What's up with the Smith's?

So life is a little crazy

2010-02-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

I would like to say 4 kids are as easy as pie but boy life is hectic. Not much time to blog but here are some updated photos. We have had many exciting things happening this year. Lots of family time, Tim turned one and the rest of the kids are growing so fast.

2009-12-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
From the Smith Family
Carey, Kelly, Austin(10yrs), Lauren(8yrs),
Ethan (2yrs), and Timothy (10mos).

This year has been full of many crazy and exciting things for the Smith family. Since our year has been so full we were behind on getting our Christmas cards out so we thought we would email out our cards this year.
Carey is still working for Aramark. He is learning many new things at work. He is very involved with the men’s group at our church and keeping up with our 4 kids. We were blessed this year as many of you know. Carey survived an accident that should have been fatal. Clearly, God wasn’t done with Carey yet. In May, Carey was involved in a 5 car collision and rolled his jeep several times. He broke his neck, 3 ribs and his shoulder. Those on the scene can’t believe he is alive. Praise be to God that He spared Carey’s life and Carey didn’t have any permanent damage. He has full range of motion in every part of his body.

Kelly delivered our fourth child in February. She is very excited that God answered her prayers to be a stay at home mom this year and after Timothy was born she didn’t return to work. She is now a full time stay at home mom. She loves being with the kids and they sure love having her home. Kelly continues to remain involved in the women’s ministry at our church. Although the year has been full with many surprises, God had a final surprise for the family this year. Baby number 5 will be born into the Smith family sometime in June.

Austin is now in the 5th grade. He is very involved in church and is an active volunteer in the drama group. He has been a recruit, a customer, and finishing out the year as a shepherd. He finds so much joy sharing God’s word through drama.

Lauren is in the 3rd grade. We can’t believe how fast time flies. She is my “princess tom-boy.” She loves to be a princess but give her a pair of sneakers so she can be competitive with the boys. She is also very involved in our church. She has been singing in the band as well as she will finish out the year as an “angel in training” for our Christmas Eve service. She loves Jesus with all of her heart and spends lots of time praying for her family and friends.

Ethan is already 2 and full of himself. He thinks life is a party. God help us when he gets older. He is full of energy, a climber and ALL boy. He can climb any rock wall, ride a two wheel scooter and climb any dresser that comes his way. He has quite an active imagination. He talks about his day at school but the funny thing is…he doesn’t go to school. The boy has some funny stories. What other two year old do you know offers you a hundred bucks for a dinner roll and says to everyone “I am hilarious.” Only our two year old.

Tim is already 10 mos old. Tim had a rocky start this year in the NICU for fluid on his lungs but recovered quickly and came home to join his family. He is such a strong kid now. He just started walking. We know, too early. We tried to put bricks on his knees but that didn’t slow him down. He is our happy go lucky kid. Very inquisitive. He loves to interact with people and he is an overall joy to have as a part of this family. A perfect fit.

God has blessed our family in so many ways this year. We see Him at work in all areas of our lives. From ourselves, to our kids, to our church and at work. We are thankful that God gives us a front row seat. Our prayer for the year 2010 is that you can see God working in all of your lives as well. May God bless your families this year and into the next.

With Love,
The Smith’s

Some pictures from the summer

2009-09-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Wow...I can't believe how summer has ended so quickly. I remember almost crying at the beginning of the summer wondering how in the world I would be able to take care of all four kids. Well, God gave me just enough strength, energy and help to make it through. We made it through so well that on the first day of school I cried when I dropped off Austin and Lauren because I didn't want them to go back to school. We had so much fun. They are such great help and the house is lonely while they are gone during the day. After a week of them being back at school we are finally getting into the groove. I have enjoyed having some time with just the littles. Ethan is learning so much so quick and Tim has started crawling. The slow days of summer are now over. We are looking foward to what's to come but celebrating what is and what has been. We have been so blessed with beautiful, smart and loving children.

The kids had just thrown the leaves in the air. Too bad I missed them in the picture.

