A New Reason to Celebrate

As we embark on history, I am reflecting on the amazing contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am hoping our nation won't forget the sacrifice Dr. King made to pave the way for our dreams to be realized. What an amazing feeling to see the fruit of his labor. If Dr. King was here, I am sure he would be honored to witness history continuing, but I am sure he is viewing history for his "mountain top" and will still get to see the "promise land". I am honored to be the continued recipient of his good works, dedication, compassion and love for people. When I look at how African American are able to completed degrees, get amazing jobs and live where we want, I am humbled. I tried to think about my parents and the battles they faced when looking for employment, wanting to vote, looking for approporate and affordable housing, trying to make a better way of life for their children and now watching the First African American President...again, I am humbled.

When I watch President Elect Barack Obama become President Barack Obama, I will remember the dream that came true. Today, we spent the morning celebrating at the University of Great Falls (UGF). Cory spoke (along with Pastor Caldwell from Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church) and our Gospel service sang with the campus singers. This was an amazing experience as UGF is a Catholic school. I pray the experience will expand the minds of people and, as Chaplain Smith (Cory) reminded us...to continue building the wall of justice and unity. I have included pictures...aren't you proud of me. Smooches!!! Jamie

The Smith's New Journey

I know, I know.....where are the pictures...I am still without my equipment, so I ask for your patience. I did want to update you on some amazing news. Cory and I submitted our adoption application on Tuesday and received our pre-service training letter in the mail today. In Montana, you are required to undergo 18 hours of training before they proceed with your process. This is exciting!!!! The training will take place towards the end of this month.

From what I understand, once we complete the training, we will be assigned a case worker and begin the home study process. I am humbled to think we could be parents!!!! We are going to be screened for both foster and adoption...they are desperate for foster parents, so we will probably be foster parents first, but we are good with that. Whoever God places in our home will be a blessing to us. Continue to pray for us!!! This will be a journey and journey's come with their share of ups and downs. I pray for more ups than downs, but we just want to be in His will, so please pray.

Love ya much!!

C & J

Happy New Year's...three days later....

Happy New Year's Everyone!!! As some of you know, we were in San Diego for about four days for the Holiday Bowl game. It was excited to be around our OSU people, but the loss was devastating. There are no words to describe our disappointment with the team, but it was nice to see the Cowboys in action. Again.....can we say new defense and defensive coach!!!

The experience was nice, but I would love for our OSU alumni siblings and their families to attend the next time. he vision I saw was our families tailgating, sporting our OSU gear, singing the chants like only alums can and having a wonderful time. Hint, hint....start saving your money for next year....you never know.

We also LOVED the warm weather. Can we say sunshine everyday....that is what I am talking about!!! Any place you can wear shorts and boots is my kind of place. Our flight was delayed coming back from San Diego and we hoped we would be delayed for an additional day. Hey, I am not ghetto, but honest. A sister was trying to get a free meal, free room and payment for our plane ticket from Daddy Delta....:)

There are some pictures, but not as many as I would like. Our camera quit on us...on day two. You know we were not happy. We found this out at the pier on the way to the pep rally, so I began taking pictures with my cell phone. As soon as I figure out how to get the pictures from the phone to the computer, I will post them.

The weather was pretty decent when we returned from San Diego, but took a turn on Friday morning. We almost had a white out. The snow was high, the wind was strong and it was cold. Jamie had to go to work, but the base commander closed the base at 11:30am, so she got to come home early. Today, we have sun and no wind. I will take it!!!! Well, until later....love you all!!