Pool!

So unfortunately I don't have time to update on our lives right now, but I wanted to throw up some pictures of our backyard fun with the doggies :)

The only swimmer - Mario

View of the pool

Patio by the pool

Pool 

My lousy picture of Cam jumping into the pool

Cam's swimming buddy

All smiles

The wimpy dogs - Red (little) and Rose (black)

I also threw in a couple pictures from the Muny. The Muny is an outdoor theater in forest park where broadway shows come to town. Of course you can buy the seats up close, but we choose the freebies. I went recently with a couple of girls to see "The Little Mermaid" -- it was a blast!

Ariel

A Healthy Team Smith

This week has been quite eventful for Cam and me. I wish I could say it was because we explored the city, enjoyed the park, and socialized with friends.... but alas that just isn't the case. This week Cam and I are truly thankful for our health. It's not until you are sick as a dog that you really take for granted waking up every day and being able to function.

After working at the pediatric dentist office for 3 months now, I finally caught my first bug from the little kids...and brought it home with me. As much as I want to say it was absolutely pointless I know now that's not the case. Not only was it humbling and a first experience to be seen hugging a toilet, but we were also completely dependent upon each other. Both Cam and I took turns caring for each other and putting aside everything.

When we were going through pre-marital counseling some of the best advice we got was to remember that we are now "Team Smith". We're not fighting against each other -- whether in competing personalities, complicated decisions, or even practically in how we spend our time. We have run into the theoretical aspect of dealing with our different gifts and weaknesses as they some times come into conflict, but never with surprising life events. This week I watched my husband clean up after me, pick me up off the ground, go to the store for me, lay beside me, and do absolutely nothing except to make sure I was being nursed back to health. He was completely selfless and cared for me in the surprising event of the stomach flu. He really stepped up to the plate for "Team Smith".

A gift from our wedding that sits at the entrance to our apartment

I know the book shelves are empty -- it's new :)

1st Couples Anniversary

Exactly one year ago I flew from South Carolina all the way to the big S-T-L to see my brand new boyfriend. That's right, one year ago Cameron Smith picked me up with 5 days worth of fun planned for our first "dates". I was thrilled/ecstatic/nervous/anxious and about a bajillion other adjectives.

However, my very first night there was the most memorable. Cam had been in St. Louis for about 2 months and in that time established some great friendships. One of those friendships was with Soren and Emma Kornegay. A year ago Cam and I would have never known that these two would become some of our best friends in seminary. Okay, back to the story...

Cam and I grabbed pizza and waited at his empty apartment for Soren and Emma to come pick us up. Emma is a girl after my own heart. She loves holidays and celebrating with every festivity possible. This is how she found the random fireworks in Alton, IL 30 minutes away. We soon found out that Alton was shall we say the ghetto. We parked the jeep on the side of the highway, pulled out our wine and beer, and sat on our blankets waiting for the show. By the end of the night we were all astonished at the show that little Alton put on. We left with hopes of coming back next year.

With a smile on my face I can happily say that the "new boyfriend" is now my best friend and my husband. We celebrated our made up, one year "couples anniversary" with Soren, Emma, and a couple of other friends that we've made since last year. We brought picnic baskets, wine, more food than necessary, and enjoyed the best fireworks in the world yet again :)

This year I came prepared with a camera and our flip :)

2010

2011

Our picnic area

Sweet Isabella

Just a glimpse of the 35 minute show

Birthday Shenanigans

To start things out I will just say that my birthday was incredible this year. As a newly married seminary wife who is working almost every day I didn't see much of a celebration in store for the Smith residence. Birthdays are a big deal to me. Not just my birthday, but any birthday. I enjoy celebrating and I especially enjoy celebrating people. There is something quite dignifying and a little foretaste of glory in birthdays. Okay so cut to the chase...

Wednesday I was off work, but had a doctor appointment in the morning and had to get my license/license plates. It was not looking like an eventful day whatsoever. The night before my crafty husband simply said be home by 12 if you can tomorrow. Done! When I met Cam back at the house he told me put on clothes you'll be comfortable walking around in outside and something to get wet in. I blindly follow my instructions -- I love surprises. We headed out on our birthday adventure... first stop Target (my favorite store). Cam walked me to the back and told me to pick out a cooler for us which for anyone else would be a pretty mundane task, but I love picnic/to-go things. After Target we walked across the street to Trader Joes where I was told to pick all the snacks I wanted. AMAZING! So we were off and my direction skills or lack there of helped the surprise stay a surprise until.... We pulled off the interstate and Cam asked motioning to my right, do you know what that is? I looked and said oh it's six flags, not thinking anything of it. As we drove a little longer I soon found out that was our final destination. A full day spent being a little kid with my best friend and I was one happy and celebrated girl.

A few of my snacks

Still waiting in anticipation -- Cam with his mouth full :)

The next day was my actual birthday. It wasn't until I sat in the chair with a little boy who was terrified of getting his teeth brushed that my coworkers found out. The only song he seemed to know was happy birthday so I asked him to sing it to me for my birthday. Turns out singing distracts kids... huh. I love my job so no complaints of working on my birthday. After I met a good friend, Ally for Starbucks. There's nothing like a good cup of coffee with a good friend. 

Friday rolled around and my mama came into town. What a blast! For the entire weekend Cam and I were able to sort of introduce mama to our new lifestyle. It wasn't until she left that I kinda reflected on the small comments she would make here and there about seeing us do "married things". I hope I learn to treasure those moments that make me stop and reflect on what God is doing now not always tomorrow. Mama of course spoiled us with cake, dinner, groceries galore, target decorations, new tervis tumblers, and a sense of humor that Cam and I truly value.

So ends the birthday celebrations... until next year.