T.G.I.F.

Good Morning Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to announce that yesterday was a pretty good day! By 6:00 I was beginning to limp and loose my balance but during the day I got quite a bit done. One of the things that has been so frustrating is that I'm used to driving myself pretty hard and multi-tasking. A side effect of the medication is being tired and concentration level being non-existent. Yesterday I didn't even take a nap. Went home at lunch and hung out for a 1/2 hour then back to work. So I'm very thankful for yesterday!

Last night I was able to meet some friends from my 9th grade class and hang out. I was wonderful to see everyone and find out about their families and hear updates on other people from our class. Not sure how much I actually remember but it was great to just be with old friends who love you. I know that they are praying for me and my family now - so there is a blessing in that knowledge.

Today looks to be another very busy day as well as tomorrow. Life doesn't seem to stop when you aren't feeling up to par. Today I'd like to ask for prayers in regards to my "thick" headache (that seems to be the word to describe it) and for the continued shaking tremors that are through out my body. Again, I'm guessing it feels like an addict when they need a fix. Hoping it is related to the medication change - and not something more permanent.

This is my verse for today. Matthew 6:34 - "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own!" Blessings on your day! And thanks for sharing in mine - :)

Feeling Pretty Good!

Let's start this morning by saying that God gave us children so that we could embarrass them! So you know - Rachael took this picture of herself! - A face only a mother could love!

I've gone two days without the cane now - PRAISE GOD! It is really hard being 38 and having to use a cane. I know I should be grateful for things that can help - it's just hard. So I'm very thankful for the good days. Mobility is good and balance has been okay. I do have small spasms in my leg quite frequently but they are not painful - just noticeable and distracting. My constant headache and the tremoring are the worst. The tremors feel like I'm in withdraw or something. My mom said I really am since I'm going off medication as I go on new stuff. It is very tiring. So if you continue to lift me up in prayers - those are the two things - but again, very thankful for the mobility and that the spasms are not painful!

Thanks for checking in! Have a great day and I'll try to do the same!!!!!!!

One Day at a Time!

Praise God for yesterday. Your prayers were answered for a day and we will take that for now! Yesterday was the first day in over 2 1/2 weeks that I didn't use a cane!! Balance stayed with me all day long! I am still fighting headaches and the shakes but - one prayer at a time!

This morning my shakes (tremors in my arms and through out my body) feel very strong and my headache is very prominent. So I'd ask you to lift that up in prayers. Also - Ben had a very rough morning and seems to be very frustrated. Not sure what is going on but please pray that he has a good day at school and that the staff are caring and understand what he is unable to communicate.

Have a great day everyone!

Be Strong & Courageous

This morning I am excited to report that I am feeling good. On a scale, I'm about an 85%! I can tell you that is GREAT. I am walking without a limp this morning and last night I was able to go upstairs and pick up my feet while going up. Not sure if the meds are kicking in or if I'm having a good week. It used to be I'd have a bad day or two then be fine for the rest of the month. This episode has lasted for three weeks. Hoping it is the meds - afraid that I'll have one good week then we will start over again. I am choosing to live in the good health of today and let tomorrow worry about it's self.

Today I'm getting ready to go the office to work. Nate has a home soccer game and Rachael has a game at Hastings. Ben is looking forward to Nate's game because he always gets a hotdog at the soccer games at half-time.

Thanks to whoever out there dropped off the pumpkin bread to my front door yesterday. Tastes great. - Again, thanks EVERYONE for your prayers. They help not only the physical battle but the mental battle that tries to overcome me!

"Have I not commanded you? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Be Patient!

Yesterday a good friend of ours was the Pastor at Voice of Hope. His title of the sermon was "Be patient!" The reference to James 5 was almost overwhelming for me personally: ... as an example of patience in the face of suffering... My head is wrapped around so many thoughts right now it is hard to sort out what I want to say.

Yesterday was a GOOD day. I had a little problem with balance but never lost my footing and never had a severe cramp in my leg or arm - PRAISE GOD. I'll be truthful - last week was a very long week. I am taking 5 pills every morning and 7 at night. Then add in what I combat my headaches with. So to have a good day means that your prayers are working! Thank You!

