Crazy? Who's Crazy?

Operation Blanket Drop!!!

2011-02-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Calling all Baby Quilt makers: Whether you sew them, crochet the edges, tie them or quilt them, we are looking for willing quilt makers for Operation Blanket Drop! A spring and summer project to make blankets for still born or babies that will not thrive enough to ever go home that the family can use on their Angels in the hospital then take home to remember them by.
Now this project is not my brainchild, Joleen and Jess Haag have made this dream project into a reality looking for a way to heal from the loss of their pre-mature and only 7-minute living son, Ammon Paul. Because of their circumstances of being in the military, they never saw nor held their little Ammon, but they still carry him around in their hearts. Knowing how hard those minutes, hours or days can be, they wanted to help through donating new quilts for the babies.
Their plan is to gather any and all quilts people will donate and take them to one or two hospitals that they are working with on Ammon's birthday. They ask for the new blanket with a picture of you with it(for a slide show to go with them) if possible in a ziplock bag, be donated by September 1, 2011 so they are all ready by October 17th. Any questions, contact me in the comment section or call me for those who know me. More information to follow. PLEASE HELP.

Crazy? Around Here?

2011-02-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Is your house/life full of madness too?

Mondays are for Madness and late ballet work.

Tuesday's are for late starts for mom's confusion and Liz's excuse for breakfast.

Wednesday is the middle of the week which means the week has broken down to

wheel of fortune.

Thursday, the last day of ballet, but the first day of tests, why are tests always at the end of the week. My husband is starting to lose his patience with his work.

Friday is the day that last tests are, doctor appointments are set, husband has lost all patience at work and has to drag himself there although dragging is not the way home.

Friday and Saturday is social life for my Senior in High School. and so Friday nights and Saturdays will be parties and games and dances and dates and hanging out.

While mom and dad do groceries and other parent things.

Then Sunday is Church, not as much madness.

They're Back, They're Back!!

2011-01-29T02:06:00.000-07:00

Tears were shed a couple of months ago when my favorite fancy paper store went out of business. How could this happen? How could they do this to me? HOW COULD THEY DO IT TO ALL OF US HERE? But the financial end is tight and I tried to understand. I did my part. As they did they close their door sale, I bought some... well, a little more than some.... ok, my husband made a deal, if nothing bounced and I didn't buy anything else for my birthday (in January) he wouldn't kill me, he would just chalk it up to madness for quality paper. Amazing how much you need for only 2 kids.

Anyway, I wander....
but then there was a whisper on the wind, a hushed word at a craft store, then it happened, my best friend told me ... they have sold it to someone who has the same vision and are keeping on the same people for the paper crafts - well, also I got an emal from the new management, but it was my friend that assured me that they were back. So just a little plug...

HEARTLAND PAPERS in Bountiful is open again.

And I am a little psyched.

Honestly This Can't Be a Throwback to the 80s

2011-01-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have heard that cutting edge fashionistas and events, locally it plays out often in Stomp apparel, have fed back to the 80s. Actually many of there clothes they buy at thrift stores and stores that take carefully worn clothes for carefully worn clothes are all the faze. Boy makes it cheaper for mom.
First, a quick definition for those unfamiliar with the phrase, a Stomp is a high school conducted dance that you go to without dates usually after sporting events or on special events- my son, graduated 2 years ago- had 1 his whole senior year - #2, a current senior, has had one and it looks like another in the future. How it is being interpreted...

Ok, I was a dancer. I think I had one sweatshirt that had the cut out neck, but only wore it to or after dance class. This is not a trend we adore - Flashdance was short lived about a number of things. Tights I don't think I had a pair of tights my whole high school experience. Mostly high school was levis, some hideous shirts (I have to admit that) and bows in big hair. Yes big hair - If you went through it - embrace it. I was, unfortunately, born with straight hair that wouldn't hold a curl if I wanted it to.
Now this is a lesson to our children - we were told that what worn will come around - hope you like it, cause it will. HA WHAT WE DID TO YOU AND HATED THE MOST YOU WILL GIVE TO YOUR NEXT GENERATION. Just had to get that off my chest.

Can You Identify All the Movements of the Nutckracker

2011-01-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

I walk down the isle of Robert's Craft finding myself going through choreography in my head - AARRGGHH - it must be Nutcracker!! How many years can a parent drive one child to Nutcracker, volunteer at Nutcracker, watch practicing at home, listening to practicing at studios in the heat of September through the cold of December, 8 years (so far) starting Christmas in September. But the crazy part is that ... I love it! And I am going to miss it next year when she's in college and doing on her own just with our support and love.

This year my little ballerina this year was the Snow Queen, just one step down from Sugar Plum. Here are a couple pictures. The one is a little fuzzy, kinda like her. Enjoy!

Really, I Didn't Get Kidnapped By Aliens

2011-01-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

Really, I didn't get kidnapped by aliens. Really, I have been around, really I have thought about you all that actually read my blog. THANK YOU FOR STAYING INTERESTED!

