Taylor Swift

My, what a concert!! Thursday, we had 3 concert tickets for this concert and the 3rd ticket was for Jenny. She called that afternoon, saying that she wasn't feeling well. So I, graciously, went in her place. Of course, I'm not as fun as Jenny, but Jacque and Aly didn't mind too much. We were close to the floor, near the back tho, so most of the pictures are fuzzy.

Her concert was quite amazing. For an 18-yr. old, she is quite the entertainer and actually sings quite well in person. The audience, packed as it was, practically sang every song with her. She sang all the favorites, had multiple costume changes, sang IN the audience and ended her concert singing in a waterfall! Here are some fun pictures we tried to take:

Triathalon Lessons

1. Make sure you know how to get there. If not, make sure you can call someone (preferably one who can access a computer and be a great source of help)
2. Have all equipment ready to go and "state of the art" equipment - or at least, have a bike that is comparable in weight and function to the race and the athlete.
3. Know the terrain BEFORE you sign up, or BEFORE you start the course
4. Make adjustments if #3 is "out of your training capabilities"
5. No matter what, have fun
6. Finish and be proud of your accomplishments.

SO

I'm sure you can guess that SOME of the above lessons were learned this past weekend as Jacque attempted her first "MAXI-triathlon". That entailed a 300 meter swim (about 1/4 mile), a 21-mile bike ride (they were told on semi-flat terrain.....NOT!) and a 2 mile run. Sounds easy, right?? We forgot that we were in Prescott, or Chino Valley. Either one is NOT flat and had many hills.
We arrived nice and early. The night before, we got a little lost coming into Chino Valley at night. Good thing we had cell service and Dad was able to guide us right to the beautiful aquatic center.
In each lane, 2 laps are done. So, a total of 12 laps.

Here, we pulled up around 6:00 a.m. and got her bike out. We start looking around and notice that she is one of the ONLY mountain bikes around. Everyone else, and I mean everyone else are on sleek, thin-tired bikes. It would be like an older, bigger car racing against the newest, fastest sports car. We really didn't think anything about it, just made a few comments and got her space all ready.
(Notice the bike differences!!! OH MY!!) Yes, she is riding the nice blue mountain bike!
They are given the route and we realize that there are some major hills in the bike ride. It was actually a 7 mile ride, that would be done 3 times. So literally, she would be going uphill both ways. We just didn't realize HOW UP hill, it was...especially on that nice mountain bike. Her race started about 8:40 a.m. and she was off to a great swim. In fact, she took about 90 seconds off her best time for 300 meters! The laps look slow, but it is all in a good pace. Each racer is started in 20-second intervals.

OK...now on to the lovely bike ride. Chloe and I sit out in the car and wait....and wait....and wait. HMMMM....where is Jacque?? Chloe is Jacque's wonderful friend who went with us to cheer her on.
We look at the stopwatch we had and time is slippin' by. There she is...it's quite later than we thought so we ask: "Are you OK?"

"NO!! This bike is NOT going to make it 2 more laps."

Meaning....it's a lot harder than we thought, she has the wrong type of bike for this race and her body type and it's going to be a LONG bike ride. After 2 laps and 75 minutes later, Jacque resigns herself to just doing 2 laps (which is 14 miles). She then heads out for her 2 mile run.

They inform the runners before the race, that even tho it was announced as a flat run, they thought it would be "fun" to take the runners on a little hill at the end of the run. Mind you, they said little!
And at last, about 1 hour and 40 minutes later, she is near the finish line! We are so proud of her. Even tho she didn't technically finish the race, she gave it her best shot. Now, she just has to decide if biking is something she really likes or if she is just going to stay with the running type of races. Either way... we will be there to cheer her on!

