Thursday, we took the fourth graders on our first and only field trip of the year. You can read more about that on my class blog soon. I love field trips. First, I rarely leave the school with an entire class. This mean old teacher only takes students that know how to behave. The reason? So, we ALL can enjoy the day! Including the teacher. And, we did. We had a splendid day! We had such a nice day that when I saw this on the school bus...the same bus that students ride each day sketching memories and information into their heads as they read it each morning and afternoon. Yes, I thought it was funny. Mainly because this may explain some of our problem with language scores.

The sign. Well, I'll let it explain itself.

I'm so glad that our students have exposure to correct grammar at all times.

The school bus. Not the best teacher.

Life is a Highway

So, I'm in north Mississippi visiting my family this weekend. No, Russ isn't with me. He has to work. Again. I'm afraid this is the life of a newly graduated medical student...and for MANY other veteran medical professionals. I'm referring to his brother here. Thankfully, Russ has chosen a wonderful field to go into. One that will be demanding, but not quite SO inflexible. (not even sure if that is a word!) I digress. Anyhoo, I'm here because my sister is having her first wedding shower tomorrow. It's a church shower. I remember my church shower just like it was yesterday. As Mama and I were running all over town picking up gifts from the different gift shops around town, it all came flooding back.

So, anyway...I'm here relaxing and visiting. Relaxing so much that I FINALLY took a shower around 5:30 this evening! Yuck! I NEVER do that! You may remember me telling you that before. I'm telling you that I looked like a true grease monkey! Hair greased down to my head, no makeup, glasses, and the same jeans I wore all day yesterday! I went to eat that way, saw friends out that way, picked up gifts that way, and had visitors at the house that way. I was a sight for sore eyes! When we arrived back home, Daddy was getting ready to get out in this beautiful weather. So, I decided to go...

...on the motorcycle!

(And, yes, all those cars only mean that all the Smiths are in town!)

My mom gave Daddy this motorcycle for his 50th birthday. When I was in college, I would ride every single weekend that I came home. A motorcycle was actually on my list of things I MUST have one day! I bet you didn't know that about me. Ha! I had not ridden on it in forever! So, I was very excited. We rode through more than 6 different towns in 2 states. We saw ducks, a turkey, galloping horses, grazing cattle, roaming dogs, yard working people, and lots of beautiful wildflowers. We rode on city streets, county roads, and highways! It was fabulous! No words were spoken. Just me and Daddy and the beauty that God provided.

I could have ridden all day. Taking it in. No worries. Just the road. Sounds like some kind of commercial doesn't it? Ha! It is truly the way I want to live my life though. Taking it in. Enjoying the ride.

Life is a highway! Enjoy it!

Just Right

Ahhh! This weather is doing me some good! I love it! As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, the grass is greening, flowers are blooming, and weeds are choking! Ha! This weekend, Russ and I decided we need to work outside around the house. So, when Russ got off work...we worked on our "curb appeal." Selling a house is stressing me out! Maybe because I'm a perfectionist or maybe because I have never done it before. But, after this weekend...I'm feeling a little better about it.

I did something this weekend that I've never done before!

I mowed the yard!

It was a monumental occasion for certain. Russ even pulled out the camera for the event. Our neighbor came out laughing and told me I missed a spot. Obviously, I put the neighborhood in complete shock. But, I'll tell you it was fun. I enjoyed it until I got to the uphill part. I must work my muscles a little more for that!

Just take a look at that yard! Didn't I do a nice job!? Now, that's curb appeal! Ha!

Russ took care of the sides of the house and the back yard so I could go in and work on the laundry. Gosh! I sound so old when I say that!

Now that our yard is trimmed up, all our blooms are looking fabulous! When I woke up Sunday morning, I couldn't help but take a Diet Coke and Farley outside for a little morning outdoors time.

I'm loving this weather! So relaxing. Not too hot. Not too cool. Just right!

Easter Work Day

I know that I have shown you all the fun and excitement that happened at the Smith house over Easter. What I didn't tell you was that the Smiths also used Easter weekend to work on a few projects. With the wedding coming up and Kristin starting her new job in May, there is always lots to do.Kristin painted and worked on several things for the wedding and reception.

