Unique Joy

I am not one for New Year's resolutions, but I always think about it when the New Year rolls around. The last 9 years of my life have been filled with many health issues and when the New Year comes again one thing I hope for is less pain, more energy. Sometimes when you don't feel well you get caught up in your own head, see less of what is good around you. As the end of last December approached I decided to think differently about the New Year. Health wise, chances are, things will be about the same but I can get back to finding the little things that bring me joy every day. Now, as you are reading this you are probably thinking, "Wow, she must be a real downer to live with", not true (I hope). Years ago I made a mental decision to not let my health problems effect my positive attitude. Sure, I have plenty of 'Pity-Party' days but overall I am a 'the glass is half full' type of girl. Just because I don't feel well everyone else around me doesn't have to suffer.

Finding joy in my everyday life is not a new concept. It has been rolling around inside my brain for quite a while. I have always found such incredible joy in my beautiful - sweet girls, my husband, my animals, and my family and friends. No the joy I have been seeking craving goes even deeper. It is a unique joy that is just for me. A joy that fills my spirit, a joy no one else has to get, or approve of. Too much of my life has been spent worrying about what others will think, full of too much approval seeking. Don't get me wrong I am not going to run out and get a tattoo and join the circus, I am just going to find ME again.

So, I started thinking about what do I enjoy, what is it that makes me, me? As I mulled over all the things I like to do, photography kept bubbling to the top. Taking pictures makes me giddy! Photography has been a huge part of my life since I was little, developing pictures in our darkroom, with my dad. This is one thing that brings that essential joy I am looking for, let's me share my joy, and helps capture the things in my everyday life that brings me joy.

Taking 'A Picture a Day' in January came out of not so much a New Year's resolution as a determination to help me find that unique joy my soul craves. Buckle up, keep your hands and legs inside the car at all times, and enjoy this beautiful ride that is joy!

January 1, 2012

 Wilted Spider Mums. Sometimes wilted is more beautiful than fresh.

January 2, 2012

 Mexican pasta, a family favorite. There is nothing like preparing and eating food together!

January 3, 2012

 Yes, that is me sewing. If you know me, you know I DON'T sew. Sewing intimidates me and truthfully makes me a little nauseous! My daughter Taylor gave me the courage, instruction, and yes, supervision to sew a new pillow for my bed. Thank, you Taylor!

January 4, 2012

 I hate, hate, hate pictures of myself! My thought was, "maybe this will make it easier to have other pictures taken of me". Nope didn't work. Maybe, it will get easier one day, cross my fingers.

January 5, 2012

 My beautiful boy, Bob, who loves me enough to take on the dog so he can sit next to me.

January 6, 2012

I forgot my camera when we took this trek to the "Up House". So this is taken with my iPhone just as it was getting dark. Pictures not so great, but the memories made with my girls, priceless! This picture show my daughter Cheyanne in the red jacket and her sweet friend Jori in the blue jacket.

January 6, 2012 #2

This is my oldest daughter, Taylor (isn't she cute!).

January 7, 2012

This is the pattern on my new comforter. I love walking in my room and seeing my bed, it makes me feel like I am on vacation.

January 8, 2012

A slice of my heaven, my scrapbook/craft room. When I walk into this room I have a noticeable drop in stress and tension levels. This room is filled with things I love. Many childhood and adult memories are tucked away in this room.

January 9, 2012

My daughter, Cheyanne. It is not often that I can catch her unawares. Watching her makes my heart expand. It is a privilege to call her my daughter. It is hard to put into words my feelings for this bright, beautiful, stubborn baby of mine.

January 10, 2012

This is Joji, my baby girl. Not because she is the youngest of our animals,it is because she is

so sweet. Recently she had to have her left eye removed (she was shy and didn't want it to show on camera). Her resilience and lack of feeling sorry for herself has been an inspiration to me. She has taught me to take what you have been given and make the most of it. Get over yourself and move on.

January 11, 2012

This is part of a flock of Chickadees waiting for the feeders in my backyard. I am so bird obsessed that I have bird books on my kitchen table at all times so I can identify and read about birds at anytime.

