I love Landon.....he loves drums

On Thursday Landon had a mini concert at their school. They performed for the 6th graders in hopes to recruit them into playing band their 7th grade year.

I was able to get off work to attend. I like to go to this concert (as I have for Josh and Tanner as well) as it is an inimate setting and I'm able to actually see them play -- instead of on a stage hidden behind 75 other players! =)

I think Landon will hate to admit it, but having had 5 years of piano experience has really helped him to be able to catch on quickly and be an asset to the band. Of course knowing Landon's nature.....he's always helping someone else learn too. These students starting playing in September, yes there are a few squeeks -- but not bad for 6 months since they started learning! The teachers do a great job!

Landon is really the cutest thing out there! Yes, I know I'm partial -- it must be the little drummer sway that he has goin' on!


Landon The Drummer Boy! from Matt S. on Vimeo.

Sweethearts Dance

Last night was Sweethearts Dance.

Joshua went with a girl named Joanna. This is the "brief" report that I received:

They went to to breakfast...

"the breakfast was good."

then he came home for a couple of hours.

then went to a church to play games with the group....

"the games were fun."

then he came home for a couple of hours...

{I ironed his "duds" and sprayed them with good smelling stuff}

then they went to dinner....then the dance...and a friends house afterwards.

"we had a great time"

Does that sound like a typical report from a teen boy?

Yes, indeed it does.

Guess I better get used to it.

Free Running or Parkour

Josh and a few of his friends (Chris and Cory) . . . . . . . . . .

have been into doing what they call "Parkour" or Free Running. The three of them were up at USU campus practicing and were stopped by a few college students and asked if the were free running. The students had started a free running club at USU for and asked if they would be interested in joining. They were pretty excited.

The first time Josh and Cory went (about 2 months ago) we got a call from Josh later that night.... "ummmmm, Mom........someone put a boot on my car and I have to pay $70 to get it off!"

I am happy to say that all partee's involved have learned their "parking on campus" lessons...and I've been paid back the $70. :O)

Josh and his friends have continued to attend the club weekly. Last week Landon went with Josh and filmed some of the maneuvers that they are learning. This is an edited video that Josh and Matt made. If you watch closely you'll see Josh doing a few of the tricks. It's amazing how far they climb up what they call "The Wedge."

Yes, I am a little worried about broken bones.... but, what's a Mom to do when their children find something they enjoy? It could be worse.....It could be hang gliding. Oh wait....they do like that too!!!

Please don't let the "whitey tighties" sign distract from the talent.

PARKOUR - FREE RUNNING CLUB. from Matt S. on Vimeo.

Lazy Pants....and Birds.

SO.................

yesterday, I signed up our family for memberships at the Sport Academy and Raquetball Club! I've been putting it off because of my job situation. Feeling a bit more secure, we decided to go ahead.

I'm tired of being Ms. Lazy Pants...and need to do something about it. I really feel like my physical health is dragging me down.

The boys were very excited. We even had our first workout last night. Tanner and Landon went swimming and Josh walked and ran on the treadmill next to me while I walked. Pretty cool to spend that time together. I can see this as a good thing spending many family hours together staying fit.

Wish us (and me) luck. Getting back in shape after a few years of inactivity is for the BIRDS!

One Year Ago

One Year Ago ...... I made a job change. It was surly a difficult decision then, but now looking back my life is much more simpler. I appreciate that! I've really come to enjoy the associations that I've made in Theatre.

Things are still a bit stressful with the possibility of job losses, but for now I'm feeling pretty good that it won't effect our department in the immediate future. We are still waiting for a final word from the legislature on the % of budget cuts. Things still may change a year from now.

I was able to have a "one on one" with Craig Jessop, who will be taking over the Theatre Department as new department head. It was a very uplifting and insightful conversation. He knows the direction that he wants to go and he will be great to work with. I've only been in awe and admired him from a distance as the former conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I tried not to act like it was a big deal. ha!

Happy one year Anniversary!

new carpet AND baseboards.... somebody pinch me!

Ok, so after that last blog entry.......I'm kinda feeling bad about posting my latest purchase.

Three years ago we remodeled our kitchen and part of that big undertaking was putting up new baseboards. We knew we were going to re-carpet the frontroom, so we didn't put up any baseboards.

so...three years no baseboards in the frontroom.

For Christmas 2008 I decided I wanted the frontroom carpeted! So we did it! ....and Matt did a beautiful job on the baseboards. I just love it! It feels so complete, done and homey!

The first thing we did while there was no furniture in the room was make snow angel's in the carpet. =)

Here's the transformation ~~~~~~~~~

Nice carpet guy! however, Clover didn't agree.... yap yap yap!

Primed baseboards --- ooo la la!!!

The finished product!

Thanks Matthew, honey (the Dad) you did a super job!!!

Unsettling Times

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is feeling the uncertainty with the economy in the world today.

I've tried to keep optimistic and positive. I've caught myself turning off the television just so I don't have to listen to it any longer. It seems to heighten the anxiety level.

I double think every purchase -- is this a want or a need?

My job is on the line.

I don't like it.

I've always felt secure at my job and working for a University; reliable income, good atmosphere and great benefits. This month marks my 10 year anniversary. Wow! I have a feeling I won't be getting an Aggie shirt to celebrate this momentous occasion. Perhaps a coupon for a free Aggie ice cream? One could be hopeful. =)

It was recently announced, depending on the Legislative cuts, that the University will be forced to layoff 300-600 employee's in the next 6 months. Those numbers are huge to me! These aren't just numbers, these are families. The trickle down effect of this will surely be detrimental not only to the families but to the vitality of the valley.

In today's newspaper it was announced that the Theatre and the Music Department will be merging under one Department Head because of the current financial need. The departments did have first hand knowledge that this was in the works - just seeing in print makes it more of a reality and that change is surely coming! Since I work for the Theatre Department as their business manager.....it's very concerning. Joining the two departments creates duel role responsibilities. I can't help but feel a bit of a lost soul.

This has been a good time for reflection and prayer. Ultimately, I'd love to stay at home and be a full time Mom. Financially we would drown. I keep thinking how I could be creative enough to make it work? Wouldn't it be nice to just have that "perfect" something that you could do...and wouldn't have to rely on other's for your income? Sometimes I have a difficult time thinking outside the box. I'm better at stealing ideas and "tweaking" them to make them my own.

In the mean time.....I wait and wonder what opportunities will present themselves for my future and the future of my family. I always know in my heart that things will work themselves out...it's just having the faith during the uncertainly to rise above it all.

Today I keep smiling.....and a little chocolate on hand doesn't hurt either. =)