The concrete was poured for the pool today and is supposed to stay moist, so at least 2-3 times a day for the next week we are supposed to go spray it down. Photos courtesy of Caleb.

We had such a good time celebrating the accomplishments of a great young man this past weekend.  Christian Hicken graduated from high school AND received his Eagle Scout award.  We love this great guy!  We love his good family!  Christian is so easy going and pleasant to be around.  He's respectful and kind.  He's great…

I've mentioned it here before, but my boys have taken music lessons from "Ms.Jeanie" (Jeanie Roemer)for over 6 years now.  And I was crushed when she told me she was going to cut back her own classes to support her other teachers (she is a director for Kindermusik International).  This woman was MEANT to work…

We spent the morning at the school listening to the teacher's say wonderful things about my kids (and other kids, which is also nice).  Then we left school and met some other neighborhood moms and their kids at the pool for 4 hours – we ordered pizza and one of the dads went to pick…

Jacob's 4th grade class did a "Living History Museum" project recently.  They each had to choose a famous Texan to research and dress up as.  Each student would hold up a thumb and if pressed by another student or parent, would give a memorized monologue about that person.  Jacob chose Lance Armstrong.  The costume was…

It's the day before the last day of school.  But the last day of school there is this parental/teacher pressure to take your child home after the "Celebration of Learning" (around 10:30 am) - because everyone else is and because it's done…all the learning is done and it's time for them to come home.  I have…

One of the most satisfactory things for me as a mother is when I put a good meal on the table for my family.  Maybe it's because they appreciate it so much.  Maybe it's because this way I know they are eating healthy.  Maybe because it's a vital part of life and it feels very nurturing.  Maybe…

…when your mother lets your brothers dress you for the pool.  They put you in a bathing suit that is two sizes too big.   It's a good thing we were the only ones there – it literally fell all the way off a few times! :) 

Well, the Smith's have gone and taken the plunge (poor pun intended). We're building a pool. And we thought to ourselves…"you know we have three strapping boys who could use a little work in their lives" so we decided to let them dig the hole!  See…?   And look how proud they are of themselves…

These boys worked so hard at piano this year.  Caleb improved and grew despite limited time for lessons.  Jacob excelled leaps and bounds and didn't fight it as much, which made all the difference.  He enjoyed piano this year and would often sit and play without being prompted.  I love to hear these two make…