January 12, 2012

I have 5 orchids and love everything about them. All but this one pictured above are at least 10 years old (this one is about 2 years old). They have moved from house to house, city to city, state to state with me. They are like old friends that get more beautiful with age. Just a few more weeks and I will have a kitchen window full of beautiful blooms. I can't wait.

This month I am focusing on how photography can help me to find my own unique joy. It isn't about technique it's about content. It's about showing my joy through and with photography. I feel like if I can fill my soul with who I am, I will be better able to share and help grow my daughter's own unique joy. I would be a failure if I didn't help my girls reach their full potential as incredible daughters of God.

If I can recognize that sweet joy that is mine I can thank my Heavenly Father for all that I am and all I have been given. For you dear reader, I hope to plant a seed, a notion, a belief, that you are also worthy of your own unique joy, a joy unto yourself.

More pictures to follow - I hope your still along for the ride!

There is still two days left to order the fantastic November Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day. This is a versatile stamp that can be used for calendars, cards, or layouts.

I love Subway art and used this set to create my own piece of Subway art.

I stamped a 4"x6" piece of black cardstock with White Daisy ink (to dry your ink quicker use your heat gun), put it in a black frame and finished it off with sparkles on the top of the glass. Simple and easy! My kind of project.

This inventive card was made by my fellow consultant Kimberly Deines. I love the squares on the side. I definitely gravitate to fall colors.

 

This is a Kris Keys creation. She is one of the most talented consultants I know. I am so lucky to get one of her cards. This card is staying with me, I don't think I can part with it.

To get one of your own stamp sets call, email, or even shop in your p.j.'s on my website susanneaton.myctmh.com.

HAVE FUN CREATING!

Studio J

Did you know Close to My Heart has an online Scrapbooking program called Studio J. Or did you know already and you thought about trying it but it sounded too overwhelming, too expensive, too time consuming, or you just don't want to buy all the add-ons. Well you are in luck (which is a very lucky thing to be)! Let's break it down; sounds like a lyric to a song I can't remember, oh well, let me get back on track.

Did you know that you can create a layout with Studio J in a matter of minutes, or even do a whole album with 20 layouts in a matter of a few hours. How do I know this you ask, well (drum roll please) I have done it (I know hard to believe), yes me! I had a very dear Aunt pass away and wanted to share her amazing pictures memories with the small family I have left. I created an album that documented her life growing up; including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews. In a sense, a history of the Allen family and a tribute to my smart, gracious, and incredibly loving Aunt Dona. After I had designed the album I printed one for everyone left in my family. I didn't have to even leave my house and it was all done in my jammies with a box of Kleenex by my side.

The hardest part of the entire process was scanning in old family photographs. And now everyone has an album to treasure and also a cd with all of the photographs.

Here are some Studio J facts:

• There is no software to purchase and install other than an Internet-connected computer.; instead, simply log in to susanneaton.myctmh.com and click on Studio J and start designing your layouts. You can create and immediately purchase your layouts, or you can save them for later completion and purchase.
• Studio layouts can be created quickly for the time-challenged and have many flexible options for artists who want a custom look. Plus, Studio J makes it easy and affordable to print multiple copies of the same layout, perfect for giving to friends and family.
• Studio J lets you choose from many of your favorite current and retired classic kits as well as kits exclusive to Studio J. However, in contrast to classic papers, studio papers give you the option to change the color of the monochromatic sides of the paper to any color in our 60-color palette. The software allows you to add distressing and embellishments as well as edit your photos, allowing you to adjust the photo’s brightness and contrast, saturation, sharpness, etc. Studio J even has tools to brighten teeth, erase wrinkles, soften blemishes, remove red eye, and more.
• You’ll find all of the latest pricing and shipping information, including shipping options, at susanneaton.myctmh.com. 
• Becoming a Studio J member is the perfect way to get our best pricing of 50% off retail—that works out to be approximately $3.25 per page!

I am sorry for so much information at one time, I was just so darn exited to share this exciting program with you. I promise over the coming weeks and month to go into more detail so it doesn't seem so overwhelming and in the mean time please email me at qeaton@gmail.com or call me with any questions.

The following video will walk you through creating a layout from start to finish in Studio J. ENJOY!