I've been trying to process this information about Dystonia and balance the fact that I still have Epilepsy. I know this is not a lonely walk. Family, friends and God are with me - Randy and the kids have been an unbelievable source of strength and last night a bunch of kids from our youth group showed up to hang out with us. Life goes on and we adjust. ...as an example... is a little scary. I get angry, frustrated, down, but try to hide it and look strong. I guess that this passage I mentioned earlier said to me was I need to be real. Let others in so they can help and pray accordingly.

The number on the counter just blows me away. That you all continue to check in and ride this wave with us. Thanks for being there - wherever you are - and thanks for caring. It make this whole thing easier knowing we are not alone!

How Am I Doing?

Again, thanks to everyone for checking in the blog. It has been wonderful to receive the comments and emails.
I've had several people ask how it is going. Sometimes we write to avoid. I try to focus on other areas of our life and not let the Dystonia control us. But here is the raw update.
I've contacted the doctor and we are changing the medication. With that comes additional tremors, the headaches have gotten worse and I'm having a hard time sleeping. My day usually goes like this: Wake up around 6:20am to get kids ready for school. Nate and Rachael are very independent and have become a great source of help in getting Ben ready. Ben needs a lot of help but has become more independent out of necessity. All three kids are out the door by 7:15am. I usually sit down for a cup of coffee and time with God. If I'm having a good day I walk to work around 8-8:30, if not I call a friend or my mom to drive me. Mornings are typically good and I have good mobility. About 10am I start loosing my balance and my left leg begins to tighten off and on. About noon I need to use furniture and the walls to get around in the office and if I go out I need to use the cane. This past week I've been heading home around 12:30-1 to take a nap so that I can make it to the kids sporting events in the evening.
It takes so long to wean off the old meds and onto the new that I don't think we will see a change for a week or two. But I have two wonderful doctors who return my calls and are really trying to help. The prayers have been so appreciated!!! I told a friend that when it is hard to pray for ourselves it is good to know others are praying for us and the Holy Spirit is interceding.
LIFE IS GOOD THOUGH! Randy just headed out the door with his brother for a UofM game today. Nate's soccer team has won all their games but one and that was a tie. Rachael is having a lot of fun starting her freshman year with band and basketball. Ben loves to get on the bus in the morning and I'm confident in the doctor who will be doing the upcoming surgery. Plus - My family loves me! We continue to deal with our circumstances through humor (mostly at my expense) and we have become closer than ever.
You know that goofy saying "It was the best of years - it was the worst of years" - I think I might understand that a little. Life has slowed way down for us, we celebrate the good days or good hours and our Faith WILL sustain us.

Almost forgot

I was checking our blog and realized there was no entry for today. I got home too late to see Rachaels basketball game, she was beat by my old school. I have'nt gone there since I graduated. Nate is at Hastings playing soccer and they are really tearing it up. They have yet to lose. Cheryl is sleeping and Ben is noisy so I keep telling him to be quiet. It was a beautiful day was'nt it? At work we take our breaks and lunch outside and leave all the doors open. Friday we have no plans and thats great. Saturday my little bro. Arlyn is taking me to the U of M game. It's suppose to storm, I pray it does'nt. How about a little poem to close out this blog. OCTOBER. Ay thou art welcome, heaven's delicous breath, when woods begin to wear the crimson leaf, and suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief. Just a piece of poetry from William Cullen Bryant. I live for this time of year when hot food tastes its best and the glow of dining rooms filled with friends fill every other home on Sycamore Street. The slow deliberate walk to the curb with the weeks rubbish gazing up at Our Creators home and wondering when we will meet.The sounds of muffled laughter from Dan and Shirleys house break my trance and as I walk through the back door of my tiny leaky cottage of a home the smell of hot coffee and the warmth of the smile from my beautiful bride greets me. Have a great night, love Ran

Define a Good Day - - -

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers today! You can tell by the title that is wasn't the best of days but we got the job done. Thanks again to my wonderful friends April and Caroline. Overall it went well. It was very difficult getting an IV in Ben. Between the fear, fighting and his veins not cooperating - Ben on the other hand, when he wasn't scared did awesome.

