In Love and War

Christmas 2011

2012-01-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

This is "Baby Claire" as Eli says. She was born on October 3, 2011.
Kaya added some hair accessories for Uncle Mark.

Courtney and Claire

Stephanie and Claire

Grandmother showing off her PJ's. No one else would put their mathing PJ's on with her.

Trey, Eli, and Dalton opening presents.

Everyone was so excited to finally meet Claire! This was my first time seeing her at 3 months old.
Courtney, Trey, & Stephanie

Picture of Kristen and David. They will be married in March of 2012.

Dalton opening his birthday presents. His birthday is right before Christmas!

Dad acting suprised he got a GPS even though that's what he knew he was getting!

I just had to get a picture of this. Eli is reading a book to us! Love that kid!

Claire with her Aunt Tabby!

Eli and Aunt Amber. The kids love Amber.

Nonnie and Claire

Grandaddy and Claire. Couldn't you just eat her up?

Meme and Claire

Meme and Eli

Grandpa and Claire

All the cousins!

Clayton, Ashlee, and Joey. This was our first Christmas with Ashlee and Joey. This a picture of Joey opening his presents. All the kids had a good time playing together.

It was really nice to visit with Jaymi, Nathan, Samuel, and Matthew. They are moving to South Carolina so we hope to be able to visit them more often now that they are a little closer to us.

Nana with her grandsons. I love Matthew's smile in this one!

Samuel entertaining us!

Uncle Mark playing with Samuel.

We all had a Christmas calendar made. I even included Hershey (our dog) in the calendar. hehehe

"Pops" with Matthew.

"Nana" handing out the Christmas gifts.

Matthew was born on April 20, 2011 so he was 8 months old in this picture. He is a honey!

I got to finally meet my little nephew, Matthew! Mark had come home for a visit back when he got home from the deployment last year and got to meet Matthew so this was my first time seeing him in person! A quick picture with Matthew and his big brother Samuel.

Smith Family Picture!

MCM 2011... For our Fallen Heroes

2011-11-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

Above are Fallen Marines: Lcpl. Jordan Haerter, Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos, and Cpl. Christopher Scherer. Mark and I did not know them personally, but in meeting their families and hearing their stories we have come to know so much about these brave marines. There was a beautiful ceremony on October 29th (day before the Marathon) in memory of Jordan, Nick, and Chris that we had the honors of attending. We did it for all of the marines that have made the ultimate sacrifice. There are countless ways you can impact the life of a marine and their families. This was a way for us to show our support and love for other military families in the loss of their loved ones.

The girls on Team Jordan waiting for the metro the morning of MCM.

Mark and I showing off our medals!

In front of the Iwo Jima Monument after we finished the 10k.

Mark almost at the finish line!

This is right after the huge hill at the end of the finish line. Mark was warn out as you can see in this picture.

Above- In memory of Lcpl. Jordan. Each family set up a beautiful memorial table for their sons.
Below- Signs the families had made for their sons.

I had been connecting with Joann through facebook and email. We were so excited we finally got to meet her. Joann Lyles is the mother of Jordan Haerter. She has such a sweet spirit about her and her strength and character through all she has been through amazes me. Her continued support and love for our military truly deserves the most humble thanks and appreciation for all she has done and continues to do for our military service member's.

Above- Mark, Joanne, and Karl (Jordan's Uncle) after the race.

Mark and Steven Xiarhos (Father of Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos). I was blown away with how welcoming all of the families were and how these families wanted to help Mark in any way possible. We attended this event in support of them and to show we will not forget about their son's sacrifice and the families were stepping forward in support of Mark. I was truly humbled and honored to meet these families. Mr. Xiarhos gave Mark his card before we left and told Mark if we need anything to let him know and also offered to pay for traveling expenses and hotel stay if Mark would like to travel to Massachusetts for events.

Mark and Tim Scherer. We had the opportunity to meet Tim and Janet Scherer (Father and Mother of Cpl. Christopher Scherer) as well as the siblings. The family bond seen with the Scherer family is very evident in how united they are as one family unit. Mark and I were humbled by their welcoming and kindness. Tim spoke at the ceremony in memory of his son and gave a beautiful speech I will never forget. He told Mark that he was not paying to ride in the MCM for any team and made sure he gave us the money back before we left. He also pulled me aside and gave a me a coin. He went on to say that wives don't get the recognition they deserve for supporting their husband and loved one everyday on the homefront and that I deserve it. Tim Scherer wanted us to know that our service and sacrifices would not go unnoticed, and that that they would stand by them in this most difficult time, in any and all ways that they could. I was just honored to meet such strong families who continue to honor our military service member's and show their support for our Military.
Above- Glasses the Scherer family gave Mark.
Below-Coins the families gave us.

