Just Mom and Me

Him, Him, Him, aaannddd...Him

2012-02-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

That's right! They came back! And another fun, enjoyable, memorable, wacky concert was to be had. Lollipop chasing, chicken dances, trumpets playing in the water, and it goes on and on. These four brothers are a blast and Cache Children's Choir always has fun when they get to join in on the fun.

The Four Hims

Trumpets played in water?

"Won't you play a simple melody"

"Dream of Now"

"Lidda Rose"

'Dar she be

A Mini Update

2012-01-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

So since it's been almost one month, ONE MONTH!, since I updated. I thought I'd give everyone a bit of a heads up on what's up with our crazy lives. Celestra and I are both back in school after the holidays. Cele's back to choir and band and all the other crazy things she does as well. She auditioned for the school musical (mostly because her friend talked her into doing it lol) and made it in with a fairly large role. She is playing Julene Fairchild in 'Night at the Wax Museum.' Don't worry if you've never heard of it! I hadn't either. The performances should be at the end of March some time. In other Cele news, we just found out she made it into the Honor Band for Logan City School District as well. She is super excited about that.

Me its just work, school, run Cele everywhere she needs to go, more work, and try to find time for homework somewhere in there. I am now working two jobs. I'm still at Subway but I also now work for a lady with disabilities as her assistant. She is hilarious and I enjoy the work. Its great because we just fit it around my crazy schedule. This semester marks four semesters, counting this one, till I'm done with school. Barring any unforeseen circumstances. This means I should graduate next spring as I will be taking classes during the summer this time. I can't wait to be done. I've been in college on some level now since Cele was 5 years old. I am sooo ready to be done!

Life is never dull for us and trying to find even a few minutes to rest these days is often impossible. But I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't busy. (Hmm maybe I'd have time to catch up on that reading list...)

Well that's about it for us for now. We hope everyone is doing well! Love you all!

The Final Notes of 2011

2011-12-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

The concerts are now officially over for this year and they went out beautifully. On the 14th was Mount Logan Middle School's band concert. As Celestra told me the next day after school, their band teacher said he 'would take nothing back'. Meaning the kids did an awesome job. And they really did. Cele has come such a long way in just a few short years. It's amazing to me that she's already been playing the flute for going on her third year. It seems like only yesterday she was in the sixth grade band and I was wincing when I heard her practice.

Once again, I appologize for the sound quality. It is certainly not the best but you should get the gist. I hope. The following videos are four of the five numbers the band performed. The fifth was a joint number with the school choirs and I didn't record it because I was on the front row and all you would have heard was the choir.

In Honor of the Fallen

(The kids played this for the Veteran's day assembly but this was their first, and only, chance to perform it for the families.)

Deck the Halls with Chips and Salsa

Christmastime is Here

Coventry Carol

After the concert, we took a few minutes to get some fun pics of the kids and even a few of us meddlesome parents.

Santa, her reindeer, and one of her elves

(Left to right) Erika, Celestra, and Jess

Cele and one of her two best friends, Erika

Erika plays the Clarinet in the 8th grade band with Cele

Cele and her Grandma Eiko

Just mom and me

Cele and I with Erika and her mom

Then, as the final note in this years holiday concert series, we had the Cache Children's Choir annual Seasons Greetings concert. The kids did a good job here as well but they are sure glad to be on Christmas break, and so are we as parents!

Cantate Choir performing

The mass choir performing 'What Child is This'

After the concert and much time spent cleaning up, we headed out to Zeppies, a local Italian ice shop, for a yummy celebration treat. Grandma Eiko, Aubrey and James joined in the fun.

Celestra and her 'step-brother' James

Tadaima Minna san

2011-12-10T16:12:00.001-08:00

I figured it was about time we updated again. Better late than never right? Well, as always, its been another busy season for us. So I will update by pictures as that's a little easier for me.

To start we have Celestra in one of her happy places. Surrounded by dogs! The dog you don't recognize is our upstairs neighbors and we often dogsit her. Cele loves it as you can see.

Thanksgiving:

This year, as last year, we spent Thanksgiving day with my adoptive family. This year it was held at my sister Desiree's place in Idaho Falls. Mom, Dad, Tonya and her family, Alisha and her family, Celestra and I, and (of course) Desiree and her family were all there. It was great to see everyone again. I love being able to spend time with this family. They are truly some of my favorite people. We love you all very much.

Little Thomas fast asleep

Cele with her cousins (Left to right) Daniel, Jacob, and Nathan

Alisha's boys Ethan and Kasen

Too cute for words.

Then, since Todd and Sarah are also living in Idaho Falls these days, we stopped by their place on the way home to say hi. Cele got in on a board game and the boys had fun with Maya (our puppy)

Jackson being silly

Maya hanging out

Cele with her uncle Todd and cousin Brian

Nutcracker:

Yep once again this year Celestra was part of the Nutcracker chorus so most of November was spent running her to and from rehearsals. Performances were held over Thanksgiving weekend with one each on Friday and Monday nights and two on Saturday. This was her fourth or fifth year doing it and she still loves it.

Cele with other members of the Cantate choir who also performed in the Nutcracker

The kids showing off their true selves

Gallery Walk/ St. John's Cathedral

This year the Cantate choir performed for the annual Winter Gallery Walk in Logan. Their performance was held at St. John's cathedral. This was the choirs first performance for the Christmas season and, as always, they did a great job.

The next day the kids performed at the Tabernacle for their annual performance there but I forgot to bring my camera. We will have to ask Grandma Eiko for her copies of the pictures I am sure she took. We even went to lunch with Grandma Eiko, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Todd, Brian, and Jackson after the performance. Thanks for lunch Eiko, it was delicious. And it was great to see the Carey family again too.

But we're not done yet!

This year Celestra also had her first flute recital. She played Gesu Bambino and did an awesome job. I have a friend who took a video of it so when she is able to get me a copy of it, I will let you see it. Once again, I forgot my camera. Grandma had hers though so we'll have to get copies of those pictures from her as well. I did snap one quick one with my phone though. So here's what I've got.

If we haven't mentioned it yet, Celestra is third chair flute in band this year. Go Cele!

Now for the last two performances on Wednesday and Thursday and a little bit more school work and we can relax for Christmas break, minus work of course.

What did we do on 11-11-11?

2011-11-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

This week has been non-stop rehearsals and performances for Celestra and I, and its not over yet!

But as for this week: Starting on Monday, the kids had their first rehearsal with the American Festival Chorus and Craig Jessop. Wednesday was more of the same but it was also the first late night for the kids. They didn't get home till 10pm.

Then Thursday we made our way to Salt Lake for the final rehearsal. This one was the kids first chance to meet up with the Madeleine School Choir whom they performed with last night. The kids had a blast getting to know each other and getting to sing in the amazing Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake.

Yep that's right, Cele and her choir got to sing not only with the American Festival Chorus directed by Craig Jessop, AGAIN. But they also got to perform inside the Cathedral of the Madeleine with the children's choir associated with the cathedral. What an amazing opportunity!

The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Downtown Salt Lake City

Inside the Cathedral. It is absolutely stunning in there. If you ever get a chance to visit, you certainly should make a stop here.

This is the organ loft where the kids sang. Since their part was essentially that of the angels, having them singing from up on high, their voices ringing from above, made it even more amazing. (At least I think so :))

So what did they perform? Well since the concert was held on 11-11-11 you know it had to be something special right? Well it was certainly that! They performed the War Requiem by Benjamin Briton. It was one of the most amazing concerts I have ever been to, and that's saying something! Don't believe me? Ask the family that was able to come!

Here are a few pics of the kids before the performance last night.

Warm-ups before joining the Madeleine School choir

Practicing with the Madeleine School Choir just before the performance

Just a bit of goof-off time before performing

These three lovely ladies are the choir directors for the choirs. The one in the middle is the Madeleine School Choir director.

Then it was off to the cathedral for the first performance of this amazing work

Joining us at the concert were Uncle Ken, Aunt Kristine, Cousin Shannon, and her two adorable kids Isabelle and Thomas. Thank you guys for coming. You made the concert even more special for Celestra. We loved seeing you again. And Shannon, Cele LOVES her flowers!

