True Meaning of Easter

     There have been many, many things that I have realized since becoming a parent.  I took my mom and dad for granted growing up, never really bucking the system or fighting them on rules, but also never really understanding the importance of some of the things they did with us growing up.  We always had family devotions together every morning before school.  Whether we liked it or not, we were to set our own alarm clocks, get up and get ready for school, and be downstairs at 7:00.  We would all get our own breakfast, sit down at the table and eat as a family, and then my dad always did devotions with us.  During the time leading up to Christmas morning we would learn a particular song each year as a family and sing it every night after dinner.  We would memorize verses in the Bible and recite them together... verses that to this day I can still recite from memory.  We would focus on the story of Christmas and do our advent calendar together as our morning devotions.  Our focus was always on the true meaning of Christmas rather than writing Santa a letter or making our own lists of what we wanted that year.  Same went with Easter... the true meaning of what happened so long ago, the death and resurrection of our Savior, were the focus.  We prayed and read scripture as a family.  Every event that we went through, whether it was good or bad, resulted in a conversation that revolved around our faith and our Lord.  Growing up, I never disliked any of these things and I know I am who I am today mostly because of them and what they did with us growing up, but I took it all for granted, thinking those were all things that many families did.
     Now as a parent myself, I am realizing that the deepest desires of my heart when it comes to my children are all stemming from what my parents did with me.  This past Christmas Chase really wanted to know the story behind what we were getting ready to celebrate.  It came naturally to me to start memorizing verses with him.  I was amazed at how quickly a two year old could memorize two verses out of the Bible.  He was a sponge, wanting not just to hear the story of our Savior's birth but truly understand it.  Now that Easter is quickly approaching, we have been focusing on the stories in Chase's Bible that focus on the events leading up to Easter.  Easter seems to be a little more difficult to explain on a 3 year old's level, with more events happening, but he is really starting to understand.  Today I was able to stop by the Christian book store and I found a cute little book that went through the true meaning of Easter.  Chase was so excited when I showed it to him.  A little later we were in the car and we were talking about why Jesus died on the cross.  I explained to him that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that on the third day he rose from the dead and that now He lives in Heaven with His father. I told him that because Jesus died on the cross, His blood covers all of our sins (all of our bad choices) and that when we become of his children we ask Jesus to come live in our hearts and forgive our sins.  Then one day we'll also go to Heaven and live with Jesus.  Chase sat there quietly for a few seconds and I could tell he was processing what I just told him.  He looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I want to live in Heaven."  I told Chase that his Daddy and I pray every day for the moment that he will ask Jesus to come live in his heart and we pray that from that point on he will live his life for Him, walking with him every day, reading his Word, and never taking for granted what God did so long ago in sending His son to this earth, to live a perfect life, be crucified, rise from the dead, and live in Heaven forever.  Before the conversation was over I started to tell him of all the people he knows who will go to Heaven one day... his Nana & Pop-Pop, his Ginga & Jupe, his Mommy & Daddy, all of his aunts and uncles (Matt and Sarah, Becky and Jason, Danny and Ashley, Brian and Brook, and Anna) and I started to tear up realizing just how blessed we are to have so many in our family who not only love the Lord, but pray daily for my children.  I was overwhelmed with God's love for us and how incredibly blessed we are. 
     More and more I am realizing how much my parents did for me by focusing on what is really important and instilling in me the desire to know Him and and keep my focus on Him regardless of what is going on, whether it is the busyness of the holidays or the excitement of Easter egg hunts.  I hope that as our children get older, our focus can remain on what is really important, instead of getting wrapped up in gifts, baskets, and candy. 

Fun Cowboy Party

We had Jacob's birthday party this past Saturday and what fun it was!  I decided a few weeks ago to keep it as low key as possible and that is just what I did.  We had all of our family over for pizza at noon and the cousins had a great time playing, while the adults were able to sit around chatting and watching the kiddos play.  At 1 we had just a few friends come over for cake and ice cream.  Jacob is a pro at blowing out candles... you would think he does it all the time!  After filling up on lots of sugar, Jacob tore into his presents.  Again, he knew exactly what to do and he went through them so fast I could barely keep up with who the present was from and what was in it before he was on to the next one. :)   After all the presents were opened we were able to take all the kids outside and they played their little hearts out!  That was huge for us because neither Chase or Jacob had napped and it was a great distraction.  Around 3:30 we let the boys crash for about an hour before waking them up.  It was such a great day, remembering how precious our time is with our kids and how quickly it goes by.  I have a feeling that I am going to blink and it will be time for his 3rd birthday!!

