Happy Birthday Joseph!!!

March 14, 2009

We celebrated Joseph's 15th birthday in THREE different ways:   First, he went to the Desert Star Playhouse, a slapstick melodramatic theater that is very fun!   We watched their funny version of "Highschool Musical."  The talented cast crack jokes, sing and dance and it is always a good time.  The cast made a big deal of it being Joseph's birthday and he and Eric and Jon (and mom who tagged along)  had a great time together.

We celebrated in three ways. First, we went to the Desert Star Playhouse..If you have never been to this playhouse, you've gotta go! They do original musical comedies. The talented cast members sing and dance and are so funny! They also have a great time poking fun at current news events, movies and popular culture. The audience sits at tables in tiered seating and are served yummy food and treats by roaming waiters. It is just pure fun. We went to the matinee,"Home School Musical." The cast made a big deal out of it being Joseph's birthday and had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to him. He really loved that. It was really entertaining and the boys had a great time together.


Second, when our kids turn 15, we take them out for a formal dinner date with Mom and Dad where they can have an experience of being a gentleman in preparation for dating when they turn 16!    Joe chose to go to Fridays for his 15th birthday date and we LOVED this special time with him.

Second, we have a tradition that when one of our kids turns 15, they get to go out on a formal dinner date w

Third, after we came home, we enjoyed Joe's birthday cake.  He chose chocolate.  While we ate, everyone shared a few things they love about Joe.   We love this tradition.  Then we watched a fun movie together and had a good time.    I can't believe Joseph is 15 already!   Time must slow down..  Time must slow down...    Happy 15th Birthday Josepha (pronounced Hoe sepha) Jogurt, Joe!  

So Sweet....

Scott crawled up onto Eric's lap and the two of them fell asleep. I love to see this brotherly love. My heart takes a picture...

A Wonderful Experience!

A few weeks ago we went to the Draper Temple Open House. Steve, Eric, Joseph and I had also had the opportunity to help during the open house but on this particular day we took all of our kids to the open house. What a great opportunity to show our kids the beauty and sacredness of the temple before it is dedicated. This temple is breathtakingly beautiful...the whole package, the furnishings, fabrics, the chandeliers, everything was done to perfection. But what made it most beautiful is the sweet peaceful spirit there...the feeling that you are indeed in the House of the Lord and that He loves His children.


This was a good day for us and a strengthening experience for our family. We feel so blessed and are grateful for this new temple...our temple!

The Renaissance Feast

Wow! The Renassance Feast is an annual event hosted by the Music/Performing Arts Department of Eric's highschool. I was just blown away by how elaborate this event was. The stage was transformed into a medieval hall, the tables were set with pewter place settings, all the decorating was exquisite and the costuming was just amazing. The kids put on such a show with madrigal type music, plays etc. Everyone took on a role and had to stay in character throughout the evening. It was such a fun night. And we were so proud of Eric who announced all of the guests as they entered the hall, led a processional to bring in the queen, served water during the meal and sang a solo in the men's ensemble. Such cute kids all of them.. What a fun night.


Wow...what a costume!

Yum! This was the appetizer....We also ate huge turkey drumsticks,veggies and dip, bread, and drank delicious wassail (grog) Everything was eaten with fingers; we were given no utensils.

The Queen ...Elizabeth

Eric singing with his group...He sang a solo and did a great job

Exquisite costumes....

Singing ....

Eric...the steward...helping to serve the meal.

The Renaissance Feast

February 14, 2009

I just couldn't believe how they were able to transform the stage into a medieval hall. It was beautiful and amazing!



Here is my valentine..Steve...What a handsome guy!


These are the "wenches" ....the beautiful maidens who greeted us as we came in. They also served the food. They were all so darling with flower garlands in their hair and they had all curled their hair into ringlets. Oh...and see Eric down at the end? He is announcing each guest as they arrive.

Utah State History Fair

January 2009

We love our school! Every year the 4th graders study Utah state history and hold a big program and fair in January. They do such a great job. The music program is fantastic with acting, singing, dancing--the whole bit. This is the 3rd time I have been able to watch the program and it is a little different every year, but it is always one of favorite programs that school puts on. All of the kids dress up as a person from Utah history. Michael dressed up as Captain Bonneville who was a mountain man/explorer dude. This is a picture of him in front of his display. Way to go Michael!

What a Sweet Day!

March 21, 2009

We had the sweet privilege yesterday of attending the dedication of the Draper Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. There have been few sweeter hours in my life than being able to sit with four of my children and husband in the quiet sacred peace of the temple. The beauty of Father in Heaven's plan for his children and the power of His Son's atonement to save and lift us up surrounded us in that hour as this temple was dedicated by a prophet of the Lord, President Thomas S. Monson. It is a humbling and beautiful blessing to know this temple is our temple....and will be an important part of our family's life for many years to come.

Junior Prom

March 21, 2009

Well, here they are! Eric took a cute girl named Paige to Junior Prom. She is in choir with him and she is very sweet. They went with 3 other couples and as is the custom now days the date started at about 1 pm with miniature golf and fun. Then they all returned home to get ready for the big night! Eric came downstairs and I couldn't believe how handsome and grown up he looked! Ahhh... They all went out to eat at Applebees and then went off to the dance which was held at Thanksgiving Point. After the dance they came back to our neighborhood for treats and a movie. Judging by his mood today I think he had a great time. We are so glad!