Mitt's the Man!

After following the GOP Presidential race all too closely, I am choosing to support Mitt Romney. I really like the fact that he has had real life experience running things outside of Washington. With his many years in business he has repeatedly shown that he knows how to balance a budget, streamline an organization, and turn around a failing prospect into a successful one. I am behind his theme of "more jobs, less debt, smaller government". The moral decay I see in our country is troubling, but just as pressing is the state of our economy and our nation's balance book. Out of all those running, I think Mitt Romney has the skills we need to turn around this failing government so we don't become the next Greece.

On February 7th I was able to volunteer at a Mitt Romney rally in Colorado and then speak out in support of Mitt at caucus (in front of about 500 people), and then run our precinct meeting as the chairperson. It was a very full day, especially since I had been pretty sick and was pushing myself pretty hard so I could help. I was totally running on adrenaline and diet coke. I guess I pushed a bit too hard and I completely lost my voice for the next couple days. Ken and the kids didn't seem to mind that too much though. :)

I was up way before dawn to get up to RV America in Johnstown. I was working with the Weld county co-chairs and was asked to be a manager of volunteers for the rally. It was fun to bring Tasha with me to work. I was assigned to be over those at the front door and help signing people in and getting them information about caucus that night. It was fun to greet about 500 or so people, especially Ken as he brought Morgan and Trevor for the rally. I also got to work with some people from the campaign and secret service. When it came time for Mitt to be arriving, I got to go stand with the big-wigs behind where Mitt was going to speak. It was really fun being that close to the stage!

Me with Tasha getting ready for the masses to arrive.

Morgan and Trevor waiting for Mitt to arrive.

Morgan is in the lower left corner.

I'm in the lower right corner.

Mitt got there a little late because of the weather, but his speech was fantastic. I really think he is the right man for the job. I am looking forward to when more people understand his proposals, not the political junkies. After his speech he shook hands with people around the stage. Morgan and Trevor were able to work their way up to the front and shake Mitt's hand. He even commented on Morgan's beautiful green eyes. :)

Morgan shaking Mitt's hand.

I got to go backstage with the other volunteer managers and got to meet Mitt. We had to share our information so the secret service could check us out beforehand. I have to say, it was a thrill to meet him, talk with him for a moment, and take some photos. I truly hope this man can win the nomination and the White House and put our country back on the right track.

The rally volunteer managers.

I was grateful for the opportunity that night to attend my caucus and vote for Mitt. I love the grassroots feeling of a caucus as you are there with your neighbors electing delegates. I got reelected as our precinct committee chair. I really enjoy getting to be involved, even if it is on that small level. Mitt won the vote in our precinct, but I was disappointed that Santorum took Colorado. (I think it hurt that polls showed that he was way ahead and many people didn't show up to vote. In life, no matter what it is, showing up is a HUGE part of the game.)

Today is "Super Tuesday" and I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I really hope that Mitt has an excellent showing tonight and becomes that much closer to being the nominee so he can take on Obama in the fall. Go Mitt!

Confessions...

I have a horrible addiction. No kidding. I think I might need some sort of 12-step program. I am addicted to Presidential politics. Seriously. I'm some sort of junkie. I spent hours every day reading all sorts of articles and looking at the latest polls. I look forward to every debate and election coverage like it's Christmas or something. I continually tell myself that my time would be better spent doing other things, but I can't seem to help it. There have been many things where I say I just can't get into another thing until until November, or at least until the primary is over. Pathetic? I know.

I think this all stems from a great love and concern for our country. Being raised in a military and religious family has really shaped how I look at the world. I truly believe that the United States of America is a blessed land and that the constitution is a document inspired of God. Our freedoms our given to us by that same God. Have we as a nation always been perfect? No, but overall I think we do try to do what is right.

The last few elections have really brought to the forefront for me that this land that I love is heading in the wrong direction. We continue to move farther away from God and His commandments in the false illusion of freedom. You don't want to be held responsible for an unplanned pregnancy? Don't worry. You can have an abortion. If you think the ideal family has a mom and a dad; you are intolerant. If you speak out and advocate Biblical principles; you engage in "hate speech".

It seems more and more that people are trading in their trust in God for a trust in government. History has shown that is not the smartest idea. I am not advocating anarchy. We do need a limited government, but the majority of the power needs to stay with the people. With the liberal ideology in the White House, I feel government has gotten bigger and more intrusive. I think this whole contraceptive debacle is a smoke screen for the larger issue at hand. Government is trying to impose on religious liberty and limit religious people from being able to believe and act according to the dictates of our conscience. This is a slippery slope and frankly one that makes me nervous.

