Ansley's Play

This Friday, Ansley performed in a play, dance, song, and showed off her art from a week-long day-camp called Jumpstart, funded by the City of Plano. Here she is after the performance, smiling because she did so wonderfully! It was so fun to get to go see her, and to cheer her on. :)

The play was about a Princess Splishy-Splashy...you guessed it, the kids made up their own play! They were helped out by a drama leader, and they put together all kinds of fun and crazy ideas. The play had not only a princess, but a king, a queen, an alien, and a witch! :) The kids had rehearsed in their separate groups, and then performed together Friday night. Since there were many children, each part had many voices...so when Ansley spoke the lines of the Queen, several other voices joined with her - but I think they all had a blast! :)

Here is Ansley with her group (the Yellow group) during the middle of the dance portion of their performance...as you can see, I obviously didn't get a part where they're moving...sorry. Plus, the picture uploader from Blogger posted my pictures in an odd order, so instead of going from the play to the choir songs to the dance, it posted in scrambled order instead.

Here is the entire group of children that performed Friday evening singing the songs they practiced for the week. There was a lot of fun songs, and a LOT of smiling faces!!! :)

Here is the choir again, but with a close-up so you can see better where Ansley is. She is in the upper-left hand corner, singing out loud and proud! :) Way to go, Ansley!!!

Here she is in the play. The adult in the background was the narrator, who helped feed the lines, and generally was the storyteller while the kids acted out the scenes. What a great time! :) The story was about a princess who wanted to go and play splishy-splashy in the woods, but since the forest was dangerous the king and queen made her wear a charm to keep bad things from happening to her. However, there was an alien in the woods that tricked her and then turned her into a frog! When the king and queen came to save the princess, the alien turned them into frogs too! :) Finally, the witch came out to the woods after a nap, turned the alien into a handsome prince, and decided they would get married...the wedding menu? Frog legs, of course! :)

Since the pictures posted backwards, this was Ansley before the play started. Everyone was sitting around in their places waiting for the time when the evening program began. Great job Ansley! And thank you, Michael and Heather, for inviting me!

Wedding...Marriage...I'm In Love!

I wanted to post more than this, but these are some of my favorite pictures from our wedding on June 12! Amanda did an amazing job posting so many pictures, I loved them! Married life is wonderful - Austin and I just look at each other and smile...we can't believe we're finally actually married! :) Here's to marvelous memories, and an amazing future to look forward to! :)

Counting My Many Blessings

Everyone who loves someone knows that one of life's greatest desires is to be with our loved ones forever. I love my family, and all the wonderful people in my life who have shaped my perspective and opinions. I am thankful for all that Christ has done for me to make it possible for me to return to Heavenly Father, and to return with my family when I do so. This life is such a wonderful blessing. I am thankful that I can be married in the Lord's Holy House only one week from Saturday. I am thankful that my entire family will have the ability to be there with me.

Most of all, I am thankful that I am marrying a righteous Priesthood holder, one who is patient, and loving, and understanding. I love Austin more and more each day, and every time I look at him I know that I have found a precious Son of God who will lead and guide me by example in the ways of the Lord.

Back to School

The joy of school has started once again for me...and one class for Tuesdays is a nice change. :) However, all I can think about is a certain cute guy that I will be marrying in only a few months! :) However, it was nice to go to school today and start being productive again. :) My government class today went well, and I applied for graduation after lunch at the Admissions office...so if everything works out well, I should be getting my Associates of Arts degree in May! Here's to a bright future! :)

The Spirit of Christmas

I am so happy that it is the Christmas season. This is one of my favorite times of the year; a time when the world remembers the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my Savior, and know that the Lord let Him come to Earth to Redeem all mankind. I want to testify that I know that He lives, and that He loves each and every one of us, no matter our status, situation, or circumstance. We are all His Children.

I light of this season, most special above all, I am putting 2 links to wonderful Christmas videos. If you have time, please watch them. They are filled with His Spirit. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me. I glory in His strength and love. I know that the Book of Mormon and Bible are living testaments of Him, and are scripture for us today. I know that President Thomas S. Monson, His prophet for His church today, leads and guides us in righteousness and by the authority given him by God. I testify of the truth of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXXwtFWpAI8

Extra Treats

Okay, so these are pictures actually from way back at Thanksgiving when I went with Austin to spend Thanksgiving holiday with his family. The pictures with the fountain in the background were taken at Casa Bonita, a restaurant with cliff divers inside, a mariachi band...the works. It was really neat to go and experience everything with such a wonderful family that I get the privilege to be a part of soon! :)

This is Austin's family outside of the fountain. From left to right: Ryan, Sister Palmer, Britta, Austin, Denya, Blake, and Brother Palmer. What a great group! :)

It's been snowing a LOT here in Rexburg lately...hmm...I think the weather is trying to tell us it's close to Christmas!!! :) I can't wait to be home, but it IS fun to see all the snow (for a little while). One night when Austin was over, I went outside and wrote this in the snow...I love my fiancé!!! :)

Sorry that the pictures on Blogger don't ever post in the right order...(sigh) oh well. This is a picture of downtown Denver, in case any of you were wondering. :)

And THIS is the scenery for pretty much 1/4 of the drive from Rexburg to Denver. The other 3/4 looks just like the drive from Texas to Utah...flat. With some rocks occasionally, but mostly flat. Oh, but there were a few little rolling hills...and some pioneer wagon tracks (but I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of those). :( Hope you enjoy these extra pictures! :)

Christmastime

Okay, so this post is for you, Momma! :) This is Christmastime in good ol' Rexburg, USA. Freezing, but fun. :) Here is a picture of Austin and I, enjoying being engaged! :)

Janessa and I in front of the Christmas tree Momma got me for Christmastime away from home my freshman year away at college. Tis the season to be jolly! :)

This is (from left to right): Nikol, me, and Sarah. :) You can't see the Christmas tree in this shot, but it's there...right behind my head... :)

A better shot of Nikol and Sarah with our apartment Christmas tree. :)

I thought I would include this picture too...I love nativity sets! :) This season is one of celebration after all, because it marks the birth of the Savior who chose to atone for everyone so that we could return to live with our Father again someday. I know that Christ lives, and that He atoned for our sins. I know that He will gather us to Him, and strengthen us as we continually turn to Him in humility. I love my Savior, and my God. I am so happy every Christmas because I know that Christ made possible our salvation through His perfect life. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church today on the earth. I know that Thomas Monson is His prophet helping to guide His church today on earth. I bear witness of these truths in the name of my Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.