tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92438012011-04-21T20:50:12.638-04:00chronicles of daily life:<br/> from the mundane to the slightly more thanAmy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.comBlogger971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1143098633362901542006-03-23T02:15:00.000-05:002006-03-23T02:23:53.376-05:00

Hey yall, Notice that I haven't written here in about FOREVER! Notice that my wife is getting to be the prolific one at blogging? Yeah me too. Well, there's a reason. I have been moving more toward artiswork.org as my main site, and now that is ready to check out. I am finished with the most recent redesign, and I will be doing all my writing from there now. If you are so inclined, and

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1140303468052515522006-02-18T17:44:00.000-05:002006-02-18T17:57:48.076-05:00

That's all, not much to say.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1139290088192412282006-02-06T21:12:00.000-05:002006-02-07T00:28:08.336-05:00

First, a late Christmas present: Leftovers from Amy's bonus. I love having a smart wife, you get all kinds of neat things when her boss's think she deserves to know how much they appreciate her work :) So, between saving up on my own and a little help from household funds I purchased the next piece to add to my photography equipment. Check out these puppy's: On top is the bogen/manfrotto

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1138979836253999842006-02-03T09:55:00.000-05:002006-02-03T10:17:16.296-05:00

I took this shot recently while in University city. Its not really a great shot, but I thought there was something fun about the way that I had to remember how I got a shot of myself like this. I'll let you figure it out. In the meantime, the story behind this is that I was in University City meeting with my first real, live, client. I am doing my first web design for pay. The site will

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1138747351576137902006-01-31T17:05:00.000-05:002006-01-31T17:42:32.936-05:00

I finished work today at 2:30pm so that I wouldn't go over my quota of 20 hours per week. As I got in the car I started to think about where I could go for the next couple of hours to do things I wanted to do like work on design or learn a new content management system, or just catch up on my favorite RSS feeds, to see what's happening over at the the textpattern forums or what my favorite

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1138714609726141202006-01-31T08:29:00.000-05:002006-01-31T08:36:49.750-05:00

Last night Amy and I decided she should be able go the gym again a few times a week or more. This sounds like no big deal, but I get really scared that suddenly I am going to have Brighton in my arms and work full time, and raise support, and go to church, and breathe, and eat... you can see where this is going. I'm just a chicken. I am going to eat chicken, I am not going to be one. Hon,

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1138294549000164852006-01-26T09:29:00.000-05:002006-01-26T11:55:49.073-05:00

In front of me is a small light. I can see him. His light is weak. I can only see halfway toward my next step. The place where my foot will fall is dark, until it lands, and then he is there, lighting it. This is all he promises. Only this much light. For now. He is good, so I believe him. But he's mostly quiet. More like an ear than a mouth, and since he's a lamp, its hard to believe a

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1137549902712459732006-01-17T20:19:00.000-05:002006-01-17T21:05:02.860-05:00

When: Your wife left the room to help the baby and your night's plans look like poo poo. You're not wondering which bible verse to read, but what to impliment at your website, and how to become as geekified as one can in the shortest time possible. Life seems like its taking a turn for a slightly easier season at 3pm, but by 8pm your pretty sure you were halucinating at 3pm. You want to help

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1137384250309061262006-01-15T22:30:00.000-05:002006-01-15T23:04:10.386-05:00

And he hasn't done a thing... Over at minismith, my Amy said, "I am as helpless as Brighton to cry out to Christ". What does that mean? Surely, Amy and Matthew, who claim to know and love Jesus are capable of running to and from Christ as an act of free will? Yep! I run to him and from him all the time. So what the heck is Amy talking about? How can I be a Christian and believe that? Here's

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1136988283514819572006-01-11T09:00:00.001-05:002006-01-11T09:06:15.380-05:00

Happy Anniversary to me (me, as in Amy). One of Matthew's thoughtful presents this year was to purchase MiniSmith.com for me and redesign the whole website. It's beautiful. Take a look for yourself. Hopefully it'll make reading about our nutty life a little more enjoyable :)

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1136158956545224092006-01-01T18:30:00.000-05:002006-01-01T18:42:36.743-05:00

I've found something! Okay, I stumbled across, okay, okay - I'll tell you the truth: It utterly stands in my way, and I can't get around it without your prayers and the saving help of my man Jesus. It is this: I have equated alleviation of suffering with intimacy with God, or in more detail, I knew that suffering would never end, but hoped that if I were to get close enough to God I would

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1135820812113754002005-12-28T20:42:00.000-05:002005-12-28T20:46:52.133-05:00

clippity clopp, jiggity jog... It feels SO good to be home again. We had a wonderful time in California, but travel is much work, Brighton is a TON of baby, and we missed our new home in Philadelphia. I can't believe I am saying that! Driving home from the airport I recognized small bits of Lincoln Drive (a main thorough-fare) as familiar and sweet. We really missed our church and our