Shannon and Isabelle

Celestra and Aunt Kristine

Celestra with Shannon, Thomas, Isabelle, and Aunt Kristine

Cele with her Aunt and Uncle

Aunt Kristine, Cele, Myself, and Uncle Ken

And now tonight we have the final performance of this amazing work. To be held here in Logan at the Ellen Eccles Theater.

Puppy's First Snowfall

2011-11-05T09:11:00.001-07:00

Weather or not Celestra or I are winter persons, our puppy certainly is. Today was her first chance to really play in the snow. Man did she have a blast! It was just too cute so Cele got to take some pictures and even a fun little video and then, of course, we just had to share them with all of you!

A Spooktacular Day

2011-11-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

You know I think I'm Waaay too nice sometimes. My child is 13 years old. She's at the age where I said I wouldn't let her go trick or treating any more. She is just too old. Leave some candy for the little kids right? Yeah well kinda hard to enforce that when her best friends are still going! So, lucky Cele got to go trick-or-treating again this year and MAN what a HAUL!

But before she could head out for her sugar high, she had to go to choir practice since they have a big performance coming up next week. In fact there are two performances next week so practice, practice, practice. However, it was still Halloween so most of the kids in choir dressed up from the young kindergartners all the way up to Cele and the other two girls in her choir that are currently the oldest kids in choir.

So here's Celestra, once again in costume, but this time with mask in place. She is with two of her choir mates, Daniel as Phantom from Phantom of the Opera and Lucy as Little Red Riding Hood.

The Sound of Spooky

2011-10-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last night was Cele's first band concert of the year. This year the band student's got seat assignments based on their level. Cele is third chair flute! This was also the kids Halloween concert so they got to dress up as well. The bands did a great job. No videos this time though because I forgot to charge my camera battery before hand. I was able to snag a couple of pics of Cele and her friends before it died though.

Cele with her good friends Erika and Jade

Cele in costume

Concerts Here We Come!

2011-10-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Celestra’s Concert Schedule Winter 2011

Date	Location	Time	Details
Wed, Oct 26	Mount Logan Middle School Auditorium – Logan	7:00 pm	MLMS 7^th & 8^th grade bands
Fri, Nov 11	Cathedral of the Madeleine – SLC	8:00 pm	War Requiem American Festival Chorus & Cantate Choir
Sat, Nov 12	Ellen Eccles Theater – Logan	7:30 pm	War Requiem American Festival Chorus & Cantate Choir
Nov 25, 26, 28	Ellen Eccles Theater – Logan	7:00 pm with a 1:00 pm matinee on Sat	Nutcracker
Fri, Dec 2	St. John’s Episcopal Church – Logan	TBA	Gallery Walk Choir (Eiko will probably have some art work on display as well)
Sat, Dec 3 (tentative)	Tabernacle – Logan	Noon	Concert & Cantate Choirs annual performance
Wed, Dec 14	Mount Logan Middle School Auditorium – Logan	7:00 pm	MLMS Bands Christmas concert
Thur, Dec 15	Kent Concert Hall – Logan	7:00 pm	Seasons Greetings Concert Cache Children’s Choir – all choirs

So far, this is all of the concerts for the season. If any more come up we will be sure to let you know. If I were to choose only one performance to make it to, I would choose the War Requiem with the American Festival Chorus under the direction of Craig Jessop. The chances that the kids get to perform with Dr. Jessop and his choir are always some of the best. This would be a great concert for those of you in Salt Lake to get a chance to see Celestra perform as well. My second recommendation would be the annual Seasons Greetings choir concert. This is always a fun concert, even for the little ones.

Nature at it's Best

2011-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

What does a puppy, a teenager, a mother, a grandmother, fall, and a beautiful canyon equal? Why tons of pictures of course!

Today was a gorgeous day in the canyon and we've missed spending time with Grandma Eiko since she's been gone so much so this was a perfect day. Thanks Eiko for the suggestion. It was lots of fun! We headed up to Tony's Grove and took the trail around the lake so we could fully enjoy the fall scenery, while taking a slew of pictures. But this time we added a twist. See if you can spot it.

Tony's Grove Lake

A 'Historical" Performance

2011-10-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

Cele's second choir performance of the year has come and gone. The choir got to sing on the steps of Logan's Historical Courthouse. With the beautiful backdrop and traffic being the only downside, the kids got to sing four fun songs they have been working very hard on. Cele's favorite is called "Shady Grove", an old folk song. Those do tend to be her favorites. It was a great mini-concert and the little carnival the city had on the grounds (why the kids were performing) was a lot of fun for the kids as well. Just check out the little video to see how great the kids look!

Just Mom 'nd Me A to Z

2011-09-30T22:34:00.001-07:00

A. Age: 13
B. Bed size: Twin (covered in stuffed animals of course)
C. Chore that you hate: garbage and dishes
D. Dogs: love them and now have one
E. Essential start to your day: get dressed
F. Favorite color: blue
G. Gold or silver: silver
H. Height: 5'9"ish
I. Instruments you play: flute and voice
J. Job title: Student
K. Kids: better not have any!
L. Live: Logan, Utah
M. Mother's name: Joy
N. Nicknames: Cele, Celebeli, stinker, cutie-pie, silly goose
O. Overnight hospital stays: just when I was born
P. Pet peeves: people who believe they are better than anyone else
Q. Quote from a movie: "Jack Kelly? Yeah, he was here, but he put an egg in his shoe and beat it." Newsies
R. Right or left handed: right
S. Siblings: step-brother James (he's 4)
T. Time you wake up: 6:30 am M, T, Th, F and 7:30 on Wed. (late start at school ) Saturday and Sunday as late as possible!
U. Underwear: of course
V. Vegetable you hate: easier to say which ones I like!
W. What makes you run late: getting caught up in a book
X. X-rays you've had: dental
Y. Yummy food that you make: chocolate chip applesauce cookies
Z. Zoo animal: Giraffes and Zebras

Mom

A. Age: 32
B. Bed size: Full
C. Chore that you hate: cleaning the bathroom(s)
D. Dogs: love them and now have one
E. Essential start to your day: teeth brushed, deodorant, hair brushed, etc.
F. Favorite color: purple
G. Gold or silver: either depends on what I'm wearing and what goes better
H. Height: 5'9"ish
I. Instruments you play: violin and voice
J. Job title: Manager @ Subway, Student, Mom, Parent Board volunteer for CCC
K. Kids: 1 Celestra Alake
L. Live: Logan, Utah
M. Mother's name: Nedra
N. Nicknames: Never had any
O. Overnight hospital stays: 2, 1 week when I was 9 yrs old for a complete stomach blockage and 3 ulcers and 3 days when I gave birth to Cele
P. Pet peeves: Hypocrites
Q. Quote from a movie: "INCONCEIVABLE"...."You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." Princess Bride
R. Right or left handed: semi-ambidextrous but I favor my right hand for writing
S. Siblings: this gets convoluted so, you have been warned! 5 older 1/2 siblings, 2 sisters & 3 brothers(names in order: Sheryl, Joseph, Donna, Robert, Jack); 1 full sister, younger (Penny); 6 adopted siblings 4 sisters & 2 brothers with 1 older and 5 younger (names in order: Desiree, {me}, Nicholas, Scott, Tonya, Alisha, Melissa)
T. Time you wake up: 8 a.m. M-Th & 7 a.m. F
U. Underwear: Never leave without them
V. Vegetable you hate: Brussel sprouts
W. What makes you run late: my schedule and not enough sleep or time in the day
X. X-rays you've had: dental, foot, and arm (foot and arm were both broken)
Y. Yummy food that you make: according to Cele about anything I actually bother to cook
Z. Zoo animal: penguins and monkeys

Welcome to the Family

2011-09-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

We have a new family member! And she's adorable! At least we think so. Meet Maya, our new addition. Cele is super excited to finally have a dog of her own and we are looking forward to getting to know and bonding with our newest family member. Of course we get to have all the fun of house training and all the other little goodies that come with a puppy but its all good.

Here We Go Again

2011-09-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well here we go again. Time to start the concert hoopla. Cele's (and usually mine as well) first 'performance' is again the USU Homecoming Parade on Saturday, September 24. Parade starts at 10 am. It runs from 100 S. to 800 N. down main street. So bring the kids and come have a blast! Holler at us and we'll even wave to you. I might even give you something special *wink* We are usually on the west side of the street.

