Memorial Day Hike

This morning Shanel and I join some friends for a Memorial Day hike across the trails of South Mountain. Shanel had never done South Mountain before and I had't trek those trails in quite some time either but it was fun hanging with some of our Valley Girls.

Bike Ride

Courtney Crawford's Wedding

A Sidewinder - Rattlesnake

Reggie walked upon this rattlesnake today when coming into the front courtyard and it was a family affair from there out. He turned around and ran the other way entering the house through the garage and yelling snake. We all went running outside to look, poke and ultimately bring out the pellet gun and shoot it. Ken had the honors of putting the 1st pellet into his body and the 2nd to the head. I'm certainly glad we weren't caught on video tape, because it would have been quite entertaining watching us jump, yell and scream...

The sidewinder is a type of rattlesnake that gets it's name because of the way it moves. Instead of slithering headfirst, in a rather outstretched manner, the sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, thrusts it's head forward first then it's body in a sideways fashion. It's body is not held straight but rather in an "S" or serpentine shape. They actually push off the ground from two different places on their body. Their tracks look like a series of the letter "J" repeated over and over across the sand. It sounds like a cumbersome way of moving but it is extremely efficient especially in sandy terrain. Make no mistake about it, these snakes are very fast. And since they are rattlesnakes, they are venomous and potentially deadly to humans and other animals.

Jets & Rockets

Just posted Sabriya's end of the year gym class performances, please visit her page.

ALSO POSTED PICTURES OF THE VEGAS TRIP THE KIDS TOOK FOR MESHA'S (click here)21ST BIRTHDAY.

The M.U.G. Award - WHAT?

Mark received the Starbucks M.U.G. Award this morning when he made his 1st stop of the day at his neighborhood Starbucks. This award helps partners recognize coworkers for "Moves of Uncommon Greatness" that help them achieve their goals. It's a way of saying "Thanks for helping me out, I couldn't have done it without you!"

This tells me 2 things: 1) He goes to Starbucks A WHOLE BUNCH! 2) He's being his gracious self, always thinking of and helping others. THAT'S MY GUY! I'm so proud of his award.

The personal message written inside the card was: Big Mark, Thanks for beign our favorite customer & having such BOMB fries!! Love Starbucks # 8103 :)

Before & After

This is my office on any normal day of the week. No matter how much work I have to do or what type of work I'm doing at that moment, everything is always neat and in place just as the picture depicts. That's my world and how I live it, ORGANIZED!

...and this is my world when Trey comes for a visit and I get to babysit for the day. My office turns into toyland, complete with a slide and a basketball hoop; a blanket and pillow for naptime because he simply cannot be far from his MiMi's eyes; sippy cups (1 for water, 1 for juice, 1 for milk), snacks, diapers & wipes, sticky floors, am I forgetting anything? Well if I am, I think the pictures can tell you the rest of the story.

WOULDN'T TRADE A MOMENT OF THESE PRECIOUS TIMES FOR ALL THE CLEAN, ORGANIZED OFFICES IN THE WORLD! Love MiMi!

Migraine & M&M's

Last Sunday I woke up with a terrible migraine (not sure if there is any other kind), I made it from my bed to the couch and couldn't/wouldn't move any further since movement meant more pain. I texted my kids who had went on to church to stop on the way home for M&M's (Why M&M's below.) They not only brought me M&M's but they also all got in the kitchen together and made breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon...), I love these guys, they are all so special and they make me feel SO VERY SPECIAL!

I am not a sickly person, I may get a cold every few years or so and that's about it and I am very thankful for being a reasonably healthy person. But a few years back I started getting migraines and it was something terrible. Any sort of movement was excruciating and having never experience such headaches, I didn't know what to do. After several days of this and it wasn't getting any better, a friend told me to eat chocolate preferably M&M's because of the pureness of the chocolate. Now I'm not a big juke food/candy type person either and needless to say this wasn't something I'd normally have, but at this point I was going to try ANYTHING. I just wanted to stop the pain. I remember getting in my car and driving to a Circle K, grabbing a handful of M&M bags. I was tearing into them before walking out of the store. No kidding, almost instantly the pressure from the migraine started to ease and I kept eating the M&M's. That episode lasted a few weeks and since then I've only experience the migraine thing a few times, this past weekend being one of them and so once again the M&M's were a success. Anna!

Las Vegas 21st Bday Celebration

Santana and my niece Precious flew into Phoenix on Friday and I got to spend a few hours with them before they hit the road with Shamara, Shamesha, Reggie and Ken for a weekend in Vegas to celebrate Shamesha's 21st birthday. Then on Sunday when they all returned, we spent the ride to the airport together. Not alot of time but anytime is better than no time.

