Around Christmas time, we had a special evening with the boys where I gave them a framed picture that I found earlier in the year.  It is a painting that was in our Church's magazine last summer.  It is of Joseph, Hyrum and Samuel Smith (one of the Samuel's that our own SPS is named after). …

Turns out I have a loyal following of worriers who read my blog! 🙂 Thank you for making me feel like I'm not the only one. And to relieve you of having to worry about us any further, here's the story: We have been concerned about Caleb for quite some time.  He's often lethargic, pale and…

At 9:50 last night I got a phone call. Phone calls that late usually contain news – bad or good. This phone call was news of the BEST kind. It was my brother Mark sounding very proud of himself, almost giddy. And when he asked if Derek could get on the phone too, it was…

He's cute.  Just because he's mine.  Just because he's not camera shy.  Just because it's fun. That's why we had this little photo session last Friday.         I love his little muffin top!   "Show me your muscles!"

Theme:  The fruits of our labors The hosts: Misti and Angela The menu: Mango Mojito (a yummy drink), Stuffed Yellow Squash, Wheat Bread with Apple Butter, Parsnip and Apple Soup with Parmesan-Chive Foam, Spinach Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese, Mango and Chicken Pasta, Duck Breast with Prune and Date Sauce, Grape Sorbet, Chocolate Resurrection Cake…

"the bloody steak". Caleb Smith, Valentine's 2009

This is how my repentant e-mail to the teachers and principal read today…sad, really. 🙂 Subject Line: Box Top Lady, You're Fired! Dear Forgiving Teachers: In the interest of full disclosure I must confess my latest "goof".  But thankfully it will not result in utter chaos and anarchy at Ashley (at least I hope). Here's…

7:30 am – meet at an elementary school on the west side of town for the UIL Spelling Test (his coach was Caleb's kinder teacher, my former neighbor!  Results on Friday) 9:30 am – run to McDonald's for a breakfast treat to celebrate learning 600 words in 6 weeks (and although I hate McD's any…

At the beginning of the year, Caleb would come home telling us about a boy that sat by him in Kindergarten that did some "funny" things (Caleb's words).  We soon learned that Jax has some special needs and had his own "helper" or aid that came to the classroom.  We encouraged Caleb to be a…

I love Valentine's now that I have a whole bunch of boys to love.  And boys that love me back.  Doesn't every girl want boys to love her – and I have a posse of them!  How lucky am I?! First I attended the boys' school V-day parties:   We had a fun party with…