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September 1, 2011

Next Year is the Time

First we want to thank everyone for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers we received after my last blog update regarding the possible adoption of Madilyn's sibling. Second, we want everyone to know that the adoption will not be happening. We just recently decided that it wasn't right for us at this point, and we believe it's part of God's grander plan for our family to wait.

We recently found out some circumstances that made the adoption risky financially and emotionally. We did however request that Gladney give our contact information to the Adoptive Parents that are chosen so they can decide if they'd like to contact us at any point.

So 2012 is the year that Scot, Madie, and I begin the adoption process again. We're going to wait until next summer to apply to Gladney and hopefully sometime in 2013 we'll have a new little one in our house!! We believe this will give me enough time to get my Thirty-One business up and running to save enough money for the adoption and so we'll be able to provide for Madie and the new baby the way we truly want to provide for them.

I love that I've found this company or maybe it found me. The Thirty-One motto is true to form...they believe in Celebrating, Encouraging, and Rewarding women. Thirty-One comes from the Proverbs 31!! All the women I've met so far are truly uplifting, inspiring, and have their own story. Every consultant explains their story about joining Thirty-One or their "WHY," and my story or my "Why" is ADOPTION!!!

Just a little update on Miss Madilyn. A few weeks ago we moved her to a new daycare and she's doing fabulous!! She's almost potty trained. She only wears a pull-up at night now. I'm so proud of her. Of course everytime I tell her I'm proud of her, she says, "Mommy...I'm proud of you!" As she pats my hand. Love it!!! She also has two little admirers at school, Austin and Collin. This morning when Scot took her in to class, Austin immediately jumped up and ran over to give Madie a hug. It's too cute!! Speaking of my Scotters!! He's enrolled at UTA and TCC this semester and he's loving it. I hope he knows how proud of him I am, even though I give him a hard time or as he says I "nag." I'm sure I do but I love him!! It's hard now but it will make all the difference in our futures!!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe Labor Day Weekend. It will definitely be my time to relax and rest because I'll hit the ground running come Sept. 6th. This 2011-2012 year, in addition to my everyday career, I'm on the Fort Worth Gladney Family Association Board again. My position is undecided at this point. However, I am the Head Chair for Multicultural Event in April 2012. This is a big deal because Gladney is having their 125th Anniversary and I'm going to be a part of it. I'm nervous and excited and it's something I can tell our children about. And then of course I'll be involved with Thirty-One! If you know me then you know I love being busy!!! I am definitely looking forward to my family's future in the upcoming year. We all have so much to be excited about and I know there are many more blessings in disguise!!!

Blessings!!

Becca
XOXO

August 20, 2011

Thirty-One and Adoption

So I am not the type of person who easily asks others for help. I've always tried to accomplish everything on my own with the exception of a few close family members and friends. However, this is an exception.

We have been given the opportunity to adopt Madilyn's sibling. Of course the hurdle is finances. If you've adopted or know someone who has adopted then you know it's not inexpensive. I believe that if it's meant to be then this adoption will move forward. However, if not, then it's the best for everyone involved. But if you know me, then you know I have to at least try. I know this is all in God's hands.

I have recently decided to become involved with selling the products of the company called Thirty-One. Thirty-One has something "For All of Life's Moments." The women are fabulous and so is the product. Scot and I are asking everyone to take a look at my website. All of my commission from the sales will go towards the possible adoption now or if it falls through then it will be for our second adoption in the future and our second income. As many of you know, Scot has been unemployed since May of 2010 and he has been a full-time student at UTA since January of 2011.

So please take a peek, contact me with any questions, and please order anything you like from me the new Thirty-One Independent Consultant.

Scot and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts and I know Madilyn would too!!

http://mythirtyone.com/beccajsmith/


God Bless!
Becca J. Smith
beccajan75@yahoo.com

July 26, 2011

Madie's First Movie and My Teary Moment!

So last Monday I explained to Madilyn we would go see "Winnie the Pooh" if she was well behaved all week. (Scot said he could miss "Winnie the Pooh.")Every night when I put her to bed we would have the same conversation:

Madie - "Mommy, Saturday we see Winnie da Pooh."
Me - "Yes, babe on Saturday we'll go see Winnie the Pooh. Are you excited?"
Madie - "Yes ma'am. Love you."

It's marvelous to watch her grow so quickly and to realize that she comprehends so much of what we tell her and how we speak to her. I never imagined my 2 year old would be so amazing and inspiring. She just makes me want to be the best mommy and person I can possibly be everyday. I wake up every morning ruminating ways I can improve upon the person I am on a daily basis and no longer be a cynic.

Growing up I said I would never be a cynic and here I sit. I know the one tragic event that has brought the cynic out in me, but since becoming a parent I've decided to replace the cynicism with something more exceptional. So I digress...back to "Winnie the Pooh."

