Here is the link to listen to the vocal track that I recorded for Victoria Loveland. I sing track #7. The song is called "Behold." After clicking the link, scroll through the songs on the left hand side and push play on #7. She is selling her CD on this website, but I think downloads will eventually be available on iTunes or Amazon.
P.S. Don't feel obligated to buy anything on my account. I did this as a service to Victoria and as a wonderful opportunity for me.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Ernie
My cute brother turned 28 this past Monday. I have three brothers. Bryan is in the middle. I am six years older than him and we were buddies when we were little. I babysat him A LOT. I watched him at the pool and used my own money to buy him treats. My sister & I used to dress him up as a girl (make-up and all) and tell the neighbors that he was our cousin. When he played high school basketball, I loved coming home from college to see him play. When I returned from my mission, we went straight from the airport to the high school to see him play.
He used to call me Ernie (from Sesame Street). I thought it was so sweet that he gave me a nickname, but then he started calling EVERYONE Ernie.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Fall Social
Can I just mention that Blogger has been giving me fits for the last two posts. It wouldn't upload my pictures or leave them spaced how I wanted them. I lost most of the text and had to retype it, so I was a bit bugged. This post isn't so spectacular to warrant 1 1/2 hours of my life, but I just have NEEDED to FINISH something - even if I had to do it three times.
***************
Every year I pay the $6 per child to attend the Fall Social. It's my way of supporting the school (since I DON'T sell cookie dough or wrapping paper). The kids get their wristband and can participate in all the games. They get a candy just for trying or a trinket if they "win" the game. Jessica won once, but was mad that she didn't get more candy. She liked to play and then immediately eat the prize.
I also DIDN'T find 80s outfits for my kids, although there were some stylin' students at the social. I did however readjust Jessica's ponytail to reflect the 80s mood.
This is kind of gross. Jessica is showing us her Tootsie Roll. I mostly loved that I got a capture of her gorgeous eyes. She usually turns them away from my lense.
Yeah for Fall Social!
***************
Every year I pay the $6 per child to attend the Fall Social. It's my way of supporting the school (since I DON'T sell cookie dough or wrapping paper). The kids get their wristband and can participate in all the games. They get a candy just for trying or a trinket if they "win" the game. Jessica won once, but was mad that she didn't get more candy. She liked to play and then immediately eat the prize.
I also DIDN'T find 80s outfits for my kids, although there were some stylin' students at the social. I did however readjust Jessica's ponytail to reflect the 80s mood.
This is kind of gross. Jessica is showing us her Tootsie Roll. I mostly loved that I got a capture of her gorgeous eyes. She usually turns them away from my lense.
Yeah for Fall Social!
The 80s
Last night I took the kids to their school Fall Social. It was an 80s themed carnival. What do I remember about the 80s? Not much, so I dug through my limited supply of pictures of ME from the 80s. Here's a quick trip down memory lane.
1980 - This is me on my 7th birthday (same age as Jacob). I had my party at the McDonald's Party Room. That was the coolest place to have a party back then.
1982 - This is my school portrait. Apparently my mom had a thing for turtlenecks. I'm sporting the NO bang look with the part down the middle. Mom ALWAYS put my hair in curlers because a real girl has curls!!!
1983 - For Fifth grade I got the feathered bangs back to my ears - still parted down the middle. Mom used the curling iron for the bang area and rollers for the back.
1984 - I used to LOVE going to Woolworths to take pictures with friends in the photo booth. This is me with my friends Denise & Niki. Notice how the big bangs have now migrated to a side part.
1986 - This is my 8th Grade student ID. This was my first short haircut. I curled my own bangs. I was able to keep the wings in place by using aerosol hairspray and a blow dryer each morning.
Okay, blast back from the past. I told the kids that I would pay for ONE cotton candy to share. Jessica was VERY excited about having one and waited patiently in line for her own. She didn't realize that the brothers were already devouring our candy. I agreed to buy it partly for the photo op (is that pathetic or what!?). I was barely able to get a couple shots fired off before they had consumed the whole thing.
Jacob scored a SpongeBob poster for one of his prizes.
James loved his new disguise. Jessica walked away with a bracelet and a Smiley ring (but only because she started taking a toy AND a candy after she played a game).
