Climbing Monkeys and Daredevils

Since I am once again the dreaded accountants widow, I have been trying to take pity on the poor man who is stuck in an office instead of spending time with his family in the beautiful weather we have been having. One way of accomplishing this is by being better at taking pictures and video of some of the activities we have been doing. I have noticed a consistency with these videos, and that is my boys are B-O-Y-S. In the first video Austin has just learned how to climb the monkey bars. Litteraly at the moment of this video and takes to it like a natural. The second video is Logan thinking that he is a professional stunt man and jumping off a car with all the grace associated. Unfortunately he has yet learned how to actually jump. So with that said, please enjoy a peek at my life and hopefully Dan will be able to see these someday too.

It's never the same

Just when I think I have a handle on the whole motherhood thing, something happens to show me I know nothing. I am not sure why we like to put our kids in the same mold. It would be nice if what worked for the first kid, worked for every kid afterwards. Without going into details I recently had a situation where Logan had a literal melt down. I tried all my tricks as a mother. Everything I learned from Austin and four years of experienced mothering, and nothing worked. I just looked at him with all the same feelings of helplessness and insecurity that I felt when Austin was a newborn. It was so weird feeling that way. I was under the delusion that I "got it." I knew how to be a good mom now, because I already did it. Just like riding a bike. Unfortunately I have learned that Logan is NOT Austin. He is actually his own little person with his own, and very different, needs. It is like a trick. I feel like someone is pointing at me and saying "ha ha you thought you could ride, but you have to relearn that bike each time you get on!" So now it is time to let go of all my old tricks, learn some new ones, and really get to know the uniqueness and wonderfulness that is Logan Zachary Smith.

Oh where oh where has my posting gone

Each new year seems to bring the same resolution of being better at connecting, writing in journals, posting, etc. I read other peoples blogs (ex: my friends blog, My Many Colored Days) and am impressed with what they do for others just with the use of the internet. I know I have complained about it being a tool to take closeness and connection from relationships, but I also think it can be a great way to reach out to people that you may never meet on a day to day basis. I see people who talk about things that matter to them and then read comments from complete strangers to that person, yet what they said touched them in some way. So once again I would like to be better. Time is always a great thing to blame, there is never enough. Actually there is plenty if I just use it wisely. So here is to you 2008. You are giving me 12 months to get my act together, which if you think about it, is plenty of time!

Mirror, Mirror

O.k. so I really am not this conceited. But for once in my life a good picture of me has been taken. I would really like everyone to notice the absence of a goofy face, my tongue is properly hidden and I am not looking too snotty. I am not sure how it happened. Maybe Saturn and Jupiter were aligned that day, or maybe it's some good Karma I earned while working with scouts. Actually it is probably the sweet shoes and the lack of children hanging off my limbs. So let us all take a moment and remember what Tannie looks like without spit-up, mud, something indescribable placed by little loving hands and wearing make-up. O.k. moment over. But permanently saved in blogdom.

In other news. I am obviously not posting as regularly as promised and so therefore will keep up with the email notifications. I promised pictures and an update from Mexico...well I also promised Christmas cards and if you haven't noticed, those didn't happen either. So let it be known we went to Mexico, had fun, would go back, and life has resumed normalcy. Although it would be nice to have a mint placed on my pillow at home. I'll take a gourmet chef in the kitchen also while we are at it.

Now for those of you who only want to see grand kids. Here they are, both sucking there thumbs in the rain in Mexico...
...wait, you tricked me, now I am showing Mexico after all. Oh well if I have already accessed the pictures I might as well show some more. So this one we were at the market and it just cracked me up how they were both just looking at me like "mother, do you realize that we are tired and hungry and it is raining and we want a nap, yet you just want to shop" Well sorry kids, I do want to shop so suck your thumbs and live with it.
This is pretty much how Logan traveled. He had some shade, Dan got a workout and we all were happy.
Here is me about to go scuba diving. It was pretty much awesome.
Later Christy and I met our new Mexican boyfriend. Dan is taking the picture so he was cool with it. Actually this was a really cool guy who is a descendant of the Mayans and he told us all sorts of neat stuff about the headdress and the Jaguar skin he is wearing. All translated through Dan of course.
This is Austin enjoying the local wildlife with his Mom. This is actually a picture of stupid Americans who will pay money to hold a dirty bird and an old lizard while taking a picture with your own camera. Oh well Austin thought it was cool.

So there you go, some pictures of Mexico. Wow maybe this year I will actually get Christmas cards out also?!

Last but not least, some of you may have heard about Austin splitting his lip. WARNING: * if you are of a sensitive nature please stop now and read no further as the rest of this blog is graphic in nature** So anyway Austin split his lip open on a window seal in Albuquerque. Here is the before and after pictures, since some of you have wanted to see. I will tell you that it does not look as bad in the picture as it was in real life.