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY SHAMESHA

Happy 21st Birthday Shamesha, Precious Daughter! I celebrate this day with great joy as I remember the day, the hour, the moment I first met you... I will never forget! I thought then as I still do now that you must be from Heaven... the way you smile; the way you love; you are the melody I'm singing and I thank my Father for trusting me with one of His most precious gifts, Love Mommy!

A BIRTHDAY CONFESSION:

Shamesha, yesterday daddy bought some really cute butterfly and flower cookies, not only were they cute but they were DELICIOUS!  I tasted just a little piece and left the rest thinking that Nellie & Bri would finish them off quickly.  However, this morning when I went into the kitchen, there sitting on the counter was 2 of the cookies.  Bri told me that the butterfly one was for her and the flower was for Nel.  So I packed Bri's butterfly for her to take with her lunch, but knowing Nellie wouldn't mind, I snapped off one of the flower petals and ate it with every intention of leaving the rest for her.  But as I kept coming in and out of the kitchen doing the morning routine, my eye just kept searching out that darn little cookie.  Finally, I called Nellie and told her that since her and daddy were going to stop by the bakery today to pick up your birthday cake that she could just get herself another cookie.  Nellie then told me that she had left that cookie for you, I paused for a moment and then replied well since one petal was already gone it didn't make much sense to leave a broken cookie for you, so I ATE IT!  Sorry Mesha, I know it's your birthday and all...

We celebrated Mesha's 21st birthday here at the house, which is turning out to be one of our favorite places to hangout... And since we have a master chef and a master chef in the making not to mention several Wanna B's, why not take advantage of that great blessing. We grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken breast, french fries, corn-on-cob, homemade ice cream, strawberry filled vanilla cake.


Below is all of Mesha's birthday cards, since it was her 21st birthday and she was going to Vegas for the weekend, we each put 21 one's in each of the cards so she could take them to Vegas and play the slots... Good Luck Mesha! Watch Out Vegas!

There is a woman I would miss even more. Happy Birthday - Love Mommy!
< < < < <
Cause I stole it. Happy Birthday! (This is 1 of those talking cards so when you open it, it very LOUDLY says "Please return all merchandise to the nearest cash register." "Hey you get back here with that card") - Love Shamara > > > > >

Happy Birthday, Rembrandt. Shamesha, We love you so much & wish we could of come to Vegas! - Love Mark, Shannon & Boys
< < < < <
Say good-bye to fake IDS! Happy Birthday - Love Daddy Mark > > > > >

1. Everything. (Gee, that was easier than I thought.) - R Sheffield 2010 Love You
< < < < <
Lucky! Have a Great Birthday - Happy 21st Birthday You look like me that means you're lucky, don't get drunk in Vegas. I will miss you! Love B > > > > >

you could almost be Me! Happy Birthday! - Happy 21st Birthday! Girl you so grown! Love Shanel Happy Birthday Boo! - Love Marcus!
< < < < <
H A I R Y B U T T O C K S ! Nice try. Happy Birthday - Love Ken > > > > >

Younger days and happy times and old familiar spots...I think you'd be surprised how much you're often in my thoughts. I still remember knowing you were everything I'd want in a sister, co-conspirator, and trusted confidante. And though our lives have taken paths we could not have arranged. Still, when it comes to trust and love, I know that nothing's changed. The bond that's shared between us stays as strong as it could be. You'll always be my sister, and that means the world to me. Happy Birthday - Tana

There's no way I can ever thank you or repay you for even one beautiful minute, but there's one thing I can do...I can love you forever, and I know I will, because something inside just lets me know our love story has no end. - R Sheffield 2010 Love You > > > > >

Courtney's Graduation Party

Last night we attended and catered Courtney's Graduation Party at the Clark's. Good food, good music (Reggie was the DJ!), and good family and friends. It was so good to see some of the people who we hadn't seen in way too long. I enjoyed taking pictures of the event and can't wait for Courtney and her family to see them and hope that they will enjoy them for many years to come. I am a firm believer that pictures make such lovely memories to look back upon as the year's pass. Here are just a few of the 150+ pictures that I took, I need to leave the big show for the Clark's to do. Once again, CONGRATS to you Courtney and we are excited to see where the Lord will lead you in this next chapter of your life.

My Mother's Day Flowers, Cards & Gifts

My Mother's Day Flowers:

My Mother's Day Cards:

Sometimes I forget to remind you how amazing, how beautiful, and how truly loved you are.  So I'm stopping today, to tell you that I'm honored to be raising a family with you.  I'm humbled that you've chosen me to share your life with.  And I'm so, so happy that you're the one for me forever.

