{Friends and Family Day}

Friends and Family Day at Forrest Park Church of Christ
with Brother Bill Davis, Jacksonville, Florida

Sunday, November 1st, 2009
9:30 AM Does God Live at Your House?
10:30 AM Is Your Family For Sale?
12 Noon Fellowship Meal

I have been told that he is a great speaker who preaches the word.

Please join us if you can!

{Another Endeavor}

I am on another endeavor...not giving up photography...I just found another creative outlet.

I have started making vintage inspired headbands for little girls and women.

Click here and then when you are on the site click on Accessories. If you live here in Valdosta and do not need the headband shipped, email me and you will not have to pay shipping costs.

{Recent Image of Jett}

{Infinite Wisdom}

This is an email I received from a lady at church who was subbing for Jett's Wednesday night Bible class.

As you know last night I was subbing for Tanya and we were reviewing the lesson on David & Goliath. Well, in all my infinite wisdom, I was helping the children to picture just how big Goliath was. So I told them that he was 9 ft tall and that they were probably about 3 feet tall. We had 3 boys in the class, so I said if we take Jett and stand him on Andrews shoulders and then Aiden and stand him on Jett's shoulders and everyone stood real tall, that would be about how big Goliath was. I could see it in their faces. They saw how massive he was.

So then Jett said, "And then if you (meaning me) stood on our shoulders . . . (Ok he's really getting the picture I thought. I've done good!). . . you weigh a lot and we would all fall down!" I thought I would crack up, but I just smiled and said you are so right.

So much for my infinite wisdom! :-)

Have a great day.

Judy

{Running Away From Home}

This is what Jett wrote on his marker board one night when he was suppose to be in bed.

"I am runing away from home. I am sereis. I love you with all my hert." ~Jett Smith 6 1/2 years old

I asked him the next morning why he wrote this and he said, "Because y'all are boring and you tell me what to do." He better get use to it is all I have to say.

{ Simple, But Extraordinary }

Several weeks ago there was something Jett did that touched my heart and will forever stay in a special place in my memory.

To fully understand the story I am about to tell I have to give you a little background. Jett has struck up a friendship with an older lady (although to me she is young...young at heart) at church and they talk, share laughs, hugs, and candy (she brings him candy each time she sees him). This friendship has been going strong for several months now. It's a wonderful thing to witness. You cannot watch them together and not get a warm-fuzzy feeling (unless your heart is made of stone).

One night at worship services, we arrived a few minutes late as they are saying the announcements. We walk in and Eric and I sat down. Jett however, did not. We looked at him, but something told me to let him go. He walked down to where his friend sits and gave her the biggest hug. Everyone that was nearby paused...and soaked up that moment. My eyes welled up with tears as I witnessed his love for his friend. Others around just smiled the biggest smile. They chatted for a minute and he walked back to us.

It was a simple gesture that was normal for him, but extraordinary to all of us who watched. To see the pure love of a child, is one of God's greatest gifts. This brief moment in time will forever stay with me.

{ Proud Mom Alert! }

Proud Mom Alert! My baby (I should stop saying that...nope...I won't...he'll be my baby forever) made another 100 on a spelling test! That makes four 100's on spelling tests. And many of them came from the pre-test given on Mondays!

{ You Are Invited! }

I would like all that can come to please come to our gospel meeting. See below for details and let me know if you are able to come!


Click on the image to see it bigger.

{ First Day Of School }

So, Jett is going to a public school this year and he has adjusted well. He even rides the bus to and from school! He is making friends on the bus, doing well in school (he received a 100 on his spelling pre-test and doesn't have to take the spelling test this Friday), and has come home with a great conduct grade each day! All of this is a relief as I was a little worried about him going to a big new school this year. He, however, has done fine and adjusted well. We are so proud!

Here he is walking home from school on the first day!

{Prayers Answered}

Jett has been praying for his daddy to be able to come to worship with us on Sunday mornings (he was able to go on Sunday nights). It has been two months since Eric was able to go with us because his job(s). Jett started praying a few weeks ago for his daddy to be able to "worship God's word" (that means in "Jettisms" to be able to go to worship on Sundays). And as a side note: you don't go to church because the church is the people...you go to worship in a building with the church.

Not too long ago Eric came home and said they were thinking of changing the schedule at work and that he would be off on the weekends. We were excited to hear this, but not getting our hopes up in case it didn't work out. Then last week, Eric came home and said it was official...he would be off on the weekends. Prayers were truly answered for a concerned and thoughtful little boy. He truly understands that it is important to be able to worship God with other Christians.

{ With All My Heart }

{ Mama, You Are The Best Mama....}

The other night (out of the blue) Jett said, "Mama, you are the best mama I ever had!" I took it as a compliment even if I am the ONLY mama he has ever had.

{ I Was Going To Post Something Else }

I was visiting a friend's blog and found this video and I just felt compelled to share this instead of what I was going to post.