Then for her second performance of the year, the choir will be performing at the Family Fair inside the Cache County Building. (Just south of 200 N Main) This will take place on Monday, October 3 at 5:30 pm. As I understand it, this performance also includes a carnival with fun things like a magician, ice cream, and other fun booths.

So come join us and help us start off our year with a bang!

Let's Play Catch-Up!

2011-08-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

Finally! We're back! Now you get to learn more than you ever wanted to know about the rest of our summer! Cele finished her summer with two more camps, the funnest of the four she says. She got to, once again, spend an entire week in the Ephraim mountains riding horses and then two weeks later got to participate, for the first time, in CCC's vocal performance camp. She had an absolute blast at both. So, baring any operas with children's chorus's, she wants to do both again next summer. We also got to attend the opera Oliver! thanks to Grandma Eiko. Cele was super excited about this because several of her choir friends were in it, including one of her best friends playing Noah Claypool (the bully). Other than that its been back to school time and getting ready for that fun. Cele started back yesterday and I go back on Monday. Man this summer just flew!

Horsemanship Camp

Cele's horse Angel

A few camp friends

This horse sure liked the taste of the tree

Off to Oliver!

Can you believe it? I got her to dress up!

Cele with her friends Samantha and Riley (Noah Claypool)

Doesn't Cele look gorgeous! And so grown up.

Vocal Performance Camp

For The Beauty Of The Earth

He'll Make A Way

Be Our Guest

Happy Little Working Song

Back to School

Cele is now officially an 8th grader

A Family Visit

2011-07-19T20:48:00.001-07:00

So I figured it was about time for an update. Sorry it took so long. This has been one very busy, crazy summer. Here's a rundown of what we've done so far.

1) We've moved out of Aggie Village. Hooray!

2) Cele has participated in two out of four camps she has scheduled for this summer. Both of her first two were through her school and were focused on science and engineering. In the first she got to build her own trebuchet and in the second she got to go on several field trips, including where her grandpa (used to) work in the Space Dynamics Lab, all focused on exposing the kids to the world of engineering. She had a blast at both.

3) We had a fun visitor for a week. Cele's favorite cousin came to visit from Spokane. What a blast the girls had together. We loved having her visit. Cele sure didn't want her cousin to go home at the end of the week! The pictures below are from her visit.

Cele waiting, not so patiently, for her cousin to appear at the airport

Celestra and Brianne together for the first time since Bri's High School graduation.

Nah they don't like each other now do they?

Hanging out with uncle Jack/dad in the front room

Hmm where to put you.... I think you will find your home in...

Ravenclaw!

And just where shall I put you? Why I think

your true friends shall be found in....

Slytherin

You might think they're excited about the last Harry Potter huh

As Part of Brianne's visit, we gave her a little tour of USU since her mom and I are both alumni (though I'm still going).

Having fun with the sculpture outside the Natural Resources building

The fountains behind the TSC (Taggart Student Center)

The view at the top of Old Main Hill

Old main's foundation sure looks like a castle

The cool Asian statue on campus

The Business building - tallest building on the campus

Me thinks Cele is tired

The new library

The Performance building - the newest building on campus

(fun fact: Cele and I have both gotten to perform here. It's AMAZING)

We're back!

2011-07-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

Day 31 - A picture of yourselfWell since it didn't say it had to be recent. Here is a picture of me from a few years ago. Back when my hair was long enough to sit on and get caught in everything!

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Well this one was fairly obvious for me. I still miss my mom but I always will.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

You gotta love this pic of Celestra. The story still makes me laugh. The day before pictures she was outside goofing off and scraped up her nose, thus the band-aide. Then right before school on picture day she does it again, and thus we have the scrape below the band-aide. The big grin? Yeah that's the best part.

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
The one thing I am the most scared of is loosing Celestra. It would kill me and I'm not sure I could go on without her. It is amazing to me the strength shown by those parents out there that have lost a child and are still able to go on. That is beyond my imagining. She is my world.

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
The bestest family member in the world. Even if she is a bit of a goofball most of the time. Love you tons baby girl.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
My family is very important to me. I missed out a lot on the extended portion of that with my childhood and I am forever grateful that Celestra is blessed with an absolutely amazing extended family. We are also extremely blessed with an additional family that, for some odd reason, claim us even though we hold no blood relation to them. You are all amazing and we love you tons, both blood and adopted.

Day 25 - A picture of your day
Yep this is really what we did today. Made a trip down to the airport to pick up my niece and Cele's favorite cousin. Partly because Brianne is her only female cousin.

Problems with Blog

2011-06-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry all, I really do want to finish posting the photo challenge but I am struggling with the changes my blog program seems to have implemented. It doesn't help that I'm in the middle of a move either. I promise I will get back to blogging (and figuring out this new setup) as soon as the move is over and done with. So on that note...ta-ta for now~

Amazing Daze of Summer Fun

2011-06-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

Since I seem to be a bit behind in the actual updating department, here is a quick overview of our end of school year/beginning of summer up to where we're at now. Hope everyone enjoys!

More Photo Challenges

2011-06-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Children in impoverished conditions is probably where I'll go with this. I feel bad that these innocent children have to suffer through such hard times.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Love this series! If you have never read it, I highly recommend it. Cele loves it too.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

I never seem to be able to say no, even when I really should.

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

I don't wish to forget anything of any importance because, whether good or bad, those memories are what have made me who I am today. Without them I would be a very different person.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Once again we must go with Asia, specifically the countryside.

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Dear Mother Nature,

While I understand that you have a rather capricious nature, I really wish you could give us a break on the rain. We are nearly flooded out here and would really enjoy having more than one day in a row of good weather. Sunshine, warmth, and no precipitation, just for a little while. It's all I ask.

Thank you for your time

Photo Challenge Days 17 & 18

2011-06-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

My biggest insecurity is definitely my weight. I hate that I am so much bigger than I should be. And I will just leave this one at that because I really don't want to go into a pity party here. I can't stand it when others do, unless they have a very good reason to, so I don't want to let myself do it either.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

I would definitely have to say the event that's had the biggest impact on my life in the recent past was my mothers death. Life is never the same after you lose someone that close to you.

Photo Challenge Days 14, 15, & 16

2011-06-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

This one was hard for me but I think I'll go with Ghandi. He was an amazing man and what an amazing spirit and intellect. What he was able to accomplish, though he never achieved his ultimate goal. He never gave up and was always unfailingly kind and caring to those around him. He was completely devoted to his people. We could all learn something from him.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

I want to travel around Asia, to both see the countryside and experience the cultures of the area.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Yep my crazy kid definitely qualifies for this one. I could not live without her. She is the reason I keep going every day.

Photo Challenge Day 13

2011-06-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Yep definitely have to pick Bon Jovi for this one. Just ask my poor employees. They know my favorites~

Photo Challenge Days 11 & 12

2011-06-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

There are so, so many things I could have put here for something I love but books and music will always be in my top two spots so here you go!

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
No one should ever get away with hurting a child. They are innocent and look to us for protection and love. When we fail to provide that, there is nothing worse in my eyes. Those that propagate this kind of abuse are almost worse than murderers in my eyes since they have destroyed an innocent child's life.

Photo Challenge Day 9 and 10

2011-05-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

I definitely have to say that would be my mom. She was always there for me no matter what. I could chat with her about just about anything and she would just listen. Sometimes, she'd give advise but mostly she was there to listen and support me. I miss that more than I can say.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

I would definitely have to say Laura falls into this category. Remember 'Brad bear'? Yeah well that's just typical Laura. But let me tell you, It's always entertaining. Thanks for being a great friend. Miss you!

Photo Challenge Day 8

2011-05-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

A picture that makes you laugh

I've always loved this picture of Cele. It makes me laugh every time I look at it. Even more so these days since Cele gets embarrassed every time she sees it. Sometimes you just can't resist embarrassing your kids! Its what makes life fun.

Photo Challenge Day 7

2011-05-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

My most important item. This was rather hard but I think I would have to say my pictures, especially of my family. They embody my most important memories and help me remember those who have passed on and special events in my life.

Photo Challenge Day 6

2011-05-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Who would I change places with for a day? No one actually. Everyone has their own challenges and good times. Mine are familiar and I know how to deal with them for the most part. If I traded with someone I wouldn't know what to do with myself and I would be worried about my own side of the equation as well. No I think I'd rather stay right where I am. Interview or get to talk to other people? Oh yeah you bet but I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone.