To My Mom

I just wanted to share why I think my Mom is amazing. I went to hear her play for her Stake Conference last week and it was so beautiful. They sang "Come Thou Font", the arrangement by Mack Wilberg. Have you ever played one of his arrangements??? They are not easy, change keys as many times as he feels inspired and many of them are played with 4 hands. My mom pulled this off as if she were playing with angels. She has shared this talent of hers for all her life. She keeps telling us that it "will be the last time" and yet, her desire to serve and share always wins out. Thru her music, she has shared her life and touched many lives as she bears her own testimony when she plays. It's not just notes to her, it's words, it's praising her Savior thru her music.


But that's not all....

I started to think of all the things she does to make our lives happier. Our birthdays are celebrated with lunch, Sunday dinner and presents and cards from all. (And we have to count the underlines to see how much we are loved!) Holidays are always remembered with her house decorated, goodies for all the kids, advent calendars for Christmas, Easter treats, Halloween cupcakes....there is something for each holiday to make it a bit more special.


How many times has she gone to a concert, a soccer/baseball/football/wrestling/cheer leading/dancing/music activity that one of her grandkids is participating in?? Too many and many more to come. She is always there. She is the one who remembers all the little details, the flowers, the praise, the love. She gives it all.

But that is not the best reason why I love my mom. She is a best friend, one who is there when struggles are faced. She shares her faith, her love and her compassion and makes each of us a little stronger because she is there. Each of us has faced trials, and it is our Mom who is there to buoy us up, get us thru, encourage us, pray for us, and love us unconditionally. Her selflessness to all her family is felt daily and I am grateful I am privileged to call her Mom. When I grow up....I want to be just like her!!

I love you Mom....Happy Mother's Day!!

Jacque is 20 - Good Bye Teenager!!

We are saying good-bye to the teen-age years of one more of our family. Jacque is turning a page and starting the next decade of her life. So, of course, I had to go back and remember the changes this beautiful young woman has made.

Yes, she was a tiny munchkin, but that didn't stop her from accomplishing anything she put her mind to. Whether it be dancing, or a cheerleader (which lasted all of one season), or a cast member in a play, to the drum major at the high school, she would just decide she wanted to do something, put her mind to it and usually accomplish her goals. She is still like that today. She has wanted to be a nurse since we can remember, and is taking steps towards this goal as well.

Of course, being determined has helped her out in many ways. She has always set goals and tried to accomplish these. Most of the time, she has a running to-do list, much like her dad, and a schedule for the day. She gets more accomplished in one day than most do in a week. I have always admired her determination to finish a project even when it seemed impossible.

This beautiful young woman is one in a million. She is your best friend, someone you can trust implicitly, one who will always think of others before herself. She has a heart of gold and would gladly help any of her friends or family when they are struggling. Her family is everything to her and on many occasions, she can be found helping around the house and hanging out with her sister. She is a great example to me. Her love, her desire to always do the right thing and genuine goodness has been a blessing to our family.

If her twenty's are anything like her teen-age years, there is only fun and happiness to look forward to. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this special daughter of ours!

Happy Birthday, Jacque

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Prom

Ah, the climatic point of the school year has finally come! Prom! I have decided that watching your young girls turn into absolutely gorgeous princess-like young women is an emotional moment that turns down-right embarrassing! Tonight was no different. Aly was breath-taking. She borrowed the dress, the gloves and over jacket. She bought the jewelry in San Fransisco with one of her best friends, Ashley. She had to hair professionals come over and work their magic on her hair (thanks to Cassie and Chelsey! They are amazing and very creative). Because the group had their day date last week (they went quadding and had a blast), today was relaxed and pretty stress-free.....that is until about 4:00. Aly is pinned and stitched into that gorgeous dress. But wow....she is beautiful and elegant in every way. Enjoy!

As she came out of her room, all decked out, I about cried. Well, I will have to admit a few tears were shed. How can a rambunctious little pistol of a girl grow up, who loves to play football with the guys, has no problems taking someone out during a soccer match, and who makes the best chocolate-chip cookies in the world....

LOOK LIKE THIS?????

