Kasie.

We seem to have the whole not talking with your mouth full rule down, maybe we need to work on not smiling with your mouth full now. Such a sweet smile though.

Finishing the relay race at your school's Valentines Day Party. You did so good! You didn't drop the sweet tart from your spoon except for once! At the end of the race you were suppose to drop the sweet tart in a bucket, but not you. You have never been a wasteful kid either. Instead of dropping the sweet tart in the bucket, you decided to pop it in your mouth! Umm...Yumm? You are such a hoot! You have a presence about you that always brings a smile to the face of others.

The final result of the ring toss. You have always been somewhat reasonable and extremely creative. I mean, if you can't make the rings land on the octopus from several feet away, then scoot up... right?! I love your competitive side! I never quite know what tricks you are going to have up your sleeve to win.

You have always been willing to try almost anything, even if you don't quite agree with the rules of, let's say... a particular ring toss game. -(You were the only one who came close to actually scoring the rings around the octopus from this distance by the way.)

Though you weren't really into decorating the cup cake, you sure did love to eat the result! You have always been the happiest kid. You always find a reason to smile or to make someone else smile. You have always been bursting with joy.

Finally, you are making a rose for mommy in this picture. What a perfect way to end this entry. Something that is so special to me! You love to give mommy flowers. In fact, when you and daddy go to the store, you always tell daddy, "We need to get flowers for momma! She is so beautiful! She needs them for her. She will be happy!" This melts my heart every time you walk through the door with flowers in hand and your daddy tells me the story of how the flowers came about. This particular flower that you have made in the picture below sits on my nightstand and will for many more years to come. Thank you for the beautiful rose son. It's perfect and I love it!

You are the most cherished and treasured gift in your fathers and my life Campbell Vance. We love you very much. I look forward to many more mother moments that the years will have to offer us baby boy. Remembering that you will always be my baby and I will forever be your mother,

~Love Momma~

Interview With A Campbell?

Today I decided to play a fun little game with Campbell. It's one of the many perks of being a SAHM, and I must say that I was astonished and all together amazed at the results I came up with. Here is "Interview With A Campbell"-

1.)Mom- what is your favorite thing about mommy? Campbell- umm...hmm...that I just love you.
Mom- what is your favorite thing about daddy? Campbell- Yeah...that he loves momma.

2.)Mom- what is something funny that momma does? Campbell- laugh with me.
Mom- what is something funny that daddy does? Campbell- says silly things at me.

3.)Mom- how tall do you think mommy is? Campbell- 10 feet.
Mom- how tall do you think daddy is? Campbell- 4 feet...yeah.

4.)Mom- how old do you think mommy is? Campbell- 20.
Mom- how old do you think daddy is? Campbell- 26.

5.)Mom- what is mommy's job? Campbell- umm...the computer.
Mom- what is daddy's job? Campbell- umm...working. Mom- from where? Campbell- the
office.

6.)Mom- what makes mommy happy? Campbell- umm...when she is in a picture.
Mom- what makes daddy happy? Campbell- well...work.

7.)Mom- what makes mommy sad? Campbell- when your feelings are hurt.
Mom- what makes daddy sad? Campbell- umm...well...crying. Mom- why? Campbell- he
hurt his umbow. Mom- you mean elbow? Campbell- yeah.

8.)Mom- when is mommy grumpy? Campbell- when daddy spanks you.
Mom- when is daddy grumpy? Campbell- when he makes a sad face.

9.)Mom- what does mommy do that is good? Campbell- plays toys.
Mom- what does daddy do that is good? Campbell- plays transformers.

10.)Mom- when is your favorite time with mommy? Campbell- at parties.
Mom- when is your favorite time with daddy? umm...bowling...that's my favorite time with
daddy.

11.)Mom- how much does mommy weigh? Campbell- well...hmm...I wonder. The number 6?
Mom- how much does daddy weigh? Campbell- umm...3 hours.

12.)Mom- what does Campbell want to be when he grows up? Campbell- a policeman...with tall
buildings and fire!!!

13.)Mom- how old is Campbell? Campbell- 4.

14.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite thing to do? Campbell- color.

15.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite movie? Campbell- Pinocchio!!!

16.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite cartoon? Campbell- Transformers!!!

17.)Mom- who is Campbell's best friend? Campbell- Carter...yup...that's him.

18.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite letter? Campbell- B.

19.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite number? Campbell- 20.

20.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite thing to do outside? Campbell- umm...play on my
playground.

21.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite thing to do inside? Campbell- maybe...uhhh...
Transformers robots in disc-eyes...eyes...eyes!!!

22.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite game? Campbell- the Jeep Game. Mom- on Wii?
Campbell- of course.

23.)Mom- how tall is Campbell? Campbell- 62...Mom- 62 feet or inches? Campbell- inches.

24.)Mom- what makes Campbell happy? Campbell- toys!!!

25.)Mom- what makes Campbell sad? Campbell- mad....Mom- why? Campbell- well because.

26.)Mom- what makes Campbell angry? Campbell- spankin with the wooden spoon.

27.)Mom- how much does Campbell weigh? Campbell- 28 pounds.

28.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite color? Campbell- green...umm...and blue.

29.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite sport? Campbell- the...baseball...that's a great idea!

30.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite food? Campbell- Macaroni and Cheese!!!

31.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite animal? Campbell- zebras...that's my favorite
because he's a good boy.

32.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite book? Campbell- BIG BAD BUNNY!!

33.)Mom- what color is Campbell's hair? Campbell- umm...haha...green!

34.)Mom- what color are Campbell's eyes? Campbell- green, or blue...yeah, blue, blue!!!

35.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite day of the week? Campbell- Thursday at school.

36.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite shape? Campbell- triangle.

37.)Mom- where is Campbell's favorite place to go? Campbell- to look at the animals. Mom-
so the zoo? Campbell- yeah! the zoo with the train!

38.)Mom- what is Campbell's favorite treat? Campbell- umm...a sucker!

39.)Mom- who is the prettiest girl in the whole world? Campbell- Cameron!

40.)Mom- who is Cameron? Campbell- the baby girl. Mom- what else? Campbell- she's my
sister!!!

I love getting to know my baby boy a little bit more each day! He is so precious to his father and I!
We hope you all enjoyed getting a glimpse into our wonderful world of Campbell.

~Love The Smiths~

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!!!)  :)