Chicks day out

Today was one for the books. Mandy was staying over for the weekend while Ryan the husband (we have 2 Ryans - we have to be careful) was running in NCAA Regionals in California. Ashley's husband Mike was working at Camp Williams. Thus deeming the day - CHICKS DAY. Here's how it went. Ashley and I went for a 3 hour bike training ride while Mandy ran - different genetic make up there - but after that we laid out in the sun. Then Ashley said we needed to get our hair cut so we went there next (after showering of course.) Then it was essential that we went to a chick flick so we chose "What happens in Vegas. I cannot believe that the Radio From Hell program said it wasn't a good movie - we busted our guts laughing at it and will probably buy it when it comes out! Topped off by a fabulooous Chicken Alfredo Pizza and crunchy ice water. Then we had to pull our favorite thing to do from "White Chicks" SHOPPING! Which consisted of us watching Ashley shop like a maniac finding every single great deal out there and Mandy and I just standing there in amazement! You go girl! Never miss a chance to go to Rod Works in Draper - gotta go there - they were closing in 15 minutes - didn't stop us from doing some financial damage. Then out of no where we decided to run through the forest...Wait what the heck? We never ran through the forest... But I did have one strange request and that is to stop at the Chevron and have a Tiger's Blood Fruzzle. My girls had never had one so I made them have at least a sip and they left with a large. Just like little puppets on a string they trusted me. I never told them that both of their tongues and all of their teeth were now bright red and we were out in public! All in all it was a perfect day. I love my daughters (ok I love my sons too) so much. They are so fun and ready for any crazy thing at any time. When I die - the dash between my birthdate and my death date will include - "She had one fabulous day with her daughters on May 31st 2008" Time to hit the sack girls - home to your respective husbands and cuddle up! Thanks for 'tending mom' today. PS love the haircuts.......

Saving the best for Last

The beginning of the end of things has begun. This week I attended the last Wind Symphony concert at Jordan High and the final Jazz concert the week before. It was Ryan's last performance and he was wonderful. He played the alto and the soprano sax and I enjoyed every minute of it. I sat in that auditorium at JHS and thought of all of the memories of band concerts, both symphony and jazz. I cannot think of one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. This last concert brought me to tears - especially because they played 'Amazing Grace' - and that pretty much sums up how grateful I am for the gift of music. Although the conductor, Randall Clark, is an odd bloak - the man knew his music and he knew how to teach young adults to play it. It was always the songs that were college level, tougher than nails, impossible to play, and performed with perfection at Region and State levels of competition receiving 7 years straight of Superior Ratings at a State Level in a 5A school district. I am confident that his bands could take on any school around! Matt, Ashley, Mandy and Ryan were all fortunate to have had such a gift of a teacher as Mr. Clark. I miss the sound of music in my home now. I miss the cussing and screaming of missed notes as the kids practiced for solos and concerto nights, audition pieces, and demanding competition pieces. I can't imagine where my kids would be without music in their lives - it is truly one of Gods greatest inventions. When I have listened to my children play - I know it's just a little bit of heaven on earth. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART kids for the many years of music, laughter and tears through the over 200 concerts, competitions, Olympic Spirit Bands, Honor Bands, Super Bands, Jazz Bands, and Utah Symphony solo performances. I would love to share a scrapbook page with you except that most of the pictures from concerts are of a music stand with hair above it and either a dress or suit pants below it - couldn't ever get a real good picture! A couple of the 10 horns the lived at our house are still in use. Mandy is a member of the BYU wind symphony as she is majoring in Saxophone Performance at the Y. One day - I expect to have everyone cranking out a song for your old momma - preferably before my hearing goes out ok? Now I get to start crying about ...... Graduation..... WWWWAAAAA! (Andrew - don't be swayed to the dark side of violins....the force is strong with you - stay with the saxophone.....) (Bethany you did not read that)

The Unsung Heros....

I wanted to take a moment and share a story. We all have our heros - mine is posted on my mom's blog 'Junietunes' at the right - but there is just one more. Tonight I sat across the table from my son-in-law Michael. He stands 6'4" and could step on you and hurt you. He's served 2 tours of duty to Iraq. On the first tour - he met my daughter - in between tours he married her - and on the next one he had to leave her here. He came home - many have not. One that didn't come home is the name on a bracelet that Michael wears on his arm. His name was Clarence Adams III, a husband and father of a beautiful family. The date was Sept 7, 2004. It was Michaels birthday and Clarence found out about it and said that he would go out instead of Michael that day so he could at lease try to enjoy his birthday (even in a place like Iraq). Clarence was killed on that assignment, it would have been Michael. To this day - and always you will find Michael with Clarence's name on his arm. Brothers in Arms. I asked Mike if Clarence's family knew he wore the bracelet - he said no. He wears it out of honor and respect and reverence. So today, I think I would like to celebrate Clarence. My unsung hero that is more a part of our family than he ever knew. I salute his wife and children and pray that they know that he is a mighty man in my eyes. And tonight - I hugged Michael extra long, for he will always be a hero. Thank you to all of those that sacrificed so that I could live free. I honor you all.

Too much rain on the brain...

Ashley sent this to me and I have been laughing for about 5 hours over it. I believe she's concerned that Del and I will have too much free time when Ryan leaves for his mission. Now I know my calling in life and here it is..... Thanks Lee Lee.

....now you know about my driving dreams - don't forget to check out 'Grandma June has a blog' - (at junietunes) listed to the right of this blog. It runs in the family.....

One Hot Lee Lee

Well, I knew it would happen sometime - Ashley has been discovered! (No Mike I don't mean by you...) Ashley was scoped out at the Salt Lake Harley Davidson shop and was asked to to a photo shoot for the new Harley Catalog coming out soon. Way to Go Ashley!! I can just see it now - Ashley in a hot leather jacket, hot leather pants, hair flowing in the breeze coming from the fan, cameras flashing, and very very very nearby is Mike and his entire Army troupe standing there with loaded guns. Hey - I suggest Mike is in the picture too - Hotttta! Have fun Ashley!

Too freakin' cute not to post.....

"Can't touch this"
"na - na - na -na"

Da Grandma Hillary just had to buy the glasses
...Dude...

Me Mudder

I asked Del to do just one thing for me for Mother's Day - take me to Mendon and let me spend the afternoon hanging out with my mom, put flowers on her mom's grave, and have some dinner with her and my brother & his wife. So Del, Ryan, Mikenzie and I headed off with our cameras in hand to visit me mudder. She is my hero - heart and soul. No one else can call and say just the right thing at just the right time like mothers can and my mom has mastered that. I cannot even start to explain the many ways she has managed to mold my life for the better just by her love and example. She made me see people in a different light - it seems as if I can go up to anyone and just start talking to them because she taught me that everyone is special - and sometimes total strangers lives can be changed by a smile and a warm comment. She always asked me to pass it on - and so I try each day to do that - and to teach my children that - I know they get it. Thank you for that mom, your mom would be very proud of all that you have become. I love you mom! By the way - my Mom's Day was wonderful - flowers, gifts, cards and messages of love. I had warm fuzzies all day - thanks Del and Kids! Oh by the way mom - sorry about the 'Honk if you're Horny' bumper sticker on your car.....drive carefully!