So Saturday Madie and I headed to see "Winnie the Pooh." After buying the much needed fruit chews and popcorn, we sat down in the theater. She placed her fruit chews in her lap, took off her shoes, and held her little blanket. The movie started and she didn't move until the credits rolled. I think I watched her more than the movie. She laughed, pointed out the characters, and continuously smiled the entire time. After the movie we headed back to the car, and I placed her in the car seat. She looked at me and said..."I had fun. Thanks Mommy!" I nearly teared up. My baby was growing before my very eyes. I knew then that Scot and I were doing a good parenting job. Trust me I second guess myself every moment of every day. I pray that I don't screw her up.

Once we returned home, she ran into the house yelling "Daddy, Daddy, saw Winnie da Pooh."
Scot - "Did you have fun?
Madie - "Yes. Mommy, me, popcorn and snacks. Fun, fun, fun."

Thank you Madilyn for coming into our lives and being the sweet little person that you are becoming. Mommy and Daddy love you forever and always!!!

July 11, 2011

The Girls over 4th of July Weekend!

A Little Star

For those of you that haven't seen this video of Madilyn, you will absolutely love it. Make sure you turn up the volume to hear her sing! She's watching one of her favorite shows "The Fresh Beat Band."

June 10, 2011

Unbelievable...She's 2


I know it's June and I'm a little late posting birthday pictures but our lives are never dull with a 2 year old running around. In May, Madilyn and Kenna celebrated their 2 year birthdays together at Chuck E. Cheese's this year with family. My Godson, Carson, was even in attendance.

I love that the girls are only 13 days apart. They are so much fun to be around and watch play together. They love each other so much.

I'm going to try to start blogging more often. I hope to make a post once a week. We did go to Iowa for vacation to visit Scot's parents so I'm hoping this weekend I'll be able to upload the photos and have another post next week. There's just so much going on in our lives now and Miss Madilyn is our little blessing that I want to share with everyone. She definitely has changed our lives for the better. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

April 26, 2011

March 1, 2011

So I have volunteered to coordinate a team for the 2011 Council for Life Family Fun Run and Walk (5K) which will be Saturday April 2, 2011 in Dallas at Reverchon Park/Katy Trail. I have included all the necessary information. I would love for my family and friends to join my team if you are in the area!! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Gladney's Next Step Program. This program helps birth mothers with the transition back into society by arming them with knowledge, education, practical tools and confidence. It should be fun because there will be many families and events for the little ones too.

Just email me and let me know if you register because I will pick up your race package for you and I will make sure you receive it when everything is ready!!

The deadline to register is March 29, 2011
Please go to the following link and register online.
http://councilforlife.org/get-involved/take-steps.html


Choose the registration type as team and the fee is $15.00 per person. Please enter the team name when registering - Fort Worth GFA. You will be able to enter your contact information, shirt size and make your payment online. If you have more than one family member to enter you will have that option as well. You will enter all your info and after you enter your shirt size (on the second screen) then it will ask if you want to continue or add another registrant. This will make sense when you register.

Thanks!!
Becca

February 16, 2011

Cousins

Here are some pictures of Madie and Kenna from last weekend playing in Anthropologie!



February 12, 2011

2011

Wow it's been a very long time since I've posted anything on my blog. The only explanation I have for being delayed in posting is...LIFE. And it's been a busy beginning in 2011. I can't believe it but Madilyn will be turning two in May. Time has definitely flown by too quickly and my baby is growing right before our eyes. I'm definitely ready for another baby but that will have to wait at least another 18 months.



Scot has been without a job since May 2010 so we decided at the end of last year that he would head back to college to complete his BA. He started in January at UTA and he is absolutely enjoying being a full-time Junior college student. He's doing very well and enjoying all of his classes.
He's taking two Political Science classes, US History, Texas History and English Literature. He will be finished in about 2 years with a BA to teach 4th-8th grade in History and English. I know he hopes to possibly find an Asst. Coaching position as well. I'm just glad he's able to finish his degree.



Madilyn is back in daycare and doing wonderfully. She is growing up so quickly and retaining so much information. Everyday is a new learning experience for her and no matter what location or event we are teaching her new things. I love that she thinks they are games and she's having fun. I'm sure we're biased but she's brilliant. Her teacher did tell us that she is ahead of the kids in her class and some of the two year old children in the other class. She's counting to 10, knows that green means go and red means stop, and she's speaking in two and three word sentences now. I could go on and on forever. There's just so many things she can do and say and it's so exciting to be her parents.

As for me, well I was promoted to Senior Paralegal in January. I was very excited and a nice raise came along with the promotion. It's nice to know that I'm in a place where I'm doing well and don't have to worry about losing my job. It's nice to know we have some security at this point in our lives. It gets exhausting worrying all the time. I've stopped worrying and I'm just living. Living everyday for Madilyn and my family. It's not always easy but I'm learning.


I hope everyone is enjoying 2011 and living life to the fullest!!

B