two more daYs!

as christmas is only two days away i have been thinking lately about what it truly means. for kids we know they are all excited about the gifts. what is it for us adults? is it shopping for the presents, baking with the kids/grandkids, wrapping presents, addressing christmas cards or spending time with family and friends. as i thought of all these things i realized that this christmas is probably gonna be a bit different for everyone this year. there have been a lot of changes in the world this year, a lot of changes in our lives. as i have taken the time out to explain to my children that christmas will be different i also tell them it will be more memorable. the time with them is more precious to me than gold. time where we can be together eNjoYing each other and making new memories. you may not be able to give them the world but, the world is theirs for the taking. does christmas need to be one time a year? think about it...why is it that we can't share this time always. that we can't be in this cheerful mood, share our bake goods with our friends and neighbors or show love to mankind. i hope this year you take the extra time to tell those you love them, that you appreciate them and that without them, your life just wouldn't be the same. a birth of a child brought us this special holiday to eNjoY. keep that love in your heart, keep the spirit in your soul and the smile always on your face. remember there is always someone out there who has it worse than you. haPpY hoLidaYs to you and yours. may 2009 bring a year full of new and exciting memories! much love always, connie

breathe...

Drink your tea slowly and reverently,

as if it is the axis on which the earth revolves -

slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.

Live the actual moment.

Only this moment is life.

~ Thick Nhat Hanh

{one daY}

this weekend has been an eye opener for me. so many things, so many emotions, so many friends and some that have been gone for too long. i miss those friends and really wish they were here. i was introduced to lady antebellum's cd by a new friend of mine rachel. i knew a few of their songs but this cd is amaZing! i think every song i listen to i related with. i was moved to tears, laughter, dancing & singing. this song i have on my playlist is where i am...one daY i know i won't feel like i am always going backwards. that there is sun shining!!! that there is true peace out there for me. i know no one can change how my moods are but me. i know many of you have tried really hard this weekend. i can not tell you enough how thankful i am to have you in my life now. to remind me of my blessings, that there is always someone out there worse off than me, that it will get better, that i DO deserve happiness. it is just a really bad time for me. it's been a tough road...christmas doesn't make it any easier. a lot of memories with christmas aren't the same this year. i know i need to be a happy girl/mom for my kids but, it's hard. i struggle daily, YES DAILY to have strength. to wake up each morning and start a new day. i am tired of no jobs, tired of no money, tired of what could of been and wondering what could be. i know that everything that breaks me only makes me stronger but, i wanna be weak. i want life to stop for just a moment so i can catch my breath and regroup. today was a great day to do this. i spent the day with my kids watching movies, football and napping here and there. i realized again that it's the small things that truly count. the moments that aren't planned, unscripted in life. the little things that make you smile. the looks that make you laugh, and the hugs and i love you that make you cry. pondering that i don't have many more years until all my kiddos are gone. that they will no longer need me. that they will start their new life...am i ready? NO!!! i totally enjoyed those baby years. i can't get them back but, i try and remember them often. it's tough...not being with my kids all the time. so when i am with them...they are all that matter. i love to feel wanted and needed by them. i love that they can come to me and know that i am here for them. i am blessed...ok i know that {one daY} it will get better. i guess today just isn't the day.

{lessons learned}

There's some things that I regret,

Some words I wish had gone unsaid,

Some starts,

That had some bitter endings,

Been some bad times I've been through,

Damage I cannot undo,

Some things,

I wish I could do all all over again,

But it don't really matter,

Life gets that much harder,

It makes you that much stronger,

Oh, some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were,

Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]

And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,

Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,

Every change,

life has thrown me,

I'm thankful,

for every break in my heart,

I'm grateful,

for every scar,

Some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were lessons learned.

There's mistakes that I have made,

Some chances I just threw away,

Some roads,

I never should've taken,

Been some signs I didn't see,

Hearts that I hurt needlessly,

Some wounds,

That I wish I could have one more chance to mend,

But it don't make no difference,

The past can't be rewritten,

You get the life you're given,

Oh, some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were,

Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]

And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,

Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,

Every change,

life has thrown me,

I'm thankful,

for every break in my heart,

I'm grateful, for every scar,

Some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were lessons learned.

