So...it's been a while...again!!
Since the last time I posted:
~Went and saw Wicked at Gammage with my mom. I did not understand why people rave so much about this show. Now I do...and I am a huge fan!
~Drove up to Las Vegas, St. George, Provo, Ogden, Idaho Falls and back with mom. Lots of fun, lots of family, lots of work, lots of miles (3000 to be exact) lots of "oh MY GOSH", and lots of $$$. Refer to my friend Bekah's blog if you wanna see where I stayed in Provo for a few days-thanks Bekah for letting me chill in your apartment-even with your ehhem roommate...
~Started school-It's lots of work traveling between two schools, but I love my students at both campuses! They will get me through this difficult year.
~Took concert choir and chamber choir to Pinerock, always a great time!
~My little niece was born last week. She is a sweet little angel cutie pie. I could go on and on. She lost her "umbi" today :-) Nice work Mel and Ralph. Beautiful pics Darby!
~Today-had Stake Conference-it was great, despite my huge goof in the intro of How Firm a Foundation, my brain said A Major, my fingers said Ab Major, and that caused a bit of a problem. OH WELL...whadya do? It was interesting though, I tried to take notes and well, I guess my note-taking strategy has changed. Not a lot of scribbles. But what I have is meaningful. I hope I remember what was said and felt. Last year at General Conference, the talks -all of them were specifically for me. I didn't take them to heart. Maybe if I had reviewed and studied them more, I wouldn't have had such a rough time this spring...I have met so many new friends and wonderful people, I am so glad to be where I am and with the people I am!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
28
Wednesday was my birthday, and I turned 28. Honestly, I still feel 25--what is 3 more years?? It was probably the best birthday I have had in 10 years-at least. I met my brother and sister at Joe's Farm Grill for lunch (if it's your birthday you get $10 off!). We ended up seeing my dad's aunt and uncle and ate lunch with them too! Then I went to Britney's house (one day before she had beautiful baby Bridger) and said hi. After that, I headed over to Earnhardt Toyota to buy a car. At last I had to bid my Honda adieu-and know she is resting well in Honda Heaven...her injuries were just to great for her to survive.
So I bought a 2010 Toyota Camry LE...It had 13 miles on it when I bought it! It was the only car buying experience I have had through a dealership, and it was wonderful! I am so excited that I was able to buy this car. It is beautiful inside and out--metallic gray that sparkles in the light, plenty of bells and whistles-mmmm....Can't wait for the first road trip. So any of you looking for a toyota--let me know!
After that some good family time and presents and baklava at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. Then home! It was a great day!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Updates
I was going to post about the move and the house...with pics, but I am kind of leery of weirdos that might be stalking my blog. So, let's just say I love being in South Gilbert by the mountains. I love my drive into school, I love my new ward, my roomie is super cool.
Sea World and San Diego in April was sooo much fun! Midnight talks, pranks, great singing, emotional moments, seeing old friends. The beach,I love the beach. When we got there, the sun was just setting and it was bright orange and pink, glowing. Absolutely beautiful! We went on a harbor cruise--I love the ocean and things in it and things around it and....wish you could have been there with me!
Busy next two weeks-I am singing in a concert tomorrow night. My kids are singing Tuesday night. Thursday night awards banquet. Baccalaureate on Sunday. Graduation the next week and then I am done for the summer. Yahoo!! I hope to spend lots of time in the pool :-)
Sea World and San Diego in April was sooo much fun! Midnight talks, pranks, great singing, emotional moments, seeing old friends. The beach,I love the beach. When we got there, the sun was just setting and it was bright orange and pink, glowing. Absolutely beautiful! We went on a harbor cruise--I love the ocean and things in it and things around it and....wish you could have been there with me!
Busy next two weeks-I am singing in a concert tomorrow night. My kids are singing Tuesday night. Thursday night awards banquet. Baccalaureate on Sunday. Graduation the next week and then I am done for the summer. Yahoo!! I hope to spend lots of time in the pool :-)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Oklahoma City
I thought I would elaborate a little more on my trip to Oklahoma City...
