Finley's First Birthday!

Well, Finn is one year old! I can't believe it! We celebrated his birthday a little early so that my family could be there. It was so much fun! Here are some cute pictures of the event.


He loved the bows. In fact, that was his favorite thing about Christmas, too.


He wasn't sure about the candle.


Messy cake face!


And here is a video of him chowing down. The first thing he did was pull the frosting off in one big strip. (It was fudgey frosting.) But, of course, we missed that. Oh well!

Amanda is....

Amazing!!

That's what I think, anyway. I know, amazing is a very "Amanda" cliche. But seriously, how many other "A" words are there that work like that? I have had a very busy week, but I am really enjoying myself lately. Today Jason and I went and got our business license. It's really exciting. And weird. I mean, seriously, it is strange to be a business owner. We are working our little tooshies off trying to get this business off the ground, but it is just so complicated!! Oh well, I am sure we will figure it out. And since Jason is still working his other job (that he was SUPPOSED to be laid off from), I figure we have a little more time. Which is always nice.

In other news, Jason got his calling upgraded. He is now the 1st counselor in the YM presidency and the Teacher's quorum advisor. We are both still just loving our callings, and this ward. It's nice to find a good fit. Also, I have been dying to go swimming in my new swimsuit (that I paid way too much money for and refuse to feel guilty about.) I was going to take pictures of me in it, but I figure the stock photo will look much better, so you get that instead. It's cuter with the skirt part pulled a little farther down, but you get the idea. Mine is black. I love Love LOVE it, which is why I refuse to feel guilty about it. Besides, I can buy myself a birthday present, right?

Birthday Fun!!

Well, yesterday was my birthday, and it was a crazy but good day. I guess birthdays are usually like that. It started out with a phone call from Suzanne (who is the choir director in our ward) who was wishing me happy birthday (I'm not even sure how she knew it was my birthday...) and wanted to know if we wanted to go over to play games in the evening. Then I had a meeting, and I got sung to. Then Devera (one of the other Beehive leaders) came over with a card. It was very sweet of her. Then I went to babysit Jack, and as I was getting there, Marilyn (another YW leader) sent me some texts telling me how great I am and also wishing me a happy birthday. Then it all calmed down some. Jason Acosta also sent some birthday wishes my way. Then I got home and I was surprised with flowers and a cool pancake-waffle pan from Williams-Sonoma (shown above) that I have been lusting after for a while. Seriously- delicious. Then we went over to Suzanne's for games and had a great time. It's so fun getting to know people! It was a great birthday!
But of course, birthdays tend to bleed over a few days. It started with my mom's gift arriving about a week ago, which was all sorts of cool spices and a cookbook and some recipes. I might do another blog jst about that. It is oodles of cool spices! Mostly Indian and Morrocan. Sunday, Lauren and Adam came over to hang out with a cake (it had strawberries on top and between the layers- yummy!) and a cute pink sweater, some beads, and a cute zipper pouch she made. Today, I am going shopping with Faith, and she will be getting me a present, but I don't know what it is yet!! It will be so fun!

Young Women and Birthdays

Well, I don't have too much time, since I am in Young Womens, and they are certainly keeping me busy! Which is a good thing. But, I am trying to be a faithful blogger, so I thought I would post something at least. We (the Young Women and I) are getting ready from YW in Excellence, so we are rehearsing a modest fashion show today. It should be tons of fun! I am really excited to be back with my girls after vacation. Two of them are coming over to bead on Wednesday, so I am excited about that! It should be sooooo fun!
Yesterday was Jason's birthday, and we had fun. I decided to do the SCUBA thing, and he is pretty excited about that, so it will be really fun. I am worried that I might panic at 200 feet, but I guess we won't know until it happens! We also had dinner with Carl, Lauren and Adam at Chilis. It was really fun! Happy birthday to Jason! Getting closer to thirty every day! :)