I'm a little concerned....

Me: Do you know what the principal was talking about when she mentioned today was Pearl Harbor Day?
Class: (Silence)
Me: Nobody has heard of this day before?
Student: Wasn't this in one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies?

I was horrified. Only two students were able to give me a reasonable answer.

I love my students, but I am a little concerned about how little they know of American History and the sacrifices our servicemen and women had to make to keep us safe. I suppose I should have seen this coming, giving that they were all 1 year old when the twin towers went down. Some of my students weren't even told about 9/11 until last year.

Last month we celebrated Veterans Day and I was angered when one of my students kept talking during a moment of silence to honor our vets. It's not their fault that they are young and will never know how it felt to watch several Americans killed on television. Or to see several families say good-bye to loved ones as they go overseas to protect our country. It makes me sad that this is a part of history that they are so removed from. And it makes me sad when I come across people that forget how exceptional this country is, because of it's Veterans.

On the other hand, perhaps they are better off not seeing the events of 9/11 as they happened. Maybe my students will go on with their lives, never having to see America attacked in such a way. But I pray that they can remember the journey that this country took to get where it is today. I pray that the Mothers and Fathers of these students will instill in their children the values of pride and reverence that are due to all who have fallen to keep America safe from another attack. I hope Shadow grows up knowing that Freedom is not free but that it was bought with the lives of several brave men and women.

Baby Yoda

Hey everyone! It's me Shadow. This is me on Halloween. Mommy put this fuzzy green hat on my head and made me wear a robe. I'm not sure why, but she said I looked very cute. She told me that I was a Jedi and let me run around outside. I love to run outside! I also like to try to run away from Mommy and Daddy because I think it's funny to watch them chase me.

Then she handed me my bubble wand. I love bubbles! But Mommy told me to pretend that it is my light saber. I didn't know what that was, so I just held it like a good boy. Really, I just wanted the bubbles!!!


We got to visit people's houses and they let me have some candy. For free! Daddy says I shouldn't eat too much of it though. He says I hav
e to eat veggies and fruit. I don't like that he says that, and Mommy says it too. But why would I want to eat veggies when I can get free Reese's!!!!!

Now...if only Mommy and Daddy would stop talking about Wookies and Ewoks......do they know Mickey Mouse?

Happy Fall!

Was May really my last entry? Did I really boast about all the time I would have to write in this blog? And have you seen any writing since May? Ok, I have failed miserably with keeping up with this but I'm going to try to do better. I will tell myself I must write something, anything, at least once a week. So here is a pledge (as I keep my fingers crossed behind my back) to keep you in the dark no longer about what has been happening with the Smiths lately.

The first bit of news should probably be my new position as a teacher. I was hired in July to teach 6th grade math (and yes, you may start praying for me now). I teach some wonderful kids and everyday continues to test my patience. I am enjoying the new role in my life as I tell myself it must be preparing me for something else. I also have some students that I'll say are still wonderful, but choose to show me they are everything but wonderful, everyday. Right now they seem to be in a stage where they are still 5th graders in a size 6th grade body. My hope is by Valentines Day they might start acting like the 6th graders they should be, and I might come home a little less tired and stressed. Please don't take this as complaining because I am so grateful to have a job. I actually really like the job on the days that I get to actually teach. When the day is mostly filled with fights and one story after another about how so and so said this about me and I told him a piece of my mind because it's my right so I got in his face but I don't need detention because he started it and I'm about to go off on you if you don't let me go to the bathroom, among other things, it gets a little depressing.

Jordan is still enjoying his job and is very good at it. He continues to impress me with his optimism and good character which makes him an even better dad and husband. I have been known to get a little homesick for him and Shadow when I'm at work. Weekends together as a family are so nice to look forward to in the week and just aren't long enough!

