Artist Forum

Tonight I treated myself to one of my geeky, guilty pleasures - attending an artist forum. If you don't know by now, I love art. I definitely have my favorite forms of art and there is some "art" that is questionable, but overall I love being surrounded by the artistic talents of others. The Springville Museum of Art (SMoA) is sincerely one of my favorite art museums. It's this hidden gem in a small-ish town - something unexpected. The museum itself has a old world Spanish feel in the architecture. The rooms are spacious and the exhibits are intriguing. As already mentioned in a previous post, there is currently an exhibit by James Christensen and his two daughter, Cassandra Barney and Emily McPhie. These were the artists that spoke tonight. It was fun to hear their inspirations and fun, family banter. I thought it was very interesting to see how their unique personalities have shaped their work. Moreover, I gained greater insight into several of their pieces as they described the emotions and situations behind them. I was initially drawn to Cassandra's spunky, whimsical personality, but Emily more accurately captures the emotions I feel in her work. I even felt privileged enough to meet them following the forum. (As a side note, Emily McPhie is living in Arizona and flew back on the same flight I was on two days later. Our flight was delayed and I had the privilege of conversing more with her during that time!) It was an extremely rewarding night for me.

A piece by James Christensen 

A piece by Cassandra Barney 

A piece by Emily McPhie

New Beginnings and Springville Art Museum

Today started off with Jeff, the girls and I attending New Beginnings. We have one of the most amazing young women's presidencies! They are so creative and so great at helping our young women know they are loved - not only by themselves but by our Father in Heaven. Today's activity was centered around the current theme - Come Unto Christ. They utilized that theme and added a fun little owl flair by posing the question "Whoooose coming unto Christ?". They had a waffle breakfast (with toppings that matched the colors of the young women's values) and a couple speakers before welcoming in all the new young women that will be turning 12 and joining the organization this year. After the speakers, there was a photo booth and a fun craft to do before going home. What a great way to start our day!

Our crazy bishopric!

After New Beginnings, everyone seemed to split up with various activities. The boys helped Jeff trim our fruit trees. Amber went to BYU to attend EFY Express and Laurin focused on getting her homework done before going to Mr. Skyhawk (a male "beauty" pageant the school puts on as a fundraiser). I met up with my sister-in-law, Mel, and my niece, Kaia, to head to one of my favorite places - Springville Art Museum. This was an extension of my birthday celebration. I don't often get to just hang out with Mel and Kaia so that was fun in and of itself, but it was even more enjoyable to be surrounded by art. I love museums. I think that's one of the things I miss the most about living in a more urban environment - access to cultural arts. I love symphonies, musicals, plays, etc. There is a current exhibit by James Christensen and two of his daughters, Emily McPhie and Cassandra Barney. Mel and I both admire James Christensen's work so we were excited to see some original pieces and a few I'd never seen before. I love the emotion that art evokes. I love interpreting personal meaning and wondering why certain pieces speak to me at this time in my life. It was an incredibly enjoyable afternoon followed by a quiet date night (dinner and a movie at home while all the kids were away!! Thanks Katie for taking the boys!) with my favorite person in the whole wide world, my husband! Definitely a good day!

 

Miracle Bowl

As you all know, Jeff's owns his own business. And, as many of you know or can imagine, it's not always the easiest thing to manage when you are entirely dependent on others to call and request services. Well when Jeff was starting out he had a booth at several home shows to advertise his business. It was at one of those home shows that Jeff met the owner of a property management company. Since that time, this property management company has utilized our business for most, if not all, their plumbing needs. Advantage Management has been good to us over the years and have really kept us afloat during more lean times. So, to show our appreciation, Jeff rented out a bowling alley, grabbed some chips and sandwiches, and invited everyone to take an early afternoon off and enjoy some food and fun. They were encouraged to invite their families as well. Our kids came up to Orem with some of their friends to join the fun as well. There was quite the turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Jeff and I even got a chance (between mingling and serving sandwiches) to play a game. It was a fun afternoon for a deserving group of people!

Tanner, Dallin, and Tyler 

Danny, Jaemon, and Lane 

Check out Jeff's skills

Choir concert

Usually when I title a post "Choir Concert", I'm talking about Amber, but such is not the case in this post. Tonight Dallin had a choir concert. He has been participating in choir at the junior high level and, after seeing Amber's numerous concerts, begged me not to go to his. I think he was overreacting a little because his choir did fairly well...a couple of the other choirs were somewhat painful to listen to, but Dallin did well. I have a new appreciation for my parents and all the concerts (band and orchestra) that I subjected them to. In any case, this was Dallin's classical music term and they actually sang a song in German. Again, I think he did pretty well overall.

My birthday!

Well...today is the actual day! I am officially 35 years old! I have to admit that 35 has been a little tougher than 30. I'm at the pinnacle of my 30s and am now staring downhill at 40 looming in the distance. Yet, I decided long ago, to embrace each year that comes...and hopefully all the wisdom and maturity (a.k.a. trials and tests) that have come with it. Well my special day started off with a special surprise. Usually, Jeff gets up with the kids and handles the morning routine (since I'm in charge of after school and dinner routines). Most mornings I don't even see the kids before they jet off to school (except Danny who doesn't leave for an hour after the other kids do). However, this morning I got a pleasant surprise when Jeff and the kids brought me breakfast in bed with a dozen red roses (from Jeff) and what I am calling a "sanity" basket from the kids. For my birthday, the kids gave me a sweet card that says, "Today is all about you! We have the other 364 days to celebrate us!". I laughed at how true that was...so the kids prepared a basket of some of my favorite sweet treats, movie theater gift cards, and a couple restaurant gift cards so that during those 364 days of them I can still seek sanity as needed.