And all the things that break you,

Are all the things that make you strong,

You can't change the past,

Cause it's gone,

And you just gotta move on,

Because it's all,

Lessons learned.

[Chorus:]

And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,

Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,

Every change,

life has thrown me,

I'm thankful,

for every break in my heart,

I'm grateful,

for every scar,

Some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were lessons learned,

Oh, some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were lessons learned,

Lessons learned.

~carrie underwood

rambling...

i don't want to forget

what i have,

i just need to let go

of what i don't.

~connie j. capron

as thanksgiving came and went an another holiday is just around the corner a quote popped into my head. one i hope no others will take credit, but share it. how often are we down on ourselves. thinking of what we don't have and what others do? is it friends, family, a job, money, love, trust, a home and the list could go on. how many times do we carry the bad things in our lives? the negative, the sickness, the whoa is me, what do i have? why must we let the bad always seem to outweigh the good? isn't it tiring? isn't it sad? i thought again...i know, me thinking is scary, lol. am i making the most out of this life? did i do or say anything that i regret? did i smile tOdaY? am i truly happy with me? am i creating myself to {be} happy? life is too short. life is a test. is it ok to have that moment, the one that may not last forever? many, many questions we can be asking ourselves. though i think the biggest one of them all is...ARE WE HAPPY? if we are not happy there is no way we can make others happy. there is no way we can truly love another unless we love and accept our self for who and what we are. we have to let go of the past to move forward. doesn't mean we won't forget or miss it. it just means there is a lesson there and hopefully next time around we learn something from it. it's ok to say i'm sorry. it's not ok to never forgive. it's ok to admit wrong. it's not ok to lay blame. i realize that everyday i am learning something new. something new about myself and i can even say...i like mE. i do have many good qualities! i do have a lot to offer! it may take a long time for others to realize. then again i don't need to worry about what others think of me. i only need to think of how i think of me and how i see myself. thanksgiving was tough for me this year but i got through it. my family and friends helped me get through it! i am blessed and grateful for what i have, what i hope to continue to gain and what obstacles may continue to face me. i am strong, i am invincibly, i am women!! helen reddy and mom...all because of you i can move ahead one tiny step at a time. thanks to my readers in blog land. those that read and leave comments and those that lurk. it makes me feel like i am contributing my small piece in this world. it's late and i think i have rambled enough. *hugs* and good night! connie

happy thanksgiving & happy birthday austin!!

for most of us we spend thanksgiving with family & friends. we share or thoughts and what we are thankful for. there are many that are alone on this blessed day. it may be because they are serving our country, serving their church, a divorced family or may not even have a family. on this day i am not only thankful for my blessings and what this life on earth has given me but, it is also my first born son's 18th birthday!!! i can not believe that on this day 18 years ago i was in the hospital giving birth. it doesn't seem like long ago i was was holding him and rocking him to sleep. watching him figure out this world with no eyes. watching him stumble yet find ways to make life work for him. watching him grow into such a young man. my heart is full today!!! i am truly a blessed mother to have this amaZing young man in my life. not only has he taught me and my family so much. i truly believe he has touched the world. if you have ever had the chance to exchange a hello with this young man you will know why. he will touch your soul with his beautiful smile. life has been a challenge for him as he was born totally blind. then came the autism and mental challenges. though one hello from him you were touched. your heart would truly melt! god gave him to our family because he knew we could make his life on earth one with many blessings. what we didn't know, was that we would received in return is so much more. i love you austin and i am thankful and blessed to be your mom. i hope you know how very loved and how special you are to your family, friends and all that you come in contact with. happy birthday to you!!! may this life bring you as much joy to you as you have to all of us. love, mom

happy thanksgiving to all of you!!! may you remember the true meaning of this day and share your thanks with those that mean the most to you. thank you brother jeremy for serving your country for my freedom that i may enjoy what life has to offer!

{eNjoY}

live a balanced life.

learn some and think some,

and draw and paint

and sing and dance

and play and work

every day some.

