Jungle Book

Didi auditioned for her 5th grade musical, and got one of the few solo singing parts:  she got to be Kaa, the snake!  The set was amazing, and the kids worked very hard through three months of after-school rehearsals.  Ever since Didi was in a Shakespeare project group in Eugene, she's loved acting and is getting really good at it.  I wish you could have all seen her shine in this role as Kaa, it was so much fun!

Opening night for the musical was on my birthday.  What a great way to celebrate my birthday, in the audience of one of my favorite performers!  So we had a quick dinner and dessert before heading over to the show.  JeLLo cheesecake--my requested dessert.  Yum!

Didi captured my reaction here to a great birthday surprise for me--Jazz gifted me something I've "needed" for a LONG time:  a GPS!  The kids will all be happy to not have to endure so many U-turns.  : ) 

the elephants

"Trust in meeee!  Just in me...close your eyes, and trust in me!  Slip into silent slumber..."  The best song in the show :)!

Congrats from Dad after the show

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Kaa and Mogley

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Kaa and Mogley's girlfriend from the man village ; )

Her costume was really fun.  She had to carry the tail coiled around her arm when she paraded to and from the stage during the group numbers, and she and the other kids got kind of hot in these costumes.  But, so cute.

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with the directors

with Baloo and Bagheera

We're so proud of Didi for being brave on the stage!  It was so much fun to watch her!

Spring Pics

Here are some more fun events that we've enjoyed in the last few months:

Shark has a paper route.  It's a great job for a kid.  It can be a little stressful when the sorting and delivering duties seem to get in the way of his studies, but he's been able to manage it pretty well.  It's just a weekly paper, so he does the sorting and stuffing on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Mom helps with the delivery on Tuesdays after school. 

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Goldie won this coloring contest at her school, and won $5!

Didi and Jazz had a GREAT time at a father-daughter activity that was held at her school.  I had to snap this picture of the cute pair before their evening together. 

Here's Didi playing as the first-chair saxophonist in her band concert (purple dress, long hair, right side). 

Didi also got to sing in the Select Chorus this year.  She's been asking me lately when she can start taking voice lessons, so that's kind of exciting!  Not sure when we'll start that, but perhaps soon.

Tootie puts on a show in his preschool parent's day performance. 

We've got GREAT KIDS!

Mother's Day

Our back yard is FULL of lucky clovers!  I have so much fun finding one or twenty when I walk through and decide to look for a few minutes.  What?  You've never found one?  Come on over, we've got plenty to share!

It's amazing--"please go do your practicing" is something we almost never have to say with Shark and his trumpet!  He's come a long way in a year, and it's fun to hear him play. 

B Y High School Musical...the Road Show

I am in a very bloggy mood.  I have been reading so many great things from so many cool people that I know, who have become writers in the last few years, and I find myself wanting to be just like them. 

I feel like I have so much I want to write about, so many opinions worth explaining to you,  stories I want to share with you...  I don't find it in me to become a fiction writer, but that's okay if that's not my calling.  I know the fiction world is in great hands with friends of mine that have talents in that area! 

I've especially been inspired this week by a new young writer that I met, who is just 12 years old.  She blogs, has written story after story, and has won awards...and as I read her blog, I forget that I'm not reading the writings of someone my same age.  I'm feeling so inspired. 

I completely understand why people write for a living.  I get these little baby ideas in my head that want to grow up to be big kid ideas and grown-up ideas by coming out of my head and maturing through the written word.  I think I am deciding that I am going to blog a little more in the coming days.  Just to see where my little wannabe writer skillz  can take me. 

But for now, I would like to just share some great family photos with you, since I love to do that too, and I feel there's much to offer by way of a photo update.  Here goes:

Did you know that our family was involved in a short musical performance called a Road Show a couple months ago?  Jazz and I were asked to assist a few other adults in directing the youth in our church in a 5-8 minute musical production of our own composition, to be performed with other scenes from other youth groups in the area.  We came up with the them of "B Y High School Musical" to go along with the regional theme of "Arise and Shine Forth".  We took a song from the movie High School Musical and expounded on it...changed the words just a tiny bit, added a script of our own, and then helped these fun kids learn it and perform it--all in 24 hours (the working with the youth part was to be done in one weekend, nothing more).  It was a whirlwind weekend, and pretty crazy, but worth it for one simple reason:  we know we created some wonderful memories for these kids.  And isn't making memories what being a kid is all about?  Heck, I guess it's what being a grown up should be all about too.  So yes, Jazz and I found it to be a LOT of work, and it's not something we would volunteer to do again out of the goodness of our hearts, but if we were called upon to do it again...um...well let's not think about that.  Let's just remember that our kids had a blast, and they did an awesome job of performing.  If it had been a competition (as Road Shows used to be in years past), our group would have won ; ). 

