Angela's 14th Birthday

Not everyone gets a birthday this year - Angela doesn't  She turned 14  without a birthday.  I took Angela out for lunch to Panda Express.  We had a lot of fun and I'm so glad that we had that time together.  She went to the Stake Youth Conference the next day.   When she came home from the day activities, we filled the car with balloons and had a present for her to open.  She was really pleased and surprised. After the evening activities, we took the family to McD's for some ice cream.  We had a couple of other celebrations planned too - at Grandma's house for cake, and Barro's Pizza for a family dinner.  I hope we make up for the fact that she doesn't get a birthday this year.

Angela is sad - no birthday this year.
jk - We had fun playing on the fact that
 her birthday is on Leap Day.

Angela and I after lunch

McD's for ice cream

Angela's ice cream

Singing to Angela at Grandma's house

Ang and Em at Barros Pizza

Memorable Monday Grandma Shaw - Blood Clot

I was in the hospital from a blood clot found in my spleen.  We found it from a CT scan that was ordered to look at a suspicious spot on my lung, which turned out to be nothing.  I was treated at the hospital with blood thinners and returned home in a couple of day.  I learned that I have a family history of blood clots, which includes my Grandma Shaw.

Dann and Jocelyn came for a visit

My Grandma Shaw died of a blood clot that formed in her leg and moved up and eventually killer her.  She was recovering from breast cancer and we weren't able to see her as often as we would have liked.  We were so shocked to hear that she had died.  I still remember the conversion my mom had on the phone when she found out.  I remember we spend the rest of the day at the Lloyd's house crying and playing video games.  She was so young and getting better, so why?  We don't know why, but we know that we will see her again.

Memorable MondayWinter Olympics

I love to watch the Olympics and I feel like I know the athletes.  They come into my home via TV and I cheer alongside them as they compete.  My mom really enjoys the Figure Skating during the winter Olympics.  We both fell in love with Michelle Kwan and hoped she would finally grab the gold medal.  There were other skaters who captures our hearts too.

• Brian Boitano - gold medal - figure skating
• Scott Hamilton - gold medal - My mom's favorite!!  He does flips
• Dorothy Hamill - gold medal
• Peggy Fleming - gold medal
• Tara Lipiski - gold medal
• Sarah Hughes - gold medal
• Michelle Kwan - 2 Silver medals behind Tara & Sarah
• Dan Jansen - race skater from turned tragedy to triumph
• Apollo Ohno - race skater
• Meryl/Davis - Silver ice dancers
• Charlie/White - Gold ice dancers

The winter Olympics came to SLC and I was sad that I didn't live there anymore.  When we came to visit SLC in 2006, I stopped by Rice Stadium (U of U Stadium) to see the torch and take some pictures with my kids near the Olympic symbols.

Angela near the Olympic torch 

Danni near the Olympic torch

Jim and Emily near the Olympic torch

Josh near the Olympic torch

My kids and I near the base of the Olympic torch

 When we came to Salt Lake City, I saw this super cool artwork and I took some snapshots.  Super cool art work!!!

Regionals

Josh tried out for regionals and got the top clarinet score for MHS and made it into the AMEA West Regional Band.  He practiced really hard and made 2nd chair in his division.  Josh has worked super hard and Mr. Brooks is noticing his efforts.  He took the time to tell me how good Josh is getting and what a great experience regionals has been for him. The concert was held at Central High School.  They performed several songs: "Flight of the Falcon"," Children's March"," The Evidence of Things Not Seen", "The Immovable Do", "March from Jazz Suite No. 2".   I just listened to them play.  I didn't record anything nor try to take pics of Josh - I couldn't find him anyway.    The concert was amazing!!!!  We stayed for the Orchestra, Band and Choir sections.

Josh and his plaque

Congrats Josh!!!

Jim's Birthday

It's Jim's Birthday - Shout hurray!!!

Jim is such an amazing man and we are so lucky to have him in our family.  He work hard for our family and comes home to hang out with us.  He loves to tease and play with the kids.  We love you Jim!!!

Memorable Monday Temples

Our family has seen watched the Gilbert Temple being built and have been able to attend several Temple Open Houses and Dedications.  What a blessing to see these temples being built around us.

