So long...

Well, it has been a very long time since I have even considered blogging. Pictures have been taken but I've failed to post them. I'm not going to say that I have been too busy because I haven't. I've just chosen not to. I try extremely hard not to overwhelm our lives with "too much". I hate being too busy to breathe. There is no sense in it and I've found that "busyness" does not make my family prosper or more productive. I've really been digging into friendship that I value and working hard to make sure my friends and family know they have my attention - ALWAYS. I have been learning a lot lately. A lot about myself and a lot about others. I fight my reluctance of change for the benefit of growth. It seems like those go hand in hand. I've found that I am starting to embrace new horizons all the while being content but not complacent. God has recently brought some beautiful relationships into my life. I am learning how to nurture those into friendships that will glorify Him. I love how God constantly stirs my life like a big pot of stew, adding the right amount of ingredients to keep me producing the right fragrance. Although these new relationships are so refreshing and much needed, I find myself struggling with the upkeep of my current relationships. I feel as though I'm climbing a muddy slope. I get a foot hold and then it gives way. I don't know if it's the "slope" or me but something is just not strong enough to carry us though. Are these relationships being pulled from me and I am just not letting go? Am I failing miserably? Is it the "slope" that's the problem or me? These are all questions I have pondered and prayed deeply about but with no resolution. I do know that God puts certain people in our lives for certain seasons but I need God to tell me to move on before I just walk away...and I haven't heard that yet. So I've stepped back...waiting for something - one way or another - to happen. In the meantime I will continue to pray, climb and befriend those who need me.

On a different note, I have decided that with the new year I am simplifying and organizing my life. From possessions, to my house, time, money, exercise, and diet ---- my life. I need to get on the ball and be more productive. Not add more but budget my life so it best works for "The Smith's". I want to be available for God to work in and through me...clutter physically and figuratively speaking has no place in my life.

I have not shared this with many but Derek and I are trying to get pregnant with baby #2. We started trying in September. So we are on to 4 months trying...again. I was almost certain that our second time around wouldn't be as difficult as the first. But this is the way God has it planned...and I trust Him fully. I have no room for complaints. Like I've said so many many months before...maybe this month is "the" month! So on we try with the most positivity and upbeat attitudes we can muster up...

Speaking of babies, Paisley is doing well. She is two shakes away from walking. She can identify, by using her finger, her nose, mouth, eyes, cheeks, chin, and ears. She is struggling with finding her hair although she has plenty of it! :) She is speaking well (I think) for a 14 month old. She can say - yes, please, thank you, hi bird (my mom has a bird she likes), brush (and she can brush her hair), daddy (not just Da-da anymore), night night (comes out more like ny-ny), ma'am (but we constantly remind her of her manners), Tee-Tee (that's what she calls her Auntie).

Christmas was a hoot. Blessed...blessed...blessed. We have no wants. Paisley was adorable. She wasn't sure what toy to play with first! :) We ate a lot, slept a lot, and just loved on family.

I suppose I will end this post with the reminder that much to my dismay, sometimes, God is ALWAYS in control. He blesses me in so many ways but I fall short of true faith when the going gets tough. May my faith be as strong always as it is today.

Blessings Friends...