Sunday, May 31, 2009

Motorcycle Momma

Qivana Trip - Las Vegas
May 29 -May 31


Getting Ready

Dew Rag


Christi & Mr Bowser

What a Great Ride Home!!


Mom all decked out!


We had a great weekend in Las Vegas at the meeting for Qivana. We heard from the CEO - Derek Hall, Founders - Rodney James & Justin Banner and the Great Dr Laux. What energy, we had a great time!!

We have the most amazing Team!! 

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day at the Races

Memorial Day at the Races

We had a great time at The Rocky Mountain Speedway,
watching the Late Model Q Car for Qivana.


Shelby & Donny
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Bowling - Family Fun







There is nothing better than being with family.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Follow Your Dreams to a New Life


Pursue Your True Mission

Many of us feel disconnected from what we are doing in life. We get up, go to work, do what we must, and come home exhausted. We feel defined by our jobs, our responsibilities, and our problems rather than being defined by a purpose and mission in life. The older we get, the more challenging it is to remember our dreams.

Now is the time to find the inspiration and stamina to pursue what is important to you--despite the economic crisis. Even if you are overwhelmed with work and family, carve out the time to invest in discovering and pursuing your true mission in life. Here's how to get started.

Success Is Not Always About Money
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Money is not the true measure of a successful life and it does not buy happiness. Don't equate material success with achieving dreams. They are not one and the same. Some people have everything they ever wanted and they are still unhappy. If you have sacrificed your dreams for money, or are pushing your dreams aside for lack of funds, you will miss out on a meaningful life. Ponder ways you can do meaningful work, have a good home life, and help make the world a better place.


Imagine Loving Your Life
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Take a good, long look at your life and the choices you have made. Are you fulfilled and engaged in living, or just going through the motions to get through the day and pay the bills? If the answer to the last question is yes, reconsider the direction in which you would like to take your life. Give deep thought to what would satisfy you. Imagine a life you love getting up for each day!

Assess Your Priorities

If you have lost track of your dreams, it could be because you have forgotten what is most important to you. Perhaps your aspirations have been lost in the chaos of daily living. Spend time reflecting on the kind of experiences that would help you feel more alive--and engage in those activities. If learning, discovering, and meeting new people are priorities, seek more opportunities to pursue these pleasures. If family, health, and spirituality are important, don't throw them over. Balance your life to reflect what matters to you most.


Who Do You Want to Be?
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Figure out who you want to be and what you want to do. Many of us ignore our dreams in the interest of providing for our families, or because we think we don't deserve them--but all that does is leave us unhappy and listless. If this describes you, spend some time deciding what you want to do and be. Allow your imagination to bring you insights and ideas, and know that if you can imagine it, you can create it
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Cultivate Faith in a Higher Power
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We get lost sometimes in our personal dramas. It helps to feel connected to the bigger picture. If you find solace in believing in God, embrace that satisfaction; however, you don't have to subscribe to a particular faith to be a spiritual person, or to benefit from a daily dose of energy from your spiritual practice of choice. Make connecting with a universal energy a part of your everyday experience, and you will find your faith in humankind, life, and yourself restored.


Inspire Your Family to Dream
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Some people are mired in responsibilities and can never see their way clear to putting their own hopes at the top of the list. Don't let your obligations prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Your dreams didn't cease to exist the day your kids were born. Sure, you're here to encourage their dreams; but don't abandon yours in the meantime. Your effort to achieve your own dreams sends your children a healthy message about life and how to live.

Don't Let Others Discourage You

There will be people who put down your dreams or discourage you. Don't let them rain on your parade! It may be tough to stand up to those who want to bring you down, but if you live your life looking for approval, you will never be free. Try to avoid people who like to criticize, or don't listen to them. Believe in yourself and work hard to attain what you want out of life.
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Claim Your Dream

Make a choice to take action, if even just a few small steps. Start by writing down a new definition for your life. Who would you be if you were living your dreams?

Without overanalyzing, act straight from your gut and make a list of the kind of relationships, family life, career and adventures you would like to be living. Also jot down the qualities you would embrace (confidence, happiness, great self-esteem, prosperity, etc).

Allow yourself to believe and you will find yourself building momentum that will carry you closer to your dreams. Before you know it, you will be living the new life you once only imagined.

Laura Stack is a motivational speaker and the best-selling author of The Exhaustion Cure" (2008); "Find More Time" (2006); and "Leave the Office Earlier" (2004).

http://www.beliefnet.com/

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Gas?? That would be a good thing to have.

Okay, I am such a dork!! I was driving Alissa’s car up to Salt Lake for our weekly visit. On the way home on the big curve where I215 turns onto I15 South I ran out of gas!!. Right there in the middle of the curve!!
As cars are flying by me within inches, I prayed that no one would hit me. I called the Highway Patrol for help. So there I sat, I opened the door of the car and with a cool breeze and a book I had, I sat and read for about 30 mins. I am truly grateful for "Incident Management" trucks. The gentleman was so kind as I laughed at myself, I thanked him and I was on my way. I am home safe and sound now but I am going to lay down and take a nap. :-)

Monday, May 11, 2009


Me & Mom on Mother's Day

Me & Mom on Mother's Day 2009

This was from Facebook, I was supposed to pick 5 things that reminded me of my Mom. As you can see I couldn't stop at just 5. I Love you Mom!!

Christi Leonard Williams Share 5 things that remind you of your mom: She is always there when I need her, She is a great cook, Heaven Scent, She is my best friend and she is an example in all things.