Shadow has adjusted to day care -finally. He cried every time one of us would drop him off for the first couple of months. Now he will walk into the door and start playing with the other children immediately and not even look back at me as I leave. I know he has made some friends and enjoys going. Sometimes I wonder if he enjoys daycare more than being home with mom and dad. The ladies that work at the daycare have called him "Baby Casanova" because he also likes the little ladies. He's just too cute for words now and so independent. He says Ball, Momma, Dadda, Nanna, Da (dog), Mick (mickey mouse) and can say "please" and "more" in sign language. Guess which one of those gets used the most. And I think I heard him say "yogurt" this morning but that we before coffee so who knows.

This is all I will leave you with for now. I hope there is much more to follow as we move into the holiday season once again. Happy Fall!!!!

The Smith's, Downtown Lexington.

I blame TV

Once again, I've been very bad about keeping up with my posts. I've blamed our move to Lexington, busy days at work, holidays, etc. Today, I blame TV.

I'm afraid I might watch entirely too much of it. But how can you not when you have great shows that come on every night, one right after the other?!?! Once Shadow is in bed I can just hang out with my boo on the couch and enjoy my shows. Sometimes Jordan even leaves the couch all for me while he goes into the bedroom to read or to go to sleep insisting that my shows are just too much of a commitment. He is probably right. Let me just share with you my weekly indulgences with the "Telly", as Princess Catherine would say.

On Sundays we gear up for the week by visiting Wisteria Lane with the Desperate Housewives. On Mondays, I watch Dancing with the Stars for two hours, followed by Castle. Tuesdays start of with Glee, followed by the results from Dancing with the Stars and if I can stay awake, I catch Body of Proof. Wednesdays are spent with FOX watching American Idol as are Thursdays. Fridays are days when we can actually watch a movie or something on the History channel. So, as you can see, it's been very hard to find time to write with all this great Television. Luckily, the summer is starting and these shows will take a break until the fall or later.(which I'm sure Jordan is very pleased). Here are some pics to catch you up with what we have been up to with the TV off.

Shadow enjoyed his first Easter Egg Hunt! We went to visit our families back home and it was so fun to watch him "hunt" eggs. Shadow didn't seem to care about collecting as many as he could in a basket, he was quite content just to have one in each hand.

Here, Auntie SJ and Aunt Jess are enjoying some Shadow time by blowing bubbles. He thought that was fun. Jordan and I attended our first Kentucky Derby! We had so much fun spying celebrities, drinking Mint Juleps, looking around at all the fancy hats, and of course, betting on the races!
Shadow tries out the slide on Mother's Day. I remember my first mother's day when he was still just a tiny bundle of Shadow. Now he is a little boy Shadow! We are looking forward to the warmer weather as we get close to summer. Jordan and I have a trip to Disney World planned and I can't wait. We will also be visiting family and I'll be wishing some interviews will come along. And, since all our shows are going off, I have a feeling we will be visiting our local library and Redbox quite frequently!

Shadow turns one.

Birthdays are wonderful ways for us to reflect on our past year, to celebrate who we are, and anticipate what our future may bring. They are milestones and definitions of time that tell us to be gracious for what we are given, and reminders that everything we hold dear could be gone in an instant. This past weekend we celebrated Shadow's 1st birthday. Even more now, I understand how precious life is, and just how wonderful Shadow is.

Seeing him grow this past year has been such a journey for Jordan and I. There have been sleepless nights, days of frustration and more conversations about poopy diapers than I care to admit. But all of that is worth it when you count Shadow's laughs, giggles, hugs and smooches. Shadow's first year has gone by so fast and everyday is so important to him and to us as parents. Shadow learns something new everyday and it has been fascinating to watch him grown from a little newborn to the little boy he is now ( I've already cried because I don't think I can technically call him a baby anymore)

We had family in this weekend to celebrate his birthday, and it was a cute little party for the little man. Shadow got to open presents. Mommy thought his new clothes were so cute!

And Shadow got to smoosh on his own piece of Mickey cake. Messy, messy but what fun!

Overall, it was a happy day for a happy family.

It's funny, while I was pregnant with Shadow a number of people were joking with us about how hard raising a child is. They told us babies were a lot of work, expensive and ruthless sleep stealers. And they are right, but what they failed to tell us was the real hard part. The part where your heart just won't be able to hold enough love for the little one. How you just can't imagine living without him and how a little tear or smile can just break your heart.