~robert fulghum

{kelly & kyle}

just wanted to share with you that my sister got married last week to her dream man! they went to vegas and got married on top of the stratosphere, just the two of them. here are some of the stinkin' cute photos of this hot couple! congrats kelly, kyle and girls!!!! love and miss you tons.

good thursday morning!!

as i sit here thinking this is my last show of the year for sei i again found a wonderful quote...

PASSION

"there are many things in life

that will catch your eye,

but only a few

will catch your heart.

pursue these".

~michael nolan

go out and make it a great day!!! pursue those "things" that catch your eye and don't let them go. hey, you only live once so what are you afraid of. *hugs*

sleepless...

so i told you yesterday about the three little quote books i bought over the weekend. they are by the same author of my "she" and "be" books, kobi yamada. the three i picked up are "do what you love", "create balance" and "chase your dreams". these tiny books are powerful. as i finished my huge to do list for this evening {about midnight} i sat in bed and started reading them again. i was inspired by so many... here it is 1:10 in the morning and i am listening to different play lists and every song is hitting a cord with me. i think it is just one of those nights that sometimes you have where...everything hits you or you just hit a wall, lol. i don't know but, i am filled with so many emotions. don't you just hate it when your brain does one of these on you when you least expect it. i have so much to do tomorrow and i should be asleep but, i feel as if i don't get this out, i will loose precious moments or another day.

awaken

"every day

that you sit back

and wait for

something to happen

is another day lost".

~jennifer flavin

well, it is now 1:30 and i need to be up at 4 so i am gonna say good night or is that good morning to you all, lol. anywho...i feel better getting some thoughts out of my brain! *hugs* connie

quote for thought...

i just have to share this quote my friend gave me the other day. when hearing it the first time i was frozen. then i asked to have it read again so i could add it to my quote book i carry in my purse. it is a strong quote! read it quite a few times as you will find it may have more than one meaning to you. i bought a few little quote books this weekend and i will have to share some with you. all three little books struck home to me. thinking positive!!! i hope you have a great week and a fabulous monday! *hugs* connie

"i am at {home} everywhere

and no where.

i always fit in but

i never quite belong."

~anonymous

random thoughts running around in this head...

as i voted yesterday i started reflecting on this country which we live. even if the outcome you had hope for wasn't granted, i pondered long and hard.

i am blessed to be an american!!
i am thankful for this great country i do live in.
for my freedom!
for the many men and women who honor their country and serve for me, my kids, my family and friends!
for waking up in the morning knowing i have a home.
that i have water, heat and electricity.
that i have food.
that i can smell the morning air.
that i can tell my children i love them.
that i can choose to make my day a good one.
i'm thankful for my trials.
that my voice can be heard.

i find these times we live in a challenge. so many things have evolved. though i know that no matter what may lay ahead of us and our country...there is much to be grateful for. for me, waking up each morning and having another day to make my life, my children's life, my friends and families lives better, makes everyday worth it!

remember to never forget what you DO have to be thankful for. don't always think of the negative. as a friend told me...if you think negative thoughts you bring that onto yourself. it is a challenge for me but, i want the positive energy in my life. I NEED IT!!!

i have been faced with many challenges and obstacles this past year and as the year is coming to an end i have been reflecting on them as well. what did i learn? what did i accomplished? did i teach my children something new? have i told my family and friends i love and appreciate them enough? have i helped another? have i savored each moment i have with others to remember for a lifetime? did i say sorry and mean it? did i forgive those who asked for forgiveness? did i give enough hugs to those in need? did i make the right choices? am i moving in the right direction? do i regret anything?

all of these questions and more flooded me this morning and i needed to get them out. think about it...as we only have 56 more days until the new year what do you need to do to make 2008 one that will have meaning? it's hard to believe that this year is almost over. i want to make these last 56 days memorable. i want to smile EVERYDAY and not regret anything. i can only learn from my mistakes and that too is a blessing.

haPpY 12th haleigh!!!

i can't believe that my baby girl is 12 today!!! i remember delivering her like it was yesterday. she is growing into such a beautiful young woman and i am honored and blessed to be her mom. we have been really busy lately so her video is coming. here are a few of photos of her. isn't she stinkin' cute. i love you boo bear and hope you have a great day!! love, mom

the song she chose to play for her post...blue, da ba dee!!

