Remember THIS story? Well, it's happened again.  But this time to me. I had donated some of my nativities to our church's nativity exhibit.  I went to pick them up and I was driving slowly home because I hadn't re-packaged the nativities all the way and had a poinsettia and a painting in my truck. …

A BIG happy birthday to my sweet S-I-L Olivia today.  I could not have hand-picked a better person for my brother to marry, or a better aunt for my kiddos who adore her.  We love you, Liv!   With Samuel, Six Flags, summer '08   With Caleb, Sept '08    With Caleb, Disney Cruise, Dec…

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around the Smith home. I don't go all out (i.e. I don't do banisters), but I do enjoy decorating for Christmas and making the house feel festive. My favorite decorations are all of the nativities I've collected (pics next week). And this is my new favorite…

We lounged in our pajamas playing UNO by the fire.  We sipped on Cherry 7-up and Egg Nog (not at the same time). Then I stuck them all into a tub full of bubbles.         But lest anyone think we're all sugarplums and fairies over here, I'll have you know the bath session ended…

  This is Sam watching Derek and the boys saddle up before riding bikes to school this morning.   This is his reaction when he watched them ride away without him.  Poor baby. Despite the fact that… 1.  My fully-decorated Christmas tree's cord has melted and now doesn't light-up. 2.  Both of the bathtub faucets…

I saw this commercial tonight and laughed out loud.  They're not kidding, people – they are really selling those!  This is my next Christmas wish…

Our family farm is one of my favorite places on earth.  Purchased by my grandfather in 1971 (or possibly '70).  He used to show horses.  It has a small white house with a white picket fence and two barns.  One was used for horses.  The other was used to store hay.  The land is leased…

Fishing at the Farm – a huge success!  These guys caught 20+ fish.  The question is was it the same 5 fish over and over again?  Or was it really 20+ fish?  Either way, they were thrilled with the success!

This little guy turned 23 months yesterday.  In one more month he will be 2.  TWO?!  How can that be?! This is the last month that I can count him by months.  When people ask me how old he is, I usually say "almost two".  But not this month.  I'm going to enjoy the last…

My lovely and friendly neighbor, Donna, who also happens to be my Gourmet Club partner, is an excellent cook.  When we moved in three years ago, we did not know how many wonderful and delicious treats would grace our doorsteps from across the street.  During the holidays she is known for her pumpkin bars, blueberry…