Coffee CubBuster

  Silas loves to suck on his big toe because I squeal with humorous disgust now that he's walking all over the place. I caught him smirking at himself during his nap when he popped that foot into his mouth. I caught you big man. Who needs toys when you can have a stick fight with daddy? An impromptu work lunch with daddy makes every day better. Memorial Day lake attire! This hat has three versatile settings. No buttons, one button (seen here), or two "Ausie" style buttons (wish I had a pic it was adorable). I think every kid looks cute in any kind of hat though. T-Pop and Si man just taking the boat for a ride. I love watching Silas experience things for the "first" time over and over again. Each year some of the same experiences are completely different. It was a great weekend! Also, a huge hug of gratitude to anyone and everyone that fights for the amazing freedoms we share in this county. Happy Memorial Day! ~Boat Buster

Mother's Day has come and gone, yet the daily responsibilities of a momma never see a day off. Even if you take a "vacation" without your precious babies, they never escape your concern or reach. Before I ever became a mother myself, I knew it was known as a "thankless" job, and I was perfectly okay with that description. In fact I remember desiring to be a less selfish person with regard to my time and energy, and I couldn't wait to give all of who I was to any young life God entrusted to me. I never thought I'd be one of those women that needed others to validate my chosen existence. Yet I'm realizing how easily this world creeps into our personal psyche without us even recognizing when we gave it our permission.Whether you work outside your home full-time, serve as a part-time employee, or wear the badge of full-time mommy, there are significant challenges that always make someone else's role look a little greener. As a "part-time"...

Silas seems to have some issues with the cold texture of ice cream. What a crazy kid! He has no issues with the texture of applesauce and cottage cheese (anyone who knows me probably knows that Silas developed this love when he was in the womb!) We got my family piano last week! It's a little out of tune, but I think he's going to be a natural. Every time Silas has to wait for me to warm up his dinner this happens. It's like he's saying " WHY? Why do we have to learn patience in life?!" "Please!  Can I please just have what I want when I want it!?" " I don't understand this waiting. And why are you taking my picture right now!?" " I can't believe the 60 seconds isn't up yet! I can't take it anymore!" Every so often it's fun to eat dinner under a homemade tent and watch a little TV No matter how big we get, the fetal position still provides comfort. Silas' first...

  Matthew and I have not been away together for more than a dinner and movie without Silas since before our little man was born. We don't have much family around, and it always seemed easy to bring our first born with us wherever we ventured this past year. Needless to say, our anniversary was a great excuse to get away for the first time. Thank you to Grandma Marsha for coming in town so that we could spend a couple nights at the lake. It was so nice and relaxing! But it really made me think about what we are celebrating when we have an anniversary. Are we just celebrating us? Here's to you and me. We are awesome! Seems pretty standard a response in our culture.  But really... after waking up at 7:00 am on Saturday with this gorgeous view (since my body has woken no later in over a year), I had some time to process the past three years of marriage with my amazing husband and the past decade with him in my life. We most definitely would not be marrie...

It's amazing how quickly children begin to understand the ways of the world. No one teaches them disobedience, distrust, or defiance, yet every single child will assert his or her own will sooner or later. It is the very nature of human beings: given free will out of love, but unable to see the perfect love within that gift. I recently asked Silas' pediatrician when I could put one meal in front of Silas, and if he refused to eat it, then he was done eating. To my surprise, Dr. Burnham said, "Now. Don't be a short-order cook. He is testing you now to see whether he can get what he wants." For that reason, I recently tried my hand at not making an alternate lunch to replace the classic PBJ. Si loves peanut butter and jelly, but for some reason he decided he only wanted his cheese puffs and other snacks last Tuesday. The terrible tug-of-war that followed seem to last forever. After fake tears, real tears (both on Silas' part), a stare down, the silent treatmen...

Si's first Easter brought his first bought of stomach bug and second round of ear infection. Not ideal, but as Matthew and I also got sick the day after Easter, we truly found strength in our Savior whom we had just celebrated. We've never all been sick at the same time, and while Matthew and I felt better 24 hours later, Silas is still going through something that we hope is just a lethargic complex from lack of calories. I lean on the Lord to guide my steps and decisions, and when I think about what He suffered for me, it makes our suffering insignificant. Thank you Jesus for conquering the grave, so I don't have to wonder what happens after it. The only time my little man has sat still for more than 10 minutes: the calm joy and sad slump of illness. ~EasterBuster

This was the first night we brought our little boy home from the hospital. Silas Cary Smith, seeing you in the NICU was so hard, but I've always known you were in God's hands since we first found out about you. It made seeing you at peace that much sweeter. And now all you do is smile... especially at the thought of a bunch of your images all over the wall. Nothing like some good cupcakes to keep the party going. Thanks for rocking the shades Max! Of course Silas wanted to watch the Masters on his birthday too. Didn't know how I was going to get all the balloons and Silas home in our little car. We made it work. Daddy got Silas ready for the Masters! While I got the party ready. You may not remember this when you're old Si, but Mommy had fun doing it. Our sweet boy was spoiled right on his first birthday. Happy Birthday Bud. You'll always be our baby boy. ~CC