Triple Trio recording session...

On Monday Triple Trio (the womens group I sing with) had a recording session at Silver Creek High School. Apparently we were willing guinea pigs for their new recording/mixing class. We had a blast getting in there and laying down some of the songs we have been working on.

In just over an hour we recorded 8 of our songs. Many of them in one take. They are not exactly perfect, but on some of the tracks I think that we sounded pretty good. It will be interesting to hear what the final product sounds like. I wish we could have one more session and fix a few things. I was a little bummed because I went a little pitchy on a few licks of my solo on Operator, but we didn't have time to do it again.

Overall it was a great experience and I was so excited to have that opportunity (and that Becky made some of her amazing orange rolls for a treat afterward). I get the amazing opportunity to sing with some really phenomenal women each week. I really look forward to rehearsal every Monday. I love the friendship that we share and the beautiful music we can make together. The group has been around for about 25 years now, but by several accounts, this is the best Triple Trio has ever been. I am so pleased that I get to be a part of this group. It will be great to hear ourselves on a CD. So fun!

Ode to book club...

I am not quite sure how I have been so lucky throughout my life, but I have always been blessed to have amazing friends around me. This is especially true of the women I spent time with last night at our monthly book club meeting. Ken always loves it because I come home so happy and full of life.

Last night we met at Micaela's beautiful home to discuss the amazing book Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. It is a fantastic book about a group of very different women in Iran meeting to discuss literature. In the fiction they read, they discovered truths that had great personal and political application. It was a fascinating book to read and discuss, especially with my wonderful friends!

I think the question Ken always asks me when I come home is if we really discuss the book. I can almost always say yes. :) Last night I was especially impressed with these intelligent women that I get to associate with. I love how many different ideas and experiences we were are able to share with each other. I tell these women some of my most deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings and they continue to love me despite my twisted side. I love how they make me think of things in a new way and push me to look at things from a different perspective. I need that. I need to remember sometimes that I am not just a mom, but I am a smart woman with valuable ideas and can contribute to an intelligent conversation. I love that my book club friends bring that out in me and I am truly grateful.

Quiz results...

So I have been loving watching the complete Jane Austen movies on PBS. (Ken just thinks they are taking up too much room on our tivo -- men just don't understand!) Understandably, I was thrilled to see this quiz on Micaela's blog.

Take the Quiz here!

I heart NY...

Julie, Celia, Me, and Carlos on a carriage ride in Central Park

I am back home and completely exhausted from lack of sleep and the amount of FUN that I had in NYC. That was very possibly the best weekend I have ever had (without Ken anyway). I keep going back and forth how to approach posting about my trip. We did so much that it might take several posts and since this is my journal too, I want to remember everything. So I think I will start with a overview and then add more as/if I get around to it.

I left Wednesday night packing a blanket and pillow so I could sleep on the red-eye flight to New York City. Well, my brain would not stop racing and despite being very tired, I did not get one wink of sleep. I flew into La Guardia and got a cab to Celia's apartment. She lives in a great location in Chelsea. We talked and hung out for a bit and then when Celia went to work, I fell into her very comfortable bed and slept for 2 and a half hours. I got up just before noon so I could try to make the 12:30 session at the temple. Didn't quite make it in time, but I loved being in the temple. It is so beautiful inside and a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside.

After serving in the temple, Carlos picked me up and we went back to Celia's and changed clothes so we could run errands. We walked down to Chelsea market browsed around, bought some cheese, and ate lunch. I totally loved my chicken Caesar salad with warm, seasoned chicken breast. Yummy.

Celia and I in front of Carnegie Hall

That night Celia and I went and heard Bobby McFerrin and Yo Yo Ma perform at Carnegie Hall. The concert was absolutely amazing! I think I can officially die now because I received a "brava" in Carnegie Hall. After the first part of the concert where Bobby performed with Yo Yo and the orchestra, the stage was cleared and he performed improvisations. For several of these he had us, the audience, sing a part too. Well he wanted us to sing the Bach Gounod Ave Maria, with him doing the Bach accompaniment and us singing the Ave Maria on top. About halfway through our section was not doing very well so I started singing out a little. At the end of the piece, people around me started clapping for me and I even got a brava or two from some people in front of me. :) After the concert, Celia and I went to Roxy's for a late dinner before going home and brainstorming a design plan for her new apartment.