Deployment 2011

2011-08-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

First Kiss in 7 months!!! It's hard to put into words the emotions and the joy and peace that come over you when you experience your husband returning home from a deployment. All the sleepless, worrisome nights and lonely nights that haunt you during a deployment all of the sudden just disappear. A huge burden is lifted from your shoulders and that void in your heart is finally filled again. You can't explain it...the overwhelming feeling that just takes over you when you finally see your loved one again for the first time in a long time. The excitement you feel when you hear the buses nearby and catch that first glimpse of those buses with your marine driving into the parking lot. The craziness of the crowds of families looking for their loved one too...everyone flocking toward the buses in a mad dash to find their marine. I can't even put into words that moment when I first saw him. The first embrace after 7 long months was a moment I will never forget for as long as I live. It's like the world around me came to a complete utter halt and I couldn't hear anything around me. You never never want to let go. You almost don't even believe that it's really happening and your husband is really home. It's the moment you have waited for since the deployment began...The perfect moment when you embrace and really know your husband and hero is home safe and in your arms! Welcome home 2/8!!!

I never never want to let go!!! I guess I was just too excited for words at the moment!!!

I was balling my eyes out in this one!!!

First hug in 30 long weeks! I will remember this moment for the rest of my life!
Hugs are the best!!!

Patriot Riders
Theresa on the left waiting for her husband and Jessica on the right came to take pictures of Homecoming. We all waited in the gym. Much better than sitting outside in the 100 degree heat.
Of course some friends and I had to decorate the car. I made Mark leave it on for a week, but you could hardly see out the back so I eventually agreed it should come off (that is of course after a few days.)
Sugar free chocolate cake with cream cheese icing. Pretty good for a first time decorating cake, but I think I will leave the cake decorating up to my mom. : )
This was the sign I had made for Mark.
Signs made at www.buidasign/troops.com for free. You only have to pay $14.99 shipping.
We wish Mark's family could have been here, but they were not able to travel to NC. His parent's asked if I could make them a sign from them so here it is! A friend and I hung the banners on the fence. It's quite a tradition here in Jacksonville to hang banners up on the fence right outside of Camp Lejeune for the marines returning home and so exciting!!! Every marine wife knows you plan for your husband's Homecoming before they even deploy or many months in advance. It helps to have something to look forward too during a deployment. Mark really liked the banners!

This was the last package I sent along with a photo album I had made at a USO website for Absolutely free.

Praying for Angel Families

2011-07-19T16:33:00.001-07:00

Please keep our Angel families in your prayers. We have lost 8 this deployment with many WIA (wounded in action.) Two of our marines killed had children. Lifting the families up in prayer. RIP Cpl Taylor, Cpl Muller, Lcpl Meis, SSGt Malachowski, Sgt Garrison, Cpl Richard, Sgt. Myrie, and Cpl. Schneider. Rest in peace brave heroes. May we never forget the ultimate sacrifice our military service member's have made . May the Lord bring comfort to the angel families of our 2/8 marines. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families. Remember all our military service member's standing in the gap for your protection and freedom. Freedom is not free. Some gave all, all gave some. Never forget.

Remember our Fallen Marines

2011-06-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

Remember their sacrifices. Never forget.

Welcome Home Sign!

2011-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Build a sign/troops website makes the Welcome Home Signs for our troops for free. You only pay for shipping $14.99. I had this made for Homecoming to hang up on the fence. I'm also in the process of making my own banner for Mark. I will post it as soon as I finish it!

List of things to send in packages to troops!

2011-06-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

I know family and friends have been asking me what to send to Mark in the packages. I believe I've almost mastered the art of "Operation Packages" so I can pass along my secrets for putting together a really great care package. The cut off date for mailing packages and letters is middle of this month and you know what that means...The day I have been waiting for "Homecoming" is fast approaching! Not long to go... (yes I did figure out the percentage left) and we are almost there! Get your packages or letters out in the next 2 weeks so you won't get package forwarded back to you. So here's my "Do Send" list and "Don't Send" list.

Do Send:

Canned goods such as vienna sausages, beef jerky, chili, beans and pork, tuna, chicken of the sea, fruit, soup on the go.

Drink mix packets (16-24 oz) of gatorade, propel zero, etc.

Starbucks coffee(Walmart sells individual packets), expresso shots (caffeine), energy drinks, and 5 hour energy shots

Snacks such as pringles, chex mix snacks, pudding, granola bars, peanut trail mix snacks, protein bars. I even sent gushers...he loves them! I also sent a whole jar of nutella first few months! Gum and Chapstick too!

History or Military related magazines are always Good!

