An Overflowing Cup

Myles

2012-01-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

He tells me at least 3 times every single day, "MAMA--I want to go to the beach...NOW!"

He says the sweetest prayers you've ever heard.

He loves to fish, ride a tractor, and go to the "big movies."

He's all boy. He's even starting to have that "boy" smell to him.

He's always got his shoes on backwards.

He says "yessir" no matter if you're a woman or a man.

He gets away with more than he should. He has a heart melting grin and a twinkle in his eyes.

He's special, my Myles. And, I can not believe he's 4!

I'm afraid to even blink.

Some thoughts on marriage...

2011-12-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

Eightyears ago today, I woke up terribly sick. Weeks of frenzied preparations led toa case of pneumonia, which led to a strong antibiotic that made me awfully sickto my stomach.

But,a bride must go on!

Iwas weak and feeble from throwing up all day. Led down the sidewalk to thefront of the church by my daddy, who carried the emergency trash can, Iwondered if a video of a bride throwing up at the altar might win some cash onAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos?

But,I made it through. Thank goodness.

And,despite my illness, it was a fantastic wedding. My mama knows how to throw aparty.

WhenI started dating Mitchell, I had a handful of his friends tell me that Iwouldn’t find a better man than Mitchell Smith.

And,you know, they were right!

Ina world where divorce seems to be the “thing to do” when times get tough, ourmeasly eight years of marriage seems like a triumph. Frankly, I’m sick andtired of seeing friends’lives be torn apart by this evil phenomenon nameddivorce.

Haseveryday of our eight years been a fairytale?

Ofcourse not. We’ve been through some times that honestly are probably worse thanwhat many people split up over.

But,this year, more than ever before, I’m so thankful that I married a man whobelieves in the sanctity of marriage.

Whowalks away when I’m mad and try to pick a fight with him.

Whomakes decisions not rashly, but with forethought and prayerful consideration.

Whoflat out tells me, divorce is not an option. Ever. Period.

Notthat I’ve been considering it. It’s just when you take that option off thetable, it makes you realize, yes, we do have to work through this. No, we can’tsimply throw up our hands in defeat and walk away. We’ve got to find a way tomake it work.

AmI a marriage counselor? Certainly not.

Willmore tough times be ahead? Surely.

But,will we get through them together? Definitely.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

What a wonderfulpromise. While the world spins out of control around us, Jesus Christ remainsthe same.

And, really, a Godlymarriage should be the same.

Constant.

In times of turmoil.

In times of happiness.

In times of anger.

In times of love.

Constant.

Definitelyworth celebrating!

HappyAnniversary to us!

Neal

2011-07-30T18:48:00.000-04:00

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (Psalm 23:5)

I was looking up this verse online, because I wanted to include it on Neal’s birth announcements. I came across an interesting article that explains the origin of the verse.

“My cup is full” or “overflowing” translates more literally into the word satiation. Satiation…means to satisfy, to have more than you need, to be full in excess. The verse literally refers to the banquet cup from which the psalmist drank, but David is relating this “cup” to his life experience. His life was full and overflowing with blessings.

I think Mitchell and I relate to David’s feelings when he wrote Psalm 23. We are more than “satisfied” with all that God has blessed us with, and we are eternally grateful to Him.

Neal has fit right into our bustling family. She accommodates big sister and big brother and lets them hold her often. She travels well, and likes to be on the go. We have already forgotten what life around here was like before her.

Country Come to Town

2011-05-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

My husband has been pressing me to update this blog. I gave him full permission to write his own post, but he hasn’t taken me up on the offer. Since I’ve been stuck in bed with a virus all day, what better time to catch this little site up?

Well, there have been lots of developments over the last few months with our little family. First, we found out that we were expecting baby Smith #3 in June. We’ve decided to name her “Neal” Caroline. I’ve always wanted to name a daughter “Neal” after my grandmother Emma Neal and myself, Jennifer Neal! We’re extremely blessed to be adding to our family.

All of these bodies finally outgrew our house that we’ve lived in since we married. Country has come to town, as they say. We bought a little bit bigger house with closets and central heat and air! J It also has a pool, which we’ve already been enjoying.

We had been living in Mitchell’s grandparents’ homeplace on the farm. The sweet old house hasn’t been perfect. It has had lots of little feet running through it over the years. But, it has been a special place, and as much as I’ve complained about it not having enough storage or more bathrooms, it is with very mixed emotions that I packed those boxes to move out of it.