It is always so hard to get everyone looking at the camera and when you add an action shot you can forget it.

Hey look....Almost everyone is smiling. When I see all four of them in one picture it is overwhelming how many kids we have. It is amazing how different they all are and how much love we have for all four of them.

The big boys. Austin just loves to spend time with Ethan. He is such a good brother.

Look I can sit and almost smile at the camera. I am getting so big.

Austin and Lauren love playing together. Somehow Lauren always makes it to the top first. Austin is a little more reserved than Lauren. We have a picture just like this from a few years ago at the park near the beach.

Ethan is on the move. He has so much fun. Can hardly get him to stop and take pictures.

Lauren celebrated her 8th birthday with her favorite friends. She went shopping and swimming. They had so much fun.

Faith and Jasmine are her best friends. Faith and Lauren have been friends since they were babies in the nursery and Jasmine is our next door neighbor.

This was a better stab at cupcakes. Much better than Elmo for Ethan. I guess the more I practice the more creative I will learn to be.

The shopping Diva. She had fun shopping for her birthday. Hope the cuteness stays and the attitude leaves soon.

Road trip. We got to take a road trip to Arizona to help Larry and Neita move. It was super hot but the kids did great on the 6 hour trip.

Hooray I am crawling. I am just as crazy as my brother.

Oh my beautiful boy. He is also sitting up on his own. Enough so that his mom can get a quick picture of him sitting and smiling.

This and That around the house

2009-08-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

We have so much fun around the house. Here are just a few pictures of our daily lives. Lauren the drama queen. Pretending to be hurt. Feeling left out since her dad and brother both broke their arm this year. Ethan and his blue lollipop. Tim and his smiley self. Austin is usually out playing out side so it is hard to pin him down for a picture. I hope it is not a trend as he hits preteen years.

Happy Birthday Austin

2009-08-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

Austin had a great 10th birthday. It is so hard to believe he is 10 already. He enjoyed a pool party with family and some good friends.

Our Four Kids

2009-08-01T21:55:00.001-07:00

We all made it to the beach for the Fourth of July. We had so much fun. Ethan got to see a train for the first time. Tim made it to the beach for the first time. Austin and Lauren enjoyed boogie-boarding in the water. Carey and I were excited to spend the day out. The weather was nice. We were a little bummed though because in order to preserve the coast line they poured rocks all over the beach. Austin and Lauren's feet hurt, it made it hard for Carey and I to set up in the sand but Ethan......he loves rocks and he thought it was sooooo cool.

Boy Time goes fast.

2009-06-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Austin and Lauren
My Ethan boy.

Smiley Tim.

Wow. Time goes so fast. Austin and Lauren finished another year of school. We now have a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. Ethan is already two and boy does it feel like he is two. So much fun but crazy too. Tim is already 5 months old and getting ready to start real food. Didn't I just come home from the hospital having Austin - Wow that was ten years ago. Time sure flies.

2009-06-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Me and my little one. He is so much fun. Sure love hanging out with Ethan.

Welcome Home Carey.

2009-06-21T20:53:00.001-07:00

So glad Carey is home and doing well. God is so good to our family. We are blown away by his blessings.

For updates on Carey

2009-05-26T22:35:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay in blogging. For updates on how Carey is doing following his accident, check out this website a loving friend of ours set up for him.

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/careysmith

The boys hanging out.

2009-04-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Tim's first trip to the beach

2009-04-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

During one of our mini heat waves this spring, we took Tim for his first trip to the beach. Can't live so close to the beach and no visit on a beautiful day. We had so much fun. The kids came home wet and sandy but what a fun day.

Just Hanging out

2009-04-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

I just love hanging around with my mom. We like to take walks and go to the park often. We have so much fun. I am such a monkey. I have learned it all from my sister.

A beautiful day at the park

2009-04-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

The kids weren't too in to letting Auntie Eryn take their pictures. We were able to get a few decent ones. With so many kids it is hard to get them all smiling all the time but this was a good start. I am always blown away to see pictures of my entire family. I feel so blessed to have so many children that are beautiful and unique.