a wonderful start to mY sunday...

i couldn't sleep last night and was up rather late. my kiddos were so amaZing and let me sleep in. haven't done this in a long time. what woke me this morning? the smell of french toast, my favorite!!! these two little kids of mine made french toast for me. dallin even remembered to add cinnamon. what more could a mom ask for! i am truly grateful and thankful for all 4 of my children. we are eNjoYing a wonderful day together. these are precious and priceless moments. ones you never want to loose and never want to forget. have a super sunday all!! *hugs*

edit: i was just informed by my little boo bear haleigh that it was her idea to make french toast. it was her that remembered the cinnamon. she wanted to do it all by herself but, big brother dallin just started the grill. as haleigh was reading the blog she let me know of these details. thaNks haleigh...love you!!

{an amaZing day}

today was a beautiful day. unbelievable as yesterday and last night was bone chilling cold. haleigh and dallin had their soccer game today and did amaZing as usual. they one 1-0 with dallin scoring the only goal in the 1st quarter. he played goalie twice and forward twice. my miss haleigh did great as well. blocking the ball and kicking it hard. i love watching all my children in all of their activities. it makes me a proud and happy mom!! to see them eNjoYing what they like to do and loving it. what more can you as for?



after soccer we had haleigh's birthday party. usually it is really cold and we aren't able to do it outside. though today mother nature was on our side. it was the perfect day!! she had 3 girls show up and they had a blast. i gotta share my favorite photo of them with you. is this just the cutest picture you have ever seen. they are so stinkin' cute!! all 4 of them played so well together. played football, played on the playground and on the swings. it was so fuN to watch them be little girls. it brought back memories of my youth and what i was doing at the tender age of 12. where does the time go? we had to kill bees which was so funny at times that i just can't remember the last time i laughed so much. thanks girls and thanks boo for sharing these wonderful, kind girls with me today.




as my day slowly ended i was reflecting on myself. which i really don't like doing. realizing that i am the type of person that would do anything for anyone. i would give you my last dollar so you could use it for what ever purpose you needed as i would go without. i am that person that can so easily relate to many. i have been through a lot in my 36 years on this earth. if it weren't for our bumps in this life, our journey would be rather boring. i know for myself all these life lessons and trials have a purpose. we are to learn. whether we find the good or bad in them, it is our choice, our own decision on what we do with them. i am that kind of person that when i see someone fall, i want to catch them. though i realize that sometimes it takes a fall for them to see what is important to them. i can't fix everything {though i want to think i can}. i can't help everyone all the time. at times i can't even help myself. we all have mountains we must climb. we all stumble along the way. it's what we do after the stumble that counts. do you knock yourself down again, or do you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, put a smile on your face, remember to breathe and take that first step forward? it's hard you see...i want to pick you up. i want to carry your weight. i want to fix it all. make it all go away and move forward. if i can't do it on my own i surely can't do it for someone else. so for any of you out there feeling like you have hit rock bottom finally {cause you do have to hit it before you change directions} what are you waiting for? you have to do it yourself, baby steps. no one can do it for you. we may want to, but we can't. we all must travel certain paths alone. it's scary i know i have been there. though the path you choose has to be yours and no others. when you do take that first baby step, breathe...then take a deep breath, pat the dirt off and smile. you did it!! now what did you learn? i hope you learned that you are worth it and so is this messed up kind of life. hang in there...it may take longer than you think but, you can do it. i have and continue each and everyday by finding the good in everything that has made me smile. i don't regret anything...i just move forward and smile. night all. much love. *hugs* connie

{live BIG enough}

"if you're NOT pissing a few people off,

raising a FEW eyebrows,

you're not LIVING big enough!!"

