My Fairy Godparents

Remember how Cinderella had that super rad fairy godmother that fixed all her woes with a sweet pumpkin-shaped ride, fab dress, and killer glass slippers?  That Cinderella though, she had some issues to deal with having those crazy step sisters and a super lame step mother, and that whole-being-their-maid thing she had goin on... so she totally deserved the perks of having a fairy godmother.  Right?  Wouldn't you agree?

Well here's the delio peeps; I  have my own set of fairy-godparents.  But, I'm thinking that I like, have the very OPPOSITE of evil stepsisters and mothers and such.  Therefore, I have no idea what I've done to deserve the love and support and glass slippers (in a matter of speaking) that my "fairy godparents" have so generously bestowed upon me, as a PLUS to my already daily blessings!!

So when I say "fairy godparents" I'm actually referring to a group of three people; my dear sweet friends Quentin aka Brother Stewart, the lovely Sister/Dr. Barbara Stewart and their FABULOUS daughter , Miss Juliana.  I LOVE them.  They have popped up time and time again (with plenty of love and some "bibbity-bobbity-boo's") to bless my life and to strengthen and support me.  They have been a blessing time and time again to remind me who I am and what I can become.  And let's be honest, they've also given me some SWEET presents.  So sweet, I'm not even sure you can wrap them. 

I've been to visit them at their current home in Australia.

(They actually live in Melbourne though, not Sydney. We were just visiting.)

...and introduced me to some of the locals.

They've also introduced me to gooood food.  Like real Belgian waffles in the Netherlands.

And delectable and beautiful chocolates in Australia.

And of course bakeries with gorgeous little goodies... pretty much everywhere.

And shown me some of the most breath-taking views I've EVER seen!

And then, on top of all that, the Stewarts are just some of my FAVORITE company of all time.

They're top notch.

They're the BEST.

Welllll, they've invited me to tag along with them again.  And seriously I still can't even believe this.  CLEARLY, they've already given me so unbelievably much!  And, I mean I was so baffled by this offer, that it took a whiiiile for me to agree, because I just was like "Seriously??!".  And I'm still in such awe, that don't think I've really told many people about this adventure that I'm taking with them--and it's in less than 3 weeks.  I just didn't know how to tell you without like having an accident, and also feeling overwhelming guilt that I couldn't stuff you in my suitcase and bring you along.

Because here's the destination...
brace yourself...
PARIS. 

I KNOW RIGHT???  I'm still having trouble believing it.  That place with the big beautiful sparkly Eiffel tower, where people say "bonjour", where fashion week is held, where people eat perfectly crusty begets on a daily basis, and have things like pastel-colored macaroons for treats, the city where the "Madeline" books take place, and where the MONA LISA is.  Seriously, the MONA LISA is just chillin there.  SERIOUSLY???!!

(What did I tell you??  Bibbity-freakin-bobbity-BOO!!)

For reals, I would visit these wonderful people wherever.  They just happen to go on unbelievable trips and for some crazy reason that I don't understand (and really just don't deserve), invite me to tag along sometimes!  I'm grateful for them and their consistent love and support.  That is in and of itself a huge blessing; but I'm also so grateful for (and that's just an understatement) yet another opportunity-of a lifetime, and am so so sooo excited.

So when you text or facebook me in about 3 weeks, and I don't answer, that's where I'll be--just thought it'd be polite to make you aware.  Sorry for the long blog post.  I think I kind of just told you my own little fairytale story... and so in true Amanda fashion, there's lots of characters and details and pictures that go along with it.  And I'm not at all as worthy as the sweet and goodly Cinderella of such magnificent glass slippers, but I will cherish EVERY minute of such a magical adventure with such dear dear friends, until the stroke of midnight when I have to return to reality!!

Grateful for: The Stewarts. Duh!!
And father's blessings.

Quote of the day: "Always remember Jesus Christ and keep his commandments.  Every day is important to you because the way you chose spend your time will determine the person you become.  Be the best you can be."

--Sister Oaks from the CES fireside on Sunday