Some Day My Prince Will Come

Well I have to tell you, my prince has come and been with me for almost 29 years.  I just wanted to finish the last blog of this year telling Kirk how much I love and appreciate him.  He has been my rock for all these years and seriously makes life worth living.  I know that living with me at times can be challenging after all I like to spend he likes to save, I like a " lived in house" he likes a "neat and orderly" house, I like to go out most of the time he likes to stay in most of the time,  I like complicated he likes simple, I like Barry Manilow he doesn't, and I like loud he likes quiet.  So how does he do it after all these years?  Well he loves me with all his heart and I appreciate it!  A great friend told me that a song by  Martina McBride called "For all the Things We 've Never Done" reminded him of Kirk and me.  Here are the lyrics:

They drank their anniversary glass
A silent moment passed
Then they kissed
She knows there's something on his mind
He'll tell her in due time
What it is

He says "I've never built
Your mansion on a hill
Or warmed you in the Spanish sun
I simply blink my eye
And think as years fly by
Of all the things we've never done"

She smiles and takes his hand in hers
And says "It just occurred
To me now
The thought that brings you such regret
What hasn't happened yet
It makes me proud..."

"You never walked away
When I needed you to stay
Or made me feel I'm not the one
There've been no broken vows
And there reason we're here now
Is all the things we've never done"

"We've never grown apart
You never broke my heart
With secrets that you've kept me from
We've never been untrue
And I'm still here with you
Through all the things we've never done"

I can't think of anymore to add except I thank God each day for blessing me with such a wonderful husband!
Here are some pictures of the Love of my life!

Four Christmases and a Birthday

We celebrated Christmas 4 times this year. We  (Connor, Kirk, and Lynn) spent Christmas Eve with Brooke, Travis, and Abbey.  We all started the day at the movie seeing, "True Grit".  We all loved it! We went to church then came home and had dinner.  Last year we started a tradition of watching  " It's a Wonderful Life"  after dinner. It seems this year I was overruled with the new Google TV and blue ray player, the family decided that Gladiator in blue ray was a better fit for our family .  So I sat through that for the second time this week. 

This was the fam after church and the Christmas Pageant

 On Christmas morning we skyped with the grand kids in Oklahoma City.  Technology sure is wonderful.  Finley was so happy to see us.  We opened presents then headed to Dallas to see my family and Kirk's family.

Skyping with Finley

Travis and Brooke headed to Houston to see Travis's extended family and Abbey, Connor, Kirk, and I decided to spend our Christmas day with both sides of the family.  My sister in law Debbie has three small children and decided to have Christmas lunch this year for both sides of the family.  This was the first time in over 10 years Kirk was able to spend Christmas with his mom and brothers.  There were over 20 people for lunch.

Kirk with his brothers and Mom

Debbie and her mother Carol made a spectacular Christmas lunch.

 We then went to my sister's Ellen's house to watch the Cowboy game and had a beautiful dinner.  Gabe is a wonderful cook and Ellen is a Martha Stewart type hostess (everything always looks beautiful).  It was a wonderful Christmas Dinner with my parents and my sister's family.  For some reason, I did not take any pictures, but it was a wonderful time.  Here is a picture from Thanksgiving of my sisters family:

The day after Christmas is Finley's birthday.  We drove from Dallas to Oklahoma to be with her.  Connor, Kirk and I will spend a few days here with Luci, Jeremy, Finley and Carter. We went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Finley's 2nd birthday.  She loved playing with Connor.  She wasn't sure about Chuck E Cheese but loved the play scape and warmed up to Chuck E Cheese later.  Happy 2nd Birthday sweet Finley!









So there you have it - Four Christmases and a Birthday.  Kirk and I have loved this Christmas and have managed to see almost every member of our family.  Isn't that what Christmas is about?  Many years ago God created a wonderful family with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  Praise God for the wonderful gift of his Son.  I always remember this time of year, Isaiah 9 verse 6: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A Shower of Love