The following video fills me with such overwhelming pride. I am so proud to be from Georgia and proud of these Georgians who honored a fallen hero.

Killed in action the week before, the body of Staff Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia on June 11, 2009.

The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time. This was filmed during the procession by a State Trooper.

Please watch this video.

{ Vacation Bible School }

Please come join us for Vacation Bible School!

{ He Can Melt Your Heart }

"At night mommy...I give God and Jesus two kisses and hugs. I tell them I love them and I pray for my family." He told me this one night after we read the Bible (Eph. 6:1-3) and said our prayers.

{ The Christian Roller Coaster Ride Blog }

Okay I am going to attempt again another blog that is spiritually based. You can find it here http://christianrollercoaster.blogspot.com/. It's starting out with an Open Bible Study for God's plan of salvation.

{ Surprise Sleepover }

A few weeks ago I planned for Jett's best friend (who he doesn't see anymore since school's out) to come spend the night with him. Jett did NOT know I planned it. I didn't tell him because he would have drove us crazy trying to "plan" it himself and because I thought it would be a neat surprise. And he was surprised...not the jumping up and down surprised, but quietly surprised. Well they swam in the pool, played spies, watch the movie Up in 3D, and even put on a show for us.

Below are some clips of the show. Yes, they knew I was videotaping them...they actually wanted me to. Notice Jett's hand movements. He doesn't watch a lot of people singing so I don't know where he got that from...maybe it comes naturally.

{ Chick - fil- A Girlfriend }

Several months ago Jett and I went to Chick-fil-A and Jett played on the little indoor playground. While we were there, I met a little girl with big brown eyes and golden brown hair who was very talkative. She told me she liked Jett's hair, liked his name, and thought he was cute. Oh. My.

He didn't play with her much that day, but a few weeks ago we went back and there she was. She came up to me and told me she remembered me and she even remembered Jett's name. Miss "M" was a chatty Cathy and I soaked it up...it's not often I get to really talk to little girls except through my photography sessions. She said she didn't think Jett liked her. I told her she needed to go play with him and she said he was too fast for her. Meaning he moved around the playground at a quick speed.

Eventually, Jett came over and I told him that she liked him. They began playing together and towards the end he was calling her his "girlfriend". She pretended to not like it, but the smile on her face told another story. Neither one of them wanted to leave each other, but well I had about all I could stand of the confined quarters with screaming children so we had to leave. They gave each other a hug and said goodbye.

I wonder if that will be the last time they see each other...I hope not. I was quite fond of the doe-eyed, bubbly little girl....Jett's Chick-fil-A girlfriend.

{ Happy Anniversary To Us! }

Eight years ago today Eric and I made the best decision of our lives. We married each other and we are both better people because of it. God has truly blessed us.

{ Graduation Clips }

WARNING: These videos are NOT professional. I will never be a videographer. I will stick with photography!

The first clip the kids recite a poem about what they will be when the grow up. You have to watch a bit before it gets to Jett's part....

And if you did not understand (he was nervous), this is what he said:

"When I grow up I'll be a spy,

I'll be an agent and have lots of cool gadgets,

Who knows...

I may even fly."

Below are two clips of the song "I Wanna Be A Dog". It is tooo cute. I tried to find the words to the song, but couldn't find the exact ones that they sang.

I'll try to post some pics later!

{ Graduation }

Jett will have his kindergarten graduation on Friday, May 15th at 6:30 in the Georgia Christian School Gym. I am so excited, happy, a little sad (he's growing up and he is not going back there next year), and anxious for that day. I know there will be many tears shed...so kleenex will probably be my best friend that night. We would love all our friends and family that can come to please come see his graduation. It is not your "typical" graduation. They have a pirate theme this year. The children will sing songs, recite Bible verses, and there will be a slideshow (that's where the crying part will happen).

Let us know if you are coming so we can save you a seat!

For the ones who cannot come, I hope to be able to record the ceremony and will post some clips here on the blog.

{ We Are Getting There }

Jett has been having fun lately in his Grandma and Papa Bill's pool! He is getting a bit braver and we are so proud!

Here are some clips.

{ Happy Mother's Day! }

I searched for the perfect Mother's Day poem

And I just could not find one that could put into words how special my mama is to me.

I may never find the perfect poem because you see...it's hard to find one that is as wonderful as she.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's in my life! You are all so special to me! I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!

{ Pour All The Love Out Of Me }

I had to share something Jett recently said.

"I'm going to pour all the love out of me and help you clean out the car, Mama."

{ Swimming Lessons }

Here is a clip of Jett at swimming lessons with Coach Tucker...this was towards the end of the lesson and was the second to last lesson for the week.

Jett went last year and was terrified. He pretty much yelled during all the lessons. This year it was better. He even likes Coach Tucker this year and said he was the best coach ever! He was not as terrified as last year, but still lacked the confidence. He has to learn to not be so up-tight when it comes to swimming. I have NO idea where he gets that character trait from....uh...hmmmm....I think we all know where that comes from...haha. In this clip, he was doing better at swimming under water.

