Girls Just-a-Wanna Have Fun

About a month ago, our family was at a school activity when a woman saw Audrey and Elle playing together. She asked if she could use the girls in a photo shoot for her catalogue showing tutus and girls dresses. The girls wanted to do it so we agreed to let them, then they were asked to be in a fashion show to model the dresses. Later this same woman asked me to also be in the show. So, we said ok and signed up for the adventure. The show was for the bridal fair at the South Town Expo. There were two shows Friday, and three today, with a dress rehersal Thursday. This was Elle, happy, dressed and swaddled in her favorite blankie, waiting backstage.Later when it was brought to my attention that one more girl was needed I suggested my friend Marrya's little daughter, also named Audrey, who happens to love an audience. She'll sing for anyone at the drop of a hat, so we knew she'd be perfect. Marrya turned out to be a complete lifesaver behind the scenes, making sure everyone's dresses were runway ready. She was a woman on a mission! Thanks Marrya! The company wasn't so bad either....Marrya and AudreyThese pictures turned out pretty dark, looks like it's time to get a big old flash for my camera! It's tough indoors from far away. My dress was a take on a bridesmaid outfit. Elle was so cute on stage, I'm glad I got to walk with her, every time we came out the audience never ceased to gasp. Elle was definitely the crowd pleaser. She would just look up at me and smile, she loved being out there. It was backstage that was the challenge..Audrey looked absolutely beautiful and worked the runway like a pro! She also had so much fun in between shows with her friend Jashaya and some other girls that were in it. There was an enormous amount of free food! The girls visited each of the vendors booths SEVERAL times... there were free ice cream cones, tons of cookies, candy, and of course wedding cake; finger foods, and even free Famous Daves Barbecue.(One of my favorites!) Anything to catch the attention of engaged couples looking for catering. We, being stuck there all day definitely reaped the benefits! The vendors were very gracious to keep serving all of us who were working there. Obviously getting tired, this was not all fun and games anymore.. Audrey and Jashaya... at one point after they had been walking around together for a while, Audrey said, "well we ate a lot of good food and heard about how beautiful Shaya's eyes are about a hundred times... " I thought that was funny of Audrey, Shaya does have such a stunning color combination! I'm glad they had fun together..

In all it was a good experience, three days adding up to near total exhaustion from being on our feet the entire time, but a good experience none the less! Hopefully the girls will have good memories of doing this. It was hectic but in the end I think Audrey, Elle and I enjoyed ourselves..

Thought this was cute of Elle...

And the Winner Is....

Hooray!!

Decision: go with the Limited... Sam was really a trooper and let me be the one to choose, all the while knowing I could've easily picked the black one. He knew the Limited would be better, it just took me a little longer to decide. The plan today was to see both cars again before I made the final call. When we first saw the Limited, it was fresh from the previous owner and hadn't been detailed yet. Today, when we went to see it, it was spotless and looked amazing. The interior really is quite a bit nicer in the Limited. I was worried that I'd still feel conflicted, but as soon as I saw it I almost instantly forgot the black one ever existed.

I also looked up the value between the two and we really did get a bargain on the Limited, that always feels good. Had we gone for the black one, the price wouldn't have been anything special. So, thank you all for your votes and input. You all had great advice! It was fun to include family and friends in our quest for the best car! Now I can focus on getting ready for this:

Age of Aquarius

This was a fun article I came across on the MSN webpage, it's fun facts about Aquarians. It was interesting to me, because I've always thought all the astrological signs were meaningless and silly but I was a little surprised how many of the tendencies seemed to describe me! Here's the article, for those who know me, you'll have to read it and see what you think.