At the park with dad.

2009-03-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ethan loves being at the park. Today was a beautiful day. Ethan enjoyed going on the wees as he calls slides with his dad. Notice his hair standing up? It is not the static of the slide. His nick name is now pom pom head. His hair just stands up all the time.

Wow. I really have four kids!

2009-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

It was a challenge to get all four with their eyes open and somewhat smiling. This was a good first attempt. Auntie Eryn will be coming this weekend to take more. Hopefully she will have better luck. They are a bunch.

Our first family picture

2009-03-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

I think if God would have told me I was going to have four children many years ago I would have said no way. I love all of my beautiful children and feel blessed that I get the opportunity to stay home with them and watch them grow up daily. They are each soooo special. God made them all unique but I love them all the same.

Around the house this week

2009-03-28T21:07:00.001-07:00

Visiting with some great friends of ours. Austin and Brienne are only one day apart in age. We met their parents at the baby dedication. We thought Austin was the youngest child at the baby dedication but then Brienne showed up. Who would of guessed we would have been in the same small group and then we became great friends. We thank God daily for our wonderful friends. Too bad they live all the way in Arizona.

A week of big things for the Smith's

2009-03-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

This week has been a big week for the Smith's. Timothy is growing fast. He is already five weeks old. He changes a little bit each day. I have turned in my notice to my job so I can stay home with my beautiful family. I am excited to finally be the stay at home mom I always thought I would be. Austin and Lauren will be switching schools as soon as a position opens for them at the local school. They are super excited. Ethan is now able to climb out of his crib so he has moved into a big boy bed. Ethan has also gone potty in the potty once. Can we say come on potty training? It will save in diaper costs:0). Needless to say, I am thrilled to be home. Things change so fast for our family, I don't want to miss a bit. Now I get to be right in the center of it 7 days a week. Thanks to God for answering the prayer I have had since I was a little girl. I am ready to see God perform miracles because I think it is going to take one to keep me home with our finances. I believe He can do it and I am trusting Him.

Trip to San Luis Rey Mission

2009-03-10T18:25:00.001-07:00

We took the kids to the San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside this weekend for Austin's fourth grade project. The kids had fun. Needless to say mom and dad were exhausted when the day was over.

Timmy's First Bath

2009-03-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

2009-03-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

Okay. So I can't figure out how to turn Timmy right side up. Although parenting 4 kids is crazy, I didn't hang him upside down. :0)

Pure exhaustion

Visit from friends.

Ethan just hanging out.

One of many miracles God has given us

2009-02-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

Eryn spent the day yesterday taking amazing pictures of one of our miracles God has given us. These pictures are incredible and catch just a glimpse of this miracle. I always wonder how I will have more room in my heart to love yet another child as much as my others. It is amazing how God can just blow the doors off what we can comprehend each time.

No exciting pictures today

2009-02-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Today was a melt down mom day. With lack of sleep (2 1/2 hours in a 48 hour period) and viruses rounding though our family, I had a hard day keeping my eyes on God rather than the chaos of the kids and sickness. I am blessed with four beautiful children and a wonderful husband. All of them healthy for the most part but just overwhelmed by what it takes to manage a family of 4 plus a husband. Just as I began to wave the white flag, God sent family and friends to help through the craziness. We had dinners brought to us, help carting the kids around, and a healthy check up for Timmy. All kids went down tonight without a fight. Amazing that God just pulled it together once I looked up and gave up trying to do it myself. One would think I would learn that lesson.

Timmy is Home

2009-02-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Not much time to blog today. I am enjoying spending too much time with Tim. Wanted you to see that he is home and doing well. The home health nurse will be by to check in today. So excited to have our entire family under one roof.