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1135539830260181222005-12-25T14:43:00.000-05:002005-12-25T14:43:50.260-05:00

This is a photo I took yesterday. I have been enjoying color again. The new camera and I travel with Brighton in tow, especially when mamma needs a break. Love yall, Matthew

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1135454317706203172005-12-24T15:10:00.000-05:002005-12-24T15:04:10.196-05:00

Its about 70 degrees outside. I'm moving to California! I would if I weren't really falling for Philly. Bummer :) Brighton's in the spirit. (want to see the larger version? - click on the photo). Prayer needs:Brighton's sleep schedule is out the window. We're sufferin'. Amy's folks got up to help us last night. The boy just aint sleepin. The last couple of nights he's been wide awake at

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1135276023838344992005-12-22T13:00:00.000-05:002005-12-22T13:27:03.873-05:00

Amy and I are out in California in Los Osos, near Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. It's been cold and rainy, but OH SO much nicer than Philly weather. Amy and I took a long walk this morning with Brighton strapped up in the Bjorn on my chest (as usual) and really had a chance to be thankful for each other again, and strangely thankful for all the crappy circumstances in our lives. We're always

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1133754114489422372005-12-04T22:19:00.000-05:002005-12-04T22:41:54.720-05:00

What happened! Its been almost a month since my last blog post! Anyone get sick of checking it to see that nothing was posted? I'm not a very good blogger :) I think I haven't really wanted to talk any more about all the hard stuff in our lives. It isn't received very well. I wonder how David felt in the when he wrote the Psalms. Those songs are desperate, their frickin' angry, angry

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1131499761583508842005-11-08T19:47:00.000-05:002005-11-08T20:29:21.620-05:00

I'm so tired of war. I'm tired of conflict. I'm tired of feeling like I am in the mud and somebody keeps shoving my face in it, and then woohoo I get a new camera and I forget the mud, and then splurgh, I take a big gulp of it and choke. Can I be like a child. Can I learn to play despite the tank. Can I learn to be thankful despite the poverty of hope I feel at the moment? Thankful like a

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1131045610599215972005-11-03T14:15:00.000-05:002005-11-03T14:20:10.623-05:00

Friends, This is what I feel like. (see http://creaturesinmyhead.com) for what you might feel like? Brighton is NOT sleeping. We have had 4 nights since the last prayer letter where Brighton has slept one 4 hour chunk. That was beautiful. Wonderful. But it did not last. We are tired, and distressed. (Let us know if you don't want to get these letters :) Please pray for us: 1. Pray

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1131043218264206852005-11-03T13:35:00.000-05:002005-11-03T14:23:01.333-05:00

So the three little veggies had an awesome time at their first Halloween party together. From left to right is Matthew - as "Tomacco" (check out the Simpsons site for explanation)with his Roma Tomato, Brighton. Zach - as a bunny with his Carrot, Zady. Geoff - as Lance Armstrong with his Sweet Pea, Clara...and his little bear/lion, Benicio, down in the corner. The mom's are off boozing it up being

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1130376179145403302005-10-26T20:46:00.000-04:002005-10-26T21:22:59.186-04:00

Ever feel that you are thankful in the way that this little Gnome is happy? That its fake. That underneath the surface you are pretty pissed that life has turned out this way? Yeah, me too. I have already repeated it to many of you who read this silly blog of ours, but I will say it again anyway.Last week a friend of ours let us know that he has never met anyone who is anxious, worried, or

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1130012795545360852005-10-19T16:13:00.000-04:002005-10-22T16:41:56.586-04:00

Friends, In case you didn't get the email: We need your prayers. Not that we didn't need them since the last prayer letter, we're just too self-assured to ask that often.I tend to think that most people see an email like this and begin to strategize ways of cutting Amy and I out of their lives because being this hungry for prayer makes me uncomfortable - it must make others uncomfortable. So,

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1129034999663548522005-10-11T08:44:00.000-04:002005-10-11T08:49:59.673-04:00

Way to go Matthew for capturing some of Brighton's first few "camera smiles". We're enthralled with his new sounds, coos & baby laughs...and could probably sit and play with him for hours if we didn't have "life" to do. Check out his crazy bedhead pics on the minismith site.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1128887151409848782005-10-09T15:38:00.000-04:002005-10-09T15:45:51.433-04:00

Hey friends, Please pray with us, our raft just flipped. (Please let us know if you care to STAY on this prayer list) Pray that God would remind us that HE is our king. Pray that our Father in heaven would remind us that HIS sorrow for our fallen state is far far greater than our puny wimperings. Pray that Amy and I would rest rest rest rest in JESUS. Pray that Amy and I would find or be

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1128612888776571072005-10-06T11:22:00.000-04:002005-10-06T11:34:48.783-04:00