Books and cross word puzzles

Cake in a jar with frosting on the side (see the recipe I posted on the blog)

Baby wipes!!!

Socks

If you include liquids, just label the package liquids inside so they know to handle with care.

Lots of pictures and letters (found letters get to them much faster in packages)

Newspapers from home

Funny Cards (I sent funny musical cards)

Include holiday items and decorate packages for holidays and special events

Put everything in bags to protect things from liquids and keep things organized

Don't send:

Chocolate (It will melt!) Ha!

A lot of candy (they get a ton of candy over there)

Small cans of juice or capri suns unless they are in a box itself (they will bust and get over everything)

Be careful with sending pork and liquids

Remember it's in the 100s in Afghanistan right now. Beef jerky and cheese might not be good to send.

Hope this helps with any questions. I now anxious to go put my last package together to send!!! : )

Shark Navigator is AMAZING!

2011-05-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! This Vacuum cleaner is amazing! Our old vacuum cleaner gave out, so I just bought another one today at Bed Bath and Beyond with a coupon. It suctions, maneuvers in and out tight spaces, the handle moves every which way, great for homes with pets, and it's bagless! Cleaning my house this week and I absolutely love this new Navigator...actually makes cleaning kinda fun! Just thought I'd share...

Supporting my Marine, my Husband, my Hero!

2011-05-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

This devotional book I recommend for any wife whose husband is deployed in harms way. It has been so uplifting. I completed the book within 4 months...It's sometimes hard to put down at night because the stories really hit home and are so comforting at times.

My photo my family products sends free photo books to our troops. I had a 20 page soft cover photo album made for Mark for Absolutely FREE! This was my album cover.

I ordered this bracelet above right before Mark deployed. Sheree beadwork's actually made it. I wear it everyday.
My friend Lydia made these plates. She has her own little business selling patriotic items for marine wives, etc. I asked her to decorate these plates. The black plate "Freedom is not free..." was my idea. She is so talented. Her husband, Evan, is deployed right now as well and gets home around the same time that Mark will. Our marines are always in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe 2/8!

Messages from Home!

2011-05-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

Another marine wife took these pictures on Onslow Beach at the base! The waves kept washing the sea shells and writing in the sand away, but we were able to snap some quick pictures.

Operation Care Packages

2011-05-16T18:27:00.001-07:00

I made cake in a jar to send to Mark for 4th of July. All you need is cake mix and a jar. So simple and the cake stays moist and fresh too! My friend, Alli, gave me this great idea to send overseas. I sent frosting to go with it!

Here's how I made it:
1. Make the cake batter according to the instructions or recipe
2. Grease the jar by liberally spraying the inside with cooking spray
3. Fill jar no more than 1/2 way with batter
4. Place jars on cookie sheet on rack in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean @ 400 degrees
5. While baking, boil jar lids in a pan of water
6. When cake is done, take on jar out at a time and cover with hot lid. Screw on jar ring tightening it slightly
7. The lid will seal as it cools. Listen to hear the "ping" as they seal.
8. As the cake cools, it will pull away from the jar slightly. That's ok, it just means that it will slide out of the jar easily.
9. Wrap the jar in bubble wrap/newspaper and send with fork and knife and frosting on the side!

Included espresso shots (caffeine) and Starbucks coffee(columbia flavor)!

Package for 4th of July.

Magazines (anything History or Military Related) is always a good to send.

This is the Easter package I put together for Mark with all kind of Easter goodies.

Above is the Valentine's package I sent to him.

I've been sending at least 3 packages every month. It's so much fun putting the packages together. These are just pictures of just a few packages I have sent.

Family visiting!

2011-05-10T22:06:00.001-07:00

All the guys and Samuel with Uncle Mark.

Family pic.

Mark with his nephew.

Mark and Dane(our neighbor) on Sunday

Mark's parents, sister Jaymi, and brother Clayton all came up to say their goodbyes. It was a nice visit. Even little Samuel came to say his goodbyes. Mark's date for departure ended up getting postponed because of the ice on the airway so plans were changed. The family was not able to stay and see him off, but we were fortunate to be able to have even more time with Mark before he deployed. Mark had only been home for not even a month before he deployed. He had gone to training the 2 months prior. We spent every moment together possible to make up for the time apart. It was a roller coaster of emotions for both Mark and I with thinking it was our last few hours together and having the car all packed and even heading out to base to receive a call that it had again been postponed. We woke bright and early to say our last goodbyes. When you think you can't hold up strength, the Lord always gives you strength in those times. And God brings people into your lives to give you support whether it be family or friends. Another military couple from church, Randy and Sarah, actually came to see Mark too. We are blessed with great people in our lives. Our neighbor, Dane even came over to say his goodbyes.

