Happy Thanksgiving!

I can't believe Thanksgiving has already come and gone. This year seems to be flying by! Next thing I know it will be Christmas and we will have a baby here!!

Thanksgiving was a bit different this year. Dave, being a first year resident, had to work half the day (as well as the day after Thanksgiving) putting a wrench into our travel plans to see our family in Tampa. My whole family gets together every year at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Tampa - we missed all of you this year!! Dave's side of the family usually gets together at his parents house every year in Tampa, but this year was even a bit different for them as they went to visit Casey and Rebecca in Minnesota. And, Jamie, the most different of us all, spent Thanksgiving in Greece where she is studying abroad. That left us in Gainesville and Ryan & Missy in Tampa alone for Thanksgiving. Thankfully Ryan and Missy were able to come up and spend the day with us!

Ryan, Missy, Danielle (in tow with Cori Belle) and David

Usually there is a Smith kid picture to share on Thanksgiving, as well as a Russell/Carty family picture. Maybe at Christmas (Cori willing) we can get our family photos taken with one extra addition!

Although it was a different kind of Thanksgiving than most, it was still wonderful. We went over to our friends, Chauncey and Rose, house for Thanksgiving. Everyone brought a dish and I have to admit, I think it was the best selection of food at Thanksgiving I have ever experienced! I made sweet potato casserole, which was delicious! It was my first time actually contributing to Thanksgiving dinner. (I know, I'm 26 and I can't believe it has taken me this long to cook for Thanksgiving!!) Any of my family members who are reading this are probably thinking, "What, not only did you make sweet potato casserole, but you put something that's not white on your plate?!?!" Haha! Yes, I sure did! Normally my plate consists of mashed potatoes, white corn, and turkey, but this year I had mashed potatoes, green been casserole, corn bread casserole, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and turkey. Look at all those colors! I would have made you guys proud!! :) I should have taken a picture of my plate, but below is just a sample of the food. There was more spread out on the counters. We are abundantly blessed!


This year, I am so thankful for a healthy, precious baby girl growing inside of me. It's a strange feeling to know there is an actual human being in there, kicking and punching me constantly. Growing a baby is truly a miracle and a gift from God above. I feel truly blessed this holiday season to be starting a family with the love of my life. I am more in love with my husband every day and can't believe God made him just for me. Thank you Lord for all your blessings you have bestowed upon us! We pray we can give back to you the way you have given to us.

Maternity Photos!

Last weekend my college roommate, Stephanie came to visit us! Stephanie got her degree in business, but has decided that she would like to be a professional photographer. I must admit, she is good at it! She has been taking pictures for quite some time now and even has her own website - http://www.mariestar.com/ Be sure to check it out! Even though Dave and I aren't posted up there yet, I'm sure she'll be adding us to it shortly! :) Below are just a few pictures she took out of the hundreds! I hope you like them as much as I do!!

These pictures were taken of me approaching 35 weeks. Is that a big belly or what?!? I love the little green monster that was captured with me in the picture above. Taking these pictures was such a wonderful and fun experience. Thanks Steph! You did an AMAZING job!!

Until next time..

Playing Catch-up!

If you know me well, you know I can't sit still for very long! I was trying to enjoy all my morning "free time" since I was just coaching cheerleading in the afternoons, but my "free time" soon turned to complete boredom and I decided I should get another job! Yes, at the time I was 8 months pregnant deciding I needed to work 2 jobs just to keep myself busy. Pregnancy has made me crazy! :) So, anyway, I applied to substitute teach at a church pre-school, which quickly turned into a 4 day a week job! I absolutely LOVE it! The experience of teaching 3rd, 1st, kindergarten, and now pre-school is just wonderful. I actually think I might want to get certified in pre-k. Teaching half a day doesn't sound too bad to me! :) I think I'll add it to my "to do" list!

All that being said, I have been running from one job to the next for the last month and haven't had much time for blogging. Since my plan is to print all my blog posts from 2009 to make a scrapbook (yes, I quit real scrap-booking and have found blogging much easier, not to mention CHEAPER!) I have to spend a little time playing catch-up! Hope you enjoy!

I'll start with Florida/Georgia... Dave and I traveled with some good 'ole Williston friends up to Jacksonville for the big game. Thanks Steph and William for the GREAT tickets! We enjoyed a yummy tailgate in the parking lot of the stadium and even got to see some old friends (Dan, Sara, Beth, and Andrew) while we were there. Our seats were amazing as we sat on the 20 yard line, 12 rows up. We were literally sitting on top of the covered area where the Gators ran on and off the field. Tim Tebow even looked up at me and smiled! (Well, maybe not directly at ME, but I'll just pretend he did!) It was another Gator victory with the Gators winning 41 to 17. Dun dun dun dun dun, Go GATORS!

Here's our yummy tailgate! The game was also on Halloween, hence the pumpkin jar. We thought we might get some trick-or-treaters at the game! :)

Lauren, Annie, me, and Stephanie all hanging out at our tailgate. Do you see baby Cori in there?
Check out just how close we were! My picture of Tebow turned out blurry! :(

The very next weekend I went down to Tampa for my first baby shower since hearing we were having a girl! It was such a wonderful time! My mom and David's mom threw the shower together. I loved watching both grandma's work together to prepare for little Cori Belle. She is already so loved and she isn't even born yet! She got tons of great gifts and lots of sweet baby clothing! I can't wait for her to get here!

Mama Smith, me, and my mom.

The next big event was taking maternity pictures! I think I'm going to make that a post of it's own because I just love them so much! You'll have to wait for the next blog post.. coming soon!! :)