Ahhh...don't we all wish we had more of it? Here's our little man bundled up and getting ready to snooze. It's been a hard week of 1 hour chunks of sleep through the night, but last night...after many prayers from ourselves and our friends...we were graciously offered a better night of slumber. "Better", in baby world, means a good ol' four hour chunk. I was so excited when I woke up at 2am,

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1128302217863341572005-10-02T21:08:00.000-04:002005-10-02T21:16:57.870-04:00

We are heading to bed, but before we do I wanted to sound the call for thanks. This has been a week of heart change for me, and I know that many of you who read this pray for me. I have had several confrontations this week about something I did, or didn't do when I ought to have. My normal habit of defense is waining and I saw several instances of doubting my own unique ability to be right

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1128138135264088302005-09-30T23:28:00.000-04:002005-10-04T19:49:25.620-04:00

And a birth announcement First, the Nipples: So, we were sitting down at a little diner just off of Germantown Avenue tonight. I was bouncing Brighton while Amy ate her meal. Then, when Amy was finished, we traded. This is our new date night. Weird. So, we were sitting there just chatting away about Brighton and nursing and giving him the bottle when I say out loud, and without thinking, "

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1127842027292497582005-09-27T13:17:00.000-04:002005-09-27T13:27:07.296-04:00

Aren't they handsome together? Yes, God has at least given me two good lookin' boys, so it's easier to love them when they're annoying...ha, ha ;0) Last night Matthew and I felt like we were starting to get a grasp on being a team in these rough couple of sleep-deprived weeks. We felt like a family, fighting together, as we help Brighton work through his trapped gas and painful cries. It was

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1127009072315288902005-09-17T21:57:00.000-04:002005-09-17T22:09:40.943-04:00

I love my wife. I love my son, but I really love my wife. We are in a really different season. I look at this picture and I feel like I was someone else. Where do we go from here? Jesus, give me strength beyond strength, strength in weakness, to pursue my wife as you pursue us. I would die for her (as long as it entailed incredible glory, or a truly amazing story to tell over a campfire in

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1126424395439760962005-09-11T03:34:00.000-04:002005-09-11T03:39:55.440-04:00

Amy calls it a bee in the bonnet. I prefer to think of it as a wasp in the helmet. I get going on something like this and I just want to keep going. Ah well, I had fun. I have been learning a lot about web design over the last months and I wanted to have my hand at a few changes. Its still in the works, but let me know what you think.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1126162574703537532005-09-08T02:44:00.000-04:002005-09-08T02:56:14.706-04:00

We went to bible study tonight for the first time since Brighton was born. It was good to see everyone. My friend Geoff was there as usual. He watched me with Brighton. He wrote me this in an email tonight: "Your way with Brighton reminded me of the translation of the prodigal son in our children's bible, "He was filled with tender love for his son." " I wrote him back: "Its 2:41am. I am

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1126046899610517442005-09-06T18:26:00.001-04:002005-09-06T18:55:30.873-04:00

Summer soon moves into autumn. Newborns become infants, and a couple become parents. All these things happen despite ourselves. Amazing. This fall has a lot of transitions for Amy and I. This week I start support raising to go from part-time to full-time at World Harvest Mission. They are paying for 20 hours a week and now its up to me to knock on doors to find out if God will provide $2000 a

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1125591426107588672005-09-01T12:07:00.000-04:002005-09-01T12:17:06.113-04:00

I have a lot of nicknames for Brighton. Last night was one of the best nights we have had so far. Brighton slept right next to Amy virtually all night long, which let her nurse him before he started getting cranky, and then she could even fall asleep while he nursed. It also means he doesn't get moved much, which seems to be a big part of what makes him upset - like his mother in that respect

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1125401120259668072005-08-30T07:08:00.000-04:002005-08-30T07:26:55.806-04:00

An Excerpt from The Manual Okay, not really. But I feel like there is some consistancy in the ways that he goes after my heart. Even though last night was one of the harder nights we have had since Brighton was born, last night I knew compassion for my son. There is some possibility that Brighton has some kind of acid reflux issue that is giving him gas and causing him to burp up slighltly

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1125247718229649012005-08-28T11:55:00.000-04:002005-08-28T14:26:45.906-04:00

Cultural assumptions about engagement: It will be the best time of your life. Yet we felt that engagement, even though good, was difficult and trying. Cultural assumptions about the first year of marriage: When people ask, tell them you are enjoying each other so much, and in fact, the only thing you fight about, is who loves the other more. Yet we felt that the first year of marriage was

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1125010848894280652005-08-25T18:40:00.000-04:002005-08-25T19:00:48.900-04:00

Milk for the boy, Beer for his father. As most parents will tell you, the first 3 months is hellish - atleast in the sleep category. Though, last night my dear wife let me sleep and sleep, I actually slept from 8:00pm last night till 8:00am this morning. Can you tell I needed it? Amy was able to get enough sleep by being less active with Brighton when he did wake up (every two hours). We

