Statesboro Smith's

Why is this so hard for me?

2011-07-11T08:52:00.002-04:00

You would think that if I really wanted to blog that would actually do it. I have stopped and started more times than I care to admit, but here I go once again.

Some changes have taken place in our family since I last posted. We are expecting a new baby in November (hopefully, mid-October). We will welcome a sweet little boy into our fold. He will be our second son and 12 years younger than our first child. Talk about starting over! We are very thankful for the Lord's blessing and pray for his safe arrival.

I will also be teaching elementary art this fall, with a short break when baby comes, at our Christian School. Looking forward to exploring this new venture and a little nervous about juggling it with the baby coming--please pray!

Well that's the 15 second catch-up with the Smith's and hopefully I will see you soon.

Christmas card

2010-11-23T17:19:00.001-05:00

Candy Cane Fun Christmas Card

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Swim Team

2010-06-29T09:49:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday, the girls competed in a district GRPA swim meet. Swim meets are truly the longest days ever! I read a slogan on a T-shirt that said: "If today is my last day left to live, let it be at a swim meet because they last FOREVER!" It's so true. It is a very long day, especially in 100 degree heat and 100% humidity.

Holly and Hannah did very well and will advance to the state meet in Tifton at the end of July. It was Hannah's first meet after only being on the team for a few months now. They have worked very hard and greatly improved their strokes and their times. Competition in Holly's age group is fierce, but she is holding her own and proving herself along the way. I am super proud of their dedication and I love all the great exercise they are getting. It is such a good sport to exercise all areas and not mention the great cardio vascular benefits. There is a saying: "If you think your sport is hard, try doing it holding your breath." It doesn't matter to me whether or not they want to participate in the meets, but I do see the benefits of being part of a team and learning how to compete and be a good sport. And the best part of swimming competition is: "Winning is beating your own time." Whether you come in first or not is not the goal, it's all about doing your best and seeing the small improvements along the way.

Seeds

2010-03-15T14:38:00.014-04:00

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.

~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show

I have started the first seeds of the spring and summer growing seasons. I planted basil (can't wait for this year's round of fresh pesto), grape or jelly bean tomato, Roma tomato, chives, sage, zinnia, sweet pea, and lavender. I love the idea of seeds, taking something so tiny and of seemingly little value and watching it become a full grown flower or fruit producing wonder. It is always amazing and surprising to me when my seeds spout and grow. Last year, my herbs really flourished and we enjoyed the flavors of the season on many lovely dishes. I hope to expand the garden this year adding some other things to the mix. I have started with these few things, as not to be overwhelmed with too much to plant at once. I will plant new seeds when these reach germination.

Gardening is sort of new to me. I began herb gardening in containers in an effort not to pay the ridiculous prices for pitiful quality and quantity herbs in the grocery store. I also wanted to make sure my herbs and veggies were organic. I kept a dutiful eye on my perennial plants all winter making sure they stayed warm and healthy, so I don't have to start completely over with my herbs. My neighbor, who loves to garden, has been a great encourager. She gives me advice and babysits my seeds or plants if I have to be out of town. It is such a blessing to share tips with each other.

I am also a sucker for all the beautiful flowering plants. I love all the bright colors and wonderful smells. Flowers make me smile. I hope to spend more time this spring on creating some nice flower beds as well as tending to the veggies and herbs.

Even though I am not a particularly skilled gardener, I do enjoy the fruits of my labor and the satisfaction of the hard work that comes with the task. It is a real joy and makes me think of the scripture verse from I Corinthians 3:6 "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." I pray this truth for my garden and my life.

Holly Sews

2010-03-14T20:36:00.007-04:00

For Christmas, I bought the girls a sewing machine, nothing fancy, just a simple machine to teach them how to do something very useful that I love. They are both taken with all sorts of crafts and most homemaking endeavors, so I thought it fitting. They love to use the machine, much to my delight! Holly made, for her first project, a bag or purse that is really cute and she did a very good job. Today, she made a fabulous apron. It was much more challenging than the bag because of the curves and she had to make bias binding. I helped a little more than I had to with the bag, but she did all the sewing herself. I helped with the ironing and pinning. I am proud of her work and so is she! So cute, good girl.