Yesterday my beautiful sister Ellen had a baby shower in Dallas for Brooke.  As I was sitting in the room looking at all of the faces that had come to shower my daughter and her baby, I couldn't help but feel so thankful and blessed that his group of women is in my life and have been for some almost 30 years.  Let me tell you a little about everyone: my one and only momma- Louanne- what would I do with out her. I remember calling her many nights about one thing or another and she was always so patient in helping me learn to be a mother.  Now she helps me be a good grandmother and mother in law.  I still talk to her daily, sometimes multiple times.  Ellen- my sister and the hostess extraordinaire.  I am so proud of her.  She is about to become a published Author and her book Brownie Fix comes out this week. Her daughter Anya was at the shower and is one of my favorite people in the entire world.  She always has a smile and hug for me.  Abbey- worked all night with kids "melting down", then drove up to Dallas to be with us.  I am so proud of the strong woman she has become.  Aunt Cheryl- she has taught me to "wash dishes."  I was talking with her one night about being a good mother to adult children, you know it is hard for me to not give my words of wisdom to my children even when they don't want to hear it. She gave me a tip to clean the kitchen and start washing the dishes in order to keep myself busy when I feel the need to offer unwarranted advice.  What an awesome tip.  I have washed alot of dishes over the last couple of years. Leighann- my first cousin and first friend.  I miss her so much and love the moments I get to visit with her. Cheryl- my other cousin.  We have so much in common- she has 4 children- 2 boys-2 girls, she is a preschool director, and her husband travels alot as Kirk did. I know how hard life can be sometimes and she does life with such ease and grace.  My cousins never miss a shower, wedding, or family event.  I am so grateful to have them in my life. Cheryl brought her two beautiful daughters- Savannah and Sydnee.  Savannah is now on facebook so she is fun to keep up with in all her school activities. Robin came by early to drop off a gift- she had a friend she had to attend to.  She has always loved my girls and is so excited for Brooke's baby to get here.  I have been amazed at her strength and courage over the last couple of years. Mary- my friend for almost 30 years.  She really taught me how to be a mommy.  I talked to her daily - multiple times when we were stay at home moms.  She knitted a beautiful blanket for Brooke.  I was able to find a blanket and sweater that Mary had made for Connor and Jeremy and I gave them to Brooke at the shower to honor Mary and the impact she has had on me as a mother.  Dana- my other friend of almost 30 years.  We raised our children together.  I get to see her two times a year at creative memory retreats and it is one of the highlights of my year.  She is caring for her elderly mother and I am amazed at the grace in which she handles this daily life stress.  She is a true sister in Christ.  She brought her two daughters Taylor and Paige.  They were born two weeks after Connor and I was there the day they were born. I get to keep up with them through facebook and see all their activities.  Becky- my other sister in Christ.  She entered my life over 7 years ago and what a ball of energy and strength.  She is step mom to Taylor and Paige and mom to Brooke and Emily.  Both her girls are having babies this summer, so it is a true double blessing.  Brooke ( we call her Becky's Brooke) brought her baby Hollis to the shower.  He is at such a fun age and Brooke is such a good mom.  She gave my Brooke some advice and tips.  Emily is a public school administrator and will be an awesome principal and mom.  My dear friend Molly came as well.  She just became a grandmother herself.  Molly has six children and has been a blessing to my life over the years.  She is an excellent cook and hostess herself.  She was there when all my children were born and will always be in my life.  My favorite gift at the hospital after I had my babies was her caramel brownies.  I still can't make them as well as her.  She brought her daughter Emily to the shower.  She is a beautiful girl and reminds me of Molly with her sweet spirit!  Last but not least Adreinne-She has been in my life for almost 30 years as well.  She has 5 children and is the most positive person I know.  She goes to church with my parents, so I keep up with her through them and see her and her beautiful family when I go to church with momma and daddy.  There were others who could not attend due to graduations, the birth of a baby, family commitments, and sick children.  Know you were missed and are loved as well. So there you have it- what a blessed group of women.  You know they say it takes a village to raise a child- well this is my village.  Thanks for honoring Brooke.  I am eternally grateful to each and everyone one of you and love you all.

My sister and Brooke

Bella and her girls

Ghosts of Christmas Past

So I was going through the family pictures and came across some photos that I used on the family cards each year.  My children would reluctantly pose for these pictures and I would make the photo cards and the dreaded letter ( according to my kids) and send it out to all my family and friends.  I go back every now and then and flip throughtthe beautiful creative memory album I have made and look at all the past cards and re-read the letters.  I hope some day my adult children will treasure these memories.  I sure enjoy looking at them.  I really enjoy all the letters and photos I get at Christmas from my friends and family.  I know that now we have blogs, face book, texting etc.. to communicate with each other- but there is something about touching those cards and posting them on the piano that connects me to those I only hear from once or twice  a year.  So I say thanks to all that continue this tradition and to those that are just starting it- may your kids appreciate it some day too!  Here are some of the cards- these were years 1995-1998.  Notice the matching outfits!!!!!

