Grandma Pace's Funeral

Yeteve Sims Pace, 96, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away April 30, 2012.  She was born Feb. 4, 1916 in Miami, AZ and spent all of her adult life in Gilbert, AZ.  Yeteve is the daughter of Albert and Ella Smie (bother deceased) and the way of Ray M. Pace (deceased).  She is survived by her seven children - Linda Miles of Buckeye, Marden Pace of Mesa, David Pace of Gilbert, Daniel Pace of Phoenix, Kathryn McElderry of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Ray S. Pace of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Melody Reber of Gilbert.  Yeteve has served these last 30 years in the Arizona Temple and then the LDS Mesa Family History Center.  She has 44 grandchildren, 82 great-grand children and on great, great-grand-child.

Grandma and Grandpa Pace

Ray and Yeteve Pace

We loved our sweet Grandma Pace and are so sad that she isn't here with us anymore.  We know that she lived a long life and is now with her husband that she lost many years ago.  We had a BBQ the night before her funeral.  It was great for the family to get together and I know Grandma was there in spirit.

Ray & Yeteve's children

The funeral was a wonderful celebration of her life and I loved hearing the stories of her youth.  Kathryn, Mindy, and I sang a song with some of Grandma's daughters and granddaughters.  She sang one of her favorite songs and it was a great experience for me to sing with these women that Grandma loved so much.  This was a great opportunity for us to teach the children about the plan of salvation and that they will see Grandma Pace again.  She was an amazing woman and I'm so glad that we had so much time with her.  We love you Grandma Pace!!!

Our family

Memorable MondaySpace Shuttle

Angela participated in a space shuttle mission that Mesa Public Schools offers the 6th graders.  There is a team of instructors who specialize in this area and go to different elementary schools to teach the 6th grader what to do.  Angela was the Communication Specialist on the space station and had some assignments that she had to do.  It was a great experience for her to be with her peers and participate in the program.

The Space Shuttle @ Porter - inside and out

Space Shuttle and Space Station

I remember Josh and Danni had the same opportunity when they were in 6th grade.  Danni was the shuttle pilot and flew the shuttle during their mission.  Josh was the technology specialist on the space station.

I remember watching the space shuttles go up in space.  I was in awe every time they went up.  I was in high school when the Challenger blew up as it went into space.  Since there was a school teacher on board, the schools had a vested interest in watching the space shuttle.  Mr. Mason, my chem teacher, was one of many teachers that NASA considered to send up on that mission.  He was deeply affected that day.  I  remember watching the news over and over again as they determined the cause.  I also remember watching the news when the Columbia fell apart as it re-entered the atmosphere.  It was heartbreaking to see them enter the space shuttle not knowing that they will return home safely. 

The space shuttle missions have ended and the space shuttles have been retired.  The Discovery shuttle was flown over DC and it makes its way to the Smithsonian Museum.

Piano Recitals

Emily had her "Let's Play Music" recital with her classmates.  The 3rd years had their own concert which was made it really nice.  They sang a few songs - "Treble, Bass, Line, & Space", "Let's Find the Root"(complete with sun glasses), and "Our Bugs are so Fun".  Emily performed her original compositions titled "Dear Mother".  To end the concert, the kids performed a Skater Puppet Show.  I'm so glad that my younger two girls had the opportunity to participate in this amazing program.  Emily has graduated from "Let's Play Music" and now she can take piano lessons.

Angela had her piano recital with Sis. Favreau.  This year, Angela took piano lessons and learned a lot. She plays the piano very well and is constantly improving.  I'm so proud of her.  She performed "Taco Fiesta" at the piano recital.  She loved the name of the title and wanted to play that song. We are so proud of you Angela!!!

Music Man

Taylor put on the Music Man Jr. this year.  Danni auditioned for a part and was so nervous about singing a solo in front of the judges.  It was a great experience for her and she landed the perfect role for her.  She worked really hard on the musical and attended rehearsals for 3 months, some of which were all day and some lasted well in the evening.  She really enjoyed spending the time with the cast and performing on stage. I really enjoyed getting involved as well and helped whenever I could.  Mesa High was such a great support to Taylor this year - they provide mics and help when needed.  Emily Ellingson, a MHS student, came and help direct the play.  She was a valuable member of the directing team and was very encouraging and helpful to the kids.  The play was amazing and all their hard work paid off.

Danni played Alma Hix 

Danni did an amazing job!

Danni was one of the Pick-a-Little Ladies

Zach was in Music Man too!

Music Man

More pics from Music Man

Getting Ready for the Show

Complete Cast and Crew

 GREAT JOB!!!!!

Jazz Concert

Mesa High held a combined Percussion and Jazz Band Concert on the stage.   The seating arrangement was cool and the audience sat on the stage too which made the concert much more intimate.  Josh is involved in 2 Jazz Bands - Jazz Band Combo and Jazz Band II.  One band is an after school club while the other one is a class offered at Mesa High.  Josh really loves Jazz Band and I love to hear him play.

Josh playing with the Combo

Memorable MondaySpring Pictures

I just received the spring pics from the schools.  I love to make collages of the kids school pics and see them side by side.   MHS didn't take spring pics, so I added one of Josh to the collage.

My kiddos

Since Emily is in first grade, I wanted to see my kids 1st grade spring pics side by side.  Since Josh was in 1st grade twice, I included both pictures in the collage.  Angela attended Roosevelt when she was in 1st grade and they didn't take spring pictures, so I included a picture of her after a field trip.  It's fun to look and see the similarities and differences they had when they were the same age.

First Grade Spring Pictures

Dancecentennial 2012

"With and entertaining narrator highlighting Arizona's historical people, places, and milestones, nearly 1,100 young women and young men filled a local football field to celebrate the state's centennial with music and dance.  Thousands watched the 'Dancentennial' which was performed in two shows April 21 at Mesa High School."  Church News

My kids have worked on the dance centennial since the beginning of the year.  There was a fireside to kick off the event.  Angela was 11 years old when she started practicing for the festival. She worked really hard and it was great to watch her.  Danni is a great dancer and it was great to watch her perform.  I didn't know that Josh could dance, but he has some good moves.  This was a great experience for my kids and I really enjoyed watching it.

Danni, Josh, and Angela

Angela and her partner Alice Johnson

Danni and her partner Jocelyn

Josh and his partner Samantha