such a boy

After having 2 girls, there is no doubt in my mind that boys are just wired differently. Preston comes up with stuff that the girls never would have thougt or said.
Yesterday, I'd received a package in a styrofoam container. As I was unloading the goodies into the freezer, Preston kept asking (from the living room) "Are you done with that box yet?" It took him asking a few times before I understood that he was talking to me. When I replied that I was almost finished unloading it, he said, "Good, because I can't wait to bust it apart!" As I turned to look at him, he was running towards me with a gleam in his eye that only a little boy about to destroy something could have. I laughed and asked him what he was talking about. He said, "You know, I'm going to take it and kick it and tear it apart!" I said, "Well, it's a good thing I don't need it anymore." He ran into the garage and I began to hear the sounds of the styrofoam popping and breaking. As I later entered the war zone, little white pieces of the cooler now covered the garage floor. I thought to myself, "the girls never would have dreamt this up."
I suppose it's a good thing that he knows not to do that to other items in the house. It's also good that he had to pick up every single piece! What do I need all these wrapped presents for? He's happy with some styrofoam and bubble wrap!

Halleluia!

My exact thoughts as the Nativity Celebration came to a close with the performing of excepts from The Messiah... "Halleluia, I made it through!" The entire family has made sacrifices as I've worked on this display all year. I'm still not sure how I was chosen to coordinate this huge display, but it was a great learning experience, as well as a spiritual one. Many people, probably well over 2000, (we didn't keep a count) of all faiths, visited the Apex Christmas Nativity Celebration over the past 3 days. As I carefully lifted these nativities out of their boxes and recreated the stable scenes, I developed a deeper love for my Savior and more admiration for Mary. I prayed that the visitors would feel of His love and peace during this busy season. As many of them talked to me and expressed their appreciation for the display, I felt a love for them as my fellow brothers and sisters.

This is the 5th year for the display at our church so it's becoming more and more known in the community. I'll head up the project for two more years. Here are the details to help me remember the whirlwind week:

We began pulling decorations out of the attic on Monday night. This is a "before" picture from Tuesday night when members show up with their trees, nativities and various other loaned items.

My committee and I (and personal assistant, Darrin) spent all of Wednesday setting up. Thursday morning was the finishing touches and cleaning time in order to open at 6pm.

I was very pleased with the transformation of an ugly gym into this tranquil lit forest. Everyone made comments that my design of the tables was the best ever and had a nice flow. The final count was 397 nativities on display. Here's a quick video tour I took as we first opened on Thursday, but nothing captures it like being there.


This set was designed and carved by an Apex resident. He donated it to his church and they have loaned it for our display several times. I was able to meet the designer as he came to the community leader luncheon that is held on Friday.


This silver set is loaned each year by the Mayor of Holly Springs, just down the road.This is one of my favorite porcelain ones... we had several Lladro sets. (All of these had posted guards.)
My addition this year was a live nativity scene. (see first picture where Darrin is posing as a wiseman) It was set up in the lobby so it was the first thing people saw when they entered. I loved watching their eyes get big as they stopped and watched. The smiles on their faces was so rewarding as it was a big project to do. I had a stable constructed in the lobby, sheep painted, fabric donated, costumes designed and sewn, actors scheduled during the busiest hours, etc.

We also have an art room, depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Members loan their art for this gallery.

A children's activity room is also a MUST because we want it to be a family event. This room is where children CAN touch unbreakables and play with puzzles, read books, color pages that are all about the nativity and Christ. There is a stable where the children can dress up and pose for pictures. It's a short video showing the room.

There are live musical performances throughout most of the open hours. Local high school choirs and orchestras, town bands and a Catholic handbell and adult choir were amongst this year's guests. The kids sang in the stake children's choir (Preston's first year was pretty cute & Haylee got to conduct a small group). The event ends with an orchestra and choir performing excerpts of Handel's Messiah, in which I sang some solos, too. If I get around to it, I'll post some videos of the family musicians.

My predecessor, Cheryl, was on my committee over the music scheduling and also assisted me when I had questions (which were MANY). She is so great and I couldn't have done it without her.

I am so grateful that my kids stayed alive while Darrin and I lived at the church. Meals were brought in and playdates scheduled to keep them entertained. Fortunately, Haylee has just become old enough to handle babysitting for several hours at a time. With movies and the Xbox, they were set. Now to get on with the holidays!

