Coffee CubBuster

Most people either love the holidays or jump in the Grinch/Scrooge wagon for the month of December, but I think I have a equal parts love and hate for Christmas. I'm sure that sounds either negative or sacrilegious, but I think it's possible to retain both love and hate for something without it contradicting or incurring connotations. As much as I love people, I hate the ugliness that rears its head in each of us. Just as God "loves the sinner but hates the sin" I love Christmas, and I hate Christmas all the same. When I was a child, it was certainly "the most wonderful time of the year," yet having children has changed my tune a bit.  After a week at home for Thanksgiving, I understand even more how much my children (and probably all children for that matter) thrive on structure and simplicity. When there are no standardized tests, appointments, or regular routines kids begin to fall apart. Couple this with a plethora of sugary treats, too much attenti

A few days ago our neighbors had their grandchildren over to play. One was an infant clinging to his mama, the other a soft-spoken girl about five years old content staying at Nana's house, but the third, an almost nine year-old boy, was more than happy to visit our house and play all day with our crew. I was given a quick glimpse at my future, and for the rest of the day all I could think about was how thankful I was to be exactly where I am today. Thankful doesn't quite sum it up, but it's a gratitude worth remembering... Thankful there are tears from my boys eyes due to spankings instead of my tears from their separation. Thankful I have to deal with speech therapy instead of screen therapy. Thankful I have to learn potty training again instead of party training. Thankful my kids are still sweet, sincere and simple, NOT sassy, sophisticated and stressed. Thankful they don't think to compare their lives with others, yet. Thankful they are excited about t

Recently I was discussing an audio book my husband read about the human species and their evolvements over the years. After understanding insights around the agricultural revolution and juxtaposing those with my own findings in Exodus, I'm convinced our thanksgiving dinner needs more mouths. Once upon a time man ate what he had for the day; until learning to "store" our goods, we were not a slave to them. There wasn't "efficiency" in work, there was just a "days work".  As much as I love leftovers, I also see the commonalities between our excess in food and our excess in cultural life. The more we have, the more we think we need, and the less we trust we'll obtain our "daily bread" whatever that may involve. The more efficient we have become as a society, the more time we have. Yet somehow we have managed to use that extra time poorly because so many people describe their lives as "busy" or "stressed". We are f

And just like that he's exiting the sweet baby stage and moving quickly into the toddler two's. Roman we cannot imagine life without you. You're equally sweet and sassy-- a stubborn snuggler with a soft-side very much like the other Smith boys. As baby boy three, you may think the rules don't apply to you, but you just love to find your own path. We adore you as much as you adore the outdoors, animals, and a good snack. You are a perfect mix of your two big brothers, and you love being one now too! Never forget what a gift you are to us. Happy 2nd birthday boo boo!  We love you! Big boy requested strawberries "on top" of his cupcakes, and I think he like the strawberry more than the cake! But Levi loved the icing best This kid didn't discriminate! And this big boy is almost ready for solids! An aquarium birthday trip! Stop growing so fast!!! :D Now we just need to try to get Big Ro out of th