Monday, November 22, 2010

Thankful for....

What a week!! Delicious food awaits, the start of Nutcracker
and family and friends.
But first I must list all I am thankful for...
* Family
*Supportive Husband
*The gospel
*Temples (and the one being constructed in Gilbert)
*Being a mother
*Serving in the church
*Baking
*Working out
*Good Health
*Incredible Friends
*Testimony
*Smart kids
*My House
*Living in Gilbert
*Mexican food
*Book of Mormon
*Cars
*Prayer
*Flowers
*Chocolate
*Being a stay at home mom
*Books
*Music
*the Holy Ghost
*LOVE
*doing hard things
I have so much to be thankful for!
It is great to take some time and reflect on all that I have been
blessed with. Our Thankful Tree has been so helpful in helping us
show our gratitude for all that we have been given.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

We were so very lucky to see Harry Potter at 6:00 tonight.
As we left the theatre we smiled at all the teenagers in line
for the midnight showing.
Great movie!!
Made us jump a few times and some of us
screamed a time or two.
I am so glad that we are not sitting in
line right now.
Oh, how we LOVE Harry Potter!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Thankful Tree

The "Thankful Tree" is back.
This is exactly what I needed right now.
I love looking at this numerous times a day.
We have so much to be Thankful for!
I have enjoyed reading each family member's leaves.
I am full of immense gratitude and so proud
of my family.

Ballet Etudes Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Season is upon us.
Ballet Etudes will be perfoming the Nutcracker at
Chandler Center for the Arts and
Mesa Arts Center.
This year Jensen has a solo pointe role. Woo Hoo!!
All her dances are on pointe and boy,
you should see this girl turn!
She is amazing!!
Jensen as Bon Bon Fairy
Jensen as Court Fairy
Contact me for more info on
Jensen's performances

Sunday, November 7, 2010

missing....

as i left church today... i left something behind. it was a huge part of me. i have a broken heart, a gaping hole and an overall sadness. today i was released from my calling. this was something i was not prepared for or even expected. it was a complete shock! i have served for the last 4 1/2 years in our young women's program. i have LOVED every minute of it.

the association with the girls and leaders. fun activities, spiritual lessons, making friendships and new experiences are just a few of the highlights. every sunday and wednesday i would be with these girls and leaders. what to do now?

i loved and enjoyed serving them, being there for them, watching them grow and mature, learning from them and having each and every one of them in my life. i have shed so many tears...my eyes burn and my head aches.

i know i am not defined by my calling. at the same time it was such a big part of me and my life. i don't remember life before young women's. my family has been a great comfort to me. alec said he would bake me a cake and that is what he did. chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and a "we love you" on top. fresh cinnamon rolls from my good friend and a date with my husband on my first wednesday without young women's.

and so begins a new chapter. i will spend time with kenzie getting her ready for byu in april, bond with alec while he still likes to spend time with me and be there for jensen in between all of her activities. i am so thankful for such supportive friends and family. although they may not understand the depth of my sadness, they are doing all they can to support.

one never knows what life has in store. my goal of "i can do hard things" has worn me out. little did i know that i would be challenged continually this year. i am grateful for the opportunity i had to serve and that i was able to be in there with my daughters. life moves forward and so must i.

i bid a fond farewell to all my young women and friends. cherished memories i will carry with me. here is to a new adventure and a healing heart.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Before and after...

The girls wanted a new look.
So off to the sylist they went.
Here are the results...
before

after
before

after


Sometimes a little change is good.
Girls, you look MARVELOUS!!