What has happened to personal responsibility? Individuals should do their best to take care of themselves. Is it crazy that I think most people should try to plan ahead, get educated so they can provide for their families, and be responsible for with their resources? Individuals and churches need to care for the "least of these", the poor, sick, and hungry. I think in giving this command, God wants to change our heart to be more charitable just as much as He wants to take care of the less fortunate. As we depend on government to care for the sick and poor, we remove that responsibility from ourselves and we don't learn to serve our fellow man as much. (Besides, I think that better and more efficient care would better available at a local level.)

I want to elect a President that will help foster an atmosphere of responsibility and keeping the federal government focused on its enumerated powers. One that can help create a positive environment for business so people can work and support their families. One that will be a good steward of our resources. One that sees our nation and her people as inherently good.

We are heading down a dangerous road and complacency can no longer be the order of the day. We need to get involved. We can't just complain from afar. Please vote.

Yay for snow days!

A couple of weeks ago we got a big snow storm and the kids got a Friday off school. I wasn't feeling very well, so we spent the day watching movies and cuddled up against the storm outside. by Saturday I was full-fledged sick, so I spent the weekend in bed, but Ken was able to take advantage and took the kids sledding.

Many of the neighborhood kids were over at the sledding hill and had set up some fun jumps. They had a super fun afternoon! And I appreciated the quiet house so I could sleep. Talk about a win-win!

I'm so glad Ken loves to take the kids to do fun stuff like this. What a great dad!

Playin' Hoops with the "Sharp Shooters"

Shooting a free throw...

Morgan was #6

Morgan was able to play basketball again this year. It was a VERY different experience from last year, but still a valuable learning time. Her team was mostly beginners, but I was pleased with how they progressed throughout the season. Morgan ended up getting a lot more playing time and even made several baskets during some games. As a family, we really enjoyed going to her games and cheering her on. Her skills continued to improve and I really hope she continues to play.

All-State Choir

I am so super proud of Morgan! Earlier in the school year she auditioned at for the Elementary All-State Choir that would be performing at the Colorado Music Educators Conference that would be held in Colorado Springs. Morgan was one of 6 kids from her school to make it! Talent-wise she is an interesting mix between me and Ken. She definitely has some skills, but doesn't necessarily want to be a star. She, at least for now, likes being in the group.

For several months, they had before school choir practices so they could learn all the music. They had about 8 pieces to learn. Even though it was mostly unison and 2 part, there was some difficult music, including one in Hebrew. Even better, one of her best friends, Zach made the All-State Choir too so they had a great time practicing together.

The weekend of CMEA we decided it would be most fun to go with Kris and Zach Briggs. Ken had plenty of hotel points so we used those instead of paying mega bucks to stay at the fancy, Broadmoor Hotel (I can never say this without saying "Broaaaadmore" in my haughtiest British accent) where the conference was being held. We headed down right after school on Friday and stopped for a delicious dinner at Cheesecake Factory. When we got to Colorado Springs, we checked in and immediately put on our suits and headed down to the pool. After some splish -splashin' we did a late night run to Target for some last minute materials and to Culver's for some custard. Yum! We then set the alarm for early before watching some TV and going to bed.



Morgan didn't need the alarm. She was so excited she was awake by 4:00am! Not so great for me since I was sharing a bed with her and she was wiggling lots. We all got up and ready and grabbed some breakfast before getting to the hotel for check-in and rehearsal. The kids were to rehearse all day leading up to their 4:30 concert. Kris and I had some chaperoning assignments throughout the day, but sadly the room was pretty packed so they had us out in the hall. (I would have loved to listen to the rehearsal. Bummer!) We were able to sneak away while some of the other moms were on duty so we could go to lunch and then take in the high school All-State jazz choirs concert. There was some fun stuff performed. I'll have to remember some of those arrangements for Take Note.




After the concert, I ran back over to the rehearsal rooms to help the kids make there way over to where the concert would be held. It was amazing to me how they redid the entire formation of the room to fit all those people. It was pretty crowded and we had to wait quite a while to get in the hall, but when we finally did Kris was able to find us 2 seats up on the 5th row. Lucky us! It would have been impossible to see our kids had we been all the way in the back.

The concert was very well done! It was the first time that they had ever done an Elementary All-State choir and I'm sure they will have lots of ideas how to make it better for next year. Unfortunately the conductor they worked with wasn't especially kid friendly, but overall it was a great experience! I was really proud of all the Prairie Ridge kids, especially Morgan and Zach. I also really appreciated the extra time and effort that their choir teacher, Mrs. Keller put in to help them prepare.

(Morgan is right in the middle.)

