Count Your Blessings

Spring Break 2012

We were excited to get away for the week of SB if only for a few days.  We headed down to New Braunfels (the town of Gruene actually) to meet my Dad and Christy.  They rented a lovely cabin for all of us right on the Guadalupe River.  I thought this was going to be a "vacation" (which it was), but the men in the family started referring to it as a "fishing trip" (I felt duped!).  It was a non-stop fly fishing effort, but only one fish was caught for the week.  :(  That much fishing though is sure to do a boy some good - my boys seemed happy and sufficiently tired, which is always a plus!  :)
 


This part of Texas is SO beautiful - especially in the spring. I had moments of really missing it, after spending 4 years living there during my young adulthood. The hill country really is spectacular - mountain laurel, cypress trees and the beautiful roots they make along the river, bluebonnets, pretty birds, etc.

We arrived on Monday - fished all day, and had dinner at the Gristmill.  Tuesday was more exploring and fishing, some shopping for me and Mimi, and then dinner out at a mexican restaurant.  That evening we did a little more fishing (surprise!) and then started a fire in one of the outdoor fire places and had s'mores.  S'mores have become a tradition for trips to see Papa C and Mimi - so fun.

I'm always grateful for the efforts our parents have made to have wonderful, solid relationships with our kids.  It makes such a difference in their lives to have traditions, to have unconditional love and affection, to have time with them.  And I love when we can get away and have time in the car with our family, away from the demands of home.  These boys are growing fast and I appreciate these moments with them.

On Wednesday afternoon we took the boys to see where I went to college.  At the time it was SWT (Southwest Texas State University).  They have since changed it to Texas State University.  It was fun to walk around and show them where I lived, ate, and took classes.  It's a beautiful, hilly, campus and has a lot of charm.  I was surprised to see that many of my old broadcasting professors are still there.  I think the boys enjoyed some of my memories and the character of the campus.

After lunch we headed to Wimberley to the home of Iris and Dan, my good friends from college days.  Iris and I worked together when I was in school, at the Counseling Center.  I worked there as an office assistant during all my years of college.  She was a counselor.  I became friends with her son, Jeff.  And spent a lot of time with their family while they were building this house on 20 acres in Wimberley.  My senior year I was looking for a place to live and they offered me there 5th wheel trailer to live in for free - it was parked just down from where the Suburban is in this picture.  I loved the beauty, the privacy and the company of good friends.  They were so generous and good to me.  I have cherished memories of our time together.  It was fun to take the boys back to see it.  They loved exploring, looking for arrowheads and flint, swimming in the creek (in their skivies) and playing with/feeding their tortoise "Lefty" (how cool is he?!).  It was like we started off right where we had left off - lots of laughs and memories with these two. 

We drove back Wed night and spent Thursday recouperating.  That evening I drove with friends out to Ennis to see the drive-in movie...what an adventure.  Ennis is about 75 miles away.  It was so fun being with the Lee's, Sivley's and Chappell's.  But it was a real bummer when 1/3 of the way through the movie the power went out in this small town and we had to leave.  :(  Fun evening despite the way it ended!

The rest of the week was business as usual around here - laundry, house projects, yard work, playdates, grocery shopping, etc.

It was a GREAT Spring Break...one for the record books.

Treat

A cute little treat I made for my visiting teachees and Caleb's teacher.  Adorable, right?  I love Pinterest!! 

Cub Scout Blue & Gold 2012

I helped my friend Monika (Cub Scout Committee Chair) get ready for the Blue&Gold this year.  When she asked me and told me the theme, I thought "perfect"!  It was a Western theme, and I had just finished throwing a Western party, so had lots of stuff.  The budget was non-existent (ie small), so I was glad I already had supplies on hand.  Brother Aman created Wanted posters for all the boys and me and Jacob created a jail for them go to during the night.  Each boy had to draw a "Get out of jail..." card that told them an act of service to perform.  They loved it.  We also made small centerpieces in mason jars for the tables.  And in addition to a pork bbq, we had Texas sheet cake.  Lots of fun.