Shark loved being the high school mascot.  Lucky for us, there is a school nearby with Cougars as their mascot, and someone had this awesome costume for us to borrow.

Goldie got to be one of the "book nerds" in the cast.  She, Didi, and Tootie were technically under age since it was supposed to be an activity for the teenagers (or kids ages 12 and up), but since their parents were on the production team, they got to be in the cast (otherwise we would have had to find babysitters for the entire weekend).  They had a great time! 

Tootie was in the closing segment as a member of the rock band.  He tells everybody now that he plays the guitar. 

Here we are giving a last run through in the parking lot right before the performance. 

Didi got to be a cheerleader in the cast, and got pretty good at this stunt : ). 

The production team that we worked with was made up of some of our most favorite people since we've moved here.  If we had to do this again, we'd definitely want them on our team.  Especially since they're the ones that requested that we be their assistants this year, and turnabout is fair play, ha ha.  ; )

I'm Picky, Are You?

 
I never thought of myself as a picky eater, until recently, when I made a discovery:  I am a picky eater.  

I used to think picky eaters were the kids in my family, who won't eat half of what is served to them (or less than half), or the adults in my family that don't like all of the same foods that I like.  I thought that if someone else was doing the cooking, I would eat just about anything, and anyone who doesn't like my cooking is just simply ungrateful.

I know I'm not the world's best chef (which is understandable since I don't even aspire to be considered a chef of any sort--cooking is my least favorite chore), but why would it matter if:
-I didn't follow a recipe exactly?
-I don't use the same recipe you're used to?
-I included an ingredient or two that doesn't TASTE good to you?  (ham, tomatoes, or noodles--heaven forbid, etc.)
-I burnt the food just a teeny tiny eensy teensy bit?
-I brought home the generic brand instead of your favorite name brand food?

In my mind, those were all the characteristics of a picky eater.  None of those quirks bother me in the least.

BUT, I finally recently realized and decided that I have to be in the picky eater's club, whether I like it or not...just for different reasons.

You see, for me, it generally doesn't matter if something doesn't taste quite right, or look quite right even.   But I discovered that I do have two criteria that all of my food choices center around: is the food A) "healthy" enough, or B) is it so incredibly delicious that I will let the health-aspect slide (and this usually only applies to sugary foods).  Oh, and C)-if the food is overpriced, I probably don't want to buy it (this doesn't apply to wonderful restaurants, where the atmosphere makes up the cost difference). 

Even if it tastes kind of yucky...if it's good for me, I will love it.  Brussel sprouts, tofu, whole wheat everything, fat free/light/low calorie--bring it on.  On the other hand, if it's not good for me, please don't offer it (unless it's sugary).  Extra butter on the popcorn--are you trying to kill me?  Deep fried whatevers?  Get me out of here!  White bread? Pass, but thanks anyway.  Greasy cheesy pizza?  Well, if you'll lighten up on the cheese, make the crust thin, and load it up with vegetables (and less greasy meat), then I'll probably eat 4 slices ; ).

I'm hoping to discover that everyone is picky in their own way.  That will make me feel better for realizing I've been in the picky eater's club all along.

So I'm just wondering...what kind of eater are you?  Picky with taste, picky with nutrition, picky with ingredients, picky with where the recipe came from, picky with cost?  Does this thought represent you: "I don't care how healthy it is, as long as it tastes good"?  What matters most or doesn't matter to you?  (Please reply...pretty please?)

April Birthdays

Happy 11th, Didi!

Top 11 reasons why the world is a better place since the birth of Didi Lovell, who was born 11 years ago this month:

1.  When she was born, we knew our kids wouldn't be all boys.  That was exciting!  We were hoping for at least one of each : ).  (We ended up with 2 of each, which of course was doubly exciting!)
2.  She adds one more soft voice to the world.  There are definitely plenty of loud people out there, and very few soft-spoken people.  Her tenderness is a rare treasure.
3.  Her gorgeous smile, bright eyes, and not to mention her amazing waist-long hair, add real beauty to our world!
4.  She is confident in her singing talent and is willing to share it with those around her--we can't wait to hear her perform the singing role of Kaa the Snake in her school musical in a few weeks!