Knitting

2010-02-26T15:10:00.005-05:00

This is my friend's precious new little girl and the sweater and bonnet she is wearing is my latest creation. I am fairly adept at most sewing hand arts such as cross stitch, smocking, embroidery and the like; however, I had never learned to knit. This past summer I decided to teach myself to knit. A friend and neighbor who knits got me started and let me borrow some books and needles and I was off to a great start. Knitting is fun and very addictive. I made some scarves, nothing very hard, and then decided that I wanted to make my friend a knitted layette for her sweet baby girl. Baby things are fun to make because they don't take quite as long and they are so darn cute! It turned out quite well, even if I do say so myself.

Heading in a different direction....

2010-02-26T10:03:00.004-05:00

I am going to return to the blog that I have started and restarted a hundred times. I am working on revamping my ideas and changing my perspective about what I want this blog to feature. I am thinking of more of a home/sewing/cooking/gardening theme....more to come soon...I hope. And with this new direction, I need a new blog title...any suggestions?

Hannah is Eight!

2009-09-07T11:51:00.005-04:00

Today is the day my little middle child was born. She came into this world on a Friday evening at 7:21. She weighed 8lbs. 5oz. and was absolutely perfect. She was given the the name Hannah Katherine. Hannah was a name that I had always liked and Katherine was a name from both sides of our family (my maternal great grandmother and Chris's maternal great aunt). She has been a great joy to us with her creativity and independent spirit. She is quite and thoughtful and determined. Hannah tends to have a stubborn streak, but let's face it, she gets is honestly. I am truly blessed from our heavenly Father to be her mother. Happy Birthday Hannah and God bless you.

Fall

2009-09-06T20:08:00.003-04:00

Even though its not exactly Thanksgiving yet, I decided to go with this new background because it was so adorable. I love fall and Thanksgiving. I love fall decorating, fall foods, fall activities, fall weather, fall sports. In fact, I would dare to say it's my favorite time of the year. Don't get me wrong, I adore the spring when new things are blooming and growing and the cold days of winter are over, but there's something about fall. Maybe I enjoy it so much because it's a cozy home time or maybe its the smells of fall that comfort me: pumpkin, cinnamon, spices, chili, camp fires. Maybe it's because I use candles alot in the fall or I tend to decorate my house more. I'm not sure why, but I love it. I love Christmas, too, but it's such a short time period and I get tired of my Christmas decorations after a while. Fall is fabulous and I'm glad it's just about here. The air has that feeling that the seasons are changing and that is always exciting to me.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted...

2009-08-02T23:48:00.005-04:00

We just got back from a restful and fun beach vacation in Pawley's Island, S.C. It was great to take a week to slow down, play, read, rest, and enjoy God's creation. It was a perfect uneventful week with lots of wave riding, castle building and bike riding adventures.

When at the beach, I am always reminded of a chapter in one of Max Lucado's books about sand castles. He says that children understand that at the end of the day the castle will disappear into the waves and we should look at our lives with this childlike perspective. We should work hard to do the tasks that we are given to do, and then applaud when the end comes and take our Father's hand and go home. Sometimes, we hold on too tightly to the things of this world and forget that it is all temporary. Children, for the most part, aren't tainted by the hustle and bustle of this life and can accept when the castles fall down and even find joy in it. Should that we have such faith too.

SVT

2009-04-29T16:43:00.003-04:00

Remember this?...

This picture was taken two years ago at Walt's cardiology checkup (He hates EKGs), after he had been on his current SVT medication (Sotalol) for about a year. He has been doing great, so great in fact that I forget that he has a heart problem (except for the fact that I give him meds three times a day everyday). I was curious what would happen if I backed off his meds just a little because it had been so long since his last run of SVT. Well, my child proved to me today that he is indeed medicine dependent and has not "outgrown" this condition just as his cardiologist said that he would not. He had an episode that he himselft caught while playing over at a friend's house. He went inside and told this friend's mother that his heart was beating too fast and she, in turn, promptly gave me a call. I didn't think he knew what he was talking about because sometimes he says that his heart is beating too fast when in fact it is beating a "normal fast". When I got there and hooked him up to the monitor, his heart was clipping along at 233 bpm--indeed in SVT. I had to get the ice and try to get him to flip out of it. I hate icing him. It seems so mean, but it worked and no ER---yeah! No more experimenting for me, but it does beg the question...when will we consider ablation?