Faith Deployed

2011-05-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

Our last goodbye...

It was about 4 am. ugh!
Mark was very busy getting everything squared away the morning of departure. We weren't able to spend much time together, but a few quick pictures when he had a chance.

All of the seabags...

Quick glance back before he boarded the bus.

So this is a little late, but better late than never. I figure I will start blogging again since I won't be as busy this summer with school being out and I will actually time to blog. So here's pictures from when Mark left. He was in the third bus here. Saying strong while saying goodbye to my best friend, husband, and better half was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but nothing could compare to the lonely nights and sleepless nights that lay ahead. Of course I can't post when he left or the exact amount of time he's been gone for security purposes(OPSEC) operation security... and to protect our guys overseas. You better believe I have the months/days down to the hour as well as how many months/days left. Time has really flown by so quickly with staying extremely busy with school. Between commuting 3 hours every day to studying/doing some sort of school work 25 to 30 hours a week I stay pretty busy. I'm so thankful for for something to keep my mind off my husband being deployed and make the time go by even faster. God has taught me so much these past few months: how to have faith deployed and how solitude can actually be a gift. "Strength is in quietness." Entering into that place of solitude for prayer, meditation so that I will be still and know that He is God. The Lord knows I have fought against loneliness and trying to stay busy through this deployment so I wouldn't have time to notice the pangs of loneliness that assaulted my heart. I was staying so busy and keeping my nose in my nursing books and turning the television on every waking minute in an effort to crowd out those achy feelings so much that I was neglecting sharing those moments of stillness with God. That's great for school, but I was neglecting my relationship with the one person that is always there when no one else is. Psalm 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength and ever present help in trouble. Loneliness is brought to an entirely new level for military wives. We move away from family, move around with each new duty station with our husband, and are at the home front when our husband's deploy to many time dangerous areas. Yet, God uses that loneliness to draw us closer to him so that we may turn to him for comfort in those difficult times. Our completeness does not come from our husbands, but my completeness comes from in Christ. We desire unconditional love from our spouse, but Christ supplies a love that exceeds all other love and He meets all our needs completely. Christ desires us to draw near him and He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Everyone struggles with loneliness at some point of their life and it's easy to get in that state of mind and feel as if there is little hope. I have been at that point, but God is revealing to me that I am complete in Him and no other.

Hope for the Warriors Event!

2010-06-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mark with his new handcycle! We are riding our bikes for the Soldier's Run in Sag Harbor, New York next month. The Haerter family invited us to come stay with them and be a part of this run in remembrance of Lcpl. Jordan Haerter and all of our soldiers! Jordan's mom asked me if Mark would like to ride with the wounded warriors so Mark and I are very excited about this event. We would be honored to be a part of this event! We will also be participating in the
Marine Corp Marathon in October in Washington and Virginia. I can't wait!

One month ago on May 14th, we attended the Hope for the Warriors ceremony here in Jacksonville. Mark was the 2010 receipient of a Freedom Ryder Handcycle bike given by Jordan's Intiviative (a charitable organization started by Jordan's father Christian Haerter and partner Michelle Severance in remembrance of Jordan.) Christian and Michelle do community work in Sag Harbor as well as help military families in need. Lcpl. Jordan Haerter was a riflemen with 1 Battalion 9th Marines and a native of Sag Harbor, New York. Lcpl. Jordan Haerter and Cpl. Jonathan Yale were killed in Ramadi, Iraq on April 22, 2008 by a suicide bomber sacrificing their lives so that their brothers in arms would live. These marines and their acts of heroism that day will never be forgotten! Jordan is survived by mother Joann Lyles and father Christian Haerter, and girlfriend Nicole Jonat. My heart goes out to all the loved ones who lost Jordan that day! Semper Fi. Rest in Peace.

We ran the 10K for the Hope for the Warriors Run on May 15th. Steve and Linda also came up for the weekend to participate in this event! Jordan's father, Christian Haerter and partner Michelle Severance also came to show their support for our Warriors! What an honor that the Haerter family would think of Mark and choose him to be the recipient of a handcycle! What a beautiful way to honor the life of Jordan!

Christian and Michelle presented the handcycle to Mark at the ceremony. We feel very blessed to have met the Haerter family! What an amazing family! Jordan will forever be in our hearts! We purchased a brick to be engraved with Lcpl. Jordan Haerter's name that will be placed in the walkway outside of the Museum of the Marine that will soon be built here in Jacksonville. We presented the certificate to the family in remembrance of Jordan. It was a beautiful ceremony recognizing the sacrifices our military servicemembers and the heroism of all our warriors! President Robyn Kelly, Vice President Tina Atherall, and Regional Director Peggy Rochon and all of the hope for the Warriors staff did a wonderful job organizing this event!