Glassware, Hummingbirds, Jacks, Marbles, Paper Dolls

Camping, Girls Camp, Oil Lamps, Christmas, Coupons

The Temple, Family History, Pictures, Nativities, Costumes

Smart, Creative, Talented, Funny, Scrabble (the queen)

Service, Honest, Pit, Dorabella, The Night Sky

Hugs, Long Phone Calls, Yard Sales, DI, Homemade Ice Cream

Preparedness, Wise, Tomatoes, Praymantis (hates them), Cherries

Roller Skates, Kip, Reading Light, Pyrex Bowls, Pots

Kites, Mashed Potatoes, Blocks, Camp Fires, Table Clothes

and so much more!!

Mother's Day cont.

My day started with a wonderful breakfast of french toast with homemade caramel syrup, bacon, fresh strawberries and orange juice. It was so yummy. (my camera was lost, so no pictures of the morning, but with earnest prayer we found the camera!) I got a call from Alissa in Palmyra, NY to wish me a Happy Mother's Day.

We went to church and than enjoyed a great dinner with my Mom and Dad. Ashley called, it was good to talk to her. I had everyone else with me, I love my family so much!! It was a GREAT Mother's Day! Thank you!

My stash ;-)

Friday, May 8, 2009

Another Ballroom Dancer? Lindsay's Jive

Looks like we have another Williams' dancer. This is Lindsay's Jive. Watch until the last hit (almost at the end). It looks just like big sis Alissa. (she is only 3 in this video)

Star - Flair

I Love Stars
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And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Blog Post from a Host Family - The BYU Ballroom Tour

What a sweet experince. This post is from the Norton Family they hosted Alissa for two nights at their home in Indianapolis while the BYU Ballroom Team is on tour. She took the time to contact me. Thank you Traci.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

BYU Ballroom Dancers

Last night the BYU Ballroom Dancers performed at the University of Indianapolis' Ransburg Auditorium, thanks to the hard work of Kelsey Lambert who organized their visit for the BYU Alumni Association. It was spectacular. Coley was an usher and Hannah and I watched. We took Emily and Brooke Kinard, too.
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The best part, however, was having two of the dancers stay with us Monday and Tuesday night. Shayla Kennington (front row in the white dress above and left below) and Alissa Williams (front row in the purple dress above and right below).
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They were outstanding examples for Coley and Hannah of what comes of hard work and dedication, along with living the gospel. They were overflowing with positive attitudes and excitement. Indianapolis is such a clean city, Fishers is so green and beautiful, the houses and neighborhoods are so nice, the Speedway was really fun and the Indy cars were impressive, meeting Danica Patrick was awesome and she was so tiny and pretty, breakfast was just what they wanted, they slept like a rock in our beds, our children are so great and fun to visit with.... I swear, the world through their eyes is a glorious place. I love it.

I'm so thankful that they stayed with us. If you are interested in details, here are a few: The dancers are on a 3 1/2 week tour. They perform nineteen numbers at least fourteen times during the tour. They started in Kansas City, where Shayla is from, so her family got to be there. They end in DC, where they get a free day. They get to go to lots of church history sites all along the way. All this time they wear matching clothes and name badges. They sleep in members' homes, do workshops for young single adults, visit the local sights, and several of the single ones date each other. That is what we learned in our sneak peek into the world of BYU Ballroom Dancing.

Shayla has been dancing since she was 8. Her mom home schools(ed) all five kids. So far they have all graduated from high school in three years with 30 college credits under their belt and transferred to BYU--wow! She has been married for three years and just graduated last week in Ballroom Dance. She will be coaching a high school team now while her husband finishes at BYU.
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Alissa has a family full of all kinds of activities, with nine kids in her family. Most of the girls are involved in ballroom. Alissa started ballroom dancing in 8th grade and danced at Provo High (she's from Provo). She just finished her third year at BYU and is majoring in dance education.

Posted by Traci at 7:41 AM

Traci said...
This is Traci Norton. Alissa stayed at our house in Indianapolis last night and the night before and I made a comment on your April 14, 2008 entry before I realized I should have commented here so you would see it. Yay for Alissa! We loved having her stay with us. Thanks for having such a fabulous daughter.
May 6, 2009 6:21 AM

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Christi said...
Traci,

Thank you for opening your home to Alissa and the other BYU dancers, As a mother it is comforting to know that she is being so well cared for. And I think she is pretty fabulous myself. :-)
May 6, 2009 11:51 AM
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And thank you for your wonderful post, I hope you don't mind I put it on my blog. It is fun to see a little inside of what they are experiencing. My The Lord bless you and your sweet family.
May 7, 2009 2:42 PM

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

My New Favorite! Right Now

The Prom 2009

Provo High School Prom
May 2, 2009


Katie acting like she is pining on the Boutonniere
(I have pinned on ALL the boys Boutonnieres
for ALL the dances for ALL my girls - shhhh)

Katie & Austin

Joe, Kayla, Katie & Austin


Chesk out those shoes
That's my girl!!


It's not just all about dance - Softball too!!

We love the game of softball; my five oldest girls have played on softball teams. It's just not all about dance in this family. Katie & Sierra played on the softball teams for Provo High School. These girls play hard and they are not afraid to get dirty and to take one for the team!
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Sierra playing 2nd
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The Cheer Leaders


Sierra


Katie
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This is Katie's leg but Sierra's looked the same
Way to sacrifice the body!
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Sierra & Hannah
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Sierra playing short
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Katie playing short
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Katie