The Royal Ball

Quote hanging in Makayla's room: "My Prince did Come...His name is Daddy"

Makayla's school had their "Royal Ball" where each Princess and her Prince were invited to attend and enjoy an evening of dancing and dessert.

I think they were both the luckiest ones there and quite the cute little couple!




Her Prince was even cute enough to bring her a beautiful wrist corsage...nice touch!



He walked her to the door when the date was over and she got a sweet kiss on her hand. Makayla was truly treated like the Princess she really is. Now, if only the rest of her dates will treat her the same way...when she's old enough, of course! But one thing is for certain, they will never top her dad!

Such a fun night for the both of them!

2011: A Fresh Start

Here we are! We made it through the Holidays and began a NEW YEAR! I am continually amazed at how fast the time flies. Especially these last couple of years. It has made me realize and contemplate a lot of things. Namely, how quickly my children are growing up and how soon they will be off on adventures of their own. *sigh* The thought makes me sad so I try not to dwell on those things for too long!

One of the most wonderful things about a New Year, to me, is a "fresh start." A chance to put the past behind us and work on our goals for the year. This last year has definitely had its ups and downs. We had a great year at the beginning and a little bit rougher one towards the end. No matter, through it all I have really learned a lot about myself and others this past year.

I have learned some very important lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. How important it is to pray continually, to live in a manner that the spirit will be your guide. How grateful I am for a Savior and the Atonement. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all be perfect and never make a mistake in our lives? About a week ago I was in a meeting with a man and he said, "Pencils come with an eraser for a reason." Well, so do we! Heavenly Father knew we would make mistakes and how thankful I am for the "eraser" he provided for us. I have a lot to work on but grateful to be able to put things behind me and move forward! I am so very happy with where I am at at this moment and looking ahead with a smile on my face.

I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends who love me and stick by me in spite of my MANY imperfections and crazy mood swings. For those weekly 2 hour phone calls talking about everything or even nothing at all. For the monthly lunches and "girl time" spent together.

On the same note, I am SO thankful for a husband and children and incredible extended family who also do the same. You are ALL the ROCK in my life...without you I could never have made it this far. I don't know how I became so blessed and my life is so very full at this moment!

I am excited for all the opportunities this year holds for me (and my family). There have been some wonderful opportunities presented to me that I will talk more about in a later post (so that this one does not drag on forever) but I am excited about all the possibilities and potential it has to offer.

I am looking forward to a great vacation with my family and extend a HUGE thank you to everyone out there helping us out with Cash so we can make this possible, enjoyable and worry free... LOVE TO YOU ALL!

I have lots to work on and there are going to be some really rough times in the next few months but I am just going to try and be faithful. Things happen that I have no control over. (which is another thing I have really learned over the years!) I cannot control what people do, how they think or what may happen. All I can do is try to do what I feel is right, do the best that I can, be more forgiving and less judgmental. (among many other things) Thanks for all the support and understanding as I try to improve who I AM!

Here's to a great New Year and a wonderful FRESH START!!