O Magazine

For Courtney's first modeling job, she is going to be in O Magazine (Oprah's Magazine). Not in an ad, but for the magazine itself. I'm assuming it's an article of some sort. I thought we would get more info than we did when we were there, but we didn't. So, I'll tell you what I know.

First of all we showed up and I was surprised that Courtney was the only child. Then 2 came after. One teen and one 4 1/2 year old. It felt awesome knowing that only 2 little ones got picked for this and Courtney was one of them. It felt even more special.

We were at the beach in Santa Monica. At first Courtney just was sitting around waiting. So she had some preschool writing books to try and her Leapster and various other things in my "bag of tricks". I had all sorts of things just incase. (I was not at all impressed with the site teacher. She welcomed us and looked at her work permit and that's it. She didn't do anything.) At first Courtney was very bored. She did have the last call time of anyone, but still. She probably could have had a call time of 3 instead of 1:45. It started getting very cold. Note to self to bring a sweater/jacket for her even if it's 80 or higher in Whittier. I wrapped her up in a towel to keep her warm. Then we just went in the trailer and that got her all warm. She wasn't so bored either cuz they had cartoons on for the couple kids who were there.

They had called us the night before asking us if we could bring some of her own clothes that went with the color scheme. They had a bunch, but still wanted us to bring some just incase. The outfit they ended up chosing for her was one we brought. It was a good excuse to go to Target and get something specifically the right colors. :) She needed some summery stuff anyway. The color scheme was neutrals (khaki, white, brown, etc.), purple, and orange. Which surprisingly looked good together.

Everyone was finally done with hair, makeup, and wardrobe and it was time to go to the beach. They didn't do anything to Courtney. They didn't even brush her hair. lol They thought it looked just beautiful how it was. I was all proud since I kept brushing her hair and trying to keep it nice. lol We went down to the water where the shoot was. We waited for everyone to get placed.
What the shoot was for is they are recreating an art piece by Seurat. (See picture below) But instead of a garden setting, it's a beach setting. All of the garden things were replaced by beach things. It was pretty cool.

Courtney was supposed to be the little girl in the far with long blonde hair dancing (in the art). But in the beach, she was going to be building a sand castle (but standing near it to be similar). She was doing so good even with it being cold. They kept taking breaks for them to get warm. Then the other little girl started not cooperating. She just wasn't having it and didn't want to do it. So, they replaced her with Courtney. She got moved to a spot that was closer to the front (so you'll be able to see her better). Plus, she's one of the only people actually looking at the camera. Most of the others are looking out to the water. They were going to continue the photo shoot without the other little girl but she finally came around at the end. So, they put her back in the shot, but put her in the back with the sand castle. So Courtney got to stay in the closer shot. They had to hurry up and get the final shots because the tide was coming in. And the blankets (props) were almost getting wet.

They were so proud of Courtney. They kept saying "Smile Courtney" (since she was in the front and looking at the camera). The producer said she was getting everyone else to smile too. I couldn't see her face from where I was sitting. They gave her the beach ball from the photo because she did so well. She also told her that she was the star and did so well changing parts and just doing whatever she needed to do.

We were going to stay at the beach a little to play but it was so cold. Courtney was going to put her feet in the water, but they were taking the shots of the dog (to add it in later since he wasn't cooperating either). So we didn't want to get in the shot. So we headed back to the trailer. She didn't even have to change because all of the clothes were hers. (We'll have to do a beach day soon to make up for not getting to play.)

We found the pictures she had drawn for them in the car when we got there so she wanted to go back to give it to them. The producer was so exited. She thought it was so cute that she did that. She said it was a first for her. Then we headed home and she got a good nap coming back too.

I asked her what she thought of the whole experience and she said it was a lot of fun. And no, I don't know what issue of O Magazine it will be in. As soon as we find it, I will tell you. I asked someone and they didn't know. I should have asked the producer. Oh well.

The set up of the shoot at the beach from the trailer.

The trailers. The production one on the right and the hair and makeup on the left. Catered food infront with tables. But even with all that food she wanted granola bars (that I had).

Courtney's hair just looked so nice after getting blow dried. I had to take a pic of her in the outfit she came in. I told her to smile and she posed for me. Ready to work. lol

This is the cold Courtney picture.