Photo Challenge Day 5

2011-05-27T06:23:00.001-07:00

I will admit, I really had to think for a minute about exactly what was my favorite memory. But I have to say, hands down, the best day of my life was the day Celestra came into this world. My life was forever changed for the better and I wouldn't trade that for the world. I think all you mom's out there would agree too.

Out With A Bang

2011-05-25T07:42:00.001-07:00

And thus Celestra ends her school year with a bang. Yesterday was dedicated to Honor Roll students at her school. To begin the day, those that recieved 4.0's for the entire year got to attend a 'Breakfast of Champions' in which parents were invited to attend. So a bacon-loving Cele got her favorite breakfast foods to help make up for having to get up an hour earlier than normal.

Cele and Dad at the breakfast

just mom 'nd me at the breakfast

Cele and her friend Kaitlynn at the breakfast

Kaitlynn and her mom at the breakfast

Then last night, the school held their honors night where Cele and several of her friends received awards for being on the honor roll all year.

Cele and her friends enjoying fat boys after Honors Night

And since Photo Challenge #4 was a picture of what I did last night, well there you go! I spent the night getting to watch my child receive a well-earned award. Good Job Cele. I love you and am very proud of you. Keep up the good work!

Photo Challenge Day 3

2011-05-24T16:05:00.001-07:00

Today's Challenge: A photo of the cast of my favorite tv show. Well, no questions asked there! That would only be the best show on television! Criminal Minds all the way. I just wish they hadn't taken out J.J. and Prentice's characters! I really like those two. All I gotta say though is they better not take out Garcia or Reed. They are my other faves.

Photo Challenge Day 2

2011-05-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I know today's photo challenge says to choose the PERSON you've been the closest to for the longest amount of time, but I couldn't choose just one person out of my favorite adopted family so I chose ALL of them. Though this picture is missing a few nephews! I love you guys. Thanks for all of your support and love over the years. We wouldn't be the same without you all.

Photo Challenge Day 1

2011-05-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Now for the ten facts...

1) I am a mother and love it. I even think I have a great daughter in the bargain!

2) I work as a Manager at Subway

3) I am going to school part time, working on my second bachelors and a teaching certificate

4) I want to teach middle school/ Jr. High

5) I am a single parent and have no ambitions to change my status any time soon

6) I love studying other cultures and lifestyles

7) I am an avid reader - at least when I have time

8) I used to play the violin and sung in Cache Children's Choir (among others) when I was younger - I still miss it but just don't have the time to pursue anything like that for myself

9) I have three different positions in my family. I am either the second youngest if you count my five older 1/2 siblings; the middle child if you count who I was raised with (my brother Jack and sister Penny); or I am the oldest if you only count full siblings (meaning my sister Penny)

10) I am the 'extra' sister/daughter for my adopted family whom I love dearly and am very grateful to have.

The 30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-05-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine had this posted on her facebook page and I thought it looked fun so I figured I would share but on here instead of facebook. Have fun all!

"The 30 Day Photo Challenge"
It's all about being creative everyone!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 31 - A picture of yourself

The Big Brass Band

2011-05-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well Celestra's final band concert of the year has now come and gone. The Band-O-Rama concert is an annual concert that features all the band kids from 6th grade through 12th and was held last Tuesday. Here are a couple of videos of Cele's band and the two numbers they performed. Only a week left and she's out for summer.

I have to make a special note here because Celestra has done awesome this year. Not only has she been on the honor roll every semester, she has also maintained a 4.0 all year! So that means next week we get to attend both the Honors Banquet and the Breakfast of Champions! Congrats to my very smart daughter!

Well I Feel Sheepish

2011-05-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Man talk about being way behind in updating! I don't even have Easter up yet! So here goes for a fairly long post, starting with Easter and going through Celestra's last choir concert of the year.

Easter:

Egg dying with Uncle Jack: The results

What's in the basket?

Me thinks she likes the lamb

And now its off to Dad's house:

Where Celestra gets to spend time with her step-brother, James

And...

dying more eggs!

Then there is the randomness of life for the last month or so. Life has been made up mostly of mom trying to finish this semester of school and Cele gearing up for the end of her school year, which translates into parent-teacher conferences and concerts.

Up first? Parent-Teacher conferences. Once again, Cele is doing great and has straight A's in all her classes. In fact I just received a letter informing me that she has maintained a 4.0 for the entire year! That's my brilliant daughter.

One of Cele's best friends, Erica Rasmusson with her mom at Parent-Teacher conference

Cele's advisory teacher Mrs. Rouse

Cele's advisory period is called art advisory so Cele gets to do art in this class and loves it, even though as she says, most of the class is crazy, loud, and obnoxious. She loves her teachers though.

Now it's on to something fairly random. but you just have to throw those in every once in a while, right?!

Cele modeling her new hat from Uncle Jack

This brings her total hat collection up to 4

Then there was, once again, a photography day with Uncle Jack. This time Cele and Uncle Jack were the ones behind the cameras. Mom got to stay behind and read. What a treat!

And last but certainly not least on this crazy update train ride is Cache Children's Choir's annual Spring Sing concert. Held Thursday night in the Morgan theater at USU. Mom, Grandma Eiko, and Uncle Jack were all able to come and all enjoyed the concert.

And That's all folks! Now I feel a little less sheepish.

Sunshine and Photography

2011-04-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Sunshine! We finally have sunshine! Hallelujah! So to celebrate the three of us (my brother Jack, Celestra, and I) had some fun outside taking pictures yesterday. To commemorate (and to make you suffer through the pictures) I have done it again. That's right you poor souls, you get to watch another video! How thrilling for you. Just kidding. This time it's only a slide show.

Anyways, we had a blast and hope you enjoy the pictures!

Brother: Nerdy, Weird, and Strange

2011-04-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

My brother Jack is in town visiting. This is the first chance I've had to take a picture of him since he rather enjoys avoiding the camera. He is indeed all of the above, very nerdy incredibly weird, and as strange as they come. So far, its been fun to spend time with him since its been quite some time since we saw each other last. Three years ago to be exact.

My brother Jack

She's A Teenager!

2011-03-29T20:01:00.001-07:00

Someone decided it was time to up the ante and turn my (mostly) sweet little girl into a teenager. My question? Where did the time go?! I swear it was only yesterday I held her in my arms as a new born. Now she's gone and decided it was a good idea to turn 13 years old and be as tall as me! Where's that rewind button? Or even the slow down one? Well no matter what, I want to wish my baby girl a happy 13th birthday and hope she has a great year! Love you tons sweetheart!

She may look innocent now

Gettin' ready to eat Chicken Alfredo, yum

Dinner with Grandma Eiko

Now THERE'S the sassy girl I know

Opening her present from Grandma and Grandpa Brown

Me thinks she likes her new blanket

Thanks Grandma!

Opening a present from Grandma Eiko

What will it be?

And the winner is...

A brand new shiny watch!

The B-day cake with the funky (but cool mom) candles

Make a wish!

It's band time

2011-03-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

Another band concert has come and gone. Cele had the first of two band concerts her school holds in the second half of the year tonight. Her band did a great job and she had lots of fun. Enjoy the music!

One Year Ago

2011-02-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

One year ago today Cele and I lost my mom/her Amma. We still miss her and it's been a long and hard year. We just have to remember that she is no longer in any pain. We will always remember her and keep all the good memories close to our hearts.

Because it has been a year, we made the trip down to Vegas for President's day weekend so we could visit her grave site (and get away for a little bit). A much needed break with all the stress recently! This was also Cele's first trip to Vegas. She loved it!

As part of her first visit, we did a little tour of some of the funner hotels on the strip so Cele could see what there was to see. First on the tour was Treasure Island. Cele absolutely loved the ships. She thought it was 'so cool'. We never made it to the show they perform outside but that's on our list for next time.

Cele on the rocks at the side of TI

Cele and the Pirates ship

A quick peak at the Mirage and its dolphin statues and fountains

Which we all know she loved.

Since right now is Chinese New Year, the Pallazio hotel's decor was dedicated to the holiday and the Year of the Rabbit.

We really enjoyed their New Year display and, obviously, had to take lots of pictures!