I've been following this blog for a couple of weeks. It has become fairly famous in blogdom and has caught my special attention because the writer has a small son with SVT that has been in the hospital for five weeks and undergone ablation surgery that was unsuccessful. He is home now and on the medication Sotalol (wouldn't you know it). It is helping him like it has helped Walt and hopefully will continue to until he is big enough to undergo ablation again--maybe with a successful outcome. It was weird that Walt had been so long with no episodes and then, bam! I had been reading about this little boy and hoping the doctors could help him too and thinking the whole time--Walt hasn't had an episode in forever.

I know that the day is coming when we will need to decide how to proceed. Our doctor wants to wait as long as possible for ablation to procure the best outcome and I agree, but that day is coming. I have decided to begin praying now for that DAY, whenever it may be, for God to watch over my son and guide the doctors hands and heal his heart. I want to commit and bathe that request in prayer. Want you please pray with me?

Camping

2009-04-14T20:52:00.003-04:00

Over spring break, we took the kids camping in Northeast Georgia at a state park. It was a lot of fun. We also had some excitement during the trip---a severe thunderstorm. Yes, we tent camped through a storm which produced rain, lightening, thunder, wind and wait for it------hail. All was ok until the sirens in town sent us to the cement block bathhouse to wait it out. Thankfully, the storm passed quickly and we went back to a dry and still standing tent. It was an adventure and one I'm sure the kids won't soon forget.

New Clothes

2009-01-12T14:40:00.003-05:00

My girls love playing with their favorite dolls, The American Girl Dolls. I love that they love playing with dolls. I want to keep them interested in this type of play for as long as possible. Recently, they've decided that their dolls need new clothes. I'll admit that from time to time I have and will purchase clothes from this company; however, they are pretty expensive. They average around $30 plus shipping for an outfit. I rarely spend that much for my children's clothes. Of course, I justify it by reminding myself that the dolls don't ever get any bigger! As I look through the catalog, I tell myself--you know that you sew and can make all this! So, that is what I have started doing. I bought many patterns for 18" dolls at Hobby Lobby (all their simplicity patterns are $.99 every other week) and set to work. I have made some modern clothes and some "vintage" using what I know about heirloom sewing. I modified patterns to make the dolls and my girls matching outfits. It is so much fun! Doll clothes come together in a snap and they are so darn cute!!!

2009-01-09T17:54:00.004-05:00

This is my third grade class, minus a couple who were absent, on dress up day during Spirit Week. They had a lot of fun coming up with outfits for each day's theme. It was a little wild, but fun for them. I have been looking at these pictures and thinking about how much they have already changed since the beginning of the school year. It's amazing how quickly they grow up. Third grade is a big transition for children. They have to become more independent and responsible for their work. Many adjustments have to be made from the days of the teachers holding their hands through it all. It's a really hard grade. They are doing well, some better than others (of course, that is to be expected) and I am proud of their progress.

Today, we said goodbye to one of our classmates. Rithvik (boy--last on right) is moving back to India with his parents. His father has a new job there and they must go. I will miss him. I have thought alot about him this week. They are Hindu and will be returning to a place where it is doubtful they will hear any more about Jesus. I took this seriously this week as I took opportunity to pray out loud with and for him. I realized that I might be the last person to speak the name of Jesus to him. Thankfully, his parents chose to send him to our Christian School (I'm not sure why). He has heard the truth of the gospel day in and day out for the past four years. I trust that God's word will not return void. Pray for Rithvik, that he will remember everything he has learned about Christ and that the seeds so carefully planted will take root and yield fruit in due season.

Why Can't I Blog?

2009-01-06T17:16:00.002-05:00

I don't know why, (I mean I've tried and tried to begin doing this) but I can't seem to get it going. I want to. I love reading others. I have things to say. I'm pretty organized. I like it when I sit down and actually do it. Am I just not a writer? Am I afraid of others reading what I write? Have I spread myself too thin between teaching, mothering, wifing, bookkeeping, projects, etc. to have the time? I don't know, but I need to make some space in my life to do things I want to do before I regret not doing them.

