Welcome Payton Carolyn Smith

Welcome Josh & Amanda's beautiful baby girl...

Payton Carolyn Smith

Born on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008

7lbs 4oz 19 1/2 inche long

The proud parents

The excited aunt and cousin

Thanksgiving at the Farm

Thanksgiving

with the Arthur Family in Louisiana

Papaw, Mamaw, Uncle Jay, Aunt Jill, cousins Cooper & Coen

us

Aunt Jill with lil d and izzie

Taking a ride on the "mule"

D and d on the tractor

Women of the Chapel

International Conference in Dallas, TX

Mamaw Vickie & Aunt Jill (after a weekend watching the kiddos so I could attend conference:))

Lady friends from Little Creek Navy base where we all attend PWOC.

The International PWOC board. (this organization is very well organized and run! There are PWOC groups at military bases all over the county and world. Their purpose is to Lead, Develop, Teach, and Involve others in Christian growth & service. Thier motto, "Workers for Christ". PWOC strives to be the hand and feet of Christ for Chapels & military communities.
For more info go to http://www.pwoconline.org/

The International PWOC Chaplain and me

My good friend & neighbor Tanika (our boys are in pre-school together too)

Our fear-less conference leader and friend :)

Thank you Mamaw Vickie and Aunt Jill for watching the kids so I could attend this! Between you both, David's support, and the military helping to provide the finances, I was able to go and have an awesome weekend. God worked out all the details and it was a very special "get-away" with many "God moments". I am so thankful for God and for His provision, grace, and love.

My sister Amanda's BABY SHOWERs

HAPPY FALL!!!!

Lil D lovin on his "sissie"

Mom and her Lady Bug

Dad and the Spider Man

Celebrating Life - Isabella's 1'st Birthday!!!

October 16th, 2008 we had some friends over (Morgan & Juan) and ate an Italian dinner with Cake & cupcakes!!!

Our friends from Fort Story

Izzie digging in!!

Yep, she had some more cake! The following Saturday our neighbors came over to celebrate. We had a mini-pumpkin hunt and "went fishing".

These were the big kids at the party - they often play with lil D and Izzie at the playground and help out.

Daddy holding his little girl - she was tired after too much excitment!

Thank you Temple Baptist and family for all the birthday cards!!! These are a few of them!

We enjoyed celebrating Isabella's first year of life and are thankful to God each day together! She is truly a gift. During the week of her birthday was the national day of remembrance for those who have misscarried or lost a young one. My prayers are with those families and my heart goes out to them. May the Lord bless you and keep you bringing you peace and hope.

A reminder to celebrate each day and loved one as a gift from above. It's so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life! My grandma's tells me to "take time to smell the roses" and we are doing our best to do that together in our little family!

Enjoy the great adventure!

love, the arthurs <><

IZZIE G big day tomorrow!

Isabella turns 1 tomorrow! yay! This is actually her brother's car seat, just practicing for when we put her's in! Notice the scab on her nose - she took a little nose dive on our front porch sidewalk. She's a tough girl though, her brother's favorite thing to do is tackle sissy every chance he can get (multiple times a day!).

For Izzie G's birthday we are sending a donation to an orphanage in Sudan in her honor (her little friends will bring a dollar too:)). This particular orphanage I learned about from a friend who is friends with the couple who started it. It's an amazing story (sad too). If you have a minute take a look and enjoy a short & inspiring video clip at: www.hrtn.org

More soon & much Love!

Pictures from the Big Day!

Lil D first day of pre-school hanging up his back pack

Izzie loving the beach!

Daddy came for Lil D's first day!

We got there a little early so we hung out and snacked



Big Boy Back Pack and Lunch Box!

Lil D off to Pre-school

David Isaac started preschool this month! He is a complete mess and loves to run wild in the great out doors, so you can imagine the adjustment he is having to a structured class room. He is learning and doing great and the teacher keeps me well informed on his behavior. He is said to be a super sweet kid who asks the teachers for hugs BUT he is having a really hard time staying on his nap mat during quiet time. While most of the other kids fall asleep, Lil D is keeping his poor teacher on her toes. Ms. Carol said he is doing better but we will continue to bring the nap mat home for the weekends to practice staying on the mat!

Isabella turns one next month, October 16th. We can't believe how fast time flys. She has been walking for a couple months now and absolutely loves her big brother. She is a happy chunk of love for the most part though she gets really upset if she wakes up and no one is around. She screams the moment her eyes open up from sleep until someone comes to pick her up. She also gets upset at meal time - you better not let her plate get empty!

David and I are really enjoying the Virginia Beach area and are trying to make the most of our time here. It's hard to believe we've been here 6 months already! Most of you have probably heard the news but we found out not too long ago that we will be having another baby due April 17th. Might as well get them all out and through the diaper stage!!! We are very excited and thankful for this precious gift from God. We are both learning so much as parents - very humbling and great responsibility.

We'd love to hear from you and hope all is well with you and yours!!!!

By His Grace & For His glory!