Santa Didn't Visit our House

When Alycia was four years old, we went to a friends' house for dinner a few days after Christmas. Our friend Christa was chatting with Alycia while Logan gave Anna and I a tour of their home:

"What did Santa bring you for Christmas Alycia?"

"I don't think Santa visited our house."

"What? Didn't you get any presents?"

In a conspiratorial whisper, Alycia says "I did, but they were only the ones from my parents' closet."

Interesting how a four year old's mind works. She knew these presents came from her parents and not from Santa. Therefore, Santa must not have visited our house. Not that this fantastical fat elf who arrives via the flue and delivers a sack full of toys might not exist. Huh.

It wasn't until a few days after Christa told us about this that I realized that Alycia didn't confront us or even ask about the conflicting evidence. I guess she figured if Mom and Dad want to take credit for Santa, she would go along with it just to humor us.

But she knew the truth: Santa just didn't visit our house that year.

Christmas 2009

Here is the quick summary of what happened in 2009 for the Smith family: Brent finished the Ironman triathlon, Anna gained 6 inches in height, Alycia once again had straight A’s, and Joseph has learned to speak Latin without an accent. What a year! If you are not confused right now you must be thinking of some other Smiths, because this year was fairly ordinary for us.

In March we went to LA and saw Universal Studios, the tar pits, and the beach. A surprise gem for the family was the Getty museum, which had many amazing works of art and was completely free. July was spent first in Utah at Brent’s family reunion, then up in Yellowstone. Anna was a good sport and put up with two night of camping, complete with bears, buffalos, and a thunderstorm that seemed determined to destroy our tent. We are ending the year here at home, but have Brent’s parents coming to escape the snow.

Joseph, 10, began this year cutting the cheese. His pine wood derby race car was shaped as a triangle block of cheese, complete with holes and mice. Both he and Brent were surprised to see it take 4^th place out of 30 or more boys. He earned his Bear in Cub Scouts and is now working on his Weblos. Besides Scouts, Joseph continues to keep busy with piano, and various therapies. He is in 4^th grade now and misses his big sister who has moved on to Junior High.

This was a big year for Alycia. She left Elementary School and Primary and has moved on to 7^th grade and the Young Women organization at church. This is her third year in the CATS (smartypants) program, but the first year that she has really been challenged. It has been a painful adjustment for everyone. She was able to get her ears pierced when she turned 12 in August, but it took a couple months for her to build up her courage and get poked. She has gained several inches in height and has now passed Anna as the tallest girl in the house.

Anna began the year with two of her favorites: Chemistry and Algebra classes. There is nothing better that she likes than having those beasts out of the way. She did well, but put her schooling on hold in the fall to focus on helping the kids with their schooling. Some need more help focusing, doing work, and meeting deadlines than their brother does. (I’m not going to say who.) Anna also started the year as a Cub Scout Den Leader, where she spends an hour each week teaching up to 10 boys various skills. She really enjoys doing this, although there are usually one or two boys that challenge her.

Brent received a similar challenge in August when he was asked to be the Scoutmaster for the local troop of a dozen 12-13 year old boys. He worked with the youth once a decade ago and has dreaded having to do it again ever since. It was a struggle to get organized at first, but it has become enjoyable for Brent to go on campouts and hikes again. Before scouting, Brent had been teaching Sunday School for a couple years. Anna misses hearing his lessons, but has been very supportive of his new responsibility. He is still working at Global Crossing, where he designs the backbone of the Internet.

We miss all of our family and old friends and are glad we can keep in touch (or at least keep tabs) with many of you via Facebook and blogs. We are constantly surprised to see you and your kids getting older. That might happen to us one of these days if we aren’t careful, but not yet. We hope that you are all doing well and enjoying the Light of Christ this Christmas season.

Love,

Brent, Anna, Alycia, and Joseph Smith

Socks and sandals....

My son is not a rule breaker. He's all about following the rules and sticking to them. As we were entering the food establishment we were going to eat at, I noticed my son wearing a fashion No No....Socks and sandals!

(Audible gasp)...
"Joseph what ARE you wearing"?

puzzled look..."sandals" my sweet boy answered.

