SEGUIN, Texas -- It's been nearly a week since 28-year-old Amber Lyn Smith disappeared from her Seguin home.

Smith's family is keeping hope that she will be found alive and made a tearful plea at a news conference on Friday.

"It's like it's not real," said Smith's mother, Cyndy Scheffel. "Like I'm in a fog."

Cyndy Scheffel said she just wants to hear from her daughter. Authorities said the last time anyone spoke with Smith was late Saturday.

"We talked at midnight and everything was fine," said Smith's sister, Allison Scheffel. "We talked on a daily basis, two or three times a day."

Smith's common-law husband told police that Smith was gone when he returned home Sunday morning from a night of partying. He said the couple's 4-year-old and 1-month old sons were left alone in the house.

Seguin police investigators said they're following leads and interviewing people to narrow their focus. Smith's common-law husband is said to be cooperating with police.

"As every day goes by, as every hour passes, we grow more concerned for her safety," said Detective Sgt. Maureen Watson, of the Seguin Police Department.

The Texas Department of Safety Crime Lab is evaluating evidence taken from her home and car.

Smith's family said the disappearance is strange.

"Waiting is the hardest part," said Allison Scheffel. "We're waiting to hear something from her -- looking at the door -- if she's going to walk through there."

Seguin police are asking area law enforcement agencies to help them in the search.

For now, however, the search has been suspended.

Investigators hope to resume their search of area rivers and grounds next week.