Mesa Studio Choir and Orchestra

Bryson Merkley started a group who performed the songs that he wrote, arranged, and directed.  Josh was invited to perform with the group.  He was one of two clarinets.  It was such an amazing concert with some seriously talented youth.  I heard his mom say that it was Bryson's dream to conduct his music on stage.  He is going to go far and I'm so glad that Josh was able to be apart of this group, even if it's just for a short time.

Bryson's digital invitation
The concert was held at Sklyine High

Josh performing

Throw Back ThursdayFourth of July Memories

Here are some pics of past 4th of July events. It's one of my favorite holidays. I really love spending the day with my family.

Memorable MondayResorts

Going down the lazy river at Mesa High reminds me of when we went to resorts in AZ.   We loved going to the resorts.  We would go swimming, go out to eat, and just hang together.  The travel time can't be beat.   There were two resorts that we really liked as a family.  

1. Pointe Squaw Peak Resort‎

Here is the water park

Danni and Josh ready to go play at the water park

Angela and I going down the lazy river

There was a place to golf too

Emily hanging out near the western town

2. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Danni going down the lazy river - check out the rapids

Emily hanging out in the pool

My kids and I

Jim and Emily napping

New Job & New Calling

Josh has a job working at Pizza Hut making pizzas.  It's great to see him in the work force.  Josh also received a new church responsibility.  He makes sure that all the doors around the church building are locked tight.  He is becoming a responsible adult.  

Throw Back ThursdayJosh and Zach

Zach is the little brother Josh never had. They've both grew up a bit, but they are still boys at heart.

Memorable MondayMy Dad

The Mormon Channel had a Father's Day Photo Challenge to honor our fathers.  I wanted to reflect on my dad today and how much he has done for me.

1. Favorite Place to go together.  My dad loves to be with his family.  Here is a picture of him with his family at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building during one of our family reunions.

2. Favorite Thing to do with him - I love to go camping with my dad.  When we were younger, we camped up Big Cottonwood Canyon in SLC.   A few years ago, we had a few camping family reunions. Here is a picture of my dad  with Josh on one of those camping trips.

3. Your dad at your age -  Here is a picture of my dad when he was in his 40's.  We just moved in AZ when this photo was taken.  I was about 19-20 years old.

4. Something he does to be a Christlike example - My dad takes care of my mom and he loves doing it.  Nothing is more Christlike that serving those you love.  He is such a great example of that.

5. Favorite Photo of your dad and why  I love this photo.  He loves his grandchildren  and watching him read to his grandchildren was priceless.

My dad is an amazing and it was fun looking through pictures of him.  

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my dad, my father-in-law, and my husband.  The three of them are amazing fathers and I'm so lucky that I have them in my life.  Here are some pics of the m interacting with my kiddos.

My Dad

My Father-in-Law

Jim