FUN "FINDS" & A FISH

Well, this weekend I encouraged my hubby to go with me and the kids down to the local DI to just look around and kill some time so we weren't sitting around the house being bored! I was so glad I did because, I found a few fun things.

First, I found this EXIT sign for 50 cents and I thought it would look great in Keaton's room after I made it match his room. The EXIT sign was one of Keaton's first words. He saw it all the time when he was little and we would walk the hallways of the church building. He always noticed them where ever we were and would point and exclaim, "EXIT". It brought back a sweet memory so I had to have it and now it hangs over his bedroom door!

BEFORE


AFTER


I also found these fun plates! I got them for $2.00 which I thought was a great deal! I didn't get them just because my hubby works for Coca-Cola but because I thought they would look so adorable on a dinner table. They remind me of a a fun little diner from something out of the 50's. I know, sounds sort of dumb but, they made me smile and happy so I bought them. I LOVE them!





Bailey Rose also got a fish this weekend! It was a reward for staying in her bed through the night. She was my baby that never slept through the night and never napped. She is now 9 years old and I finally bribed her with a fish. I was amazed that it worked as I have bribed her with many things over the last nine years. Today we took her to Pet Smart and she picked out the fish she fell in love with. She named it Sunburst which is appropriate for the Arizona desert. She has been watching it all day. I heard her singing to it and reading it a story. She loves her little Sunburst and I sure love her!

A DAY TO ALWAYS REMEMBER

Today my sweet Sierra would be turning 13 years old. I would have a teenager! Every year this day is bitter sweet for me. It takes me back to one of the most horrible hardest day of my life. However, it also was one of greatest days. Greatest days because,it was the day I met my little Sierra. My first born child that I remembering thinking, "I have never loved anything so much." I remember when they put her in my arms how I marveled at how perfect and beautiful her little body was. I was so in love with her! In that same instant I also knew that Heavenly father had called her home and I had to say good-bye. Even though my heart was exploding with pain knowing I would never bring her home or call her name or watch her play and smile and grow and experience this life, I knew she was mine for eternity. I would always be her mother and she would always be my daughter and someday I would have the opportunity to raise her. I am so truly grateful for Temple marriage that allows families to be sealed for all eternity. I know I will see my Sierra again someday and that our family will be complete. Until then I will continue to love and miss you Sierra.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEY ROSE!

I still remember so well when this little munchkin turned one! It is SO hard to believe that today she turns nine!



We celebrated last night when all the cousins could be here. The "Missouri" Smith's head back home today so last night was our last get together for my entire family for a few years. Bailey also celebrated with her cousin Brianna who will be turning 11 on the 18th. It was fun to celebrate both birthdays together and be together one last time.

















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Bailey Rose got some fashion glasses that had to be "fashioned" right away and they both "raked" in the money Bailey rose is excited to go shopping with her money today. She is such a "girlie " girl and LOVES to shop. She has been anticipating spending her birthday money for weeks. I sure do love you Bailey Rose and I am so glad you are my little girl! HAPPY BIRTHDAY cutie pie!

CELEBRATING WITH FAMILY!!!

Since my big Brother Rand and his family are visiting from Missouri this week my ENTIRE family took advantage of it and celebrated the Independence holiday on the 3rd of July. We literally celebrated all day long and into the night. It was so much fun and so enjoyable. Grandpa & Grandma Smith rented a HUGE water slide for the day. We had their pool too of course and Uncle Brian and Aunt Shanna provided a snow cone machine which was perfect since it was so stinkin HOT! The cousins played non stop and those that didn't wear sunscreen were hurting by the end of the day. I don't think my kids have ever stayed in their swimming suits all day. They would go from the water slide into the pool and then back to the slide and then have a snow cone and then repeat the process over and over and over! There is nothing better then watching your children play with their cousins and enjoy every moment of it. It was a BLAST! That night after dark Uncle Rand broke out the sparklers and some small fireworks that they brought from Missouri where it is still legal to buy and set your own off. The Arizona cousins thought it was the greatest. On Sun the 4th we had a yummy spaghetti dinner hosted by Uncle Brian and Aunt Shanna and then all went to a park by their house for fireworks being done by a church up the street. So we enjoyed every one's company once again while the cousins ran around like crazy and had a good time. The week is just beginning and plans are being made to get as much of the "Missouri" Smith's as we can before they make their long trip back home. It should be a FUN filled week!