Mitchell’s grandmother left us a legend of a yard. It’s full of old southern plants that come back year after year. It’s a full time job to take care of it. So, we definitely haven’t done it justice with our landscaping skills, but I know that she is proud that both of us appreciate it. It’s always felt somewhat like the “secret garden” to me, and now it is the same for Mary Thomas. She likes to wander, picking up “treasures” around the yard and picking flowers.

The children will miss being able to wander down the red dirt driveway whenever they get the urge to visit the “shop” for a Coke and a candy bar that their Grandy keeps stocked up for them. They’ll miss watching the crops grow in the field behind the house, and catching a tractor ride whenever one happens to ride through the yard.

Hopefully, we’ll be back in Concord one day.

For now, we’re adjusting to life in a “neighborhood.” I have to tell the kids “shhhhh” every 5 minutes, and Myles has given the neighbors lots to laugh about streaking through the yard and such…

We’ll make visits to the “country house,” as we’re jokingly calling it, often so they can grab that snack out of the old rusty refrigerator, and get their little feet red and sandy.

Last time we stopped by, Mary Thomas came back to the car with her arms full of oak hydrangeas and magnolia blossoms.

Lots of Fishing...

2010-09-07T19:28:00.000-04:00

Realized I haven't updated the blog in 5 weeks. It's not for a lack of things to post about...more about the lack of time to post them.

Looking back through pictures, I realize we've done a lot of fishing this summer.

Myles was learning how to cast at the Shivers'.

He finally caught his first one!

More fishing at Oyster Bay...

Canoeing with the Kids

2010-07-31T23:52:00.000-04:00

Spent the afternoon with the family on the Flint River for the kids' first extensive canoe trip. By extensive, I mean 5 miles. The most they've gone before is about 2. They did great and had fun riding the little rapids and getting out and playing in the water. MT is following in her daddy's footsteps, I believe. The canoe almost sank from all of the rocks she collected and put in the boat to bring home.

This last picture was their favorite spot. After we canoed down it, we got out of the boat and swam back up river and floated back down the rapid. They both cried when we wouldn't let them do it again!

Myles' Many Faces

2010-07-18T16:02:00.000-04:00

Myles is quite the animated little boy. He's always made the funniest faces. After looking through some pictures this weekend, I just had to put these together...

Our week on the Forgotten Coast

2010-07-12T10:09:00.000-04:00

This past week we visited some places in Florida most people have never heard of...

Oyster Bay, Mashes Sand, Wakulla Springs, Shell Point, Spring Creek, St. Marks, Wakulla Beach, Panacea, Ochlocknee Bay...

We had a so much fun riding bicycles, canoeing, catching crabs, walking on the beach, spotting wildlife, and exploring.

Here's a look...

Groovy Summer...

2010-06-16T14:02:00.001-04:00

Having a groovy summer so far... Doing lots of swimming, playing outside, and enjoying each other's company. Getting ready to take some fun trips. We are "living the good life" for sure!

Mary Thomas

2010-06-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

On a Saturday night, June 4, 2005, I finally convinced her daddy to take me to the hospital. I thought I was in labor, but being my first baby, I wasn't really sure what labor was supposed to feel like? All I knew was that I couldn't wait any longer for that baby girl. So, we checked in, and luckily, I was far enough along, that they admitted me into Labor and Delivery. It was a LONG night. We have pictures from the waiting room that prove it!

Finally, on Sunday, she arrived..."full of grace."

She didn't have any idea how much mending she would do for lots of hearts I knew.

And as the years passed by, on she grew...

One-year old birthday party--2006

Two-year old birthday party--2007

Three-year old birthday party--2008

Four-year old birthday party--2009

And just this week, she celebrated being five.

Somehow, even though I know time is flying by, at the same time, she causes me to slow down and soak it all in, just as she does.

So, thank you, my little girl, for helping me realize what is truly important during this fleeting time on earth...

And, happy fifth birthday!

2010-06-03T17:01:00.002-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Stolen Camera...

2010-05-06T15:01:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, Mary Thomas got a hold of my camera while I was busy mowing the grass. This was the result...

From <Unknown Person>

Buster...

2010-04-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

Who knew that one of these...

Could cause so many of these...