April Specials

MY REFLECTIONS LEVEL 1 SCRAPBOOKING KITS are great for beginners to seasoned pros. The preprinted pages make preserving your fondest memories a breeze. Get a FREE Level 1 kit of your choice when you order $100 or more on my website susanneaton.myctmh.com April 1–30, 2011 (limit of one free

kit per qualifying order). Now’s the time to let everyone know you’re Lovin’ Level 1!

(Click on the Studio J picture on the right side of my blog for more information)

Members save more, do more,

get more!

• Exclusive patterns

• 50% off layouts

• Free JPG files

• Free monthly shipment

• Members-only promotions like this one!

ADD DELIGHTFUL DETAILS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL STUDIO J LAYOUTS. Self-adhesive clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl adhesive gems make it easy to get your shine on, and now you can get these adorable accessories FREE!

Throughout April, Studio J members get one free package each of clear Sparkles and Opaques Pearl gems, a retail value of $5.90, for every 10 custom-printed layouts purchased in a single order. It's another way CTMH makes scrapbooking faster, simpler, easier—and more sparkly! Go to my website susanneaton.myctmh.com and click on Studio J online scrapbooking  to start creating!

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE AND tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. And helping has never been easier!

Give a little hope to Japan by purchasing an exclusive stamp set for just $5

During April, purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.

Contact me today to get involved in this heart-worthy cause.

My take on the Sophia Card Workshop

I love this paper, but I am absolutely addicted to the stamp set that comes with the Sophia Workshop Kit. I love anything birds. As long as I can remember I have loved birds. My true love affair began with my first bird, a beautiful, sassy parakeet. How I loved that bird. Now I share my life with two incredible, funny, silly, and sometimes just crazy birds.

This is our bird Sam

and this is Tweety (she is just a baby)

Even if you don't have your own crazy bird, you can join the bird craze by getting this stamp set available only in the Sophia Workshop Kit (G1019). Call or email me to get your kit, or better yet shop anytime from my website susanneaton.myctmh.com.

Magnifique Layout #2

Here is another layout using the beautiful Magnifique level 2 paper. I love how the blue perfectly compliments Taylor's eyes. What makes this paper Magnifique is the versatile colors and patterns. I have three ways to get the products shown; call or email me, or better yet shop in your jammies on my website susanneaton.myctmh.com.

Supply List

Magnifique Level 2 paper pack - X7127B

Magnifique Stickease - X7127C

Basic Assortment Brads - Z1365

Miracle Irresistibles (chipboard that has a resist pattern that shows through when covered with ink, chalk, markers, or watercolors) - Z1354

*Beautiful daughter not included

Discounted Products

Remember to check my website;

susanneaton.myctmh.com

to find discounted and retired products at phenomenal prices. Check back often to take advantage of these products that are offered while supplies last!

Right now prices are up to 90% off and items are going quickly. Don't miss out!

January Stamp of the Month

Did you know purchasing your workshop packet for February can help you in January? WHAT? you say. Well, let me tell you, Close to My Heart is celebrating National Paper Crafting Month this month by giving us huge discounts on great products. When you buy the Wings Workshops on the Go kit and mix and match the new products found throughout the pages of the Inspirations brochure you can earn the January Stamp of the Month (Find Your Style) set at a discount or even for FREE!

Ok, as if that wasn't exciting enough you can even buy the stamp sets featured in the Inspirations Brochure at a deep discount. I have my eye on the Bohemian Alphabet set (on page 11 of the Inspirations Brochure). Instead of paying $34.95 it is only $25.00 when you buy the Wings Workshop Kit.

 

This is an example of the Wings Paper. Too see the whole Inspirations Brochure click on the picture on the right column.

 

Don't miss out on these great savings. Contact me by January 31st to be included in on all the great deals.

YAY! It's workshop time again!

JANUARY 29, 2011

I can hardly wait, how about you. The smell of new paper, ink stained hands, the laughter of your friends. That feeling of accomplishment that only a finished layout brings. Ummmm, wonderful! You can choose to make a layout, a set of cards, both, or any combination you can think of. On my layout I added snowflakes which will be totally optional. If you choose to use them I will provide them free of charge for coming. Who couldn't use some extra bling - especially if it is free! Thanks to my wonderful upline Karen Pedersen for the layout inspiration!

