Landon's Colorful Party!

Granny Smith made this beautiful banner for Landon!

Landon's invite that my talented friend Beth created (Thanks again Beth)

This was the last photo at Landon's party - it looks like he's reflecting on his adventure filled day! (Thank you Amy for capturing some beautiful moments!)

YUM!
Proud Parents!
As you can see, I'm not so sure about this one!
This truck was a hit!
Gazing eyes

Our friend Joseph enjoying some bubbles
Miss Hailey!
Our Kennedy in action
All lined up waiting for presents and cake
My happy boy!

Landon's party was a fun-filled day! We had Granny and Grampy Smith down from St. Louis for four days and the kids truly enjoyed their time. This weekend made me reflect on a lot of things in life but one truth really stood out. Our military lifestyle may not allow us to live close by family; however, I truly believe that both Kennedy and Landon are forming beautiful bonds with our family despite the distance that separates us. I also believe that we've been blessed with an awesome group of friends-Friends that will always have a place in our lives!

Memorial Day Fun!

Kennedy surprised us with her climbing ability!
Down she goes!
She jumped for a good 15 minutes
Our messy boy!
Her little pony

Although I'm writing this post a week late, I thought I would share our recent trip to the fair. I've always been one to enjoy fairs, carnivals, festivals, etc. and Jacksonville tends to come up a little short on these adventures. However, I was excited when I found a local fair south of us in Green Cove Springs on Memorial Day weekend. They offered your usual fare of BBQ, music, and games - but the bounce house and pony where the overall hits of the day!

A Day in the Life of a One Year Old

A year ago, I had no idea what having a son would be like. In all honesty I was little scared at the whole idea of mothering a boy. Growing up with four sisters, I felt like that was all I knew. When Landon came into our lives a year ago, I was blown away at the special child that God blessed us with. He is a son of peace and happiness and I'm forever changed with him in my life! Our little Landon had his first birthday this past Saturday. It was a day that I wanted him to feel extra special which meant following the lead of a one year old. I made him his favorite breakfast which consisted of pancakes and bananas along with two cups of milk. We then set out for an adventure at the park. Besides loving the swing, he adores watching Miss Kennedy run wild - his little giggles are priceless. He also found it amazing to be facing forward in his carseat. I would gaze back at him from time to time and his face was lit up with excitement - he was now in the same "club" as his sis. After his afternoon siesta, we splashed around in our pool. Kennedy and Landon absolutely love the water! Before dinner, Landon opened up his gifts from Grandpa Gary and Grandma K. He adores his new Thomas the Train flashlight! I then prepared his favorite pesto and chicken dinner - from the pictures you can see he was on cloud nine! Kennedy and I picked out a small cake for him under the condition that she would have a slice. She was so thrilled to be part of this special day. We all sang Happy Birthday and watched Landon devour his first taste of sweets - I think he may have a slight sweet tooth. We had a beautiful day that celebrated our sweet and special Landon!

Here is a small video clip of Landon's cake experience

Safe in My Arms

As some of you may know or not know, music has always had a special place in my heart. There are songs that inspire and encourage me through life and I recently came across one that truly touched and impacted me. She's an artist that dedicated her last album to her children and one song in particular is amazingly beautiful. The song, "In my Arms", reflects how I want my Kennedy and Landon to always feel - Safe in my arms. Enjoy!

http://www.shaunarae.com/inmyarms.mp3 (you may have to close my blog out to listen becasue of the music on my page)

Plumb also has a song called "My Sweet, My Lovely" - if you have a chance it's a must listen!

LYRICS:
Your baby blues, so full of wonder. Your curly cues, your contagious smile. And as I watch, you start to grow up. All I can do is hold you tight knowing clouds will rage in storms will race in but you will be safe in my arms. Rains will pour down waves will crash all around but you will be safe in my arms. Storybooks are full of fairy tales of kings and queens and the bluest skies. My heart is torn just in knowing you'll someday see the truth for lies. When the clouds will rage in storms will race in but you will be safe in my arms rains will pour down waves will crash all around but you will be safe in my arms. Castles they might crumble, Dreams may not come true, Cause you are never all alone, Cause I will always always love you. Clouds will rage in Storms will race in but you will be safe in my arms. Rains will pour down waves will crash all around but you will be safe in my arms. In my arms

Sea World Extravaganza!

Watching Shamu!
Kennedy's first roller coaster ride (she had a blast)
Hanging with dad

Loving the carousel ride
Drumming away!!

Landon loves daddy's shoulders
Kennedy loves hibiscuses just like Nana!

Saturday morning, Jared and I woke up and decided to make a trip down to Orlando. We needed to get the rest of our floors at Costco in order to complete our latest project. As we were getting ready, I came up with a spur of the moment idea to spend the night in Orlando and visit Sea World for Mother's Day. Saturday morning was filled with last minute to do's - boarding Max, getting a rental car big enough to fit the floors and an IKEA trip, and packing for four (which I found could be done in less than hour). Our weekend turned into an awesome adventure that I'll treasure for years to come. My father-in-law surprised us with a night stay at the Crown Plaza Resort - the suite had a separate room for the kids to sleep which is key to a peaceful nights sleep. We woke up Sunday and had breakfast at good old IHOP! It always amazes me how a simple breakfast can taste so good. The highlight of the morning was when Miss Kennedy picked a yellow flower for me outside the restaurant without any prompting. As she handed it to me she said, "Happy Mother's Day Happy Mother's Day" - it was so innocent and sweet. We then headed over to Sea World for the afternoon. The park gives out free passes every year for military and their families. We thought it was a great opportunity to take advantage of it before we left Florida. The park is beautifully kept and the kids loved all the attractions. Kennedy is at an age where she really can enjoy the different animals and activities. She went on her first roller coaster ride and had a blast - her face was priceless! Landon loved watching his sister filled with excitement and had fun hitting the glass of the big fish tanks. This Mother's Day was busy but I wouldn't of had it any other way. Last year, I didn't have Jared home and all I wanted was to share this day together as a family - it turned out to be so much more!

Happy Mother's Day

Caring, Witty, Compassionate

Genuine, Giving, Brave

Faith, Truth, Life



Beautiful, Wise, Devoted


To all the mothers in our lives,
You all posses unique and beautiful qualities. Each one of you has impacted our life in a profound way. Thank you for the years of your love!

love, sam & jared

Happy Birthday Kathy!!

Happy Birthday Kathy! When you entered into my life 23 years ago, I was so excited that my dad had found someone like you. You've created so many beautiful memories for me and I thank you for always being such a special part of my upbringing. You never treated me like a stepdaughter; instead, you bragged on me like I was one of your own. One of the best memories I have is when I pretended to like eating liver with you. Gosh....I hated that stuff!! As a child, I wanted nothing more than to share a common interest with you. For a reason I will never know, I thought liver would be that "special" something. Thank you for all that you are in my life! I love you!