Since Buster the Chicken came to live at our house going on 3 weeks ago, he/she/it has been the source of many smiles and general entertainment. Thanks so a certain friend (ahem...Dina McCorkle), we somehow ended up with a chicken! Most of those who know me well, know that I am not the biggest animal lover. I mean, I don't dislike animals, but I don't love them either. And, now, in addition to the FIVE cats that live at our house, we have a chicken to feed, water, house, and protect.

But, little Buster has grown on me a little. He/she/it is not so bad. Hopefully Buster will earn his/her/its keep and produce some eggs one day. Assuming it's a girl-chicken...

Needless to say, it is now MT and Myles' new best friend...

Seafood, Sunsets, & Smiles...

2010-03-15T13:22:00.001-04:00

Spent some time away this weekend in FL and enjoyed a little sunshine. The kids had fun learning how to throw the cast net with Pop.

My best Catches of the Day:

Snow!!

2010-02-16T11:05:00.001-05:00

Why is it that after a 4-day weekend, I am so tired?

Shouldn't we be rested from all of the extra time off of work and school?

Maybe it's because we spent the weekend running errands in town, playing in the snow, making Valentine cookies, going back out to play in the snow, drinking hot chocolate, back out again to play in the snow, building snowmen, spending a night out on the town to celebrate Valentine's day, riding in the most redneck sleigh ever....pulled by a tractor, sitting by the fire and making smores, cooking chicken chili, going to church, riding to Blakely, celebrating Gigi's birthday, spending the night in Blakely, having lunch at Funny Girl's and finally riding back home!

Phewwwww. Now I remember why I'm tired!

Tractors, Tractors, Tractors!

2010-01-25T12:54:00.001-05:00

This pretty much sums up Myles' feelings about his 2-year old tractor birthday party Sunday. He had a pretty good time!

The tractor cupcakes turned out cute, and I was proud to have actually made one of my children's birthday cakes myself!

It was a good day, despite the weather! Thanks to the Hagerson's, we had a nice indoor location to move the party to. The rain actually held off and the kids were able to play outside in the wind.

We've got tons of pictures here if you'd like to see.

A Reminder...

2010-01-19T12:24:00.004-05:00

I have always loved the Rick and Bubba radio show, but since it got taken off the air in Albany several years ago, I haven't been able to listen. Every now and then I will get on their website and listen to bits and pieces, but it is not very often that I get to do that.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw that they were on facebook and I joined their page.

Today, I saw their status update to check their website and hear Rick's eulogy and update on their family. I didn't know what they were referring to, so I clicked on the link.

I was able to gather that Rick Burgess' youngest son, Bronner, drowned in their family swimming pool when he was 2. I guess in these past few years that I haven't been able to listen, I just completely missed out on this tragedy that happened.

Of course, having lost my brother Tom, anytime someone that speaks out about losing a child, it catches my attention. So, I started listening... Their response to this tragedy is an awesome testimony.

Bronner was obviously a rambunctious 2 year old that was all boy. There are pictures of him on the site, and he is a cute blonde.

Bronner died on January 19, 2008. It was one of the coldest days we have had in years, icy and snowy.

I remember that day well.

It was the same day that our own sweet "rambunctious, all boy," and as of today, 2-year old blonde was born.

Wow.

What a great reminder of the awesome blessings in my life.

So, today I am ever so thankful for two years of great memories, and I am reminded that although I am his "mama," he ultimately answers to a much higher calling, his heavenly father. So, all I can do is teach him to be a "warrior" for Christ, and trust that the Lord will use him as he sees fit, whether here on earth or in heaven. Because as the Burgess' learned two years ago, and my family learned seven years ago, you just don't know when He will call on you.

"P" is for Pizza!

2010-01-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

MT's class enjoyed pizza at Roman Oven for the letter "P" this week!

Our Christmas Holidays

2009-12-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

We've been going, going, going during our Christmas break! Santa was good to all of us, of course! We've enjoyed family, friends, good eats, and fun activities. Now looking forward to another week at home before back to the daily grind.

Please look at a few of our other Christmas photos here.

Perfect View

2009-12-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

We managed to get the best seat in the house to watch the Christmas parade last night! We were cozy under our blanket and were so close to the parade, we could have have reached out and grabbed Santa's beard. Everyone was thoroughly entertained!

Indian Feast

2009-11-19T12:41:00.001-05:00

Went to the sweetest little Indian Feast today. Learned all about the First Thanksgiving, sampled some homemade butter, and saw some great Indian costumes.