Aquarians present themselves in one of two ways. One on hand, you'll see someone who is shy and quiet. On the other, an Aquarius can be boisterous, eccentric, and energetic. Both are deep thinkers with a love of helping others. Highly intellectual, this is a fiercely independent sign that prizes intuition tempered with logic. Both personality types have an uncanny ability to see both sides of an argument without prejudice, making them excellent problem solvers.
While very much attuned to the energies around them, Aquarians have a deep need to take time out alone and away to rejuvenate themselves. The keyword for this sign is imagination. The Aquarian can see a world of possibilities even when there appears to be none.
Friends and Family Even though Aquarians are great with groups of people, it takes a bit when it comes to making close friends. Deeply sensitive and cautious, closeness means vulnerability to an Aquarius, and this is not something to be taken lightly.
Aquarians' direct, no-nonsense approach in combination with their strong values can make it challenging to get to know the inner person. Yet those who are able to do so will discover a friendship that lasts through the years. An Aquarius will go the distance for a loved one to the point of self-sacrifice if necessary.
They look for creativity, intellect, and honesty in their friends.
When it comes to family, the expectations are no less. Although dedicated to a sense of duty to relatives, the Aquarius isn't one for developing close bonds unless the same qualities they expect in their friendships are there.
Career and Money Aquarians bring enthusiasm to the work they do, especially when it involves expression. They have an exceptionally high ability to put their imaginative qualities to the task and to think outside the box. Careers that allow for concept development or demonstration can suit this sign well. I know is the key phrase for the Aquarius. High intellect combined with an Aquarius' willingness to share their talents inspires many who work in the same environment. Being visionary types, Aquarians love to engage in careers that aim to benefit humankind in the long-run.
When it comes to money, this sign really has a knack for keeping a healthy balance between having the things that they need and putting money away.
When they are out shopping, the shiny, glittery, and extravagant will catch their attention even though their homes are generally decorated with great taste. It's not uncommon to find the Aquarius turning heads dressed in daring, brightly colored outfits. Most are well-attuned to their individual sense of style and aren't afraid to show it.
Careers that suit the Aquarius are acting, writing, teaching, photography, or piloting. The best environment is one that gives the freedom to tackle the task without a lot of strict guidelines.
The Aquarius is unconventional, and given the opportunity to show their true talents, they can perform amazing feats.
Love Intellectual stimulation is by far the greatest aphrodisiac for the Aquarian. There's nothing like a lively chat rich in culture and future possibilities to get this sign going. When it comes to love, people best suited are those that are not thrown off by Aquarian frankness. Open, communicative, imaginative, and willing to risk are all qualities that blend well with this sign's perspective on life. Honesty and sincerity are essential for anyone seeking a long-term connection to this dynamic personality.
AQUARIUS TIDBITS
Compatible SignsAquarians are most compatible with Gemini, Libra, and other Aquarians. Opposite SignThe opposite sign for Aquarius is Leo.
Perect Gift Unusual machines, music, books on favorite subjects, a gift to their favorite cause, (can't go wrong with jewelry either....)
Likes A good cause, being part of a club, scientific ideas, fun with friends, a good listener
Dislikes Dull or boring situations, people who disagree with them.
Strengths Progressive, original, humanitarian, independent, charismatic
Weaknesses Runs from emotional expression, uncompromising, temperamental, aloof
Marks Good looks, beautiful eyes, angular faces, thin build
Best Environment Any gathering of people to exchange ideas

Just for Fun
Capricorn - Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Aquarius - Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Pisces - Feb. 19 - Mar. 20
Aries - Mar. 21 - Apr. 19
Taurus - Apr. 20 - May 20
Gemini - May 21 - June 20
Cancer - June 21 - July 22
Leo - July 23 - Aug. 22
Virgo - Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
Libra - Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Scorpio - Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Happy Inauguration Day

As I'm sitting here watching the 44th president being sworn in this morning, I can't help but be amazed. Amazed and hopeful. Amazed by the size of the crowds, amazed by the different feeling surrounding this inauguration and hopeful that he will be able to live up to the many extraordinary expectations that have been placed on him. Seeing the crowds in Washington is a visual display of the hope of so many people around the world. It was said that there have never been crowds of that size in one place in the history of our country. Seeing grade school kids in Indonesia sitting at their desks; midnight local time to watch a presidential inauguration in a country so far away and seeing the pictures of Kenyan villagers standing in the dark to watch this historic event really brought the realization that the world is truly watching us. I hope the kids in our local schools were able to watch, and that the schools feel it's important enough to take time out to share this with our kids. I have an optimistic view for the future and believe if people everywhere will continue to worship God, the world will continue to be a beautiful place.
Here's a link to an article in reference to the world's reaction to the new president. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.international.reaction/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Missing Someone

