Coffee CubBuster

  I must be a glutton for punishment, or multi-tasking. When I was finishing my Masters, I was also looking for a place to live, trying to find a job, planning my wedding, and then moving. Hmmm... I really like to throw all my life changes into one bundle. Maybe it's just easier to handle them that way.  Now, Matthew and I should be announcing the newest member of our family any day, plus we closed on our first home this week and both have taken on new careers in the past few months (mine involves raising my own child instead of others'). We are so thankful to have found the little gem, even if it does need a lot of work. Right off of Crabapple in sweet Roswell, it's a great neighborhood and kind of surreal that we own this little ranch! I kind of hated it when I first saw it. I mean it's flesh-colored with green shutters and church like windows. But the potential is crazy. Stay-tuned for the "after" photos. We will be able to work on t...

Once upon a time there was a little girl with naivete and purity of spirit. She dreamed of making the world a better place. Her dreams included as few changes as possible; she wanted to live simply as a wife and mother, and she hoped she could make as many people smile along the way as possible. She soon discovered that the world held harsh realities, dystopian complexes, and curve balls should couldn't avoid. She also learned that the changes and trials in life were actually blessings disguised. This truth aided in her ability to view the world through lavender lenses instead of rose-rimmed ones. Soon, she would face the impurities of her own nature: she cared more about the opinions of others than she ever wanted to admit. She believed the cultural lies she was daily fed, and her sense of purpose teetered on uncertainty.  Before she knew it, she was caught up in the temporal temptations and earthly extras that hoard so many homes. Thanks be to her Lord, she was never more than ...

Many people have asked what colors I'm using in the nursery since we don't know the gender of our little one. I always say, "The sames ones I'd use if I did know the gender."  Personally I'm not really into the color pink or blue, so I'm excited to have things I can use either way. It's hard to get a good feel from these pics, but it's the little details that make if feel special. We received some beautiful furniture from my in-laws. Of course I loved the "espresso" color. Who doesn't love espresso-anything right? (my child is going to be a coffee addict early on) We just have to get our changing pad to put on top of the dresser and the room will be complete. The pictures in the background were painted by one of my former students. She did a fantastic job- 1-to-2-to-3 sparrows. Precious. The bumpers will have to go for the first few months, but I wanted to get a good feel for how they'd look. There are little trees on t...

I had a blast with my some of my best girlfriends this weekend. It was my last shower (probably ever... I'm now married with a baby due in a few weeks!) Sniff... sniff.... I'm so old... well, I am excited to shower all these other girls. I love an excuse for all of us to get back together! These sweet friends, Marg, Brit, Linds, and Anna, and one missing, my old-roomie Kace, threw a wonderful shower that was perfect for me. It was at LOTH- one of my favorite coffee shops. I mean how much better could it get for the Cubbuster? There were several other mommies in the room with their precious girls too. Caitlyn's first little girl Evie was a great baby. I loved seeing Katherine! It's been too long girl. She thinks we're having a girl too! Laur, T, Chris, and Ky all came. It was a college dorm reunion! Love it! My precious new friends, Lindsay, Chrissi, and Jill have showered me with love and prayers this past year. I am so grateful for them! ...

This sweet woman and one of my best friends, Kyra, just had her third daughter (and we are the same age).  She is wise beyond her years, and I hope I can emulate some of her awesome parenting skills. Remember this pic... it was taken just a month ago. This was just taken last night. She has a three-week old, and she and her hubby were ready for a night out in downtown Atlanta already The Karrs introduced us to a great new singer- Josh Garrels . Amazing voice! We enjoyed their "Mason Jar Music" movie and concert at "Center Stage Theater" Matthew learned his own tricks from the veteran dad Even though he looks happy, Livia could smell his fear Thanks for a great night Reid and Kyra, y'all are true veterans If you want a great steak salad dinner (better and cheaper than any steakhouse), get some flank steak, marinate with soy sauce and balsamic. Sear on a stove top grill pan. Add to mixed greens with toasted pine nuts, herb goat cheese...

As we approach the finish line of the third trimester, Matthew and I wanted to take some time to quiet our lives (before the loud crying begins) and remember where this whole journey began. We wouldn't have Baby Smith if it weren't for God's grace... on so many levels.... in our lives separately and also together. So we headed off to Athens for a little B&B and R&R, as well as some good treats! Valentine's started with making my hubby some homemade donuts. I'm not really a donut-lover (I know it's like I'm not American), but I could make an exception for these!  They are really easy to make. Check out Paula Deen's recipe . We stayed a sweet Bed and Breakfast called Ashford Manor in Watkinsville near Athens. Our cottage was separate from the main house. We had our own kitchen and everything. It was so cute! I can totally see the weddings that take place here. I loved the grounds, even in the dead of winter. This was the exac...

I love Love. (not a typo.) It's true- God is love, love covers a multitude of sins, and there is no fear in Love. All of these scriptural references explain why in the midst of hardships, sadness, and trials, we can still see something good in the world. As we approach a "hallmark" holiday, I'm reminded of how much love there is in this world. My mother-in-law and her friends threw a sweet baby shower this weekend in St. Simons in which they merely wanted to show their love for their friend and her precious grandbaby-to-be. It was just a room filled with women loving on me! I also saw the sweet love my best friend had for her new precious daughter. Livia Reid Karr came into the world easily without a fuss. I pray our own baby does the same! :)   A sister's love for her new sister. It was precious! We are beginning to build our nursery too! Not only are we filling a tiny space with furniture, toys, and books, but as much love as we can! Matthew actual...