The Dallas Move- A Family That Stays together

So after I said good bye to work friends, we spent the weekend packing.  We then loaded the truck on June 2nd.  You talk about  family support.  Here is how it went down- Travis, Kirk, and Connor loaded the truck. Brooke, Abbey, and I watched the babies and packed. Justin also packed at a much faster rate than can be imagined.   Chris watched Hudson.  It was just amazing watching all my kids  work so hard together.  The truck left on Monday and Connor and his friend Jeffrey came up to Dallas to help unload.  Luci and Jeremy were waiting for us to arrive to help as well.  Our God son Drew came over just in the nick of time to unload boxes from the truck.  There are so many other stories and acts of kindness, that I could mention.  I do need to thank Jeff and Marianne for letting Connor stay with them in Austin and letting us as well whenever we have to be there.  We lovingly call them Momma and Pappa Sloan. I don't have any pictures to document the move, but it was an overall successful move.

 Keep in mind that June 3rd was my birthday.  Brooke had her boys here and stayed with me for a couple of days unpacking.  The kids even got me a birthday cake on Monday night.  Just on Tuesday when I was feeling so overwhelmed  with boxes and boxes and no hot water....Kirk surprises me with a birthday party with my Dallas friends and family.  It was truly a turning point as since that very moment when everyone said "surprise" at Pappasitos, I knew I was home.  I do miss my Austin friends and family, but know that Kirk and I have made the right decision to come home to Dallas!  Here are pics from the party.....

My Daddy and me

The Party

More Party

Carter and Finley

Riley

Dana, Mark, and Drew

Momma and Daddy

Luci and Jeremy

Birthday Cake and Sombrero

Sister Debbie with Caleb

Brooke's boys- Caleb and Hudson

 Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time. Each day is a new opportunity to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change. Today is a new day! 

 Steve Maraboli
Count Your Blessings, Bella 

Good Bye- Sweet Friends

About two weeks ago I had to say goodbye to my Deerpark and RRISD family and friends.  Sonya, my beautiful boss hosted a goodbye happy hour at my favorite- Chuys.  There were some wonderful gifts- everyone was so very generous, but most importantly, there were lots of hugs and special memories made with friends.  It was a nice way to say goodbye and tons of fun.  Thanks to everyone for coming out.  It was perfect!

You and I will meet again, When we're least expecting it, One day in some far off place, I will recognize your face, I won't say goodbye my friend, For you and I will meet again.
Tom Petty 

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Celebration

Connor let me give him a graduation party at Mesa Rosa in Austin.  We had a great time.  Family and friends gathered to celebrate this awesome young man!  Congratulations Connor Wesley Smith- Westwood graduate 2013!

Count your Blessings, Bella

Connor Graduates

Well all my babies are gone.  Where did the time go?- So proud of the last one!  He graduated last weekend.  He will head up to UNT  to study engineering, then still has plans to be a fireman.  Just love my Con-Man!  Here is his graduation video in case you missed it on facebook and pictures to share:

http://animoto.com/play/BSh1QehHT1y0H3TMeuawHA

You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.

Tom Brokaw 

Congratulations Connor, 

Count your Blessings, Bella