The 1st Competition of the Season- part 2

After, we picked up the trophies, we had to get some pictures in groups and individuals. Tiffy also wanted to tell us (mostly my brother John who is in Iraq and wasn't able to see her perform but is usually an avid supporter) how she did.




After, we got them changed back into their traveling uniform. We had an hour break, so Tamra, Maddie and the 3 of us went to lunch together. When we came back, we had to get the girls changed and ready for their production number in which they are cowgirls- Tiffy is the Sheriff.



Tiffy wasn't feeling well- her stomach was having some issues, but she sucked it up and danced anyway. She did have a couple mess ups, but kept a smile plastered on her face while on stage. She overdid one step and fell, but kept going as she has been trained to do. I was so proud of her for ignoring the pain and frustration and kept up with the routine. Once, behind the prop, I could tell she was almost ready to cry, but she did as she has been taught and calmed herself to do the next section perfectly. It takes a lot of commitment to keep going after you are hurt and embarrassed. It all paid off though.

After their dance, the AM awards were next. We found out that the studio had taken 1st in all dances performed up to that point-which meant that both dances they were in won 1st. WOOHOO! Josh, Tamra and I all sat together fot the awards ceremony and were super loud. We really made the studio in front of us mad cause we kept cheering super loud when we took 1st (because they were taking like 3rd and 4th- ha ha). It was so awesome! Sammy (from Tiffy's class) had decided to do a solo and took 1st. We took 1st in Mini Amateur Jazz (that was Hey Mickey!- our girls), Mini Amateur Novelty (the group Tiffy wants to try to get into next season), Junior Amateur Jazz, and Small Production. We also won overall highest scores! Very cool!!! We haven't found out how the older girls did because their awards are later at night at the very end of the competition, but we should find out this week how they did.

After the awards ceremony, we got to leave. So, we got Tiffy changed back into her traveling uniform and got all of our stuff. As we were leaving, she gave us her opinion on how the day had gone.




She was really excited to get 1st in all categories she had performed in. Last year, we placed in all categories and did fairly well, but this competition we took first in all which is exciting.

After we got home, we all took a nap which was VERY needed by this point. We plan of taking the rest of the weekend to do a whole lot of nothing and try to recoop before we all have to go back to work on Monday. We do not have another competition until May, but May should be a very exhausting month as we have 2 competitions and their final recital. This means long hours of practice for the next 2 months. It's okay. The girls love to dance and if she likes it and keeps her busy, then it's a good thing.

The 1st Competition of the Season- part 1

So, yesterday was a very long and busy day. We got up very early to get ready to go to a dance competition in Spanish Fork, UT. When, we got there, all the girls had to change out of their traveling uniforms and had to change into their "Mickey" costume. After we did that, the girls stretched out. Tamra was nice enough to work with the girls and stretch them out while the rest of us worked on makeup and hair for some of the girls who weren't ready yet.




After they had stretched out, the girls all got together to run through some changes that had been made. Apparently, one of the mom's didn't feel the need to show up on time (we were supposed to be there by 8A) and so Jocelyn (the owner of the studio) had to enforce the contract we have all signed and did not let her daughter dance- she was nice enough to let her dance at the 2nd dance which is the production number. So, because of the changes made, they had to run through the dance a couple times with these last minute changes and we all hoped the girls would remember them.




Monica (Katelyn's mom) had gotten all of the girls backpacks with treats, drinks, coloring books and etc so that they would have entertainment in the down times. It was pretty funny because in Tiffy's bag, she got a princess coloring book (they all had different ones) and some of the girls were jealous.




Finally, it was time to go perform "Hey Mickey!" They all lined up and looked so cute.




They did so well. They were right on, had great facials, and were all in sync. We all cheered very loud for all of them (of course). After the dance, we all went to go pick their trophies up.

Today was busy, but tomorrow will be nutso...

Today was a busy day. I got up at 4:30a since I wasn't sleeping well, and I got up and went to the gym for the 5:15a spin class. I have decided that a 9a spin class is much easier- probably cause you are more awake by then. All in all, it was a good class.

I went home after the class to have breakfast and take Tiffy to school. Afterwards, I met Angie at the gym. We went and sat in the sauna and hot tub for a bit, then I went to Pilates class. My friend Tamra teaches it on Friday mornings, so if I happen to be off work, I try to go to her class. I finally got home a bit before noon.

I have really decided that myfocus this year is to contiunue on with my goal to get healthy. it isn't easy, but I feel that it is important that I do it. So, I try to go to the gym 6-7 days a week.