On Friday Morning Julie got in from San Diego. Now that Julie was there we could officially have fun. We took off for the day heading up to Rockefeller Center and walking around the city. Of course we had to stop in for some breakfast at Tiffany's and try on a diamond or two. Then a carriage ride around central park and take in the sights. The trees, tulips, and daffodils were in full bloom and it was a beautiful day! Then we headed downtown to see the sights, especially the WTC site. That was very emotional. We also saw some beautiful churches and other historical buildings.

That evening we went to see Legally Blonde at the Palace Theater. We met up with our friend Brittany so she could enjoy the show with us. We had awesome seats. I can't begin to tell you how incredible Laura Bell Bundy is in that role! After the show we had dinner at the Carnegie deli. I love that cheesecake!

On Saturday we walked all over enjoying the sights of the city before meeting up with Celia's friend Miriam to take in a matinee of Sunday in the Park with George at Studio 54. The show was wonderful and the lighting effects were very innovative. I have no idea how they did that! The last number, especially, gave me goosebumps. Then we did some shopping and split up so we could each do what we wanted. Celia and I did a lot of talking and then some shopping at home depot for her new apartment. Dinner was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed being with each other.

Sunday we attended services at Carlos' church before seeing the opera Candide at the Lincoln Center. We then headed down to Washington Square Park. It was so fun wandering around Greenwich Village where we found some great pizza and gelato.

I hate to say it, but I was sad to go back home. I was not quite ready for our vacation to end. I had missed my family, but I completely loved reconnecting with my dear friends. I love them so much and missed them. We had the time of our lives. I am so grateful to Ken and my wonderful friends who helped take care of my kiddos while I was gone. It is a trip I will never forget. I am showing some of my favorite pictures from the weekend. If you want to see more of the almost 200 pictures we took, you can go here.

NYC part two...

At least as of this morning there is not a strike on Broadway. Let's hope my luck holds out. :)

I am really excited to be heading to New York City tonight for a long weekend. (Thank you Ken and my wonderful friends who are watching my kiddos!) I am taking the red eye tonight and will be there through late Sunday. It will be great hanging out with friends, some of which I haven't seen for a long time, and taking in some sights. We have tickets for some great shows; Legally Blonde, Sunday in the Park with George, and Candide. Ken also just told me about Bobby McFerrin and Yo Yo Ma at Carnegie Hall tomorrow night. I hope tickets are still available!

I think by tonight I should have most of my "to do before I leave" list done. I am hoping to leave things in order to make it easier on Ken while I am gone. He is a little concerned on how to do the girls hair for church, but other than that, I know he'll do great!

I am so excited!!!!

So relieved...

When I went down to Cortez one of my favorite earrings fell out and was lost. I was really sad because these were the earrings Ken gave me as a gift when Morgan was born. I had looked everywhere; in the van, in our hotel room, in my purse, and even in my suitcase. No luck. Thankfully, my mom loaned me a pair to wear for the funeral. It had been over a week so I thought there was no chance of finding it.

Yesterday I was going through some things in the van and I found it in under and between some stuff. Yea!!! I thought I had already looked there, but hadn't seen it. I am so happy!!! What a blessing. Now if I could just find my digital recorder...

Welcome Spring...

There are signs popping up all around us. It is spring and I am loving it! Now, what to plant in my garden this year?

Aunt Anelle

Last night the kids and I returned home from a whirlwind trip down to Cortez, Colorado. We went for my Aunt Anelle's funeral. Last Wednesday night my mom called with that tone and I quickly thought of who was sick and who could have passed away. I was completely shocked when my mom said that my dad's younger sister had died. Apparently she had had knee surgery and was recovering well until a horrible blood clot killed her, at least that is what everyone thinks. Anelle always seemed so young. I still feel slightly numb about the news. I immediately offered to help if there was any music needed. It seemed like the only thing I could contribute at that horrible time.