Happy New Year

We rang in the New year with friends at the Crapo's beautiful home. No fancy dresses for this crew. We wore comfy jammy pants and dined on delicious snacks while playing an assortment of fantastic games. It was a blast!

Thanks for inviting us Crapos!

Adair Family pictures

Our family, as of 2011:



Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids:

Some of the couples:

Cyle and Athena

Clint and Audra

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas was super sweet. We were able to travel to Oklahoma to my parents house. The very best part was that our whole family was there -- all four of us kids there together for Christmas for probably the first time in a decade. I can't tell you how amazing it was being together. It was so good for my heart to be with my family, watching the kids play together, and staying up late talking, and getting to know my new sister-in-laws better.

We traveled through the snow on Wednesday to get in late that night. On Thursday we were able to visit the Braum's plant. It was interesting to see the dairy, ice cream and other products being made. Then we went over to the bakery to see them making all the rolls, cookies, cakes, and ice cream cones. I am sure we all gained weight just by breathing in that delicious air. :) We all had a good time and then ate lunch at Braum's on the way home.

On Friday we went and saw Sherlock Holmes while Grandpa and Grandma were nice enough to watch the kids. (Good movie!) That night we had a family talent show and let me just say, this family has talent! Lots of wiggling ears, standing on balls, cartwheels, piano playing, and tap dancing. Wow!

On Saturday, Christmas Eve, we went to Medicine Park and took family pictures. I have to say, they went pretty well and everyone cooperated with me while I bossed them around taking pictures. I think we got some good ones. Check out the next post for the pictures.

On Christmas Eve we shared a delicious dinner and then the kids acted our the nativity while Codi read Luke 2. Then we had a special visitor -- SANTA! Clint had arranged for Santa to deliver a bike stand for Audra, which she loved! The kids loved getting to visit with Santa. After Santa went off to do his other deliveries, we continued our Christmas Eve celebration. As a family we performed Michael McLean's, Forgotten Carols. A story that uses Christmas symbols and ornaments to tell the stories of the minor characters in the Christmas story. Grandma was the story-teller and the rest of us sang and played the other characters. I loved how we all got to participate as we really focused on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Before putting the kids to bed, they each got to open a gift.





Christmas Day we all got up and went to church. For me, taking the Lord's supper, the Sacrament, had increased meaning that morning as I focused on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me. Then Codi and I were able to sing a duet about the birth of our Savior. I always have a great time singing with my sister and hopefully our baring testimony helped add to the influence of the Spirit during the meeting.

After getting back home, we had a fun time opening presents and being together. Then on Monday we all packed up and headed home. It was a treat being together for the holiday. I love my family!!!

Take Note

This was probably Take Note's biggest seasons so far. We had a ton of gigs that December! In addition to performing at many nursing homes, we also sang at three other large venues. We also had lots of PR and had a couple of different articles written on us.

In November were asked by our stake PR representative to perform with the Colorado Mormon Chorale. After talking to the director I got the sense that he wasn't quite sure how we would sound. In fact, from our "inside source" in the choir, they we a little hesitant to share a program with us because they thought we would be an amateur group. It made it all the more sweet when after the concert we got a ton of wonderful compliments from many in the choir, including the director, how amazing we sounded. We also heard from many that we had "stolen the show". The choir mentioned they would love to have us sing with them again. It was a great night!

We also were asked by the Longs Peak Barbershop Chorus to sing on their concerts. We were able to do an Friday evening and a Saturday matinee concert. It was really fun sharing the stage with those gentlemen. On Friday night there was quite the scare! Most of the men in the chorus are on the older side and during the second to last song, just before we were to join them on stage for the big finale, one of the men passed out and face-planted from the second riser. He was out cold and it was pretty scary because he was almost 80 and no one was sure what had happened. The paramedics were called and the hall was cleared. We finished by performing the last song in the foyer. That was certainly most most unusual ending to a concert that I have ever participated in. Luckily, the man ended up being alright, although he did not perform with us the next day.

We also had the local Longmont Magazine do a feature article on us. You can read it HERE on pages 16 and 17. It has been great getting our name out there and we are already booking many performances for the spring.

It is hard to explain how much I love getting to perform with these amazing women! When I choose our music to put together a program and then help direct the group, I have a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. I spent so much of my life developing those talents, I would feel like a part of me was missing if I did not get to use them. I'm so grateful for the support of my family, especially Ken, as I pursue this art. Music is an important part of me feeling complete and these women that I work with, in this goal of making beautiful music, have a dear place in my heart. I love these gals!

I'm Thankful...

I absolutely love Thanksgiving and the opportunity to focus on all my many blessings. I realize that I am very blessed and can see God's influence in my life.

