Meeting Baby Phoenix Jay

Chantel has been miserable the past few days because she's been overdue and trying everything to get baby to come. And it finally came to the point where she needed to be induced.  After a long day Baby Phoenix Jay Warner made his debut into this world. He's a cutie. 

It was weird going to LDS hospital and not being the one having the baby.  But I enjoyed going there to see my sissy and her new baby.

Best part is since her and Tyler are renting our basement that I get to have a baby fix whenever I want and need. Haha. And I love the idea of being able to help Chan when she needs it.

Spring Season Football Comes to a Close

Ryker had his first season where he didn't win a whole lot of games. It was tough to see his team  not do as well as he has done in the previous seasons. He tends to be the star and play alot. But the coach didn't seem as invested in the season as Ryker needed. But We decided that by not winning almost as good as winning. He still learned from it and that's really the whole point of him playing . It's to learn and grow. He was disappointed that his team got eliminated after the first round in the tournament though. 

As for Cy his team took FIRST in thier age division tournament. His coach is so great. Matter of fact they are signing up the whole team and coach for the next 2 seasons. He was pretty excited about it.

Tournament Champs!!!

Kindergarten Graduation

Kindergarten has been quite the year. Almost every morning Cyrus had a tough time wanting to go to school. Which made for a tough time getting us out the door. Often he would be irritated and sensitive about his clothes causing a chain reaction to fretting and melting down. I often was dealing with this on my own because Jesse was coming or going from work. Cy also had a tough time staying focused in class. Thankfully he had such a great teacher that helped him earn stickers everyday so that he could stay on track for the day. Most days it worked. We just had to take each day one at a time and work together. We did notice improvements over the course of the school year.  It really is an adjustment going from preschool to a big school. I think alot of it had to do with him testing his the boundaries and learning what is appropriate in school (like throwing a snowball at a girl's head is not).

The Graduation program was so cute and well done. Every rough morning was worth seeing Cyrus singing his heart out for his Graduation. All smiles and so proud of himself makes me so proud of the growth that came out of this year! Congrats Cy Guy! Can't believe you are going to be a First Grader!

Ms. Sanos was our life saver this school year. She is one incredibly patient teacher.

Proud Parents!

These 2 are partners in crime. Kam and Cy.  They were known to get in trouble together. But because loved being together we often got to use a play date with Kam as an incentive for a good day at school. They are darn cute though huh?

Mother's Day Weekend

Last night we treated Mama Heidi to dinner to celebrate Mother's Day with her. We could be with her today so we thought it would be nice to get together the day before. I love her like she's my own mom. Since day one of being "Smith" she has treated me like her own daughter and because of that we have grown so close.  I am so grateful for her and everything she does for me and my family. She's a good woman and loves me. Flaws and All!

Today my heart is very full. Getting ready for church is always nuts and there is usually one or more of us that may have a breakdown. But once we arrived to sacrament meeting and watched my boys singing about their mothers brought tears to my eyes and my heart was touched. I was reawakened to the gratitude I have to be a mother to these 3 boys. I love them and blessed to be their Mom!!!

I couldn't allow my own mom to cook dinner on Mother's day. So I had my family over and cooked dinner for them all. So grateful for for her and all she has done for me throughout my life. She's one of a kind.

Mother's Day can be tough when your mother deserves an island when all you can afford is a candle. So when you can't afford to buy her that island she deserves, you bake the most amazing German Chocolate Cake for her instead.

12 year Anniversary

Can you believe that it's been yet another year? Why does this make me feel emotional when I think about it? I honestly just feel like it was only a few years ago that we met. But that was 13 years ago. 12 of those years were marriage. I love it though. I love what we have grown into. I love looking back on the infancy of our marriage and think about how little I knew. I love looking at Jesse and have the "home" feeling with him. He really is my whole world and often the fear of living without him creeps in and it feels like a dark place. This world would definitely feel darker without him. 

