So....this brings us to what many of you have been waiting to see.  The big Annual Smith Easter Egg Hunt! For those of you playing catch-up, the Easter bunny has always hidden Easter eggs for us.  When we were young, there are pictures of us with our hair in rollers searching the house for dyed boiled eggs before church.  No idea how my parents managed to get us all up, ready, hunting eggs, and made it to church on time.  I guess it helped that we lived next door.  Ha!  Over time, the egg hunt evolved...until the Easter bunny decided to get serious.  Putting money in our eggs.  Nothing can bring a college girl home for Easter like money in her eggs!  Just kidding.  We would have come home regardless, but the money certainly raised the stakes and excitement of each egg hunt.

Over the last few years, we have added to our family...which forced the Easter bunny to increase the egg count.  Then, I decided this hunt had become serious enough for uniforms.  So two years ago, the Smithites (the originals) had our first hunt decked out.  Last year, the guys were given their shirts and dubbed worthy of wearing them.

After the traditional pre-hunt photo, everyone lined up along the back of the deck.  When my parents say the word "GO!" it's game time!  Watch out!  If you are in the way, we are not responsible for injuries that may follow!

This year, Lee figured out Dustin's strategy.  For those of you who have followed for a few years, you already know that Dustin ALWAYS wins.  I guess Lee has been studying all those years he couldn't participate.  They both raced to the left corner of the yard....

This is the first time I'm realizing Lee was allowed to use the giant basket.  This explains a lot!  We need a rule book!

...while Russ and I scoured the right corner.

I'm pretty sure I was already wheezing at this point.

Occasionally, we would look up and realize we are all in a wad.  We would immediately head out for a spot no one had yet traversed.

Toward the end, you may see couples start working together for leftovers.  I mean, you know, since "your money is my money" and all.  Ha!  Don't start feeling sorry for Dustin or anything.  Let me be clear that last year he used TWO baskets, and this year he was allowed to use a giant gift bag.  Fair?  I think not. But since he's "the favorite" and we all know it, no one argues.

When we begin slowly turning every leaf and bloom to find no more eggs, we all gather on the deck for the business portion of the day.  Counting eggs and taking names.

Typically you will find lots of smiles as we empty our eggs and begin our count.  Somewhere along the way, someone realizes they are behind....or worse, losing!  At this point, things begin to get a little quiet.  I wouldn't necessarily use the word "pouting" since we are all over the age of 23 or 24...but it looks a little like it at times.

Meanwhile, the parents and spectators who have come to watch the free entertainment spend their time visiting, laughing, making fun of us, and reminiscing over past egg hunt results.  You will see that even some spectators have begun to dress for the occasion with bunny ears.

We, first, reveal the number of eggs found.  Once those results are recorded, we begin the most important count...the contents.  Dustin has won our egg hunts for as long as I can remember.  However, when we found our spot to begin our egg count, I heard him mumble under his breath..."I think Lee beat me."  This could be catastrophic and historic and monumental and any other dramatic word you could thing of.

Our 2012 egg count

And it was.  Lee beat Dustin by 3 eggs.  There was still hope, though.  Our second count is INSIDE the eggs.  This is where things begin to get very quiet and secretive until all the numbers are recorded.

Dustin found that not only did Lee beat him, but Russ actually squeezed in just ahead of him too.  Uh oh. Thankfully, Maw Maw left us each a five dollar bill to help his aching heart.  I'm not sure he'll ever be the same.

Next year may be trouble.  I'm thinking about wearing shin guards for protection.  I wouldn't put anything past these boys!  Oh...in case you are wondering about me and Kristin...we always lose.  We really don't even count.  However, if you are taking notes, I did find one more egg than she did.  And as Kristin analyzed, "Even though we may lose each year, our numbers are getting better."  We're all about progress.

The Easter bunny must be getting tired, because the total egg count was off.  Or either we found three leftover eggs from last year.  Then we were $5 short on the total amount.  After lots of discussion, some scouring the area, and some bickering between the Easter bunnies, we decided to just let it go!