This is my wonderful Grandma, Maxene Livingston. I came across this picture of her and Elle. I love this picture for the way that it communicates how much Grandma cares for her posterity. It's also a timeless moment between someone not even one year old and someone nearly a century old. Elle's middle name is Maxene, after Grandma. It's interesting, because at the time we named her, we didn't know much about her personality yet. In her first three years, she's displayed many characteristics that Grandma also possessed. Their pictures as toddlers are also very similar, dark curls included. Elle is a very determined and fiery little girl who isn't afraid to tell you what she thinks. Sound like someone else we know? I remember Grandma's ability to be so happy, she would giggle and be carefree, but if you did something that went against what was the obvious right choice or the gospel, you'd be made aware. Grandma was one of the most talented and giving people I've ever had the privilege to know. Her example will never be forgotten. She passed away this June at the age of 100, still living on her own, in her home that Grandpa built for her. She would've been 101 this last August. The biggest influence I will continue to feel is her unshakable testimony. Thank you to Grandma for instilling in all of us a sense of worth and knowledge of Heavenly Father's presence. Love you always.

! Happy Birthday !

We Hope you have a

GREAT BIRTHDAY GRANDMA MARY!!

We love you so much and are so grateful to have you for a Mom, Grandma and Friend.

You're a great example to us and we hope you know

how awesome you are and how proud we are of you!

Celebrate today!!

You're one of the best people we know, and one of the most loved! Thanks for all you do for us, we love you...

Happy Birthday

Is this normal?

I was napping on the couch last Sunday and Reese woke me up to show me what he drew on the etch i sketch... I was a little shocked. He said it was a submarine... I don't know what the future holds for my little Reesey, and I know I'm biased, but I tried to duplicate this drawing and couldn't even come close! and I feel like I'm pretty artistically inclined! The crazy thing I couldn't figure out was how he did it without any mistake lines showing up... or even the line that he started from. Reese is always surprising me.. Elle is now officially a sunbeam... I was worried when her best friend Emmie wasn't in her new class but she's surprised me and has loved her new class with no problems, she especially likes singing time.. This is a picture from her first Sunday in Primary.
Well, I've finally got the trees down.. I always hesitate taking them down, I love the feeling they give the house and maybe the real issue is I love that this is the one season set aside to focus on the Savior. I miss all the Christmas music being on the radio, I'm one of those crazy people who loves when it comes on the day after Halloween, it's so nice to hear all the songs about Christ. Farewell till next year all my fun decorations!

!! Account Salesman of the Year !!

I would like to take this chance to brag about my wonderful, hard-working husband, Sam. I know he won't necessarily share his great accomplishment this year with anyone except our parents and Grandparents... so I've decided to be the shameless one and tell everyone we know! (or at least everyone who reads this blog..) Sam was named Account Salesman of the Year at his work. He has worked incredibly hard and has earned every bit of this hard-won title. Toward the end of the year we weren't sure he'd make his goals and yet he was blessed so greatly by Heavenly Father and was able to use his dedication along with Heavenly Father's help and answered prayers to accomplish what he was trying for. I'm so proud of him, he really is an amazing Husband, Father, Son, Friend, and most importantly my best friend. Congratulations, honey. You deserve it!

Along with his accomplishments, he separately qualified for "President's Club", this is a trip that's given as a reward for getting sales beyond the yearly quotas. This year the trip is to New Zealand!! I know, it feels weird just saying it. It will be an opportunity of a lifetime, and we are so grateful for the amazing blessings that have been given to us. I don't know why we have recieved these blessings, but we feel very humbled. I also feel like the luckiest girl in the world, because we will happen to be there on my birthday!

I didn't know very much about it so I decided to look it up. New Zealand is the island southeast of Australia. It's amazingly diverse and is where they filmed all of the Lord of The Rings movies, among many others. It's so amazing to think of how many beautiful places there are on this earth! What a blessing we enjoy living here with Heavenly Father's countless creations.