Carlton playing baseball

Carlton is having a great year with baseball! He really does love it! I took these last night. He pitches sometimes and catches most the time. He really had a good game! Why is this year so different from last year? This year Carlton has a terrific coach (last years was great too), Coach Stockton has given Carlton the confidence he needs to really take off. He is a very positive influence for Carlton!

Cade the Fearless

Sandy and Chad have a very fearless two year old on thier hands this summer! He will likely learn to swim!! He loves loves loves it! I get really tickled watching him. He jumps (without waiting for a catcher ofcourse!) and ALWAYS comes up smiling!

The sun is too bright mom!

So much for great pool pictures! I asked Ryan and Daniel to smile and they did...lol...although you cannot see thier eyes!

Funny what we remember!

Funny what we remember sometimes! Today in the Doctors office Victoria was talking (lol....as she always does!). She mentioned that she knew her bible verse for the week. I praised her and then asked her what it was? She said, "Then the Lord said to me.....ummmm.......you should not do.....ummm...something and something and something" She smiled and said, "I never remember that last part!" I thought about how often we remember the "talk" but not the "wisdom".

Love and Respect

What words they are "I love you"! They carry much weight to some and very little to others. Some need to hear the words, some need to see them. Most would like a nice combination:) I am like most. I like both.

I love to "see" love and respect, frankly they just have to go together. I have a couple (and I mean a very few!) who just naturally respect thier belongings, and the house in general. Very few who just wake-up in the morning and make beds, or pick up after themselves without being told. I just have three children who have nice rooms: Joseph, Chelsea and Michael. They take care of thier things. Chelsea is the only one of those three who would walk through this house and actually pick up something that did not belong to her and put it away. I used to think it was because she was older, yet many of my kiddos are past old enough.

I think a strong sense of "who you are and what you want to be" is needed. What do you want from life? Most of my teenagers want a free ride. Some see the joy of giving, Jacob is a great example. He would readily go and help anyone in need. Is it because he doesn't have anything else to do? No, he is likely one of my busiest non-(official)working boys. He is the odd job man. But he feels a need to help out. He learns a lot and he earns the love and respect of those he helps....he actually "gets it!".

Just the other day one of my teenagers told me I did not respect him. Hummm...fighting words to be sure. No respect? I think we are showing him love and respect when we give him priviledges, when we allow him to have rights(some earned, some not). We allowed him to have his own room, he has a tv in his room, x-box live in his room, drums, he has clothes to wear, shoes for his feet, has the ability to eat three meals a day(if he gets up and comes to the table), he can go to the movies, a computer to use, can go on church trips, to camp, to school, extra-curicular activities. No respect?

Perhaps to "see" respect you have to give it? Because food, shelter, clothing and the right to worship are the only things a person has a "right" to. The rest is love and respect ....many times plain and simply a blessing. We have not always had the ablity to give our children thier own room (no matter how much we love them), but is it a blessing now that they are able to have one.

Love and respect are serious to me. I think they are extra serious to God! I do beleive example is a great teacher.....but in reality, each person much CHOOSE to love and respect!

Our Mail System

My house is not beautiful. It does not look like it came from the pages of Better Homes and Garden's magazine. It works. It is functional. It is distressed. It is nicknackless, as most nicknacks are broken. There are very few places I "display" anything, and when I do, it's my kids pictures:)

I do not have expensive furniture. I do have durable furniture. "Durable" being the utmost decider in our "fashion".

Not that I do not try. My living room (aka neighborhood community center) is all in oak(or oakish). I tried to stay with the same wood....lol...wood is easy:) I would love one of those House Beautiful homes, but they do not come with 20 children, so I choose my children. But, I must admit I, like most people, like nice. I struggle with "worldly" thoughts just like others. But I know that however beautiful a home I might have here on earth, it would be nothing compared to heaven. So my home, my true home, is golden (lol...with no dust!).

Saying all that, it should not matter that I woke to find Scott had bolted to the wall of my living room an office depot mail box system. Bolted right next to the piano. The very first thing a person can see when they come in the door. I had asked to put it in the kitchen beside my desk. But, Scott feels it looks best here, so he put it here:)

So in "blog fashion" I am now blogging and then letting it go(or should I say stay?).

Rapunzel John

John has been letting his hair grow. Joseph says he has missed 3 haircuts...lol. I ask him when I am cutting and his reply is usually the same "I am fine". LOL A woman at school last week (during awards day) said (about her long haired son), she was going to "white rain his hair to one side, just for identification purposes!" I have not laughed so hard in a while! I have always tried to choose battles and remember that "hair is just hair"... But, I have not seen John's eyes in a long time...lol

Silly Babies!

My babies sure are growing up! Victoria at 6.10 is my "baby girl" and Seth at 4.5 is my "baby boy". A funny pair who do not respect each others great positions! Silly pair to be sure:)

Addictions begin early!!

LOL....what can I say? We all love the computer for the minute our hands learn to type:) My friend Elizabeth's baby has been here this week and she loved the computer! A funny to follow my more serious blog!

