all south & my in-laws.

It was so nice to have had my in laws come for a visit, and to be here for Chelsea's baptism. I always appreciate the time they take to fly from Utah to visit us, and I am so lucky to have them in my life! 

I never thought that I would cry so much when they left this time around. We've moved around so much in the past I figured that I'd adjusted in being away from them for so long, and I have. It's just that this visit was so special, and I think the tears came from the fact that they got to attend two very unique & special events for two of our children, and that made me so emotional.

I have to admit that I miss them already, but we will see them again in June for Sierra's graduation!

This was Sierra's first and final year to participate with the All South Jersey Choir.

For the past month and a half Sierra has been singing in soprano under her breath, and all 
around the house working out her diaphragm. I didn't mind it at all because her voice is very pretty. The only thing I would mind at times is when I'd call out her name out, and she wouldn't hear me. 

She was constantly deep in singing her heart out. 

Loudly. 

She memorized eight songs in which she performed with seniors from various high schools. Everyone sang so beautifully, and the junior high chorus did great too. It was fun to see all the different colored robes from the audience. 

photo via Mallory Wynne

We are so pleased with all of her accomplishments, and in all the hard work that she does in doing the things that she loves. She has so much potential in being a great singer, accompanist, and even a teacher!

Who knows...maybe she'll sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the future.

A mother can dream you know. 

I wish she could sing every weekend with the choir, but this was an opportunity of a lifetime that only lasted over the weekend. 

Singing and playing the piano is her passion, and I know that she is going to achieve so much in her future, and apply it in her life. 

How lucky we are to have music in the home, and all around us! 

a dream come true with an orchestra.

Alexandra & her partner Nat tuning up and getting ready to head on to the stage to perform.

As parents we all want our children to succeed and to do their very best in the things that they love. Whether it's a favorite subject at school, a sport that they love, or an instrument that they love playing. With our love, help, words of encouragement, & continued support our children can succeed to their highest potential. 

Alexandra has been playing the violin for almost five years now, and has had three different teachers. She has learned something different from every one of them, and has taken those lessons and experiences that they have taught her with her as she continues to play the violin.  

As I have sat in on her lessons for the past year and a half with her current teacher Ms. Madeline I myself have learned a lot as well. Witnessing the student develop a relationship with their teacher is very important. I have learned that if the teacher has passion for music, so will the child. 

I am so grateful that she has learned so much within the past five years when it comes to music, the composers, and her instrument. She has a lot of passion for music and you can feel it as she plays. 

The concert was beautiful, and everyone played exceptionally well. I was very impressed, and I knew that they would sound amazing. 

Just listen for yourself:

The conductor had so much fun with these kids. In the end she mentioned how all of these kids had so much passion during rehearsals, and how quickly they learned four pieces in two days! That is how good this string ensemble is! 

And our daughter was in it y'all! 

I was lucky, and chose the perfect seats to watch her closely! I zoomed in as much as I could without trying to make the picture look grainy, and this is as good as the picture gets! 

Alexandra is so grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of the All South Jersey Jr. Orchestra, and even though she didn't make it in at first she is so glad that she did try out, and for those seven viola players that didn't show up, hence having the cochairman choose the next seven from the original cut off list.

Alexandra wanted me to tell you this, "Don't ever ever give up on something you love to do. You should still audition even though its a competitive world out there. Have faith because you never know what can happen. Your dreams just might come true."

Smart words from a super smart & talented girl.

We are so proud of you Alexandra. Keep playing, and never give up your dreams!

Ever!

XO-Mom