I tell ya, I'm feeling like I have the most beautiful girls in the world. I thought they were beautiful as babies, and they are still beautiful today. Our 'baby' is all grown up and ready for the night of her life. Knock 'em dead, Aly!!

Oh....by the way...her date didn't look too bad himself.

Easter Traditions

Our Easter traditions have started to change a little. I guess that is because we are "all grown up". No coloring of Easter eggs, no little kids waking up to an Easter basket on Saturday with all the goodie/chocolaty surprises. No matching dresses. Really, no shopping for Easter dresses due to stress during the week and absolutely no extra time to shop on the weekend. No having Mr. Easter Bunny stop by at Grammy's and hide all the Easter Eggs! And, my favorite tradition....No finding the Easter Eggs that have the meaning of Easter hidden inside on a special Easter FHE.

Instead

I thought the girls were too old for Easter baskets. I was wrong. I thought the girls would NOT want any chocolate. I was half-wrong. How did I figure this out? Our sweet Grammy brought by a sweet Easter treat for each girl (well, each grandkid, of course!) They were so excited to get a little basket with some chocolate! I was shocked!! I asked if they wanted Easter baskets and they said it was a nice tradition, but they really only wanted a few bites of the chocolate and the rest was put in the candy drawer. (That darn drawer still has Christmas candy in it!!!!!). What would we do without the thoughtfulness and love of our dear Grammy!! Thanks for the rescue, Mom!!

No matching dresses.....ah, the fond memories of Easter past.....

But, unfortunately all little princesses must grow up.....and so we tried to match dresses.....

And now, we just try to have dresses that are new to the wardrobe. Does it change how beautiful these two girls are?? No, I'm always amazed at the beauty Jacque and Aly have both on the outside and the inside.
As for our family, we still try to get the traditional Family Easter picture. We are without our two sons and their beautiful wives, but we are still a family. Greatly appreciative of each Easter season that we have to reflect and celebrate the sacrifice of our beloved Elder brother.

Happy Birthday Savannah!

It's Savannah's birthday way over in the cold state of Vermont. But, here in the sunny state her family is wishing her a wonderful, happy birthday. This girl is our burst of sunshine. She always calls us with a happy hello and something fun to share. Sometimes, she keeps us in stitches with her renditions of her daily life. There is no one that can tell a funny experience like Savannah.

Savannah has a huge heart and is always looking for ways to take care of the people she loves. Ask her for any favor and she will turn around and give you her heart and soul. Not many girls could put up with her future mother-in-law for 3 days/nights straight so that she could take care of the one she loves the most!
Making her little house a home is something else that Savannah is great at. Aaron is always saying his wife created this or made that or worked on this. All to make their home perfect. She is truly a gifted person taking what they have and making it something so special.

Savannah is beautiful on the inside and the outside. Just look how awesome she is! Not only that, she has transformed Aaron into quite the fashionable student/husband. Only she could have done that. She always has time to talk to her younger sisters and when we see them, we are usually laughing and having a great time. Savannah always has something new for us to try and shares with us all her ideas for improving and living life to the fullest.
Best of all is this couple's love for each other. They are truly "living on love" and all the happiness that brings. She pampers Aaron and he, in return is more romantic than I thought possible. She brings out the best in him. We love this girl and hope her day is filled with happiness and hugs and kisses....of course, Aaron will have to help us in that department!!!

Happy Birthday Savannah!! You are now officially the oldest child in our family. We love you bunches!!!

Really, My Intentions were good...

Typical Saturday. Errands to run, chores to do, homework to catch-up on. The usual. Somewhere in there, I wanted to do a good deed. A bunch of us in our ward ordered solar ovens and they needed to be picked up today way out in tim-buck-too. I called around offering to pick them all up, but a dear sister/friend had already beat me to the punch and was picking the lot up. I offer to take her good deed from her, but alas, she ends up helping me instead. No blessings there for me!