How do I convince my boy that this is forbidden? Ahh....I know...
"Joseph, wearing socks and sandals are against the rules. You don't want to break the rules..do you?"

(gasp) "no! But Grandpa always wears black socks and sandals Mom."

"I know....I guess Grandpa doesn't know he's breaking the rules...Perhaps you can tell him the rules when he comes out to visit in a couple weeks"....


This reminds me of the time when Alycia was preschooler in Tulsa. At parent teacher conference I was told that my sweet daughter took a girl aside and explained to her that she shouldn't wear socks and sandals. She told the girl that was a fashion No No. The teacher assured me that she did it in a very kind way. I wanted to hide under a rock when I heard what my daughter did...yet...I was quite proud of her...

hehehe...Am I terrible or what?

Oh so busy....

This is week 3 of my kiddos going back to school. They're doing well. There hasn't been one complaint about it starting so early...I wonder if they were tired of the many chores I had for them to keep them busy.

Alycia's in 7th grade and is not thrilled about the many projects she has to do. The workload and expectations can be a bit overwhelming for her at times. She's doing 9th grade Algebra now and hasn't really struggled with it...yet. She came to me the other day and asked a question on her math homework...

"ahh...I just finished up my Intermediate Algebra just last semester..I should know how to do this"....were my thoughts.
...click....I was actually able to help her. After I answered her questions, I directed her to Brent...the math wiz...He enjoyed helping her, and they even had a few laughs. It's so nice when she comes home from school and tells me about her day. I don't remember having these conversations with my mom, she was always at work and I was a latch-key kid. I think I'm a hip mom, since she likes to wear my t-shirts and jeans. Yes...she can fit into my clothes. She's taller than my 5 foot self and my jeans are getting to be too short. Scary, huh? The one thing we're thrilled about is, we now have full access to her grades via the school's website. Missed or late assignments...hah! You can't hide that from us missy! She is not happy about this...and I personally wouldn't be either. I'm so glad they didn't have this fancy technology back in my day. Well, she missed the bus this week. You may ask yourselves why? Jamba Juice. Jamba Juice was at the Jr. high after school, so she decided to buy herself a smoothie. I have a very resourceful little gal...That morning she gathered up all her pennies, stuffed them into a ziplock bag and paid for her smoothie with her change. Yes...$2 whole dollars worth of pennies. She said the guy behind the counter's jaw dropped, gave her a look like "what am I supposed to do with this?" and proceeded to count the 200 pennies. Mind you, there were a ton of kids waiting anxiously to order their smoothie. Well, by the time she got her smoothie, ran to the bus area, her bus was leaving. She even ran alongside the bus...oh that mean bus driver! (were my thoughts).. I hope she learned that time doesn't stand still when you need it to, and neither does the bus....

As for my little guy Joseph, he's really enjoying school. No complaints so far. His teacher is a very kind and patient lady. Joseph's best friend is in his class and they're both happy about that. He'll be turning 10 tomorrow and just had a birthday party. It was a swim birthday party with 6 of his friends attending. I seriously thought I was going to cry this morning, not over the fact that he'd be turning 10, but the rain...There was a monsoon storm that hit last night (I spent all morning yesterday cleaning and spraying the deck in 108 degree heat)...Grrr...When I woke up this morning it was raining. What was I to do with all those boys if it continued to rain? It almost NEVER rains here! We live in the desert! (sniffle, sniffle) ...Well, great news! The rain stopped and the party went as planned... I wish I remembered to take pictures. Brent took a video of the birthday cake festivities...what a great hubby I married...

As for an update on Brent, he's enjoying being the Scoutmaster. He plans on taking the boys camping late September, once he's done with training. It's been weird not having him at home some weeknights and weekends due to training and 0ther youth activities...I guess I didn't realize how much I miss having him here at home 'til now...

