Ava's First Concert

Friday night we took Ava to the Jobing.com Arena to see her first concert--Miley Cyrus. I normally would have referred to Ms. Cyrus as her popular TV persona, Hanna Montana...However, after witnessing the concert first hand, it was most definitely not Hanna Montana. No, Miley Cyrus is certainly doing all that she can to shed that squeeky clean image and gain a far more mature (male) following.

Luckily, Ava is still too naive and innocent to even notice that the sweet character Hanna Montana from TV was no where in sight and the more provocative Miley flaunting her (half-dressed) 16 year-old body all over the stage was there in her place. Ava was too in awe of the lights, and thundering music and dancers. She was thrilled!

Miley flew on a motorcycle, high above the audiences' heads singing 'I love Rock n' Roll'.

And the fews songs Ava recognized and knew by heart, she sang with her own pretend microphone (with half of the glitter eaten off by our dog, Lola Jean, or so Ava says anyway).

Ava's favorite songs that Miley performed were: The Climb and Party in the USA. Sadly, Miley did not perform 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Disappointing because that is Ava's favorite song to sing...about a million times a day.

Ava in her first concert T-shirt. A little big, but will make a great nightgown.

It was a fun night out and Ian and I truly enjoyed watching Ava take it all in. Like most little girls in the audience, she was probably thinking to herself as she watched Miley dance and sing- I want to do that some day.

And so the dream begins...

Weekend Report

Took Ava to see the movie: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. We all loved it! Especially the "Baby Bret" character! See it and you'll know why. =)

Went to my sister's house for dinner Saturday night and watched the ASU football game.
Woo-hoo the Sun Devils won!

Yesterday I went with some girlfriends to see the movie: The Time Travelers Wife. Shed a few tears of course...
I wish I looked like Rachel McAdams. She's perfection.

We had lunch at Houstons and then I went and enjoyed a much needed pedicure. I chose a deep purple for my toes. I love Fall colors.

Ian grilled steak for Sunday dinner, served with baked potatoes and steamed asparagus. After dinner, we sat out back and enjoyed a beautiful night.

I can almost sense Fall is trying to make its way into Arizona...creeping very slowly late at night and tip-toeing back out late morning when the sun rises. Stay Fall...Stay!

I Gotta Feeling

I can see why Oprah used the song "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas for her Talk Show this season--the song is upbeat, fun and totally makes people smile.

It's my new theme song too. And it makes Ava dance in her car seat. What a positive message to instill in our children--today is going to be a GOOD day, every day should be a party. If I send Ava to school with that message every morning, I bet I'd see a few less sheep crossed out! Ha!

This song motivates me to want to get outside and run around my neighborhood. It makes me want to face each day with enthusiasm and a positive outlook.

Music is powerful like that.

Looking & Playing the Part

If Fall decides to make an appearance any time soon (it's still 105 degrees here in AZ), these outfits will help to motivate me to get out and be active. I mean, what's the fun of working out if you don't have cute outfits to help make you feel good about yourself, right?

These outfits are now available at Athleta--one of my favorite online stores to find cute, comfortable active wear.

If I keep up with my walking and eating healthy, I might reward myself with a few new purchases.

The month of September always makes me ache for cooler weather, the sight of changing leaves, and wearing jeans with boots. I love boots. Unfortunately, living in AZ, all of these things happen sometime in late November...so I have some waiting to do.

Secrets to a Happy Marriage

One of my favorites blogs that I visit everyday is called A Cup of Jo. The author, Joanna Goddard, is currently on her honeymoon and while she's away she's had guest bloggers post their secrets to a happy marriage. So cute and so inspiring.

Whenever I'm feeling blah, I read people's blogs. And I'm quickly reminded that life is beautiful. And many people live incredibly, blessed lives. And I've learned over the years that we create our own happiness (or in some cases, misery). We are in charge of our own existence--our own perception of our "reality". It's empowering to know that.

So my secret to a happy marriage is to not focus on what's wrong, what can't be changed, or what your husband or wife isn't doing for you. Focus on the positives and do all that you can to make your life and relationship as great as it can be. Find joy in simple things and quiet moments. The rest will fall into place. Happiness is contagious.

Good Girl

I was afraid to open the binder from school yesterday...but when I did, I was so relieved to discover that Ava still had all four sheep! And her teacher wrote that Ava worked hard and had a great day. Yeah Ava!

I guess telling Ava that if she had another bad day, she wouldn't be able to go to her cousin Ethan's football game on Saturday did the trick! She's a reasonable little girl.

A Few New Family Photos

I love this one--because I love Ava's giggle.

I've also added a couple new ones to the left. And I have a few more to share.

But I'm saving my favorite family picture for my Christmas card.

I love taking family photos.

Four Sheep

Every day Ava starts out her school day with four sheep (little cartoon characters printed on a sheet of paper). This sheet of paper is sent home each day to provide parents with an update as to how well their child behaved and parents have to acknowledge/sign each night and return the paper to the teacher. If a child misbehaves, they're given a warning. And if the child continues to misbehave, they get one of the four sheep crossed out with a note from the teacher. If all four sheep are crossed out, the child is sent to the Principal's office.

We're on week two of school and yesterday Ava had TWO sheep crossed out! What? My little angel? =)

Apparently, Ava had quite a fit yesterday because she couldn't be the line leader. Oh, the injustice!

When I picked Ava up from school yesterday, she ran ahead of her teacher and immediately confessed all her sins to me. (You have to love a guilty conscious). I tried to listen without smiling--because while I'm disappointed in her behavior, I also can't help but think it's sorta cute/funny (especially the way she explains things and her facial expressions). I quickly reminded myself that I had to take this very seriously and find a way to teach Ava to keep her temper in check. And since I have a hard enough time keeping my own temper in check, it's amusing to me.

When we returned home, Ava was sent to her room for a bit--to think about her behavior and actions in school. Then I made her a snack and told her that I knew she could do better and that I expect great things from her. She said she was sorry and that she'll try harder to be a good girl. And really, that's all I can ask of her.

Today is a new day and I better see four clean, white sheep.