The Princess Diaries

Last weekend we celebrated Finley Grace's 2nd birthday. Bella, Pops, and Brooke drove up to Oklahoma and Travis flew in Saturday morning.  Connor had regional band and Abbey had to work, so they stayed in Austin and we all missed them.  The weekend was all about our beautiful Finley Grace.  Luci had a princess party for her little princess.  She decorated the house as a castle and had a dress up area with tutu's and crowns for the little girls and swords and shields for the little boys.  It was a great two year old party.  All the prince and princesses and their parents had a great time.   That afternoon Luci, Brooke, and I took Finley to her first movie.  We saw Tangled.  It was so good and most importantly Finley enjoyed it.  There is a special moment in the movie where lighted balls are flying over the kingdom.  I look over at Finley and she is reaching out for the lighted balls just mesmerized.  Such a precious moment and one I will always remember.  With your grand kids, you tend to eat up those moments- they are so sweet and wonderful.  I just stared at this precious gift from God and myself was mesmerized.  Here are some memories from the weekend.

Travis, Brooke, Hudson ( due march ), and Finley after the party

The Birthday Princess

At the Movies

Travis and Finley love each other so  much.  He even wears her crown!

Party Time

Party Time!

Kirk and  I went to real grown up has party last night.  Remember that friends.  You know the ones where you get dressed up to go, have no little children or big children that you are responsible for, and you get to stay out as late as you want.  Well the truth is we didn't stay out all night, but sure had a great time.  It was a true Austin party.  The house was located in the center of town and had been redone.  Kirk met the most interesting person- a musician who repaired guitars and had toured with Tom Petty.  The theme of the party was Greek- so the signature drink was a Pomegranate Martini ( Fa La La) and the food was all Greek- Greek salad on a stick, stuffed olives, cheese, grape leaves,  humus, asparagus wrapped with ham etc..  It was all the stuff I could eat on my low carb diet!. Isabel ( the fabulous wedding planner as you all know her) has become a really good friend of mine.  Of course her Shelby and my Connor are "going out" as they call it. This is a party she and 3 of her friends have given every year for the past 10 years.  All of the other ladies are in the planning or design business- so you can image how decked out everything was.  We were just happy to make the list.  There was a St. Nick, live entertainment from the McCallum High School small choral ensemble, great food and drinks, interesting people, and most importantly for Kirk the OU game was on. Every one was happy.   Have some fun this holiday season and share it with your sweetie.  It is good for the soul!  Here are some pics of the fun.....

I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause!

Life with Isabel is always a party- Just ask her sweetie Andy!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Congratulations Brooke

....for the individual, education is the path to achievement and fulfillment; for the Nation, it is a path to a society that is not only free but civilized; and for the world, it is the path to peace- for it is education that places reason over force.
                                                                                                                    Lyndon Baines Johnson

What a great quote and so fitting for today.  Kirk and I got to see out second child graduate from college ( 4th child if you count my daughter in law and son in law).  It never ceases to bring a tear to my eye, especially  from Kirk and mine's Alma Mater- The University of Texas, when I attend a graduation ceremony. As I was singing The Eye's of Texas today- I thought to myself- not only how proud I was of my Brookie with her 4.0 and highest honor graduation- but also what a blessed country we live in to have the opportunity we have for education.  I work hard as a public educator to make sure my kids at school know that their education is a opportunity that cannot be taken lightly or ignored.  Education, next to God and Family is one of my highest values in life. I thankfully have been able to convey this value to my own children.  I am so proud of Brooke.  She will be home for a couple of years raising her children ( Hudson comes in March).  After that I know she will make a difference in the lives of the children she teaches.  The family legacy continues.....what a blessing!



So proud of Brooke Marie!   Look at all those honor cords!



The graduate and mommy to be at her graduation party!



Walking across the stage to get her diploma!