We are hoping to take him back this May or June.

{ Found It! }

Got the background I was looking for.

{ Looking For A New Background }

Don't get me wrong...I like this background, but there's one I really love but it's too busy in the wrong places...so I am looking for a subsitute for that. So, in the meantime...this one will be up until I can find "the" right one. :)

{ Friends & Family Day }

Please come to Friends & Family Day at Forrest Park church of Christ as I am sure it will be a wonderful day that will benefit you and your family.



Let me know if you plan on coming. We would love to see you there!

{ Recommendations }

I thought I would recommend some educational TV shows and a couple of websites for the toddler and pre-school age children.

Word World is a great show for children to learn how to read and recognize words. It comes on public television each week day during the morning hours. If you have DVR, you may want to record some.

Sid The Science Kid is another cute show that teaches children about science related topics, but it's more for the pre-school age and up crowd. This also comes on public television. I think it comes on each day during the weekday in the mornings and maybe the afternoon (not sure about the afternoon).

Special Agent OSO is a new show on Disney. It's about a bear who is a special agent. He has to go on missions and follow "three special steps". It's very repetitive in it's teaching so it is great for the younger kiddos. However, Jett still likes it because of the gadgets OSO uses.

http://www.dltk-teach.com/ is a good site for printing out crafts, books, etc... It has ABC's shapes, colors, Bible activities, printable books (even ones you can personalize). I made Jett a book about him and he loves to read it. He loves that it is about him.

Fisher price also has a great site for younger children to teach the basics. http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=10&e=gamesLanding&mcat=game_infant,game_toddler,game_preschool&site=us

Let me know how you like the recommendations!

{ Bible Study }

Below is a great Bible study for those interested. If you have an open heart and an open Bible...you will enjoy this study.

http://www.forrestpark.org/BibleStudy/GodsPlan.pdf

{ Without Training Wheels }

We finally live in a place where bike riding is possible so when Jett got a new bike for his birthday (he had outgrown his other one)....it was time to get rid of the training wheels. Here is his first day without the training wheels. You have got to love the way he stops and sticks the landing! You'll understand what I am talking about after you watch it!

{ Like Brothers }

Okay so my sister and I do really think a like a lot. She just posted about Jett and Athen and I was actually thinking of doing the same thing. She just beat me to it.

Watching Jett and Athen is like seeing what Tiffany and I would have been like as boys. It's like us as boys. The age difference is even similar with them both. Jett has my color hair and eyes (though my eyes have changed to more of a green color) and Athen has that curly hair like Tiffany does (if she doesn't straighten it). And the younger one "picks" on the older one. Athen likes to pick at Jett just like Tiffany did to me. Don't get me wrong...Jett does pick too. They are both very dramatic. Jett is a lot like how I was when I was little when it comes to always pretending to be "grown up". I always wanted to make a "playhouse" and do grown up things. Athen is Mr. Grace...in that he is a little on the clumsy side...Tiffany was like that when she was younger too....hehe. I could go on and on....it's so neat seeing them grow up together and being close like brothers.

Athen was telling Jett a secret. Athen loves "telling secrets".

{ Jett Singing }

Here is Jett singing The Bereinstein Bears theme song in the SUV. We were on the way to our "vee-cation".

{ His Stage }

We recently went on vacation to a state park and I took this opportunity to have a mini-shoot with my Jett, my muse. I have clients ask me if it's hard to photograph him because they think it seems hard to photograph their own child/children (which I don't find it hard...it may be a challenge with some, but I like a challenge. After all, we as adults usually don't like a camera stuck in our faces either.) I say, "Oh yes, he is a handful." And then they say, "Well he sure makes it look like it's not." And I have to say...it's because once I get him into the "playing" mode...it makes my job easier. It's getting him into that playing mode now that he is older and aware of the camera that is the tough part. We do manage to get there most of the time and it is all worth it in the end.

For this shoot, I just let him pretend he was an actor on a stage. At the park they had a small amphitheater type place that looked like the front of a cabin and it had a door. There were old benches in front of the stage where the audience can sit. He just recently saw the play "Peter Pan" and really fell in love with it. So, he was all for that. We had such fun that day! And the reason we had fun is because I tapped into him and what he likes to do.

I am so happy that I have so many images of Jett with "Puppy" (use to be my puppy) because I know the day will come when he no longer wants anything to do with him.

Radio Flyer

Here is an image of Jett from our "vee-cation". He really loves his scooter and so do I! It makes a great prop for photography. Thanks Grammie & Papa Randy! :) I have more to share, but will have to save those for later as it is time for us to do our devotional with Jett.

Welcome!

I thought it was time for a change, so here is the new blog. I will keep the other one up, but will start posting to this one starting now.