Some were Happy, some Sleepy, but most were Grumpy!

2009-10-30T08:55:00.000-04:00

Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs were extremely cute in the Downtown Pet Parade yesterday! They even won 2nd place!

We also had two precious pumpkins in the parade!

Happy Fall Everyone!

2009-10-26T14:28:00.000-04:00

Birthdays and Festivals

2009-10-19T12:30:00.004-04:00

We had a fun, yet busy weekend. Harper's birthday party at the Flint Riverquarium was a blast!

The birthday boy was the center of attention!

The kids got to get up close and personal with a baby alligator. My two were all about touching it. Myles wanted to take it home!

We were all excited about having daddy back around. Hopefully he will be home for a while.

After the party, we flew back to Concord for the Fall Festival. I had a fairy/princess/vampire and a little boot-wearing football player with me.

The kiddie "hayride."

Picnic at the Park

2009-10-06T14:13:00.004-04:00

Saturday, daddy had to work (AGAIN), and so we visited the riverfront park in Albany. The kids loved it.

They have a really cool huge turtle to climb on.

Where's my shoe?

And, they have a really cool alligator.

We finished with a picnic. Someone really enjoyed their sandwich...

After the park, we went to see the new 3-D Toy Story, which was really neat. They both watched the entire time, munching on their popcorn! Fun day!

An Afternoon at the Smith Household

2009-09-22T09:19:00.003-04:00

This post is for our daddy, who is still working out of town. We thought he might want to see what we've been doing at home.

Yesterday, we had some time after school to play outside.

We started with a little bike riding...

Then, did a little posing for pictures...our new favorite thing to do.

Some of us aren't quite so into taking pictures...

"Get that camera away from me!"

Unless sister is taking the pictures...Then I will smile. She's becoming quite the little photographer.

Then, a semi came to get a load of corn. Except....

he missed the driveway. So, we had to watch the tractor pull him out of the ditch.

Finally, he made it out and loaded the corn!

So, see what all you're missing, daddy? Exciting stuff... We miss you and will be glad when you get home this weekend!

My Tribute to "Miss" Liz

2009-09-18T11:24:00.007-04:00

This week, an old friend, my piano teacher, Mrs. Liz Darden passed away. She had struggled in recent years with health problems, and it had not been an easy time for her. Since hearing the news, I've been thinking about how much she meant to me, and I just wanted to share.

I'm not sure exactly how old I was when I started taking piano lessons from "Miss" Liz, somewhere around 7, I think and continued until I was 18. I would go to her house, and sit down and wait for my turn at the baby grand. Getting to play on her beautiful baby grand was a treat. And, no, it wasn't a tacky shiny black one, it was a classy brown...my favorite still.

I already knew "Miss" Liz before I started taking lessons from her, because she played the piano and the organ at my church. So, I don't remember being nervous or scared about going.

Somewhere early in my years with her, she must have instilled in me the love of playing the piano. I won't say I was the best about practicing between lessons, but I never dreaded or minded playing at home. In fact, I remember that I would wake up early for school and play while I was waiting for everyone else to get ready to go. That used to drive my mama crazy, I think. It just started my day off right.

Playing the piano has always been a relaxing and therapeutic experience for me. Now days, playing in front of others is not my cup of tea. I just enjoy doing it for myself.

I always had a hard time memorizing my recital pieces. It was just a mental thing. But, finally, "Miss" Liz gave in and would let me have my music at the piano during the recital. After one of my last recitals, I received the biggest compliment. Mr. Bill Lane, a musician himself, told me afterwards that my playing sounded "just like Liz." What a compliment! I haven't forgotten.

She taught me the "right way," using drills and exercises to give me skill, while playing beautiful classical pieces for me and getting me "hooked" on their beauty. She introduced me to music like, Chopin's Valse, Brahm's Waltz , Mozart's Rondo, and Handel's Largo.

I still sit down and play from a book that she picked out for me. It still has the dates written at the top of pages, where she would write the lesson date she would want me to have a piece ready. And, it has pages turned down that she thought I'd enjoy playing. She'd say, "I know you like the flowy ones."

It was our honor that she was able to play the organ at our wedding. "Miss" Liz was not blessed with height, but her little legs could reach those organ pedals and play it like no one else. It was a toss up whether you'd rather hear her on the piano or the organ.