I have been thinking a lot about Aunt Anelle, times at the ranch, and my Adair family over the last week. I know I have truly been blessed. I am so grateful for what I have been taught about God's plan for us, that death is just a part of that plan, and that we are an eternal family. My dad gave a beautiful talk about this very thing at the funeral. I find that death, especially when it is unexpected, promotes thinking about things of an eternal nature. Life here on earth is such a short part of our existence and there are wonderful things waiting for us when we pass from this life. We miss those we love, but it is a great comfort knowing that it is not the end. We will be with them again someday. In the meantime, I have great memories that I can reflect on.

• staying up until all hours of the night playing card games
• playing games -- Aunt Nell loved to play games
  
• when Nell talked to you, you were her focus and it seemed like nothing else mattered
• we had so much fun singing together and she was really good at making up harmony
• being out on the water at McPhee Reservoir
• going to stay with Aunt Nell and Uncle Ken when I visited the ranch

The funeral was set for Monday at 10:00. I was really sad that Ken was not able to go with the kids and I, but I know work is busy right now for him. I was sad because I was singing two hymns (Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing and Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide) for the funeral and I like it when Ken accompanies me. We are a great team and I never worry when he is at the piano. I also hate it when there are family things and he is not there with me.

Speaking of family. It is a tribute to how much Nell was loved by seeing the family turnout. Of course, all of her siblings came and 12 out of her 16 nieces and nephews came out. My kids loved how there were cousins galore. In addition to their 3 first cousins, they also got to play with 37 of their second cousins -- and those were just the ones that were there! It seems our numbers have increased exponentially. It was also great seeing my great Aunt Adelle and my dad's cousins that I haven't seen in years. I loved reconnecting with so many family member that we don't get to see all the time. I have a very fun family and we all enjoyed being together. Aunt Nell would have especially liked that part. She always loved a family get-together!

The service itself was beautiful. My Uncle Lynn gave the eulogy. My dad spoke on Heavenly Father's plan. Uncle Doug and Aunt Fay gave prayers. Uncle Ken and Linzi, Shawn, and Andy all spoke and shared memories of their mother. About half of the family (mostly the kids and moms) sang three primary songs; I am a Child of God, I Like to Look for Rainbows, and Families can be Together Forever. There was lots of laughing and many tears. I think my favorite part was when Shawn shared a poem that Uncle Ken had written for Aunt Nell several years ago. It was tender, yet in the tone of his great sense of humor and talked about their history together and relationship. I was so glad that I could be there with so many others to celebrate her and her life! I will miss her dearly, but I look forward with great anticipation for the reunion that we will have someday.

Most of the family that had traveled to be at the funeral (after the luncheon)

Shawn, Stephanie, Bradley, Uncle Ken, Andy, Linzi, and Jack at the graveside

Chuck, Lynn, and Doug -- the brothers

Driving home... I love Colorado -- it is so beautiful!

Seussical the Musical...

Tonight we attended the 1st and 2nd grade production of Seussical the musical at Coal Ridge. It was such a fun production! Morgan was so excited for the performance and reminded us every day for weeks what she needed to wear and what time she had to be there. She said that she was a little nervous because she didn't know if there would be "thousands or millions there to watch." Our little diva had nothing to worry about -- she was a outstanding little performer. She was great at all the words and actions. We are so proud of her and the fantastic job all of the students did.

Singing and dancing their hearts out...

The kiddos after the show

Question: How many jelly beans can a two year-old fit in her mouth?

Answer: This many!

Happy Easter...