Caleb got his Bear award and lots of belt loops and pins this night.  We had worked hard and he was so proud.  My favorite part is KTM (Kiss the Mom).

Cub Scouts is always a good time!

Nick's Senior Night

After a traumatic time getting over the Hicken's leaving, it was fun to have them back three weeks later.  We enjoyed watching Nick celebrate Senior Night and play soccer.  And we enjoyed dinner with them the next night (with the Dalebout's) at Saltgrass.  Nick is such a good kid and it was fun to watch him play, knowing how much he loves the game (it shows).  Let's hope those Hicken's get back here again soon...

Valentine's Day 2012

What a fun V-day! The kids and I made fun Valentine's for them to pass out to their friends (thank you, Pinterest!). I made our traditional Valentine's meal the night before: chicken parmesan, salad, strawberry soup, and sugar cookie bars (thanks Shelley for the recipe!). Derek brought me gorgeous tulips. I threw a fun and easy 3rd grade party. And then that night (Tuesday) Cub Scouts was cancelled so Derek and I escaped for dinner and a movie ("Big Miracle")...what a treat (thank you babysitter, Jacob!).  All of this despite a horrible, no good, very bad day that involved the following...Samuel stealing gum from Kroger (saving the story for a separate post), and me breaking one of crystal candlesticks (and having to pick shards of glass out of the sugar cookie bars).  Now, looking back it makes me giggle, but it was a long day.  All's well that ends well.

I used to HATE Valentine's Day with a passion...I wasn't exactly the sought after, always has a date, kind of girl. So imagine my complete joy to be surrounded by four of the handsomest and most loving guys on Valentine's...what a charmed life I live! And they're around not just on Valentine's but every day - doubly blessed...or quadrupally (is that a word?) blessed as the case may be.

Family Gathering

The family gathered on Sunday over at Anne and Mark's for a yummy dinner (thanks guys!) and a visit with Dad & Christy who were in town for a Conference.  We listened to Whitney Houston tunes (she died over the weekend at the age of 48) and watched a few snowflakes fall (they didn't stick).  As usual the only pictures I came home with are of these cute fellas - apparently I only have eyes for them when it comes to picture taking!  Luckily Caleb caught a few more with his camera.

Reid-er is walking!  And as usual lights up the room with that big grin of his.  I have always read in books about someone's eyes smiling...now I know what they mean - Reid's eyes smile!  Precious boy!

I loved seeing Graham in his own environment!  I got to feed him in his highchair and watch him play with tupperware on the floor.  We also played peek-a-boo, which I now know he loves!  He was so content and happy - what a delight he is! 

And  here's what the party looked like through Caleb's eyes:

I have a feeling I might be in trouble for posting that pic of Liv - but it made me giggle. :)

Hair Woes

Those of you who know me well know that I am always up for a good bargain.  I've been eyeing people's hair these days and noticing this trend of shiny-silky-straight hair, of which my thick, coarse, wavy hair has never been.  My hair stylist said "You would be a good candidate for a keratin treatment (a temporary treatment that makes your hair silky-shiny-straight), but I'm not doing them right now."  Plus, they cost something like 200-300 dollars (what?!).  One day I was talking to my friend, Julie, and she said "I could do it for you!  I'll use my sister's tax id and get the products and we'll do it at my house!"  I was thrilled.  I trust Julie.  And it was only going to cost me $35.00!!  Woo hoo!!

So a week ago Friday I headed over to Julie's for my exotic 3-hour treatment.  First we used a clarifying shampoo.  As we did so I said "I hope this doesn't strip my color (I had heard that it could)."  You see I have a LOT of grey right at the top of my head that I cover up with brown and a few blonde highlights, to prevent looking like I'm 65.  We carried on.  Then she used a tint brush and applied the treatment all over my hair (like thick conditioner).  Then she blow dryed it and flat ironed it five times for each area.  What a champ she is!  The rule is - don't wash it for 24-48 hours (despite feeling like you're wearing a helmet of product).  And DON'T wear any clips, rubberbands, or hats for risk of creasing that super straight hair.  I didn't suspect anything was wrong until I got out into the sunlight of my car.

