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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 invited to come stay with us in NC!!  Woo hoo!  It was my selfish side that kept me from posting it on the blog for this long, but I’ve come to my senses and decided that if you all enter it will increase MY chances! 🙂  So have at it…let’s go to North Carolina and have a party in our new summer home.

HGTV’s Dream Home Giveaway (click on it)

p.s. If you win and I don’t, there will be serious ramifications (I’m talking to you Hickens…you lucky ducks…the Smiths will be joining you AGAIN this summer if you win!)

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 drops"…something you don’t see very much of, but we all hope it will come and visit again soon.

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 JOY.  The kind that comes only when we listen but seems to be fleeting, like I said.  It is the kind that is pure.  And it comes from my thoughts about how blessed I am and how I really have everything I’ve ever wanted.  Two beautiful, healthy and happy children (did I mention funny, charming and slightly precocious?).  A wonderful, hard-working and loving husband who happens to also be a great dad.  An opportunity to stay at home and run our household and all of the privileges that gives me.  A faith that sustains me and comforts me and helps me to recognize moments like these.  Family and friends that love and support and laugh with me (the laughing part I especially enjoy).  And all of the other stuff that is really not that important and yet gives enjoyment and pleasure.  I am counting my blessings tonight.  And realizing that I have ENOUGH and to spare.  And I’m grateful. 

Hoping you can have moments like these this weekend too.

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 us with your hidden talents and interests.

…you watch every Cowboys game as if it’s the Super Bowl.

…you play hard and work hard.

…you live life to the fullest.

…you will talk to us about every kind of fish in the sea/river/lake (this one’s from Jacob).

…you are one of a kind.

Have a great day, Mike…we love you.

and my personal favorite…

you big nut!

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 at $50 an hour, I can only consult with the decorator so much.  I have swatches coming out of my ears!

Opinions?  Anyone? 

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 of a good idea, huh?  forget "time out" just put them in a cellar!)

I’m having one of those days where I wish 3 would pass quickly and where I think to myself "we actually want to do this again with another one?!".  But then he comes in for a "cuddle" and redeems himself.  And alas…at 4 the cheeks will be gone and the cute way he sucks on his thumb (well, we hope) and he’ll start to look more like a boy instead of like a toddler.  I’ll endure it a few more months I guess.

   

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 it has a homey feel) overlooks a lake and cows.  There are deer feeders and a pier to fish off of (the lake is stocked with bass), fire pits and huge rocking chairs to sit out by the lake with.  There is a driving range and trails to hike or bike.  And the food is incredible.  I had the most amazing pancakes this morning…hard to believe that pancakes could taste any different than the usual IHOP kind…but oh believe-you-me they were good (made with vanilla bean).  The rooms have hardwood floors and granite showers…really nice.  Other than the fact that Derek was extremely sick all night (poor guy), we had a fabulous time (it is so sad…he’s really sick…but it had nothing to do with the food).

It’s fabulous and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nearby vacation…you won’t regret it.

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 design and budgeting…thus the scholarship part.

All proceeds go directly to my home…a very good cause.

Send checks directly to me, Meredith Smith.

And thank you for your support.

🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

**Edited: Derek saw this and said, "Funny…but pathetic, dear."  He took pity on me and took me furniture shopping…bought a table at Weirs for the dining room and a wrought iron patio set!  Going to buy the D.R. chairs today at Andersons.  You know that commercial, "What can BROWN do for you?"  My new motto is, "What can BLOG do for you?" Ha! **

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 oh what a spirit!  She would laugh and play and run and cry like every other 6-year old, but battles so many things because of her burns…surgery once a year for a variety of things, skin that itches and is super sensitive to heat and cold, risk of blisters and infection, etc.  The saddest part of the story is that the fire was started from one of her mom’s cigarettes and when mom saw Terri undergoing surgery-after-surgery in the initial recovery, she couldn’t take it, and left…and no one has heard from her since.  Dad (Paul) does everything (with a little help from in-home nurses).  It was his simple acts of charity towards his daughter that really touched me.  I was amazed at his strength and fortitude.  He wasn’t a profound man.  Not a man of great wisdom or insight.  Not someone that would make heads turn or draw a room to a hush.  But a man that has kept his commitments in the face of adversity…a man that is doing the best that he can under tragic circumstances…a man that gets up every morning and keeps going so he can be there for his little girl.

We need more people like Paul Calvesbert in the world.