Finally!!

I DID IT!!!

I am now in Advanced Vocal Instruction!

I had my Vocal Jury today, and sang the French song Diraiton, mentioned in the previous posting. Afterwards the compliments that I received were that it "melted their hearts"...one teacher asked if I spoke French....that it was warm and beautiful!!!! And then she said that I passed, into the Advanced level!!!!

YEAH!!

This is a huge relief for me, and now I am that much closer to graduating!

I also am able to do independent studies for the rest of my electives, so I won't have to go down to UVSC except on Fridays for piano and voice. This is greatly anticipated after going down every other day since May. Now I just have a final on Monday, and one on Wednesday, and then I am done for the semester! Welcomed relief!

Thank You for those who thought of me today, it was very beneficial!

Lindsey Sings into our Hearts

Well since this is going to take a while to upload, I thought I would tell you about it. I know that you will just see it and I really don't need to explain this. The video that we loaded is of Lindsey's recital. For those of you who don't know, she is studying Music at UVSC and will end up with a degree in music very soon. This was a small recital where she sang two songs. The participants varied in all levels of music and it ended up being a very enjoyable evening.

Lindsey first sang a French song followed by this song from the Messiah. I will just let you listen. I really enjoyed hearing her tonight, and have asked her to sing more. I usually hear her sing with her sisters, and it was nice to hear how beautiful her voice is as a soloist.

She has her vocal jury in a week, which will tell her if she can move into the advanced vocal instruction. This is a big thing, so remember her next Friday, December 7th at 10:45 am. Please do not call her as she will be singing and it will really mess her up if you do. I am sure you understand. Thanks.

Happy Birthday Great Grandma

We just got home from visiting Lindsey's grandparents, where we celebrated her grandmother's 93rd birthday. It was a short and simple visit, we got some pictures and had some treats, and got to visit with cousins. We also got to try out our new camera. So far, I really like the pictures, and we may even try a video if I feel brave. I am not sure how it will work.

Ali with her Grandmother, and Great Grandparents

Ali playing fetch with her cousin Parker. They had been doing this for some time before the video, and yes that is a real dog toy they are using.

Happy Belated Halloween!!

I know Halloween was last month, but you know, better late than never!! Anyway, just wanted to show you how cute the kids were. Anna was a pioneer, Reese was Diego, and Ali was a shaggy dog! Adam was a cute baby! This year was the most disorganized I have been, but the semester is ending and so it's been hectic. I did however put together Reese's costume!! I made the vest and put together the rescue pack and luckily he had the clothes that matched perfectly! I was proud of myself. They had fun at the trunk-or-treat; but we wanted them to go around to some houses to get a feel for the real thing!! Good times! Cute kids!

HAPPY "5" BIRTHDAY REESE!!!

"I am all powerful!"




First Day of School



Today, October 1, is Reese's birthday, he will turn 5 at 1:12 pm. "I remember it like it was yesturday" (not quite, but it's amazing how clearly it comes back to your mind!) I went in to be induced at 7:30 a.m., that morning. I got all hooked up and going, I think by 8. I progressed along until I thought I couldn't go any longer, which I think was between 9-10. I got my epidural and being quite comfortable Joseph and I started to watch Men In Black II. When the movie was done, they came in to check me, I was complete and prept me for pushing at about 12:45ish. I started pushing, my doctor said we could have him in 15 min. Reese was posterier, and so with a few more minutes added on, he was able to turn him easily. And low and behold........there was Reese! 7 pounds 8 ounzes and 20 1/2 inches long.Brand Spankin' New

He is quite the cute boy now. He is very sensitive and loving. He really loves his baby brother. Reese is in his second year of preschool, and loves his teachers. He is very good at making sound effects. He loves to pretend with his toys. He's a good boy, and we love him, and are greatful he is apart of our family.
"Yeah!"


(I didn't think to do this for Anna's birthday, sorry, just so I won't bore everyone out by two labor stories, I will do hers another time!)

Reese and Anna

Reese and Ali

Reese and Adam

Little Miss Diva

Today was our primary program. Anna and Reese did very well on their parts. Anna had a solo/duet in the closing hymn. She sang the second half of the second verse of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". She sang it perfectly! We are so proud and thankful for her natural ability of singing. It's satisfying to know your children can sing, when both Joseph and I are singers. Gotta Love It!!

Porto Alegre North

Well my parents have finally made it to POA. (Porto Alegre) They flew out of SLC yesterday and after many hours and probably a few very long layovers, they are in Porto Alegre Brazil. They called this evening and were telling me how excited they were to be in my old mission area. They have seen the Temple, something I have never done, and are at the mission home tonight. This is the same mission home that I was in before and it is weird to think of the rooms there and them standing in the same place as I was just without me.

I remember when other missionaries had their parents there at the end of their mission and how I wished my parents were there too. They are now there, I am just up here. But they are safe and it sounds like they have a lot of work that they can do down there. My dad may be teaching an institute class, and my mom may help with the perpetual education fund.