Computer addictions

Caleb stopped and smiled for this picture. He actually looked up from the computer and said three words to me (following the picture)"Let me see". Scott and I have really been weighing the computer "options" for summer. During the school year my teenagers get 30 minutes a day on the computer. But I have a few who are completely lost in the computer. They cannot make a bed, clean a bedroom, take a shower, they have a hard time eating or sleeping either! I have talked about moderation. Even self-control. Both of these are very important issues they have to get a hold of themselves! I want them to (for them!). But I am sadly approaching the "take it into my hands" and "parental control" them to death :(

pool fun

What fun we have at the pool! the "power of pool" is great at the Smotherman house in the summer. It is something we all look forward to and work for. today was our second official day in the pool:) Although I had three who lost the priviledge, I do feel pretty sure that they will be swimming tomorrow! It is really sad to miss the pool. I loved the picture of Michael, chilling (literally) and recouping! He did allow a a bee to get into that towel with him and we had to search out Papa's meds!

Seth swimming

Summer and swimming seem to go hand in hand at our house. My children all love to swim! We went to my dad's today and swam. Everyone can swim except Seth (who I expect to swim this summer). But today Seth, wearing floaties, jumped in and out for 30 minutes before pulling off the floaties and proclaiming he was going to swim! I stood at the stairs, thinking he would start there, but NO, he jumped in before we could grab him. Ofourse he was within arm reach of 4 sisters, who pulled him to the top and helped him back to the stairs. He immediately walked right up the stairs, picked up the floaties and turned to me saying, "I cannot swim!". LOL...I talked him into "practicing" first and he did fine.

Carlton and english

Carlton is forever saying things that are funny. Although they do concern me as he gets older. For the longest I thought it was gaps in his language development. Then I thought perhaps it was his hearing. Although I am not sure he truly cares. It seems to be a combination. But this last week he has said several silly things.

He asked me one morning, as I was standing in the bathroom fixing Mercedez hair, "Mom, do you have any flosh?" I said "Flosh?" He nodded and before I could truly figure out what he was asking for Mercedez sighed and said, "Carlton it is FLOSS not Flosh!"

A day or two later he walked into the kitchen as I was fixing dinner (Italian Chicken). He smiled and trying to compliment said, "I LOVE your Stallion chicken Mom!"

But today took the cake! Samuel has a bad (and annoying habit) of making this yoddling sound. Carlton said, "Samuel, I'm gonna sign you up for OPRAH!" LOL

Middle School Awards day!

Today was Awards Day at the Middle School. Also the last day my guys have to be at school! Summer is calling them:) John received 3 awards for highest averages and he and Jacob both recieved an award for Student Council. They are really good boys and I am very proud of them!! This picture was taken after awards with Doug(center). Doug, who is in High School(now going into the 10th grade), went to watch the boys. Nice thing for him to do!

Heather and Rosie

Our sweet friend Heather shares the same birthday as Rosie.
This is the second year she has spent it with us!

Rosie's birthday

Rosie's birthday was the 16th. Time sure has gone by quickly! Seems like just yesterday that Jacob and I went to pick her up. She was 5 months old and weighed a little over 9 pounds! A little bitty thing! With not one hair on her head! lol Much has changed in the last 10 years! Rosie is growing-up to be sure!!

Kindergarten Graduation

This morning Victoria will graduate from Kindergarten!! I cannot beleive time flies so quickly! She is very ready for first grade!! What a good girl she is!!

The first picture is of Victoria and Mr Johnson our principal and the second is with her teacher Mrs. Boyd. What a great start these two have given Victoria!

Stuart's ride!!

I am a little behind posting this picture of Stuart and his ride. He works at Eddie's Superfoods and pays for his great car:) He is a wonderful worker and has been very resposible with making payments and such. A great guy he is!!

At the Farm

At Dad's for Mother's Day I let Caleb take pictures. I have a ton of moving basketball ones.....as well as some crazy stunt ones....and then the just plain corny ones. But this one of Daniel and Seth was cute. I also took this of Caleb and Doug. A great pic too!

Crazy silly sideways picture! It was not sideways when I posted it...although it sure is now. I am not terribly computer picture adjusting experienced....so you might try turning your head sideways...lol

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is officially over. It ended 15 minutes ago:) This is my first sit down time at the computer. I had a very nice day! Church this morning with all my children and Scott. Chelsea and Sarah picked up Granny to go to the farm with us. Dad fixed lunch(with a little help from Walmarts delli).

I did spend an hour this afternoon trying to get Sarah's flights to Boston. We finally found the flight that would arrive and depart during the conference time frame....picked seats....the whole thing.....when it came to the payment, the goofy site said you had to use a credit card with the passengers name on it...ugh! Like my 16 year old has a credit card! So I will have to call on Monday and see what we can do!

Tonight we had Senior night at church for those graduating. It was finger foods and neat. A table was set-up for each Senior. those bringing gifts or cards could place them there. Seemed to be a great night for all the Seniors!

This was my 18th Mother's Day.... Another couple of Mother's Days and I will be a Mother longer than I was not:)

Neat cloud

This cloud was over the house tonight. Was really really neat. The lightning behind it was really something! But, I did not catch it during the lightning.

