Our new GOAL!

Caleb sent the kids a new basketball goal for Christmas. Our old goal, purchased by Doug, was run over by the mailman and the base broken (although my kids were still using it). The new goal is wonderful (and stands up without 16 concrete blocks!).

Sarah put it together Thursday after work...she worked from 3:40 until 11pm! Jacob helped some, Scott helped big time when he got home from work and a few of the kids were here and there helping. A HUGE job!

I laughed as I read this post from Sarah to Caleb:

Dear Caleb,
The kids are very thankful and super excited about the basketball goal. However, please never send anything that you can't be here to help put together. I have been outside since 3:40 and its very cold and I'm not as strong as you think. Thankfully dad was able to help when he got home. I love you lots. See you soon. And I'...m sure I will be thankful when I get beat Paden at a game of horse, because I always win. I think it just runs in the family.
Love, Sarah

Followed by Scott's addition:

Basketball goal is great!! Great gift to kids that will enjoy alot and I will practice so can beat you in a game of horse or maybe a game of supercalifrigiliousiscpalidosious - now how you say that in German :) :)

And Caleb's reply:

in german it is "mydadzanotgunawinnomatterhowlongthewordis"

I love it! I love computers, I love that Caleb is on the other side of the world and we can have conversations through email, the phone, and even facebook. I love that humor can be part of those conversations.

As Sarah was putting the goal together I told her that I was sure Caleb would LOVE to be here helping put in together. I did laugh and say, "If he didn't get mad at it and leave". Sarah quickly pointed out the obvious to us, "The old Caleb would have, the Caleb since he went into the Army would help me until we got it done!" The old Caleb would not have spent that much money on this brothers and sisters either.....from every encounter in life we can find good and I am ever grateful that Caleb's faith and love for God has strengthened in his time away and that he has a giving spirit. Not because of the "stuff" (lol..the kids might argue with that) but because of the example!! I love good examples!!

The goal was played on ALL weekend. I went to bed each night with people outside playing it and I woke up to people playing. It was loved and enjoyed by my family and all our friends. THANK YOU CALEB!!

PS. When I get my camera lens in I will take lots of pictures:) On a funny note....the Milan Youth Minister came in and said that Seth beat him playing ball. I laughed and said really? He replied "twice". He then said, "I couldn't guard him". I smiled and assured him he could. He said, "I thought if he could make it from where he was shooting he deserved to win...and he did" LOL:) That happens when you have 12 big brothers and a new goal and a HUGE love for ball!!

Poor attitudes

This morning I woke up (late, thank you Scott for letting me sleep in!) and when I was checking email and such I saw a reply to my facebook status (well, the one on Saturday. My status said:

I have spent the day fellowshipping with some of the most incredible people!! The most wonderful part was working side by side today with Chelsea and Sarah;). I wish everyday was a today!!!

The comment that surprised me(truly did)?

sounds like smothering in a bunch of people with over-inflated opinions of themselves

At first I really thought this man must have not understood the status, so I went back and read it. Then I deleted his comment and deleted him as a friend. Simple. I learned a very long time ago that if people do not understand why I do what I do? I really can't explain it to them. When adults say things like that? THEY have things going on that I cannot change.

I am thankful that with GOD all things ARE possible. This man is "supposed to be" a Christian. I would imagine his beef is more with my church family and beliefs. I find that a terrible shame. I TRULY do not bad-mouth people of Christian faith. I am happy when they are about God's work...I am pleased to see ANYONE doing something good!

Sunday morning I worshipped with 1800 people, the majority of them teenagers..... I cant think of a better antidote for a bad attitude than that! It's a shame that guy with the bad attitude wasn't there!

Getting ready for XI CHI

Tomorrow XI CHI DELTA officers will be here for their officers retreat. I remember my conversation with Doug a month ago when he asked if they could be here following EU. At the time I truthfully had to reply, "If you were Chelsea I would say yes, but she would help big time and have all the work done for XI CHI" He asked about the work that would be needed. And then clarifying said, "So you mean I would have to take all the sheets off the beds, wash them, dry them, AND put them back on the beds? Hum, I'll just tell everyone to bring sleeping bags!" lol:) Instead he talked sweet Allison (Bo's cousin and XI CHI officer) into helping him. Bless her heart, she is wonderful!

After working TONS they are sitting here:


Well, actually sitting here enjoying a movie:)

EU arrives....and leaves...

This weekend the long awaited and long planned Evangelism University arrived and has now, for 2011, departed. For our family it brings Chelsea and Bo home (along with about 7 of their youth group kids). It also brought the Milan Church of Christ youth group and a couple of extra fun friends. I love this time of visiting, of fellowship. I love having my children all home. I love working in the kitchen with Chelsea and Sarah...what joy!! I cannot express my appreciation to God for the gift of these two girls. What incredible examples for my little girls, for all who know them. I am always always blessed to have them close and be able to bask in the fun:) On Saturday I cooked for the evening meal, feeding my crew (plus a few extras), the Milan group, the Peachtree group and the Madison group...about 90 wonderful souls entered our home and visited with us. I LOVE IT!


Along with my Chelsea came my Bo (I can call him mine as he married Chelsea and her family). He is an incredible big brother!! I took these of Mercedez and Carlton with Bo:




These are of the Peachtree City kiddos and one with some of my kiddos too.



I have neglected my blogging as Caleb reminded me today. My camera is broken (well, the lens) and I am terrible about liking picture stories! But, I broke out my phone to take some pictures to share with KK. He laughed today on the phone and shared that he never ever thought he would be addicted to reading my blog. In his defense, he is far from home and I suppose very very bored!

Kind Reminders...

So often Tasha and her wittiness remind me of Sarah (lol...the Good and the Bad!) While cleaning for EU I saw this on Tasha's wipe board. I had to laugh, it reminded me so very much of THIS ONE which was written long long ago!

Although Tasha was a bit sweeter in talking to herself....she signed her note with "Love Tasha Smotherman".

Yep...definitely ...Two peas in a pod!

Not a normal sight!

I love Sarah and her hat! That is actually a normal sight. But scraping snow? That is not usual! Sarah had to go back to school today. We are still home:) It should be a fun day!

Bringing gifts!

When my biggies come home the biggest gift is truly their time. We are just glad to have them here! Stuart and Hannah have popped in and out this week (so much fun for us!). Last night they called and came...why? To make cookies for the kids.



This kids crowded and several times I had to clear the kitchen....I think this was crowd number three!


They made DOZENS of cookie and this morning only about a dozen remains...for the moment.



Along with those cookies they brought Nanny McPhee. We pulled down the big screen and enjoyed! Love the special time with my kids!!