Next we stopped at Caesar's Palace because when you have a hotel dedicated to Greco/Roman mythology and a child obsessed with such things, you have to go there and see the statue shows!

Cele in front of the pegasus statue at the front of the Forum shops

Not to be outdone in favorite legends and myths for Cele comes the Egyptian set so of course we had to stop at the Luxor. Cele had to make sure I knew exactly which gods were being represented and she loved the pyramid design of the hotel.

Of course, with Cele as your daughter and her love of fantasy and horses we had to go to the Excalibur! Of course we couldn't leave there without seeing the Tournament of Kings. Let me tell you, Cele absolutely loved this show. She got so into it she was standing up hooting and hollering for our king (Norway).

Cele before the tournament of kings

Cele outside Excalibur after the show

Now when the hotel your staying in is Circus Circus and you have an adventure junkie with you, you have no choice but to visit the Adventuredome. Cele spent about 5 hours here making sure she rode every single ride, some multiple times. She loved it!

Cele waiting to go on one of the rides

Getting her face painted

The results

Cele on one of her two favorite amusement park rides

(the other is roller coasters)

After two days of fun and relaxation, it was time to head home but we couldn't leave without a stop in Mesquite to visit Mom/Amma's grave and leave some of her favorite flowers behind. It was hard on both of us, especially Cele. We really miss Mom/Amma. But it was good to visit.

My parents headstone

Cele at Amma's grave

Me at my parents grave

All in all, it was a great weekend and a much needed getaway. Now it's time to get back to regular life.

A musical extravaganza

2011-02-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

Once again I am behind on my blog postings so this time I did something I haven't done in a while. I made a video and you all get to watch it hehe. As a quick intro, in the last few weeks Cele and her choir have had a couple big performances. They got to sing the national anthem for the USU womens basketball team and then all 5 choirs sang as part of the USU piano conservatory's Monster concert. unfortunately I forgot my camera for the actual monster concert performance so the only pics I have for that are from the rehearsal but enjoy the pics and video anyway. Ciao.

A New 'Do

2011-01-26T07:30:00.001-08:00

Cele has finally decided it was time for shorter hair. Especially since she never did anything with her hair when it was longer. So shorter hair here we come! Maybe now she won't have as many knots in that head of hair!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2011-01-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

We Wish You A Merry Christmas,

And A Happy New Year!

Good Tidings We Bring

To You And Your Kin

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

And A Happy New Year

Music for the Season

2010-12-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

The concert season has, mostly, come to an end for Celestra. She has one more item on the list and that's tomorrow then she's home free. Christmas break, no more concerts, and she's even done Christmas shopping. Lucky kid. Me on the other hand, not even close!

So for your viewing pleasure, I give you a picture tour of all the concerts from this month! Enjoy!

December 3rd held the first concert of the month, unfortunately due to location I couldn't take any pictures. Not that Cele was complaining! The concert was a joint concert with USU's women's concert and Flute choir. It was probably my favorite of the season.

So since you don't get any pictures of that concert, you get to look at a cool pic I took early in the morning just outside my work.

A beautiful winter morning

December 4th (yes the next day) was the annual Tabernacle concert. This concert always features the concert and cantate choirs and a guest. This years guests were a brand new children's choir from Salt Lake. This was literally an all day event for the kids.

First we started with practice at the Tabernacle at noon

Then it was dinner and games

with the Salt Lake choir

And then it was performance time

First up was concert choir then our friends from Salt Lake performed

(pictured below)

And now it's time for Cantate

All together now

The next performance was a mini concert in St. John's Episcopal Church. Since it was on Sunday as part of their regular church services, I decided it was better not to take any pictures.

Then on the 14th the annual Seasons Greetings concert came to be. This year the performance was held in the Morgan theater, a bit of a different venue for this particular concert since the Kent concert hall is currently under reconstruction.

Cantate choir performing during the Season's Greetings concert

All of the choirs performing 'Jingle Bells' with Sassafrass, our guest artists this year as the finale to the Seasons Greetings concert.

The next concert was Cele's band concert on the 15th. I didn't bring my camera to this performance but I did get a few pics on my phone so, while the quality isn't the best, at least it's something right?

Band Concert (If you look really closely, you might be able to find Celestra)

Friday night was the last major event of the season, the Holiday Home Tour. We had 7 homes throughout the valley that people could go through and see how they were decorated for the holidays. At the end the kids performed once again at St. John's. This was a really fun night, if a bit crazy on my end since it was a fundraiser. All went well and we got lots of positive feedback.

A home in the home show

Performing at St. John's

Heather Hopkins played the cello for 'Noel Nouvelle'

We also had a former choir member who accompanied the kids on her harp.

Cele and Grandma Eiko at St. John's

All of us at St. John's

Just mom 'nd me

Celestra and CCC's final performance for the season will be tomorrow. They have an annual tradition where they carol at the various nursing homes and assisted living centers in the valley. Then she gets to sit back and relax and enjoy her Christmas break.

Waaaay behind!

2010-12-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

So once again, I have gotten WAAAY behind on my blog updating and lots has happened since my last entry. So now you all have to suffer with a very long entry. So here goes...

We shall start off with Thanksgiving day. A day spent with my favorite family: The Brown family. We had everyone there except my brother Nicholas's family since they were hosting his wife, Amanda's, family at their place this year. So we had a house full of good food, great company, and lots and lots of little ones. It was a great way to spend a holiday that, in my book, is all about family.

Some of the boys playing on the stairs

The grandkids table

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying the two newest members of the family

Just look at that grin!

Hi Grandma Weeks

Nope, not even this family can claim to be free of wacko's

Aren't I just adorable

Hiding in the corner

Then it was time to decorate the house. Well after freezing my butt off bringing in the decorations from outside off the back porch, to what to my wondering eyes should appear but a completely frozen snow globe. And the best part? It defrosted very nicely and did not break. Good thing too, it's one of my favorite decorations. After all it was a present from Celestra about 4 or 5 years ago!

Look at me, I'm completely frozen!

Then there was the, what has become annual performance of the Nutcracker for Celestra. 4 performances over Thanksgiving weekend. This was Cele's 4th year and she still loves doing it. Which means it will probably happen again next year as well. At least she has fun right? Even if mom wants to tear her hair out with all the practices and performances she has to drive her to, through Thanksgiving traffic and just wonderful weather.

Warming up and practicing for a Nutcracker performance

At the performance on Saturday night (which I came to and Cele joined me to watch the rest of the show) I ended up sitting right in front of a good friend of mine from Middle/High school. (We've been friends since we were about 12) So since it had been awhile, we headed to Charlie's for ice cream after the performance so we could sit and shoot the breeze while our kids

got sugar highs.

Jessica and I

There was also a parent board meeting for CCC the last week of November and one of the ladies brought along her adorable daughter so you get to see a random picture of an adorable little girl with a great name.

Adorable little Ella (my middle name :0)

And now we are into December. Cele has already had two performances. One in the performance hall with USU's flute choir and women's chorus. That was a great concert! The flute choir really added to the choral numbers and they were really fun to watch for Cele since they had all of the different types of flutes on display from the piccolo to the contra bass flute. There was also the annual Christmas concert in the Tabernacle with the concert choir and a guest performer. This year the guests were a brand new children's choir from Salt Lake.

Performing in the tabernacle

If you would like to see more pictures from the last concert, go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/cachechildrenschoir/20101204#

Well that's all for now. Next week Cele has 5 concerts/performances and I finish classes so you might have to wait till the end of next week for another update but, in case you want to come to any of the concerts here are the dates and times.

Sunday @11am in St. John's Episcopal Church in Logan (across the street from the tabernacle)

Tuesday @ 7pm in USU's Morgan theater (this is the choirs annual Christmas concert)

Wednesday @ 7pm in the MLMS auditorium (Cele's Christmas band concert)

and

Friday from 5-8 pm the Holiday Home tour. (Tickets are $10 and you can buy them from us, at Lee's, or at the doors of the homes. This is a chance to see some of the really nice homes in the valley all decked out for the holidays!) The kids will perform at St. John's after the home tour at 8 and 8:30pm.

