Catherine Grace's Sixth Birthday

Well, it happened again. She is another year older. I don't know where the time goes. She had a great time at her pony party. Catherine Grace just loves animals and so ponies, goats and a calf were a perfect way to celebrate. She is so excited to finally be six. She said, "I'm finally not the littlest!" I didn't want to tell her that youngest and smallest (littlest in her vocab.) are not the same. She is taller though! We are having a good school year. She is in my class and I am enjoying teaching her and her sweet little friends. They are bright children. We are very thankful for the blessings of life, love and freedom. God is good. Lovingly, Danise

Independence Day Celebration at church

Today our church had our July 4th picnic after worship this morning. The kids had a fun parade with decorated bikes and wagons. There were water slides and games of all kinds. It was a fun day! I am so thankful that our country is still free.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians
3:17 NIV)
Love, Joy, and Blessings,
Danise

Laura Story - Blessings

The Story Behind "Blessings" - Laura Story at WGTS Gateway

Andrew graduated from high school Magna Cum Laude!

This has been a very busy season at the Smith house. I haven't actually blogged in a while, so I thought I would catch you up on all of our adventures. Catherine Grace graduated from Kindergarten, Jordan from middle school and Andrew from high school. Each child is starting a new phase in their education.

Andrew graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude. We were so proud of him. He has earned a nice college scholarship to Louisiana Tech and will be majoring in civil engineering in the fall.

Jordan will be starting high school at Caddo Magnet High, the same HS where Andrew just graduated, next fall. He is excited and yet a little hesitant about all that comes with high school.

Catherine Grace will be in first grade at Word of God Academy next fall. There is a chance that she could be in my class. It would be a special treat, but I am leaving that to the Headmaster and the Lord. She is a great student and will be fine either way, but she does say she would like to have Mommy as her teacher-so sweet!

You would think with all these triumphs, all is well. As everyone knows, life also brings trials. I have been struggling with a very painful disease called Neuropathy. The chronic pain in my feet has brought me to tears on many occasions. I love my job as a first grade teacher and want to continue as long as I am able. I ask you to pray for my complete healing. I need my feet whole and healed! Feet are important; never take yours for granted.

Allen also has had an exciting year. He and our oldest son, Adam, have ventured out together in a roofing business. They are doing so well. They work very hard and are getting things off to a good start!

God has blessed us in so many ways! I am thankful for my loving God and Savior. Even in the trials He walks with us and gives us grace to endure.

Love, Joy and Blessings,
Danise

Catherine Grace's Kindergarten Graduation

Riding a real horse!

Catherine Grace REALLY wanted to ride a real horse so my sweet friend from a prayer group let Catherine Grace ride one of her horses. I wasn't sure how Catherine Grace would react. I thought maybe the size of the animal would intimidate her a little, but oh no, not my tiny little fearless girl. She got on that horse without ANY reservations and off we went. Can you believe she wanted the horse to trot (this is her first time ever to ride a horse)?! She is my bundle of adventure. Ahh, and she says she wants to be a racecar driver! Yikes!
On my knees,
Danise