~erin brockovich

have a terrific thursday everyone. may you find what you are looking for in this life and live it to the fullest. live big enough to be noticed! {be} who you want to be and live it well. *hugs*

{touched by the blog world, AGAIN!}

good morning! to start my monday off i did my usual blog lurking. tOdaY i went to the andy and jodee dillard family blog. as i was catching up i noticed 2 post down, jodee had posted about the nielson family silent auction. a young couple, the neilson's with 4 children who were both in a serious plane crash up where i live. i heard about it but, didn't know the 3 in the plane so my life went on it's way. as you check out the {video} that andy made and follow along to all the sites and youtube links i hope you too will be touched today to share this story.


tOdaY as you go about your day...reflect on what is important to you? what are you blessed with? how has your life been touched by others, that you may never meet?


i don't know how to post a youtube video that someone else made. so please check out this link and be touched to share. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGuMxj9mGS8

you never know when someday it might be your story. please do all you can to support this family. *hugs* connie

{mY message for tOdaY}

i am smiling tOdaY. why? cause it is up to me to make my own happiness {as my mother reminds me constantly}. sometimes you just get tired of all the tears, heartaches, disagreements and drama that life brings you. even that can make you tired, lol. so today as i was checking my emails i ran across this quote.

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love Truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you Smile.

i know i posted something like this awhile back but, it just struck me today. thank you lhindah. then kristan sent me an email saying it was nice to see me posting again. you know what? it's nice to be doing it. great therapy for me.

today i am wishing all mY family & friends a wonderful day!! i know everyone has their own baggage in life to deal with...kids, money, friends, sickness, health, family issues, other drama, stress issues and the list can go on. believe me, i am right there with you. i just know that you can only do so much. you can only handle so much. that sometimes just taking the first step, WILL be the path to your new life, that is awaiting you!! mE it is just remembering to breathe then take those steps, lol!

so today...

"never frown because you never know

who might be falling in love with your smile".

~justin milton

playing catch up...

back from ckc-hartford and i am still adjusting to the time change. jet lag and 3 hours different really can mess ya up, lol! i just have to say you ladies and gentlemen in hartford were so kind and friendly. what a great city to meet some amaZing people. i met a mom/daughter and they were the sweetest ever. every time they saw me they continued to comment on my classes. i can not tell you how wonderful that is to hear. i am honored and blessed to work for sei. i am hoping that some of you will send me some photos. i love posting them and sharing my love of the industry with others. it was a bit different than most shows for me. i usually teach 5 classes a day teaching the same classes both friday and saturday. ck for some reason cut back our classes. i guess due to lack of spacing. we were not the only ones they did this to. anywho, i am hoping to see many of you next year! if not then hopefully valley forge or manchester.

i left wednesday to fly to hartford. can i just say....southwest airlines, you roCk!!! flights were on time, snacks & drinks were provided and i met some amaZing people as well. the flight attendants going to and coming back awesoMe!!! it was such a riot to have some kick back, funny, outgoing attendants on the plane. lisa d, shon and i am sorry about the other guy were terrific!!! i will choose southwest over any airline any day if i have my choice.

i have to say that this trip has really done a number on me. i missed my kids, met new people and realized i am d*mn good at what i do! i know my kids were in good care but, i think it was just being so far away. trev had a band competition, d and boo had a soccer game and austy had voice lessons. i feel like i missed out on a lot with being gone just those few days. i love, love, love meeting new people. you know we all come from different walks of life. never knowing what is behind that smile or sarcasm. though if you put your best foot forward you will always come out on top no matter what the outcome. the people i met on these flights i hope i continue to stay in touch with. they all have so much to offer and a life that is waiting for them. just as i know mine is as well. i also realized that i am a friendly, very like-able person. i am very hard on myself, always have been. i am trying really hard to look at the positive things that i contribute to this world and mY life in general! i have a lot to offer and a lot to learn. i am up and ready for the challenge. now lets not have it all at once, lol. though i am ready!

thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my ramblings.

"only you have the POWER to unveil the lights within you

and share it with the world."

~author not known

new hair again...

some of you may have noticed my new picture. yes, i did it again. i cut my hair shorter and went back to my natural color. i am lovin' it! it has taken about a week to get use to the darkness but, now...it's all good. i love playing with my hair and changing it up every few months or so. guess that's what you get when you go to cosmetology school, lol! wanted to share a few of my do's through out the year. wonder what i will do next. all i know is that when i get it done...i feel like a new womEn!!! thanks rhonda. eNjoY!!