As for myself...I'm finished with Joseph's birthday party and Alycia's is next! It's going to be a sleepover/swim/birthday party. The stress is on! We have a theme, but I just need to get the party supplies. I start school on Monday...Anatomy and English 101 are the courses I'm taking for the semester. I think Anatomy will be interesting as well as very difficult. As everyone knows, I'm all about getting great deals. Well I must boast a bit. At the campus bookstore they were selling my Anatomy textbook for $215, I found the international version online for $80...and that included shipping. Hah! Take that campus bookstore! As for my English class, I'm not happy I have to take it since it will require a lot of writing. I do enjoy writing, just as long as the subject interests me. A thought just occurred to me...English 101 is a freshman class. ugg...I'll be dealing with freshmen...they can be soo annoying! Okay okay, I will stop my grumblings. (deep breath...exhale) Much better.

I hope this next week goes well...It will be utterly stressful and busy... I have enjoyed the break from school to spend time with the family and getting to know them better. My family is what's the most important thing in my life...and I have treasured these brief 3 months I have had to spend one on one time with them... Now I need to get back into school mode...not fun...

Wish me luck! I will seriously need it!

Our lunch trader....

I meant to post this on Sunday....sorry..

This morning I decided to make some of my delicious homemade bread. I couldn't stomach eating the store bought stuff...While it was baking, Alycia said to me..

"Mom, I have to tell you something...At school last year, I grew tired of the bread you made and traded it with my fellow classmates. You have no idea how many kids wanted to trade my "homemade bread" (pb&j). I got multiple offers!"

"Hmm....well did you get anything good?" I asked.

"Yeah, I got a couple of things for just one sandwich." She answered.

When I told Brent about this, he wondered if she sold it as "homemade bread" in order to get a good trade.

When we got home from church today, I decided to make some of my favorite chocolate chip cookies. I'll have to post them to the family recipe blog sometime. Anyhow, as they were baking I could smell their delicious aroma. I thought to myself...someone will be coming down the stairs any minute now. Alycia was the first to arrive.

"Hey Mom. Do you know how many kids in my class would want to trade when I brought out the monster cookies you would make during snack time? I wouldn't trade if there was just one....well...I would trade half of my cookie for something...but it would have to be a really good trade though..."

I'm a bit speechless.
Should I be happy that I have such a resourceful child/tween that cuts deals?
Or should I be honored that she had multiple offers when trading?

Girl's Camp 2009

As many of you know, Alycia went to Girl's Camp this year. She had an absolute fabulous time! I'm posting a few pictures she took on her adventure. I don't think I'll freak out as much next year knowing how great of an experience she had. Thanks to all the YW leaders that made this such a special event.

Enjoy!

One less child at home.....

As I sit here typing, listening to our (Alycia and myself) favorite groups (Paramore & the Ting Tings)...I'm getting a bit teary eyed. When we're in the car listening/singing along it makes me so happy and grateful that I have a good relationship with my daughter.

Yesterday, my 11 year old went off to Girl's camp and will not be returning 'til Saturday. I have to admit...it was one of the hardest things I've had to do. I had to actually cut the cord...When we pulled up to the YW camp director's home I felt sick to my stomach. Alycia said "Mom...don't cry...I'll be fine...anyways...if you cry....you'll ruin your makeup....Love you Mom"....sniffle,sniffle...and off she went to join the rest of the excited girls. Alycia has never been away from me, except for the time Brent and I went to Boston and left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa. I thought for sure they'd cry themselves to sleep without Mom and Dad (this was 7 years ago)....Nope....no tears for mom and dad. My kids have never been clingy kids, at times I'm happy about that..

but not yesterday...

It was quiet day for us here at home. Too quiet. Joseph asked me several times when Alycia would be home. He asked who would play Legos with him now. I have a playdate scheduled for him today...otherwise...I would be stuck playing Legos. Luckily...I married an Engineer that knows alot about Networking...Brent and Joseph played World of Warcraft together last night...Ahh...some father and son bonding...hmm...I should've taken a picture...Perhaps next time.

Well, I didn't cry myself to sleep last night. So I guess that's good. I'm now wishing Alycia had a cellphone. It is so hard for me to NOT be in control of situations. I'm sure she's having a fabulous time. Brent has warned me that she'll be singing camp songs. That's what all his sisters did when they went to YW camp.

Three or is it four more days to go...I hope I can survive this. Holy Cow! What am I going to do when she goes off to college???

(Deep breath)

...Ahh...I still have 6 years left...