Stuff That Makes Us Hillarys: This week in Hollywood....

FINALLY.... I have a moment to blog some bits and pieces of this past week. Beautiful bits and pieces I might add as they are about my daughters. It was wonderful to be a witness to both events as their mom. Let's get this party started.

THE MANDY

BYU Senior Recital

Mandy has been playing saxophone for at least a hundred years or so. At her young age - she has more composers, notes, movements, and rhythms in her brain than most people will ever know about. Mandy not only knows her stuff, but she puts all she has into making sure that you love it too. Wednesday night was no exception. A required for graduation Senior Recital, or many times during the past semester I've heard referred as the Recital of Death basically. The adjudicators show no mercy, they take no prisoners - you do it or you do it over. By last weekend - Mandy's lower lip was the envy of J-ZEE, swollen and bleeding. But that's just an inconvenience for Mandy. I've never met anyone that prepares herself so much as her. The recital took our breath away - and left us wanting for more. Sure - I'm her mom - but if you've ever experienced the talent this young woman exhibits - you have been treated to the very best in life. There was a live recording going on - and even though everyone dare not even make a peep - her grandmother said out loud, "Beautiful" and she was right. Now Mandy will have that captured moment in life on tape for ever. That night Mandy, (as always when you perform) you were beautiful inside and out. I was very proud of you - and hope to always see that spark of life in you with your music. Here are a few pictures from that night.

The only picture we were allowed to take during the concert....

Her accompanist was brilliant to say the least.

I'm pretty sure Ryan her hubby is glad it's over too!

He was her calming factor, and did a great job of doing just that.

You tell me - which is more beautiful - the flowers or Mandy?

Yep - you're right!

Grandma June Bowen - Beautiful

Mandy and Ashley - be jealous everyone... be jealous...

The momma and the chickas

Mandy's cousin Betsy (with a singing voice like an angel)

made a special trip with her hubby David to make sure

that Grandma June made it to the concert. This meant the

world to all of us! Thanks Bradshaws!!!

Everyone should have a Mike,

Lucky us!

It was wonderful to have Ruth and Randy Merriman

there - they jumped off of a plane from being in Texas

and drove straight to the concert - they are wonderful

in-laws to Mandy and she's lucky to have them too.

L - R - Me, Betsy & David Bradshaw, Grandma June,

Del, Mandy and Ryan, Ruth and Randy Merriman (Ryan's

Parents) and Mike and Ashley.

THE ASHLEY

THE BRIDAL SHOW!

Now when Ashley isn't busy being an Engineer at a local Rocket Motor Corporation... she loves to model for Urban Talent. This weekend was a dream job for her as she was asked to model the bridal dresses at a Bridal Show at the Union Pacific Station. It was a beautiful setting for these beautiful models to strut their stuff! Now if you would like to actually SEE Ashley doing her job beautifully, you'll have to see HER blog located at the right under Doxstaders.... because you see, Mandy and I went to watch her but at the last minute we were asked to help dress, change, and prepare the models to go out again as they each had 3 changes to make in NO time at all. So why not! This meant no pictures of my beautiful daughter modeling - but it also meant having a total blast back stage! Ok - so I've never seen so many naked tops and thongs in my life, all of which reminds me to pick up some slim fast tomorrow. We zipped, upzipped, tucked in here, tucked in there, laced up, tied up and picked up and then did it all again. These dresses were about 2 grand a piece and the heaviest things I've ever seen! I had to pull them over their heads just to get them off. I think next time I'll volunteer to dress the men... (: Never the less - I did get to peak out and snap one picture for my memory. Just can't download it from there! But I do have this cute shot of Mandy helping her sister. Ya - look at that waistline... holy cow - I think I had one like that when I was 12 or so. Mandy was great help as her little long fingers could unlace all of the 'tied up from top to bottom' dresses. Everyone looked beautiful - I just wish I had more pictures of the day!