Tim should be coming home tomorrow

2009-02-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today was such a great day. I finally got a picture of him with his eyes opened. He was such a funny boy today. He was sucking his thumb. Filled his diaper 3 times while I was visiting. He must of known I was there to change him. Can you tell what is missing???? All of his tubes were off. He is only being monitored to make sure he stays in the normal range. Tomorrow is his circumcision and hearing test and if all goes well it looks like he gets to come home. We are so thankful for the miracles that have happened this week. God has knocked our socks off. We are looking forward to him coming home and having our family all under one roof.

A picture of Tim during his hardest days in NICU

2009-02-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

This was one of Tim's most difficult moments. He was struggling with how fast his lungs were working. He was such a tough little guy. A day of this and he decided to continue to improve. He became so fiesty that he pulled out his IV and began to improve greatly. I think he decided if he wanted to quit being poked he might as well get better. He now has the Smith personality. His face is so precious.

Saturday Night Update on Tim

2009-02-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

Just got home from the Hospital. Tim is doing so well. According to the nurse if he continues to improve as he is, he will get to come home on Monday. HOOORAY. I am so thankful for all the prayers God is answering. I am seeing miracles happen right before my eyes. God is amazing. He is good all the time.

Timothy is doing well

2009-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Today has been a great day for Timothy. He is now off all oxygen. They are treating his jaundice and he is starting to eat. HOOOOORAY. Mommy was able to hold him with out all his tubing and feed him. We are so greatful that God is taking care of him and helping him get better. Looks like if we continue to improve he will get to come home soon.

Timothy update

2009-02-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight Timothy looked good. I am smiling and tearing up as I think about the first text I sent from my phone in the hospital this morning. I prayed today that Timothy's breathing would slow down and that his oxygen level would stablize. I prayed that his cpat would be removed and that soon he would be able to start eating. I also prayed that he would show improvment on his xrays. Many of you prayed with us all day. Well, God blew my socks off today. Timothy's breathing rate became more stable even after the cpat :0) was removed. His oxygen level continues to improve and they are able to back off some of the oxygen. And guess what, Timothy is getting to eat today. Not by bottle but by a tube that runs into his stomach so that he doesn't inhale it back into his lungs. Well, I guess you can say not only did God answer the prayers I had but then some. Thank you God for answering.

Our current prayer is that the oxygen level can go down to 21% which is the oxygen level of the room. He is a little jaundice and is under lights. We are praying that this clears up. We are praying that his breathing rate remains the same or better and that his o2 level stays the same or better as they back off the o2. I would love to see the o2 be removed soon and that he can start gearing up to bottle feed and come home soon. They did an EKG on him today. They said it looked great. All babies are born without their heard completely closed off and usually this happens within the first few days. We are praying this closes it self so that it doesn't have to be surgically closed. The doctor was relieved that this wasn't the cause of the respiratory distress.

The great news is he is continuing to improve every day. He is a miracle happening right before our eyes. God is so amazing and He just has Timothy right in His hands. It is awesome seeing God working right before our eyes. Thanks again for praying and check back often for updates.

Welcome Baby Timothy Jadon Smith

2009-02-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

Timothy was born on 2/11 at 12:25 am. He was 7 lbs 9 oz. 21 inches long. He was definitely the biggest of the crew. Timothy struggled with fluid on his lungs upon deliever and was admitted to the NICU. He is improving daily but we are still praying that he can come home soon.

Rainy Day Fun

2009-02-08T13:11:00.001-08:00

Carey, Austin and Lauren decided to go out and play football in the rain. The day ended up with Lauren running in cold and wet to take a warm shower. Ethan stayed in with mommy. Smart boy. Austin and daddy had fun playing in the mud. Where oh where did Austin's shoes go. Needless to say Austin will remember this for the rest of his life. They had a blast.

Kids at the Park

2009-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

We had fun taking the kids to the park. They went to play and we went to get some updated pictures. All 3 kids just love to be out side. Austin loves to explore new things, Lauren likes to climb, flip and run and Ethan just likes to be outside.. he doesn't care what he is doing... except for pictures.