{happy birthday dad}

wow! three birthdays in a row. i didn't get a chance to actually talk with my dad today. he lives in pa and there is a 3 hour time difference. when i thought of calling him he was still at work. then tonight the phone was busy and then it was to late. so i am wishing him my best here. i love and miss you dad!!!

may you have a good birthday! you deserve it.

this song just so reminds me of my dad. zz top lovin', biker dude, mountain man. i don't care...anyway you look at him, he is mY dad!!!

haPpY biRthDaY little BRO...

today is my brother's birthday. this is a difficult one for me. he turned 34 and he is not with his family. last month or so he decided to enlist in the army. he did so well on his test that instead of leaving in october he left last month.i know for me it was very difficult to understand but for him it wasn't a hard choice at all. he will be able to provide for his family of 5 kiddos and his wife,do what he loves and serve his country. he is not the first to enlist in mY family. he is just another one of a long list... siblings, a father and father-in-law, grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins. i just wanted you all to know how much i love him and how very proud of him i am. happy birthday

jeremy!!! you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. love your big sis

ps. thank you!

{haPpY 1 yEaR!!}

i can not believe that it has been a year already. i made this challenge to start a blog on september 17, 2007. i was inspired by attending creative escape last year and taking rhonna farrer's class. as i have gone back and read my posts from last year i get all inspired again. yes, the rest is still unwritten but, the ride has been a journey. so much has happened within this past year. things i would of not guessed would happen. i am taking the time today to reflect on the positive as it has not always been that way. to think of the small things. you know, the things we take for granted. try it, think of the small things that put a smile on your face. this past year has been a very difficult one for me. my life has been on a road untraveled. i plan on coming back later tonight and let you know about some positive things and the small ones too. as i still search to find mE i am finding out that i am stronger than i thought. that i can do many things that i have never done before. that in time i hope to find all that i am looking for and that i can continue to say...the rest is still unwritten yet know what road to travel. have a great day and thanks for taking this journey with me. *hugs* connie

http://conniehastings.blogspot.com/2007/09/rest-is-still-unwritten.html

{ckc-tulsa}

wow!! two shows back to back for me was a true test of endurance. 10 classes in two days, 20 classes in 2 weekends did a number on me. let me just start out by saying i loVe teaching but, when you don't have a mic...you might just loose your voice, come home exhausted and catch a little bug or is it allergies. not too sure what it is but, i have not been ok. todaY is wednesday and i still have a scratchy voice and i am all stuffy. tulsa, tulsa, tusla...don't know what to say! terrific town of amaZing people!!! i have been waiting for my students to send any photos they may have taken. i received an e-mail today saying my addy kept bouncing back {sorry v}. i think i got it squared away now. so veronica sent me a little note saying she wrote on her blog {kreativelicense} about her ckc-tulsa weekend. i did not know that she was going to write such amaZing comments about mE and sei. what a wonderful praise you gave us. thank you!!!

veronica & i

sherry & i

can i just say tulsa...amaZing!!! i even taugh 2 gentlemen in mY classes. so wish i had pictures with them. one was in my 4 flower techniques and the other was my 4 papers in motion class. these guYs were a riot to have. wish i had more of you men in my classes. i had two young ladies as well. they were all excited and stinkin' cute!! they kept up with the class and did some amaZing work. tulsa was the first city EVER to follow instructions to the T and made no boo-boos while cutting their sheet protectors!!! givin' it up to you tulsa...WOOHOO!!! remember..."there are no boo-boos in scrapbooking, it's altered and you meant to do that and move on". otherwise it will take you f-o-r-e-v-e-r {in my best sandlot voice} to complete your pages!! i was also informed by a few ladies that creating keepsakes has a message board. don't know where i have been but, check it out. there you can find comments, idea, classes, friends and much, much more. thanks tulsa for showing this arizona chick that tulsa is a "stinkin' cute" town. can't wait to come back and see manY of you next year.