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1124987577118517602005-08-25T12:27:00.000-04:002005-08-25T12:32:57.126-04:00

...working on the computer with Daddy... ...soaking up the rays on my bare belly (yeah! for insanely beautiful weather this whole week!!)... ...chewing on Mommy's shoulder, or slobbering down her back in my hip surfer dude outfit from Aunt Callie... ...and my all-time favorite blankie from Aunt Diggy.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1124577199189872522005-08-20T18:25:00.000-04:002005-08-20T18:35:11.373-04:00

We Have decided to rename Brighton. He will henceforth be known as "the Baptist", not for any biblical connotations you understand, but rather because he has managed to pee on no less than 4 of the eight people he has ever been held by. We feel that he has earned a new name. Though on second thought, it is possible we could also name him "Deli man" for the enormous sausage links of diapers he

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1124562579075049922005-08-20T14:25:00.000-04:002005-08-20T14:40:39.813-04:00

He likes me. I can't believe it. He really does. I love humming low and deep over his head, he seems to chill out when I do, and while it's not "the farm" (my new nickname for Amy), its something - and that's enough. We have been really blessed in this family, and have come through much grief and really trauma to get to the beginnings of joy (yes, I know, many of you think we are way too

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1124376400282293832005-08-18T10:16:00.000-04:002005-08-18T10:46:40.286-04:00

I never sleep in. Its 10:30am now, and I woke up for the 6 or 7th time 20 minutes ago. I think it was about the fourth time that I realized I was getting angry about being woken up. Since Amy and I got married, I have been told seemingly thousands of times, that having children will show you who you are, show you your muck like nothing else. It only took four days for me to forget my son's

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1124183045792359202005-08-16T04:03:00.000-04:002005-08-16T05:04:05.816-04:00

There once was a baby who slept and slept and only woke to feed or just barely notice the world. This baby was 33 hours old, but about four of those hours before, the world must have become more interesting to see because this baby began to coo and gurgle a melodie of notes and sounds in response to any and every thing which he took in with open eyes for long periods of time. This consequently

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1124133850209964642005-08-15T15:18:00.000-04:002005-08-15T15:25:32.550-04:00

Our little boy has arrived!! Matthew Brighton Smith arrived Sunday evening at 5:45pm. He's a chunky 8lbs 3oz and 20 in. babe, as you can see, with a head of beautiful black hair. We'll post more pictures later as these are all pretty similar, but we thought they were better than nothing :0) Thank you all for your prayers and support during this time. Mom, Dad & baby are all doing well...and

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123941271021344452005-08-13T09:52:00.000-04:002005-08-13T09:54:31.026-04:00

...the next post to come, may be announcing the arrival of our boy. All signs are a go (I'll spare you all the gory details :0) and I just got off the phone with my midwife who said to take it easy because tonight will most likely be the night. Woah. Matthew and I didn't think we'd have this much time to prepare before this labor thing hit! Please keep us in your prayers throughout the day and

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123849442605577242005-08-12T08:21:00.000-04:002005-08-12T08:24:02.610-04:00

First day on the job. Matthew Smith- recruiter. Wish me luck, er... well blessing. :)

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123688404660680562005-08-10T11:36:00.000-04:002005-08-10T11:40:04.666-04:00

We finally decided to start working on that box of blank canvases we bought back in Fort Collins. Here are some we just painted this past week, in their "pre-touch-up" stage. Matthew toned down Brighton's (the "b" one) to a more milk chocolate brown. Now we've just got to figure out where to hang them in our house. We're thinking the hallway, since it's becoming our "eclectic hall of art" with a

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123551269345749992005-08-08T21:29:00.000-04:002005-08-08T21:34:29.350-04:00

Don't know if you've played that game "Big Booty", but I'm often singing it for my belly instead. After our 38 week midwife appointment today, we figured we should get a few more belly shots before Brighton surprised us and appeared one of these days. There are some more "normal" ones on the minismith site, but this one was so funky, we had to post it as well. That's our Mount o' Boy there!

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123344549720431972005-08-06T12:07:00.000-04:002005-08-06T12:09:09.730-04:00

I recently designed this logo. First submittal headed out today. I am feeling good about it. What do you all think? Give me a critique if you like - I could use it.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123206125061373292005-08-04T21:33:00.000-04:002005-08-04T21:44:38.696-04:00

Here are some of the pics our friend, Coury, took of us the other night. Look at that gargantuous melon of a belly! Playing some cards...yes, we're addicts....we had to get a picture of that. Note: I DIDN'T add our picture of us playing on our Macs together :0)

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1123105563676236932005-08-03T17:45:00.000-04:002005-08-03T17:49:43.700-04:00

Matthew wanted me to stop posting ALL my thoughts on the minismith site, and actually be apart of our "family site" :0) so I thought I'd share something here on our famdamilynews one for a change. Our friends, the Deebs, just gave us the greatest baby gift ever last night...a new huge a/c unit for our den! As I've written about a few times on here, Matthew and I have been living in our bedroom

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1122818365332414452005-07-31T09:49:00.000-04:002005-07-31T09:59:25.340-04:00

I found this today on the New York Public Library Image Database. I thought it apropos. So, its Sunday, a day of rest. Why? God worked hard for six days making the earth out of nothing "ex nihilo" and then he wanted to rest. So we will learn from his wisdom. Today we are resting. Soon we will have a baby on our hands and not be able to rest as much, today we will rest. But what is rest?