Gran's 87th Birthday

2008-07-20T20:55:00.003-04:00

We recently celebrated my grandmother's 87th birthday! The family went out to dinner at one of her favorite local restaurants to eat fish and then back to my house for homemade ice cream and chocolate cake. We are so blessed to have the best grandmother in the world. She is amazing. She is the best cook and Sunday lunch at her house is still the best part of the week. She does all, I mean all, of her own yard work and takes care of her home excellently. I hope that I am going to be like her when I am 87, although, to be like her I need to start doing my own yard work now! Happy Birthday Gran! We love You!

Herb Garden

2008-07-12T09:47:00.003-04:00

I do not have a green thumb, in fact, it is pretty black. I tend to kill everything. My husband even asked me to please not buy any more plants, but I can't help it. I really want to have one of those beautiful magazine gardens. I've now decided to start small with some containers. I love fresh herbs to cook with and since those small packages at the grocery store are about $4.00 a piece, I decided to start with these type plants. I bought some good soil, peat, and vermiculite. I mixed the soil and planted some in strawberry pots, and some in a clay pot. I love the strawberry pot. It's so cute. I planted thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley and in a separate pot some mint. I wanted sage, but in the whole town I couldn't find any sage plants. I put these pots on my back deck in a mostly sunny place and now the praying begins. I hope I don't mess up.

Pawley's Island

2008-07-08T20:58:00.005-04:00

We went to Pawley's again this year. It was wonderful. The children played all day and had fun in the sun. We relaxed and enjoyed the time off from the duties of home. Chris even caught flounder. Aaahh, nothing better than fresh seafood! It was a great vacation and great time with our family.

Crazy, Sporadic Posting

2008-07-08T20:23:00.002-04:00

I just cannot seem to post very often. Wow, it's been five months since my last post. I read blogs all the time. There are some I frequent everyday. I'm not sure why I don't post more, but I think it has to do with being a fairly private person. I want to open up and I am transparent to close friends, but it is that ''Who is going to be reading this?" question in my mind that makes me freeze up. It's the same with commenting on others posts. I don't want a lot of people reading what I wanted to say to the author. So why have a blog you may ask? I originally started this blog to share pictures and events with family who live far away. After reading many other blogs, I see how these women use this tool to share their thoughts and feelings and even their ideologies with the world. I like that idea. It's a sort of release or avenue put it out there in the open. I even believe it can be a therapeutic catharsis. I want my blogging to be more personal and more weighty from time to time. I am not going to turn every post into flowery philosophy, but I would like to speak more on the things of which I am most passionate. Don't worry Mom, I am still going to post pictures of the kids :).

2008-02-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

I took this picture for a Valentine's Day card that went out to some family members. Its not exactally what I was going for, but it is very hard to get three small children to all smile at the same time and not be goofy. This will have to do! Happy Valentine's Day!

Resolutions

2008-01-05T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I will resolve to do this year. Many vow to lose 10 pounds or exercise more and though I do not want to be the fattest bridesmaid at my sister's wedding this year, I want my resolution to be something that actually matters. Life is precious and fleeting. The Bible says that we are not promised even another breath. I want the things I say and do and think to have an eternal value. The Scriptures speak of "storing up treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy"; these are the things I should be about. While redecorating the guest room is something I aim to do, I pray for God to help me with some changes in myself. I want to pray more, be more loving, speak with more kindness, enjoy my children more (instead of worrying about the spilled milk or the 101 things they have broken in my house) and last, but certainly not least, to be a better wife to a man who has put me and these precious children above any and everything he has ever wanted for himself. So this is it. And while there are many tasks, chores, letters to write, and weight to lose; I will look beyond the things to do in this world and hope to store up a few of these "treasures in Heaven".