{ckc-charlotte}

so last weekend i taught for sei at ckc-charlotte, n.c. can i just tell you...these ladies ROCK!!! i had all different levels of scrappers in my 5 different classes. every class had it's ups and downs {including the teacher not adjusting to the 3 hour time difference and sleeping in on friday morning, oops} but we had a BLAST!!! i always ask my students to send pictures to me if they take any while in my class or afterwards with me. i had loads of photos taken...man, i felt like a celebrity! posing and signing autographs with mY famous words..."stinkin' cute"!i would like to share with you some of the photos that were sent. i also received some amaZing feedback from some of my students as well. i couldn't help but cry {vicki}. i realize that sometimes we find our niche in the world and love it. that you can actually get paid to do what you love. well, i found mine! i love working with the fabulous sei company, the great people and the new friends i meet at every show. how awesomE is that!!! i was once asked "do you love it?"...if you do, it's worth it!!! it is. to all of you who read my blog or just stumble across it...may you find your niche in this world. i will always have my number one job as my most valuable... a MOM!! now getting a chance to do something else i love...is a true blessing! *hugs*

vicki and i {album technique class}audrey and i {ribbon and album classes}

jennifer and i {ribbon & album classes}we had waaayyyy too much fuN!! this was the end of the day too. love the money photo. thanks jennifer and i will be in touch!! charlotte, what can i say...you ROCK!!!

woman and a fork...

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly.

'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply.

'This is very important,' the young woman continued. 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.'

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked.

'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork ..the best is yet to come'.

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly be fore she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would no t be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to 'Keep your fork.'

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share. being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

And keep your fork.

i received this awhile back from one of my dear friends, joann. found it again today and i felt really impressed to share it. pass it along to those you are thankful for and blessed to have in your life. have a great day ladies and gentleman. remember... it's up to you to make it one! i know i will. *hugs* connie

food for thought...

i received this from my good friend, kristan. i was impressed as i read it and thought i would pass it along as well. thanks kristan! *hugs* connie

"Some of our struggles involve making decisions,

while others are a result of the decisions we have made.

Some of our struggles result from choices others make that affect our lives.

We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life,

but we can control how we respond.

Many struggles come as problems and pressures that sometimes cause pain.

Others come as temptations, trials, and tribulations."

L. Lionel Kendrick, "Strength During Struggles", Ensign, Oct 2001, 24

happy birthday dad!!!

today is my dad's birthday. i hope he knows how much i love and appreciate him. i know that it's hard to find that perfect gift when they start getting older, hehe. so my thoughts are to publicly acknowledge him today. dad, i hope you have a great day. you deserve the very best. thanks for being such a big part of my life and a big part of our family. i know all of us are blessed to have you in it!

haPpY biRthdaY dad!!!

mY true strength...

"true strength is keeping everything together

when everyone expects you to fall apart."

this was a great quote for me to stumble on today. life always throws us curves and we never know how strong we are until that curve comes along.

my youngest son made all stars and it has been a great experience for him. see usually when he makes all stars he is one of the top dogs. this time being his first year in juniors he was one of the last boys picked. he has learned a lot and has realized that not only is he a part of the team, that he has much to give. he has played very minimal as he is one of the younger, smaller boys and not as experienced in this league. though when they put him in... this little shorty has given his all!!

first game...bottom of the 7th, bases loaded, two outs and he is up. coach tells him to scrunch down as close as he can to the plate. first pitch comes in and the ump calls it a strike. next pitch the catcher misses it, d moves out of the way and the winning run scores.

second game...they are winning 12-3 in the 6th. though the game can be called if they score one more due to them run ruling them. guess who is up, that's right-d. winning run on 3rd and coach tells dallin to bunt. d lays down the perfect bunt and the winning run comes in.

third game...was not his game. he struck out 2 out of the 3 times at bat. the third time he was thrown out at first. he really was down on his self. though it was his strength in the outfield that kept him together. he had two amaZing catches.

game 4 is tonight. if they win they make district. if they loose they are done. never give up d, cause you have amaZing strength!! you always know how to keep it all together.

i can say this about all of my kiddos actually. they are all faced with challenges now and then. at times there are people always expecting them to fall apart. their strength to keep it all together is a true test for them. i don't know what i would do without them. they are a true blessing and strength to me. i am honored to be their mom.

love you guys...austin, trevor, dallin & haleigh. *hugs* mom

thanks dianna...

