pool update week 3; flagstone "coping" around edges...

my big boy...Chase 8 months!

Starting to feel like home...

So it's Friday and I knew something good was going to happen to post! 

Well...not actually so good...we have this corner on the side of our house that is tight when you turn from the garage to go down the driveway to the street. Dallas driveways are CRAZY! So...I gave myself about a month before I wacked it and well, I am 2 weeks early...yep, was totally paying attention and I wacked the heck out of the side of my Expedition. My great hubby knows not to say anything so he just laughed with me. Funny thing is my father had just polished that side before we moved b/c I wacked it on my old house too. Come to think of it, it is probably my driving more than anything..ahhh! another costly boo boo....

Chase woke up with a fever so we cancelled our trip to the pricey preschool...will try again next week. 

Love to all! Smith's are heading out to dinner with a friend of Eric's and their kiddos! 

We have had quite an exciting few days around the Smith house...

Tuesday..find out my father in law has a large kidney stone...ouch! He is back in Georgia after visiting us and his wife, Elise is with us in Texas...

Wednesday...fly out Elise back home to take care of Ray who still has a kidney stone...did I say ouch!!! 

...I take Tyler out to of all things cut his fingernails on the back patio and water down the pool (my job 2 times/day to keep the concrete from cracking) and I LOCK MYSELF OUT...yep, Chase is upstairs in his crib just about to wake up from his nap. I have no cell phone or key so I go to my new neighbor's house and call 911...the Frisco Fire department comes and after 40 minutes and a big show on the street, they break a bathroom window ($180.00 boo boo) and Chase is happily sucking on his toes in his crib! Tyler got a Frisco Fire Dept "trading card" that is priceless in his book! And the fireman had to come back in the engine to get his sunglasses he left...so 2 personal visits by the fire dept was big for Tyler and we met some neighbors this way:) 

Thursday...Tyler, Chase and I went out for our first official Frisco Mom's group playdate. I met a great gal at the pool and she got me connected with the group. We went to story time and playing with trains at Barnes & Nobles and then to the food court for lunch and carousel rides. It was fun and felt good to be around other mom's with little ones!

So, tomorrow is Friday..I am visiting another preschool that actually has openings but will cost me a pretty penny..Eric may send me back to work:) and I am sure we will have something exciting to post...

Night Night....The Smith's. 

Pool progress, end of week 2

Chase today at the splash park..less than a mile away..so cool!

WOW! What a few weeks it has been! We are officially not living in boxes anymore but not really organized yet. We have piles everywhere:) But thanks to a great visit from the grandparents, we did get a lot accomplished! We loved having our Papa's here (my dad and Eric's). Eric's mom is staying another week so we should get things in ship shape around here by next weekend. The boys are doing well. Ty is loving his new house and play room. He rides his bike all over the house and with tile and hardwoods it makes it an easy ride (totally not mom of the year but he has a ball!!). Chase has decided to get about 6 teeth since we left Georgia so poor guy is not really sleeping well but each night gets better. We are adjusting to the boys upstairs and us downstairs and so far it just brings alot of walking up and down during the night. Ty has not slept alone (spoiled by nana's and papa's) since we moved in so we are setting ourselves up...again not really mom of the year!

I did meet 2 new mom's today at our neighborhood pool area. They both were really nice and kids were a bit younger than Tyler but they got me the info to the neighborhood playgroups so I hope to meet up with some who have kiddos around our boys ages. The neighbors are all very nice and we are enjoying all the walking paths around. Bailey (our boxer) is loving getting walks daily! She was totally spoiled by my dad while he was here. Thanks dad! 

Our pool is at a fun stage. It has the concrete and tile in it so it is really starting to take shape. I will post pictures tomorrow...we just can't wait for water and swimming! Hopefully a few more weeks!!

Love and good night...Colin 

Father's Day...

Moving Day last Thursday...

We are homeowners again! 

 The closing yesterday went well and we are awaiting the moving truck on Wednesday. This morning we head off to meet up with the security people and cabinet guys. Tyler had a blast yesterday trying out blue paint in his currently very purple/pink room! We will have the boys rooms painted tomorrow...with the moving truck now coming! Should be a good time for the painter..let's hope he is flexible! 