New Year, lots of new reasons to have new cards on hand.

Come and make 1,3 or 9, as many as you would like.

Workshop will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m.. Whether you are a beginner or an old pro, I can guarantee you will have a fantastic time and may even learn something NEW in the process. Let me know by phone or email by January 20th if you would like to join us.

Spend $20 or more in December and receive a FREE D-size stamp set!

Place an order of $20 or more on my susanneaton.myctmh.com website December 1–31, 2010, and you’ll be rewarded with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95! I'm sure you’ll be thrilled with the set CTMH picks out for you. CTMH is also giving you FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty! Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting my website and making a qualifying purchase today!

HI-HO CHERRY-O

August Workshops will be on Saturday the 28th.

 Do you remember the counting game HI-HO CHERRY-O? My neighbors had this game when I was a child and I remember sitting on their basement floor playing it for hours; sometimes making up our own rules, sometimes watching the boys cheat, but always laughing and having fun. It was a simple game that most of us were really too old to be playing but it was something that brought us together and was a part of some really great memories.   

When I first saw the name of the kit Cherry-O we are making this month at Workshops it brought back a lot of old memories. I was even more excited when I saw the different papers and stamp set that went along with the Workshop Kit. The paper is bright, fun, and has a hint of nostalgia.

The Cherry-O kit is a perfect way to save your old memories with the workshop pages or make some new memories by making the cards to give to family and friends.

I look forward to having you join us at workshops where you will have time to make a 2 page layout or 6 cards and still have plenty of extra paper to go home and do the other projects plus  many more of your own projects.

Layout #1

Layout #2

Cards

Contact me so I can save you a spot at workshops. I can't wait to see you there!

July Workshops

splen·dor: \ˈsplen-dər\

1 a : great brightness or luster : brilliancy : magnificence, pomp
2 : something splendid (the splendors of the past)

I can't think of a better way to highlight summer memories than with the Splendor Kit. This kit makes me think of bright warm summer days, Popsicles, water fountains, and the scent of freshly cut grass.  

The pattern and colors were perfect for my pictures of Cheyanne learning how to mow the lawn with the tractor this spring. As you can see Darin was never far away. Before we know it she will be kickin' her dad to the curb and doing it all on her own; everyone just stay off the grass and you will be just fine. Taylor and I had a splendid hour full of giggles as we watched Cheyanne trying to reach the pedal and Darin trying not to fall off the back of the tractor.

The kit was also perfect for pictures of Taylor's 3rd grade field trip to downtown Grand Junction, CO. to see all of the incredible outdoor art. This paper certainly helped to bring back the SPLENDOR of Grand Junction. Although we lived there for only two short years the experience was simply magnificent. Grand Junction has the best display of outdoor art on their Main Street I have ever seen. This is certainly one of my family's favorite spots.

Join me this month so we can celebrate your SPLENDORS of the past!

Products used: 

Splendor Basic Workshop Kit (G1009) includes:

        Splendor Level 2 Paper Packet (X7124B)

        My Acrylix® Summer Wishes (only available with this kit)
        Irresistibles™ Pizzazz Chipboard Die-Cuts (X1307)
        Workshop Guide 
I also added the Splendor My Stickease (X7124C) and White Daisy Ricrac (Z1052)

Missing in Action

This last month has been difficult. I feel like our safety net has failed and our family is at war. A war of the mind, body, and pocketbook. The first skirmish was at the beginning of the month when my scrapbook room flooded. No kidding, IT REALLY did flood (see my May 13th post). Darin accidentally left the hose on and I ended up with 14 inches of water in the window well which came through the window and flooded over half of my scrapbook room. My room was totally out of commission for over 3 weeks. Putting the rest of my room back together was put on hold when an even larger battled ensued. On June 11th, Darin was handed his paycheck and told there was no job to come back to on Monday because the business was closing. No notice, no severance. When you have three people with a chronic illness a paycheck is essential. No paycheck could spell disaster for our family very quickly.