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1122699586316155882005-07-30T00:56:00.000-04:002005-07-30T00:59:46.320-04:00

Well. We're reading the next installment. Book six. "the Half Blood Prince". Its good. In the meantime I ran across this and I thought it was funny. Voldemort is the key "evil" figure in the books, so you can obviously guess what a liberal minded individual thinks about republicans :)

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1122642620722888142005-07-29T09:02:00.000-04:002005-07-29T09:10:20.726-04:00

So, you'll remember I got layed off awhile back, yes? Well, since then I have had more work than I know what to do with! I am remodeling two houses, starting early at World Harvest, designing the logo above (rough draft), and have the opportunity to make a video this fall for WHM above and beyond my normal allotment of hours - I will be working 20 hours a week as a recruiter. So, hey, this is

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1122341998051692012005-07-25T21:37:00.000-04:002005-07-25T21:55:54.996-04:00

Well. We just found out that Amy is in the early - early - earliest stages of labor. She is beginning to dialate, and our little boy is already "dropped". Please pray that he will wait a week and a half as our Midwife will be out of town until Friday after next. Here we go!

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1121948006070875982005-07-21T08:07:00.000-04:002005-07-21T08:13:26.076-04:00

They also say "its the little stuff". You know what I mean, the stuff that keeps you interested in your wife or your husband. I think its true. This morning, we were eating cereal at the breakfast counter (barbara's cereal and blueberries), and Amy has been eating for a few minutes when she gets to the bottom of the bowl and says to a few hidden blueberries "There you are, you little Navy

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1121910290288711822005-07-20T21:39:00.000-04:002005-07-20T21:44:50.293-04:00

I had a full day of work today. I pulled up a tile floor, well smashed it too pieces, and then pulled up the pieces, and generally worked on refurbishing my pastors bathroom. It felt good to make some mula for our family.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1121659065549662032005-07-17T23:51:00.000-04:002005-07-17T23:57:45.553-04:00

Hmm. You run across some interesting things as you prepare for the first child. Amy had these recommended to her recently from a friend of ours. Apparently it helps reduce the amount of "sprinkle" that you get on yourself or the changing table during a diaper change out. We're getting closer, only about four weeks left. I can't wait to see my son. Matthew

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1121431880969773412005-07-15T08:33:00.000-04:002005-07-15T08:51:20.976-04:00

So, I got layed off recently. I wasn't able to work the 50-60 hour weeks that my employer wanted me to work (given that my pregnant wife needs a present husband), and so with an 8 hour notice, he said goodbye. So today, for the third day in a row, I am looking for temp. work because I have a job with World Harvest Mission lined up for the end of August. So here we are feeling in need of

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1121288051084574452005-07-13T16:54:00.000-04:002005-07-13T17:15:51.980-04:00

During chaotic times, music is a must, and for me (Matthew) it is a visceral gift from God. It helps me relax or get moving and everything in-between. Check out Pinback. I like these guys a lot.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1120928313262821802005-07-09T12:58:00.000-04:002005-07-09T12:58:33.290-04:00

Okay, okay, before you get on a rant ladies, hear me out. This is funny. Recently the folks at Amy's work bought her a "labor day" cake, which was decorated sweetly and quite a thoughtful gift especially considering it is an office full of "out of the loop" type of men - its a stretch to get them to realize that Amy is really pregnant. Anyhow, so this cake was nice, though full of sugars

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1120746903558793842005-07-07T10:35:00.000-04:002005-07-07T10:44:32.883-04:00

"Give me this my daily bread". "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1120533977620182012005-07-04T22:16:00.000-04:002005-07-05T08:54:26.333-04:00

...Are straight from the hand of God! Amy and I had a great weekend. How did we start it off babe? Well, first we went blueberry picking at Solebury farms where we went apple picking earlier in the fall (notice our mouths full of 'em). They were only $1.75 /lb., but to be fair they should have weighed us before and after, considering we probably gulped down a quarter pound or so. Then what

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1119628609155658092005-06-24T11:56:00.000-04:002005-06-24T11:59:21.083-04:00

Virginia beach as been a great time to relax and get things I have wanted to get done, done. I have been working on my website "artiswork.org" this week and I expect to fully launch it sometime in the next couple of weeks. I am hoping it can be more than just a website where I can show my own work, maybe a place where many can show work, and also dialog about art, life, and maybe bring up the

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1118932196388169872005-06-16T10:29:00.000-04:002005-06-16T10:29:56.393-04:00

Amy and I are joining up with the Hall family for a week at the beach, Virginia Beach to be precise. This will be a whole new vacationing experience for me. When I was young, if we had the time for a vacation we went backpacking and hiked somewhere between 12 and 60 miles, depending on the trip, or maybe we would go waterskiing in Wyoming, or go hunting in Easter Colorado, but THE BEACH!?