The Parade Passes By

I had the pleasure of taking my almost two year old granddaughter, Finley, to the Chuys Parade today.  It  was a great time.  Just Finley and I went as the boys were hunting and Luci met a friend in San Marcus with baby Carter.  We were able to get up close at the front of the parade and Finley loved it.  Kirk and I have been to this parade many times as our girls were in it for many years when they cheered for Cheer Station.  It is a great parade, but there is nothing as wonderful as seeing it through your grandchild's eyes.  She loved the big balloons and called them "Bloons."   She also was very independent and wanted to stand next to this other little girl she met.  There is a wonderful time in the parade when every float stops and the kids all run out and fill up the trucks with toys they have brought for children less fortunate as themselves.  Well, Bella had bought a "Candy Land" game but forgot it and this sweet mom gave Finley one of her daughters toys, so Finley would have a toy to give.  It was a moment that brought a big smile to my face.  Here are the parade pics from today:

Miss Independent- she did not want to stay in her stroller

The Giant Shrimp "Bloon"

Santa of course!

Waiting for the next float.

Zilker Blessings

What a great weekend!  Austin is an awesome place to live with children and grandchildren.  We went to the "jewel of the city," Zilker Park.  We played on the hill, hiked on the trails, played on the playground, and rode the train.  We all had a great time.  Carter was the awesome baby he is and napped the whole time in the car while Jeremy read his book.  Zilker park is special to Kirk and myself as we met there 31 years ago.  We were both students at UT and his dorm and my dorm had a "mixer" at Barton Springs at Zilker Park.  It was love at first sight for me- you know jean cut offs were the "in thing" in 1979 and Kirk looked so good.  He tells me that after our first date, he realized I was the best thing that ever happened in his life and well you know the rest is history and they lived happily ever after. 

We met on the hill across the water.

The Zilker Zepher Train- Finley Loved It.

Beautiful Finley at Beautiful Zilker on a Beautiful Day

Finley playing with mom and Bella

Exploring with Uncle Connor

Thanksgiving Treasures

Thanksgiving was an awesome time at the Smith house in Austin.  Kirk and I had all our children home and couldn't be happier.  My parents came from Dallas and my sister's family came from there as well.  All in all we had 17 people including a toddler, an infant and one on the way.  We also had three dogs.  It is the one time of year we all get together and enjoy family, food, and football ( although it was not a good day for the Cowboys or Longhorns).  Everyone cooks:  Travis fried the turkey,  I did the ham and dressing,  Brooke did the apple pie, Luci did the green bean casserole and caramel pecan pie, Ellen and Gabe made the potatoes and rice, and Abbey made the salad.  Momses and Papa did the dishes with Kirk.  Anya ( my niece) entertained Finley. Connor and Michael ( my nephew) played video games.  Connor also helped me out anytime I asked him.  Jeremy entertained his children and Connor.   It is the one time of year we all work together as a family.  I am so thankful for this beautiful family God has blessed me with.  Here are some treasures from the day:

My brother in law Gabe loving on the dogs.

Finley playing with her daddy.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Two tables this year.  Kirk and I sat here as well.

The Keeper of the Memories

For years I have been into scrap booking. That is a hobby  where you take all your pictures and create these beautiful books for your family to enjoy for years to come. I have friends that scrapbook, cousins that scrapbook, and a sister and niece who scrap book.  I have found the task of scrap booking daunting at times given my limited creativity and lack of patience in finishing a project. Although over the last year it has started to come together for me.  I have started to attend scrap book weekends with my  friend Dana.  This is a weekend where you scrap book the entire weekend at a bed and breakfast setting.  There are tables set out for you with cropping tools available.  They also have a cook that comes in and prepares your food.  There is also a large screen TV to watch "chick flicks" on and you can "crop" all night.  What else could a busy school administrator, grandmother, and mom need to unwind and relax.  Most importantly I get to catch up with my friend Dana.  We have been friends for 26 years now. She has four children as well and is my "travel agent."  Even though she is a smart engineer, she is excellent at planning trips and Kirk and I have been to Hawaii, Alaska, and many cruises with her and her family.  I also have met some really nice ladies that I scrap with.  I have given this gift to myself twice a year and appreciate the love and support from Kirk in running the home front.  My boss is pretty nice too about letting me have a day off every now and then.  What I am finding out is, I enjoy this time to renew and refresh so much.  I really also enjoy making things for people and am finding that I am pretty creative and able to put a memory book together that my family will enjoy for years to come.  Well, if not I enjoyed making it!  I love the creative memories slogan " you are the keeper of your family memories."

Here is the scrapbook room at the "Creative Cottage" in McKinney, Texas

This is my friend Dana cropping away and new friend Tryna in the background.