I spent much of Easter Sunday reflecting on the great love of my Savior Jesus Christ. I wanted share some of what has been in my heart the past little while. A few years ago I was at a stake conference and I had the beautiful experience of having my testimony of the Christ strengthened. I was overwhelmed by the reality of Jesus Christ and His love and mission. I have always a testimony of this, but I will never forget the feelings of that day. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He lived a perfect life without sin. And because of His great love for me, He took upon Himself my sins, my pains, my sufferings. That is so incredible! He was crucified and died upon the cross. But that was not the end! I know that after that terrible Friday came that glorious Sunday. On the third day He was resurrected. The tomb was empty. He was not there, for He was risen. I have a strong testimony that this did indeed happen. I have a great love for Jesus Christ and I am so thankful for His sacrifice and atonement. I love this time of year to focus on Him and His beautiful gospel.

Last week I had the opportunity to sing O Divine Redeemer. It is one of my favorites. I don't know if I was able to truly express what was in my heart like I wanted to, but I was very grateful for the opportunity. Here is a little clip of that song while I was working on it at my lesson.

Happy Easter!

http://www.mediafire.com/?tebwyygtve9

I hate to brag, BUT....

I think I have the most amazing husband in the world! Now I am not just saying this statement in a willy-nilly type fashion. Let me present my undeniable proof.

1. While I was sick the past week he took care of me and all the kids. He brought me meals and movies in bed. He kept checking to see if I was warm enough and if I needed my electric blanket turned on. He helped the kids get ready for the day and made sure they got out the door for school and/or play dates. He was so gentle with me and kept reminding me not to over-do it even when I started feeling better (even if it meant missing the 5th annual St. Patrick's day girls night out!). And best of all, when I was feeling so awful I could only sit up for minutes at a time, he (with Jason) gave me a priesthood blessing. The peace and love that I felt when he put his hands on my head, I truly knew the Lord was mindful of me.
2. When I was finally feeling half-human, I ventured out for some errands at Costco and Target. I didn't even have kids with me, but by the last hour of running around I was really having a tough time. I was completely worn out. I picked up Trevor from his play date and was wondering how I would actually be able to bring in all of the groceries and various other items to the house and put them away. I pulled into the garage and even before I was out of the van, Ken was there unloading the stuff. I was going to call down and ask for his help, but he had anticipated my need. He let me sit down while he put all the groceries away. I'm sure it was a small thing to him, but his simple act of service was a Godsend for me.
3. I know I just got back from a wonderful family weekend in Oklahoma, but Ken is letting me have another get-away! Details fell into place for a long weekend in NYC with friends! My friend Celia just got a condo in a great location in Manhattan and it was the perfect excuse to go out again for a visit. The next thing I know, Carlos talks our friend Julie into to coming in from San Diego too. So we have a wonderful theater-filled weekend planned with most of my best friends from my senior year. How fabulous is that?!? And Ken is totally willing to pick up my slack (again!) for 4 days so I can go. He is the best!
4. Plus Ken is taking me on a date to the symphony tonight to hear Beethoven and Rachmaninoff!
5. Ken is an incredible and loving father. He rode bikes with the kids to take them to the new library and then reads them stories. He is so great!

This man is so good and I know I don't deserve all he does for me. I am still trying to figure out how out of all the girls in the world, I landed the handsome prince who is always up on the white horse willing to rescue me?!? I must be the luckiest girl ever!

A true friend...

I have been kinda sick the last few days, not the deathbed kind like Ken had, but just enough that I have a hard time getting off the couch or out of bed. Well, on Thursday night I had a rehearsal for a musical number that we are singing next week. I was not feeling my best, but I hate being one of the people that don't show up. So we are about halfway done when my dear friend, who shall remain nameless (but her name rhymes with Schrandie) turns to me and says, "My dear friend, you look like crap." Now is that a true friend, or what?!?

Just for fun...

You Are a Red Velvet Cake You Are a Red Velvet Cake

Rich, decadent, and sensual. You have a deep appeal that transcends all trends. You are the definition of passion: intense, adventurous, and seductive.

What Kind of Cake Are You?

Miscellaneous musings...

Not quite sure what kind of post will result from all these thoughts and feelings swirling around in me. It is bound to be a miscellaneous little stream of consciousness. Bear with me.