1980 - This is me on my 7th birthday (same age as Jacob). I had my party at the McDonald's Party Room. That was the coolest place to have a party back then.
1982 - This is my school portrait. Apparently my mom had a thing for turtlenecks. I'm sporting the NO bang look with the part down the middle. Mom ALWAYS put my hair in curlers because a real girl has curls!!!
1983 - For Fifth grade I got the feathered bangs back to my ears - still parted down the middle. Mom used the curling iron for the bang area and rollers for the back.
1984 - I used to LOVE going to Woolworths to take pictures with friends in the photo booth. This is me with my friends Denise & Niki. Notice how the big bangs have now migrated to a side part.
1986 - This is my 8th Grade student ID. This was my first short haircut. I curled my own bangs. I was able to keep the wings in place by using aerosol hairspray and a blow dryer each morning.
Okay, blast back from the past. I told the kids that I would pay for ONE cotton candy to share. Jessica was VERY excited about having one and waited patiently in line for her own. She didn't realize that the brothers were already devouring our candy. I agreed to buy it partly for the photo op (is that pathetic or what!?). I was barely able to get a couple shots fired off before they had consumed the whole thing.
Jacob scored a SpongeBob poster for one of his prizes.
James loved his new disguise. Jessica walked away with a bracelet and a Smiley ring (but only because she started taking a toy AND a candy after she played a game).
Sunday, October 7, 2007
"The Luckiest" & Singing LUCKY SEVEN
Last January I found a song that became my daily mantra. It's called "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds.
At the time I felt anything but lucky. But I made myself listen to the song each day in an effort to convince myself that I was truly blessed. I had miscarried just before Christmas and the heartache was still SO heavy - and so was I. I kept an extra 15 pounds from that horrible experience that hung around my barren belly for months.
My dearest friend of 8 1/2 years suddenly and surprisingly announced that they were moving (not down the street, but across the country). It was a 10 day escrow and even though those were ten of my longest days, it all happened too fast.
Add to that my release from a calling that I LOVED - Young Women's President. I had served for two years and three years before that as 1st Counselor. It was time for me to come home to my family and rest from the incredible responsibility, but it was a transition that set me into a tailspin. I thrive in leadership and responsibility. I like being involved and knowing what is going on. Becoming a nursery leader in my daughter's class felt very isolating.
So I was going through tough changes in triplicate. My husband Jon tried to be supportive. He waded through my tears, confusion, self-doubt, and loneliness. Daily I was in hand-to-hand combat with depression and discouragement. I fought hard and held on to God's hope that I am blessed, one of the luckiest. I had a good husband, three beautiful children, a Disneyland annual passport :), beautiful winter weather, friendships that had endured years and even miles, and I felt increased empathy. I tried to do the right things and be prayerful and diligent. I counted my blessings, even if I didn't feel the joy immediately in my heart.
One afternoon I received a phone call from Victoria Loveland. She is a songwriter who wrote a musical based on women in the scriptures. I had met her in January of 2004 when I performed one of her songs in a musical presentation at a Stake Relief Society Conference. I sang the part of Mary Magdalene when she was at the tomb - "He Lives." She called because she was ready to have her music recorded for an album. She asked me to sing the part of Mary, mother of Jesus - "Behold." I was obviously flattered to even be considered for such an opportunity. I have never recorded a track before. I was a bit overwhelmed and intimidated also. We arranged to use a recording studio in Salt Lake City and meet there in about three months when I was there for our family trip.
When July rolled around, I was FULL ON nauseated and barely able to sit for any length of time. I was pregnant again and in the miserable first trimester. I took one or two doses of Zofran daily just to keep food down. I worried about the logistics of even being able to sing. There I was feeling miserable for a wonderful cause and being given a fabulous opportunity. It was surreal being in the recording studio. There were microphones set up for me with spotlights overhead and the technicians were in a room behind the glass. It's wierd to hear yourself sing - in your own head it sounds different than coming through a headset. We spent a couple hours getting the bits recorded and touched up. Then they did some marvelous post-edit to make me sound even better (thanks for that!!!)