Russ and Farley looking for the lost five dollars

Dustin coming face to face with the reality that he did not win

Our family may not be perfect.  In fact, we are FAR from it.  We have quirks, attitudes, the occasional blow up, hard times, enjoy doing strange things, and can be down right weird.  But we share moments.  We take traditions to heart, and we enjoy fun things together.  Thanks to a pair of great parents who sacrifice WAY more than we even know so that we can enjoy annual traditions like our Easter egg hunt.  We make memories that no one can put a price on or take away.  I am incredibly blessed and thankful for this family.

 
Russ and I can only hope and pray to raise our family to enjoy time together.  We hope to take advantage of every opportunity to make fun memories with our children that will last a lifetime and bring smiles and laughter for years!  And, all those goofy quirks....well, they just make for the best stories!  So I'll take all the quirks!

Some people may look at this and think it is MADNESS.

We just call it FAMILY!

Easter Bonnets

Down South, we are known for dressing to the nines for any special event.  But, Easter...oh Easter!  Easter is a southern tradition that dates way back.  Back to strolling along the sidewalk modeling your new Easter frocks.  Back to frilly socks and smocked dresses.  Back to Easter bonnets.  Back to clip on ties and suspenders.  Easter attire is a southern tradition that may never fade.  Although we may outgrow buying our "new Easter dress," we never outgrow our Easter family pictures outside near the azalea bush, front porch, or on the church steps.

At least, our family has not outgrown those photo opportunities!

This year, Russ's side of the family decided to gather for a family photo.  We usually spend Easter day with my side of the family and the Saturday before Easter with his side.  We stopped by on our way to my parents' after church to take part in the photo op.

Now, you know with four families represented, eight children, and three siblings...there will be various combinations of photos.  I won't give them all to you, but you can get the idea.

Party of Two with Russ's parents

The "original Johnsons"

Jimmy and Roan's family

It took about an hour to get everyone together, organized, and pictures snapped.  When Russ and I left around 1, there were still come combinations left.  It was the perfect day for photo shoot!

A look at how our hour went

We raced back to my parents' house in hopes that no one had changed clothes yet.  After all, the Smith photo shoot had yet to begin!  They are always so excited to see me coming with my big ole camera!  [insert sarcasm here]

We had a few combinations of our own...just not quite as many.  No little ones yet...and quite familiar with the "Easter drill!"  Ha!  I think it took a total of 15 minutes.

Smithites

Smithites plus 2

Family picture

Wait!  That wasn't everyone!  Don't you know by now that my family is not complete without our furry loves!

Complete family picture

That's better!  We can't forget our honorary Smith...Lee's mom!  We pretty much claim her as ours at every holiday and special event.

The Tulls

Here's to, what I hope is, our last family Easter photo without a Baby J!

Me and Russ

Our morning started out with sweet surprises left by the Easter bunny!  Yes...the Easter bunny AND Santa still come to our house!  The Easter bunny used to leave our baskets of goodies next to our beds on Sunday morning.  Now that we're married, he/she leaves our goodies in our bathroom.  Of course, Farley has never had to do without either!

Russ, my, and Farley's Easter baskets

After church, Mama got busy on the finishing touches for lunch.  This is the one time of year that we break out Mama and Daddy's fine China from their bridal registry.  The table is always beautifully set, and the food is always divine!

Easter is serious business in our family!  We do it right!

Easter has always been a special time for family.  A special time of celebration.  A sweet time for our families!  We can't wait to share all these special times as our family grows!

Easter Pre-parties

Easter is one of my favorite holidays!  I love this time of year...of course, I just love the changing of the seasons anytime.  But, spring really is such a beautiful time.  It's a time when all things are made new.  How appropriate that Easter is celebrated during this time!  Our Father makes all things new!  It is because of His cruel and unimaginable death on the cross followed by His beautiful resurrection that we are made new.  Like the song says, "Then, the world was broken, fallen and battered and scarred.  You took the hopeless, the life, ruined, wasted, and marred...and made it new."