This is where Courtney ended up being. See the lady standing with the umbrella? She is right next to her with a hat on.

This is where she was with the sand castle and towel.

Here she is playing while they are situating everyone.

This is the lighting and film crew set up.

Some of the models. What I loved is that not all of the models were tiny. They were normal. So refreshing.

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884Georges Seurat (French 1859–1891)

This is the painting they were replicating. See the little girl dancing in the back? That was supposed to be Courtney. Now she is the one facing front in the center (in a white dress) next to the lady with the umbrella.

Positive Self Talk

I can do this. I am worth it. I have a long way to go but I can make it. I am strong. I can say no to things that are unhealthy for me. I can make good choices. I can not give into temptation. I need to be healthy for me and my family. Regardless of what others are doing around me I can do this. I am in-charge of my choices. I am making progress. There are no excuses. This is MY life and I make the decisions. I am capable. I CAN do this.

Serve Weekend

Serve Weekend was this last weekend. What "Serve Weekend" is, is a weekend where we don't have church services, and we all go out and serve in our community. This year we had 133 projects centered in Whittier and surrounding cities (and even a couple in L.A.). Every project has a project leader and then everyone signs up for whatever project(s) they want to do. 1,200 people participated. It's so awesome to show God's love in a tangible way to those in our community.

Scott and I chose to be on the photography team this year. So, we got to go to 10 different projects to photograph what they were doing there and document it. Then those pictures would be for the slide show and subsequent photo album for serve weekend.

The projects that we photographed were;
Murphy Ranch Elementary School- gardening and replanting roses
La Habra House- Fixing up a backyard for this lady. Putting in sprinklers, pavers, and a lot of other projects.
Rancho Starbuck Junior High- School beautification (front of school)
Deep Clean House- For someone in Whittier who can't do it herself
SPIRITT Family Services offices- Repainting 3 rooms Ocean View Elementary- Fixing cabinets, repainting
Christopher Wahl Youth Center/AIDS Project (2 projects there)- Cleaning
Feed the Firefighters at Station #59
Bring Sonrise to Sunrise- Singing to those in the center And then we added an extra one that we wanted to visit on Sunday at the Whittwood where they were making care packages for the troops. So, we traded off taking pictures of all of the different places and trying to encourage those who were doing the work. On Sunday we went to the Sunrise Living Center to take photos and couldn't find parking. So, Scott and the kids drove around while I went in to cover the event. I took pictures and got roped into singing with them. It happened to be Sarah and Stephen who I am sang with for years. So I ended up singing with them for a few songs. It was fun. I almost picked that project anyway. So, now I got to be a part of it in 2 ways.

Then after that we went to the Whittwood Town Center to see the projects set up there. We ended up writing letters for the troops. The kids were making pictures for them too. It was so cute. And they needed so many letters that we ended up staying there for an hour and a half. Crazy. But it was fun to be a part of that project too.

Later that night we had the celebration dinner. It's always so encouraging to see all of the projects and everything that was accomplished during the weekend. Several members of the community that we served were there as well. And the Mayor of Whittier too (Joe Vinatierre). Not sure if I spelled that right. This is our 4th year doing Serve Weekend. The mayor was very excited about it all and let us know that we were encouraging other congregations to do the same thing. This year 20 different churches in Whittier are doing a serve weekend of some sort. I couldn't believe it. So awesome to see God's people in action. May God get all of the glory!!

Here are some of the pictures we took.

Care Packages for the troops

Courtney drawing pictures for the troops. One of them will get the first ever dog she drew. She saw the girl next to her drawing one and she drew it too.

A BIG thank you to Sears who let us be outside their store. Otherwise we would have been forced to be by VONS per the new Whitwood Town Center regulations. But since this area is in the Sears lease, they were allowed to do it. The manager's family was even out there helping too. We went in to Sears to support them after that for helping out. We got the girls' Easter dresses there.

Writing letters to the troops

Skyler drawing pictures for the troops

Ocean View Elementary

Christopher Wahl Youth Center/AIDS Project

SPIRITT Family Services

Sunrise Living Center

Rancho Starbuck Junior High

Deep Cleaning a house in Whittier

It was cool because they decided to help the lady's neighbor too who needed some stuff done but wasn't able to get on the list as a project in time. So here one guy is taking off her Christmas lights.