Finished our March concert at the HS and then jumped on a plane at 6am. I didn't sleep one wink. Tricia and I talked the whole way. We arrived in Oklahoma City and proceeded to get a rental car, only to find out that it was $92/day for a piece of hud Aveo (sorry to all you Aveo fans). We returned it the next day for a Corolla $27/day. What an upgrade!!! It was windy and pretty chilly. We grabbed lunch at this cute cafe across the street from the Cox Conference Center (it was Starbucks-ish). Then we hit the ground running....until 11pm. Classes and concert sessions. My oh my. Some fabulous performances. All of them with their own element of emotion and intensity and talented directors and singers. Some of them were pretty emotional-tear jerking-kinds of performances. One of my favorite things we did was go to the Memorial and they had a special memorial service. There was a dance company-they used intrpretive dance to make the experience more thought provoking. Conspirare conducted by Craig Hella Johnson (what a name, eh) and a children's choir and a trombone choir were all part of the 40 minute service. I took some pictures, but they do no justice to the beauty and sacredness of those grounds and that particular service. They have a chair for each person that was killed, and at night, they are all lit up. You should go see if you are ever in Oklahoma City. I also went to church there. It was another testimony to me that the gospel is true no matter where you are. I also saw the Temple. It's quite small--probably even smaller than my Stake Center. But, what a blessing for the people that live there, to be able to have a Temple in their midst. Enjoy the pics and videos-hopefully they will load right :-)
Finished our March concert at the HS and then jumped on a plane at 6am. I didn't sleep one wink. Tricia and I talked the whole way. We arrived in Oklahoma City and proceeded to get a rental car, only to find out that it was $92/day for a piece of hud Aveo (sorry to all you Aveo fans). We returned it the next day for a Corolla $27/day. What an upgrade!!! It was windy and pretty chilly. We grabbed lunch at this cute cafe across the street from the Cox Conference Center (it was Starbucks-ish). Then we hit the ground running....until 11pm. Classes and concert sessions. My oh my. Some fabulous performances. All of them with their own element of emotion and intensity and talented directors and singers. Some of them were pretty emotional-tear jerking-kinds of performances. One of my favorite things we did was go to the Memorial and they had a special memorial service. There was a dance company-they used intrpretive dance to make the experience more thought provoking. Conspirare conducted by Craig Hella Johnson (what a name, eh) and a children's choir and a trombone choir were all part of the 40 minute service. I took some pictures, but they do no justice to the beauty and sacredness of those grounds and that particular service. They have a chair for each person that was killed, and at night, they are all lit up. You should go see if you are ever in Oklahoma City. I also went to church there. It was another testimony to me that the gospel is true no matter where you are. I also saw the Temple. It's quite small--probably even smaller than my Stake Center. But, what a blessing for the people that live there, to be able to have a Temple in their midst. Enjoy the pics and videos-hopefully they will load right :-)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
In Two Months
I can't believe it has been two months since my last blog...so much for New Year's resolutions. In the last two months I have dealt with a lot. I will try to keep this on a good and positive note.
First--I have traveled a lot, or at least a lot to me. I was in Oklahoma for a choral directors convention the first week of March. I was in San Diego last weekend with my students. And I will be in Las Vegas this weekend, my cousin is blessing her baby!
Second--I moved!! Yep, I finally removed myself from the comforts (most of the time) of my parents home. I couldn't be happier, really! Great roommate, beautiful home, new ward I get to attend soon...I love being here.
I will post pictures soon-I promise. I am officially back on the blogging bandwagon.
First--I have traveled a lot, or at least a lot to me. I was in Oklahoma for a choral directors convention the first week of March. I was in San Diego last weekend with my students. And I will be in Las Vegas this weekend, my cousin is blessing her baby!
Second--I moved!! Yep, I finally removed myself from the comforts (most of the time) of my parents home. I couldn't be happier, really! Great roommate, beautiful home, new ward I get to attend soon...I love being here.
I will post pictures soon-I promise. I am officially back on the blogging bandwagon.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Message
Oh how I wish I had studied the Visiting Teaching message before today. When I read it, this afternoon, a great sense of peace filled my heart.
Elder M. Russell Ballard said, "“The basic doctrinal purpose for the Creation of the earth is to provide for God’s spirit children the continuation of the process of exaltation and eternal life. …
“… Although there is simply not a more significant contribution you can make to society, to the Church, or to the eternal destiny of our Father’s children than what you will do as a mother or father, motherhood and fatherhood are not the only measures of goodness or of one’s acceptance before the Lord.
“Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God."
Enough Said...
Elder M. Russell Ballard said, "“The basic doctrinal purpose for the Creation of the earth is to provide for God’s spirit children the continuation of the process of exaltation and eternal life. …
“… Although there is simply not a more significant contribution you can make to society, to the Church, or to the eternal destiny of our Father’s children than what you will do as a mother or father, motherhood and fatherhood are not the only measures of goodness or of one’s acceptance before the Lord.
“Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God."
Enough Said...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Two weeks
"Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time" This has been the theme of my life the last two weeks. It has just been difficult, to say the least. I felt so distanced from everyone and everything. I tried to pull myself out of it, all by myself. I kept reading the scriptures. I tried to find something every day to be happy about. I felt that I was praying sincere prayers. I read articles in the Ensign and reviewed General Conference talks. I went to Institute. I went to the Temple-(where I just ended up crying...) None of this seemed to work. Finally, a great friend texted me and reminded me who I was. During this weekend I felt like the bubble burst. Especially today. I know Heavenly Father is watching out for me and knows exactly what I need. We had ward conference today and between my Bishop's remarks and my Stake President's remarks and the music, I had this reassurance that He was going to help me out of this, especially if I asked Him and relied on Him. When we got home from church, I asked my mom if we were going to go over and see her aunt and uncle that are in town. She said," yes, in fact, Nell (aunt) has invited us to go to this Stake Fireside with her, the speaker is Camille Fronk-do you know who she is?"