Enjoying BoBerry biscuits for his birthday breakfast!!

Three cousins ready to go out and play!!

Cake time... blowing out his candles after we all sang "Happy Birthday"

Digging into those presents :)

All the kids enjoying the nice weather!!

Thank you to all our friends and family who were there to help celebrate our little boy's 2nd birthday. It's crazy to me that I can now officially say I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old with one on the way! :)  We are so blessed!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Jacob Michael!

I can't believe that 2 years ago today our Jacob was born.  We met our 2nd son at 11:30 am on that very exciting day.  We couldn't believe we were already adding another little one to our family, Chase was only 14 months old.  But we were so thankful for this 2nd little gift the Lord had decided to give us.  Charles and my mom were both allowed into the OR that day (thanks to one of the greatest OB doctors ever!) and it was so special to be able to share that with my mom.  She was the official videographer that day while Charles took the pictures to document that special time.  The videos are such an amazing thing to have to look back on and remember that day... although my Mom is about all you can hear on the videos :)  Charles had the same reaction to seeing his 2nd son as he did when Chase was born... love at first sight and we were both overcome with emotion.  Jacob came into this world looking much like his brother did and showing off what great lungs he had!  We were so thankful that the Lord had given us another perfectly healthy little boy. Greenville Memorial was swamped that day so we were stuck in recovery for what seemed like 12 hours but finally around 2:00 that afternoon I was put into a room and finally able to hold my baby boy.  I can't believe all that happened two full years ago!

 Dr. Moore showing you off just seconds after you were born.  There is nothing sweeter than hearing your baby's first cry.  It was love at first sight!!

Grandma put your first little outfit on you when you were just hours old.  Mommy still could not move due to the very powerful spinal she was given right before having you.

 Chase meeting you for the first time.  He loved you from the beginning!  (Notice the onesie Chase is wearing... my mom tried to find a "I'm the Big Brother" shirt for him but they did not make one in his size... I guess the industry doesn't think that big brothers come as young as Chase was. :)

Looking back over this past year in pictures, I am amazed at how much he has changed, grown up, and developed into a strong, loving yet very opinionated little boy.  We have challenges ahead but I know the good times with Jacob will be so much more!  Praying for the year ahead to be a great year, a healthy year, a year with no broken bones :), and a year where he will learn more and more about our Lord and how much He loves us!  

This picture was taken a year ago on Jacob's first birthday!

This is our big 2 year old!  I can't get over how much he has changed in just one year's time!!

Dear Jacob Michael,

  What an amazing two years this has been!  You keep us on our toes, you are constantly making us laugh, and you never stop trying to be just like your big brother!  You remind everyone so much of your Mom... not only are you the spitting image but you have one speed, fast!  There isn't much that will slow you down... except for a broken leg.  :)  You were 3 months shy of your 2nd birthday when you broke your leg while at church... Mommy and Daddy just thought you needed to "walk it off".  The next day you were at the orthopedist office getting a cast.  Once it started to heal you were off again and nothing was going to stop you!  You watch your brother all the time and repeat most of what he says.  Chase is so excited to start sharing a room with you soon... you are now in a big boy bed, although it has been more of a battle than we thought it would be!  We know you'll catch on soon and you'll know just what is expected.  You are so excited about becoming a big brother in August... we can't wait to see you fit into that role.  You eat anything and everything... you eat like you have never eaten before and like there is no tomorrow.  Mommy loves that she can put whatever she wants in front of you and there is no question whether you will eat it or not.  You are still a thumb sucker, which Mommy loves.  There is nothing better then going into your room at night to tuck you in and see you snuggled with your Bear-bear sucking away on that thumb.  You don't suck your thumb unless you are in your bed which is a good thing!   One day we'll tackle breaking that habit but for now it reminds me that you are still my little boy!  We pray for you every day.  We pray for you to truly understand what your Lord has done for you and one day give your life to Him.  We can't wait to see what He has in store for your life!  Above everything, we want you to learn to love Him with all of your heart and to put Him first. We can't wait to see how He is going to use you to impact the Kingdom!  You bring so much joy into our lives... what an amazing two years we have had and we look forward to many more years ahead!