So here is the cut and the story. We were on a return trip from Utah and had a stop in Albuquerque. Austin was standing on the air conditioner looking at hot air balloons. He fell and hit is mouth on the window seal. My mom was with him and so she said "go see your mom" She couldn't tell how bad it was, just saw it was bleeding. So Austin comes to me and I take one look and think in my head"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! My child has torn in half and is going to die!." What I said was, (in a rather calm voice) "Well, we need to go to the emergency room." So we did and it is a good thing I used to live there, so I knew right where to go. I will skip the details of the ER, just know that it was very traumatizing, more so for mom, lots of blood, lots of tears, lots of muscle holding a three year old down. I do have to say that my Dad totally came through and was there with me the whole time and was a huge help in the muscle department. So here is the after.

You can see in this first one, Austin is emotionally scarred for life (or so I thought) the second picture was taken like 20 minutes later. I only wish I could have recovered as quickly. So that was real exiting and now there is not even a scar visible. So if you ever need stitches it is totally worth getting to Albuquerque first. Not only is it an awesome city but it just so happens that the Children's ER is brand new (one month when we were there) and has all the latest technology and really awesome doctors. So thanks. Although I did resent the fact they thought my Dad was my husband. Not that my Dad isn't awesome, and he is rather a handsome man, but do I really look old enough to marry a guys in his 50's! Unless they thought I was weird enough too, or maybe my Dad looked young enough to marry a girl in her 20's (hey 29 is still in my 20's) Either way no offense Dad, but I will keep Dan. So that is the story of Austin, Albuquerque and stitches. Lots of fun, don't want to do it again. So now that I have written way too long of a blog, I will leave you with one last picture that pretty much sums up how life is going right now.

p.s some of you have asked how you leave a comment. Alls you do is click on the little comment link right underneath this blog it looks something like this: 2 comments Only underlined.

A Year Already!

Well there it is. A year in the life of Logan. I can't believe how fast he is growing, in fact he said his first word today (wawa = water) and he is trying real hard to walk. All in all I can say he is a pretty cool kid. Austin is excited because he is finally getting someone who will play with him a little more. I am excited because he is getting more and more independent. So happy birthday Logan and keep up the good work!

p.s If you haven't figured it out, my camera works again. So next post...Mexico!

"Oh the Cleverness of Me!"

So there is this fun thing going around on "the nets" to steal a term from Enders Game, of listing 101 things about yourself. I thought I would give it a try as I have learned a lot of really interesting things about people I know. So hopefully all of you out there can learn a little more about what makes me, me.