Do I know who she is...we share a name...she is a Professor at BYU... I watch her on the BYU channel...wanted to read her books but haven't yet... I was so excited! I had no idea what was in store for me. Heavenly Father put into motion a series of events whereby I could learn and feel of His peace and reassurance, for me in my life RIGHT NOW. The words she spoke, the Spirit I felt...I went and met her and talked to her, she has changed how I will approach my scripture reading and my prayers and my service. She has changed my outlook and perspective. Thank you Sister Fronk-Olson for your testimony, for your teaching from the scriptures, and love of the scriptures. Thank you for being an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord. It really was just for me...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Facebook 25 things
I know I am supposed to do this on Facebook...but I feel like that is the reason I have a blog, and it's more private this way. So here goes...25 Things
1. I have a very sensitive nose-I can smell any fragrance of Bath and Body Works and know what it is immediately.
2. I will always use Johnson's baby lotion (yes, it's for grown ups too) and April Fresh Downy Fabric Softener-Thanks Grandma Coffey
3. I would love to swim in a cage with sharks. I think they are magnificent creatures.
4. I HATE scorpions (if you check my blog regularly--you will remember my post from July...)
5. If money were not an issue, I would drive across the country and back looking at different historic sites and just getting out of my AZ bubble.
6. I want to have 6 kids.
7. If I won a million dollars, I would still work at my job!
8. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers
9. I am the oldest of all my siblings
10. I am the oldest grandchild on my dad's side and the oldest granddaughter on my mom's side.
11. I relate much more to people that are older than me compared to my same age
12. I love learning. I would stay in college for the rest of my life if I could (yes, really...)
13. I am a quote freak. I have books and journals full of quotes.
14. I am the opposite political party of anyone else in my immediate family.
15. My 8G IPod nano is full...
16. I have more scrapbook paper than I know what to do with. I really just enjoy looking at it :-)
17. I do not like mushrooms
18. I could eat chips and salsa all day long for every meal
19. I sing in 2 college choirs
20. I never intended to be a music major, let alone teach it.
21. I cannot function without my laptop
22. I love Thunderstorms
23. I am fascinated by tornadoes
24. I love the beautiful sunsets and sunrises in AZ
25. Gerbera daisies are my favorite flower. They are so cheerful!
Tagging: All of you who care to post the same
1. I have a very sensitive nose-I can smell any fragrance of Bath and Body Works and know what it is immediately.
2. I will always use Johnson's baby lotion (yes, it's for grown ups too) and April Fresh Downy Fabric Softener-Thanks Grandma Coffey
3. I would love to swim in a cage with sharks. I think they are magnificent creatures.
4. I HATE scorpions (if you check my blog regularly--you will remember my post from July...)
5. If money were not an issue, I would drive across the country and back looking at different historic sites and just getting out of my AZ bubble.
6. I want to have 6 kids.
7. If I won a million dollars, I would still work at my job!
8. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers
9. I am the oldest of all my siblings
10. I am the oldest grandchild on my dad's side and the oldest granddaughter on my mom's side.
11. I relate much more to people that are older than me compared to my same age
12. I love learning. I would stay in college for the rest of my life if I could (yes, really...)
13. I am a quote freak. I have books and journals full of quotes.
14. I am the opposite political party of anyone else in my immediate family.
15. My 8G IPod nano is full...
16. I have more scrapbook paper than I know what to do with. I really just enjoy looking at it :-)
17. I do not like mushrooms
18. I could eat chips and salsa all day long for every meal
19. I sing in 2 college choirs
20. I never intended to be a music major, let alone teach it.
21. I cannot function without my laptop
22. I love Thunderstorms
23. I am fascinated by tornadoes
24. I love the beautiful sunsets and sunrises in AZ
25. Gerbera daisies are my favorite flower. They are so cheerful!
Tagging: All of you who care to post the same
Sunday, January 4, 2009
My Brother, A Real Life, American Soldier
This is my brother Richard. He was here for Christmas. He left on Tuesday to go back to Texas,after giving everyone nice long hugs and shedding a few tears. He left on Saturday for his 3rd tour in Iraq. Usually when he leaves, he is pretty machismo and doesn't show any emotion. "It's his job." This time, it was different. It could be that he is going to be a daddy in August (hopefully he can come back for the baby's birth...), or it could be that he has grown up a little (or a lot). Whatever the case is, I am grateful for all of his texts and love and the time we were able to spend together the last week and a half. His last text to me last night as he was leaving snowy and cold Bangor, Maine..."Phone going off, i love u..."
I love you too bro and pray continually for your safety! I hope you find comfort and peace of mind and relief from the feelings of loneliness and despair you feel.
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