 Chase has made a big milestone..he has gone from lying down to sitting up all by himself. Tyler was so proud of him when he did it..he just kept yelling...mommy, he did it! he did it! So cute! 

 Tyler has now learned to anwser the phone so beware..he may hang up or say something silly when you call the smith house! 

 Eric had his first day of work in the office here yesterday and sounds like he is off to a good and busy start!  

 Well..gotta run...Home security guy gets up early! and we are meeting in just a bit! Have a great Tuesday....Love, Colin 

We are here!

We are off to a great start so far. First of all we made it all in one piece to the airport and to the hotel. We looked like a circus with 4 huge bags, 1 carseat, 2 carry on's and oh..the golfclubs! It was quite a sight to see me pushing a double stroller with one hand and a hand trolley with the other with bags on it and Eric with all the rest! But we did it!
The residence inn is ok; we just got a noise complaint for Tyler bouncing the basket ball! Between Chase crying and Ty being rambunctious (sp.) we might get kicked out of here! Last night Ty and Eric tried out the pool along with all the hotel workers kiddos so he was pretty cute all skinny and pale compared to the rest. Today, Chase woke up with a 102 temp so we trotted off to the After Hours Pediatric center that was really good (really!) and it turns out it is probably viral, for my heme/onc friends..they even did a CBC. Very thorough exam so I feel confident we are going to be ok. While Chase and I went to the doc, Tyler and Eric headed to the driving range; tyler says he is working on his "short game." He loves putting and mostly being with dad! Eric got in the car a little upset..I guess the golf game is not where he wants it to be...maybe it will get better when he can stay off the airplane a little!
Tomorrow sis and I celebrate the big 31 years old! Eric got me a great suprise from him and the boys..a new mac computer! I can't wait to have my sis here in a few weeks to celebrate!
Love you all...Colin...............pics to come..the cable is somewhere in a box in the moving truck..

We are off to Texas! As Tyler says..the big rig is coming! We are up and waiting on the moving truck and Ty is spending his morning with his girl Blakely across the street. We will post once we get to Texas with lots of pictures! Love, Colin

My aunt Caryl!
Lot's of fun on her big bed!
Nothing better than napping with a warm baby!My uncle Mike!
All the high school gals, Addie, Chrissy, Greer and Ashley!

Thanks girls for a great goodbye dinner!

Lynne Moss, Erika Page, Deb Lutterman, Brooke Oakley, Sarah Goldberg, Dawn Carver, Audra Thompson, Me, Karen Wilson, Norah Keeley and Courtney Lee!

My Egleston girls...what a fun night at Eclipse Di Luna! I am so excited for all you pregnant gals! We have all come a long way together in the last 8 years! Best wishes to everyone!!

Some house pics...we move in June 23!

My new kitchen...
Formal living room...great spot for the bikes and tricycles! oh..and basketballs!
Family room off the kitchen
Boys playroom..stairs and hallway lead to boy's rooms
Courtyard backyard. This is about as big as it gets out there! There is a playarea around the other side of the house too...

Thanks Dad for coming up today! The boys had a great time playing and Eric and I got some much needed chores done around the house! Thank you! Love and Good night...Colin

Tyler at his first baseball game, in Frisco Texas.
The Wiggles Play Zone..very cool! Down the street from new home.

I think he is getting tired of me taking his picture:)))

Chase 7 months..getting ready for his baby dedication at church
Look at me, I'm sitting up!
Fun times!
Proud Papa's!
Chase's 1st personalized bible

Welcome to the new Smith home! We just finished the negotiating a little bit ago and are so excited. The house is beautiful and big enough to hold lots of visitors:)) We have been working with the pool company as well to to get ready to add that. We have a great courtyard yard in the middle of the home and playyard for the boys so a pool will be wonderful. The house is about 5 minutes to Eric's work and very convienient to any retail therapy I may need! We close on the new home on June 23rd! Which means limited housing in the 300 sq foot corporate apartment. We have had a ball in TX this week...we brought Tyler with us and so far he has had a great time. We went to the Frisco Rough Riders game on Monday night, the minor league team for the Texas Rangers. On Tuesday we went to a great area in Plano called Shops at Legacy, very cool night life with lots of patio dining, and tonight we checked out the mall close by where they have an indoor ice skating rink so Ty saw his first hockey practice which was very cool. We come home in the am and I can't wait to squeeze all over Chase. I have missed him so much but know that his nana and papa ray have enjoyed every minute of him.