I looked in the rearview mirror and instantly grew concerned.  "Jacob!" I said, "Does my hair look orange to you?"  He was being very kind "Well, now that you mention it...it does look a little different."  I got home and went in to Derek - "Did you change the color?" he asked.  "NO!". 

And then over the next 2 hours it slowly got worse - until I looked like a copper penny with a streak of grey right down the middle.  I told my family I could be a Celina cheerleader (orange and grey colors).  I called my hair girl - "I'd love to get you in, but I have family in town for the weekend".  Of course you do.

That night, there was a fun event at the church - the YW were hosting a spaghetti dinner and dessert auction.  We, of course, were expected to be there.  And truthfully I think this event is really fun.  But I was NOT going ANY where with my orange hair.  I expected an argument to ensue...but when I gently told Derek, "I don't think I can go tonight," he replied "I understand."  That's when I knew it was really bad.  I've never in my life had an actual hair crisis, but this would qualify.  I did not look like myself!  I'm more of a all-natural hair color sort of girl.

Thankfully the next day my former hair stylist had a cancellation and was able to see me at 12:30.  After 4 hours and $200 spent in her chair I was restored to my somewhat normal hair color and had 2 inches taken off the bottom. 

I got more compliments that next day at church than I've ever had - my silky, straight, colored and cut hair was a hit!  And I still love my straight locks (even if they only last for a few months).   Thanks Jules (she's been so sweet about the whole thing - it truly wasn't her fault - just a lesson learned about product!)

BEFORE (hard to see in pictures):

DURING:

AFTER:

  

p.s. I did realize through this process how prevalent vanity is!  I hadn't really thought of myself as vain until I refused to be seen if I didn't feel good about how I looked.  I realize there are more major problems in the world than my hair...but it's a funny story that I thought was worth recording. 

Super Bowl Monday

We've had a long-standing no tv on Sundays rule.  It's not that we're opposed, just that we decided a long time ago to try to use our time better on the Sabbath, and so far it's worked.  TV is such a big part of our lives (particularly me) during the week, that it feels appropriate to put it aside on the Lord's day.  And when something is working, it's really hard to go against it, for fear that you'll never get it back.  We have made many exceptions throughout the years (like, when we're with extended family that watches, or like, when I was on bed rest, etc.)  So, we have not watched the Super Bowl, in our home at least, for many years.  But Derek got this great (depends on who you ask) idea from a family at church, that he would wake up the boys at midnight (officially Monday) to watch it.  Caleb and Jacob were thrilled with the idea (after protesting that we were so unfair and that they wanted to live anywhere else but here).  I thought for sure Caleb would NOT get up...he's a sound sleeper.  So when I woke up this morning I was SHOCKED (shocked!) to learn that Jacob refused to get up, but Derek and Caleb watched it at midnight!  What?!  Caleb, and not Jacob?!  I couldn't believe it.  And Jacob was mad as a hornet this morning that he missed out - he even came down convinced that Derek had forgot to do it.  Lucky for him it's still on the DVR.  So perhaps a new tradition was born in the Smith household?!  They even had snacks. :)

She did it...

Well...she did it.  She up and left me.  She said she was going to, but part of me chose not to believe it.  We spent every chance we got with them - usually eating (Kotta, Sullivan's, etc.).  Then the dreaded departure this past Monday started to get closer...and closer, and it hit me.  She was really going to leave!  And the tears came and didn't leave.  In fact, I think this is the first day that I can talk about it without crying the ugly cry (only misting as I write). 