To exist is to change,
to change is to mature,
to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.
~henri bergson

mY pa trip...

wanted to post about mY mini vaca to pa 4 days before i worked the ckc-buffalo show. i was able to see my dad and familY. i also saw some of my mom's family...miss my grandparents!! this was a great relaxing trip. i even eNjoYed not having cell or internet service. though after day 4 i think i was going a little crazy. on this trip i was able to meet my soon to be sil, amanda. she is such a doll!!! i can't wait until she is apart of our familY! it's nice too that i won't be just showing up for the wedding and introducing myself. now she will know who this other bridesmaid is, ha! we had a family bbq on sunday and it was so nice back there that i was hanging out in shorts, chillin'. had my step mom make me some extra deviled eggs cause i didn't think 24 was enough! my brother, tony gave me a ride on his quad. man, wish i had a picture of that. had a nice bike ride with my dad and his friends. eNjoYed the beautiful scenery and meeting some great new family and friends. i know this little vaca was short but, it was much needed! here are some pictures...eNjoY!!

this was supposta be a family pic at the bbq on sunday. dad, the boys and me but, tony wouldn't have it! i knew i wasn't gonna get a familY picture~AGAIN!!

me and dad on his bike. what a great ride we had. this has to be one of my highlights of my trip. being on the back of a bike with no cares or worries at all...truly freeing!awesome scenery on my ride!

a picture of down town youngsville...

the creek that runs along the side of my dad's back yard!

tony, me & dad

jr, me & dad

jr, me & amanda...she is so stinkin' cute! i love her to death and can't wait until the big day.

well...there you have it! can't wait until i can go back and visit again and stay a little longer.

cRaziNess...

i have had a craZy month and realized i did not post once in maY. i am sorry to disappoint many of you. i appreciate the e-mails, calls and messages you have been leaving me. i so need to write. i find writing a good source of release.

i need to blog about my 17 hour day trying to catch a flight home from ckc-buffalo. oh, i do not want to see an airplane/airport for a long time!! though with my sei job, i will see one in a few weeks. i just hope everything goes smooth sailing this time.

i want to let all the ladies know that attended mY classes in buffalo, ny how amaZing it was to teach them. they were all so kind and loads of fuN!! i received a very humbling e-mail from mary. thanks for the great words...so glad you eNjoYed the class.

jennifer, cheryl, me, karla & mary. sei: 4 flower techniques class.

ladies you were a blast and i hope i see you again next year!

here is a photo from mandy from ckc-mesa. this is mandy and her stinkin' cute daughter who also took my classes!!

i don't want to leave anyone out who sends pictures my way. i always bring my camera and forget to take photos, go figure.

i will try and write later about mY 17 hour flight day and mY amaZing time in pa with my dad and familY. for now...this is it. *hugs* connie

{36}

so i wasn't gonna post today but, i was told i should. been a rough day for me...didn't want the world to know but since you all care. not that it is my 36th birthday but, because i have had a lot going on these last few weeks and i can't seem to stop to breathe. i am constantly told to breathe, my song says to breathe though to actually do it...is tough. wanted to post this quote i found on a friend of mine {marcie} friend's page.

" Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love Truly! Laugh Uncontrollably! and never regret anything that made you smile!"

i think i needed to find this tonight to end my evening. i DO have sooo much to be thankful for. that i am blessed with. that even though my day did not go how i wanted it to. that it was my day to cry if i wanted to {which i did a lot}. i know that i had family and friends there for me. i know i ignored many calls today but, i did get the messages and the text messages. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

i still had computer problems and got my computer back yesterday. i have been trying sooo hard to get trevor's slide show up. i WILL get it done. i am so blessed to have him in my life and i can't wait for him to see all the great {he might not think so} pictures i have of him.

it's quite late and i am gonna call it a night. i want to leave you with a few pics my mom took today...i told her 1. that didn't work, these aren't even half of them. thanks for everything mom. you're the best ever!!! she made the cake too. *hugs* to all!!!