Well, that's all for now folks! TTFN

A weekend of thanks and fun

2010-11-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the annual Anderson family Thanksgiving dinner (always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving). Celestra and I have missed the last few years because a certain young lady has been consistently performing in the Nutcracker chorus. While she is doing so again this year, as the practice Saturday was not mandatory and since this is her third year, she was able to miss and we were (finally) able to attend the family Thanksgiving again.

Once again this year, the food was excellent (as always), the company was top notch and Kristine and Eiko ran around like crazy (just like normal). So while we missed the last few years, nothing much has changed except the addition of a few new faces to the mix, though we did get a chance to meet all three of these darling little girls at the family reunion earlier this year...

Millie and Molly Wheeler. These active twins are already one year old. Hard to believe.

Zoey Green, the newest member of the Willson family

Marsha in her *beautiful* pilgrims hat

Looks like Tasia lost her head! Hope she finds it soon.

Robert waiting to carve the Turkey (his traditional job every year)

while Kristine scoops out the stuffing.

Kathy Clark, Our birthday girl

Colten playing in the bubbles

Mother and daughter: Annie and Katie

Aren't they adorable

The kids sing us a couple songs

Then it was off to spend the night at my friends Laura and Jim's place. They recently moved to Salt Lake and we hadn't had a chance to see them since the move. It was a fun night playing Life and hanging out with them and their two dogs, not that Cele was complaining about the dogs!

Bubba: This dog can

SNORE!

Jim and Laura as themselves

Cele with Hamlet

The next day (today) we headed out, met up with another friend who deserted Logan for Salt Lake (Jessica Allen) and hit the movie Harry Potter 7, part 1 at the Jordan Commons. Great movie. It follows the book really well and yes it ends in a cliff hanger but then it's only half the story. You should definitely all go see it! If you have little kids however, be aware that there is one scene where Ron destroys the locket. He is shown his worst fears wherein Harry and Hermione are together. They appear to be nude but you see nothing. Thank heavens! Just a slight warning for any who are worried. Something easy enough to skip over in the DVD version (just a suggestion).

A Spooktacular Day

2010-11-04T16:07:00.001-07:00

Another year, another crazy Halloween. This Halloween marks Celestra's final year as a candidate for Trick-or-Treating so that being the case, she lived it up. She and her two best friends and younger siblings in tow headed out for a night of candy gathering to the utmost.

While I spent Friday at work dressed as a zombie along with my intrepid co-stars Dotta and Tracy. Yep, you guessed it, another themed Halloween at Subway. Always soo much fun!

The Subway Zombies

Celestra the Ranger (based off of a character from

the Forgotten Realms series - yep another book character

for the bookworm!)

My sister Alisha's family on Halloween

Autumn Sounds

2010-11-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

The kids in costume: Jade, Jade's little sister, Celestra, Emma, and Erika L.

The first Band concert of the year has come and gone, and may I say, that was the shortest concert I have ever attended. So strange! The concert was great but the beforehand stuff was where all the fun was. To begin with the start time for the concert was changed to 30 minutes earlier than the original scheduled time. This made it quite fun to get Celestra there on time as she had choir rehearsal from 4:30-6. Then it was straight over to the middle school for the concert.

Now when I said short, I really meant it! The concert was no more than 30 minutes long and only the 7th and 8th grade bands played. Each with just three pieces.

Singin' in the cold

2010-10-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

"Cache Children's Choir, Cache Children's Choir. If you love to sing, come to Cache Children's Choir"

"Shake, Shake, Shake Caprice. Twirl your sticks over head, Shake, Shake, Shake Caprice"

"2nd grade, 3rd grade Cadet Choir, Cha-Cha-Cha. 2nd grade, 3rd grade Cadet Choir, Cha-Cha-Cha."

"Concert Choir, Concert Choir, Concert Choir, Concert Choir. 1, 2, 3, 4 Everybody In"

"Cantate, Cantate, The Best"

"Hail the Utah Aggies. We'll play the game with all our might. See the colors flying. The Aggie Blue and fighting white. How they stir us onward. We'll win the victory all right. Hail the Utah Aggies. We're out to win so fight, fight, fight."

"Utah State, Hey! Aggies all the way! Go Aggies, Go Aggies! Hey, Hey, Hey!"

(all this accompanied by fun rhythm and beats along with an assortment of Orff instruments)

Cele with some of her choir mates watching some of the other floats before the parade starts

my goofy kid

Cele with some of the other kids at the end of the parade

Yesterday was the annual USU homecoming parade. Another year, another cold walk down main street singing and chanting what you saw above. The kids had a blast and were as wacky as ever. And maybe next year I won't have to walk backwards the whole way again. Three years in a row. This is becoming a habit.

Holiday Concert Schedule

2010-10-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time for me to let all of you in on the fun that is Celestra's concert schedule. This year should be lots of fun with, especially December, concerts almost once a week to choose from. So, once again, here are the bare bones concerts for the season. At least what I have so far. There may be more to come and we will let you know!

October

23 - USU Homecoming Parade with Choir 10am Logan Main Street between 100 S and 800 N

27 - MLMS Band Concert MLMS auditorium 7pm

November

26, 27, 29 - Nutcracker Chorus with Choir 7pm with a matinée at 1pm on the 29th Ellen Eccles Theater Logan

December

3 - Choir concert with USU Womens Chorus Location and time TBA

4 - Choir Concert in the Logan Tabernacle 7pm

15- MLMS Band Christmas concert 7pm MLMS auditorium

15 - Choir annual Seasons Greetings Concert 7pm Kent Concert Hall USU Campus

Yes this means we are double booked for that night. Should be fun

17 - Choir Holiday Home Tour more info TBA

20 - Choir Caroling at the local nursing homes

And so far that's all folks but there could easily be more added in as the season commences. We will let you know as things happen.

A Little Family Time

2010-09-30T22:21:00.001-07:00

A little family time is always cause for fun, especially when we have ALL the cousins together. Yes all 14 of them! That and spending time with this side of the family is never a hardship. This time we got together for the last baby blessing of the year. Little Kason was blessed on Sunday and what a great excuse for a family get together!

My brother Nicholas and his wife Amanda

All 14 grandkids

Baby Thomas: the youngest grandchild (at least for a little while)

Cute little Jacob says Hi

Time for clothing swap again

Grandma with adorable little Connor

It was great to see so much of the family again. Sadly not all the siblings and spouses were there but we all had a great time together. Thanks Mom for continually finding reasons to get us all together as often as you can.

The Randomness Of It All

2010-09-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

With school back in session, Celestra and I are back to our rather hectic schedules. Choir is back in session and I am starting to feel, once again, as if I am living at my computer due to homework. Ah well, such is the life.

In light of that, we haven't done too much exciting stuff recently but I though I'd share a few of the random pictures I've taken over the last little bit.

To start we have the wonderful world of Subway.

This is Tracy. She claims this picture is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We were a little bored one day and started different cleaning projects. Tracy got the fans. Now this is remarkable due to the fact that she's afraid of heights. Ladder + Plus Tracy = not so fun for her.

Here we have Tori (or Victoria), one of our newer employees, working the till like a pro.

Take note of the fabulous plastic bow attached to her hat. So Tori!

This is Dotta (or Charlotta). She HATES having her picture taken so this was the result. lol

Here we have our little heart that was found inside of one of our green peppers

(I did say these were random!)

Then we move on to choir...

The choir singing a patriotic song in honor of the fact that for this years tour we're headed to DC

Now you get to play where's Cele

And lastly, this weekend Cele is dogsitting this cute little yorkie. Her name is Lucy and she belongs to the daughter of Tracy (of above picture fame). Here you see her hiding under my desk because she's scared of the sounds Cele was making with her flute while practicing.

Mini-Vaca

2010-08-16T21:32:00.001-07:00

As a last hurray and as a way to say we actually did do something this summer, Celestra, Grandma Eiko, and I headed down to Salt Lake for a little mini-vacation packed with all kinds of touristy type activities. I mean, if you can't be a tourist in your own back yard, where else can you be!

Our first stop was for a quick bite of dinner at one of Celestra and my favorite restaurants, Cracker Barrel.

Yep she's being goofy, trying to blow out the lantern

Grandma Eiko and Cele at dinner

Our first stop on our tour of Salt Lake was the Kennecott mine, the largest open mine in the world and one of the only man made things that can be seen from space and it's right here in our backyard.