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1117978174167230772005-06-05T09:29:00.000-04:002005-06-05T09:31:12.850-04:00

We discovered this Gem while walking back from North Third, a bar in the city we have become fond of for their homemade buffalo wings. Hopefully you recognize it as the famous lamp from "The Christmas Story". Amy and I scarffed no less than two pounds of those suckers! They we're great. When you don't have that much money to spend on going out, when you actually do, it tends to feel

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1117660689296746342005-06-01T17:08:00.000-04:002005-06-01T17:25:41.086-04:00

If only we could have summer vacation like back in grade school again. Instead we have these short "long-weekends" that I guess are supposed to relax us and give us a break? In my opinion, they're way too short. By the time you finally let go of your racing brain and the "to-do" list and just relax...it's time for the break to end and to head back to work. That's at least how Matthew and I felt

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1117120431516852662005-05-26T11:13:00.000-04:002005-05-26T11:13:51.516-04:00

The title of the my most recent work. I have been collecting Wal-Street Journal hed-cuts for the last eight months or so, and over that time, pasting them to a large 6' x 4' board. There are almost 400 of these on this one board, and now I am starting my next group. I started doing this work as an exercise in discipline. It was helping me to get into my studio on a regular basis. If I didn't

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1116764501693552392005-05-22T08:21:00.000-04:002005-05-22T08:22:18.133-04:00

We love you Gran.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1116555348662568832005-05-19T22:15:00.000-04:002005-05-19T22:15:48.683-04:00

If you are already subscribed to getting the latest dribble from Matthew & Amy, then you may have noticed the notifications about "new posts" from famdamily news or minismith had dropped off for awhile there. Have no fear blog readers, the problem has been solved. If you aren't subscribed, but like to keep up with our witless blabbering :) then feel free to subscribe! Every time we write a new

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1116393558451162602005-05-18T01:03:00.000-04:002005-05-18T17:48:15.756-04:00

Amy's snoring beside me here, and it is definitely one of the cuter things one could possible imagine. Every once in awhile she roles over, says something wonderfully nonsensicle and roles back - its pretty funny. I have been working hard lately to scan a bunch of negatives that have sat patiently waiting for me to do something with them. They are from my trip to Kenya in 1999 with Habitat

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1116108555059327552005-05-14T18:09:00.000-04:002005-05-14T18:12:32.546-04:00

Its a beautiful day here in Philadelphia. We're dorkin' around the house today. Trying to get some household projects done. I built a wooden divider to keep the tools hidden in the baby room/office/tool storage area (can you tell we're poor!). Amy is sewing the fabric to make it all come together. Let us know how your weekend is going. Cheers, Matthew

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1115909011374388862005-05-12T10:38:00.000-04:002005-05-12T10:43:31.380-04:00

Hey there yall. I thought I would let everyone know that there is a new way to let us know what is going on in your lives or let us know what you think about our silly writing and pics: We have added comments to our blog. Comments are normally how most peoople use blogs, but for awhile it didn't seem like something we wanted to do. However, since we are interested in community, this seems like

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1114798317505755772005-04-29T14:07:00.000-04:002005-04-29T14:15:51.613-04:00

We finally got the new Smith abode pictures up and rolling for you all to peruse through. So head over to the Famdamily Photos (to the right of the screen) and then click on the Our House link, "McCallum St". Let us know what you think! If you're in the area, you should join us on May 7th, starting at 7pm, for the rockin' Smith House Warming party! Feel free to email us for directions. Enjoy

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1113312110522613322005-04-12T09:07:00.000-04:002005-04-12T09:21:50.523-04:00

A little "after work treat" for my hard workin' hubby. He's spending his time as an art handler these days which has proven to be a tough, time-consuming endeavor. His first week of work last week was probably a 50+ one which we had no idea was coming, so it's been hard, needless to say. But we're learning to adjust and trust Christ as the Author of our Story and Sustainer of our tired bodies.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1111605705141871612005-03-23T14:15:00.000-05:002005-03-23T16:45:53.430-05:00

Amy's folks are starting the big push to raise support to head to London with World Harvest Mission. We are proud of them. Can you imagine heading overseas when you are SO OLD! Just kiddin' guys. We have the queerest ambitions to join them someday if our communal Pappa is up for that. In the meantime here is the latest possibility for their brochure cover. Like it? Let me know. matthew@