Lee followed directions making patio furniture and door decor for their new apartment. He measured, penciled, and drilled tables, coat racks, and door signs.

Daddy got out in his work clothes and washed my car. He actually went with me to drive through a car wash. However, on our way home from washing my car, I drove under a train track. The train lovingly slopped some brownish liquid all up my hood and windshield. I was not happy. But, Daddy fixed it.

Mama and I...well, we just sat and watched everyone work. Ha ha!

After working on projects and cars, the family came inside to watch Butler win the NCAA semifinals while Mama grilled chicken and mushrooms, and she cooked broccoli and rolls.


It was a great start to a lovely Easter weekend in this beautiful weather!

Spring has Sprung!

Yep. Spring has begun, the heat has set in, grass is greening, flowers are blooming, weeds are choking, and we've been playing. Well...and packing. As I looked in my backyard this afternoon to admire all the pretty blooms that Spring has brought, I realized that this was the last time I'd see those plants. I got a little sentimental and forced my sweet husband to take some pictures by the blooms. Seeing as how I got Russ off the couch after a long day of work to do this, you will understand why he would not have appreciated me asking to take his picture. So, it's just me and Farley.

But, just imagine Russ's sweet face next to ours with the beauty of these white fluffs behind us.

Farley says, "Why aren't you in the picture, Daddy?"

Then imagine him holding Farley with one arm around me in front of our gorgeous pink azaleas!

Yes, it's true.

Spring has sprung!

Smith Easter Egg Hunt 2010

Yes, we were ready! Ready for an Easter Egg Hunt for ages 21 and over! The Easter bunny had a lot of work to do yet. While the other adults sat around the dining room table, the bunny hid 193 money-filled Easter eggs.

The money-filled eggs

You would be amazed at the places she found to hide these eggs!

...and we suited up!

We all put on our t-shirts I ordered and the great socks I found at Target. Kristin and Dustin helped with the other accessories! It was a sight!

Our numbers were based on our ages.

The Smith Easter Egg Hunt can get pretty physical. So, we must make sure to stretch before we start.

Have I ever told you that my brother has NEVER had a problem with his self-image? He LOVED the socks I found for him, and he wore Kristin's shorts for the full effect. You'll see later that he also tied his shirt up so his slim tummy would show.

After the initial instructions and boundaries...and after my brother and sister FINALLY gave me a spot in the line...

You can see that we were only partially paying attention to the rules. We were plotting our plan and spotting eggs!

...we were OFF!

Notice Dustin leaped over the steps completely!

We were all on a mad dash across the yard, which is in the process of being dug up and reconstructed for this wedding reception in June!

Some eggs were hidden in plants and bushes beside the house.

Some were around the deck.

And some were out in plain sight.

After we all started studying the various hiding spots and found nothing, it was time to sit and count. We counted the eggs first...just in case there were more out there. We needed to be flexible and able to run if needed! When we counted, we found that three eggs were still out and about. It was a free-for-all! Adults included. We all scoured the area until all the eggs were accounted for. Now, we could get down to business! The money!

Dustin created his own money tree

I can't even tell you how many times I counted those (mostly) two dollar bills! And, I ended up $40 off! How does that happen!? I lost. End of story.

Kristin only thought she lost...until we all realized how badly I had miscounted!

Do you still not understand the seriousness of this egg hunt? Do these pictures not do it justice for you? If not, do not fear. I have compiled a video highlighting the important parts of our hunt. If you watch closely, you will see why Kristin and I NEVER win.

Did you figure it out? If you noticed, Dustin was still LEAPING across the yard while Kristin and I were wheezing after the first two minutes! I should have brought my inhaler for that exercise induced asthma! Haha!

So, we counted our money...

Mama did the final calculations...

Only to determine Dustin the champion - AGAIN!

You may think our day was over. No way! Not on such a beautiful day! We sat outside on the deck drinking iced tea and eating desserts. It was so relaxing and fun!

And, in case you ever wonder where we get our craziness from...

Spending the day outside allowed much time for entertainment! Dustin decided to play outside in his "hot pants" and no shirt.

Daddy decided to join the football game and tackle Dustin to the ground. We weren't sure who to be more worried about!

Lee and Dustin pulled out the rocket that shoots 1,000 feet into the air.