After I picked Tiffy up from school, Angie and her kids, Jeanie and her kids, and Tiffy and I decided to go shopping in Salt Lake. So, we went shopping. By the time we got home, all of the kids were noticeably tired and sort of ornery. LOL. True kids.

I have to get up at 4:30a tomorrow becasue Tiffy has her first competition of the season. She is excited, but it will be a very exhausting day. At least Josh has the day off- which is a nice thing. Go Tiffy!!!

Goodbye Johnny

On Friday the 20th, we all got together as a family to wish my brother John farewell until October. We all went to PF Changs. Josh wasn't able to come since he had to work, but the rest of us came. Crystal, Brian, Emilee, my dad and Lonnie, John and Patty, Tiffy and I all got together.






Tiffy entertained herself with Patty's iphone playing games.



After dinner we took a group picture (well, I'm not in it since I took the picture).






There was also a BBQ on Saturday that Crystal, Josh and I went to. It was nice to see him in a social setting. It's kind of funny to see which ones of us feel that we can be friends, and which ones are just "family". Makes me laugh sometimes. We all love each other, but its different.

Seeing my brother under these conditions always makes me kind of sad. I love seeing him, but it reminds me how fragile life is and how much risk he actually puts himself in. He got to come back for 5 days, but is leaving again to Iraq until October. I really hate that we still have troops overseas. It makes me worried for my family. I really appreciate everything that they do for us protecting our country, but it comes at a high price for the families of the military. In my family, we have 2 people in the military actually (My brother John is in the Marines, and Josh's brother Isaac is in the Air Force). Sigh.
I do love my brother and I appreciate him more than he knows.

The Park

On Wednesday, 3/18, I was on my way home to get Tiffy from Angie's when she called and asked if I wanted to go to the park. I said sure. So, I met her and the kids at the park. It was such a nice day, it seemed like everyone was out enjoying the lovely weather. I brought Chloe with me, and the kids had a lot of fun playing with her. Tiffy and her friends ran her around a lot, which is good cause it helped her get rid of some of her energy.



They also had a lot of fun playing on the playground as well.






By the time we left 1.5 hrs later, she was hungry, but happy. All in all, a fun time.

Brian's wedding...I think.

So, 2 weeks ago, on a saturday afternoon (3/14), brian text's me and says "I'm getting married tonight. I hope you guys can come." Of course I was completely surprised, since I knew he was dating a girl, but didn't know how serious it was. However, I was happy for him. He said it would be a pagan wedding and knowing him I asked him what sort of a rating it would have. He said PG-13ish. So, I got a babysitter. While talon watched Tiff, Josh, Crystal, Ephraim and I went up to big cottonwood canyon where he was going to have the ceremony. I can honestly say it was the weirdest ceremony I've ever been to. The high priest got up there and said "These 2 are the biggest pains in my butt!". he said that a couple times and then had them put their hands together. As he held their hands and rocked it from side to side, he said "you need to push and pull, go forward and back in a marriage." He didn't elaborate or anything. he said that a couple times, had them light the candles and then he said "Well, my back is hurting, so i'm gonna leave you with that." and then walked away. We all just sort of stood there wondering if he was coming back. Brian and Emilee's friend who is a pagan as well, came up and finished the ceremony by doing the handfasting. I still do not know if it was legal.





Regardless, Brian is happy and it makes me glad to know that he is doing well. In Josh and I's pic, we are just being cheesy. he he he.

So very much has happened lately...

I have been in a kind of funk lately. I have had a hard time writting anything lately and I don't necessarily know why..but I have a ton of things to talk about and procrastinating never helped anyone...so here goes. (LOL!).

The first weekend in March we had Tiffy's portfolio pictures taken by a photographer we know (Brit). he did a great job with her pics and they turned out really cute. When we were done, Tiffy wanted to take a pic by the fountain. It turned out super cute! Actually all the pics taken that day did.



I am constantly amazed by how cute she is. I guess she has good genes. :)

I am upset...

So, I get home after a day at work today and I find that one of my antique chairs that I got from my grandma and one of the only things I have left of her and of my childhood has been chewed up and completely destroyed by Chloe, one of our dogs. I was so upset (still am actually), all I could do was go into my room and lay down for a while so that I would not lose my temper. It really upsets me and makes me sad to think that one of the only things I have from my grandma is ruined. Even if I fix it, and it will be a hefty price tag attached to that repair, it won't be the same. The biggest thing about it is that I have so few things from my childhood, that to me things like that REALLY matter. Sigh.