A quick picture with Christian Haerter and Michelle Severance at the Ceremony.

Mark, Tina, and me after the 10K run! Tina also read a letter from Captain Dan Moran at the ceremony. Capt. Moran was not able to make it to the ceremony. Moran served with both Mark and Clayton in Ramadi, Iraq. Moran was severely wounded druing his second tour of duty to Iraq enduring severe 3rd degree burns to over 50% of his body. His brother served with Jordan in Ramadi in 2008. Capt. Moran stated how honored he was to serve with both Mark and Clayton. Capt. Moran said his brother was honored to serve alongside Lcpl. Jordan Haerter and that his heroic actions will never be forgotten by Jordan's fellow marines/brothers. The connections between these marines was no conicidence. May we all live our lives in a manner worthy of their sacrifices!

Some local elementary school children came out and handed out flags to our warriors.

Linda and Steve also came up for the weekend and were able to attend both the Hope for the Warriors Ceremony and Run! We had spaghetti and bread (major carb load before the race.)

Here they are running and showing their support for our Warriors! They did awesome! Steve recently injured his shoulder after falling off the roof a few months ago. He has to have Rotator cuff surgery to attempt to repair the tendons that have been torn. He has been in a lot of pain, but still wanted to run and show his support. Now that's motivated...and they both did the 10K! We are glad that Linda and Steve could also be a part of this event! Great job Smith family!

A quick picture with all of us before the run!

A picture of all of us at the ceremony!

Story of two very heroic marines Lcpl Jordan Hearter and Cpl. Yale!

2010-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

We got a call from the Hope for the Warriors organization today. Peggy, the director, said that a family had called and wanted to donate to the Hope for the Warriors fund. Peggy immediately thought of Mark and I and mentioned to the Hearter family that we were asking about a hand cycle bike. The family preceded to tell the story of how their son was killed serving his country. LCpl Jordan Hearter and Cpl. Yale part of 1st Battatlion 9th Marine Regiment Weapons Company were killed in the line of duty in Ramadi Iraq on April 22, 2008 defending their battalion against a suicide bomber. LCpl Hearter and Cpl. Yale stopped a suicide bomber with a truck of explosives. They saved many other lives that day. To think Mark was in that very same place in 2006 and that could have been Mark's story. It's hearing stories like Lcpl Hearter's that remind me how blessed I am to still have the love of my life here with me today. What an amazing story of an heroic young man making the ultimate sacrifice...his life...so that others may live! We are meeting the Hearter family in two weeks at the Hope for the Warrior's Ceromony. They are presenting a hand cycle to Mark on behalf of their son. We are honored they would would think of Mark and we are even more honored to meet them! God bless all of our military service members standing in the gap for our protection! God bless the service members that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country! LCpl. Hearter and Cpl. Yale and the Hearter family are in our thoughts and prayers! God bless the Hearter family! May God wrap his loving arms around all those families that are grieving the loss of their loved ones and bring peace to them! Thank you to all the men/women who are overseas defending our country! Your heroic actions and sacrifice will never be forgotten! May God comfort the brothers at arms and families of the fallen Marines. Rest in peace warrior. Semper Fi!

Our trip to Colorado!!!

2010-04-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

We visited Mark's grandparents in Aurora, CO over my spring break from school. Grandpa and Grandma Hoeme made our visit very special! We visited the Rocky Mountains and got to see some beautiful scenery. I met Mark's Uncle Rick and Aunt Peggy for the first time. They came over for dinner to visit with us. I love the Hoeme family!

This was a space ship looking house that was in the movie Charlies Angels. Thought that was pretty cool!

The mountains were absolutely beautiful and nothing like I've ever seen before. It was a perfect vacation and we got to be with family too! We drove to Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Keystone, CO. We decided not to ski. It was more important to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma especially since we were only visiting for a short while. And more reason to visit again! We started driving to Colorado Springs to see the Garden of the gods, but the weather started to get worse. We have heard the garden is beautiful!

The lake froze over here.

Mark with Grandpa and Grandma!

Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon!

2010-04-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I ran the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in Dallas, Texas on March 14. It was amazing to cross the finish line! Courtney and I ran together. We ran 11 miles of the race and walked about 2 miles. We ran 13.1 miles in 3 hours. The others girls, Lindsay and Dezarae ran ahead of us since this was not their first race. We had a blast for our girls weekend together! This was my first Marathon and I'm already hooked. Mark and I signed up for the Hope for the Warriors 10k on May 14th and we are also running the Marine Corp Marathon on October 31st. I'm so excited to share this experience with Mark! I can't wait to see him cross the finish line in the Marine Corp Marathon!

