October has been such a busy month! I have a million pictures to post of all the things we've been doing- hopefully I'll be able to get them up this week. I was able to attend the state Utah Music Teachers Conference this weekend and have 2 full days of learning from some of the best piano teachers and professionals that our state, and country, has to offer. I was hesitant about spending the time and money to go but I'm so glad I did. It felt so good to be learning again- I didn't realize that I missed being in school and missed that environment of piano 24/7. I even wondered (for only a milli-second)how I could go back and get my masters. Anyways, I've left motivated to be better and have so many good ideas. Sometimes it feels a little overwhelming to want to incorporate everything and keep your studio's business aspect ahead of what the other teachers around you are doing, but overall I feel like I'm running a really good studio and am so grateful for the education I have to do this. I'm lucky to live in a state where music, and especially piano has such a large culture. I've been able to learn from some of the best of the best and look forward to learning more.

Brrrr....

This morning I got up and ran/walked (ok, mostly walked- but there was some running) 3 miles with my mom in 37 degree weather and it was my idea! So, I'm pretty much the worst exerciser in the world but I was motivated and couldn't let the cold weather stop me. Since I have the worst excuse for running shoes, ever, my heels and feet are all blistered and bleeding. I'm even more proud. We'll see what Monday brings.

What I wish I was doing today....

It's been such a busy week and I am so tired. I could really use another one of these. Anyone want to join me?!

Drill Team Reunion

So... who doesn't relish the chance to relive the glory days?! We had a drill team reunion the first weekend in September and it was so much fun! We had a long practice and dinner with everyone on Thursday night and then Friday night we danced at half time at the Spanish Fork Homecoming game- against Payson. I can't even tell you how goofy we felt but loved every minute of it. It was so fun to get to see old friends again and get out there and strut our stuff. We don't quite move the same that we used to but it was fun none the less. Our advisor has been doing the drill team for 30 years so there were women there from the 80's. Drill team was my favorite part of high school and I was happy to have fun with some of the team again. I'm just glad I'm finally walking normal again. :)

Charlie's Angels? Power Rangers? I don't really know why we did this. An'J? Les?


These two girls are my family and I love them dearly! The best thing I got out of drill are these best friends of almost 15 years (that makes us sound so old!). This picture cracks me up because not only do we have a million pictures of us posed like this, from high school, they all have Shane doing the bunny ears in the background. Thank goodness An'Jalee and Shane got married so we can keep the tradition alive. :)


The 90's group

Rock and Roll Party...

I'm so behind on blogging... I'm going to try to catch up a little. Here are some pictures of Aidan's fun Rock and Roll Party. I've been meaning to get them up so that our family who couldn't come could still see them. We celebrated with Grandma and Papa, Joseph and Juli, Anson and Julia, the Burningham's and the Gleaves'. We had Anson's band come play, which Aidan was so excited about but ended up crying through the whole thing. I don't know if it was too loud or just complete sensory overload but that part of the party was a bit of a bust. Thanks to my awesome brother, Anson, though for being a good sport and providing the entertainment. Once we took things inside Aidan had a great time. The tattoos especially were a hit. They took a bit of scrubbing to get off before church that next morning but all in all it was a success!







Leslie's girls, Jalen and Halle, killed me. They were like Hannah Montana meets Cindy Lauper.


Fun with the tats


What's a Rock and Roll party without a little "Guitar Hero?"


Ethan, of course, LOVED the balloons

Happy 4th Birthday, Aidan!

It's hard to believe my baby boy is already 4 years old! I know I say it often, but where does the time go? I was telling his birth story at his birthday dinner that we had for him, with my family, on Sunday (a tradition in our family at birthday dinner). He didn't seem as interested in it as others were but later that night he was asking Brett and I more about it and I had told him that we had wanted a baby so badly and were so happy when he was born. It made me realize how grateful I am that even though we might struggle for the things we want in life, the blessing of what comes gives us so much to be grateful for. We are so grateful for this incredibly sweet child of ours. For his laughter, his imagination, his determination, his willingness to love always and forgive quickly, I could go on and on... Something about that first child seems to determine so much of who I am today. We are so proud of him and are so happy he is a part of our family! We love you Aidan!

Few Days Old


1 year old- check out that hair!


2 years old: not a happy camper but my friend, Amanda, always seems to get beautiful pictures!


3 years old


4 years old: always in motion- what's he doing with his hand?


One quick funny story I've been meaning to post: Aidan came into Brett the other day and said, "Sorry Daddy." Brett asked why he was sorry and Aidan said, "I turned on your I Pod and put the headphones in my ear and my thoughts came alive!!!"

Aidan's First Day of Preschool

Aidan started preschool this last week and was so excited to finally get to go. He could have started last year but because he has such a late birthday and will basically start kindergarten when he's 6 (his birthday is only 3 weeks after school starts) we thought it would be better to wait for this year. He's been talking about it all summer and had such a good time this week. He was concerned that his backpack had a hole in it, so Brett and I surprised him with a new backpack and once he understood why he didn't need a lunch box this year, he was set! He already has another Aidan in his class, which I'm sure he will for the rest of his schooling years. He's excited that his snack day is on his birthday and will get to share it with the kids in his class! I can't believe how fast he's growing up and was a little emotional during our family prayer that morning. I'm so proud of him and am excited for him to start this new adventure, even if and because it doesn't include me. I can't get over how cute he is- especially in his new school clothes. We love you Aidan boy!

These were actually taken after I picked him up which is why he has his name tag on. The ones I took inside, before school, didn't turn out great so I thought I'd try again outside. Much better!




Aidan wanted me to take the scary face picture.