Green Belts

Darrin and Haylee have worked hard in their karate classes to promote to green belts this month. Darrin had to break a cinder block at Friday night's ceremony in order to advance. Being a child, Haylee had to break a 1" board. She actually broke three at a time in her class, but I suppose the instructor wanted to go easy on her in front of everyone at the ceremony. This is a picture of the new green belts with Sensei Houston, a 7th degree Black belt! Here are the videos of their breaks:

Our Cuties in Costume

I'm finally posting Halloween pictures. Preston has been on an Indiana Jones kick since April. We showed the first movie to the kids in preparation for the 4th one to come out. He loved it, and probably loves the theme music even more. We bought the costume at Walmart, but the hat was flimsy, so I ordered a better one online. After all, it's the hat that really matters, right?

As I mentioned earlier, trying to find the right one for Hannah was a challenge, but the "free" spy costume was a hit with her. Can't beat that! Watch out, that briefcase shoots darts!

Haylee was so great when discussing costume options. She was willing to be a cowgirl for the 3rd year in a row. After convincing her that the hat was getting too small for her head and that I was willing to come up with something else, we began looking. Nothing excited her. She's in between the little girl stuff and the teen stuff, so buying anything for her right now is a challenge. She saw a picture of a chef costume and started piecing stuff together from around the house. When I asked her if she was sure that was what she wanted to be, she replied, "Why would I want to be anything else when the chef outfit won't cost us anything?" I was so proud! I gave her a big hug for being so mature.

Hannah's Big Day

Our little girl turned 8 and was baptized on November 1st. We're so proud of her decision to follow Jesus Christ. She has been reading her scriptures and preparing herself for this important step. She is a great example to her brother and sister and all those around her.
The baptismal service involved 4 other children in our stake area, one of which was a friend in Hannah's Primary class, Sydney.

Darrin performed the baptism and confirmation of Hannah and then bore a brief testimony. I tried to sing "I Know He Lives", but ended up crying because I looked at Hannah & she was crying! I bore a spoken testimony of the Savior and the ordinance of baptism instead and then presented Hannah with a journal full of testimonies from my parents and siblings who couldn't attend.

We held a brunch reception with Sydney's family at their home. Hannah was glad that many of her Church friends were there to celebrate. Here is a picture of Hannah and Sydney that we used for invitations:

Afterwards, we changed clothes and headed to the local bowling alley for her birthday party with friends from both church and school. Next, we picked up Wendy's burgers as Hannah's requested birthday dinner. Then headed to pick out a basketball goal for her gift. (which is finally assembled in time for the season practices) She certainly had a big day and much to be grateful for!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Character Award

Each nine weeks, the teachers select a few students who have show great character traits. Hannah was awarded "Responsibility", which doesn't surprise us at all. She'd receive that award at home, too! Congratulations, girl!

Enjoying the Fall

Leaves are falling all around- red, yellow, orange & brown.


I'm still in awe of the beauty that surrounds me each day. I try not to take for granted the magnificent trees as I drive around. The leaves are almost gone now but we did get some time outdoors before the limbs were bare. The kids had fun raking leaves into piles and then jumping. I didn't have fun treating the grass and leaf stains on their pants, though! Preston likes to find the "spotted" leaves when we're out on walks.




I had to pull out my camera phone one day as the colors were showing up. Here are some of those shots (not great ones) :

Here is what it looks like to approach our house. Our house is the one behind the red tree that's almost lost it's leaves. (The kids were raking under it.) Our neighbors with the silver car have two amazing trees that turn that bright yellow that almost glows at nighttime.


Here is what the kids see on their bus drive to school each day:

Here is what I see driving down the highway to do some shopping:

Pretty amazing artwork, huh? And that was just the beginning of a NC Fall.

