Turkey Time!!!

GOBBLE, GOBBLE....  It is time once again for the annual get-to-gether at the Smith Homestead for Thanksgiving.  Since moving to North Carolina, we have gathered with close family and friends to celebrate the holiday.....  Smith Style.

Our holiday begins the night before Thanksgiving with our annual turkey fondling session.  If you know me well, I don't do well with raw poultry and have to delegate the task to someone else.  That someone always seems to be my dear hubby Isaac and he always does the task perfectly.  Our neighbors Wayne and Stacey always join us for the pre-Thanksgiving festivities along with a few (cough, cough) glasses of wine. I would post some pics, but not sure how well it would go with some of my audience.  Imagination is a necessity!

The rest of the Thanksgiving weekend was awesome as usual.  Our friends the Therrien Family came from Raleigh to celebrate as well as our neighbors the Cloud family Leonard Family, My sister and her family and my Mom.  The food was amazing and the company was extraordinary.  We finished up the weekend with an "adult" game night complete with some Beer pong.  I think the girls won again this year.

Tristan's Thanksgiving Pre-School Feast

Tristan's pre-school - First Presbyterian Pre-School held their annual Thanksgiving Concert and feast for families and friends of the school.  Each class performs a few songs complete in appropriate costume.  Tristan's 3 year old classroom were all dressed like Indians.  They looked adorable.  After the concert we all gathered for a lovely feast in the school cafeteria. Ms. Jill came with me and had a wonderful time watching Tristan belt out some songs.  She is a natural.  My girl was adorable as always blowing kisses our way. 

Great job, little Ms. Tristan!

Lions, and Tigers But NO Bears.... is just fine with ME!!

FOR THE LOVE OF THE BIG CATS.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!    

Today I had an experience of a lifetime and I have been floating on a cloud all day long.  I  accompanied my photography meet-up group today for an adventure of a lifetime.  We went to Rockwell, NC to Suzie's Pride, a Lion and Tiger sanctuary for a hands-on photography experience.  We were able to get up close and personal with the Big Cats and photograph them in their home environment. 

Suzie's pride is  a no-kill, no-breed facility for unwanted, abused and neglected big cats from private owners, commercial entities, zoos and other sanctuaries. They provide big cats with a place to live out their days in a compassionate respectful environment; we give them proper care enabling them to have a good quality of life. This sanctuary is operated by a wonderful family who have dedicate their lives to save these precious animals.  They love and care for these exploited and unwanted "Big Cats". 

I was blessed to have been given this opportunity.  

Meet Ella

Meet Sarah

Meet Hobbs

PLEASE help support Suzie's Pride.

http://www.suziespride.org

Princesses, Ghosts and Baby Bats

BOO! 

Halloween is upon us and little Goblins are everywhere. Tristan is very excited and can't wait 

to hit the street to trick-or-treat. After much hemming and hawing.....  

This year she is a purple fairy princess.

Liam came to join us trick-or-treating as did Baby Necose.  

Momma GG even dresses up for her first year as a mommy. 

The kids had an awesome night and hit it big with all of their candy.

Tristan and her cousin Liam

Tristan and her friend Kiara.

Bat Baby Necose

Purple Fairy Princess

Pretty Princess

A New GIG For Me!!! YEAH!!

A few weeks ago, I received official notice that I have been chosen to write my own column for a local Charlotte parenting website.  I submitted several writings and I was chosen along with several other "Moms" to write a weekly column about parenting issues.  Right up my alley with this crew.  Life is never a dull moment Down Smith Lane.  I am overjoyed and delighted and cant wait to share a little bit of myself and my journey of parenthood with other local parents.

They asked for me to choose a title for my column, so I have tossing ideas around the house and have narrowed it down to a few favorites.  You will have to stay tuned to find out my choice.

Nothing Like a New Baby

I recently brought out my photographer side and took some pictures of Baby Necose.  He was 10 days old when we did the photoshoot.  Necose was wonderful for the sessions and I was able to catch some great shots.  Hope you enjoy!

 

Softballs & Soccer Balls.... My GIRLS on the Field

I have been rather busy since the end of summer as my three girls signed up to play fall sports.  That's right, my THREE girls.  From the eldest..... to the middle....  to my wee one.  They all hit the fields with guns blazing and I was delighted as I love being a "sports" mom.  I miss all of those years I spent coaching and cheering on my Matthew, so I embraced the whole idea of hitting the fields again.  All went well this season, with the exception of one little (well, not so little) issue.

I will admit it...  she is adorable!

Tristan had other plans.  She lasted for 3 games and bailed....  well, to tell the truth......I bailed.  So much for my belief that when the children join something it is there responsibility to finish it as not to disappoint their teammates and not to let the team down.  My girl just wasn't ready for the commitment, but them again, what 3 year old would be.  NOT, Tristan!  I was able to capture Tristan in a few pics on the field (when she would actually play and not hide under my chair)  She looks like a natural is some pics, but don't let her fool you.

Looking Good!!

Is it Snack time yet.

Awesome Third basemen

 Taryn hit the Softball field again and had an awesome season in the WCWAA 15U girls team.  She was awesome at bat and improved greatly as the season progressed.  She played many positions but mostly played third base and outfield where she did an awesome job and had several crucial saves. 

Taryn has really developed her softball skills and I am so proud of her.

I am even considering on coach with another Mom this spring.  Hmmm......  sounds like fun!

My girl at bat.  Look at that Sweet Swing

Taryn is a wonderful base runner...  just like her big brother

The Slide.....  and She is SAFE!!

Jaedan headed out on the field for another year of soccer.  She was delighted to have Coach John again and to again play with many of the same girls.  She was amazing and improved her soccer skills a great deal.  She played defense and offense as well as Goalie.  she is not to fond of being Goalie but she does do a great job and had several saves per game.  She will be trying out for the Sun Valley Middle School team in the spring and she will be also playing for WCWAA.  Way to go Jae....  I am very proud of you.  Keep up the Great Job!

GO GIRL!!

Taking a Knee