Over the weekend we went on a little date that Jesse was in charge of this year. And he took me to Chik-fil-a for dinner and Nielson's Frozen custard before we went and saw a movie. It was a simple night, nothing fancy. But that was perfect for us. It's not very often we get to be alone together, so talking over dinner and seeing a Marvel movie. Every year there is always a new Marvel movie that comes out on our anniversary weekend. For 6 or 7 years now we've been doing that. It's tradition by this point we have to stick with it.  

Looking back on these pictures makes me so happy because 12 years later we are still going strong!!!

Being together for 12 years has brought us so many JOYS. These 3 boys being a few of those. We live for these boys. My days are filled with things all because of them. Some days it feels nuts, but I think I'd be pretty bored otherwise.

Happy Anniversary Jesse! You are truly the love of my life. Thank you for everything!

Salon Move

So, the past 2 months has been one of the hardest emotional journey's I've ever been on. But I cant share all of it on here. But know that it was very trying on my heart. Nothing left I could do but was to turn to the Lord. Even though my heart was so full of many emotions that the Lord was able to guide me an direct me in what I needed to do. 

About the last week of March I had a prompting that I needed to leave Sheer Indulgence. Matter of fact a salon fell in my lap.  I wasn't even looking, but it was clear that I should leave. With prayer I went to go and look at this salon. Feeling like I was 75% green light. But when I walked through it something about it didn't sit well with my heart. 

I went home feeling confused. Why would I have this prompting and this salon fall into my lap? And then feel not good about it? 

I decided that I would wait another month and pay April's rent at Sheer Indulgence and hope that things at the salon would get better. I fasted, prayed and went to the temple with my questions. Hoping for some clarity on my original prompting.

As the month of April went on things just weren't getting better and I dreaded going to work everyday and felt miserable there. I would leave work and bring home all the worked up feelings I had inside. All the emotions I was feeling was beginning to overwhelm me. My happy go lucky self was getting burried and I was a depressed, ornery mom and wife. And my boys and husband don't deserve that. 

One day as I'm miserably sitting in the break room  at work, I decided to Call 38th Street Salon to see if they were even hiring . A friend of mine (back when I looked at the other salon) suggested that salon. I called and the owner was the one who answered and  I was able to ask her if they were hiring full time stylists. And she said yes. As I was talking  with her about the details, I felt a glimpse of hope. We arranged to meet the next morning to walk through the salon together. 

Before we went Jesse and I said a prayer together asking for guidance if this was the place for me. When I arrived and started walking through the salon together, I had the most calming and peaceful feeling come over me. Something I hadn't felt in a long time. 

In that moment I felt my answer. The Spirit confirmed to me that this was the place for me. It's a big change to uproot my career of 11.5 years and change locations. I am a creature of habit. Hence why I have been in the same location for so long. But with the Lord on my side taking this leap of faith felt easier. 

As soon as I left there I went straight to my boss and told him I was leaving. I had no doubt in my mind I was making the right decision. He was very understanding but sad that I was leaving. I told him I didn't want anyone to know I was leaving. I didn't need their fake goodbyes and the questions. He respected that. 

In my own time I told Harmoni, Amber, Linzie and Lynette. The small handful of people who I could call my friends. But I left unannounced and in the night. Last week was the longest and hardest week on me. I couldn't wait to get out of there, but I was also feeling emotionally broken by this point. I needed to get away. The days went by so slow. 

Once Friday came I was thrilled. I waited until 9:30pm to go in and clear my stuff out. With no one there. It was rather therapeutic to clean out my station and throw things away that I didn't need anymore. Like I was cleansing myself of that place. Which really is sad to say. I've loved working there up until the past 2 months. Never thought I'd want to leave and here I was. 

Jesse was so sweet Monday and Tuesday to help me get all set up with new lighting and a new mirror in my new place. Sacrificing ALOT of his time , needs and wants for me. For his broken wife. He's really a saint for seeing me through all of this because I haven't been right. It's great to have him around to help me in my tough times. So blessed to have him as my husband. Honestly.

So tonight I finished up my first day in my new place! And looking back on this experience has strengthened my testimony of the power of prayer! I've learned ever more that God is in EVERY aspect of my life! He's very aware of me, loves me and even cares about where I work.

Looking forward to a new chapter in my life.

