Coffee CubBuster

There are some people who are crazy. Let's just call a spade a spade: they leave their lights up all year round and shop for Christmas gifts over the 4th of July. There are others that sync up Thanksgiving and Christmas as if they are one holiday together. Then there are those like myself who must wait until the day after Thanksgiving to fully embrace to season of Christ's birth. I always wait until at least the day after to turn on the carols and drink the gingerbread latte. But for some reason this year, I couldn't wait for Christmas. I of course sat on my hands and waited until the 28th of November, but man was I ready to get into the season sooner than normal. I think it had something to do with how rough our fall was this year. I was just ready to start a new season fresh. Yet, even though my mind and heart were ready to be merry and bright all day long, we couldn't really get our act together at the Smith house. With weddings, birthday parties, and stomach bugs, ...

We traveled down to St. Simons again this year for a wonderful long week of Thanks. Although our little man was under the weather, which made traveling a bit hard on mommy and daddy, we were still constantly giving thanks for our family that gave so much of themselves. After the busy week was over, I realized I'm definitely not the typical mom because I barely snapped a single shot of film (well of iphone film) the entire time we were gone. I blame it on the other little one growing in me and making me forgetful. Uncle Kevin was the only family member lucky enough to catch a pic with the traveling clan. This bird feeder made Silas' day because it made chasing birds a lot easier. He didn't quite understand that the bread was for the birds, not Silas. The pooped Smiths are ready to start the Christmas festivities... after a little nap of course. ~TiredBuster

Lately it has been all too easy to complain. I won't vent you the details because that would just be my way of getting some sympathy, which by the way, I believe you'd give freely after hearing about the kind of month we've had here. Instead, I have found that the best cure for self-pity follows a step by step recipe. First, change your perspective. Seriously reconsider how well-off you are instead of what you're missing. Next, pour a good cup of strong coffee. After that, think about others who have it so much worse than you. Finally, look for way to serve and gift others. It will change your whole attitude. I found this yummy (yeah... I licked the spoon already) and easy recipe on Pinterest , that I plan to give to some of those people who have made my life easier. I'm truly thankful..... even when I don't think that way. I mean what is Thanksgiving without Thankfulness? ~ThanksBuster

I have never been good with numbers; I've never claimed to be good with numbers. In fact I will pretty obviously count on my fingers and toes when addition is required of me. However, I think numbers have been a reoccurring theme in my life lately. For instance, how many numbers will it take in dollars to fix our serious plumbing issue or how many numbers will be needed to help my poor car. We quickly realized those numbers were higher than desired. One of the biggest numbers that will change is the number of people in our family. God-willing, this May our family will increase from three to four!  Yep. Another Smith in the world to brighten every fall season. Yet, that's not even the biggest number that we've been focused on lately. After losing a baby in August, we were shocked to find out that we were pregnant so quickly. Actually if you count the weeks in the months, the numbers didn't add up. It was physically impossible for me to be as pregnant as the docto...

It's been a busy few weeks with a golden birthday, first tricker treater, and fall festivals. Check out the photo dump from our family with love... The whole reason we decided to be a super family was because Silas will "fly" on commamd. Just say,"da du da dun da dun! Super Silas!" One of our favorite couples decided to join our theme with Batman, Catwoman, and little Poison Ivy! She was the cutest! Matthews cake may have looked sloppy (a little sticking to the lid issue), but it tasted yummy! Silas and Hudon are truly BFFs already. Adorable! I attempted some "scary" finger foods for Matthew's birthday, but my "mummy dogs, witch fingers, mini pumpkins, and blood orange soda" all needed explanatory signs. Silas absolutely loved "turkeying" (his version of trick or treat); he just kept going back for more candy! The secret was to give him his first "sucker" so he knew what candy w...

I've recently been convicted of something that I feel compelled to share because I hope I'm not the only one who is still learning lessons in my life. If my convictions can benefit you, then they are entirely worth it. For those of you who don't understand or like the use of the word "conviction," let me define it for you. There are some who will follow the definition that involves guilt, yet I know others who would still argue that guilt is a negative emotion they'd rather stay far away from even in mere conversation. While an entire debate about whether guilt is negative or positive could ensue, let me pose a different view of the word.  Conviction involves "proving or declaring one as guilty of an offense." For me, this is a perfect word to use for this conversation.  I confess, I am guilty of seeking to know ALL. Knowledge.... yes this is my crime. Again, I can hear objections to this plea. Hear me out. There is nothing wrong with kno...

Nothing like some good punks (Silas' new word for pumpkin) to get fall rolling!  I just love fall. Have I mentioned that? Whenever I say, "Silas, look at those leaves falling!" He throws up both arms screams with joy and then gives the falling beauty a round of applause. I definitely know how to train em! ~FallBuster

Did you know that there are many famous people who didn't start their life's greatest work until there 30s? Julia Child didn't really start cooking until she was 36. J. K. Rowling was 32 when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published. Jesus was 33 when he started his fruitful ministry. And Vera Wang didn't start developing wedding dresses until she was 40!  These fun tidbits really helped my perspective as I entered into this new well-respected decade. I'm pretty pumped about being 30, and not only did I feel loved by so many, my husband made me feel extra special by surprising me with some of my favorite things: a cabin in North Carolina during the start of the fall season with a built in spa day and fabulous home-made dinner. I felt like a queen! One of my favorite things is watching how similar my boys look. This is their "Curious George" relaxation face. Had a special moment with Si-man when we watched the sunrise over the NC mounta...