Stalling

Today is the day that I am to begin my summer writing.  The day has been figuratively circled on my calendar for a couple of months or more.  It's my first "real" day of summer--after all the family festivities are over, after Andrew has returned from Helaman's Camp, a Monday--which always seems like a good start day.

So why am I terror-struck to click on that icon and begin?  Courage!

Before and After

Thirty-five years later--

Nearly thirty-six years ago, I moved into an apartment just a few blocks south of BYU campus, Crown 3.  Although it wasn't the nicest place I looked at, and although I didn't know any of my future roommates, it just felt like the right place to live.  These five girls would become cherished friends.  

Crown 3:  Sindy, Tracy, Lisa, Maureen, Laurene and me

Last week I met two of them at The Olive Garden for lunch.  We talked for six hours!  Catching up, reminiscing, philosophizing.  We remembered the bond we had those many years ago, how we talked and talked and talked (and occasionally visited Baskin Robbins).  How we ate together every night (and always included at least a couple of handsome young men who paid for the privilege of sharing our table.)  We were a family then! 

Thirty-five years later, with Sindy & Laurene

We discussed the events which made up the fabric of our lives and how each of our lives have taken different directions than those we anticipated when we sat on the floor and dreamed together those many years ago. We shared what we knew about our missing roommates, marveling at the many experiences that had come into our collective lives. None of us has been spared life's challenges, but we talked about how those experiences had strengthened us and our faith.  

My mind was flooded with memories as the years melted away.  We laughed and shared and encouraged.  What a delightful way to spend an afternoon!  

Introducing . . . The Anonymous!

Andrew competed with friends, Quinn, Kate and Maddie, at the Vocal Sport III competition.  The audience awarded them 1st place in their category!  You can see their performance on YouTube.  (Unfortunately, although I've tried and tried, I can't seem to put the video itself on my blog.)  Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmICGJ7tI5o

P.S. Credit goes almost exclusively to these four talented 15-year olds!  They chose it, arranged it, practiced it, and perfected it--with almost no adult input.  Congratulations!

Turning Fifteen

We celebrated Andrew's birthday with a surprise party.  Quinn got him out of the house, then when all were assembled, we drove to Quinn's house, the boys popped a pillowcase over his head and hauled him out to the car!  From our house, the party-goers were sent on a quest to buy a can of olives--but not until they had unraveled clues, answered riddles, played Just Dance at Amy & Ryan's, and sung (in four part harmony, I might add) the National Anthem in Reams!  They returned, their quest complete, for dinner and some good hang-out time.  Andrew was completely surprised, and gave it two thumbs up!

Andrew, Quinn, Noah, Chase, Reagan & Pierce (Ciera arrived later.)

Andrew & Quinn

Andrew, Quinn & Noah

Andrew as Jimmy Smith

A few photos--

"Honey, you're my New York horror story!"

"'Well, I had my big adventure, but it sure is
 nice to be back in my own bed.'"

"You're looking at the hottest speak-o in town!"

"Eighteen years on Long Island:  if that ain't misspent,
 I don't know what is."

"What do I need with love?"

"Call each one of them the same pet name:  Hey, Baby!"

"Talk about a four leaf clover me."

"Golddigger!"
"Womanizer!"
"Jezebel!"
"Cassanova!"

"What am I doing on a window ledge,
hundreds of feet in the air?"

"I Turned the Corner"

"You suspect foul play?"

"Funny, I found myself an emerald."

Curtain call

Andrew (Jimmy), Pierce (Ching Ho), Quinn (Trevor Graydon), Maddie (Millie), Ciera  (Miss Dorothy) 

Kissing: Thoroughly Modern Millie Style

Director's Notes:

After first kiss:  "You can't kiss her like your mother."

After second kiss:  "That's a start; we can work with that."

Next day, to other kissing couple:  "You need to kiss like them."

Next day:  "Andrew, that kiss is too aggressive."

Two performances down!  The play is fabulous!  Well cast, colorful, funny, and just extremely well done by all.  Very proud of our boy and all his great friends!  

If you want a glimpse, first night photos are available by way of Andrew's facebook page.  There is a link to a Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. page on his wall.  One of the play dads posted about 200 photos.   

Thoroughly Modern Millie

I just noticed that I have basically nothing listed on my Coming Events!  Could that be because I've been so consumed with THIS coming attraction that I haven't even thought beyond it?  I've sneaked a few peaks during dress rehearsals, and am excited to see Andrew as Jimmy, starting this Thursday!