2007-12-14T21:58:00.000-05:00

I guess I'll never be one of these everyday bloggers. I have a lot to say, just no time to say it. I've been sick this week and add that to teaching, housework, children, wife duties and Christmas preparations; I'm exhausted. I try not to complain because all in all, I know that I am blessed. It's good to stop and think about our blessings, especially when you feel that everything is against you. If we are honest, we realize that life is a gift and our trials, be them great or small, are for our good. We learn the most when we are going through difficult times and as the Bible says we are to "count it all joy, when you face trials of many kinds". Notice that it doesn't say if you face trials, but when you face trials. We all face hardships that God allows us to go through, so that we can either learn something about ourselves or learn something about God. "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done." When I take time to count my blessings, the things I'm dealing with pale in comparison to the great riches I have in Christ.

Big Second Grader, Holly

2007-10-23T20:37:00.000-04:00

Holly is loving second grade. She is doing very well and learning lots. We are proud of her. Holly's teacher says she is a hard worker and a kind friend, we couldn't be more pleased.

Kindergarten Fun

2007-10-23T20:19:00.000-04:00

Hannah is having a great kindergarten year so far. She has even had her very first spelling test that she made a 100 on. Hannah loves kindergarten. You would to if Mrs. Coffey was your teacher.

Lake Sinclair

2007-10-23T19:52:00.000-04:00

I am trying to catch up on some posts. We spent Labor Day weeked with our friends the Lee's and the Scharff's. Here are some pics of the kids having fun on the lake.

2007-10-23T19:29:00.000-04:00

My apologies for the slack blog. My circumstances have changed and its taken some time to get back in the swing of things. Since I last blogged, I have gone back to work teaching third grade. It has been quite an adjustment for me and the family. How it all began. I considered returning to teaching at TCS because the girls were there and it sure would be nice to not worry about paying for it. I always thought I would go back to teaching because it was something I liked and found satisfaction in doing. I applied for the job, got hired, and declined the job all in one week. I was in great turmoil over what the best decision was for me and for my family. I decided to stay home, until I got a call two weeks before school started with an earnest plea. The school needed a third grade teacher and had been unable to find a suitable canidate. Again, I felt torn. After much prayer and discussion, I decided to accept the position. So here I am, teaching third grade and trying to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. It's a lot of work, but I am slowly adjusting to life in the fast lane. Please pray for me that I can be what these students need this year and for my family that we learn how to work through all the transitions and accomplish the tasks that God has given us to do.

2007-08-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to have these new pictures of the children. I wanted to share them with all of you. This is probably the last large portrait I'll have made why they are still little. Walt already doesn't look like a baby anymore (boo hoo!). Time flies.

On the Beach

2007-06-08T21:32:00.001-04:00

Thanks to our friends, the Spigeners, we spent this past week in N. Litchfield Beach at their wonderful beach home. It is in between Pawley's Island and Myrtle Beach, S.C. It is a great family location! The children had a great time and so did we because everyone smiles and gets along at the beach! It was a great week of relaxing and watching the children enjoy being children, jumping waves and playing in the sand. We also enjoyed fellowshipping with our friends the Wagners, who were staying just one block down from us. Our children wore themselves out everyday and slept very soundly each night. A good time was had by all and we are thankful for the generosity of good friends!

Holly's Last Week in 1st Grade

2007-05-24T15:56:00.000-04:00

Holly had a busy week as she finished up first grade. It was a great week and a great year. This week, they had field day and special parties and a honors program to recognize some special achievements. Holly received an award for excellence in Leadership. She has worked hard this year and received all A's all year long! We are proud of Holly and congratulate her on all her successes.

Savannah Smiles

2007-05-08T21:05:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we forget, or take for granted, that we live so close to a great historical city. Savannah is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and full of wonderful historic homes and, of course, the famous squares that the old city was built around. We took some time recently with the children and walked around downtown Savannah and on River Street. We told them how the cobblestones, that are now streets, were once ship ballasts and that the names of the squares represent real people who lived here long ago. We visited the old ice cream shop that was established in 1919. We showed them the historical home, now a bed and breakfast, that we stayed in the night we were married. We saw four weddings in the parks and watched artists create chalk drawings on sidewalks. It was a great time together and the children learned a little about a great city.

The Aristocats

2007-05-01T08:37:00.000-04:00

Holly's first grade class performed the Disney movie "The Aristocats" for the school's spring musical. Holly played Madame Bofamille. The children did an great job and Holly was a very convincing rich widow woman, white hair and all.