I remember "turning pages" for her at various events when she was playing. She'd give me a "slight nod of her head" and I'd know what to do. That was always fun, and I felt special that she'd chosen me.

She had a dynamic personality. When my brother died, she came to visit us right away. I vividly remember sitting in the living room with her. She lightened the mood quickly with stories about chickens in her yard as a girl. She had us rolling at such a tragic time. That is a gift that only a few people have.

Someone inferred recently that my parents had spent lots of money on piano lessons, and since I didn't play "in public" anymore, they must feel like they had wasted their money! But, giving a young person a love of music, an appreciation of the classics, and a childhood full of wonderful memories with a sweet teacher is worth all of the money in the world.

I was not able to attend her funeral, because I was teaching a workshop that day. But, I just know there was beautiful music and she was smiling down.

Now, my little one is taking piano lessons herself. And, I hope "Miss" Liz is smiling down on that too.

So, I think I'll go play a song or two...

The Wild Outdoors...

2009-09-08T10:13:00.018-04:00

We survived the wild outdoors once again this year! Our family has made it a tradition to go camping in North Georgia the last few years. We've got great memories from those trips.

In 2006, we camped at DeSoto Falls. Mary Thomas was 1.

In 2007, we made the journey again. This time, Mary Thomas was 2, and I was pregnant with Myles! Yes, I slept in a tent... on the ground... 6 months pregnant. We camped at Dockery Lake.

In 2008, we took Myles. Mary Thomas was 3 and Myles was 9 months! We camped at Deep Hole.

This year, we took friends! We camped again at Dockery Lake. There were 5 families with us. We camped, tubed, built campfires, devoured smores, and had lots of laughs.

Ranch Mouth

2009-09-02T08:41:00.000-04:00

Are my children the only ones who are allergic to Ranch dressing? Both M2 and M3 have always gotten a red, irritated face whenever they've eaten Ranch. It's hard to see in this photo, but M3 of course smears his all over his face when he eats, and this is what happens!

WIPEOUT

2009-08-26T20:35:00.004-04:00

M3's favorite show is WIPEOUT. It comes on Wednesday nights on abc. Seriously.... he loves it. He laughs and laughs. Now, he does not make it a habit to watch tv shows. This is the only show he watches.

Maybe it's because they do a lot of jumping, getting knocked around, and falling into muddy pits. He thoroughly enjoys doing all of those things. He is truly...all...boy. We all remember when he "wiped out" this summer.

Unfortunately, we are watching it on his behalf. He has had a little ear infection this week. He took his medicine like a big boy, well......... after much convincing and "sharing" with mama, daddy, and sisty. And, he kind of wiped out on his own...with his paci, blankie, and his minky dot pillow.

Fashion for Farming

2009-08-16T19:23:00.002-04:00

Our little cousin, Greer, was recently a part of this video for the Southern Proper company. It is a great video (filmed at a local farm) with great music, and I just had to share it. He's the only "little one" in the video.

http://www.fashionforfarming.com

First Day of School

2009-08-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

Today M2 went to school for the first day! Well, not really.........She only went from 9:00-9:45 and I went with her! First real day is Monday. But, I did convince her to take a couple of pictures. I'm sure we'll try to do a few more Monday. She was a big girl and is so excited about starting!

Wedding Weekend

2009-08-10T14:22:00.000-04:00

Our cousin Katie Hall got married this weekend. We hosted a Bridesmaids' Luncheon on Friday and then went to the beautiful wedding on Saturday. We took the opportunity to get a few pictures in at the wedding! Congratulations Katie & Josh!

Another Cutie Pie

2009-08-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

I'm so proud of my niece Emmalyn. She's the sweetest thing.

I am "SO NOT CUTE, MOM"

2009-08-06T13:45:00.003-04:00

M2 is on this kick where she does not want to hear the word "cute." I guess since she's been called the "c-word" her whole life, she's pretty tired of it.

So, she says, "DO NOT CALL ME CUTE, MOM! CALL ME GORGEOUS!" Yes, folks, "gorgeous."

But, since she can't read yet, let me just say right here, right now, that in my opinion (and, yes, I'm pretty biased), she's pretty darn CUTE!

Yummy...

2009-08-04T12:42:00.001-04:00

Three bananas continued to ripen on the counter, until I finally found this Chocolate Banana Bread recipe. It was VERY good. Best banana bread I've ever had. So, thought I'd share a picture and the recipe.