Mother's Day Luncheon

Savannah HealthCare had a very nice Mother's Day luncheon for all thier Mothers. Dad and I went to share the time with Granny. This picture was taken. Granny had just that morning gotten a wonderful report from her cardiologist. Her heart is wonderful (we knew that). She does not have to go back for a year!!

Sarah's jeans

Sarah was being silly tonight while she and Chelsea were getting dressed. Pretty much normal fare. She asked me, "Where'd I get my jeans mom?" Knowing which "jean/genes" she was questioning, I smiled and replied, "I think Abercrombie." She sighed and said(in her most long suffering because of mom tone), "I am talking genetics!" I smiled and told her I wished I could blame it all on her daddy's side of the family(and many times I do!), but in truth she is very much a Holt. I cannot deny the family "genes".

The picture is of Sarah and her friend Patrick.

Family Retreat Weekend

This past weekend was the churches family retreat. We have gone to Lake LaJoie for many many years. It is part of our children's "traditions and favorite memories". We had a few minor injuries (mostly scraped knees from bike wrecks) but for the most part it was devos, camp fires (and s'mores), fishing, biking, kickball, softball, games, and did I mention food? lol...Lots of great food! We really enjoy being with our Church family too. It makes for great memmories for me too:)

Chelsea is home:)

Chelsea's last final was last Wednesday. She came home Thursday night! We are all happy to have her home. She is working for me this summer (yeah me!). Chels is the queen of organization (no joke). She is going to run through my storage rooms and get them whipped into shape. Not to mention she is my summertime babysitter(again...yeah me!!).

My mother used to tell me she had a next door neighbor who would come over when we were little and sit with mom and talk to her while she ironed all her clothes. Then mom would go over to Dinah's and sit with her while she ironed. Mom always said it just went by faster with a friend. I agree. With Chelsea here I can motivate myself to tackle big jobs, knowing she will be there and help. She is discerning, she could go through anyones closet and sort what to keep and what to throw out (except for sentimental things). Although at my house she does know my quirks and what is important to me:)

I love having my children grow up. They become "real people"...they choose and do and live....Chelsea has made some tough choices since going to college, Scott and I could not be prouder of her as a wonderful Christian woman. But, we do miss her. We miss her happy attitude and her outgoingness. We miss the calm example she gives siblings. She is a great big sister. Good to have that sister home!


LOL....Chelsea is home:)

Riding the wave

Wide range of emotion. Much like riding a BIG wave. Sometimes its a high....and sometimes you are scraping the bottom of the ocean! This is my morning. Happy kids....John and Jacob who were leaving for Opry Mills on thier field trip. Mad kids...Carlton who "only just this minute" realized that he lost his too expensive ball glove ....he lost it on SATURDAY...and failed to mention it until we were walking out the door for school! Frustrated kids....Tasha who cannot find "any" shoes! Except the ones she does not want to wear of course! Excited kids....Victoria who is home today with Seth and I. Kindergarten registration for next year is today, so she gets to stay home. Helpful kids.....Sarah and Stuart...I asked Sarah to wake up early to get John and Jacob to school...which she did. And Scott asked Stuart to get up early and take jacob and John to school...which he did too! lol On a very positive note, they did get to school on time!

Seems like everyday is a battlefield of emotions.....most all days are even...some days are not. Some days are just too exciting as a parent:) I think, WOW, great kids! And some day I count the days until I am a stay at home mom with no kids at home (can this happen?).

BTW....that is actually about 4765 days away!

The Chamblees!

Last night we had a fellowship meal to honor Jim and Shirley Chamblee (our minister and his wife). Jim and Shirley have been as much a part of mine and Scott's lives together as anyone else. We moved to Savannah in 1988 and Chelsea was a baby (9 months).

Jim is one of the most selfless men I know and surely Shirley is equally so, for as long I can remember, he has put the church and his service to God first and Shirley has supported him and his work for our Lord. They both have been wonderful examples of service to me!

Just last week I was studying about the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dryed with her hair.. I am not an individual who cries easily and I truly wondered how she found enough tears, was her sin so great they were tears of regret or tears of thanksgiving? Perhaps thankfulness to be in Jesus' presence and have the opporunity to serve him. Also Mary, as she used the nard to annoint Jesus feet. These women both knew of Jesus' power and of love for others. Both felt that in order to show Jesus thier love, they had to be extreme, and they were, and they suceeded in showing thier love for Him. At least to the only person who mattered, Jesus.

I now understand how a person could shed so many tears, how earthly riches are nothing compaired to the love of a friend. Because I feel this for Jim and Shirley.

Every memory of the past 18 years Scott and I have lived in Savannah are etched with thier family too. Every hope for tommorow and appreciation for today is there as well.

There has been no more wonderful Christian friend to me, during my loss of Stacy than Jim. No funeral every as beautiful as the one he held for her. This is not some isolated event, I feel everyone who knows Jim shares the same thoughts for Jim's respect and wisdom in times of sorrow and joy!

Jim and Shirley have only given me positive thoughts from the beginning of my family to the end (lol..though it seems only Heaven will be the end of my service). So I can only return the favor and pray that God blesses them both richly as they continue to serve our Lord.