12 years ago I moved to this town with a big dream of settling down and making friends and planting roots - me and my husband and my little 6-month old Jacob.  Derek was my best friend, of course.  But beyond that I had lots of acquintances and people that I liked a whole lot but who I wouldn't consider close friends.  Jason, who had been a close friend, had died the year before and I was searching for that kind of friendship again.  In fact, I remember saying a very specific prayer several times requesting that I might be able to find a GOOD friend - a deep friend - the kind you can share your secrets with (who am I kidding, I'm an open book, I have no secrets). 

A few months after we moved here I was asked to accept a calling at church - to be the 1st Counselor in the YW organization.  I was thrilled!  I couldn't wait to work with the girls.  And I asked "who is the President that I'll be working with?".  And the bishop said, "Dana Hicken, do you know her?"  NO!  I knew her name,  but that was it.  So later that day I walked down the hall and walked up to a cute blonde with a tailored black and white houndstooth jacket who was holding her baby and said "Hi, I'm Meredith"...and the rest is history.

She was the answer to that prayer.  And eventually our husbands came along and became friends.  And then she introduced me to Shelley and the rest of the Dalebouts and we became the Hicken-Smith-Dalebout Clan.  And we started to travel together (Florida Keys, Hawaii, Canada, NYC, etc).  And I grew to love her kids like they were my own.  And they introduced us to sushi!  And to nice hotels!   And we sat in her living room and listened to our favorite singer sing to US.  And we celebrated NYEve together almost every year.  And we went to Girls Camp together (lots of girls camp).  And we swam in the summer A LOT.  And we laughed A LOT (in fact, one of my favorite things to do in the whole world is to make her laugh!).  And we spent General Conference Sundays together. And we attended scrapbook conventions together (as an excuse to get a way).  And we ran half marathons together.  And we had girls' lunches together.  And we made a whole lot of memories and took a whole lot of pictures.

And then she just up'ed and left.  And it broke my heart.  But we're buddies and pals and BFF's so I have to support and be happy for her...because that's the rules, even though I don't like  it.  And even though I wish she would come back and I wish the Smith's and Dalebout's were enough to keep them here, I have to accept that they're gone.  To live in a big fancy house with views of the mountains and horses and snow and seasons and love and family.  

But I know, truly I know, that 1,320 miles (ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY?!) won't change the fact that she was the answer to my prayer.  And that we are inseparably connected by love (mushy as that may sound). 

So...here's to Dana...and her new house in the mountains (that I will be visiting often and perhaps even camping out at for long periods of time). 

Caleb's BIG Projects

Caleb has had a busy month of projects!  First, he had to research and create a diorama of an arctic animal.  He chose the leopard seal and had all kinds of creative plans for his diorama (that I unsuccessfully tried to squash to save myself).  We had a good time (that's an exaggeration, but this is my blog and I can say what I want) creating clay animals!  He and I made the leopard seal together, but he created the penguin, squid and fish on his own.  Derek helped him put it all together and boy was he proud (made me almost sorry that I tried to squash his big ideas!).  Way to go, buddy!

And then last weekend we had the big annual pinewood derby.  The leaders did a great job putting together an organized and successful race for 28 boys.  We are not the best at pinewood derby cars (translation: we usually don't win).  BUT we always have creative/clever cars that the BOYS make, with some help from Derek, that end up somewhere in the middle of the pack (on a good year).  This year was GREAT - Caleb made a bacon car (patterned after one we saw on-line) - the plates read "EBWB" - Everything's Better With Bacon!!  He won "funniest" car and was pleased to get second place in several of the 8 heats.  Our success at pinewood derby is determined by one factor - is the boy happy?!  If so, SUCCESS.  This year was a SUCCESS - hooray!  And I had a success of my own - found these cute twinkie/oreo "cars" on-line and had to make them for the boys.  They were a hit.

You might notice a change in Caleb!  He got his hair cut and he requested a short spiky 'do.  He loves it and I do to (except when he does it crazy-like he did on PD day above!).