Back in the Swing of Things

2009-07-21T09:57:00.006-04:00

Well, well, well....I'm back at work, and I finally have time to sit down at a computer and post an update. :-)

We've been busy this summer...well, if you call going to the pool daily, and spending several days in Florida busy....That's been us this summer!

I've started my new job as of yesterday, and M2 and M3 started their new daycare today. M2 starts 4K August 14. So, she'll be at the daycare until then. We had a pretty stress-free drop off this morning... At least for them. I was a little teary-eyed, I must admit.

Just wanted to share a few pics from our fun times.

Jesus is in my Heart

2009-06-23T21:27:00.004-04:00

Some of you may have heard this story Sunday at church (assuming that somebody out there is reading this thing)... But, I've gotta add it to the "archive."

Sunday morning was a mad house. M3 does his business in the bathtub, which requires cloroxing the tub and re-bathing everyone. Then, once they're dressed, M2 gets the watermelon out of the frig for M1 and they chow down, dripping red watermelon juice all down their clean church clothes.

Needless to say, we are running late at this point.

So, I tell M2 to go get her white church sandals. She comes back with the ugliest, oldest sandals she's got. So, I send her back. She argues. This continues for at least 10 minutes.

Finally I tell her that the reason we wear our best clothes and SHOES to church, is because we want to look our best for Jesus. I thought that sounded pretty good...

Well, she says "Mama, Jesus is in my heart. He can't see my shoes!"

So, there you go...

We're Back...with suntans and sea shells

2009-06-15T21:29:00.010-04:00

We had a great week at the beach with the Shivers and the Hagersons. All four kids played their hearts out. They loved having picnics on the beach everyday for lunch.

Mr. Casey caught some interesting creatures. My little fish girl got up close and personal with one.

M3 and the beach really hit it off.

We're back home. I worked today at my NEW JOB. And, we enjoyed a hot evening of picking blackberries.

Check out these pictures. Mrs. Erin posted a few more.

Off to make a pie...

Pooped

2009-06-06T23:21:00.003-04:00

So we are enjoying the beach this week. M3 was completely pooped last night after the trip down here and then an evening on the beach. He fell asleep at the table at the restaurant with a sucker in his mouth. Reminiscent of his father, huh?

Wax on, Wax off

2009-06-02T08:59:00.004-04:00

So, we started our summer off with a bang. M3 had a little accident on the back steps and resulted in a trip to the ER and two staples in the back of his head on Monday. Lovely...

His daddy said he looked like the Karate Kid with his head wrap bandage. It wasn't funny when it happened, but it's kinda funny now.

M2 and I handled it as gracefully as we could together, getting him to the hospital and holding him down while the nurses poked and prodded.

He's fine now and it hasn't slowed him down a bit. We're due back to have the staples removed on Friday, just in time for our beach trip on Saturday. Yay!

Big Weekend

2009-06-01T08:48:00.004-04:00

M2's birthday party was a blast Saturday night. She and her friends swam and played. When we got home, she crashed!

Sunday, we traveled north to take some pictures with "Miss" Erin. More coming soon...

So, we're back home today and looking forward to a week at home before we head out to the beach on Saturday! Yay!

Last Weekend

2009-05-29T23:03:00.006-04:00

Well, last weekend for Memorial Day we headed south to Florida. M1 had a big catch while fishing with Pop.

So when they returned from their excursion, everyone had to take pictures, of course. My new niece is making her debut on the blog. She looks super excited about the fish.

And, I just had to throw in this random picture from a few weeks ago that I found. First of all, how sweet are they sleeping together. They both love to snuggle. But, look closely and see what M2 is wearing. She has her daddy's tie around her waist like a belt, which is a frequent fashion statement at our house??

Flamingo Graveyard

2009-05-27T08:26:00.004-04:00

So last night I took advantage of the fact that the kiddos are at the grandparents, and I began getting things ready for the big Flamingo Swimming party we're having this weekend for M2's 4th birthday. I decided I'd try my hand at making decorated cookies in the shape of flamingos and palm trees to go along with our theme.

Unfortunately, even after all of my research about the perfect sugar cookie recipe and icing methods, I had a few casualties. (Which, by the way, I did find a great sugar cookie recipe. The dough turned out better than ever before.)M1 and I almost made ourselves sick eating from the Flamingo Graveyard. Notice the many decapitated birds and those with no limbs.