Between helping Darin find a job and being very ill the last month, I have not had the heart to write until today. It seems that almost every day something has broken, been lost, gotten worse, or disappeared, except the support of our family and friends. Without the love of our Heavenly Father and our family and friends we would have certainly suffered some casualties, but because our army has been strong and our backup limitless we have been weathering the battles well. Even through the many battles I am so thankful for all that I have. I have been given so much. I know my Heavenly Father is carrying us over the battlefield, shielding us from the bullets, tending to our wounds, and healing our spirits.

We may have lost a few battles within the last month but we will certainly not surrender and as long as Heavenly Father is our chief commander I know we will win this war. 

May Workshops

Here are the pages we will be making for workshops this month. The kit we are using is the beautiful Veranda Kit. The paper has such subtle soft colors it really lets your pictures stand out.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Products used: Veranda Level 2 Paper Packet (X7119B), Veranda Stickease (X7119C), Just Blooms Spring Paper Flowers (Z1266), and Filigree Charms (Z1269)

May Card Group

Here are the beautiful cards I received in Card Group this month. Thanks girls, you continually inspire me!

Lisa's card

Barbie's card

Amanda's card

Sock Monkey Saga

Every quarter I do a page swap with some of my great friends. I get new layouts, time with some really good friends, new ideas and lot's of STRESS. Self induced stress! Beside the fact that I am a perfectionist to the point of paralysis, I decided to up the stakes this quarter. I have been thinking about doing a page with a Sock Monkey and stupid me I actually mentioned this at the last swap and when everyone said "OOH, you should do that for next time" I stupidly agreed. Did I mention how stupid that was?

Now the pressure was on. At the time I thought there has to be a lot of paper piecing patterns, pages to look at on the web, monkey paper, etc., etc. Wrong! I think I found a total of 4 pages of monkey patterned paper (which I didn't like), no layouts, and no paper piecing patterns; sheesh, you would think Martha would have at least 6 paper piecing patterns. Martha, I am very disappointed you are after all the craft queen.

In the meantime I was at Roberts and found some great paper for 75% off and thought perfect, cute and affordable, can't go wrong. So now it is less than a week before the swap and I have not even started. I first started thinking of excuses of why I couldn't do the swap; such as I cut off my finger while chopping walnuts (I don't even like walnuts), I was called to jury duty, I shot my eye out with a BB gun, my scrapbook room was flooded, but alas none seemed good enough, I guess I was stuck making the stupid pages. While fighting back nausea and the trying to find the will to live I had the brilliant idea to look for Sock Monkey cards online. I didn't end up finding one Monkey that I loved, so my Monkey is a mix of a few different ones.

So now I have the Monkey somewhat figured out and I think the rest should be a breeze. Wrong again. I sit down with the paper I bought and went totally blank. How am I going to use a Sock Monkey on this wild paper? The colors are wrong the pattern is wild and my creative block is turning into a wall. So I ate 3 chocolate kisses watched some T.V. and closed the door on my craft room and walked away, so much for getting anything done. Now it is 4 days before the swap and I head back to my craft room and decide I am not coming out until I have accomplished something. My accomplishments were to eat 2 more kisses and pull a bunch of stuff out. Whew, that was tough; time to go to bed.

Three days before the swap the wall came down and it all started to come together. I think the fear of disappointing my friends outweighed my desire to vomit. My pages may not be the best but they are done and I think they might even be growing on me. The older I get the more I find I procrastinate. The closer the deadline the more my creative juices flow. What's with that? Fortunately, by the time my packets were done I was excited again for the swap and I loved getting all the beautiful pages from everyone else. I guess I will not quit quite yet, maybe.

Celebrate National Scrapbooking Month

Close to My Heart and I are celebrating National Scrapbooking Month with an exclusive Scrapbook Kit only available through May 31st. It's a beautiful spring-themed scrapbooking kit that includes new, coordinating B&T Duos® die-cut papers, B&T Duos, Irresistibles™ chipboard die-cuts, My Stickease® adhesive images, Flip Flaps™, plus more favorite accessories and papers. It also includes an instruction brochure for easily creating two beautiful two-page layouts—with no stamping required!