When I was a child, my family saw the Jordan River temple being built.  I was able to go to the Open House and the dedication inside the temple.  It was the most amazing experience for me as a youth.

My children have attended the open house of the Snowflake Temple, Gila Valley Temple, and Gilbert Temple.
 3/4 of us have been inside the Mesa Temple.

Here is our family before the Gilbert Temple was built and after the temple was built.  

Ashley's Farewell

Today was Ashley's farewell.  I saw down ready for the farewell to begin and saw Ashley sitting on the stand.  It hit me really hared that Ashley is leaving on her in mission in a few days.  We are really going to miss her!!!  She is such a sweet girl with a big heart.  She loves to live life and will love serving those in the Boise, Idaho area.  Goodbye Ashley!!!!  We love you and know that Heavenly Father is so proud of your decision to serve His people in Idaho for 18 months.  We can't wait to hear your stories about the people in Idaho.  We love you!!!!!!

Women's Conference

I was so sick that day of the conference, but I wanted to be there for just a small portion.  Three things stood out in my mind after attending the conference.

1- I heard the last few word of Pres. Millet's talk and he reminded us that Heavenly Father will not fail us.  He wants us to to and hope and will not fail us.  We just need to ask him for help.

2- I attended a class where I learned that I need to see myself the way Heavenly Father does.  Heavenly Father loves me and what what's best for me.  I need to love myself and do what is best for myself.

3- Someone saw that I didn't look my best and told me that I needed to see the doctor and get some antibiotics. 

After hearing these messages, I knew what I needed to do.  Call the doctor!!  There is hope and I feel that I've been pointed in the right direction.  My Heavenly Father loves me and knows my struggles!!!!

Throw Back ThursdayJordan River Temple

Jordan River Temple

When I was young, I had the opportunity to watch the construction of the Jordan River Temple.  Our family attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony, the Open House and the Temple dedication inside the temple.  I still remember those days.

Gilbert Open House

Our family attended the Gilbert Temple Open House this morning.  The kids started school late that day, expect Emily, so we thought it would be a great time to tour the Gilbert Temple.  The temple was so beautiful inside and out.  I loved hearing the quiet oohs and aahs from my children.  Everyone really enjoyed seeing the Celestial Room.  It's a beautiful room with an amazing chandelier.  There is a theme surrounding the temple - agave plant.  This plant was found throughout the temple - the stained glass windows, carpets, wood work, and so many other places.  The younger part of the plant blooms and while the older part protects the plant.  It's a symbol of the importance of families - parents helping their children bloom in the gospel.  It was a beautiful morning to go to the temple with my family. "

 "Families Can Be Together Forever"

Our family at the Gilbert Temple

Cali came with us to the temple Open House.

Memorable MondayMesa High Feeder Concerts

Choir Feeder Concert - Jan 23rd

This will be one of my favorite concerts - ever.  My three daughters sang on the Mesa High stage.  They performed a couple of songs together and I wish the moment never ended.  This will be first and last time my girls perform on the Mesa High Stage.  I volunteer to help out at every moment, just to be there with them.  Danni performed with the Mesa Choir, Angela performed with the Taylor Choir, and Emily performed with the Mesa Children's Choir.

My girls

Emmy and Olivia having dinner before the concert.

Orchestra Feeder Concert - Jan 28th

This was my first orchestra concert at Mesa High.  I was very anxious to hear the Full Orchestra and I was not disappointed.  They sounded amazing!!  I'm so glad that Josh chose to do Full Orchestra this year instead of Jazz Band.  This was the first concert of his junior year that he will perform using his clarinet.  This is my favorite instruments that Josh plays and I secretly wished he played it more.

Josh and his clarinet

Band Feeder Concert - Jan 31st 

I didn't take many single pics of Josh this night, but I love seeing how tall Josh is compared to the junior high kids.  Feeder concerts are amazing for the junior high kids to perform on the Mesa High stage and decide if they want to continue playing in the band when they start school at Mesa High.    Mr. Brooks does a little presentation about marching band and talks it up a lot.  This year, the Mesa High Band and the feeder schools performed "Halo" while the audience watched the video  It was done very well.