So Derek heard about this contest and got me hooked about 2 weeks ago or so.  And you can enter once a day until Feb 17th.  I can honestly say I’ve been almost every day!  We’ve even had a detailed discussion about what we would do with it if we won! Ha!  And you’re all…

http://www.icehotel-canada.com/en/index.en.php http://www.icehotel.com/english/index2.htm (look at the panorama pictures of the rooms) Derek and the kids read about these in the latest issue of National Geographic Kids.  And they just think that would be the funnest thing ever.  Am I crazy to think that they’re crazy?!  I’ll be heading for the beach when they head for Sweden.

For the first time in 32 days (news count, not mine…and I for one think it’s been longer) it’s raining.  Jacob walked out this morning and it took him by surprise.  He did a double take standing in the garage and said, "Whoa…that’s rain!"  Yes, son…it is "water condensed from atmospheric vapor and falling in…

I am posting this evening in hopes of capturing my thoughts tonight…because they are often fleeting when distracted by dishes and bedtime and other things that get in the way.  We were driving in the car (me and the boys) on our way home from getting Sonic (sad, but true)…and I had a flash of…

Happy Birthday, Michael (aka Uncle Mike)! We love you because… …you make us laugh hysterically. …you can do an impression of Ross Perot and a French woman all in the same sentence. …you are obsessive compulsive about having things just right (we like that because it means you’re just like us). …you continue to surprise…

I’m having custom drapes, pillows and a cushion made for my window seat on the stairs.  And I want it to be fabulous (especially since we’re paying a small fortune to have it done).  But oh man! are their a lot of fabrics to choose from.  And a lot of fabric stores to visit.  And…

1. pATieNCe 2. NEgoTIaTiOn taCTIcS 3. exTRa StaIN AND paINt For YOUr hOmE (this is Caleb climbing on the cabinets to wash his hands…"yes, as a matter of fact that is my supposed formal bathroom downstairs and yes, that is the toilet seat up." 4. TUne oUT skILLs 5. PatIEncE 6. a WHine CEllaR (kind…

Derek and I took a small vacation (less than 24 hours) and used a gift certificate for a stay at the Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose, TX (the hill country)…about 2 hours from Frisco.  It is such a fun place…for couples, families, business retreats, etc.  The lodge (which by the way is small so…

I went furniture shopping today. Decided that in order to furnish my home the way I want I’m going to have to get creative. I’m starting the Meredith Smith Scholarship Fund. It will be put to good use.  Everyone will benefit (everyone that comes to the house that is). I will be excelling in interior…

Last night I watched a documentary (on TLC called Being Terri) about a little girl named Terri Calvesbert from Britain.  She survived an accident in which she was burned over 90% of her body.  At first it’s heartbreaking to watch her…no hair, no hands, skin that is stretched as far as it will go.  But…