Independence Day

So our 4th of July was different.  There were no fireworks.  We were all under burn bans.  Super sad.

Oh well.

Anyway, we had the church 4th of July breakfast, and it was fun.  The kids were in rare form that morning due to the fact that they were tired and it was early and they were happy and hungry.

We'll take it.  Z was going through the 'cheese it' phase.  I love that phase.  I actually don't think that JellyBean has ever out grown that phase!  lol

Anyway- so to pass the time while we were waiting for everything to get set up, we took pictures.

Z

JellyBean.

Chunk

Monkey

JellyBean and Me

Handsome Man

If it were possible, JellyBean would have someone follow her around with a camera to take pictures of everything- whenever she wanted.  She loves it.  In front or behind- she LOVES the camera.

So the breakfast was tasty, and while we were helping clean up, JellyBean went around and took pictures.  I counted 37 other pictures of things.

Then we got to the car and there are another 23 pictures.  LOL

This one is a good one that she took of Mr. Monkey.  I was surprised that she was able to get him to hold still long enough to hold still!

Anyway, we then went home and played at the lake and came home and had a tasty cook out with Mimi and Paca Clint.  SOOOOOOOOO good.

I made kabobs.

Manly-Man made ribs.

And I must say, watching Baby Z gnaw on a rib bone was awesome.

He liked it!  So funny!  We also had some delicious watermelon and fresh 'grown-by-Paca Clint' corn on the cob.

It was really nice!

Rib 1.

Rib 2!!!

HAHAHAHA!!!

JellyBean also really liked them!  Once she got past the 'it makes me messy part' she was golden!

It was so great to be able to spend time with those we love in this great country.

Without all those families who are willing to sacrifice so much- none of this would be possible.

Although this great place may be having troubles, that doesn't make the sacrifices that have been made in vain.  For without those, no one would be where they are, have what they have, and learn what they can.  As a nation and family we need to honor, respect, and pray for all those Hero's in the past, present, and future.

Thank You.

Happy 4th of July.

So ages ago we moved our little JellyBean into a room downstairs.  She went from super cute pink and lace and flowers.

...... to dismal.  I can't find pictures of it right now.  Count yourself lucky.  It was a grey.  Light grey.  Very blah.  Very boring.  It didn't turn out like we were hoping.  Very sad.  Maybe someday I will post pictures of it....... maybe.

Anyway, her room was not her.  Ya know?  She is happy and creative and warm and loving.  This room was boring and cold- almost depressing.  It was sad.  She would tell me everyday how she missed her old room.  How she didn't like it in her new room and although we had promised that we would re-do her new room all cute, and make it BETTER.  She didn't believe it.

So after forever- I finally had enough.  I started.

Here is what I did.

I painted it pink.  A light pink.

Then I stenciled in purple and lime green.

Here is what it turned into.

i LOVE it!!!!!

I wouldn't let it her look.  I wanted to surprise her.  =)

Her doors were AWFUL!!!  They were kinda embarrassing really.  They needed some serious TLC.  They took a lot of wood filler, and a lot of sanding, and then a lot of paint.

Then Manly-Man finished the trim.  It took him 3 Saturdays to finish it.  It looks AMAZING!!

See look.

Isn't he talented?

I know he is.  There was a lot of cuts, and it's smooth, and beautiful.

Then he sanded and polished the hardware.  It's purty.

Then we had some decals for the doors and above the beds.

Here is door into her room.

She squealed.

Look at her happy face.  It made my day.

At one point she did see the doors, and she said that they were her favorite part.

That was kinda harsh.  But I was patient, she hadn't seen the room yet.

Here is your tour from corner to corner.

Corner 1

Corner 2

Corner 3

Corner 4

She loves it!!

She has a craft table and bookshelf and hooks, and curtains with lace.

She now says that she loves her new room.

She loves to color in it.

She loves to play in it.

She loves to sleep in it.

She told me so.

I am so glad we were able to make her happy.  To give her something that reflects a bit of who she is.

I love her, and it was such a wonderful gift to be able to give her something special.

Love you always JellyBean!!