We said goodbye to our home of 14 years in Denver. We built this house and planted every tree and bush. The memories here were too many to count. It was a great house that we really thought might be the house we would live in for the rest of our lives. We started out with 3 children and added 8 more while living here. The neighbors were the best and the friends around us were like family. What might cause us to ever consider leaving this beautiful place that we called home? It was all in God's plan. It may have felt a little uncomfortable in how it all played out but it is what we needed to make a change as big as this one had to be. After returning from China we sold our house within two weeks and packed the family up in a large moving truck and 2 cars and we headed to Tyler, Texas. A wonderful job was waiting on Scott at Trinity Mother Frances. We saw God's hand all over everything. He was mindful of us and very patient as we sorted through all of the losses we were going to have and the changes that were ahead of us. Our children never complained. With heavy hearts we saw Josh off to Korea for a few months and left Joel at CSU for his Freshman year of college.......but with extremely happy hearts we were greeted by Scott's beautiful family who were overjoyed to have us move right into their town. Well, actually we moved right into their houses for a month before we closed on our new home. The girls lived at Scott's brother's house and Scott, Wendi, and the boys lived with Popo, Scott's dad. The kids started at new schools and adjusted really quickly. Oh yes, have I mentioned our newest addition, Levi, who joined our family in the most chaotic time in our families lives. He came to us bravely and hasn't missed a beat. He has done amazingly well and seems to really love his family, and we all love him so much. He is gentle and kind. Playful and funny. Perfect for a Smith.
After a month we were able to move into our new home that is quite a bit larger than our old home. We quickly filled it up and it became home to us. The pool in the back is just beautiful. We only had a few warm days after moving in for the kids to swim so we will be looking forward to warmer weather for many fun times at the pool. We are so, so thankful that we have the much needed space for a large family in such a beautiful place. Near so many people that we love so much. Feeling Blessed doesn't really describe what we have been feeling over the past few months.
We hosted Scott's whole family for Thanksgiving and it was great. We don't pass up many chances to gather together and spend hours talking and laughing.
There is a small lake across the street that was totally beautiful with fall colors. I can't wait until next year to see it again.
Levi, being the newest Smith member, placed the angel on the tree. He loved every minute of the attention. It was fun decorating some place new and different to celebrate our Saviors birth.
During the last few months we celebrated many Gotcha Days.
Ellie, Jasmine, Sam and DonLi. What special precious times those days were. Sam told Scott after a fun day a Six Flags recently that it was his 4th best day. When asked what his first day best day was he replied, "The day I got my family". Whew, that is so beautiful.
Did I mention that we have 5 pre teens in our family now. Yep, it gets interesting sometimes. They seem to like to take pictures of themselves looking all cool or something.
Josh returned from Korea in Oct and we have loved having him home with us. He has been a huge help and has been so good for all of the kids. He will return to Denver in January and will be missed so much. I think by me the most.
This is after one of the many medical evaluations that Levi has already had. He enjoys the one on one time even if it is to see the Dr. We will have many more to come
There are many things we miss like crazy. The snow and cold days, the beautiful mountains, the super special friends, Scott's co workers that meant the world to him, wonderful schools and teachers, and our old familiar house. But God has provided new journeys for us all. New friends, a great job for Scott with amazing co workers, amazing wooded forests around us, warmer weather, smaller town, family, and reconnecting with our old friends from seasons past. Both Scott and I have a college room mate that live here. We have more than usual to be thankful for this Christmas. We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in our lives. God Bless each and every one of you.