It was all just the perfect way to spend our Easter Sunday afternoon! Fun in the sun!!

Yes, I missed my hubby greatly! So did his mama. She brought an Easter basket for us. Yay! More candy! Haha!

What a wonderful Easter! Literally a day of celebration!

In Your Easter Bonnet...

Easter was a little different for me this year. Russ was on call Saturday night into Easter morning, so he wasn't able to travel north with me. Farley and I went it alone! Although I missed my hubby terribly, Farley and I had a fabulous time. Easter is such a special time for many reasons. Easter service, Easter baskets, Easter eggs, Spring weather, and Easter clothes. But, most importantly, Easter is a day of remembrance of all God has done for us...giving his only Son to die on that cross for us. And a day of celebration...celebrating that He is risen!

"Sin has lost its power; death has lost its sting.
From the grave He's risen VICTORIOUSLY!"

This Easter was no different! I woke up to a beautiful Sunday morning - one that only God Himself could have produced. My mom was busily working in the kitchen, preparing our Easter lunch.

Mama cooking in her Easter apron

The table was set with all her silver pieces and fine China. Mama says that at least once a year, we will learn what a fork is used for! Ha!

I also rolled out of bed to see Easter baskets! One of my favorite things about Easter morning!

One for me!

One for Farley!

And, even one in honor of Russ!

After a wonderful church service filled with amazing music and a great message, we came home for our own little "Easter parade." Not really. But, what is it about the south? In the south, Easter is filled with family pictures in our new Easter clothes, babies in their bonnets, and men in their pastel shirts and ties. I've been reading a great book, What Southern Women Know About Faith. It is so genuine and very funny. This book speaks to Easter Sundays in the chapter of Southern Sundays.

"Every Easter, I had a completely new outfit, right down to my socks and lace-trimmed bloomers. What a woman wears on Easter in the South is of enormous importance. 'Have you got your Easter outfit yet?' women will ask one another for weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ's victory over death. To this day, it is the bane of my existence - finding the right hat and outfit for the big day of celebration. It may not be perfectly and humbly Christian, but I do try to outdo the other women with my attire. In my family we even have an Easter parade after church in which each person walks out the door onto the front porch, waves at my brother-in-law, Rodney, who is filming it while adding both necessary and unnecessary commentary, then sashays down the steps, and walks up the sidewalk out of view. It is an austere tradition, envied by many. 'How did we get started with this tradition of new clothes on Easter?' I asked a friend. 'It signifies the beginning of all things new,' she responded authoritatively. 'Christ died on Good Friday and arose on Easter, so that signified the dawning of the new Day of Grace. No longer were we shackled to the Law. It was a new day. That's why we have new clothes to wear on Easter.' I think she made all that up, but it sounds good, so I'll just go with it too. After all, the Bible has a lot of symbols, so we'll just let new clothes - at least in the South - be symbolic of new life under the Day of Grace."

Every time I watch the children come in the sanctuary with their new frilly dresses and boys in their clip-on ties, I think of that old song, "Easter Bonnet." I've been singing it to Russ all night. There's just something about it that is so nostalgic.

Although we have outgrown the "buy new clothes for Easter" part (and it could have something to do with us having to buy our own clothes now!), we still pose outside for an Easter picture. Of course, we still try to look our best on Easter! And, for some reason, the Smith women all wore pants. This was a first for us all on Easter Sunday.

Smithites

Soon-to-be Tull family

Johnsons (minus Russ)

And, Dustin. No commentary necessary!
Take a look at those shoes! Those belonged to my grandfather! Dustin loves them! He is also wearing a pair of faded black Nike socks. Nice!

Expanded Smith family
(minus Russ again!)

While we waited on the finishing touches for our delicious lunch, the guys played a little badminton with Lee's new bunny-shaped raquets.

And Maw Maw and Daddy spent some time visiting.


After lunch, I presented Kristin and Dustin with a little Easter happy. I was so excited about these gifts! If you follow me on Twitter, you may remember me getting an "exciting Easter package in the mail." This was it!


Easter Egg Hunting gear!


We all sat around laughing while Mama sneaked over to her cabinet. This is what she pulled out...

The Smiths were ready! Bring on the annual Smith Easter Egg Hunt!