Our shadows

A train whistle made of copper

The Statue of Liberty is completely made of copper

(click on the picture and enlarge it so you can read the inscription, its really interesting)

How Kennecott looked in 1960; which was the last time Grandma Eiko visited

It has rocks in it mom!

Check out the view

Eiko taking it all in

Cele having waaaay too much fun

Now we move on to the Living Planet Aquarium

in Sandy

Jellyfish

A photogenic lion fish

Lets steer the ship

hello Mr. Octopus

Mrs. Sea Turtle says hi.

Penguin, penguin, Cele

And now we're off to the Gateway and the Planetarium

because we cannot come to Salt Lake on a fun trip and not go to the

Planetarium with our science nut along

Watching the pendulum

lost in space

check it out

floating in space with the Hubble telescope

A Martian

Oh look! Now there are two

cheeky girl on the moon

What do you weigh on a neutron star?

It's the earth

Two new Martians

She has joined the astronauts

a moon rock

And now its time for some shopping

Hello horsie

And last, but certainly not least, dinner at Thaifoon. Yum!

We had lots of fun and it was a great way to end summer vacation.

Have a Seat

2010-08-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

I finally had had enough of our lack of seating, let alone comfortable seating. And since I had enough money, I found this set for $500 and we now have good couches in our front room! We love them. Sorry just had to share.

If you can't tell, Cele loves them

new 'do

2010-08-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Since it's back to school time, it was time for Celestra to get her hair trimmed. This time the hairstyle stayed pretty much the same, we just added layers, did some major thinning, and retouched her highlights.

Cele before

Ooh look she can conduct electricity

and that's just from thinning her hair

Cele after (even though the hair is still wet)

Horses, Horses, Horses! And did we mention Horses?

2010-08-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Cele spent the last week up in Ephraim Canyon with a couple of her second cousins from my mom's side of the family. You might ask what the kids were up to and I would have to respond with bonding time and living, breathing, horses; and loving every minute of it! This was Cele's first year at the camp and she can't wait till next year to go back!

A couple scenery pics to give you an idea, just a taste really, of the beautiful area she has been enjoying this last week.

My stinker

Cele's second cousin Peyton (her grandpa is my mom's brother Randy)

The cabin the girls stayed in

Maybe we can get Celestra to get on here and write down some of the really fun stories she told me on the drive home. I never had to ask her anything except who this or that person was that she was talking about. She couldn't stop talking about the camp. I am really glad she had such a good time. Of course, getting to ride horses every day for an entire week never hurt her chances for that!

A Little Magic

2010-07-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight my friend Tiffany and I hit the movies, getting a chance to see a really great flick. Sorcerer's Apprentice is definitely a movie for the whole family. Disney has done it again! There are a lot of pop culture references just for the adults that will just make you laugh but tons of fun for the little ones as well. Tiff and I had a great time and I plan to take Celestra some time soon.

Happy Birthday America

2010-07-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day to all! It's America's birthday and to celebrate Celestra and I did some of our favorite things, watched the fireworks show and hung out with family. We hope you all had a great weekend and we want to thank all those out there who make (and have made) our freedom possible. A great big thank you to all the soldiers who have fought and continue to do so for our freedom. We owe you more than we could ever repay.

Cele and I at the fireworks show on Friday night

Fireworks finale

Then there was today (after work)

Dad grillin'

Ethan playing with the cars

cute little Byron with more cars

Grandpa gets everyone wet

Cele just chillin'

Hanging out with the fam

(David, Desiree, Alisha, and Kellison)

Cool dude Kellen

A rather tired Cele

Anderson-Lowe Family Reunion

2010-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yep it was the annual family reunion this past weekend and instead of making you read about everything, I will just let the pictures speak for themselves (at least for the most part!)

Paul, Kristine, Joyce, and Eiko

The Willson family plus Eiko and Cele

Celestra's art project

Wesley ready for the game

Grandma Eiko and Cele face off before the game starts

Grandma Eiko waits for the game to start

Mark with the twins

Kristine gets in on the game action

Abbie and Skylie are ready for the game to start

Celestra is ready to pop everyone else's balloons

Paul, Jayson, and Jeremy hanging out

Joyce

Cele hanging out

Cute little Skylie

Kristine and Eddie

Eddie is the oldest living member of the family

he turned 95 this year

Ken with his newest granddaughter Zoey

Brand New Daddy Nick with baby Zoey

Adorable Abbie

Cutie pie Annie

2010-06-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

This month has been full of fun summer activities and it's about time I let you in on some of them. Celestra, Myself and my best friend Tiffany made a trip down to Magna on the 21st to attend a Summer Solstice party at our friend John's parents home. It was an evening filled with good company and great food. Thanks for inviting us John. It was lots of fun!

John and his brother James with Cele's new sword

They liked it so much we had to eventually hide it in the car so they

would quit playing with it and Cele wouldn't loose her mind over their teasing.

Boys and their toys

Tiff and Cele hanging out at the party

Cele and I decked out in our Solstice flowers

Then it was on to the Parade of Homes, something Cele and I enjoy doing every year

This year we were joined by our friends Laura and Tiffany. Below are a few pics from our tour.

If you want to see more, check out my facebook page.

After that it was time for the annual Anderson-Lowe Family Reunion but I think we'll save that for the next blog.

Old Pictures

2010-06-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning my house and found this picture. It's of me (if you couldn't tell) my senior year in High School. It's amazing to think of where I am now compared to where I thought I would be by this time at that age. Just thought I'd share a little of my past with you all.

A Musical Journey

2010-05-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been almost completely devoted to music for the two of us. Let us take you on a photographic journey of our good times and great music.

We start off with Cantate choir awards day held on Monday, May 10th. Cele has now been in Cache Children's Choir for seven, let me repeat that, seven full years and has loved every minute of it. Cele recieving her newest bar for her very long pin from her director Jill DeVillbiss

The perfect attendance crew; Yep, Cele is in there somewhere

Cele with some of her choir friends; Bethany Budge and Kelcee Kendrick

Our next stop in our musical journey was on Wednesday, May 19 with a band concert that mom learned about the day before. Any how, all went well and the kids did great. Just to show you how far they've come in one year, I am putting a video up from their first concert. Then I will let you hear the three songs they performed this time. What a world of difference!

This is Hot Cross Buns from the 6th grade band's first performance of the year

Temple of Sinewava

Anasazi

and last but not least:

Fires of Mazama

And finally, the most exciting adventure on this musical journey comes last with the Cantate Choir tour to St. George. Three days of music, driving, and fun. Come explore with us...

The first day of the tour was spent mostly on the bus driving with kids acting goofy until they got too tired and started slowing down. We pulled into the hotel around 11pm and the kids simply crashed.

Day two started out very early, 5:30 am to be precise. After getting breakfast and dressed in their concert outfits we were off to the bus and performances at 6 different schools with a final concert at the nursing home Jill's (the director) father-in-law stays in.

School # 1 was a Jr. High with grades 6 and 7

There were 4 elementary schools, one being the workplace of a good friend of Jill's

An example of what the buss looked like in the interum between schools. We had instruments all up and down the isle and kids exausted from very little sleep and a long drive the day before. Yes the sleeper is Cele. However, there were other kids, like Riley, (who was sitting next to Celestra) who were engaged in activities like this:

The final school was another 6th and 7th grade school and by far the kids favorite performance.

After the school performances the kids got to change into their choir polo's and jeans. For a bit of a break, we headed for a water park so the kids could run around, cool off, and let out some energy before perfoming at their final destination.

Celestra in the fountain

Wading

Cele and Elise Idso

Cele and Makenna Finley

The 'Manly Men'

The entire Choir

The final performance was at Kolob nursing home where Jill's Father-in-law resides

The kids performing at the nursing home

Jill's husband and Father-in-law

The rest of the day was spent playing at a park, going to Shrek 4, and hitting the pool.

Day three was spent at Zions National Park and driving home. The kids had a blast with this.

Temple of Sinewava

Weeping Rock

Cele and her newest stuffed animal at Weeping Rock

My three girls: Celestra, Emma Cardon, and Emma Fjelsted

The choir at Weeping Rock

What natural accoustics can do for a song!
The Choir at the entrance to Weeping Rock

Cele with Emma Fjelsted and Kelcee Kendrick

Some of the beutiful scenery to be found in Zions

Hiking to the Emerald Pools

A couple of the boys having a good ol' time

Waiting for the rest of the crew before heading out

This was a really fun, if exhausting, trip and the kids had a lot of fun. Tomorrow ends this year for Cele and choir and then she only has about a week and a half for school before summer and boy is she ready!