2010-04-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Our friend Mary Kim took these pictures a few months ago for us. She is a great photographer and she did an Wonderful job! We met Mary Kim at our church and she just recently moved away. She is a sweet friend. It was her idea to take pictures with the Harley. The Harley pics are my favorite!

Our 2 year anniversary is on April 5! Wow! Mark and I have been together now almost 5 years since 2005. I'm so thankful to have my best friend to spend the rest of my life with!

CrAzY LoVe!!!!

2010-02-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Crazy Love (Overwhelmed by a Relentless God) by Francis CHan w/ Danae Yankoski is a book we are reading in our Sunday school at church. I loved the book so much I finished reading a month ago even though we are still going through the book at church. It's about how God loves us w/ a radical, unconditional self-sacrificing all-powerful love! God is calling us to a passionate love relationship with Him!

Christmas Day!!!

2009-12-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

Mark had to work Christmas eve this year. We had planned to go to the Christmas eve service at our church. I went to the neighbors house for Christmas eve and ate dinner with them instead. We went over later Christmas day and had dinner with our friends. We are so thankful for such awesome friends and neighbors! Merry Christmas from the Smiths!

Visit home for Christmas!

2009-12-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

We visited sweet little Savannah Grace Wallace during our visit home. She was born on
November 19th. Hannah and I met back in middle school at Porterfield. She has been a dear
friend since. Rick and Hannah are such good friends of ours. We miss hanging out with you guys!

Look at those precious little boys!

Sweet Smith family!

I just like the matching camouflage. Samuel wanted to look like his Grandpa.

Guess everybody had the same idea to keep Gma Betty warm. We all have gave simliar gifts. It was cute. We love you Gma Betty and we are so glad we were able to visit together! Thank you for our gift.

Mark's parents were not able to purchase the USMC sweats their last visit during Thanksgiving because the clothing store was closed. So we decided to give this to them for Christmas! Mark pointed out anything with the USMC logo they would love anyways. I have to admit myself, I've gotten hooked on buying things with the USMC logo as well. Mark really likes the idea of getting a smoke box for his grill. Great gift Linda and Steve! Thank you for our gifts! We love you!

We wish we could have visited longer, but just did not have enough time. It still was special just to see everyone for the day and eat dinner together.

I really thought we did really good this year with Christmas gifts. We did not give a loud toy, only a potato head that has a million little pieces to lose and put in his mouth. Ha! Gotta love those gifts Nathan and Jaymi!

Dalton turned 5 years old Dec. 20th. Of course, we got him a Harley and Mark enjoyed the toy more than Dalton as you can see.

I'm so glad we got to see all the family even though it was a short while. We visited at Gramther's on Saturday, Mom's on Sunday, and drove to Jeffersonville on Monday to visit with the Smith family for the day. We headed back to N.C on Tuesday.

I love this face!

Nonnie enjoyed watching all the grandchildren open their Christmas gifts.

Dalton liked my boots.

Dalton and Eli with their Granddaddy.

Eli almost 7 months old. Wow! We cannot believe how much he has grown since August when he was 3 months old. What a precious baby! Wish we could have been home for Christmas to spend more time with the rest of the family! We love you guys and miss you much!

I was sad we were so rushed and were not able to open gifts with my dad and sisters. The kids opened the gifts on Tuesday morning before we left for N.C. Gramther gave us pajamas and movies for our stocking gifts...even though we are not suppose to get stocking gifts anymore. Thank you Gramther and Dad for our Christmas gifts. We got to spend a little time with the family on Monday night. Love all of you and miss you lots!

November

2009-12-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

Mark and Clayton carving the turkey

Mark's family came up for Thanksgiving! We enjoyed the visit so much! My sister sent me my Mom's recipe for Thanksgiving dinner. The dressing turned out perfect. Thanks mom for putting up with me calling a million times to make sure I was preparing everything correctly.
I especially enjoyed all the help from Mark's mom with the house cleaning. It's always great to have help around the house! Mark smoked the turkey this year and it was the best turkey I have ever had. I was so excited to cook for the first time for a holiday. Linda made the gravy and brought some yummy desserts! I'm glad Mark and Clayton and Steve were able to have
some guys time together. Love the Smith family!

Month of October...

2009-12-26T14:52:00.001-08:00

We had friends over for Mark's Birthday. I had a cake made for him in the patriotic theme and with a Harley on top the cake. Grill Sergeant getting ready to cook on his new grill! He was so suprised when he saw the grill in the garage. He had no idea!

Halloween this year. Mark had to work so I went to a Halloween Party with some friends from Church. We have met some of the sweetest friends at First Baptist. Candace and I dressed up in 80s outfits.