I start to run errands. Wal-Mart is the place. Afterwards, I'm craving a Jr. Frosty (my one sweet for the week) and as I'm driving into the Wendy's by good 'ol Wal-Mart, I see a homeless man...(well, his sign claimed he was!) and his poor down-trodden wife holding a sign stating his woes. I decide to order them both a #1 combo and will slip in some money. Great idea, huh? After 2 cars, I finally receive this huge order (and of course my Jr. Frosty!), I turn the corner and the homeless couple is gone! I circle the vast parking lot looking for them. I can't take the food home. Girls don't eat #1 combos, and Brad doesn't like the works on his hamburgers. HMMMM. All this food and no where to go. Again, another blessing down the drain. So, I'm thinking....who to give this food to? I'm traveling to my next errand/destination and finally come up with a friend with two growing teen-aged boys who are not picky! YEAH!! I call her and she obliges me this request. Two teen-ages boys are very happy to eat lunch!


So, my question is do my good intentions count??? Do I get any blessings from TRYING???
GEEZ!!


Off to the temple, maybe I can do something good there....of course!!

Not too busy for this..

I am swamped with essays and preparing for finals. I have so much to share...but my essay on family keeps calling to me. However, Aaron told me of this video, shared on YouTube that is a must see. I took time out of my crazy morning and watched it. I wept. I remembered how much I love the Savior, and more importantly, how much He loves me. It was well worth the break in studies!!

The LDS Newsrooms says:
Traffic began to build immediately. Mormons spontaneously posted the YouTube video on Facebook, discussed it on Twitter and sent it by e-mail to thousands of others, including their friends. By Saturday, the number of views passed 100,000 and kept climbing. By Sunday, it was noted as the number 1 video in the Internet “nonprofit” category in Brazil, India and other countries.
On Monday morning, views had reached close to a quarter million and reached the top of the Viral Video Chart, which identifies the most popular “viral” videos — those that spread rapidly due to public dissemination.

And they say that we don't believe in Jesus Christ!

More to come....after the essay.....

The White Envelope

Most of you know that we have been waiting for the white envelope. Nope, no one is going on a mission. But for the past week, we have been diligently waiting for the post-person to deliver our mail. ASU's Nursing School had told the applicants that the letters of acceptance or denial would be sent the last of March or the first of April.
Today....
The envelope came. Jacque came in ecstatic and very, very nervous. I really felt like we were opening something equivalent to that mission call. This affects her for the next two years and really, for the rest of her life. Nervously, she ripped open the letter and let out a squeal of delight. Then, for both of us, the tears came. We are so proud of all her efforts. With all the budget cuts, we were a little apprehensive about her advancement.
The letter stated that there were 311 applicants. Out of those 311, only 245 met the minimum qualifications and there were only 100 spaces for the Fall of 2009. WOW!!!

We are going to have a nurse in our family!!
Love ya BABE!!

What's a Girl to do???

Some girls have all the "bad luck". Poor Aly...she has been in quite a quandary. It started on Saturday evening, while she was in CA for the choir/band/orchestra trip. Brad gets a call from a certain young man's father asking Brad if we were going to be at home. "Sure". He informs us that his son is on his way over to ask Aly to Prom. "OK" So, we wait....and wait.....and wait. Nope, no one shows. Brad even returns a phone call to ask if there was a problem, but we never hear a word back.

SO...

Monday rolls around and word at school is that there are two boys who want to ask Aly to Prom. Neither of them have the last name of the father we talked to. Hmmmm. So, Aly frantically texts me while I'm in math asking if her room is clean. Huh?? Nope, and I'm not home. She is thinking someone is coming to put something in her room. So, I rush home, clean it and wait. I didn't know WHO was coming. The doorbell rings and the young man wants to put something in her room. It is Justin Durfee, her good friend and who she went to Homecoming with.