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1111423999342060182005-03-21T11:40:00.000-05:002005-03-21T11:53:19.346-05:00

Doesn't it feel like we were JUST doing this yesterday? For those of you who've been tracking our lives, it should. Seeing as we are preparing for our FIFTH move since we were married a little over a year ago in January. The first was the move into our Fort Collins townhouse. We were there seven months. The second move was into our basement apartment also in Fort Collins...with a short one month

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1110986103700766322005-03-17T08:32:00.000-05:002005-03-19T21:37:08.360-05:00

As some of you all know, my love for bluegrass began early in the small coal-mining mountain town of Cedar Bluff, Virginia where my dad was pastoring his first church (sounds like a great movie intro, huh?!). With K-mart as the big town attraction, there wasn't much to do besides going to the local library on the weekends for some good ol' bluegrass concerts. The only ones I vaguely remember

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1110396737209663052005-03-09T14:15:00.001-05:002005-03-09T14:35:10.246-05:00

Amy and I just started doing birth classes. Not the typical lamaz stuff you think about mind you, these classes are more geared toward me (the husband) as coach, and Amy (the wife) as athlete. Its not necessarily sports minded, but that analogy will do. Its real intersting, we're learning a lot, and its helping us to make informed decisions about everything from unmedicated child birth to

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1110156195733788892005-03-06T19:35:00.000-05:002005-03-06T19:45:41.386-05:00

Well Matthew endured plenty of grueling hours trying to fix these link issues on our blog and deal with Blogger's bug but now freshly into March we finally have our blog up and running again. February highlights...MANY trips...including our 6 days in Colorado and fast weekend trip to Charlottesville to be with my family as they announced their next big steps, going to London full-time with World

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1108481283616680932005-02-15T10:16:00.000-05:002005-03-02T14:55:05.933-05:00

As usual one of Mark Rothko's paintings gets at my emotions with uncanny precision, or maybe its that I feel in good company when I am with them. On the one hand I am disapointed because I did not get into Tyler School of Art, the Graduate school I was most hoping to attend, on the other hand, I have been given a $3.50 raise and my position at the thrift store is changing to that of "operations

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1108150234776335152005-02-11T13:45:00.000-05:002005-03-02T14:44:33.140-05:00

Hey yall family and friends! I have started artiswork.org and have posted a blog to the site. I am interested in talking about art in general, but especially what art might be? I'm generally not sure, even though I call myself an artist. I have been trying to understand the implications of what that means for the last 7 years or so, ever since I started trying to be educated to "be an artist"

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1106785052591700612005-01-26T18:54:00.000-05:002005-01-31T08:35:45.290-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know, that if you feel like a mess, you're not alone. You have friendship in Amy and Matthew, the messketeers. If you pray, you may consider laying one on us. We both want to remember that it is a greater thing to be owned......by God as his Son and Daughter than it is to do life well, or correctly, or even with great gusto, or in such a way that you will leave a

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1106414359126304862005-01-22T13:19:00.000-05:002005-03-02T14:56:30.943-05:00

What's up yall? The sky is falling out here! We have about 14 inches of snow between last night and this morning. It feels like home. The big Eagles game is tonight, and you can bet this snow isn't going to stop any of the nutty fans. Cuckooo! Anyway, happy Saturday yall. Ps. Have a listen to the audio blog below. Email us and let us know what you think!I hope you all like this stuff. We

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1105794875052213512005-01-15T07:58:00.000-05:002005-01-15T08:14:35.053-05:00

Good Morning everyone, happy Saturday. Today I started my day off without an alarm, about 7:00am, I just got up. I am heading over to a bedraggled storage facility for the thrift store, and I will be... ...overseeing an internal renovation ( I like that, IRS = Internal Renovation Service ). Amy is in the city as of last night, spending some good time with her friends, one of whom is in Philly

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1104896222510134482005-01-04T22:34:00.000-05:002005-01-04T23:20:36.200-05:00

Check out the subscription form on the bottom right hand corner of the blog. Down near the famdamily mail. If you subscribe you can get an email everytime that we update...click "read more" for more information... MORE INFORMATION: First you will be sent to a confirmation page. Then you will get an email from bloglet.com that will let you know that you have joined the subscription - should

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1104906012328559902005-01-04T20:15:00.000-05:002005-03-02T14:57:35.626-05:00

Amy is so weird. Which would make me "off my rocker". If you want to see us goofballs at work CLICK HERE! or look for the link under "Famdamily Tunes and Tubes". If your computer won't let you play it, you may try downloading the free quicktime player. Its a safe download and a great player for all kinds of movie trailers and music all over the web.Quicktime Download. Pretty weird huh!email

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1104845486458400012005-01-04T08:18:00.000-05:002005-01-04T08:33:37.906-05:00