Ethan and Mommy being silly

2009-01-31T14:48:00.000-08:00

Okay. So Ethan and I don't enjoy shopping as much as the rest of the family. We decided during Christmas to at least make it fun. We were making silly faces and I guess we had so much fun with it that daddy decided to capture our boredom.

A telling picture of the Smith kids

2009-01-31T14:45:00.001-08:00

This is a very telling picture of the Smith kids we took at Fashion Island during Christmas. Lauren directing the chaos. Ethan still saying cheese but squirming. Notice the big giant bump on his head. And there is Austin who is holding on tight and acting oblivious to the entire situation. Welcome to the Smith family uncut version.

Uncle Scott out for a visit

2009-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

It was so great to spend time with Scott. The kids loved seeing him and Aunt Lisa. The girls loved playing together and Austin loved hanging out with Uncle Scott. Hard to believe we are getting so "young". Carey and Scott loved being their obnoxious self. Hope to see them again real soon.

2009-01-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

I accepted my sister-in-laws challenge to post on my blog the 4th picture in the fourth folder on my computer. These are some awesome boys that live in Kenya. Many of them do not have parents or their home life is so bad they would rather live away from them. They go to school and live in a group home now supported by members from Saddleback. They have decided that education is most important. We are so proud of these boys. This was a few years ago so I am sure they look much older and since they are Kenyan I am sure they are much taller.

My crazy son. Boy does time fly.

2009-01-04T16:53:00.001-08:00

Ethan was cracking us up. We were coming home from the doctor today where he was diagnosed with an ear infection. He fell asleep in the car reading a book. He looked all grown up to us. Boy time flies when you have kids.

Austin loves time with his dad

2009-01-03T18:32:00.001-08:00

My boys. They love to hang out and put legos together. I know Carey enjoys it just as much as Austin. They put together some pretty cool legos during the holidays.

Ethan is a crack up

2009-01-03T18:31:00.001-08:00

Anything to be funny. Ethan just loves to laugh and experience new things. He keeps us on our toes. He is such a wonderful addition to our family.

My girl

2009-01-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

Boy she is growing so fast. She loves to put on Tennis shoes and keep up with the boys but she is still a true princess at heart. She is truely God's princess. She loves him with all of her heart.

Ethan loves Santa oh and Mrs. Clause too.

2009-01-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Ethan just loved spending time sitting on Santa's lap. Yes we do have two other children but they were too busy playing.

2009-01-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

My three angels. Boy do we know better. We have enjoyed seeing their personalities develop. Austin is the one who can't learn enough information and enjoys taking care of others. Lauren is the "tom boy princess" as she calls herself. She loves to make people smile and keep up with the boys. Ethan, there are no words for him. He is full of life, full of energy and full of smiles. We have been challenged everyday with the multiple personalities in our family but we are enjoying every minute of it. Our kids is God's way of teaching us character.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

Every time I look at our family pictures I think to myself, wow what a big family we have. We have been so blessed. Then, I think about the new addition coming in February and I wonder how in the world are we all going to fit on the Christmas card next year. This year we are celebrating God's gifts to us. We have been blessed with 4 beautiful children. We are excited to see what God plans to do with our family.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

2006-01-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is the city that we live in. Our home sets at the

base of the Saddleback Mountain Range pictured here.

Fun in the Sun!

2006-01-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

During the summer 2005, we relaxed at the pool a few times a week. Austin and Lauren are pictured here enjoying the warm water and having fun in the pool!

Austin learned to swim and duck under the water in 2005 and Lauren started to swim as well.

Today, we start blogging

2006-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

1/8/05
Some friends of ours showed us how to begin blogging and we are going to begin trying it out. We hope to keep you updated on what is going on with our family and share some pictures along the way. A few comments about this picture...this picture was taken at Aliso Creek Beach in September (I think?). The reason we used the black and white photo was due to the yellowish green color of the whitewash inthe water. We wouldn't even let our kids walk near the water. We shot a ton of pictures on this beach.

Austin even shot a few as Kelly and I were in the pictures. Here is a sample of his work. I agree, he is a budding artist.