Very cute. They will have fun together. That's the whole point, right? So, Wednesday comes along and it is a no-school day due to the wonderful Aims testing that is done. The doorbell rings and Aly answers the door to this:

Oh No!! This guy is a nice guy too! But she had already been asked!! What is a girl to do?? We wrote a cute little poem back and took over Treston's favorite dessert. Hope he isn't too sad!!

Aly is just happy that she gets to go to the Prom that she has helped to plan!

(She's on the Student Council Prom Planning Committee)

GEE...must be nice! I remember hoping and praying that ONE boy would ask me!!

Personality Quiz

So, I'm reading Aaron/Savannah's blog while eating lunch and come across this personality quiz. I have a few minutes, so I take it. Come to find out, it's one similar to one I took in my college class. Same results, different take on test. THAT makes it legit!

The Nurturer
You have a strong need to belong, and you're very loyal.

A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.

In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.

You find it easy to be devoted to one person... a partner who you do special things for. In love, you express your emotions through actions. Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!

At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

Yep, that's me!!

Try it!! http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

MORP

This year, Aly asked Brennen Hicks to MORP, the casual dance - girl ask guy.

She had Ashley and Brittany come over, they got ready together and went to pick up their dates.

Their "date" began with a rowdy game of bowling - (they are ALL a little TOO competitive!!), followed by riding the light rail down in Phoenix to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. They stopped by our house for pictures and then headed to the dance.

They had a BLAST!!

February Goals

Yes, I'm a bit late in reflecting on those goals. I cannot believe how much time it takes to do homework! I have a lot more empathy for all those going to school.
So
February was not very successful. Why is it that the spiritual and physical goals, the ones we need the most, are the ones we can never accomplish perfectly. I could give all sorts of excuses...sick, overwhelmed with school, trying to balance this "student" role with "mother" and "wife" roles already in progess. But I guess I am still trying. Still working out my imperfections. I did accomplish my mental goal, which was to NOT do homework on Sunday. Now, that is quite a temptation considering that every Monday I have a quiz in Math. I start stressing Sunday evening, but hold out until Monday morning. This last quiz I suffered miserably, but we will plug along. I also finished my scrap goal...of course the last day of the month. For February, I scrapped everything we did in February for the years 2006-2009.

New month, new goals...still working on that perfection thing. I am constantly amazed that my priorities are STILL not what they should be.

My bad!

Here's something to think about:
Without goals it will be difficult for those priorities to become a reality, and we begin the process of living life in “coasting mode.”

No coasting for me!

You know you are getting old when....

Conversation with sweet nephew (Dailynd) and niece (Chloe) at lunch:

Them: Is it really your birthday, Aunt Dena?
Me: Yep, guess how old I am?
Them: hmmmmm
Me: I'm four!
Them: Not-huh! We are four!
Me: Oh....think of the biggest number you can...
Them: 29!!
Me: Yeah! I'm 29....no, not really...try another number...higher
Them:........ um.......94
Me: NO!! Too old!
Then I told them (but I'm not telling you!)

And their response:

Classic Dailynd opened his mouth and his jaw dropped. He dramatically put his hands over his eyes and then very carefully looked at me and said: "Are you gonna die soon?"

Great.....just great!!!!!

Crazy Hair

This week at HHS they have spirit week, leading up to the big dance on Saturday - MORP. Thursday was crazy hair day. This picture is from Aly's phone, hence the blurriness. However, you can see that she was the talk of the school. Every teacher commented, 8-10 people stopped her for pictures and over 100 had to "touch" it. YUCK!! This is what she looks like with just a pick to her hair. (Yes, I DO think there is some ethnic blood in the Weech line!) She should have been born in the 70's...she would have fit right in!!

Oh the Funny things they say...

You know how you just have to chuckle when you "little" kids say the funniest or darndest things? I've got a teenager-ism to share:

Aly is looking thru a new Delia's Catalog. It's got all the new summer clothing and swimwear. So, Aly is flipping thru the styles and continues to skim over the swim-suits. She says:

Man, I'm so glad the swim suits are SO MODEST and I have SO MANY choices to make! However will I pick one??