Our friends came over and we carved our pumpkins.

We have the best neighbors ever! We are so thankful for such good friends here in J'ville. We always enjoy having Vance and Harper over...they are the cutest kids!

Month of October

2009-12-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

Where One Tree Hill is filmed in Wilmington, NC

Studio where One Tree Hill is filmed.

Brooke's store "Clothes over Bros"

Peyton's House and the bridge Lucas bounces the basketball on in the intro of the show

Basketball court in "One Tree Hill"

The guys hitting up some Rock Band!!!

The cute couple!

I have not blogged for a few months because I have been so busy with school this past semester. I figured I would back track from October to December. Our sweet friends, Glenn and Lindsey, came for a visit in October. Since Lindsey and Glenn are One Tree Hill fans as well...we drove to Wilmington where our favorite show was filmed. Wilmington is only an hour drive North of Jacksonville. We had a blast together!

Congrats Sergeant Smith!

2009-08-20T16:09:00.001-07:00

On June 1st, 2007, Mark picked up Corporal. Mark was a Cpl. for 27 months and finally picked
up Sergeant on August 6th 2009. After everything he has been through and how hard he worked to re-enlist...it was well deserved! I'm so happy for him and so very proud of my hard working husband. I got a little teary-eyed when Sgt. Major Rodriquez was talking about how he has overcome so much from his injury to re-enlisting and working so very hard to pick up Sgt.
Congrats Sgt. Smith!
The officer or Major who pinned Mark.

I'm so proud of you honey!

The Pinning Ceremeony

Standing at attention

Sgt. Stephen Smith

Mark was pinned on August 6th and received his warrant August 2nd to pick up sergeant. Master Sergeant Luna and his commanding officer pinned Mark.

Eli!

2009-08-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Can't believe Eli is 3 months old.

Eli and his Grandmother.

Eli and Nonnie

Visit home!

2009-08-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

I got to see Eli this visit home. I got him a musical duck, but I think Dalton enjoyed the duck more than Eli. Eli is 3 months old and starting to grasp things in his hands and bring it directly to his mouth. It's so fun to see these changes take place in babies. I'm fortunate to have been around babies a lot in the past 8 years. I've had plenty of experience with all ages from infancy to school-age children so I can't wait for motherhood one day. I love witnessing the different stages from infancy to early childhood.

He just wanted to eat the duck's beak.

Loving those chubby cheeks!

Krispy Kreme, Pampered Chef party, and a Baby Shower

2009-08-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Trip down memory lane. The Wed. night fellowships were so much fun! Wed. night dinner and church started back this week. The guys at Krispy Kreme.

All the girls.

This was after my pampered chef party at Lindsey's. Great turnout and got to see some old friends. (Crystal, Linz, me, and Shannon)

Missie's baby shower. She is due on October 7. This will be Craig's and Missie's first baby! I'm so excited for them! I can't wait to meet baby Gracyn!

Samuel's First Birthday!

2009-08-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby boy!

Samuel with his Uncle Mark.

He's such a cutie!

The Birthday boy with his very own cake!

So I'm a little late posting pictures from Samuel's B-day party. We both have been extremely busy lately! We left Florida on Saturday morning and drove straight to Savannah for Samuel's First B-day. The B-day boy turned 1 on July 21st! We were so glad we were in town for his First Birthday. I know with us living in North Carolina...we will be absent for a lot of special events in our nephews and nieces lives. We truly cherish the special moments we have with family and friends from back home and we love being Uncle Mark and Aunt Tabby to them! Yep, that's right...no kids for us for a while!

Cruise to the Caribbean

2009-08-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

I guess this was a seal.

This was the casino room and yes I gambled, but only with like 25 cents a game with the slot machines. I just wanted to say I used the slot machine.

I thought this bar in the middle of the pool was neat. We literally jumped in the pool just for this picture and got out within minutes.

Friends, David and Janet, we met on the cruise. We spent a lot of time with this couple.

Mark chilling in the hammock in Costa Maya.

Martini Ice Sculpture.

This was our first night dining at the Platinum. It was very nice and the food was great!

The Atlantis Aquarium is the second biggest aquarium in the world. They had the biggest fish I've ever seen too.

This was inside the Atlantis Resort. We tried to get as many pictures as we could in the short amount of time we had in Atlantis.

This is us scuba diving in Cozumel. This was our favorite shore excursion of the cruise.

We got to pet and feed the dolphins at the Atlantis Resort.

Our Western Caribbean cruise made stops at 4 different ports in Mexico, Belize, and the Bahamas. We went scuba diving, snorkeling, cave tubing, and got to interact with the dolphins at the Atlantis Resort. It was such a relaxing cruise and just what Mark and I needed for a vacation. We departed from Port Canaveral in Florida on July 11.