1. My real actual name is Tann Michelle Romriell Smith, but you can call me Tannie.
2. I love to read. I mean LOVE to read. I would rather read than eat food.
3. I have never left the country until this year when I went to Mexico.
4. Now I want to leave the country all the time.
5. I never wanted to be a mother. I would say that I wanted to be one, but I didn't mean it. I just knew it was what you were supposed to say.
6. Now that I am a mother, I love it! I wouldn't trade it for anything.
7. Sometimes I really am as snotty as I look, but most the time I am not.
8. I have always been the friend and never the best friend. The only person who has ever considered me to be there best friend (and told me) also married me.
9. I think that Dan is as hot today as he was in high school. Even with the grey hair.
10. I am way smarter than I act most of the time.
11. I am also more mature than I act, but that is not as fun.
12. I think that I am a ton of fun!
13. I am a huge dork. I have proof of this by the fact that Dan introduced me to Dungeons and Dragons and I went as far as to create and draw this Kestal 'Sohna character. She was adopted and raised by Drizzt Do'Urden 90 years before his death. He wanted someone to pass on his legacy seeing as he is the only good dark elf. So now there is another. See HUGE DORK!
14. I am really happy that at least three people (Trent, Dan and Rachel) will truly appreciate number 13.
15. As a child I was rediculously obedient. To this day I feel guilty of doing anything in contrary to what I am told.
16. In high school I won state in Texas for a painting I did.
17. I have some professors who won't talk to me because I chose the "mom" route instead of a career. And one who is my hero for supporting me.
18. Logan's name in actuality did come from wolverine. We are not kidding when we tell people this.
19. I am constantly amazed at the really good and kind people in this world.
20. In my heart I own 200 pairs of shoes. In the real world I own 10. Dan thinks this is still to many.
21. I have a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitzu
22. I would love to get a black one.
23. My favorite illustrator is Norman Rockwell, but I would never hang anything of his in my house.
24. Dan and I never buy art because we feel like we can do it ourselves, and then never do. Therefore my walls are usually bare.
25. If I could live anywhere it would be right smack down town Austin. I think that in another life I would have been happy as a metropolitan sort of gal.
26. I still feel homesick for Albuquerque.
27. I still think that Professor Snape is a Friend.
28. I have never been seriously ill, never been hospitalized for any injury and have only broken toes on my body.
29. For some reason the band Weezer reminds me of The Beach Boys and that is why I like them so much.
30. I would of married Dan even if I didn't love him. I knew we would always have fun together. So it is just added wonderfulness that I do love him so much!
31. I think that my boys are geniuses.
33. I love ALL of my in-laws and I am discovering that that is actually pretty rare.
34. I love to work out and get sweaty. (Mornings only)
35. Once I shower that is it, no more sweating for the day.
36. As I get to number 36 I am realizing that I don't know that much about myself.
37. I am more scared of being 29 than30.
38. I was 27 twice. I forgot I was 26.
39. I am still mad at losing that year.
40. I think I am funny.
41. I think Dan is hilarious.
42. I am reading the collected works of Hugh Nibley...and I get it.
43. I have really cool parents.
44. Most of my friends have expressed wishing to be in my family.
45. I agree. Everyone should be in my family.
46. I am proud to be a California girl even though I lived there only two years.
47. I have no idea where I am from so I claim Texas.
48. Most (not all) of my friends in High School, I didn't really like.
49. I like all my friends now.
50. My true friends are still reading this.
51. I am learning to play tennis.
52. My dream is to learn how to scull and then compete in the Olympics.
53. I should really be doing something for my church calling right now.
54. This is more interesting.
55. I have a problem being too honest sometimes.
56. I had a black boxer named fluffy who was not fluffy at all.
57. I would really like to write and illustrate childrens book.
58. I have a hard time motivating myself to do the things I would like.
59. Once I am motivated I work really hard.
60. My children inspire me.
61. I fully expect to be rich one day.
62. I am a confident person.
63. I don't believe women think enough of themselves and what they do.
64. I have my bachelors in Communication Design.
65. You should check out my website then hire me for something.
66. I don't get embarrassed easily.
67. What does embarrass me is social faux pas.
68. I was actually one of the popular kids in high school. Then we moved.
69. In high school, I secretly really wanted to be a cheerleader.
70. I still do.
71. Instead I played softball.
72. I was team captain and MVP.
73. I am just now realizing that I wasn't as ugly as a kid as I thought I was.
74. Logan's middle name was almost Drizzt or Ender.
75. I wish I was better at staying in contact with people that I love.
76. I once wrote a really cool fantasy story and then lost it.
77. I feel that I am a pretty congruent person.
78. My pet peeves are dishonesty...
79. Know-it-alls...
80. irresponsiblity...
81. people that cut themselves down.
82. Sometimes I do those thing.
83. I think that I would like a Speaker for the Dead at my funeral. (post if you know what I am talking about.)
84. I really, really, really want a 2009 Chevy Camaro.
85. And I don't care that it would be unusable for kids.
86. I put form over function, before function over form.
87. I am still mad that my little brother got an iphone before me.
88. Even though I am 29, I would still beat up anyone who messes with my younger siblings.
89. I never wanted to marry another artist because I didn't want the competition.
90. I HATE scrapbooking. So don't ask me to do it.
91. I do like looking at it though.
92. I prefer silence.
93. When it is nap time, I do not answer the phone. As my friend Rachel says "do you think it is the President?"
94. I think that my Dad and brothers should actually start one of the business' they are always talking about starting.
95. I am proud of the fact that I know how to speak in public.
96. In fact I love speaking in public.
97. I have been published in two magazines.
98. This shouldn't be as hard as it is.
99. I feel happy because I have finally overcome all the self-esteem obstacles that I grew up with.
100. As a kid I really wanted to be a model. I am really glad I wasn't.
101. Last but not least...I am pregnant!
101.a. Just kidding! But I got you!
Real 101. In mexico my sister in law and I got henna tatoos and I was really bummed out when it faded.

Accountants Widow

O.k. so it has been a while, and yes my camera is still broken, but I realized that it is still actually possible to post a blog without pictures. I know, shocking, I bet you didn't think it was possible either. So here we go. As you may have noticed by the title of this blog, I have been rather alone lately. Dan happens to be an accountant which means from January to about May we don't see him. Oh, he shows up every now and then to sleep in a bed, or lift something heavy, but other than that nada. In fact for some strange reason, he happened to be home this morning and I had to just look at him, since it had been awhile since I has seen him in daylight. He is still hot by the way, I checked. I remember when we were deciding on a career choice for him back in college. The decision was between International Law and Accounting. We went for accounting because Dan "really didn't want to work 60 hours a week and miss his family that much." HA! Last week he clocked 80 hours and that was a slow week. Silly us. Oh well, I have learned how to be extra independent during this time, so much so that when Dan does show up, I almost don't know what to do with him. I hope he will understand and quietly let me control everything from now on. Actually the reality is that Dan will start being home, we will have a huge argument, feel better, and get back to life. After four years of account widowing, I have got the routine down.

Another thing I have learned from all this, is that independent really just means being alone all the time. Except of course if you have kids, then your alone without ever actually being alone. Unfortunately being alone, then makes you feel lonely, so then you call your husband randomly throughout the day, telling him really meaningless things that are suddenly very important. Like some late breaking news on how Oprah went on a road trip, or guess what, I just opened a door! Isn't that exciting? I think the next time someone tells me that it is a good thing to be independent or that they are proud of there independence I am just going to give them a hug and ask if they want to go to a movie, the mall, or just look at rocks together. Because- hey...me too.