We love you, Jacob!!

First Pictures of baby #3 and lots to catch up on!

We were able to see our third little miracle on ultrasound last Friday and it was amazing!  With the boys, I always had an ultrasound at my first appointment at 6 weeks.  At that point you can see a yolk sac and a bean for a baby.  This ultrasound, being 5 weeks later, was so different!  It was amazing to see a completely formed little baby, with fingers and toes, a very strong heartbeat, and very active!  This baby was kicking, moving his/her arms all over the place, and flipping completely over.  I fell in love immediately and can't wait for this little one to join the family.  I know this time is going to go by so quickly... I am focusing on enjoying the boys for these next months because when the baby comes things will definitely change a little bit.  I'm excited to see how much they both are going to change between now and then and how much they are going to grow up.  Jacob has a lot of changes to go through... beginning with getting into a big boy bed sometime in the next few weeks.  Then in June we're hoping to move the boys into the same room and bunk the beds.  Chase is really excited about that but he needs to learn how to be quiet and considerate of his brother when he is sleeping... and I need to learn how to relax and not worry about who is waking who up.  The video monitor may need to go out the window for a little while! :)  Anyways, here are a few pictures of our little munchkin.

 

This baby has his/her legs crossed at the ankles.  I loved seeing this because this is the way Jacob always was in utero... always had his legs crossed at the ankles and to this day he still sits and sleeps that way!  This baby is already trying to be like his/her big brother :)

Tiny little baby feet.  Amazing!!!

 

Already being a little bit shy.  People keep asking me if I have a feeling one way or the other as to what this baby is and I go back and forth between boy and girl.  Right now my feeling is boy!  People also keep asking me if I am really hoping for a girl... I know it sounds cheesy but I just want a healthy baby, boy or girl!!!

The boys are doing good.   We went through a rough few weeks of both of them being pretty sick.  Chase was able to shake it off without having to go on antibiotics but Jacob, not so much!  He ended up having walking pneumonia... a mild case, but pneumonia none the less. He went on a very strong antibiotic for 3 days and I am so happy to say that he is completely over it.  No more cough and he is finally back to his normal, happy self!!!   The boys have been having a lot of fun with each other lately, which is a nice change from a few weeks ago where I felt like I needed a striped shirt and a whistle... it seemed like their only goal each day was to see how much they could aggravate the other!  Here are a few recent pictures of them... we are so ready for spring so we can get out of this house!!!!!

Chase and Daddy working on the train table, adding in all of the fun pieces from Aunt Sarah, Uncle Matt, and cousins McKenzie, Maddie, & Micah!!

 

Snuggling together in Chase's bed.  Chase is so excited to have his brother start sleeping on the bottom bunk. 

  

Our Junior Firefighter :)  Chase actually puts on all the gear, slides down his "pole" (basketball goal), drives his fire truck, puts out fires, and goes back to the station (his room).  Chase has quite the imagination these days, which Jacob picks up on very quickly!!

  

Close up of my little man... he won't be the baby for much longer.  He turns 2 next month!! TWO!!!!!!  Where does the time go?!?!

 

Chase is working on recognizing his letters and even learning how to write them.  He was so proud of writing his very first D.

  

Last one for this post... a close up of my handsome man.  He is growing up so fast and is so excited about this baby.  He talks all the time about helping take care of the baby and what toys he wants to share with "her"... he is convinced this baby is a girl, but either way he is going to be so excited to have a baby around.  He definitely got his love of little ones and a gentle way around them from his Mommy!!!

I have a few more posts coming soon!  Sorry it has been so long... being sick is no fun but having a very sick little one is even worse!  Hoping we can stay healthy for a little while now!!!