Below I have listed 5 different ways to purchase the kit:

• Purchase the kit outright for $19.95
• Place a minimum order of $40 and purchase the kit for only $10
• Place a minimum order of $60 and purchase the kit for only $5
• Host a Home Gathering with minimum sales of $300 and receive a kit FREE! 
• From May 1–31, sign up as a new Consultant between and receive a kit FREE!

My favorite thing about this kit is I was able to customize the die-cuts by adding Tulip and Hydrangea ink to make the embossed resist designs appear. I also loved being able to add 6 extra photos using Flip Flaps™ (they are hidden under the right hand pages on both layouts)

Click on the picture on the right hand side of my blog for more information. Contact me before MAY 31ST so you don't miss out on this fantastic offer.

March #3

March 18th was the talent show at Hidden Hollow Elementary. Cheyanne started playing in the school orchestra last October. She is a natural! Violin is the last instrument I thought she would ever want to play but I am sure glad she chose it. Learning a new instrument is always hard especially when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis like Cheyanne. I am such a proud mama! As I watch her fight through the pain and frustration I am continually amazed at her determination and strength. I admire her so much; she is one of my greatest examples of tenacity and character. Cheyanne, I wish you health, strength, love, and a strong testimony. I WISH YOU ALL YOUR HEART DESIRES!

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

-Rascal Flatts

WAY TO GO BABY! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! YOU HAVE MANY GREAT AND MARVELOUS ADVENTURES IN YOUR FUTURE!

Love,
Mom

March #2

The first week of March was filled with a vacation to St. George and Las Vegas. Taylor had a competition in Vegas with the Westlake Ballroom Team so we decided to leave a couple of days earlier than the team to have some family time together. First stop, St. George, after eating lunch we headed to the Dinosaur Tracks Museum. We love DINOSAURS! Really, who doesn't like a good fossil? The Museum is located at Johnson Farms and is still an active dig site. This is a definite must see! We rated it 4 stars (one for each of us).

After the museum we went and found the house we would be staying in. All I can say is WOW! The neighborhood and house were magnificent. The subdivision is perched on a bluff overlooking St. George. When our friends generously offered their house to stay in we had no idea it would be soooo big and beautiful and the views so GRAND. We were really living the life! Do too being struck dumb we were unable to rate this.

The view from their deck.

This is the backyard of the house next door. It can be yours for a cool 2.4 million.

After discovering how the other half lives we headed to Snow Canyon. By the time we got there the shadows were already filling the canyon which made for some very beautiful pictures. I love how the movement of shadow and light create a new scene every few minutes. This fantastic adventure was rated 8 stars (one for each of our hands).

Wednesday thru Sunday was spent in Las Vegas. Before Taylor met up with the Ballroom Team we were able to do some shopping together and eat at Roxy's diner.

Taylor spent most of her time with the Westlake High School Ballroom team having a great time. She saw the sights, went swimming at the pool on the roof of the Stratosphere, and practiced for her competition at the Las Vegas Showdown.

Darin, Cheyanne, and I went to Coca Cola World, M&M World, Harley Davidson Cafe, and for Cheyanne's birthday the Shark Reef Aquarium.

We were able to meet up with Taylor and the team at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday night. Friday night we went with the team to watch the Vegas Showdown. This was the night pros competed from around the world. A night of wonderful dancing and great costumes.

Saturday we watched Taylor and the team compete and ended the day by watching the marvelous Blue Man Group perform (Blue Man Group was rated 50 stars, one for every team member, adult, and child attending). BMG and their band came out after the show and took pictures with everyone. What a patient bunch of guys, dealing with 40 high school kids, and not actually killing any of them. Sadly, I forgot my camera when we went to see BMG so I will post pictures when I get them from Taylor's friend.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

The view from our hotel the Stratosphere.

Pictures of the team taken by Hayden.

Taylor waiting to compete her second dance.

After all was said and done we had a fantastic time together. Unfortunately, Taylor didn't place but she came away with some great experiences. She was able to compete at a much larger event then she ever has and was able to create some great memories with her team. Darin and Cheyanne both got to celebrate their Birthdays out of town. I was able to have my husband to myself without being interrupted by his cell phone. Cheyanne was able to have some one on one time with just Darin and I. And we all came away with priceless memories and experiences we will treasure forever. I guess you could say we rated this as big as all the stars in the universe.