Feed the Firefighters at Station #59 (Scott Ave.) This one was cool cuz I workout with a lot of these guys every week. They're always there in the mornings. See, more reasons to go to the gym. Hot Firemen! :)

Murphy Ranch Elementary School

La Habra Home Clean Up

Weekend Review

A totally stolen idea from my friend, Mary. She rocks at it so I thought I would try.

Weekend Review

Serving in the community
Taking pictures of 10 projects
Amazing Renovations
Hearts filled with Joy
Nap time on Saturday
Exhaustion
Singing to the Sunrise Senior living center
Hour and a half writing letters for the troops
Picking our Easter dresses
Making CD full of pictures that never were seen :(
Pinata time for Josh's 5th
Celebrating at WACC
Too much pizza and ice cream

Amazing Day

I have had an amazing day. I have been wanting to get some new pants because the ones I have aren't fitting so well anymore. I freshly washed them and they were falling off (as I walk) the same day. That's just not going to work. So, I finally went to Old Navy today. I was nervous because I didn't want to have to buy the same size. Worried that it was just the wear and tear that made them looser. Well, I was sooooo extatic. I LOST 2 SIZES!!!! It felt amazing. And now I have pants that fit and won't fall off as I'm walking around at church. LOL This is just more motivation to keep going. Thank you to everyone who has posted comments here and facebook. It really means a lot to me. You are also giving me more motivation. It helps knowing that I'm going to be posting my progress. Ahh..what a good feeling!!

24 pounds GONE

I'm so excited!! 24 pounds gone. Gone for good. Don't get me wrong, I have a long way to go. But I'm doing good and on my way. I've been steadily loosing at least 1-3 pounds every week. I really didn't have a starting picture, so I took one from where I was approximately my heaviest (August 08). The rest are comparisons from when I took pics at my 14 pound loss point (1/27/09). I'm hoping you can see some differences. I can feel it, but it's hard for me to see it. That is until I took pictures today.

This one makes me laugh because I feel like I look bigger in the second one. lol It's just taken a little closer.

My butt looks smaller! Woho!

Anyway....this was really helpful for me to see my actual progress. I have to thank April and Diane who gave me the inspiration to do before and after shots. If no one else, it helps me to know I'm doing all of this for a reason. I have a million of reasons to lose weight. I even created a word doc with them. Every time I think of a new thing I try to add it. Some of them are very personal, so I might not share it here. All of those trips to the gym are working and it feels great!!

Isabella Marie is born!!

Isabella Marie was born on February 18th!!!!

Our new little niece is here!!! We are so excited. Here are a few pictures from Susie and Adam.

And what a cutie she is!!!

The proud mommy, Susie.

The proud daddy, Adam.




Linda and Dave got to fly up there to be with them.

Courtney turns 5!!!!

This thing is so hard to remember which order to upload the pics in to make them all in order. So, these will be out of order. Oh well.

Courtney turned 5!!! I can't believe it. How can she be 5 already. She is growing up so fast. She is a leader for sure. She is very social and makes friends wherever she goes. She loves all things glittery. Especially if it looks even remotely like something that Sharpay or Hannah Montana would wear. That's a huge bonus. She loves to accessorise as well. It's so hilarious to watch her singing/performing while watching High School Musical. She has those songs and choreography memorized and will do it for anyone who comes over. We even captured one on video. Unfortunately it was the non-digital video. Oh well. We didn't think to get the camera out to video it instead. Otherwise I would be posting it here. She loves all things crafty as well. She loves to create things. She is so thoughtful. She is constantly making gifts for people. I currently have a stack of art waiting for Charis, Aunt Susie, and Willow. So, be on the look out for that in your snail mail. She learned how to jump rope this year. She is constantly mastering new skills. She also started really learning reading this year too. Many words she can recognize now and sound out. We are always surprised with what she knows and is enlightening us with whatever new thing she just learned. Her current favorite colors are purple pink and blue. Purple is probably the ultimate #1 right now. Some of her favorite things to watch are: High School Musical, Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Wonder Pets, Backyardigans, etc... She loves playing outside on her swingset or riding her bike, trike, or scooter. She's been really loving her Leapster lately too for car rides or just hanging out in the house. She brings a lot of love and life into our house.