The doctor did make the decision that we will be having surgery within the next 6-8 weeks. It is called a catheter ablation. What Ben has is WPW Syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. I included a link to the right for anyone wanting to know more. He has had it since birth, it is just time to have it taken care of. The doctor is confident that it will go well.

It has been a long day and I'm going to wind down with a cup of joe and veg. Right now Ben is doing great. Just went upstairs to watch a short movie. At this point we plan on sending him to school tomorrow. I have a picture I'll include tomorrow. MUCH LOVE! the Smiths

In God's Hands

Getting ready for bed but wanted to let everyone know what our day tomorrow looks like.

Ben has his procedure at Butterworth Downtown. Not sure what it is called or how to spell it but we are leaving at 7am. We need to be at the hospital by 8. His procedure begins at 10am and should only last 20-30 minutes. My understanding is that he will be put to sleep and they will be running a dye through his heart. The results will tell us whether Doctor Finta (keep him in your prayers as he makes the decision) will be doing a heart cath at a later date. Other than anxiety and fear we expect tomorrow to go well. I have two very good friends going with us. Caroline and April- they will take good care of us.

On a personal front. We have made the decision that the new meds are not working at all. I have begun a new regiment of medication. It will take 2 weeks to wean off the old meds and 3 weeks to wean onto the new. The weeks will coincide - but pray for my health, that there are NO seizures during the transition and for anyone that has to deal with me - since emotional I will probably not be the best.

Thanks for the love and encouragement. Let us know if you have any questions. Other people probably have the same ones and we can answer for everyone.

Just a Tidbit

Short one for today - Randy is planning on writing later tonight.

I have a call into the doctor. The meds don't seem to be doing what they need to do. I have minimal use of my left leg this afternoon and my balance is all off. Pain is not so bad, so that is good. Hope that the doctor calls soon. Not sure if we will change the meds or just up them. Pray for some relief, patience and for me to be able to relax!

Coffee, Friends & Music - What could be better?

Last night we had a wonderful time with friend at the Daily Brews in Wayland. Our dear friend Adam was playing as well as a new friend Brian. It was a full house and a lot of fun. Poor Bruce was working hard at keeping up with orders - but I'm sure he was pleased.
Today is a good day. Aches are there with minimal pain. I don't really expect 100% days anymore so we are reajusting the scale and today is now GREAT. Slept pretty good, woke up with out the alarm, took a bath (still needed a little help from Ran) and getting ready for church. I looked at the counter again on the blog this morning and I'm amazed at the number of people who continue to check in with us. It might seem impersonal - but it has been a blessing to us. A way to let you know how we are doing, what is going on, but without the emotional bagage I seem to carry right now. Anyone who has talked with me knows that I tend to cry a lot these days. I know it is apart of the mourning process. Mourning what will no longer be. Soon we will move into the next phase, but for now - that's where I am.

Have I told you lately I LOVE MY FAMILY!? My kids are the best and my husband - (okay - tears are close). God knew before anything that I would need his strength, character, stuborness and love to get us through yet another of lifes struggles.

This is a picture from one of our day trips this summer. Have a fantastic day and be thankful for what you have - don't want for what you don't!!!!

So - It's Not Okay

I had a wonderful friend spend some time with me yesterday who is spending a LOT of time thinking about things. He said he had been reading the blog and it bugs him that everyone says words of encouragement (including myself) that everything is going to be okay. I've been thinking about that. My verse today (and a lot of days) is John 16:33b "In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I looked up the word trouble: to agitate mentally or spiritually (we will add physically ourselves) - whooo. I'm troubled!!!! But look at the next line But take heart! I have overcome the world. That's where the encouragement comes from, where the hope resides and how we keep going everyday though the pain and anxiety.

