Life is SO Short

Today we received some news that just blew me away. Not that death isn't surprising, but when it's someone you know it takes a different meaning. My sister-in-law called me and told me that Lua Afatasi passed away this morning. Oh my goodness, my son just told me that he saw him last night at the basketball game and has always had such an admiration for Trevor and his athletic ability. I remember when I first met him he was at one of Trevor's football games and his con was playing on the same team with his cousin XO. I remember hearing him laughing and talking really loud about number 21 running the ball and saying, that kid is the next Reggie Bush. I had no idea who Reggie Bush was, but I was hoping that was good. Then I met him after the game and he kept complimenting Trevor's achievements. So everytime we would run into him at a sports activity his first question would be, "How's Trevor doing? Has he gotten his scholarship yet?" hahaha

It's amazing to me how our time frame is so different from our Heavenly Father's. When he needs us home, it's time for us to come home. There is a much bigger picture, besides this little span of time that we are here on earth. The Lord needed him for something bigger. It was amazing to me to see his last few months here on earth and how Heavenly Father had a big part in the plan. He and his family, with this wonderful economy, lost everything: home, job everything and forced them to move in with her sister in Hurricane, just a month ago. Then this tragic thing happens. We may not know what Heavenly Father has in store for us, but he knows US and knows everything.

I went to the Adult Session tonight of Stake Conference and the closing song was, "Abide With Me". I just cried, thinking of his little wife at home sleeping for the first night by herself and feeling so lost without her best friend and eternal companion. It really makes me look at my marriage differently. Not be so bugged by the little things. Appreciate all that I have and my best friend even though we irritate each other at times, we NEVER KNOW, when we may be called home. But we also know the other part of the wonderful BIG PICTURE.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!!!

Valentines Day 2011

My girls love their little brother so much and with it being valentines day they wanted to smother him with hugs and kisses after reading scriptures. He was not amused, but I know deep down he loves the attention.

I can't believe that I am putting this picture on my blog, but it's a memory. I made pink, heart shaped pancakes for the kids. They loved them.

Not too bad freehanded
Sydnee enjoying her pancakes.

While the kids were at school, I was trying to think of something that they would absolutely love. Well, I make a homemade chocolate pie with homemade crust that they all get one on their birthdays. So I decided to make 6 of them for all of my valentines. They all had the same reaction when they saw the pies, "OH MY GOODNESS, do we all get our own pie?"
I now have a refrigerator full of pies.

Trevor and Cambria just about to dig into their pie.

Sydnee so excited after soccer practice when she saw her pie. Cecilee was at work and I didn't get a picture of her and her pie.

KaLaMiTy

Kalamity's 2011 photoshoot

Erin, Tia & Cambria being silly The Kalamity Team in the Alley Cambria and a few of the dancers. Tia is an amazing individual-each one of these girls idolize her for the incredible person that she is. Not only is she a fabulous dancer and choreographer, but she is a great example to these girls in what a "Daughter of God" is. She has 3 dancers who married in the temple. (Which are great examples to the other dancers). She danced through both of her pregnancies and now she has 3 dancers who are pregnant and still dancing. And they claim that they will continue to dance up until they deliver, "Just like Tia." She brings her kids with her everywhere and so will these other dancers. She teaches these girls how to treat people and be nice and integrity. I feel very honored to have my daughter be a part of this incredible dance company. They are still looking for a cause to dance for this year. Every year they put on a benefit concert for a CAUSE and all proceeds go towards that family or CAUSE. They are still looking. These girls practice and dance all year for this benefit concert. Another Incredible idea of Tia's. I am so proud to call her my little sister and appreciate her example to my girls. Kalamity is filming a sponsorship video for CONVERSE The girls practicing before filming in the middle of the road Sweet background, it will be awesome when it's totaly done!!!

Pageant Time Again

It's that time again for the Miss Ivins Princess Pageant. This will be my 4th year as the Pageant Director and I am so excited. We have 11 girls participating and the theme is to the Lizzy McGuire Movie, "This Is What Dreams Are Made Of" by Hillary Duff. We have started teaching the opening number with the best choreographer that I know, my little sister, Tia. She is amazing. "Hey NOW, Hey NOW!!"
"This Is What Dreams Are Made Of"

Building Blocks

I bought these blocks for Trevor when he was 3 yrs old and it's one of those toys that will be around forever and loves to be played with. It cracks me up, it's always the boys that love to play with them. Major knows right where they are whenever he comes over and wants to pull them out. Lately, he's been wanting to see how BIG he could get his tower. We have to be careful that when it comes tumbling down, that Legend isn't around to get hit by falling blocks.

Check out the Turtle at the bottom

Now, where to put that block!!

Eyelashes

Cambria has a friend that does eyelash extensions. I always thought that mascara is good enough, that I would never spend the money on fake eyelashes and plus they would be too heavy on my eyes. Well, Cambria came home one day with eyelash extensions and I thought they looked absolutely beautiful. WOW, NO MORE mascara for her. It makes her look like she has makeup on all the time, even right out of the shower. I may end up eating my words and getting some, someday!!!

She's beautiful even without lashes, but check out those eyes now!!!!