First off, I got one of the nicest compliments today at church. My friend was sitting next to me when she leaned over and told me she had gotten the movie Mary Poppins for her children. They were watching the movie as a family when her daughter announced that Mary Poppins reminded her of me! How cute is that?!? For goodness sake, she is "practically perfect in every way!" (Not to mention Julie Andrews is one of my heroes and she won an Oscar for that role.) I took it as a supreme compliment and it totally made my day. Thank you Madison. :)

I have had several experiences as of late that have caused me to think a lot about love and different kinds of love. I think that is one thing I would like people to say of me -- she knew how to love. I wish I had more of that perfect Christlike love; you know the kind that is patient, kind, and long suffering. I want to have charity. I love my children so completely. Leaving my children last week was an interesting mix of emotions, but I was almost overwhelmed with my love and adoration of them. I would do anything for them. I have so much hope for them and all that they are going to become. Then there is my amazing, sweet, handsome husband. I thought I loved him when we got married, but that pales to where we are now. The last 12 years with him have taught me a lot and the more I learn about him the more I find to love. I couldn't have guessed what is an amazing father he would be. I didn't know his first impulse would always be to give the benefit of the doubt and see how he could serve. Unfortunately, those are not my first reactions and he is an incredible example to me. I am learning that when you truly love, pride can become a servant to that love. I first discovered that with Ken, but I now apply that lesson to other relationships. My personal happiness becomes secondary. I want to love and serve more fully my family, friends, and others. I know I still have much to learn, but I want to love even more than before and grow closer to that perfect love.

Speaking of perfect love, I am in awe of the love of God. I know I take much for granted. At church today I was taught exactly what I needed. It started with the opening hymn of How Great Thou Art. It was hard to hold back the tears as I sang the third verse...

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin,
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!

That beautiful hymn seemed to invite the Spirit into my heart and I was prepared to learn and worship. Bro. Breen spoke on the atonement of the Savior and Bro. Sorenson spoke on the temple. Then I taught my Sunday School class on the power of personal prayer. Many scriptures and quotes from church leaders were just what I needed to hear. Sis. Acker taught about repentance in Relief Society. I am so thankful for the truths that were taught and to a loving Father that helped me to hear the messages shared.

Easter is quickly approaching and I want to use this time to better focus my life on Jesus Christ. I know He is my Savior. I am preparing to sing O Divine Redeemer in church next Sunday. My deepest desire is to share my deep love and testimony of Him through music. I spend much of my time feeling insignificant, worthless, and incapable of the tasks before me. And then I am reminded of the sweet and matchless gift of the atonement. I know with God all things are possible and He sent His Son "to save a wretch like me." I am so grateful for the gospel and the many tender mercies I am blessed with.

Two years ago today...

my little Peyton was born. What happened to my baby? She is getting so big! I was watching her play at the park with her brother and sister the other day and I was thinking about how fast it has gone by. Truly like a blink of the eye. Our family would be so different without her. She is the happiest little kid around. She is such a light and joy. I am in constant amazement at how much she is learning. I love her little sayings; "ruff, ruff" means a dog, "here you go", singing "clean up, clean up", and many others. We spent time today working on her saying, "I'm two." Too cute!

I am so blessed to be her mom. She is my treasure and my little princess. Happy birthday Peyton!

Meeting her brother and sister for the first time.

A few days ago riding the carousel at the zoo.

So much love...

I have returned home from Oklahoma; luckily without incident. :) I had a fun and fabulous time with my family, especially my siblings. I think of my love for them often, but I want to write it down and share it. Too often I let these kind of things go unsaid. I love you all!

My sister Codi and I have had our ups and downs over the years, as probably all sisters have. The more we grow up, the more ups we have and the more I enjoy being around her. Maybe it is because we share so many similarities. We both have families of our own and are doing the best we can at being mothers. There is so much I admire about Codi; she is fun to be around, always speaks her mind, is an amazing scriptorian, and has wonderful spiritual reflexes. I am so blessed that she is my sister! We are pretty different in many ways, but we have a great time whenever we get together and I always to forward to the next time we can hang out.