Yesterday was a mentally and physically rough day. I came to the realization that before when I'd have the episodes: intense cramps, headaches, not sleep well, trip and fall, or unexplained pain - well I'd work through that one and be done. With the diagnosis of Dystonia comes the acknowlegement that this one will be followed by a hundred more. But Christ Himself said (it's written in red in my Bible) But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Yesterday and today I have a pain in my calf that won't go away and a headache that screams - pay attention, I'm up here. But we are here on earth for a blink of an eye compared to eternity with Christ. So take heart in whatever circumstances you find yourself because Christ said I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!

POWER of Prayer

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY on Him because he cares for you."

That verse holds a lot more power today that it did a short time ago. The prayers you are sending up on behalf of our family are being felt. There is still some fear and anxiety, but we feel loved and cared for.

Exciting news - Yesterday Nate won his soccer game and I received a packet I've been waiting for from the Dystonia Foundation. There is a lot of good info in it. I just watched a short 13 min movie and the book I've started is great (and I'm only on page 12). I'm feeling a little more normal (whatever normal is) within the circumstances we are finding ourselves. My medication is seeming to even out a little. Still very tired but I think it is because of the strain on my body. My family is AWESOME (you'll keep hearing that) and you are all treasured in my heart. When I'm unable to think of how to pray - I know there are others praying for us - interceding on our behalf - THANKS!

Bad news - Rachael didn't play a lot at her game yesterday and was bummed. She would be my most tender hearted and having the hardest time with everything. Keep her close in your heart today. If having Basketball, Marching Band and being a Freshman weren't enough - she has to deal with me.

Someday's I'm funny - someday I'm not - today I'm OKAY - really okay. God is doing great things and in His time it will be reviled. LOVE YOU ALL. Thanks for checking in on us. I see the blog counter continues to climb so I know you are keeping up on us.

A few people have asked - please forward your friends and family letter to others. I can't even imagine the Power Prayer has and we would certainly like all of it we can muster!

Blessings on your Day! Cheryl & the crew

Choices

Good Morning Everyone! We have a lot of people checking in on us and I really appreciate the thoughts and prayers. I really wish this blog had spell check - so opps. I really don't want to know if I make mistakes - just blame it on the meds - I do!

A good friends sent me an email about choices. Wow! What a great reminder that it's not what we are going through but how we choose to look at it.

So what is this picture about? This was my attitude about my new cane yesterday. But today - isn't it beautiful? - not really but it does help my balance and it doesn't have four wheels so I will be thankful for the the slim, blue, gorgeous cane. I like to set new trends - we'll have to see what happens with this one.

Today's verse for me is Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all my needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ."

Have a GREAT day and choose the positive road - the other road is full of thorns and despair!

Good Days and Bad

Today was a difficult day. Started out rough: slept bad, kids forgot lunches and other stuff, work was hard to concentrate on and the body is just all around sore today. I hope it is the weather. Just wanted you all to know I'm here. Loving each of you and the encouraging notes and calls you give.

A friend send me an email with the following: Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart."

Seeking HIM Desperately! - Cheryl

Do Rats Giggle? Do We Care?

This morning my devotion was about joy - it was a hard thing for me to read through. Rough night and it looks to be a long day. BUT GOD IS GREAT AND KNOWS ALL. After reading my devotion I recieved an email from old friends in Estonia. It was such a blessing to hear from them. God's timing is GREAT.
With God on the throne - we CAN NOT fail - and we try to not faulter!
Hugs and Kisses! Cheryl

Life is SOOO not serious!

I've debated what type of information you are all looking for - the stories I want to tell you. Do you want serious life stuff or the "real Smith family saga" - well until I hear differently you are going to get it all.

This is for all of you who want to hear the "REAL" story - AAHHHHHHH.

I have several pills I take in the morning and at night. The last three mornings I have gotten my pills from the bottles and from the time I walk from the bathroom to the kitchen (all but 10 steps) I have lost the tiny blueish/purple pill. I look on the floor (of which the 5 second rule has turned into a 2 second rule) and the thing is just gone! Not sure if it is discenigrating into my palm or what! Good news is I have LOTS of more pills. I just keep popping them. Even funnier is the fact that this is the one bottle that I can't get open because it is so small so I have to admit to a family member I've lost another pill.

