Seasons

It's hard to believe that I started this post back in April the last time my sister visited before my dad's accident. Mary Stewart came over and we had fun in Elliott's garden. So much fun that we took off her pretty dress so her mom wouldn't get upset with us! After digging in the dirt, we needed a popsicle break.

Uncle Ears enjoyed one, too.

I decided I needed some help planting flowers and Mary Stewart was doing a great job digging in the dirt.

We planted our seeds and they needed to be watered.

and watered.

and watered.

Did I mention Mary Stewart likes to water plants?

She did such a good job that our seeds sprouted.

and grew

and grew

into these beautiful flowers.

I'm glad I took a few pictures along the way because yesterday I noticed that all my zinnias were dying and I realized that we've gone from spring to summer to fall and in a lot of ways I feel like my life has been like ground hogs day and I'm just going through the motions. Seeing my zinnias fading out
reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

¹ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

² A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

³ A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

⁴ A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

⁵ A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

⁶ A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

⁷ A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

⁸ A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace

Although this has been a season of mourning and weeping for me, I have found joy in many things during this time. Friends have gotten married and engaged and others are expecting babies in the coming months. And have I mentioned how much time I've gotten to spend with my sister and her family! The zinnias are dying but my mums are blooming...to everything there is a season!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6jxxagVEO4

This summer has by far been the toughest yet. As many of you know, I lost my father on June 30. I documented our journey of his accident and passing here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barneysmith

For awhile, it seemed as though time stood still. And at the same time, it seems to have flown by. After spending just over 2 weeks nearly living in the ICU waiting room, the days turned into weeks and the weeks have turned into 2 months. The day to day activities have caught up and the "routine" has ensued but there are still days that I find myself not having an appetite, nights that I can't sleep, and times I feel myself fighting back tears for no apparent reason. The reason is actually quite clear and I know it will take time, but I'm thankful for the qualities of his that I've inherited (it's funny how that happens) and the memories that I have of him that I can pass to my children one day.
Some days it doesn't seem real. But it is. It is very real and I know that God's plan for my life is very real, too. So above all, I trust in the promises of our Lord and hope in a Savior who gave his life so that I could live eternally, with my heavenly Father and my earthly father, too.

Spring has sprung, now Summer is here!

As usual, I'm never sure where the time goes but here's a look at what kept us busy this spring!

We ran the FatBoy 5k

Crawfish Boil for Lauren and Bryce

Liza went into heat and was exiled.
We had two very sad doggies for two very long weeks!

Girls Trip to Houston for Lauren's Bridal Shower

out in Houston...CHEERS!!

Kristine (who is getting married in 3 weeks) moved into her new house!

Elliott graduated with his Masters degree from LSU

(and this was his graduation present!)

Speaking of graduations, Candace, who I've known all her life, graduated high school! OMG! She is such a beautiful girl with a great head on her shoulders and is headed to Southern Miss in a few months.

She is currently spending 3 weeks in Italy with her mother for her senior trip, how nice!

We enjoyed the most wonderful weather at the LSU baseball
game Friday night.

This past weekend, LSU hosted the regional and WON!
GEAUX TIGERS

And of course, we've been eating well, too!

Our tomato plants are producing like crazy!
Between our garden and my in-laws blueberry bushes, I'm getting
my lycopene and antioxidants!

It's looking like our summer will be just as busy as the spring. We're looking forward to celebrating many weddings and more fishing trips to Grand Isle!

Our Beach Trip

During mid-May, after much planning, we headed to the beach with our closest friends. (Unfortunately it didn't work out for my sister and fam to come...next year, hopefully!)  We stayed in Watersound, FL which is between Seaside and Rosemary. We rented a beautiful house and had beautiful weather.  My only complaint, it was too short! 

We also had a beautiful pool...

 Trey with Emma Kate and Thomas.

Emma Kate is the best little swimmer! She loves her pool ring.

 Brad, Thomas, James, Lee

snuggling on the porch while the boys played guitar

 Elliott and Blake checking out the gorgeous clear water

lots of girl talk in the sun

Lee and James 

Me, Kim, Amy

 We celebrated Trey's 30th birthday!! Claire made birthday cake cinnamon rolls and Rachel brought along some birthday decor!

James, Amy, Meredith, Rachel, Me, Kim, Lee

Our last morning in Seaside

I really don't have many words to describe the trip...it was just what we needed and came at the perfect time! I'm always so thankful for our sweet group of friends and the great time we can all have together. Looking forward to many more beach trips in the future!