Happy Birthday Shadow! Mommy and Daddy love you very much and we look forward to more of your birthdays!

Changes for the Smith's

Alright. Shadow is in bed. Jordan is in bed. American Idol is coming to a close and I am finally taking some time to catch up on my blog! There have been some new happenings at the Smith household (and to this blog as well. It seemed only fitting to change the name since we were changing locations.) Jordan accepted a job in Versailles, KY as Manager for Government Relations for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. That is a mouthful so start to be familiar with the acronym KCTCS. Versailles is just outside of Lexington, KY in the central part of the state, and about 4 hours from Murray.



Yes, we said good-bye to our beloved Murray and moved on to a bigger city and bigger opportunities all while staying in the Commonwealth Jordan and I grew to love so much. Jordan is adjusting to his new job and enjoying every minute as he begins to get into the swing of things. He gets to read legislative bills and other policy documents, talk all day with state representative and senators, coordinate an internship program, and live and breathe everything regarding politics and education. In short, it's a dream job for him. Just perfect.



I, on the other hand, have not found a job yet. That is, not one that gives me an office, money, or an official title. My current job right now is stay- at- home -mommy for Shadow. And to be honest, I was a bit nervous about it. At first I was freaked out about not working. I knew Shadow would keep me busy during the day but I kept asking myself, "What am I going to do all day? What are WE going to do with each other? When will I find a job?" I foresaw myself getting bored, restless, or maybe I was a little scared to be with Shadow all day, everyday. While I worked at Murray State, I really only saw Shadow early in the morning and then in the evening for a couple hours before he went to sleep. So, was I going to be a good stay at home mommy?



Well, I hope so, because I am starting to love it. I wake up everyday to a smiling Shadow and rather than hurry to get him dressed to go to day care, we just hang out on the couch. He takes a bottle and I start my 6-8 cups of coffee for the day while we watch Disney Junior. (Mickey's Clubhouse is our favorite but I highly recommend Handy Manny and Timmy Time too). We play with his toys and then he takes a mid morning nap. This allows me to decorate our new home, work on my grad class, clean, do laundry, or perhaps try a crafty project. I regret that I haven't used that time to write on here, but I'm hoping that improves soon. Shadow wakes up and we eat lunch. Then we play, go take a walk, or go out and explore the city. It's not hard to find somewhere to go here in Lexington. We have enjoyed the library, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Kroger Marketplace. (By the way, can I add how much I love not living in a dry county anymore? Kroger has wine and beer, and it's just down the street!) Then we come home, Shadow takes a little afternoon nap and I catch the Ellen show or take a snooze myself. Shadow wakes up and we play until Jordan comes home. We do miss him during the day. We were used to going to work together so lately I find myself waiting anxiously for 5:00 when he comes home. It has been a very good transition for us. At first we were pretty stressed with the changes but I think we are starting to get a feel for things and find our place.



I really do want to find a job, but for now I enjoy my stay-at-home-mommy jduties. Do I get stir crazy? A bit. Do I get a little stressed being with Shadow all day? Sure. But I am learning how to be a better mommy this way. I am actually spending TIME with him. I am getting to know him better and I think he is getting to know me better too and it is absolutely wonderful. I see even more now how much he changes and how much his personality is growing. So, for now, I am content with the opportunity to stay at home with him and I am looking forward to see what else this new chapter has in store for the us.

Hi Sam!

My boo loves politics. More specifically, my boo loves America and the GOP. I too carry a torch for this country and its conservative roots and leaders, but Jordan lives for this kind of stuff. If he had his way, Fox News would be the only channel on at our house, all our future pets and children would be named after famous Republicans, (Shadow's middle name is Reagan!), and every family vacation would center around a Presidential Library or hometown. And I probably wouldn't mind any of this one bit.

With that said, I wanted to share with you all our little trip to Topeka, KS. Over the Christmas break, Jordan and I drove the hour from my grandparent's farm to tour the State Capitol. I had wanted to go inside since I had never been and I knew Jordan would be game. Since it was a couple days before Christmas there was hardly anyone around. We had just missed the last guided tour of the day so we decided to look around ourselves.