Love to all! Colin & Eric & the boys!

Hilton Head 2008, All my boys!
Chase, 7 months old! Swinging and sitting up!
Ray and Elise, proud grandparents!
Our Tyler...had a ball!
Date night out! Yeah!

Introducing Addison Marie Hambrick, born Monday, May 19th

7lb 7oz 21 inches! 2:48pm.

Proud parents Carmen & Brandt Hambrick...

I just love her already!

My incredible manager and friend, Cheryl...at my farewell luncheon

My hero..Darren Johnson...survivor!

Darren and his mom! She came all the way from work at Crawford Long Hospital to be there too! WOW!

Wow! What a week it was! Last week I experienced more emotions than I have in a while. On monday I was at the birth of baby Addison Marie, new baby girl to my dear friend Carmen. I was planning on being outside the door when she arrived but I had the incredible blessing of being right there for her entrance to the world. Having had 2 c-sections it was awesome to witness the true birth experience! Carmen was a rock star and Addison is beautiful!

On Tuesday and Wednesday I wrapped up my final days at Children's Healthcare in the Aflac Cancer Center. It was a busy 2 days but nothing could have prepared me for the farewell I recieved. The nursing staff gave me a great luncheon with all my favorite mexican food and my manager Cheryl gave a wonderful farewell speech. The gals had found one of my favorite patients, Darren whom I had cared for many years ago. He wrote me a beautiful letter they had framed and all the staff signed it. I will treasure this gift forever. I was so proud of Darren, he read the letter in front of the staff and there was not a dry eye in the room! Thank you to all of you, I will miss you all so much!


Thursday and Friday we prepared to go to Hilton Head. We made the trip in almost 8 hours! I forgot how many times you stop with a baby in the car! But all in all the boys were great and Chase was wonderful even at the beach. Nothing like pulling the exersaucer out on the beach..but hey it worked! He smiled and played and napped and we had a great time. Eric's parents came with us which was a great treat!


We will be heading out to Frisco, Texas on Monday to find our new home. We are taking Tyler with us to show him around and take him on his first airplane ride. I will update when we get back and maybe I will have a new home to post:)))


Love to all...Colin

Adam came to visit last week while his mommy was at a conference at our church. We had a ball!
Outside fun!
Papa Mike comes to the rescue! Actually looks pretty organized huh!
My sweet Chase...
My granny came to visit for Mother's Day..i loved this picture, Chase's face is a hoot!

Hi Friends & Family,

Wow! I think this is the longest I have gone without an update. Where do I begin??? For starters..the boys are great!



Tyler is now finished with his year in preschool and is such a big boy these days. We are still battling potty training but I think we will get there soon! He had an accident in front of his girlfriend Blakely last night and was really embarrased so I think he is getting it! He is counting to 100 and writing his letters and always asking how you spell EVERYTHING! I love it! It's amazing to watch his mind work.



Chase is doing great. He was 6 months on May 1st. He had his check up today and all is great. He continues on his prilosec for reflux but they say that could get better now that he is starting to sit up. He is babbling like crazy and has 2 little teeth poking thru. He will chew on anything he can get his mouth on..so between spitting up, drooling and chewing..he is constantly a mess. I always have laughed with the mommies who have bibs on 24/7..well that's me! He is in the 20% for weight, a little lean! But in the 84% for height so daddy is proud! He is in 9-12 month clothes just for the length which is crazy. Ty was always behind so my clothes are not really matching up these days which calls for frequent shopping trips!!!



Eric is adjusting well to his big job and has been seeing the United States it seems like as he goes to each account. He just hired a co-worker to move from Denver, and they happen to be great friends of ours which is awesome b/c they will be coming to Dallas too! And they have young kiddos too.



For me..I am entering early retirement from nursing on Wed, May 21st. It will be so bittersweet as I have loved every minute of my time in the Aflac Cancer Center. I pray that one day I get back to the bedside and continue my calling but for now my calling is to be at home with all my boys. We have a contract on our house and are closing on June 9th so that is coming quickly. I have arranged for our corporate housing in Dallas so I am hot on the hunt for our new home.



Thanks to all for your love and support! I will attach pictures below...Love...Colin and all my boys!