This year we decided to spend Thanksgiving with the Allreds and Garrards in Utah. It was a wonderful long weekend with lots of relaxing and seeing fabulous friends. Definitely worth the drive across windy, cold Wyoming.

We got there late Tuesday night, talked far too late, and then slept in a bit on Wednesday. Ken and Shane took Trevor and Reid out for a guys day. The boys had a blast while Rochelle and I prepped for the big day. That evening we got our turn to see a movie and do some last minute shopping -- I needed to stock up on the BIG containers of Stephen's hot chocolate! Then we picked up the boys and headed down to Provo to meet Mark and Malinda at Brick Oven. Yum!!!

Thursday was a pretty low key day while we prepared for the big meal. My mind kept thinking of my family and especially my brother Cyle. He was arriving home from serving in Iraq that afternoon. I was sad I couldn't be there to welcome him home and thank him for his service. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious and it was another treat to have Mark and Malinda come up for the evening with their kids. There are few things as wonderful as being with good friends.


Friday morning Rochelle and Shane were gracious enough to host breakfast for a big group of transplanted Colorado folks. We missed the Paynes (but emergency surgery is a pretty good excuse) and Apezteguias! Then the rest of the day was spent watching movies and napping as we prepared for the cold. We had decided to go up, meet the McNeals, and see the lights on Temple Square. It was beautiful, but super cold. Luckily, Rochelle is a genius and planned ahead, bring a thermos full of hot chocolate! I love being on Temple Square and it was perfect way to ring in the Christmas season!





On Saturday, we packed up and said goodbye to our dear friends and headed up to Salt Lake. One of our favorite professors from our BYU days, Dr. Doug Bush, was performing in an organ recital in the tabernacle. It was a wonderful recital and it was a special treat to be able to hug and talk with him a few moments.

We then headed around the Great Salt Lake to be with our friends Stephen and Ashlyn Garrard. We always have such a wonderful time with them! Ashlyn is an amazing hostess and Stephen is so much fun to sing with. (In fact, it was over about 20 years ago that Ken and Stephen met at a music camp at NAU and they have been friends ever since.) We played games, stayed up late talking, ate delicious meals, and even performed a musical number in their ward before we had to head home after lunch on Sunday.

It was a wonderful holiday and it was fantastic to spend it with friends that we love like family.

Family Pictures 2011

Every fall we are excited (and I get stressed out trying to choose our outfits) to have our family pictures taken by the amazing Becky Payne. As always, she was an joy to work with AND she makes us look happy and beautiful. Check out her beautiful work here!

Thanks again Becky!

Me at 36

Not quite sure where the time has gone. My mother certainly doesn't look old enough to have a child that is 36. I look at my 4 children who are getting bigger and more mature every day and I still think that I am not old enough or responsible enough to have kids. Time, despite some of my efforts and plenty of anti-aging cream, continues to march on. On November 19th I turned 36.

To celebrate, friends and I went out to dinner and then Breaking Dawn part one. I can't tell you how lucky I am to be surrounded by beautiful, charming, intelligent, fun, spiritual, and service minded friends. They make my heart so very happy. I keep hoping that by osmosis, or some other way, I will become all the things these amazing women are and hope they won't catch onto the fact that I am pretty much a big nerd and stop hanging out with me. I always feel better about life when I have spent time with my dear friends.

On my actual birthday Ken and I went on a date and then came home to watch the BYU football game. After 15 plus years that man still makes me weak in my knees. I am grateful everyday for how he takes care of me and our family. He is such a good man and I am so blessed to be his.

I wanted to do this blog post because so often in my scrapbooking I am the one behind the camera and I don't show up too often. But in recording our family history (and since this has become my journal) I guess I should record some things about me too. So here is me at 36...

I am a mom to 4 beautiful, passionate, fun-loving, smart, and crazy children.
I am the wife of a handsome, patient, understanding man who always wants to do what is right.
I love to sing with Take Note!
I am a voice teacher of about 12 students. I love seeing them progress!
I am a political junkie.
My hair hasn't been this long since high school.
I am still overweight, but I am working on it.
Sadly, though, I am the queen of yo-yo dieting. Working on that too.
Going to institute taught by Bro. Lehman is one the highlights of my week.
I still am trying to figure out life balance and self-discipline. Not so good at those things.
I am serving in the nursery right now.
I LOVE going to book club every month.
I am grateful that I still enjoy learning new things.
I still am working on the basics. I really had hoped I would have those down by this time. :(
I love watching BYU sports and cheering on the Cougars.
I love the people in my life deeply.
I am a daughter of God.