Picture this (sorry Rach) This morning Rachael was on her hands and knees at 6:50am looking on the floor for a small little pill. She is such a doll.

I was telling a friend about this and here is the email she just sent: Hey Cheryl - I think I found your pill... oh, sorry, it was just a blue M&M on the floor.

Keep the notes of encouragement and laughter coming as well as the prayers. 2 Timothy 1:7 - "God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." I feel a lot of fear in the unknown right now - but He has given us the spirit of power. Praise God!

Dance With Me!!!!!

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND By Mary Stevenson
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: One belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, He looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his lifethere was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said that once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the mosttroublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I neededyou most you would leave me." The Lord replied,"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I Carried You."
The dream continued and suddenly the man sawthe first set of footprints were back.This time they seemed even worse! They zigzagged all over the place.Stopped. Started. There are even gashes in the sand.A variable mess of footprints.The man was amazed and shocked.
His dream ended.
Then he prayed:"Lord, I understand the first scene, the uncertain double set of footprints.I was a new Christian; I was just learning to walk like You.
"That is correct."
"And when there was only one set of footprints, You carried me through my hard times.”
"Very good. You have understood everything so far."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something?Did I leave You to go my own way again? The footprints separated,and this time it was worse than at first. They went willy nilly in the sand."
There was a pause as the Lord answered with a smile in His voice,
"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.

Thanks to my mother-in-law for this wonderful reminder!!!

"Come to Me . . ."

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

This morning I woke up to a lot of aching muscles! Probably did to much yesterday - but what is too much until you do it?

Laying in bed - I decided to get up and take a hot bath and work out some of the sores. Well after being in the tub for over an 1/2 hour I didn't have any strength to get out! Fortunately Randy woke up shortly and helped me get up and out. Certainly have to store that in the memory bank - Need Randy around when taking a bath. It did feel good although things are getting stiff again.

I'm so thankful that today is Sunday and we can go celebrate with God's family. It is hard to have everyone see me with questioning eyes and I have no answers - but still good to be with people who love me and my family.

Before you sign off - read Matthew 11:28-30 again -

Doesn't God ROCK?!

Chilly Day

Just got home from Nate's soccer game - WE WON! Ran & Rachael are at the Allegan County Parade. Hope to be home soon. Had a lot of questions and concerns at the soccer game about my slow walk etc. It is becoming more evident that I need assistance. I just HATE the cane that my Dad got for me. Today Cindy helped me out and I really appreciate her love and friendship.

Last night was another long night. I hope I'm just thinking to much and that we are not developing a pattern of insomnia.

I'm sending an e-letter to friends and family to link them to this site - I'm also working on linking some Dystonia sites to our blog to help you understand a little of what we are looking at. I feel good in the knowledge that each person and case is different and only God is in control!

Phillipians 4:19 And my God will meet ALL your needs accoring to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus!

Power of Prayer

Dear friends and fam,
Thanks for the prayers of support - they are helping. I was told by the boss (Ran) that I still talked during the night but I did wake up alert this morning. Hopefully the pills will spread out in my system and things will begin to even out. The painful cramps are few and far between, mobility is still wabbly (spelling?). I was given a few bible study books yesterday that I'm looking forward to getting into.
This morning I did have one break down - sorry Nate that you had to bear it - my loving mom called and dad was able to get me a new cane yesterday. She is going to be dropping it off and bringing me to work later. I think this means that we definatly need to stop at the 'Daily Brews' for a cup of jo! I hate the thought of needing a walker - but the reality is that I do. I really hate reality!!
Bright side: Nate's soccer team won by a lot yesterday and he had some great passes. Rachael's bball team lost by one point but played an AWESOME game. Rachael had her second basket of the season!!!!! Go Girl!