Prayers Needed for Grandma Smoak

What a week this has been for Grandma & Granddaddy Smoak as well as for the rest of the family!  As I type this right now Charles is down at the hospital spending some good one on one time with his Grandma. We received news on Wednesday that a tumor was found on the back of Grandma's brain but they weren't sure exactly what it was.  They brought her up to the hospital here in Columbia to get more CAT scans and MRIs done in an attempt to figure out what was going on.  The tests showed that she has a tumor, the size of an orange, on the back of her brain (imagine the size of an orange and then imagine it in your head and the amount of pressure it has to be putting on the brain).  The neurosurgeon has made plans to go in on Monday and remove the tumor.  He said that based on the latest MRI part of the tumor looks like it could be the "good kind of tumor" and part of it looks like it could be the "bad kind of tumor" (meaning cancer).  Once he is in there and can determine what type of tumor it is, he will then determine how aggressive he will be in taking it out.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, as well as for strength and comfort for everyone involved.  It is so hard to see someone you love have to go through this at such an old age but the tumor is so fast growing that they have no choice but to go in and take it out.  I am not sure what time the surgery is going to be but it will be sometime Monday morning.  I will update once we know something for sure.  It is definitely a little scary when you think about Grandma Smoak having to go through such a major surgery but we know that the Lord is in complete control and none of this has been a surprise to Him.  We can all rest knowing that she is in His hands and that He is the great physician who is capable of doing more than we could ever imagine!!  We are so thankful for the salvation that Grandma and Granddaddy have in the Lord... that alone is such a comfort to all of us during this time.  Thank you for your prayers and I will post more when we know what time the surgery will be!

This picture was taken on Christmas day.  Jacob is showing Grandma Smoak a new toy that came in his stocking.  She loves her great-grandkids so much and takes so much pride in them!!

Jacob with Granddaddy Smoak... for some reason Chase was not around to participate in the pictures.  Please be praying for Granddaddy as well as he is very limited in what he can do.  I am sure it has got to be very difficult seeing your wife in this situation and not being able to do anything to help.

Taking the dive...

Well, here we are!  I've debated over the last 3 or so years whether to start our own blog or not and finally, with the encouragement of some great friends, we decided to try it out.  I don't feel like we have anything particularly interesting to share on a daily basis, but with how busy we are with the boys (and soon to add one more to the mix in August) I felt that this was in the very least a good way to document things that happen around our house... the serious, funny, hard, silly, good and bad.  As I sit here this morning, I am so thankful for how much the Lord has blessed me.  I could not ask for a better husband or more precious children.  My boys are the most loving little boys I have ever been around... they love to laugh, play, and give lots of hugs and kisses.  They both are so excited about having a baby in the house around August, although I don't really think Jacob understands fully what this means.  In the next few months, our baby, Jacob, will learn to sleep in a big boy bed, hopefully get potty trained, and move into the room with his big brother.  We're hoping to move them together sometime around the beginning of June so that they have the summer to work out all the issues that come with sleeping together (interrupted sleep, etc.).  Chase is so excited about helping out with the baby... he asks me at least once a day if the baby is ready to come out yet.  I laugh and tell him that it is still going to be a while!  He talks about helping with diapers and getting a bottle for the baby (which won't happen too often since I will be nursing)!  Chase was only 14 months old when Jacob was born so I'm excited to see how different it will be this go around seeing that Chase will be almost 4 and Jacob will be 2 and 1/2.  The boys are going through a little bit of a rough stage together right now... they live to see who can irritate the other more and it's driving Mama a little bit crazy! :)  I seriously feel like I should be wearing stripes and a whistle.  We're trying to teach Chase the right way to talk to his brother and we're trying to teach Jacob not to mess with Chase when he's in the middle of something.  I know it is only a matter of time before they play nicely together for the majority of the time, although I do know arguments will come in here and there.  I am also making a huge effort to remember that these days are going to come and go so quickly and before I know it they will be in school and there will be no more laughs, cries, arguments, and playtime like there is right now.  That keeps me focused on today... to appreciate every stage they go through, whether good or bad, hard or easy.  These children are blessings and gifts from God.  We take the responsibility seriously and we know that our job is to love, teach, mold, and direct their minds, eyes, ears, and hearts towards our Heavenly Father!

This picture was taken on Christmas Eve but when I look at this picture I am reminded of how much they really do love each other!