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then He said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" Revelation 21:5

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 

As you know by now, Russ and I love spending time with family!  We are blessed with close relationships on both sides and lots of events for every holiday and occasion!  We began our Easter holiday with the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Jimmy and Roan's.  We were late, because my mom cooked a huge breakfast, and we don't pass up good food! Ha!  So the egg hunt had already started, and Russ and I drove down the - what seemed to be - 1/2 mile driveway with our windows down waving and talking to everyone as we passed.  We joked that we were on the parade route.

This is one of two times we get to see Russ's extended family...including Russ's cousin and my dear friend growing up, Season.  My first stop was to pick up her sweet baby boy!  I hogged him just like I did at Christmas, and she was happy to rest her arms.  Ha!

Me, Hunter, and Season

Ryan and Russ

While the kids finished finding the last of the hidden eggs, the adults stood around, ate, and visited in the beautiful sunny weather!  It was a perfect day for an egg hunt!

Leanna and Stephanie...two more of Russ's cousins

Roan filling us in on her recovery

This isn't just a family egg hunt.  Jimmy and Roan's family invites their church friends, homeschool friends, work friends, family friends, neighbors.  They have lots of friends.  The reason is because they are such good friends to others.  I think I heard the total count was about 60 children.  Add the babies and adults...and I'm sure there were close to or more than 100.  I'll have to ask Roan about the final head count.

Some of the kids with Nelson...a preacher their church supports in Africa visiting for a month

Once the guests began to trickle out, family members lingered to visit, laugh, play, and enjoy the wonderful day!

Brothers

Russ and his mom

Party of Two

After Russ's parents left, Russ and I hung around for the rest of the day.  Jimmy and Russ ran a few guy errands and got a smoothie while I joined Roan on her weekly grocery shopping trip.  As always, it was a nice day with family!

Julie, Russ's parents, Russ, and Olivia

We left Jimmy and Roan's around 4:30 so that we could be back in town in time for Kristin and Lee's cookout.  They decided to cookout for everyone, including Lee's mom.  We claim her as a Smith most days.  Ha!

Lee and Russ lighting the fire pit

When the sun went down, the air began to cool.  I was very happy to stand by the fire pit.  In fact, I was happy to sit by the fire pit while I ate too!  Lee has been working feverishly in his yard since spring began.  It was lovely!  He topped it off with tiki torches, a new dogwood tree, and other plants Saturday.  They have the perfect back yard for a PAR-TAY!

So we had one!

We spent the entire evening on the back porch enjoying the cool air and fire.  The food was delish!  The company was great!  The conversation left us with side splints from laughing, as always!

Since their back yard is the perfect place to party, you can't expect anything less from this family!  The next few hours were filled with music, dancing, silliness, and lots and lots of FUN!  I'm just saying...How many of you did the Cupid Shuffle with your preacher before your Easter service?  I did!  

Overall, I'd say our Easter pre-parties were a success!  Not a wasted minute of time.  If you're home for the holidays...you gotta make good use of it!

Eight Months

Baby J,

Today marks eight months since your daddy and I were approved to become adoptive parents.  It's crazy to think that it's been a year since we announced our plans to adopt.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  We sent cards out to our close friends and family asking them to pray for our patience as we wait, for your birthmother as she travels this difficult journey, and for YOU!  Man, have we felt those prayers!  A year ago, when we announced the beginning of this journey, we were overwhelmed with the response: calls, texts, emails, blog comments, and the demand for our "Praying for More" shirts.  Overwhelmed completely!  We never felt more loved and supported.  To this day, we have been carried through every day of these past eight months by precious prayers lifted on our behalf.  We could never ever express how thankful we are for every thought, prayer, kind word, hug, email, card, and gift given to us by those who have joined us on this journey.

So many people know about you!  You are one special little one.  You are a special child that is thought about, prayed for, longed for, talked about, cried over, dreamed about, prepared for, and loved indescribably!  It's amazing how much love I have for you...this child I have never met, never felt kick, never heard or seen your heartbeat, and have no idea your due date!  God is good.  All the time!  He has given me this love for you...a sweet Baby J that is growing in my heart instead of my belly.  Adoption truly is a miracle.  And, I have not even met you yet!  I'm overwhelmed at the miracle yet to be seen!  I can only imagine.  And, trust me, I DO!  I try to imagine it all the time!