I love living so close to the beach!

2009-06-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Being lazy in the lazy river. We met another amputee at Pirate's Cove that weekend shortly after this picture was taken. It was very neat! Mark and I talked to him for a short while before we had to leave to head home.

At Thorny's restaurant. Mark is going for the 6-pack for the cruise.
A sweet pic with Lindsey. Happy 24th Birthday Linz!

The girls at the pool. Well, minus Ashley who was back at the camper. We stayed at Pirate's Cove which offered a lazy river, an inside and outside pool, and of course the beach within walking distance. I think this trip might have made a camper out of me, clearly if I was staying in a camper not a tent. Although, Mark would be satisfied with a tent and sleeping bag.

Lindsey and her family invited us to camp with them in Myrtle Beach this past weekend. It's only 2 hours away and it was a blast. Here we are eating at Thorny's with the whole gang. Love that family! Mark and I have been going to the beach almost every weekend. Top Sail in Wilmington is about a 45 min. drive for us and Onslow Beach is on base. We are trying to get nice and tan for our cruise! So when Lindsey called and said she wanted us to come up to Myrtle Beach for her B-day...we said count us in!

Many memories

2009-06-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Another pic of Miley on top of her cage after she dug a huge hole in our back yard.

Hershey is our recent addition to the family. We did not intend to get another dog for a while. She just reminded me so much of Miley...I just had to get her. We got her back in April and she is almost 4 months and finally house trained! She's a good dog minus her chewing on everything. Hopefully, she will grow out of that soon.

Our first puppy, Miley, died in April. We got her from the pound in Feburary. Although, she was only with us for 2 short months; we sure did get attached very quickly. Miley had parvo and was very sick and died of a rare blood coagulapathy disorder during surgery. She was the smartest and most loyal dog I know. She was house trained and learned to sit, lay down, and shake within a week. Not to mention....she was the sweetest dog ever. She would have been great with our kids. She loved to go on walks which we did frequently. We miss her and think about her often!

Memorial Day

2009-05-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Our Memorial Day plans with our friends were canceled so we went to the movies instead. We saw the ever funny Night at the Museum. I'm glad we could spend the whole weekend together!

I made a scrumptious "Patriotic" cake for Memorial Day. Mark and I literally demolished the cake the very next day. I admire you Mark for your perseverance, strength, and most important your faith through the hard times! Love you! Proud of you Mark and Clayton! Thank you All our servicemen and women standing in the gap for our freedom. On this day we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberty! God Bless America!

Eli had some visitors!

2009-05-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

I love how Eli is watching his Granddaddy so attentively.

Shhh....He's asleep. Yet, I awoke him moments later.

I'm loving the mohawk!

A quick picture at the hospital with Baby Eli.

I had intended to wait until the following day to hold the little one, but as you can see it was hard to resist.

Dad and I made the 13 hour trip to Chicago on Thursday, but it was well worth it. We traveled through Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. We arrived at Northshore University Hospital at 11:30 that night. Best of all...I got to hold Eli too. Eli's Granddaddy and Aunt Tabby were anxious to see him! Can't wait for the rest of the family to finally meet you.

Emmalee, my brother-in-law's sister, came also to visit Eli. I guess you could say we are related now due to in-law marriages. Her little one, Liam, was not able to go in the room so I watched him out in the lobby while she visited. Emmalee and Tim seem super sweet and have really helped out a lot.

Congratulations Brett and Tiffany!!!

2009-05-09T07:04:00.001-07:00

My sister and brother-in-law had their first baby just this Thursday morning. They are naturals with the parenting task! God is merciful and and Eli is a truly a blessing from God. There were some complications during the labor and delivery with Eli. The normal FHR(fetal heart rate) is 110-160 beats/min for a full term fetus. Eli's FHR dropped and he had variable decelerations which are caused by umbillical cord compression and inadequate amniotic fluid to cushion. The nursing response is to repostion the mother on her side to relieve pressure on the cord and improve blood flow thus increase oxygen to baby. Tiffany was hooked up with the EFM (external and internal electronic fetal montoring) as well as to for her too. Tiffany was very fortunate she only had to push 20 mins. and I'm sure the epidural was a God-send. Both Eli and Tiffany pulled through strong. Reminds me God is in control and our job is to trust in Him!

Baby Eli is here!!!

2009-05-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

Eli David Pancoast was born on May 7 at 4:06 A.M. He weighed 7 lbs even and was 19.75 inches long. Eli is a healthy baby boy and absolutely adorable!!! Congratulations Brett and Tiffany! You are both truly amazing people and Eli is so blessed to have such wonderful parents!