My brother Clint is about one of the coolest people you could ever hang out with. Even when I was a senior in high school I loved it when Clint would hang out with me and my friends. (And more than one of them had crushes on my cute little brother!) One thing is for sure, you will always have a good time when Clint is around. He is very charming and can schmooze with the best of them. He can also be very witty and clever. You always need to be on your toes with Clint. It is sometimes hard to get him to sit still for a "serious conversation", but if you can, it is well worth it. He has such an interesting way of looking at things. You know the things he is sharing are really thought out. He likes to put on a tough front, but on the inside he has such a tender heart -- he has the heart of a peacemaker. He has such amazing potential and I can't wait to see what he chooses to do with it all!

I am so proud of the success Clint is having in the Army. He is heading over to Iraq soon is totally willing to fight for our country. I thank him for his service and courage.


Cyle and I are like matching bookends. Out of all my siblings, I think he and I are the most similar in personality and our view of life (and both BYU grads). I think the world of him and I think he is absolutely amazing! I was so excited and grateful that he came to pick me up from the airport. It was such a treat to get to talk to him during the drive. I could talk to Cyle for hours and hours. He is so easy to be with and is one of those low maintenance people. He knows how to build up those around him and people love to be around him. He is so much stinkin' fun to hang out with! I think growing up with Clint made Cyle develop his talent for a quick comeback. I wish I could talk smack as well as my two little brothers. :) Cyle is organized, knows what he wants, and is willing to work hard to make it a reality. He has had to do some difficult things lately and I impressed with how he has handled them. He has a wonderful reliance and trust in the Lord. He also has an undeviating testimony of the gospel and is willing to share that with others. I am so proud of him and all of his many successes. There are great things in store for him!

So basically I think I have a pretty cool family. I thank God everyday for my dear family; for my incredible parents and my brothers and sister. I look forward to spending eternity with such fantastic people! I am so blessed. (Thanks dad and mom for flying me out to OK!)

It's genetic...

We have had a blast being together today. I love hanging out with my family, even if we are all a little crazy. Sadly, all too soon we will be spread to the four winds again

Mad Skills...

I bowled a 165 on Wii bowling. It was a great way to unwind after the flight from hell.

My parents decided to get a Wii for "the grandkids." :)

I could have flown to Hawaii...

You know, you hear about those horrible flying incidents on the news and hope it never happens to you. Well today it did. Yesterday in Denver was a beautiful day in the 70's. This morning I woke up to a white blanket covering everything. The weather was nasty as I drove to the airport. (On a total serendipity my parent flew me out to Oklahoma to spend a few days with my brother Clint who had just gotten back from a two year tour in Korea. He is stateside for about two months of training before he goes to Iraq.) So even though the security line was horribly long, I got through and made it to my plane somewhat surprised that there was no delay because of the weather. So I board the plane and we pushed back from the gate on time. However, it took forever to get up to the runway and be de-iced. Then we sat so long waiting to take off that we had to be de-iced again. By this time it is already after the time I was already supposed to be in Oklahoma, but we finally take off. We are in the air and about halfway there when the pilot comes on the intercom saying that there is a mechanical malfunction and we have to turn around and go back to Denver!!! No way! So I call Cyle and my dad and tell them to turn around and go back home. At this point it seems clear that I am going to miss my dad's birthday dinner. Darn. Speaking of food, I am starving. I have now been on the plane for 3 hours. The malfunction was a quick fix (so they said) so they would not let us off to get any food. Keep in mind, this is one of those small prop. planes and they don't have any food on board. So it takes over an hour for them to fix the sensor problem. Then we get back out to be de-iced, for the third time mind you. We finally take off. I have been stuck on this cramped plane for over 5 hours. So I keep reading my book, The Scarlet Pimpernel, but my whole body is getting sore. After some not so fun turbulence, we land in Oklahoma City. The entire plane cheered. So I finally get off of the plane a mere 7 stinkin' hours after I got on. You have got to be kidding me?!?!?!?!?

Well, at least I finished my book for book club this month.