Jazz for Fun

Once again, the amazing jazz band from Great Expectations Academy, stole the show as they performed with two other High School Bands at Jazz for Fun.  

The Rhythm Section has decided to take on a Blue's Brothers look.  The only problem is that when Sara wears sunglasses she has to take off her real glasses and so not only is it extra dark on stage, but she can't see anything.  I don't know why she bothers to bring up her music, but hey she looks cool.

Joey's First Pinewood Derby

This was Joey's first Pinewood Derby and his car "Color Blind" made it to District.  He was really proud of himself because he really didn't expect to do well.  We didn't advance beyond district, but it was a lot of fun to race "twice." (Something Jake didn't get to do because mom accidentally broke his car before district.  I promise it was an accident, but Jake was not to happy with me and hasn't forgotten about it.)

Jake's 10th Birthday

 My cute Jake, decided to have a low key birthday celebration.  (My favorite kind)   

 For school he wanted cupcakes that looked like a TV Dinner.       

Then for his actual party, he wanted to go to the gaslight theater with a few friends and have Boston Cream Pie.  The show they were performing was a Western called, "The Belle of Tombstone," and the kids thought it was hilarious.  I was grateful for Rebecca who stayed home with Carlee so that Chad and I could both go.  The kids had a blast and Jake got his first BB Gun from a friend, so in his book, the day was just plain "AWESOME!"

"I love to see the Temple"

 Backtracking a little bit, we were able to take the kids through the Gilbert temple before it was dedicated last March.  I am always amazed at how beautiful temples are, from the colors, to the landscaping to the multiple design elements.  This temple had more bridal rooms and a waiting room for the bridal parties that was larger than any I have ever seen.

In our ward we have a cute 83 year old lady who has never seen a temple.  She's been a member for about four years now, doesn't drive, and has never had the opportunity to visit the temple in Mesa.  It was a joy to take her through.  

Anna didn't know what to think when I first invited her to come with us.  I think she was nervous that someone was going to try and baptize her again, and so after I assured her that she would not be getting wet, she agreed to join us.  We had a wonderful day.

Carlee and Ty

One of the best things about being in AZ is having two of my sisters within a mile of us.  Ty and Carlee have grown up with a special bond.  Having lived together for 6 months when Carlee was really little, she thinks of Ty like a brother.  She always wants to play with him and looks forward to our Monday/Friday swap.  These are just a few pictures of the two of them together.

Playing Play Dough

Digging in the Sand / Dirt . . . 

Watching a Movie

There's nothing quite like having a buddy to hang out with.  

Cinderella

This year I learned first hand just how much work goes into directing and producing a middle school production.  Last April I was given the go ahead to direct GEA's first ever musical.  My sister Cindy signed on to help me along with several friends and community members who helped sew costumes, paint sets, and create props.  After several months of hard work, we had a really impressive final presentation.

This year I wanted to give as many kids as possible lead rolls, so we had two performances and two casts.  The undertaking was fairly ambitious, but the kids pulled it off.

In one of the shows, Sara was the Fairy Godmother and she was Hilarious.  I was so proud of her.  She really played her part well.  Not only can she sing, but she can project, act, and making seemingly common lines, really funny.  

Rebecca was cast as the evil stepmother in the cast opposite Sara.  Rebecca loves dressing up and so watching her dress up and become the evil stepmother was a lot of fun.  The hard part about middle school productions is finding boys willing to participate and tall enough to balance out the girls.  For Rebecca (who would have preferred being Cinderella) being almost 5'9" meant that she was out of the running for the coveted roll because our prince was just pushing 5'2". 

Several of the boys only wanted to be in the crew when we first held auditions.  I was able to convince a few of them to take on rolls.  When all was said and done, many (including my son Jake) wished they had auditioned for bigger parts.  I have a feeling that there might be some competition next year.  

I had originally said that I would need 3 years to recover from this production, but by the time it was over I was on such a high that I signed up to do it again next year.  "Tale as old as time. . . . . " Can you guess what we will be doing???? Until next year.