So the Christmas season begins...now what. I am usually so prepared for this season and have 90% of gifts bought and the rest planned out. This year has really thrown me off course. From Jason being unemployed since April and difficulties in the family life and the play and regular life...need I go on, I'm just not even ready. I don't even have any great ideas. This was supposed to be our trip year. If any of you don't know what that is, we take Christmas trips every other year instead of gifts from Santa. There is just too much drama going on in the house to get that ready, plus we don't have the discount to Marriott as we have had in the past. It's frustrating not having any money to buy gifts for your family as I assume many of you are experiencing as well. My creative streak is not so creative. I'd be happy for any suggestions. Jason is still actively trying to sell insurance. He puts in so much time and has yet to make a sale which means...no cash since it's commision only. We hope and pray and that is about all we can do. This is such a downer post, being sick doesn't help I suppose. It's hard to be optimistic when your body hurts and doesn't function properly and has a lack of energy. At least Jason keeps it going. Thank goodness for wonderful husbands.

Opening Night a success!

Wow! It's amazing how the energy from the audience can enhance your performing ability. It was so great only messing up once! The second night didn't feel as electric but the audience was still great! I'm excited for tonight because our best friends are coming! I was late getting on stage once last night because my duck call got caught in my wig coming off and tangled around my neck. By the last scene I've got two wigs on and I feel like I can't lean over to far in either direction or I will fall over. But the play is great and the whole cast is so amazing. I love all these people!
Also, good news for Brayden and Tyler...their director from their last movie called and wants them to do another one over Thanksgiving break. We are so excited for this. Becca Thomas is such a great director and a sweetheart too! What a great opportunity for the boys! It's a movie about 2 brothers escaping from a polygamist compound. Too cool!

Opening Night tomorrow!

You can only guess how I am feeling right now! Opening night is tomorrow and our first run through tonight sucked big time...costumes were a big problem and trying to get used to the lighting and trying to find people to help me change clothes was a pill. But at least all the mistakes happened tonight and hopefully they will be all better by tomorrow. I just need to remember that this is all fun and not stressful...right! They had me go in and have acrylic nails put on. I've never done that before. Weird. All I know is that I need a massage to relax and calm down and smile. Oh, Jason made an appointment with a company for tomorrow. If it goes well it has potential of making some good money. It would be so nice to get a paycheck again...I've almost forgot what it feels like to get one. Good luck honey! Hope to see lots of you at the play and I ask forgiveness in advance for any lame mistakes I make. I pray for forgiving audiences!

A little better...

Man oh man, it has been a horrible week. I don't remember feeling that sick in a long time. It is possible it was the swine flu, but all I know is it wasn't a regular cold. It was for sure some form of the flu. My friend had the swine flu a couple months ago and she and her family had it. She said it attacks whatever part of you is the weakest. My head must be my weakest part since I've been dizzy for a week and feeling like the world was spinning and not letting me get my footing. So, I've missed 2 practices and knowing that we open in 4 weeks is not good. At least I'm sick now and not later...knock on wood... Jason, Brayden, Chad and Riker and myself have all been sick. Logan woke up sick and miserable this morning. Hopefully C.J and Tyler have dodged the flu bullet. Logan and I just received a blessing today. I'm not all better but the heaviness in my head isn't as heavy as it has been. So, it looks like I'm going to make it. For a while there it was ify.

New business

Well, I've decided to go gung ho with this new business thing. I hope I can pull this off. Along with this new group...the best mini mall, I started my own business blog. My business name is one I've always wanted to start...it's called The Candee Shoppe. Cute huh? My blog is www.thecandeeshoppe.blogspot.com. I haven't got pictures up yet. my friend will have to help me with the pictures like he did with our family. We have our boutique with the mall November 19-21 in 3 different locations. One will be in Heber, one in Salt Lake and I'm not sure where the other one will be. I'll let you all know later. I'm getting excited though. I've done the craft business before but I've never had a website before or been connected with other successful women like this. I am really looking forward to this.

Jewelry show

Well, last night went well. We didn't have very many people stop by, but the people that did come bought quite a bit. I made $233. I have to make a lot more to cover all the supplies a bought. But I feel it was a success. Plus, one woman wants to have a party at her house in 3 weeks. So, I am excited. It's nice to see people enjoy what I made.
Jason and Brayden are sick and feeling lousy. Brayden has been home for 4 days now and can't quite shake the cold. He did do a dumb thing...you know teenagers...(and some adults:) once he started to feel better yesterday he went out and played football with his brothers and is now worse than he was before. I'm guilty of the same thing. When I'm sick and feel a small amount of energy come back I do some chores and kick myself back to feeling lousy again. Lame I know. I also have joined a group of women who all have their own business. It's called the best mini mall. Everything from MaryKay to ties to purses to books to of course now...jewelry. We are having a boutique in SLC and Heber this November. I'm hoping that will do well too. They've been doing it for a few years now...so there must be something to it:)
Annie get Your Gun is going well and the directors are happy with my performances which is great for the self-esteem. I love having this outlet. You all know how much I love to sing and be the center of attention at times, so this is keeping me happy and mentally healthy. Something I always need. The best mini mall has a website. I'm not on it yet but will be soon...it's thebestminimall.com. So if you want to check it out feel free. Oh, great...I can hear Chad coughing the same way Brayden has been. Add one more to the list of the sickies. Health and Happiness to All!!! And WASH YOUR HANDS!

We just got our pictures taken by a good friend of ours who is starting up his photography business. If you are looking for a great photographer call Josh Spray!!! His website is http://www.tophatmedia.yolasite.com/. Check out some of our new photos on the side here! Now my kids look as good as they really are! Man, I've got some handsome boys!