So here it is. I have the newly published album in my hot little hands. My name is on the back cover and wouldn't you know - I sing track seven.
I can't help but think how LUCKY I really am. Now months later I can actually feel it. I guess opposition really does help make the highs seem higher after you've made it through the dark and tough lows.
I'm expecting again (and past the yucky part). Time has healed a lot of that heartache. I still wish that my friend and I could go to Mimi's for lunch, but we talk regularly on the phone. I miss my Young Women, but they are in good hands. I'll have a chance to work with the youth again. I still feel less involved in the ward than I'd like, but the problem is that I've fallen in love with these sweet young nursery children.
I know that I am the luckiest!!!
At the time I felt anything but lucky. But I made myself listen to the song each day in an effort to convince myself that I was truly blessed. I had miscarried just before Christmas and the heartache was still SO heavy - and so was I. I kept an extra 15 pounds from that horrible experience that hung around my barren belly for months.
My dearest friend of 8 1/2 years suddenly and surprisingly announced that they were moving (not down the street, but across the country). It was a 10 day escrow and even though those were ten of my longest days, it all happened too fast.
Add to that my release from a calling that I LOVED - Young Women's President. I had served for two years and three years before that as 1st Counselor. It was time for me to come home to my family and rest from the incredible responsibility, but it was a transition that set me into a tailspin. I thrive in leadership and responsibility. I like being involved and knowing what is going on. Becoming a nursery leader in my daughter's class felt very isolating.
So I was going through tough changes in triplicate. My husband Jon tried to be supportive. He waded through my tears, confusion, self-doubt, and loneliness. Daily I was in hand-to-hand combat with depression and discouragement. I fought hard and held on to God's hope that I am blessed, one of the luckiest. I had a good husband, three beautiful children, a Disneyland annual passport :), beautiful winter weather, friendships that had endured years and even miles, and I felt increased empathy. I tried to do the right things and be prayerful and diligent. I counted my blessings, even if I didn't feel the joy immediately in my heart.
One afternoon I received a phone call from Victoria Loveland. She is a songwriter who wrote a musical based on women in the scriptures. I had met her in January of 2004 when I performed one of her songs in a musical presentation at a Stake Relief Society Conference. I sang the part of Mary Magdalene when she was at the tomb - "He Lives." She called because she was ready to have her music recorded for an album. She asked me to sing the part of Mary, mother of Jesus - "Behold." I was obviously flattered to even be considered for such an opportunity. I have never recorded a track before. I was a bit overwhelmed and intimidated also. We arranged to use a recording studio in Salt Lake City and meet there in about three months when I was there for our family trip.
When July rolled around, I was FULL ON nauseated and barely able to sit for any length of time. I was pregnant again and in the miserable first trimester. I took one or two doses of Zofran daily just to keep food down. I worried about the logistics of even being able to sing. There I was feeling miserable for a wonderful cause and being given a fabulous opportunity. It was surreal being in the recording studio. There were microphones set up for me with spotlights overhead and the technicians were in a room behind the glass. It's wierd to hear yourself sing - in your own head it sounds different than coming through a headset. We spent a couple hours getting the bits recorded and touched up. Then they did some marvelous post-edit to make me sound even better (thanks for that!!!)
So here it is. I have the newly published album in my hot little hands. My name is on the back cover and wouldn't you know - I sing track seven.
I can't help but think how LUCKY I really am. Now months later I can actually feel it. I guess opposition really does help make the highs seem higher after you've made it through the dark and tough lows.
I'm expecting again (and past the yucky part). Time has healed a lot of that heartache. I still wish that my friend and I could go to Mimi's for lunch, but we talk regularly on the phone. I miss my Young Women, but they are in good hands. I'll have a chance to work with the youth again. I still feel less involved in the ward than I'd like, but the problem is that I've fallen in love with these sweet young nursery children.
I know that I am the luckiest!!!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Belly in Bloom
I'm official past the 5 month mark. I get bigger as the day wears on and I can't hold it in. I tend to POP at 6 months, so this is the escalation.
I enlisted my boys' help to photo my belly. James thought it was weird that I just wanted my stomach and not my face. Ironically, then he took pictures of my face and cut my belly completely - oh well, now you can see that I cut my hair a bit.