Baby Shower for my Baby Sister

Baby Shower Time!!!! Still can't believe that my baby sister is having a baby. It's almost like I'm becoming a grandma because I was like her second mom growing up. I know I've said this before, but I feel like I raised her. So I was excited to throw her a baby shower at my house. Granted it was one of the most stressful weeks of my entire life (post to come about that). But it all came together beautifully and we had a great turn out. 

I called in a few trades with 2 of my clients. One who does cookies and the other balloons. It was the finishing touches on the party that made it feel so welcoming. 

My mom and Jessica helped me with the food so it wasn't all so much on me. Thank goodness for that.

She's just the cutest thing. Her bump is so perfectly round and she's so thin everywhere else. She makes it look good.

I sure do love this girl more than she'll ever know. And it is probably annoying at times how much I do love her because it comes out rather mothering. I try and warn her of it quite often.

Had to take advantage of a picture with all the girls together. One day we'll get Lexa and Manda in there.

Temple Tradition

The start of this year we made a pack with the Seaman's to go to the Temple together once a month and do Sealings. The first time we did it we went out for Sushi afterwards. Then it kinda became a thing. So now every month we do Sealings and Sushi with the Smith's and the Seaman's. Haha. 

The temple sure knows how to garden. The Tulips are always so stunning. They are just my favorite. Reminds me of our wedding day!!!

It's been so nice to go attend the temple on more of a regular basis. I have found that when I have prayers to be answered it really helps to take them to the house of the Lord.

Easter 2017

Dying Easter Eggs together is always an adventure. This year was funny with Fynn. He wanted to be right in the middle of the whole thing. His preferred spot was on the table right next to the supplies. Well can't be having that happen or else we'll have a big mess on our hands. But because he didn't get what he wanted he through an occasional fit. 

But all in all it was fun to be together as a family making the memories. 

These 3 and how concentrated they are on their egg decorating.

Notice Fynn's whole entire hand in the cup of orange dye? Ya that was his method. Haha.

"Easter Bunny" paid a visit that night and brought them some cool stuff.

Jesse had to go to work this morning, so it was just me and the boys together on this Easter Sunday. Several years ago I made these bunny faces for the boys for Easter. And Ryker requested that I make it again. So I did.

Before we started the Easter Egg Hunt I had to get a picture of these rag-a-muffins with their morning hair and their Easter Baskets.

Kind of a silly picture of Fynn, I think he might have been mid cough when I caught this. But he just loved finding the eggs and putting them in his basket. The "Easter Bunny" left some out for him that were easy to find. Granted those were the ones that Ryker and Cy found too, but they would just give it to Fynn.

After that was all done. I put Fynn down for a nap and gave a lesson to the Boys about the real reason we celebrate Easter! We studied a little more about the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Christ. I wanted to ensure in them that the reason we have Easter isn't because of the Easter Bunny, Baskets and eggs. It's Because of Him! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He suffered and died for us. He is Risen! And He LIVES!!! I know it of a surety and these boys do too!

I love seeing their eyes light up when we talk about Jesus and all that he did for us and still does for us. I'm forever grateful for Christ who made it possible for us to return to Him as Eternal Families. Cuz I sure do love these boys deeper than I can ever express and I want to be with them Forever!

Happy Easter!!!

Flag Football Spring Season

You know it's officially spring when flag football starts up again. So excited to watch these 2 boys play this season. Ryker as usual puts his whole heart in the games. We are a little biased but think he's the best player on the team so far. Haha

Cy already has shown improvements from the fall season. His first game he pulled about 5 flags. That's more than he did the whole fall season. It's good to see him really making an effort by watching the ball and listening to his coaches.

And even though it's spring it's still not warm yet. So we freeze on the side lines cheering on the big boys.

He's in his winter coat and it's "SPRING" time. Haha. Doesn't feel like spring it feels like winter.

Heart of Gold!

I have to share this story about Ryker because this kid continues to impress me with his big heart of gold.