Easter 2007

2007-05-01T07:56:00.000-04:00

We finally got to dress up in our Easter clothes. It was so cold on Easter morning that we had to wear cool weather clothes (what an odd thing in South Georgia). I was a little relieved however, considering that I was under the gun to finish the girls dresses. The weather is now warm, almost hot really, and we can don our Sunday best.

Walt' Third Birthday

2007-04-11T13:24:00.000-04:00

Walt had his third birthday on April 7th. We had friends and family over for the celebration. John Deere tractors was the theme and since it was the day before Easter we also had an egg hunt. It was a lot of fun and Walt got his very own "two-wheeler" bicycle as he calls it.

I Love Tractors!

2007-03-26T22:55:00.000-04:00

On Sunday afternoon, I took the children to the John Deere tractor dealership to take some photos of Walt for his "tractor" birthday party. He had so much fun! It was better than going to the park.

Missionaries visit Trinity

2007-03-15T19:11:00.000-04:00

At our yearly mission conference at Trinity Presbyterian, we had the great opportunity to host a missionary couple. Berti and Jenny Kona are missionaries to Albania. Berti is from Albania and his wife is an American, who will be going to Albania for the first time. They met and married in the States and will be returning to Albania in July. Please pray for them and their desire to take the gospel to Albania. Our children thoroughly enjoyed the visitors and ask of them often. It was a great way to expand their world and vision for the lost.

Daytona 500

2007-03-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

Recently, Chris had the opportunity to go to The Daytona 500. He went with his friend Greg, who gave him the ticket (thanks, Greg!). He had a great time at this first Daytona experience.

Fun Field Trip

2007-02-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

Holly's first grade class took a field trip to Oatland Island in Savannah, GA. Oatland Island is a wildlife refuge. We saw Red Fox, Bobcat, Florida Panther or Cougar, Brown Pelicans, an alligator and a snake. It was fun and educational!

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

Most girls love Valentines Day, But Hannah lives for it. She makes Valentines all year long. It is her best day of the year, besides her birthday, Christmas, Easter and all the other holidays! We had a party for our friends and Hannah and her friend Emmaline were the hostesses! It was a fun day!!!

Holly also loves Heart Day and had a special party at school complete with fun food and lots of pink and red decorations. They made heart shaped containers for all their Valentines and had an blast exchanging cards with classmates!

Visiting the Scharff's

2007-02-06T11:43:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we visited our longtime friends, the Scharff's. It was the occasion of Halley Grace Scharff's baptism. Since we had not met the new addition, we took the opportunity to travel down to see everyone. The girls and Walt had a great time playing with their friends and we got to celebrate another covenant child.

I was excited to see Halley in the baptismal gown that I made for her. She looked beautiful!

Giddy-up Cowgirl

2007-01-28T20:40:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, the girls went to a birthday party and rode horses. A classmate of Holly's had a super fun birthday party that was all about horses. The girls had a great time and Hannah who said she wasn't sure about riding was the most difficult to convince that it was time to go home.

Check-up Time

2007-01-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

As you can see from the picture, Walt is not excited about this visit to his cardiologist, but he should be. We got a good report and do not have to have a recheck for six more months, providing no more episodes. For those who may not know, Walt has a heart condition known as SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia), that is just a fancy medical term that means fast heart rate. He was diagnosed at 15 months old when at a doctors visit (I thought he had an ear ache, because of crying and a runny nose). His heart was beating 280 beats per minute. After some tests, they determined his arrhythmia. He is doing well now that we have his medications regulated. He has to take medicine three times a day, eight hours apart and will continue to do that until he is old enough to have a procedure in Atlanta called catheter ablation to correct the problem. It is not a serious heart problem, but one that requires our attention and monitoring.

We are thankful to God for Walt's good progress and medications that help to keep his heart beating normally. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Walt. He is doing great!

Meet the Smiths

2007-01-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

This is my first post, so it is an introduction of sorts. I am excited about this great way to share with all of you the things going on in our lives. My husband, Chris , owns a business and I am at home with our three children, Holly (7), Hannah (5), and Walt (2). In addition to that whirlwind, I design and create children's french handsewn clothing.