Not that "big apple"... ...this big apple. Amy and I just returned from our first year anniversary spent in New York in the flat of a friend of a friend for free (say that fast five times). We had a wonderful time eating out and just taking a lot in. Check out Mama Mexico, where we ate on New Year's Eve : Click Here! We were able to see one of my favorite artist's works: Bill Viola at the

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1104449871697022592004-12-30T18:26:00.000-05:002004-12-30T18:44:12.243-05:00

Well, Amy is starting to really feel sick to her stomach - this morning sickness thing is real, although it doesn't seem to adhear to the "morning" part too steadfastly and as a sickness is willing to make Amy queezy just about any time of day. Please pray for her and the "hidden one" as I have enjoyed calling our little preborn. This is a part of a recent journal entry, I think it gets at how

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1104439840151796672004-12-30T15:50:00.000-05:002004-12-30T18:48:32.166-05:00

We just returned from Christmas down in VA...and SC. Hence the lack of entries over the past few days. We're working on a "mini smith" blog link so I can keep you all posted on the lastest with......."Elpon" (as my family has so fondly nicknamed it). We head off to NYC tomorrow for a weekend in the Big Apple, to celebrate our up-and-coming ONE YEAR!?! Umm, has a YEAR really passed? Crazy to

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1103396202734950922004-12-18T13:56:00.000-05:002004-12-20T09:14:10.696-05:00

Click on the triangle below and hear Matthew and Amy's big announcement, read more to see more.Have you heard the news?This last Wednesday Amy and I discovered that Amy is pregnant and if God wills we will have a wee smith in our hands, sometime in August (my birthday month - My dad and I were both born on August 19th, and my Grandmother on the 24th). We covet your prayers. Amy and I are

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1103390002415306492004-12-18T13:07:00.000-05:002004-12-18T12:13:22.416-05:00

Have a look at these photos. You won't believe this!Amy and I came across this house on the way home the other day. I have had nightmares since. I keep dreaming that Amy will make me work overtime on preparing for Christmas decorations like these poor dillusional souls! OUCH! Amy just hit me on the head. I guess I am a little biased on the issue! Ha. Happy Holidays yall!

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1103204017622686492004-12-16T08:29:00.000-05:002004-12-16T15:09:57.980-05:00

Aren't you glad Jesus wasn't just hip?

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1102937483764610712004-12-13T06:31:00.000-05:002004-12-13T09:37:47.136-05:00

It's just after six a.m. this morning, and for the second week in a row, Amy and Iare trying to get up earlier. Five thirty is the official departure time from sleep land. We want to have slower mornings, at least less frantic mornings, where we might be more apt to spend some time relating to Jesus. It can be hard work, but we are actually sleeping better by getting up earlier, or seem to be

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1102994102028159542004-12-08T22:08:00.000-05:002004-12-13T22:17:13.553-05:00

Charlottesville was homebase this year for Thanksgiving. We had the whole fam there, including the loud, though well accepted newcomer - Matthew. Look at all the Turkeys! We honestly had a great ol' time, and we are still full.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1102447747652042072004-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:002004-12-13T09:41:53.053-05:00

Well actually he is pretty smart...check out this cool new home page for our blog!?! My brilliant husband :0) I don't know how he does it, but he's figuring this whole thing out to actually make it worth your while to visit our blog and hang around checking out our pictures and thoughts. Enjoyable aesthetics always makes it easier to deal with browsing through countless wedding and house photos.

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1102112217273147842004-12-03T17:16:00.000-05:002004-12-15T20:33:22.886-05:00

Check this puppy out!I recently got into this one after a long day at the thrift store. It was ripe with bold cherry tarts, and a great kick on the tongue from a healthy dose of carbonation. I AM NOT A FRUITY BEER FAN, but this stuff really makes one realize that fruit does not = sweet. The big bottle is head-dipped in red wax, making this an elegant and old world looker. 750ml of pure

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1101908247788070252004-12-01T08:37:00.000-05:002004-12-13T09:43:17.326-05:00

Well the weather here in Philly really is frightful...and there's no fire to be "delightful"...besides a tiny flickering candle. We're back here in Philly afterspending Thanksgiving in the Ville and life is already back in full swing. Matthew continues to work on his portfolio for grad school which he hopes to turn in over the next couple of weeks. I'm chugging away here at work...having taken an

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1101237623618616702004-11-23T14:20:00.000-05:002004-12-13T09:44:45.393-05:00

Despite what it may look like, yes, Amy is apart of this blog as well. Matthew is exploring this exciting new world of blogging, while I've look on from afar, butI thought I'd go ahead and say hello and welcome to this crazy new deal. I hope you ALL get one rolling for yourselves...it's a fun way to stay connected and up-to-date, since it usually seems to take at least 5 phone-tag calls to catch

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243801.post-1100989854279600012004-11-20T17:30:00.000-05:002004-11-21T21:13:45.136-05:00

Amy (Hall) Smithnoreply@blogger.com0