Happy Mother's Day (Mark)

One of the most precious things in my life is knowing our love has only grown stronger over the years...  I look at you, and I see the same beautiful woman I fell in love with in the very beginning.  The love we share proves to me that if you're lucky enough to find the real thing... it will last forever.  Happy Mother's Day (Love Mark)

This card was hand made by my Baby Girl Bri and will be treasured always: "I love you so much. Once a Pete now a Smith. You can never turn back.  Love your youngest! Sabriya Smith

...it's easy to tell we are family. (The card sings "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge)  Mom, I just want to say Happy Mother's Day! I LOVE you so much! Hope you have a great day, you are the best.  Love Shamesha  & Happy Mother's Day - Reggie Sheffield 2010

Dear Anna, I thank God so much for you - for your caring heart, for your thoughtful ways, for your loving example.  Blessings On You This Mother's Day and Always.  Thanks for all you do!  Love, Lorrie

...and hoping you know how much you brighten my life the whole year through. Happy Mother's Day!  Love You, Joyce

Best wishes to you for a Beautiful Mother's Day! From Sylvia

Love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22     You're always so generous with your time, your help, and most all, with you love. Thank you for being someone so special in my life.  Love, Lisa

THE GIFTS:

Mother's Day Wishes 2010

WOW, it's the morning after Mother's Day 2010 and my heart is FULL, "Thank You" just doesn't say enough... but hopefully this quote will add something to it, my family made me feel yesterday that this is something that I am doing in their lives; that my value is far above jewels (Prov 31). I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!  DAILY QUOTE: Carve your name on hearts and not on marble. 2 Cor 3:2-3

MY MOTHER'S DAY WISH TO ALL MY SISTER MOM'S:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my sister mom's! Mother's Day is a thank-you to every woman who has ever hugged a baby, kissed a boo-boo, taught a lesson, listened closely, cared deeply, and passed on her love and wisdom to someone in the world who needed her - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

SOME MOTHER'S DAY WISHES FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS:

• I love you Anna Smith :-) Happy Mother's Day to you for you are blessed and highly favored! - Shelia D.
• Happy Mother's Day Mom!  -  Santana S.
• Happy Mother's Day!  -  Lisa S.
• Happy Mother's Day 2 U!  Have a great day!  -  Lisa H.
• Happy Mother's Day! You're a great Mom. Enjoy your day.  -  Elizabeth C.
• Happy Mothers Day to my beautiful moms! Annadean Pete-Smith and Charlene Manager, Love you!  -  Shanel S.
• Happy Mother's Day!  I love you and pray that you have a wonderful day.  -  Joyce R.
• Happy Mother's Day.  -  Love Jamila S. :)
• Happy Mother's Day to you. It will be so good to see you. I can't wait.  -  Love Lorrie L.
• Happy Mother's Day and God Bless!  -  Inez P.
• Happy Mother's Day and may God bless you and your family.  -  Winston L.
• Happy Mother's Day to you. Love ya!  -  Jessica C.
• That was the most beautiful Mother's Day wish I have ever received. Thank you my precious friend. I love you so much!  Happy Mother's Day to you.  -  Angie T.
• Happy Mother's Day! Miss you all! -  Tyrie L.
• Happy Mother's Day.  -  John G.
• Happy Mother's Day!  -  Clarissa M.
• Happy Mother's Day Mrs. Smith!!!!!  Love U!!!!!  -  Marcus L.
• Happy Mother's Day!  -  Mark S. II
• I hope you have a great Mother's Day!  -  Rosanne G.
• Have a Happy Mother's Day and God Bless U!  -  Bernadine D.
• Happy Mother's Day!  -  Larry L.
• Happy Mother's Day hope you're having a good one.  -  Gary C.
• Happy Mothers Day Aunt Dini, I love you and may you have a very blessed Mother's Day. Muah..... You're a great mom, that I do know.  -  Precious B.
• HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  -  LaQuita P.
• Happy Mother's Day Anna! I hope you have a blessed day!  -  Shelia Y.
• Anna thank you for your great example of motherhood. You are a wonderful woman and mom!  -  Joyce M.
• Yes you are!!! Happy mom's day, girls!!  -  April W.
• Happy Mother's Day!  -  CaTina Rene'
• Happy Mother's Day You are a great mom and God has gifted you to do what you do... may your day be filled with happiness, joy and peace!  -  Kevin H.
• Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for being the fabulous mother you are! Hope you have a wonderful day!  Jenny S.
• Happy Mother's Day! I pray you have a wonderful day. Luv you!  -  Veronica I. 

Mother's Day 2010

Attempting to get some family photo shots after church, as you will see this didn't go quite as I had planned. We had not 1 but 2 clowns, who thought it very funny to mess up as many of my photos as possible. I cringed to think of future family Christmas photos with these 2 nutcases around... You gotta' LUV em!