Lots has happened, wow is that an understatement. I'll try to update slowly in between keeping you up to date and other up to date stuff.

If anyone has questions or ideas for posts, please give them to me, I LOVE COMMENTS.

College Time - U of Utah Ballet Program Tryout

2010-11-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

The University of Utah has a very good Ballet program, one linked with the Ballet West. Elizabeth wants to double major in Ballet with a teaching emphasis and Mathematics (yes, I know you can see how these go together). So the first Saturday in November, Liz tried out for the first time for the ballet program. First thing they told her is that she couldn't be accepted to the program until she was accepted to the University. She was waiting for her high school to send the official transcript. And second, it would take two weeks to hear IF she got in. Her friend it took three times because it is such a competitive program. Dancers come from all over to take at the U.

She felt like her technique did not go as well as she could have done. But she felt better about her pointe work. Luckily, she has done the UofU/Ballet West Summer Intensive the past two summers and actually knew the teacher doing the pointe work.

Well, she still hasn't been accepted to the U.

But less than a week later she was accepted to the Ballet Department! We're so excited and proud of her!

Time for gratitude including Veterans

2010-11-03T12:13:00.000-06:00

Thank you for he leaves out my window are yellow as the days are getting short. But the sun is still up until dinner so the sun shines through the leaves high in the afternoons. It's November and snow is suppose to be on the way, and the leaves will fall on the lawn. But the time has come and winter is on the door step. Thanksgiving is in the wings, a time for gratitude, and it's time to start with our veterans. Veterans day is a day for gratitude that have given this country to us with their time, their heart and their lives to be grateful.

Special Snow Change

2010-10-27T13:09:00.000-06:00

Last night we had our first big snow storm, but in our household Snow came early this year. Last Friday, Liz was invited to move up from Dew Drop Fairy to Snow Queen for Nutcracker!! How exciting! It makes her in a partnered part which is a first for Liz and also a petit pas which is really exciting because it is one step down from the top spot of Sugar Plum Fairy which has a grand pas. Congratulations Liz! We look forward to seeing you in December.

Proudly Support the Pink

2010-10-13T15:35:00.000-06:00

Mammograms and self exams are all so important, but there is also the point to support those already with breast cancer.

At the beginning of this month, I thought it didn't really apply to me. But now the issue has hit home hard. My Grandma, 85, just found out she has inflammatory breast cancer. Never heard of it? Not a surprise, only 1-3% of breast cancers are this type. It was actually initially discovered because of a tumor on her brain effecting her right side mobilization. About the time of the surgery, she found a lump in her breast. In the next three weeks it went from approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. She could tell the growth. By the time they had her diagnosed and into the right doctors, which actually happened rather quickly, it was too large to operate on because there is not enough skin left over to provide a skin graft. Chemotherapy and radiation are the only options left open to her. She is stage IV, meaning that tumors have already started to spread. My grandma doesn't know as of yesterday what she was going to do, but decisions will be made quickly and the fact of the matter is this will take her. She is amazingly upbeat knowing she has had a wonderful life and when she does die, she will have her sweetheart on the other side.

Cancer touches all of us.

BHS Homecoming

2010-10-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

Bountiful High's Homecoming was Saturday, October 2. It started with a great homecoming game Friday where Bountiful beat undefeated East, 21-0. YEAH! The Braves even had fireworks!

Saturday, with the LDS General Conference, made Homemaking a new experience. Her date, Eric Kovacs, a friend of hers - AP friend and football player - picked her up in a casual outfit for dinner at Alvey's with a total of 10 couples. Lasagna and garlic bread later, they took some pictures and dropped off the girls in time for Priesthood session and time for the girls to get ready (2 hours is about right). Liz looked gorgeous in a blue taffita dress with sequins and black short sweater and sash. It was made by her Grandma Billings and Me (I just did sequins).

Eric came and picked her up, his tie matched her dress exactly - amazing. They went to the dance and had fun, then afterward had pie and talked and made it home before too late. The dance was the big success, and Eric and Liz are still great friends.

Question of the week

2010-09-29T15:23:00.000-06:00

It's Homecoming Week. Even with kids in high school, some people hang on to the spirit of Homecoming, the game, the parade, etc. Other people, even some parents, let the kids enjoy the week and just take a second (or less) to remember their Homecoming experiences when they were in high school. In my extended family, we have those who see it both ways. Now I live close to the high school (can hear the score of the football game if we're outside close). How would you, or will you, handle Homecoming when your kids are in school? It goes kinda along the same lines of reunions. Think about it. Brave ones, speak out.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

2010-09-21T04:47:00.000-06:00

Nutcracker tryouts were Saturday and for the possible last year for a while, Elizabeth, my dancer girl, tried out with a bunch of her friends. The competition was tighter this year, some girls from the U showed up and made the competition fearse. After almost 3 hours of try outs, they were sent home for postings Sunday at 5.