Every Monday at 4pm Ryker goes to piano lessons. He takes from Grandma Goodrich who lives a few blocks away from us. If it's a nice day he'll ride his bike there. Around 6pm tonight he hadn't come home yet. I called me grandma to find out where he was and she said he had left a little while ago and he should be home anytime.  Sure enough by 6:10om he came walking through the door. He started to apologize for being later than normal. He said he left grandma's house at 5:30pm. And before I could get upset at him because I was worried where he was, he told me that on his way home our neighbors were cleaning up a tree that had fallen over from the snow storm yesterday. So he stopped to help clean up. 

My upset worried heart turned to mush as he finished telling me why he was so late coming home.  How can he really be this good? Without being asked he offered up his services to clean up? Wow! 

What an example he is to me. And to all of us.

During dinner we had a knock at the door and the neighbors brought $10 over to Ryker for helping! He was so excited!

What a lesson to be learned from my 9 year old son. 

While, I'm bragging about him I should tell you that Ryker fasted for the first time yesterday, bore his testimony in Sacrament meeting and prepared his own Primary talk all by himself.

He continues to inspire me to be a better mother and a better person!

Love this kid so much!

Papa Smith is 60!!!!

Mike turned 60 years old this week too. So we celebrated as a family in his honor. Heidi set up the whole thing. For our first time ever we all went to an Escape Room. They are really popular right now. They lock you in a room (all different themes) and you have to search for clues to get out. Sounds like fun right? Being locked in a room for an hour. Luckily nobody is claustrophobic. 

But it was actually really fun. We had an hour to figure it out. And we could ask for clues along the way. Which we had to do quite often.  

The "littles" made things a little bit trickier since they wanted to get into things that we needed them not in. But they are cute little puzzle solvers in their own way.

Afterwards we all went to dinner at one of Mike's favorite Chinese restaurants. We were able to give him his birthday gifts. One of them being a scrapbook Heidi had put together. It was compiled with pictures all of the family had send her along with our own personal letter to him. He loves it! And it was fun to see how it turned out.

Heidi made an amazing carrot cake (that I ate too much of). But it was so yummy, I could't help myself.

I was telling Jesse and really anyone that I know about Dad's birthday and I said that Mike really doesn't look a day  older than the first day I met him. And that's the truth. He seems so young to me still. And that's probably because of how active he is.

Spring Break

Yay for a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of school, work and chores. Leading up to this week we were asked if we were going out of town. And the answer was was No! And I was excited about that. Just to be home and be us.  Jesse worked Monday and Wednesday. I worked Wednesday through Saturday.  So we really couldn't go anywhere really. 

But Monday it looked like it was going to be a warm day so I took the boys to the park. We were tricked. The blue skies were inviting but the temperature wasn't. We only lasted at the park for a half hour. But while we were there it was fun. Fynn sure thinks he can be like his big brothers and do all the same stuff as them. It makes my mothering heart so anxious watching him climbing all over the playground. 

Just a little see-sawing to put a smile on all three of their faces.

Fynn and Cy seem to have quite the little bond. Fynn has started to say Cyrus' name. It sounds like "SHY-ISS". Oh how I wish I could bottle up his voice and all the words he's saying to listen to them in each post. Haha. I get a kick out of Fynn following Cy around and sitting next to him eating an apple. Cheesy little grins.

Tuesday Jesse was home and we thought we would go to a movie with the older 2 boys. Chan was sweet to watch Fynn for us. He's at a tough age to take to a theater. The new Beauty and the Beast movie had just come out and the boys really wanted to see it. I was excited to see it too. It was a remake with live people. No animation. The castle characters where CGIs though. But the whole thing was amazing! I love the original picture, but what they did to enhance the story was genius. 

That evening after dinner we actually rented a new movie on VUDU. Haha it was just a movie kind of day. I loved it. As we were watching the movie the boys all came in and snuggled with us. The 5 of us were on only half of the couch. Haha. Jesse and I were both reminiscing over the fact that we don't have very many years left of them actually WANTING to snuggle with us or even wanting to be with us. So we soak it up while we can. 

One of my favorites lately is Fynn giving us kisses. He has to kiss you on the lips though. The cheeks don't suffice. He's the cutest thing. Very busy. But his cuteness out weighs that.