5.  She loves our Heavenly Father and cares about following his commandments, which makes the world a safer and happier place for everyone!
6.  She speaks kindly to everyone.  She is a great friend to have!
7.  She is intelligent--getting straight A's in school!  So whether she decides to perform, calculate stuff, keep records, teach people stuff, or help people out both now and in the future, we can all trust that she's going to be smart about her choices and we'll all be better off for her service!
8.  She is thoughtful!  She always writes me nice letters when I am sad, and she makes fun and beautiful gifts for other people when she is feeling artsy and crafty.  You can always count on Didi to lift your spirit when she's around.
9.  She joins me in my hobbies and responsibilities, which gives me the blessing of companionship. Stamping classes, cooking in the kitchen, anything crafty...recently we made clay figures together, and we are looking forward to using her Shrinky Dink stuff that she got for her birthday.  Fun!  She likes to shop with me (we both love to shop together at the thrift stores), and walk with me to go places.  I love having her by my side!
10.  She adds music to our world!  I already talked about her beautiful singing voice, but you should hear her play the piano!  She's going to put on some truly amazing concerts someday.  For now, I just love hearing her master song after song.  Her piano playing talents are truly a gift!  (Her saxophone chops are brand new, but also coming along nicely : ).)
11.  She is sensitive and kind, beautiful and happy, organized and pays good attention to detail when finishing any task, she's creative, funny, smart, helpful, and amazing!  Our world is definitely blessed by the presence of our Didi!

birthday gift in the box:  "good kids"

And now, on to our second birthday person of the month--JAZZ.  Instead of writing out 37 of the reasons we are all lucky to know Jazz (that might take too long), I'll just offer 11 favorite reasons as they come to me, as I did for Didi.  Here goes nothin'...

1. His amount of gray hair makes the rest of us feel younger, ha ha!
2. He has great piano chops.  He's even willing to share them as accompanist now of the ward choir!
3. He still has saxophone chops, when he needs them. 
4. He is the world's best husband!
5. He loves his parents and siblings, nieces, nephews...he cares about all of them deeply and tries to stay in touch with them. 
6. He is an amazing father.  So loving, fun, and a great teacher of values.
7. He is fun to talk with on the phone!
8. He is Superman.  Where would the world be without him?

 ice cream on chocolate waffles doesn't hold candles well

9. He understands the scriptures and the gospel and helps me understand them.  He lives the gospel and is a worthy priesthood holder.  We are all blessed by his righteous example.
10. He is willing to fulfill his callings in the church to the best of his ability, even when it's hard!  (Right now he wonders if there is anything more challenging than his current calling--Primary teacher of the 5 year old boys!)
11. He is a great scholar!  The world is about to find out what a great researcher, writer, and reporter he is--as he is soon to have his dissertation published.  Can't wait!

And one more 'cause he deserves this big bonus shout-out:

12. He is a favorite professor among his students.  I'm not kidding! Time and time again, students have come to him and thanked him for his guidance, even after times when he has had to be tough on them.  One student said these things in an email to him this week:

  "I just wanted to take the time just to say thank you. Thank you for all that you have done for me specifically to become a better musician... I never thought theory would be fun, or interesting but I just wanted you to know that you have made it this way.  ...[Other students and I] want your approval more than more than any teacher, student or mentor on this campus.
     "So again, thank you for your patience through our struggles as musicians, students and young adults. I will always be grateful for your input and knowledge. I hope that in the years to come you will always be a resource and mentor to me as I build my path of musicianship."

Wow!  Way to go, Prof. Lovell! 

So happy birthmonth to our two April-ites.  We LOVE you so much!!

Who Moved My House? Part II

Since I had some major plans fall through this week (missed my flight and had to cancel a 4-day trip--boo hoo!), now's probably a great time for me to get to write this post that I've been wanting to write for weeks.   Here's the rest of the story that I started by telling of my childhood homes...now on to my grown-up homes.

PROVO, Utah*--It's 1992, I'm in college now, and living on my own for the first time.  I got to live in the dorms my first year, so I remained naive a little longer to the life skills of shopping and cooking for myself, etc., but at least I managed to work a part-time job while I studied.  My first job was in this very stadium, in the concession stands.  Good times!  I can still remember trying not to lick my fingers when selling those yummy cinnamon and sugar-coated churros.  I don't think I ever got used to the winter weather there, but who wouldn't want to look at those beautiful mountains every day?!  Gorgeous.  I lived in Provo for almost my entire college career, until I got married (which came in my 5th year of studies).  I just want to finish my Provo segment by saying that the BYU campus is my favorite place on earth.  It has everything I would ever want from the world--superb music & other arts, racquetball (& a few other sports), education (of course), an amazing library, religion, and the BYU Bookstore is something like I would imagine the mall in heaven to be like ; ).  I LOVE BYU.  I hope my kids get to go there!
 *Before I/we left Utah for New Jersey, Jazz and I also lived awhile in Springville and Orem, but those really aren't too different from Provo.  Except that now I was a newlywed, and a couple years later a mother, so of course that was a whole new world!

Paella de Marisco--yum!