Love October, Hate October

OK, "hate" is a strong word. However, it's this precise week each year that I think I'm going to LOSE it! No matter how much planning ahead I do, October is so jam-packed full of events that there's no fun left- it's just work to trudge through it.
I LOVE the Fall... the crispness in the air, the colors changing around me (especially here), football games, the smell of the pumpkin candles I like to burn... BUT I get so darn busy that I can't enjoy any of these favorites. Now I'll proceed with listing what is going on with the Smith Family and why I haven't blogged all month. Take a deep breath with me...
After returning from our Texas trip, the weather had significantly cooled off here. I'm pulling out the winter clothes from last year that I THINK might still fit, only to find out that most of it doesn't. So it's off to shop at Target, Old Navy, Kid to Kid and any other cheap place that I can find cute stuff for school. Shopping may be fun for some, but not my kids and not in the time frame we seem to have. Because my lessons take up the afternoons and some evenings, it's hard to fit much time to take them except Saturdays, and that equals crowds. So, we're slowly getting the kids some clothes but I wish it were out of fun and not necessity.
Next, I'm totally consumed with my position as Nativity Chairman at church. The big, community event happens in 7 weeks, so it's the final countdown of all the year's preparations. Visit www.apexnativity.org to see the website of the event! I'm learning a great deal about organizing and managing a committee and working with various personalities. Interesting!
Then it's the birthday month... Uncle Daryl and Cousin Shelby on Sunday, Darrin's is Monday and Cindy Smith's & Hannah's is Thursday. She's turning 8 which means it's baptism time! Her baptism is next Saturday. So not only have I had gifts to buy, a regular birthday party to plan (gotta love the easy bowling alley package!) but also a baptism dress to find, pictures to take in it, invitations to send, songs to pick, and a celebration brunch to prepare with another "baptism mom". (more like the bakeries will prepare the food) At least it's being held at their house, so I don't have to clean! I'll report on Hannah's special day very soon.
Oh, and I haven't mentioned Halloween. Finding the desired costumes is always a huge one on this month's list. Hannah was the tough one. Being a tomboy, she refuses to dress up as anything girly, yet it can't be scary either. She wanted to be a SWAT police with a hard helmet, but that hunt was proving to be too expensive. After spending hours online trying to help Hannah find the right costume within my budget, I convinced her to wear all black and pull out her spy toys for "Secret Agent Hannah"! Luckily it worked. Preston is going to be Indiana Jones and Haylee the chef. PHEW- finally covered this one!
Weekend Activities: The first of the month was spent rehearsing and staying voice-healthy to sing in our friends' wedding. The rehearsal, dinner, wedding and another dinner took up much of the weekend, but was so wonderful to celebrate with them!! Congrats to John and Kimberly!
The next weekend was consumed with the spending time with the kids. They had a church Primary rehearsal for the annual children's program. Haylee sang and Hannah played piano prelude while Preston's speaking part consisted of two words: "the earth!" Then we took the kids to see "Beverly Hills Chihuahua". We don't do full price movies often but they'd been talking about it for two months and we made them use some of their allowance earnings to pay for it!
The third weekend was filled with attending a birthday party, an adoption party and rehearsal for our stake conference choir. I was delivering Nativity stuff all over the area, too.
This weekend will be fun as we're hosting a college football party with our good friends, the Connor's. They are Kansas fans, so we've been planning a rivalry party as they play Tech tomorrow! Go Red Raiders!! We'll celebrate Darrin's 38th birthday while they're here with some pumpkin cheesecake- his favorite!

A Day of Firsts

I made my first batch of salsa today. I forgot to buy cilantro, but it was still pretty good for my first attempt. I figured I didn't have anymore excuses now that I have a food processor. (My NC friends expect that I can make Mexican food since I grew up in Texas.)

The other first is I'd never soaked and boiled dry beans before. I made black beans to go in my chicken tortilla soup. It's quite easy, but means I'll have to plan ahead to do beans this way more often.

Texas Vacation

During the girls' school track-out, we've enjoyed 10 days in Texas, 5 in Lubbock and 5 in DFW, seeing family and friends. Wish there was more time to see EVERYONE we'd like to catch up with! Maybe we'll catch you on the next visit.

The kids enjoyed their first plane ride. (But we got put on the row with NO WINDOWS!)

They LOVED meeting their new cousin.

We surprised cousin Brenda at her volleyball game. (Ottawa vs. LCU)

Hannah got her ears pierced with the support of her Aunt Amy and Aunt Ashley. (She's not sure if she wants to smile or cry but all is well now.)

We had a BLAST at the Texas Tech vs. SMU game, tailgating and all! Get your guns up!

(Notice the developing West Texas sunset??? Can't see those in NC!)

FULL THROTTLE is the only way to drive GrandDad's boat!

We finally visited Prairie Dog Town. It's a nationally known place. Haven't you heard of it?

Bye Lubbock!! Now to DFW...

It was fun to see some of our oldest and dearest friends. We miss Kristi's cookies! My mouth is watering for them now.

We had a BLAST with rocket balloons in our old neighborhood with the neighbors.We met with my childhood friends and my favorite bass at Edelweiss German Restaurant. The kids had a blast on the dance floor, especially with "The Chicken Dance" and "The Hokey Pokey".

We're so lucky to be spoiled by Meme and Papa (Great-Grandparents) and to enjoy her cooking.

We were lucky to see cousins, (Daryl's family)

Fishing and fun at Grapevine Lake.

We forgot how to deal with the Texas heat! I love this picture. "Whew! I'm hot and tired!" after a few minutes of frisbee! We returned to NC with beautiful autumn weather and changing leaves with highs in the 70's! Ahhh, my favorite time of year.