God has used your story already.  Before you are even here, He has used your story to touch and reach others.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5  

We have met and grown closer to many families waiting to adopt or just starting their journey.  I am so happy that God is using your story to touch other families as they make the beautiful decision to start out on this journey of faith and trust.  I told you that God has big plans for you!  I just wish you could see it.  I'm trying to remember everything, or at least blog about things, so that I can remember to tell you every detail.  I pray that you continue to allow God to use you in big ways all your life.  I pray that you learn to trust Him with everything and allow Him to write your story.

This past month has had some tough days and wonderful days.  Some days have just been hard to get through as I try to get to the next day...in case the next day is THE DAY.  It's easy to get down.  But, I am always reminded of all that we have to be thankful for.  Your Aunt Roan has lifted you up more this month than ever.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a major surgery, and is now cancer free!  That is a lot to take in in one month.  But, she lifted your sweet self up in prayer the entire time.  She said that she used it as an anecdote for her fear and stress...praying for others.  I was so humbled and overwhelmed by her love for you and our family.  I can't wait for her and all the others to meet you - the answer to their earnest prayers.

This weekend, we will celebrate Easter with our families.  Saturday, we will join the Johnson side of the family and many friends at the annual Easter egg hunt Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Roan host.  I look forward to having as much fun as I always do in hopes that you will be with us next year.  We will celebrate Easter at our hometown church Sunday morning.  This service is always so special!  I have pictured you in your little Easter outfit, and I can't wait to see what you actually look like to complete my picture.  After lunch, the "big kids" on the Smith side will have our annual Easter egg hunt.  It's a pretty big deal, and you will not be able to participate in this hunt.  It could be very dangerous for you!  Ha!  There are so many things I'm looking forward to coming up...things I would love for you to be a part of.  One day you will.  And it will be perfect!  Perfectly timed!  I know this for certain.

Until then, sweet Baby J, we will continue to pray for you and the sweet angel who is/will be carrying you!  We will pray and long for the day we meet!

I love you!

Love,
Mama

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!  There are supposed to be storm clouds rolling in here this afternoon, but I'm trying to keep it "sunny" with What I'm Loving Wednesday!  With all the issues we've been having with the smoky odor in our apartment and the aggravation of trying to find the solution, it's time for me to think about what I'm loving and be thankful for those things!

So here goes...

I'm LOVING this fabulous weather!  I know many think it's too hot, but just remind yourself of all the times you thought it was too cold.  Try to enjoy what we have!  The changing of seasons is always so fun and new.  I love waking up to the sun on my face, and I love coming home from work with the sun still shining!  

I'm LOVING that I have the best sister-in-laws around!  I'm LOVING that, no matter the age difference, we can act as silly and have as much fun as if we were truly sisters!  I'm LOVING that all our husbands are close too!  I'm LOVING that I can tell Jenny she is the oldest one on the dance floor, and she embraces it PROUDLY with hands in the air!  Ha!

I'm LOVING that Easter is this weekend!  Of course, the celebration of Christ's life and death and resurrection...dying on the cross for our sins.  Suffering the crucifixion so that we could enjoy a home in Heaven with Him.  HE HAS RISEN!  I also look forward to the egg hunts each year.  Not only the kids' egg hunt we enjoy with Russ's side of the family, but it is the day the Smith family has our BIG egg hunt.  You know, the one with prize-filled eggs!  It's a big deal.  Like egg hunt uniforms and all!  In case you need a visual, you can see here and here and here for some of our past hunts.

I'm LOVING sweet, unexpected messages, emails, letters, comments, and prayers!  Last night I received the sweetest message from one of our precious prayer warriors...

