Movie Night with the Smiths

One of our favorite past times in our house is watching movies. We have recently become BIG fans of Family Video and we try to rent movies at least once a month. Jason and I have been doing this for many years and recently, I was asked by a friend who doesn't get the chance to watch movies a lot, how we fit all those movies in. Truth be told, for better or worse, movie night has become our date night in our house. Sure, we love to go out once in a while, but for many years, movie night at home was what we could afford. Jason makes the best microwave popcorn ever (!) and we curl up on the couch in the softest blanket in the world we call Guinevere. For that evening, we laugh, cry, disagree and share about the adventures we watch. These nights have become especially special to us since having Raylen. We don't often have a babysitter in the evenings to go out, but last night, my mom had asked Raylen to spend the night. We thought and thought about what to do and where to go....but after a very long and exhausting week, we came around to movie night again.

Jason brought home a few that we hadn't seen. One in particular was called Penelope. I had heard some buzz about this movie, but was a little unsure of what I would find with it because the story surrounds a young woman cursed with a pig nose. I know what you're thinking...silly and disturbing. It was quite the opposite. I LOVED it. I cannot wait for Raylen to be old enough to be interested in this type of movie. You will find that you can completely identify with Penelope and her pig nose and you will be encouraged by the time the credits roll.

While I'm talking movies, we watched Bella a few months ago. I HIGHLY recommend this movie. Run, don't walk to go get it. This movie changed my perception on life, affirmed many of my beliefs and brought our family closer together. You will not be sorry for watching.

A year....

Today marks the one year anniversary of Raylen's adoption. Last year at this time, we had already gone with our friends and family to see the judge and hear him proclaim that we were a true forever family. That day was magical to us and so emotional after the long journey of getting to that day. Since I didn't blog the, here are some photos of that day....what joy!!!!

Saturday Pottery

We are in Abilene this weekend visiting Jason's family who is celebrating Jason's cousin Crystal's wedding. Usually we spend Saturdays in Abilene hunting garage sales or frequenting local antique and thrift shops, but today, we found ourselves pressed for time and needing something to do. While Jason and his dad had their glasses fixed, Raylen, Jason's mom and I stumbled upon a paint your own pottery store. None of us have ever been to one of these stores, but quickly fell in love! For a flat rate you can pick out your own special piece, use all of the cool paints and tools and leave it for a week to have it fired. There was a special kid's play area with the coolest toys and they have drinks and snacks on hand too. The best part moms---THE PAINT WASHES OUT OF CLOTHING!!!! Yes, this is truly my new favorite place. I plan to visit the local store soon.

Independence

We had a big 4th of July. We started out at Cabela's where we met up with some of Jason's family for a quick hi and by before heading off to Raylen's Uncle Joey's for a brisket cookout. We spent the day there swimming and playing trivia and then headed off to watch fireworks and eat watermelon and homemade peach ice cream. Here are few highlights of the day....

Evie Kate Turns Three!

I'm a little behind in blogging, but last weekend was a big weekend for Raylen when she went to her friend Evie Kate's third birthday party. There were ponies, a petting zoo and a bounce house along with all the fun. When asked though, Raylen said her favorite part was touching the bait worms with Evie afterward. I guess it's true...the greatest things in life are free.

Picture of Joy

I have a friend with a great talent and I am very blessed to be on the receiving end of that talent. We spent the day together on Thursday when she took the most gorgeous pictures of my angel baby. There are a lot of beautiful pictures in the world, but when you can look at a photo and literally see the spirit of your daughter leaping off the paper, you know that you have a treasure. This is only one of many....

Please check out Terra's work at Terra Richards Photography to see more of her amazing talent.

Strawberry and other desires....

Last night, our little family was in our car headed home from church. Jason and I were drained. We are currently in a leadership catalyst class taught by our amazing pastor who teaches the equivalent to a masters theology class. It's wonderful, thrilling, motivational and daunting. Every week we leave amazed and drained....but we're growing.

So, feeling like this, we decided to stop at QT on the way home for a coke (not actual Coke because we live in Texas and coke means anything that isn't water) and a snack. Raylen was in the back seat and we hadn't planned on getting her anything. It was late and she had been given a snack at church so we just discussed what we would have. Jason got out of the car and left it running for us and as the store door was closing behind him, Raylen said "Strawberry for me Daddy." I asked her to repeat what she had just said and she said the same phrase again. I kind of laughed a little at her audacity thinking that she would get anything sweet at this late hour. She knows better and I wondered why she had thought of strawberry? If she ever gets any kind of drink other than water or milk, it is always Sprite and that's it. I dismissed it and told her that Daddy was just getting he and I something and that she didn't need sugar before going to bed. She said nothing and sat quietly until Jason returned. When he did come to my window to drop off the drinks, he was carrying to cokes and a bottle of strawberry milk! I couldn't even touch it! He was confused so I told him the story and asked if there was any possible way that he could have heard her or known that she had asked for that. He explained that he had gotten our two drinks and was walking to the counter not planning on getting her anything when he passed the milk case and it came to him to get her some strawberry milk as a treat. He hadn't heard her at all. We both sat in the car without moving for a minute, trying to make heads or tales of it. I guess if we were different people we would have drifted into thoughts that our daughter has some kind of psychic ability. She does not. If she did, she would know to clean her room before I punish her for not cleaning her room.

It was truly an amazing coincidence. It wasn't until later on after Raylen was in bed that I started thinking about it again and it spoke to me. So many times, I am like Raylen with God my father. I have desires and I will keep them from Him for a while thinking that it's a long shot that He will "show up" in that circumstance. Then, when I've held on for so long, I finally tell Him what's been on my heart and then beg a little hoping He hears exactly my request. What I realized last night is that God has my best interest at heart. I don't have to shout at Him hoping that He hears my request and I don't have to wait to tell Him, afraid it's too small or out of reach. It is His very nature to provide for and bless me with His goodness. Sometimes His goodness doesn't turn out to be strawberry milk, but other times it does! Either way, every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father and I can relax and enjoy all of His gifts because they are all good.