WATER SHOW: After church we came home to this water show. The water hose burst in the front courtyard (Hmmm, wonder who left that on?). I went out to turn it off and not get wet at the same time. You can only imagine the outcome and might figure out why I'm wearing a different outfit in later pictures.

MY MOTHER'S DAY PRESENTS:

LOTS OF FAMILY PHOTO MOMENTS:

DINNER, DESSERT & a DIP in the POOL:

The remainder of the day consisted of Wii games; Wii Just Dance (see video); the Suns Game followed by the Smith's version of a basketball game (girls vs boys)where we ended up with 2 injurys (see video) - Shamara ankel sprain after she falls to the ground and Ken falls on top of her & Shamesha crashing her head on Reggie's knee then falling back and hitting it on the floor.

>>> PLEASE SCROLL DOWN A BIT & LOOK FOR THE MUSIC BOX TO THE LEFT & TURN OFF THE MUSIC SO THAT YOU CAN HEAR THE VIDEO CONTENT.

Wii Just Dance - "FREAK OUT" VIDEO

Wii Just Dance - "RING MY BELL" VIDEO

LYFE AS A SMITH - BASKETBALL GAME
(Rated R - some footage may contain violence)


HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED OUR MOTHER'S DAY POST - ANY COMMENTS LEFT WOULD BE GREATLY ENJOYED - JUST CLICK ON "COMMENTS BELOW THIS SENTENCE.

Kristina Smith's Wedding

Last night we attended Kristina Smith's wedding and reception, it was beautiful and so elegant. The wedding was held at Bethany Community Church in Tempe with the reception following at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. We had a great time and enjoyed seeing old friends whom we miss so much. CONGRATS Kristina & Benjamin!

A Tribute to My Daughters

I saw this video on someone's blog and it really tugged on my heart strings and I had to post it for "MY GIRLS" and as a tribute for Mother's Day 2010:



WHAT I WOULD TELL HER: (If I knew what to say.)

• You are a miracle.
• And I have to love you this fiercely: So that you can feel it even after you leave for school, or even while you are asleep, or even after your childhood becomes a memory.
• You’ll forget all this when you grow up. But it’s okay.
• Being a mother means having your heart broken.
• And it means loving and losing and falling apart and coming back together.
• And it’s the best there is. And also, sometimes, the worst.
• Sometimes you won’t have anyone to talk to.
• Sometimes you’ll wonder if you’ve forgotten who you are.
• But you must remember this: What you’re doing matters.
• And you have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs.
• The truth is, being a woman is a gift. Tenderness is a gift. Intimacy is a gift. And nurturing the good in this world is a nothing short of a privilege.
• That’s why I have to love you this way. So I can give what I have to you. So that you can carry it in your body and pass it on.
• I have watched you sleep. I’ve kissed you a million times. And I know something that you don’t, yet:
• You are writing the story of your only life every single minute of every day.
• And my greatest hope for you, sweet child, is that I can teach you how to write a good one.

In Case You're Interested...

Not that there's any special holiday coming up (Hint Hint) but I thought I'd post a list of some of my FAVORITE THINGS just in case anyone was interested; for no particular reason; no big deal; you know just some good info to have and store if ever needed.

FAVORITES:

• Color - Black
• Drink - Grape Propel
• Cake - Creme Cheese Pound Cake (see Ms. Shelia)
• Perfumes - Calyx Perscriptives or Omnia Crystalline

FAVORITE SYMBOLS:

• Wings
• Crowns
• Crosses
• Fleur de lei

THINGS I LIKE TO COLLECT:

• 
  
  Shirts with Bling  (size S please)
• 
  
  Unique Picture Frames

FAVORITE STORES:

• 
  
  Lulu's Moonfish  -  Tempe @ Warner & McClintock
• 
  
  Nordstroms  -  http://shop.nordstrom.com/
• 
  
  Hobby Lobby  -  http://www.hobbylobby.com/
• 
  
  Kirklands  -  http://www.kirklands.com/
• 
  
  Paris Paris  -  http://parisparisaz.com/
• 
  
  White House Black Market  -  http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:

• 
  
  Red Lobster  -  http://www.redlobster.com/
• 
  
  Fogo de Chao  -  http://www.fogodechao.com/
• 
  
  Pappadeaux  -  http://www.pappadeaux.com/

THINGS I ENJOY:

• 
  
  Movies
• 
  
  Reading
• 
  
  Working Out
• 
  
  "ME" Time
• 
  
  Bike Riding
• 
  
  Massages
• 
  
  Blogging
• 
  
  Scrapbooking
• 
  
  Having my hair styled - Toni & Guy Scottsdale