This is Courtney trying on one of the outfits she got at her birthday party. Posing of course.

Courtney in the bouncer. She was doing toe-touches. I got a great picture of one, but can't post it cuz she was wearing a dress while doing it. ;)

Courtney blowing out her candles on the night of her birthday.

Blowing out her Hannah Montana candle on her cake. Surrounded by her friends.


Courtney immediately put this on after opening presents. It reminds me of one Sharpay wears. She loves it. Oh, with a bracelet Kate made her and the High School musical necklace we gave her.

Kate and Courtney playing outside.

She loved that Aunt Maureen gave her these Sharpay glasses. This will enhance her "Fabulous" routine where they use sunglasses.

Courtney at school on the day of her birthday. I made cupcakes for the class.

The class eating cupcakes. It was so cute because they all sang to her and kept telling her "I love you, Courtney." So cute!

We went to Disneyland on Courtney's birthday. For one so we could have fun. But two, because Disney was giving away funcards on your birthday. Plus, Courtney had been waiting for what seemed like forever to her to be able to wear the "Happy Birthday" pin (which she is proudly wearing below).

The Joels, Don, Amy, Kelli, and Alyce joined us for dinner and a ride. It was so special. I was a dork and forgot to take more pictures. And when I thought of it we were leaving and Amy was with Alyce somewhere. Oh well.

The joyous anticipation of us singing to her before she gets to divulge her cupcake.

We love you Courtney!!!!!!!!!

(And she is already talking about turning 6.)

18 lbs GONE

I lost 3 pounds this week!!!!!!!!!!! For a total of 18 pounds gone now. Seeing the weight come off really makes all of the gym work worth it. And that was with a party yesterday. And I am to how much I lost with Weigh Watchers long ago. So that's a pretty good accomplishment doing it on my own. It feels good.

Update

The weight loss journey is going well. I lost 2 pounds last week and 1 this week. So, the new total is 15 pounds gone. I've been exercising almost every day. It usually ends up being about 5 days a week.

I'm excited about the changes that I am already seeing. Clothing fitting better is a huge one. Another huge one is that my heart rate is doing really well when I'm exercising hard. It used to go too high with the same activity level. So, that is such a great thing, because that means that my heart/body is in better shape. I also have been able to hit a exercise goal. I was able to hit 180 (reps) and stay there during my 30 second sprint (at a resistence of 12 and a cross ramp of 10). Which is REALLY hard. But it's easier than ever before. So that's great. Also, this week at step class was the easiest it's ever been for me. It still was a hard muscle workout and I could feel that. But my heart wasn't pounding out of my chest and making me more out of breath. So, it felt easier.

I'm also excited that tomorrow is my birthday. :) I'm turning 31. Just when I got used to the big 30. Oh well. It's inevitable. We are celebrating by going to Disneyland. Then we will have some cake at night. Very low key, no party. We need to save what we can for Courtney's birthday party instead. It will be so fun.

Speaking of Courtney's birthday, hers will be on the 21st at 10am. She's having a Hannah Montana party. And she has already picked the theme for next year. Princess party. She keeps going back and forth between wanting Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty to come. She just went to her friend Jenna's birthday that had Cinderella come. It was a very fun experience for all of those girls. Courtney insisted that it be a girls only party. I then asked her if she was sure and reminded her of some of her very close boy friends. Which she said, "Oh, no. They need to come." I reminded her that they were boys. Then she changed her answer for her party. "Oh ok, boys and girls then." It was a hilarious conversation. So, we may or may not have a princess come next year instead of a bouncer. Depending on if we can get it to happen and how much it is. And if she changes her mind about what party she wants. lol By then she'll be in kindergarten. So, I'm assuming she'll want to invite all of her new classmates. Ahh..I can't wait for the smaller parties with just one set of friends or something like that. Or slumber parties. I remember that being such a blast.
Anyway, I'm sure pictures will be coming for my b-day at Disneyland shortly.