 

 

There was no falling asleep after that morning surprise, so I got up to start the day. Once Danny left for school, Jeff and I spent the rest of the day together. He took me out shopping to buy my birthday gift - boots. Not just any kind of boots though - cowboy (or rather cowgirl) boots. I guess I need to finally give in and embrace the country life. Actually, my mom grew up on a cattle ranch in Mexico so I have some cowboy blood running through my veins. I really enjoy certain aspects of country living (as much as I say that I miss the city life). I like the space we have and the solitude and serenity that surrounds us. I enjoy learning how to work the land (even though I still have much to learn and probably would still sell this property if Jeff wasn't around to tend it). I am excited for all the small town festivals over the summer...and of course, hitting up at least one rodeo. Now I'll look official with my boots.

After finding my boots (which were on clearance!), Jeff took me to what has become my favorite restaurant in Provo - Communal. When we were seated, there was another dozen red roses waiting at our table. Can I just say that I have the BEST husband in the universe?! I was pleasantly surprised by his thoughtfulness and the planning and preparation that went into that. After we finished our meal, they brought out a delicious chocolate lava cake with homemade vanilla ice cream (and a birthday card they all signed)! Just another reason this has become my favorite restaurant.

We then headed back to the car to, what I had assumed was to, head home. However, Jeff simply placed the roses in the car and asked me to take a walk with him. I wasn't sure what he had up his sleeve next. I was a little worried when we approached a mortuary (I didn't think he'd make me pick out a coffin so soon), but was pleasantly surprised when we passed that and headed straight for the Provo Bakery. I didn't even know this bakery existed. Again, I had erroneously assumed we were going to pick out a little treat (even though we'd already had dessert) for my birthday, but when Jeff said that he had an order to pick up, I was again surprised by his thoughtfulness and forethought. There was another dozen roses (36 roses in all to welcome me to my 36th year of life) with a platter (which he bought and provided them) of a few lemon flavored (my favorite) pastries. Have I mentioned that I have the BEST husband in the universe?! I am so grateful for all he does. He knows the tears I've cried and the difficulties I've made with this new stage in my life, and he makes sure to celebrate me every day. Still, today was even more special. I feel truly blessed to have him in my life. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect eternal companion. He makes every tear and every frustrating moment worth it with the joy and love he gives me.

 

The day ended with a scrumptious (especially since I didn't have to make it) dinner (French dip sandwiches and veggie sticks). Jeff's parents and Katie joined us as well. The Relief Society presidency (of which I am a part) dropped a gift off and my siblings and parents all called. I couldn't have asked for a better way to usher in my next year of life. I feel blessed with an amazing family. I feel loved and appreciated beyond compare. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special!



 

 

 





Weber State University

Today, in the state of Utah, all the juniors were required to take the ACT during the school day. Because of that, the sophomores and the seniors didn't have to go to school (lucky)! Therefore, Laurin had the day off....so what did we do? We headed to Ogden to visit Weber State University! I know I have only known Jeff and the kids for almost two years...but this is ridiculous! Time is FLYING!!! I can't believe Laurin is actually at that stage of life to be moving out and starting college. I think she still has mixed feelings about the whole "moving out" part, but I think she's ready. She is such a responsible, mature young woman. She will do fine...even if it's a bit scary! In any case, Laurin invited her friend, Courtney (who is also considering WSU), to come along. We got to the campus a little earlier than our scheduled campus tour so we went to the student union to hang out. As I watched all the college kids mill around and interact, I was grateful that stage in my life is over! Don't get me wrong! I enjoyed college and still have several friends that I met while in college, but I am done with all the classes and exams and silly boys and dating (even though those last two lasted longer than my college career). I smiled as I watched several boys take interest in Laurin and Courtney. I think it was good that I was there instead of Jeff! Finally, we took the tour and spoke with a campus counselor regarding registration and classes, etc. We also visited the two on-campus housing complexes and made sure to drop by the Institute building. WSU is a smaller campus, which I think is appealing. I think Laurin will enjoy it there. It's crazy to think that she may be there in less than 6 months! With that realization, on top of my birth-week, I suddenly felt old! Still, I'm excited for all the adventures that lie in wait for Laurin!

Pre-birthday celebration!

My favorite holiday of all time happens this week - my birthday! Growing up, this was the one day that I didn't have to do my chores (even if it was my day to do the dishes) or help in the kitchen. It was the day that I got to pick what we ate for dinner and what we had for dessert. As I got older, it meant more to me because, until recently, I never got to celebrate other holidays that are reserved for people who are romantically involved or for women who have children. It was the only day that I could be celebrated...and perhaps noticed and appreciated more than the normal every day stuff...and my family always did an excellent job of trying to make those birthday moments special! In fact, I would make every effort to elongate my birth-day into a birth-week; thus, tonight's pre-birthday celebration! In all truthfulness though, it's hard to get my two siblings (who live in UT) together any other time than on a Sunday and since my birthday is mid-week this year, I figured I would invite them over for Sunday dinner to celebrate together. For dinner, I made a version of what I would always have: oven-fried chicken (replaced by ranch chicken), homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, and green bean casserole. I added a veggie tray this year for those who don't like green bean casserole and my sister, Krystle, made my traditional homemade lemon cake. Yumm!! Even my kiddos, who assert that they don't like cake, loved the lemon cake! I just loved spending time with my family. I try to see my sister at least once every other week (if not weekly), but it's hard to catch my brother. I wished my parents and other siblings could have been here too. Still, it was a great way to start the birth-week!

Mel, Scott, Kaia, Me, Nolan, Krystle, and Jordan