SPAIN--Madrid, Salamanca, Leganés, Toledo: In the middle of my college years, for 17 months I had the privilege of living in Spain as a missionary for our church.  I got to work in 5 different areas (2 in Madrid), and once a week if we didn't have too many other responsibilities, we missionaries were able to play tourist just a little bit.  Some of my very favorite things I loved seeing or experiencing while I was there were the windmills in Castilla la Mancha, eating their delicious food, speaking their beautiful language of "Castellano", and meeting and growing to love the Spaniards.  I really miss them.  I loved the castles and the grandiose Catholic churches.  Oh, what I wouldn't give to return there someday to see it all again.
    Spain is indeed a glorious place...but when my mission was through, I was very ready to move forward and return to my native land.

Jazz 'n Jenna with our two babies in 2004

North Brunswick, NEW JERSEY--wow, I love the trees!  I finally understood why some people (not I) think Utah is a desert...hello POPCORN TREES in the spring! The shores (I had to unlearn the term "beaches") were great.  And we all learned by listening to those around us, how to say "How you doin'?" just like Joey on Friends.  We felt that the biggest perk to living in NJ was being close to all of the other northeastern states that have cool sites--like in Washington D.C., in New York City, and in Philadelphia.  So one might think most of our fun was had outside of the state itself, but I should at least give props to Rutger's University in Newark, which granted Jazz the title, "Master of Music" after he completed his degree there in Jazz History and Research.  Thanks, NJ!
       We were in NJ for 2 1/2 years for the completion of that degree, and when it was done, we made a quick stop back in Utah for 8 months before moving on to California (long story...in short, let's just say that the "2nd Master's Degree" plan at BYU didn't work out). 

Sacramento, CA Temple     (I got to sing at its dedication!)

Orangevale, CALIFORNIA-- Here we got to experience life outside of college for 2 1/2 years.  Jazz investigated studying at UC Davis, but that wasn't in the stars for us, so he got to work full-time as a piano teacher, and later I joined him in a family business for awhile selling cookware!  We started out living with Mom & Dad for a few months, and were excited later to have (rent) our very own house (not apartment!) with a great backyard.  The weather in California was a little too hot at times, but that's okay.  We thought of buying a house at one point, but, well, houses in California are just simply too expensive!  No worries, we weren't meant to stay in California anyway.  Hey, how about giving that doctoral degree one more shot?  The University of Oregon thought that was a great plan for us, and they said OKAY!

Eugene, OREGON--We planned on three years, but we stayed for five.  We were very happy there, living once again in student family housing!  There was quite a bit of culture shock when we first arrived to Eugene--some nuances we grew to love, others not so much.  We were definitely in the minority as practicing Christians, politically conservative, and sometimes we even felt like the minority being Caucasian (lots of foreign students shared family housing with us).  We learned to become more environmentally conscious (joined forces with the tree-huggers, just a little bit!), and living in Track-town USA taught me how to become a runner.  Very cool!   A few times we went to the beach the shore the coast, but it was usually too windy and cold. Springtime allergies here were a first for me (NOT fun), but the summers were PERFECT, the pink & red fall leaves were unbelievably awesome, and the rainy winters made me happy!  Like I said before, we were so happy there, but knew we were not meant to stay, and we were so happy to move forward once again...on to PA for...(drum roll...)...a NEW JOB!  Hooray!

PENNSYLVANIA--has introduced us to lush corn fields and country life, which is a beautiful change of scenery.  This is our "adventure in progress", and it's been lots of fun so far.  The kids are thriving in school here, and Jazz loves his job.  I'm fascinated with learning about the new-to-me cultures of the Pennsylvania Dutch, the Amish and Mennonite faiths, and feel so happy to no longer be in the minority as practicing Christians.  Mormonism isn't very prevalent here...yet...but I'm always up for the mission of sharing the gospel when I can : ).  The weather?  Except for the fluke catastrophes we experienced last fall (flash flood, earthquake, snow before Halloween), so far so good.  Last winter broke us in gently.  We think it's cool to be near Hershey (yum), and again close to our US history sites in D.C. and Philly, and all--there is much sightseeing to be done!  And a wonderful life ahead of us to be had, here in Pennsylvania.

      Will there be more moves?  Don't ask me.  For the first time in my life, there are no planned moves, and I'm just reveling in this new feeling of what it might be like to "settle down".  I'm not comfortable with that idea, really, so it's possible I'll get the itch again in a few years to pull out the cardboard boxes and go through the whole process again.
     Okay, I just remembered YES, we have one more move coming up, when we'll change from our rented home to owning our first, but that's not for a couple of years.
     Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is making its way into my heart as one of my many homes.  I feel luckier than most, to have so many!