soccer and shotguns

The funny thing about having a spouse with an illness( this is'nt something new, we have been dealing with this for 8 years now) is that life keeps going. This fall Nate and Rachael are in high school sports so there are times we go to games and other times Cheryl Ben and I stay home. Oh by the way Ben is Rachaels twin who happens to have Downe Syndrome. We have had practice at slowing down in life.Thats hard for me though, I tend to have ants in my pants.I need to be outdoors walking, mowing,cleaning the garage,fishing or hunting. That brings me to my new 12 gauge pump. ooooooooooooohhhhhhhh sssoooooo ccccoooollll. I had to take it outside and tell Cheryl I was'nt going to shoot myself just look at my new toy. Turkeys beware.I'm not a gun freak, I just like the smell of gun oil. I guess I'm a gun oil freak.Any ways did I mention I hate typing on the computer? Now you know. Peace out dog. Love Harry

Honesty is the best policy??

Last night was a very rough night. I thought I'd take a 1/2 hour nap before Ran got home and ended up crashing until 9pm. The new medication is just kicking my but. I missed dinner and family time. When I woke up I had a hard time figuring out where I was and what I was suppose to do.

Here is the honesty - turn away if you don't want to handle!!! During the night I had a major anxiety attack that I couldn't get away from on my own. Several of your names came to mind - but the phone numbers were lost to me. I then woke the love of my life and he held me and whisper calming word. It seems that during the night have become the scariest for me. It's when my head and heart divide and my head takes over. The fear of the unknown, the absolute NON-control of my situation and life -

Today I can see and hear Psalm 103: 'Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forgot not all his benefits - who forgives all you sins and HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.'

Praise God that following the dark of the night comes His brilliant light and comfort!

- No Idea Where To Begin

Tonight I'm sitting here after having had a VERY long and unexpected nap. I have my coffee with me and know I want to tell everyone what is going on and how I feel - but have no idea where to begin.

After almost 9 years of being treated for epilepsy with a large variety of drugs, yesterday we were finally given a diagnosis for what seems to be wrong with me. Have you heard of 'Dystonia'? Ran and I hadn't either until about 5 years ago when we were at the UofM Hospital.

To give you a very brief picture I'm going to give the the following excerpt from the Dystonia Medical Search Foundation WebSite: Dystonia is a disorder that has to do with the way we move. The control of our movements is very complicated and involves many areas in the brain. The area of the brain that is involved in dystonia is called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is a deep region of the brain that controls the speed of movement and prevents unwanted movements.

What does that mean for us? Well if you were unfortunate enought to be with our family this past Saturday or at church this past Sunday - you saw a little of what we are talking about. Good News is - it has been progressing for over 9 years and the progression has been slow. We have a wonderful base of family and friends who continue to lift our family in prayer. And we are no longer dealing in grey - but we have a diagnosis and can now move ahead with adjustments to our lives and plans to lay in place.

This Blog will be a place for Randy and I to continue to share our thoughts, joys and struggles with you. Feel free to comment, it will certainly encourage us as well as others who read it.

Be warned - if you go looking on the web for information pertaining to Dystonia it's not pretty. I'm working at getting some littature that will help all of us learn together. If you would like to share with us what you find - please filter and send us the positive stuff. Personal Bible verses that have spoken to you and words of encouragement would be more appreciated.

"It was then that He carried me!"

I've been wanted to talk to everyone and share what has been going on in our lives - but somedays it is just to overwhelming to go over again and again. Thanks to my friend Bennett who fixed us up with this blog so that we can begin to share our lives with you as we continue to live it.

This morning I am again drawn - to Randy's dismay - to the poem 'Footprints in the Sand.' As corny as most people think it is - it is a strength and comfort to me in hard times. Take a minute to read Romans 8:18. Our present sufferings DO NOT COMPARE with the glory that awaits us! WOW!

That's it for now - sorry. I'll post again later! Cheryl

Welcome to the Smith Family Blog!

Welcome to the Smith Family Blog! This is where we'll keep you up to date about what is going on with the Smith family. All the joys the struggles, the busyness and the laziness - we'll try to keep you informed. So sit back, relax and grab a cup of jo - and enjoy the read.