The whole world is singing

2010-05-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have held two concerts for Cele (and the final two weeks of the semester for me - why it's taken me so long to update). The first concert was this years choir fest concert. It featured CCC's concert and cantate choirs along with the valley's 4th and 5th grade children, directed by Craig Jessop. The kids did a great job and have worked really hard for this concert. It was a great success and many parents were hoping we'd be doing something like it next year.

Choirfest with Craig Jessop

Cantate choir performs a few of their numbers

Combined choirs under Craig Jessop

Cele got to play the agogo bell for one of the pieces

'Alunde Allelujah'

Alunde Allelujah

Cele with Grandma and Grandpa Brown and
her cute cousin Ethan

SPRING SING

Then yesterday was the annual CCC Spring Sing

Once again Cele gets to play the agogo bell for

'Alunde Allelujah'

Cantate choir performs 'The Whole World is Singing'

(from right to left) Cele's friend Rayne,

Cele, Grandpa Brown, Grandma Brown,

Grandma Eiko, Mom

Now we just have the tour in two weeks and the 2009-10 choir season will come to an end.

Concert Schedule

2010-04-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to give everyone a heads up for Celestra's concerts for the rest of the year. Her first concert will be this Wednesday, April 21 at 7:30pm in the Kent Concert Hall at USU. This concert is actually a really neat experience. It will be directed by Craig Jessop and, along with Cache Children's choir, many of the valley's 4th and 5th grade children will be joining them. The kids have been working really hard for this concert and the theme is "The whole world is singing" and the kids are singing songs from all over the world. The concert is free to the public.

Her next concert will be on Thursday, May 6 at 7pm in the Morgan Theater (next to the Kent) at USU. This is the Choir's annual Spring Sing and, once again, it is free to the public. The kids will be performing some of the numbers from the concert with Craig Jessop as well as some of the numbers they will be performing on tour this year.

And that leads us to her final perfomances. We are headed down to St. George this year on tour. The kids will be performing at several schools down there and doing workshops and clinics with guest directors. This will be a great opportunity for the kids. It is a three day event and, for those of you down in that area, I will get you more information as it becomes available. The dates for the tour are May 20-22.

Highlights

2010-04-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

I promised Cele that, as soon as I could find the money, I would let her get highlights in her hair. Well today that dream became a reality for my precocious 12 year old. And after 3 hours of hard work by the girl doing her hair, here are the results. I think it turned out great and Cele is super excited and loves it. Now if only she'd stop growing up on me...

I'm Free

2010-04-10T17:49:00.001-07:00

I was just looking through old files on my computer and found this poem. I had to share it with all of you. I know some that were really close to my mom are still struggling with her death and I know I still have my hard days. Maybe this poem can give you some comfort. It sure seemed to speak to me because it's truly how my mom would want us to be and remember her.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.

I'm following the path that God has laid, you see.

I took his hand when I heard his call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day.

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace be to thee.

God wanted me now;

He set me free!

A birthday weekend

2010-04-02T16:23:00.001-07:00

What do you do for a young girl turning twelve for her birthday? Why a sleepover with her closest friends right??? (Not recomended if you want your sanity to remain intact) Well, that and a chance to go to see the latest movie on her list of 'must see', How to Tame Your Dragon. Then there is the ever present cake and ice cream right? But wait, what about the family. How do you fit them in to all these plans and ideas? Well by celebrating said young woman's birthday for an entire weekend!

So we embarked on this (absolutely insane) idea starting on Friday (the 26th) right after we finished with an insanely busy fundraiser for her choir. (thanks to all who helped and donated for that. It is much appreciated!) Thus begins the sleepover portion of the party.

Cele's friend Erika Larkin

Cele and her friends admiring one of her (many) birthday presents

Opening presents

A moon sand kit from Erika Larkin

More Pokemon cards from Katie

Chatting with Erika Larkin and Jade

Rayne Chillaxing

Erika Rassmussen watching the movie

hello Katie : )

Playing with moon sand

A jumble of sleeping girls and stuffed animals

the girls brought out Cele's entire collection to sleep with

more sleepers and stuffed animals

Those that were able to spend the night included: Katie, Rayne, Erika Rassumssen, and Jade. Erika Larkin joined us for a while that night but wasn't able to spend the night. She joined us again for a little while the next morning before the movie.

And now we enter phase two: Saturday, March 27

We are off to see How to Tame your Dragon

This time the contingency of friends has changed a bit due to other plans

and the inclusion of inviting some of her guy friends (though only one was

able to come).

The kids LOVED the movie and are still raving about it!

At the mall for cake after the movie

Cele gets more presents. This one is from Jason and

includes a dragon egg to be hatched and chocolate

Here we have Kelsey, Jade, and Jason

Cele and Rayne trying to eat cake while laughing

Erika Rassmussen with her cake

Jade and Kelsey have colored teeth, all thanks to the frosting

tornado simulator

The kids in the simulator

Phase three was spending Sunday with her dad so...

Now we have phase four:
Dinner with the family

We got to go to Grandma and Grandpa Brown's house

and I cooked one of Cele's favorite meals, Tonkatsu

Grandma made the cake (thank you SOOO much mom!)

Aunt Alisha, Uncle Kellison, cousin Ethan, Grandpa, and Grandma

were all there and we all had a great time!

Cele blowing out her candles

Ethan tries his hand at blowing out candles too

Soooo there you have it. An entire weekend, four days, spent on birthday fun. I need a break!

Meg has a new home!

2010-04-02T16:20:00.001-07:00

When my mom died, Cele and I thought we would have to move so as to make a home for her dog Meg. However, that was not to be. My mom's friend Susan, who also uses a wheelchair (her daughter Hope and I are friends and our friendship back in Middle/High School led to our mother's friendship) had lost her companion dog about a year and a half ago. Meg is now in good hands and gets to keep doing what she loves. Working as a companion dog. Cele is also happy with the arrangement as she still gets to visit Meg any time she wants.

Alice in Wonderland

2010-04-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Wanna see an acid trip in the form of a movie but still have a good time? Well then, make sure you go see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. It definately fits the bill!

Especially if you head to the movie with my crazy friends! This was a great break for Cele and I from all the hullaballoo of the last month.

Just Mom and Me

Him, Him, Him, aaannddd...Him

A Mini Update

The Final Notes of 2011

Tadaima Minna san

What did we do on 11-11-11?

Puppy's First Snowfall

A Spooktacular Day

The Sound of Spooky

Concerts Here We Come!

Nature at it's Best

A 'Historical" Performance

Just Mom 'nd Me A to Z

Welcome to the Family

Here We Go Again

Let's Play Catch-Up!

More problems

A Family Visit

We're back!

Problems with Blog

Amazing Daze of Summer Fun

More Photo Challenges

Photo Challenge Days 17 & 18

Photo Challenge Days 14, 15, & 16

Photo Challenge Day 13

Photo Challenge Days 11 & 12

Photo Challenge Day 9 and 10

Photo Challenge Day 8

Photo Challenge Day 7

Photo Challenge Day 6

Photo Challenge Day 5

Out With A Bang

Photo Challenge Day 3

Photo Challenge Day 2

Photo Challenge Day 1

The 30 Day Photo Challenge

The Big Brass Band

Well I Feel Sheepish

Sunshine and Photography

Brother: Nerdy, Weird, and Strange

She's A Teenager!

It's band time

One Year Ago

A musical extravaganza

A New 'Do

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Music for the Season

Waaaay behind!

A weekend of thanks and fun

A Spooktacular Day

Autumn Sounds

Singin' in the cold

Holiday Concert Schedule

A Little Family Time

The Randomness Of It All

Mini-Vaca

Have a Seat

new 'do

Horses, Horses, Horses! And did we mention Horses?

A Little Magic

Happy Birthday America

Anderson-Lowe Family Reunion

Old Pictures

A Musical Journey

The whole world is singing

Concert Schedule

Highlights

I'm Free

A birthday weekend

Meg has a new home!

Alice in Wonderland