for a loving husband who is also a great father.for three healthy, happy boys.for supportive parents.and grandparents.for siblings.and in-laws.for aunts, uncles, cousins.for time with family.for family that i would choose as friends.and friends that feel like family.for security.and safety.for home.for community.for neighbors.for education.for faith.and beliefs that bring peace and guidance.for good health.for insurance.for financial freedom.for…

Thanksgiving, from the Smiths!  Headed to Austin this afternoon.

I talked Derek into helping me take pictures of the boys last night for the Christmas card.  He was not thrilled with the idea.  He wasn’t feeling good (in bed today!). I am not a good photographer.  I don’t know a thing about light or angles or my camera, for that matter.  But I try. …

Had another fabulous Gourmet Club Dinner on Thursday Night.  It was a Fall Feast.  16 women…3 hours of stimulating conversation and delicious food being put in front of you.  It’s SO fun for me. Our hostesses!

I decided I needed to dedicate today to just having fun with Caleb and Samuel (a novel concept, right?!).  Usually it seems that housework, errands, and projects can seem to steal our time.  But not today! We went to a great park in Frisco and took C’s bike.  They have trails back in a wooded…

Here are some tidbits of life around here lately (pretty boring, really)… 1. Had a fun night with my good friends, Dana and Shelley, Friday night.  After the waitress kicked us out (well, not really, but we could tell she was getting anxious for us to leave) of the restaurant, we found some chairs in…

Aqua DOTS laced with Chemicals Click the story for the link.  Lovely.  Needless to say I threw OURS out this morning.  I think we are going to get re-prints of the Toys R Us catalog this year…EVERYTHING Made in China is being recalled…what will be left??? SWEATERS.  My kids will only get SWEATERS from Santa…

I just got a package!  You’d think it was Christmas morning with how giddy I am.  I ordered these two things for myself: So the baby is napping, Caleb is having some quiet time, and I’m reading and listening.  And I’m just thrilled with the little party I’m having! 🙂

Derek has been working from home at least 2 days a week recently.  That’s what happens when your boss is in California.  He even puts the kids to work.

comes at you fast sometimes. I’ve got my two youngest kids sick with hand, foot, and mouth disease (lovely!).  Fever, ulcers in the mouth, miserable…  And Caleb threw up in the parking lot at the doctor’s office.  In a wipe box.  It’s all I had available. And Jacob’s having trouble in school.  And he’s way…