Jacob took the one in front of the tree. He could barely steady the camera. He would stand there forever without snapping the shot and by the time he did, I had my angry face on telling him to hurry up. But he got a couple (out of 25).
Thanks boys!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
NOT how I pictured it...
Sometimes I get these brilliant ideas, but they don't always turn out how I planned. I wanted to drive to Glen Oak and visit the apple orchards and pumpkin patch where my boys had gone on field trips in Kindergarten. I had visions of practicing fall photography and maybe even getting my daughter to look at me for a few. I packed both cameras - checked for memory sticks and batteries, but my effort was in vain. I usually have TWO batteries and two memory sticks for my Nikon. I drained the first one on our Disneyland outing on Monday, so I checked the little battery icon to be sure that I still had power left. I must say that the gauge is a bit optimistic because I didn't get more that 6 shots fired before it died. Now I'm kicking myself because I did have time to recharge the other battery, but I just didn't.
So now I'm on to the old point-n-shoot Sony digital (which was a wonderful camera until I became a camera brat). I figured that some were better than none and it would be good practice in PhotoShop Elements. But, it too started blinking the battery light. At least with that camera, if you turn off the flash and the LPD screen you can still use it for several more shots. But everytime I turned it on I was a frantic mess trying to hurry and "catch" the shot before the camera died.
Los Rios Rancho was beautiful. I enjoyed a hot dog and cinnamon roll with my daughter. She stood in the sunflowers with a beautiful view of the pumpkin patch and rolling mountain hills behind her. It's one of those pictures that was more caught in my heart than with a camera. I wouldn't mind going back there with a loaded camera. The leaves should become more vibrant over the next couple of weeks.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Scary!!!
I know it is the season of frights, but I nearly had a heart attack when I thought my computer was crashing this morning. I just used it last night (to enter my Dancing w/ the Stars votes). My e-mail got locked up so I turned off the computer until this morning. When I turned the power back on, the computer wouldn't boot up.
I would lose all my photos since July (including the 200+ I'm editing from Disneyland yesterday - eventually I'll upload them- all the back to school pics, all the soccer season pics, and all our camping pics), my occasional journal entries which are ONLY kept in Word, & all my checkbook registers since I manage all that in Quicken.
Turns out that Jon's MP3 player was plugged into the drive and making it confused. So all is well. I've spent an hour this morning backing up my photos to disks to go in the fire-proof safe. A scary way to be reminded.
On the other hand, there would be some photos that wouldn't be a total loss - like this one. You wonder why there are very few pictures of ME. It would be nice if the guy didn't snap the shot while I am talking and turning my daughters head. I was so excited to have a little Halloween picture of me with the kids, but THIS IS JUST SCARY!!!
I would lose all my photos since July (including the 200+ I'm editing from Disneyland yesterday - eventually I'll upload them- all the back to school pics, all the soccer season pics, and all our camping pics), my occasional journal entries which are ONLY kept in Word, & all my checkbook registers since I manage all that in Quicken.
Turns out that Jon's MP3 player was plugged into the drive and making it confused. So all is well. I've spent an hour this morning backing up my photos to disks to go in the fire-proof safe. A scary way to be reminded.
On the other hand, there would be some photos that wouldn't be a total loss - like this one. You wonder why there are very few pictures of ME. It would be nice if the guy didn't snap the shot while I am talking and turning my daughters head. I was so excited to have a little Halloween picture of me with the kids, but THIS IS JUST SCARY!!!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Proud
I made it to James' ENTIRE soccer game. This was the first week that I was able to see him play goalie. The first week I only made it to fourth quarter. The second week I stayed home on account of the drizzling, miserable rain. Today was my day to be puffed with pride. James is an AWESOME goalie. He doesn't like being slated to the position for the full game, but he likes being able to kick real far. He isn't afraid to get in there or to dive for a ball. I was able to capture a few of his saves. Good job James!
P.S. The buffering takes a bit - maybe because I added music. It's worth the wait.
P.S. The buffering takes a bit - maybe because I added music. It's worth the wait.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Twinkle Toes
Jessica can lightsaber like a Jedi and belch as loud as her brothers. I love it when I can see the sweet pink side of her.
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