Round 2 will be icing them tonite. I'll post an update.

The Wedding Planner

2009-05-26T22:33:00.002-04:00

So, tonight, M1 asks me why I'm referring to us as "m1, m2, and m3" on this blog. So, I explain to him how I'm trying to practice "safe" blogging by not using our real names, etc... I teach middle schoolers all about safe internet practices, seems like I should at least attempt to do it myself. (Although, I've slipped already and used a real name.)

So, he says, "well what is your blog name???

J. Lo???"

Ha.

Little Amigo

2009-05-22T09:04:00.002-04:00

M3, like his sister, LOVES some mexican cheese dip. Sometimes you just gotta lick that bowl.

Showered with Flowers

2009-05-20T15:25:00.001-04:00

After the Recital

Doe a Deer

2009-05-20T14:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, M2 climbed to the top of her swingset fort, looked through the telescope and said, "Mama, I see a deer."

"What kind of deer," I say? "A buck or a doe."

M2 says, "A Duck."

ha ha

Tantrums

2009-05-19T14:59:00.003-04:00

This morning, M2 would not leave the house unless her toenails were freshly painted. My pedicure services are never up to par. She's always requesting to go to the "polish store, please." But, she seemed to be satisfied with the idea of me quickly polishing her toes this morning before preschool. Geez.

So, even though I was running late as usual, I stopped to oblige my daugher.

BIG MISTAKE.

She really wanted to ask me for a magnifying glass, I could tell, but with her naked eye, she was able to spot several spots where I "missed a spot, MAMA." So, I touched up, and touched up, and touched up again.

Finally we made it to the car, shoes in hand, so her precious toes could dry on the way to school.

However, about a mile down the road, the sunlight apparantly shed new light on her toes, and she discovered another spot I had "messed up." So, she proceeds to pitch a fit....

all the way to school...

Meanwhile, M3 is sitting there looking out of the window. I think he and I were probably thinking the same thing...

It will be the polish store from now on...

No more mama-pedicures.

However, she is on toenail polish restriction because of her outburst.

We Made It!

2009-05-18T08:27:00.001-04:00

Well, we made it through the weekend. Everything was a success....except the day at the pool on Sunday. Rain required us to stay at home and nap most of the afternoon. The recital was awesome. M2 did great! I'll post pictures soon. Today we are having our 4-year old portrait done and on the way to school she says "I love having my picture taken." So, we'll see.

Saturday night after the recital, I gave her a charm bracelet with a ballerina charm. She says "I LOVE it. You are the best mama ever!" Music to my ears...

This Weekend

2009-05-15T15:20:00.000-04:00

Yes, post #3 in one day. I know.

Just thought I'd share our schedule for the weekend.

Leave school and drop M3 off at his grandma's, like, ummm, NOW.
Feed M2 and take her to Dance Recital Dress Rehearsal at 5:30.
Sneak away from Dress Rehearsal to go to the League Wrap Up Meeting for Tour of Kitchens. 6:45
Go back to Dress Rehearsal and bring M2 home.

Saturday
Leave M2 and M3 at home in the care of M1 until grandma comes to get M2.
Go to Tour of Kitchens. 9-3
Meet up with Grandma and get M2.
Go to wedding with M2! Congrats, Laura!!
Run home, get M2 dressed for Dance Recital, show up by 6:00.
Drop M3 off with Aunt & Uncle! Yay- Thanks!

Sunday
Go to church, of course.
Then, SPEND ALL DAY AT THE POOL if we make it through the first two days!

See ya'll back on Monday.

Introducing the Family

2009-05-15T14:44:00.000-04:00

16 month old, "M3"

4 year old, "M2"

Husband (maybe I shouldn't put his age), "M1"

Blogging, Day 1

2009-05-15T13:58:00.000-04:00

When children say something cute or profound, everyone always says, "you should write that down!" Well, I have never been good at scrapbooking, keeping baby books up to date, or keeping a journal, BUT I do spend lots of time in front of a computer everyday. So, seems like I might can chronicle at least a little bit of our day to day lives on a BLOG! Maybe one day, many years from now, instead of reading my old, worn out journals to find out what mom was "really like," they'll be able to read this blog....somehow....if the Internet exists years from now. Who knows?