I was a little disappointed because the capitol building was going under some renovations but I still enjoyed seeing the paintings and statues commemorating different aspects of Kansas history. We walked by several offices that belonged to State Representatives and Senators, which were empty due to the holidays. And then we came upon an office were the lights were on and people were busy inside. It was the office of the governor-elect, Sam Brownback.

If I had been walking around the capitol by myself, I would have peeked inside and been on my way not wanting to interrupt anyone at work. But Jordan was with me and said "Let's go see if Sam is in!" And, of course, he was. So we chatted with his policy guy and financial man while Sam finished up a meeting. (I feel bad I don't remember their actual titles, but they were nice people.)

Sam Brownback has served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected in 1996 to the U.S. Senate-winning the seat that was held by Bob Dole. So it was exciting to congratulate him on his win as Governor of Kansas. We only got to visit with him for a few minutes but he was very nice and down to earth. We took a picture and he gladly gave us both high fives for being Republicans.

That's the thing about my boo. Always taking every opportunity to meet people and proudly share his love for the GOP. I actually think this is kind of cute, I just hope Gov. Brownback thought so too!

Christmas break

Alright, we’re trying to get back into the swing of things now that 2011 has arrived. There was limited internet access over the break and not much time to sit down and write so I will do my best to catch up here.
Our little family enjoyed the two weeks off from work (daycare in Shadow’s case) spending time with family and eating anything we could get our hands on (paper in Shadow’s case.) We travelled to Kansas and Missouri to split the time up between the two families. For me, Christmas time is a much needed reminder that we have been given a remarkable gift, the gift of Jesus. Every time I wrap a present, I try to remember what inspired me to do so. Christmas can also be a reminder that those feelings of hope and graciousness are things that we need to feel and practice year round. Always, always count your blessings and give thanks in ALL circumstances.

Christmas is also one of the rare times I get to see my grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins, since they all live in various spots throughout the state of Kansas. I look forward to any chance I get to go back there because I have a huge place in my heart for all of them and for the state itself.

Just some random things you might not know about Kansas (and perhaps don’t care to know, but this is my blog and I’ll tell you if I want to.)
·Dwight Eisenhower was from Abilene, KS. He was our 34th President and you can visit his boyhood home and Presidential Library/Museum in Abilene
·Amelia Earhart, first woman granted a pilot's license by the National Aeronautics Associate and first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean was from Atchison, KS.
·The first black woman to win an Academy Award was Kansan Hattie McDaniel. She won the award for her role in "Gone with the Wind."
·Helium was discovered in 1905 at the University of Kansas (That’s right; it’s not just the home of one of the greatest traditions in college basketball.)
·Dodge City is the windiest city in the United States, with an average wind speed of 14 miles per hour.
·Kansas comes from a Sioux word meaning "people of the south wind"
·The US government decided to let the people of Kansas vote for or against slavery. There were many fights between these people, but eventually those against slavery won. Because of the great violence during this time, Kansas became known as “Bleeding Kansas”.
·Pizza Hut restaurants opened its first store in Wichita, Kansas.
·The state flower is the sunflower and is always one of my favorites.
·The state capitol is Topeka, which in the native Kansa language means “to dig good potatoes”(I thought this was funny.)

Kansas may be flat, but it is full of interesting people, places, and things. I could probably write a book about what to see and do and why I love it so much. I am very proud to be from there, but I welcome coming home with open arms. We were ready to get back to Murray and try to get Shadow back in some kind of routine. He wouldn’t sleep in his travel bed and therefore ended up spending many nights with me and Jordan in our bed. His first Christmas was just too much to handle alone I guess. And that’s ok because Christmas shouldn’t be spent alone.

I am always grateful for the precious time I get to spend with my family, even if it is only once or twice during the year. But having Shadow here is just going to make every future Christmas more wonderful and blessed. This past Christmas was a great reminder that though many miles separate me from most of my family, they are always near in heart.