Megan,  I was looking at your blog and we came across the picture of you and Russ announcing that you were adopting. Hannah, my 5 year old, asked me what this picture meant and I proceeded to tell her that it meant that God was going to use another lady to help you to get a baby to love. She then said, "Dear God, please give that lady her own wittle baby." I tell you the truth, I cried more over the fact that my 5 year old knew who to pray to rather than what to pray. Even though her prayer was right on target. God hears us and as my grandmother put it, he hears little ones even clearer. I just wanted to share this with you and let you know that you even have a 5 year old blonde haired blue eyed angel named Hannah Marie Robbins praying for God to give you your own "wittle baby". We love you and are PRAYING FOR MORE!

I'm LOVING the fact that I've been with Nathan, Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Lucas, Mouth, "Skills," and the rest of the group from One Tree Hill since the previews of the first season!  I was in college when we saw previews showing a boy in a gray hoodie dribbling a basketball down the street with the sound of Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Wanna Be" playing.  Yep.  Those were the days!  We called them "TV Tuesdays"....every Tuesday night a group of my friends would come over to watch Gilmore Girls and One Tree Hill.  We would eat chocolate...or macaroni and cheese and broccoli!  Ha!  We would sing the One Tree Hill theme song at the top of our lungs every single time!  Even after we were married, some of us would call each other to sing the opening song at the beginning of each episode.  Lots of memories made.  I've been with this cast since DAY ONE!  And, tonight, the two hour series finale will air.  I'm in a small state of depression over it.  I was in tears during last week's episode as I watched how everything is closing up.  I feel the need to call my TV Tuesday group and insist that they come over to commemorate the event.  If only they didn't have kids, families, and live 2-3 hours away!  I can guarantee you, though, that I will have Kelly, Jennifer, Jamie, and Rachael on my mind all night!  It's the end of an era.

I'm LOVING skinny bright jeans! I've bought a few pair myself.  Now, I'm searching for my silky flowy tops to wear with them.  I'm thinking something that covers a little bit of this booty of mine!  Ha!

So....there's a look at some of the things I'm LOVING today!

What have you been loving lately?

Charity Ball 2012

So, this past weekend was a bit busy for the hubs and myself.  We drove over 360 miles combined in between Russ's call schedule, spent time with friends and family, and enjoyed our hometown church's Palm Sunday service.  We had a ball this weekend!

Literally...

One scary crew

The local Junior Auxiliary hosts an annual event each year to raise money.  Although Russ and I have been invited for a few years previously, we have never been able to attend.  When Jenny called and wanted us to go with them, I coaxed Russ to rearrange his schedule so we could attend.  Even if it was to spend some much needed "fun time" with my sister-in-law and her hubby.

Party of Two

Jenny and I both waited until the very last second finding dresses to wear.  I mean, guys have it so easy!  Shirt, suit, tie, socks.  And the tie is really the only thing they actually have to pick out.  But, in my humble opinion, I think we managed pretty well.

Jeff and Jenny

We met at Kristin and Lee's for a little pre-party time of visiting and waiting on another couple.  When we finally got the text that the clinic had closed, and the final part of our group was ready...we began taking our "prom pictures."  Ha!  After all that, I felt like I needed a corsage!

Me and Jenny

We enjoyed a night full of amazing food, much deserved recognitions, seeing people we haven't seen in a while, visiting, the silent auction, dancing to an incredible band, and making memories!  I'm pretty sure I have the best sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws around.  Hands down!

Me and Prentiss

One of the great things about events in our hometown is the opportunity to see high school friends!  Prentiss and Mary Elizabeth are both JA members, and they did a wonderful job helping to make the  night fun for all.  I'm sure the MAJOR hail storm outside was not in their plans.  But, I've just gotta say that I never knew that happened until I heard the reports later.  Like after the band stopped at 1 o'clock Sunday morning.

Our "after party" look...sweat and all!

The boys didn't seem to be tired (or sore) at all!

I'm pretty sure we shut the place down as JA members raced around trying to clean up and head home!  Ha!  Russ and I enjoyed meeting new people, visiting with old friends, and spending some fun time together.

Me, Mary Elizabeth, and Prentiss

All in all...we had a ball!