She was being VERY sarcastic. The issue is now in the garbage! It was very funny. On the other hand, and a bit more serious, I feel very blessed to have a beautiful daughter (make that two....well, make that four!) who chooses to be modest and knows the difference.

My Comfort Zone

I wonder, sometimes, when we are too old to get out of our "comfort zone". You know, the rut that we are very comfortable in, no matter what role we are in.....mother, sister, student, volunteer, etc. For the past few weeks, I have been WAY OUT of my comfort zone. I have been involved in the Gilbert Fine Arts Youth Production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. This is my 2nd year of teaching the music to the Ensemble. This is something I actually enjoy doing. The first year was a little rough, but they gave me a 2nd chance and I was more confident this year.

BUT

They asked me to also be a part of the Orchestra "Pit" this year. Since the pit is small, most of the string instruments are played on the keyboards along with any other reed instruments needed.

I ended up playing the 1st and 2nd string violins, the Bass Clarinet and the Bari Sax. Now, this may seem easy, right? But the Bass Clarinet and Bari Sax are played in different keys. Meaning, when you play a "c", you are actually hearing a "Bb" or an "Eb" depending on the instrument. Unfortunately for me, this has caused great undermining of my natural talent. I play a Bb on the keyboard and hear a "C" and get VERY confused. I have practiced and practiced and still make the most idiotic errors when in performance. I had no idea that musical scores for Musicals were SO FLIPPIN' difficult. I'm in a key with 6 sharps, playing in 4/4 time, then 4 measures later I'm in a key of 1 flat, playing in cut time, then swapping instruments and playing in a whole new key altogether. It has really stretched my playing level and helped me to realize that I need to practice more. I really don't want to lose the talents I know I have been blessed with, but this was one of the most difficult, humbling things I have done in a VERY long time! For the first time, I have actually considered quitting a task I committed to do. Don't worry, I said "considered".....very seriously, but I wouldn't. It's just not in my nature.

I don't think they will ask me to do this again!

AND....I will more fully appreciate the orchestra pit when I enjoy my next musical!!

PS: My family has been wonderful while I have been at rehearsals and performances. No complaining.....dishes done, dinner fended on their own for two weeks. I LOVE THEM!!

Happy Birthday Aly!!

To our beautiful baby....you are seventeen and still beautiful. Who would have thought that this little bundle of joy.........

could still light up a room, make so many feel like they are her best friends, and still be SPOILED rotten. I guess that is the perk of being the baby in the family. Here's a few pictures to tell the story of our amazing daughter:

Aly still loves to play soccer. Sure, she is a little bit, just a little bit more aggressive (RIGHT)! We love watching her play and cringing every time she is knocked down...which is ALOT!!



She loves her cousins. They do crazy things together. Since it is her birthday, I will NOT post the pictures of facials and other embarrassing photos. But, if you know Aly, you know that she is a blast to be around, and can make you laugh at almost anything she does!


Aly actually has a pet peeve. It's quite unusual...but a small one. Aly doesn't like Birthday Bags!! She is quite adamant in asking that her presents be wrapped! So, each year, she receives a festive bundle of packages!




Family is everything to Aly. Her best friend is her sister. How many people can say that? She loves her mom and dad and is always trying to do the right thing. She pulls out a comb to comb her dad's hair (one of his most favorite things in the world, I might add), she organizes and cleans for her mom when she notices that her mom is a little on the frazzled side! She makes her sister's bed, and we all know that she can text the funniest of lines or a simple "I love YOU" to make our day a little brighter.

I can't imagine our family without a bit of sunshine each day. Aly is always smiling, always looking out for the underdog..she is ONE in a million!!

LOVE YOU ALY!!

Happy 17th Birthday!!!!!!!!!