5 came, 5 went. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, all came and went, apparently the cast was top heavy because of all the talented girls en pointe. Finally at 11, it came up. Disappointment was rampant. Only 2 former principals were principals again, 2 out of 6 positions. Last year Liz was a soloist as Dew Drop who dances to Waltz of the Flowers with her own corps.

We're pleased to announce that Liz was chosen again to be a Principal as Dew Drop again! We are very proud of her and Christmas coming early to the Billings household.

Can you say 22 years and running?

2010-09-18T02:14:00.000-06:00

We four come from land of Braves,
Bountiful High School, Home of Braves,
We four wear red and grey proudly,
to football games especially.

We now recognize the rivals of the Braves,
especially in football,
the poor Woods Cross Wildcats
We four mourn for cousins that cheer for the Wildcats :(

Senior Brave Lightfoot Lizzy cheered for Braves in football on
Woods Cross territory the 17th of September.
Woods Cross threw. Woods Cross ran.
Woods Cross was suppose to win, but Braves came in Red and Grey.

22-17 Later, Sorry Woods Cross, 22 years of victories and going!
Na-Na-Nana, Na-Na-Nana, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye!
GO BRAVES!!

Oct.2

2010-09-11T00:04:00.000-06:00

Wanted: One Date to Homecoming.

Must be LDS in good standing, have a sense of humor and preferably know the advertizing girl. Preference given to Bountiful Homecoming after General Priesthood Meeting with other friends of your or the girl's choosing. Promise a fun dance especially if friends or willing to try to become friends. Girl is bubbly, outgoing, well liked and fairly attractive (photo attached). Seeing that Homecoming is in less than a month, prompt reply to this is preferred. Curtains will be going up to take care of front window-itis. Reply below.

20-10-20-11 hike

2010-08-31T22:39:00.000-06:00

Head bands, face paint, knee high moccasins, red and white as far as the eye can see. You have now entered "Who's house? Brave's House".
Some places it's an institution all of it's own, some places it's barely noticed, for our family you are born and bred a Brave. What could I possibly be talking about? High School Football Season - September through November, if all goes well Late November.
Don't know how the team is rated but Bountiful, a 4A school, took on Lone Peak, 5A, pre-season and lost only by a field goal.
So what, besides everything possible red, could a senior possibly use? How about a stadium blanket. Made out of recycled levis, specifically pockets when possible, and a furry red inside to warm them and a friend or two during cold games. Below is the finished product of Liz's stadium blanket - now she just needs someone to wrap up with.

The Sun Arises in the Fall...

2010-08-28T02:07:00.000-06:00

As sure as the sun will rise, as sure as autumn will follow summer, Elizabeth is drawn, like a moth, back to the ballet studio. To dance and practice, allegro, grand allegro, center work; and to work with those just starting out on a journey she started 13 years ago. To hold the hands of little ones and teach them the beginnings, plie just to start, and to do her own work, plie, the beginning of every class. As one ballet expert is quoted as saying, "Plie is the first thing you learn, and the last thing you master."

On top of the 8 hours in the studio, Nutcracker begins after tryouts in a couple weeks with two practices a week until performances in December. In November, she auditions for the University of Utah Department of Ballet for college next year (along with Mathematics). Then in January the start of training for recital that is in the beginning of May. Then summer school for 8 weeks then her break begins again.

Happy Monday - SCHOOL STARTS!!

2010-08-23T03:03:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! I just wanted to send a shout out to every Mom and Dad to congratulate them on sending off their ankle-bitters off to school again. Summer has been long and it's gotten to the point where the list of ideas are either done or you're tired of trying to get them done. The sun, the mud and the mess is finally coming to an end, at least for the majority of the day. Their minds will be busy, their hands will be busy and lunch will be at school for most of us. I love the fact that mine comes home the first week tired after a day of busiest day of classes with homework and, of course, friends. Isn't that why they look forward to school as they get older? I know that's what we look forward in our household, apparently. As soon as we found out who we had as teachers we had to call all of our friends to see who were in our classes, heaven forbid we have to make new friends. There's the anxiety of new teachers, and the new year. Looking cute for girls, and looking cool... no, boys usually don't care as long as they are dressed.

So if all of this wonderful stuff is going on, then why am I the one that's up unable to sleep and worried about being home alone while she's at school. And after everything else, after 12 years, my baby is starting her Senior year. My baby is growing up, and not worried about school, but after having her all summer to myself, well and ballet, I will miss the summer very much. Early mornings, lunches just with the dog and finding things to keep myself busy by myself. I guess I'll be looking forward to Labor Day weekend. Any one want to get together and sew, quilt, scrapbook, book club, anything... just once in a while? Have car will travel. Am I the only one who feels this way?

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!! and of course, GO BRAVES!

When all is considered I must be brilliant

2010-08-19T08:20:00.000-06:00

I have this habit of doing things before connecting my brain. Ok, example...

Sunday the dog wanted a toy that was... well, I discovered ... just out of reach since I was laying on the couch after writing an email to my boy. So I leaned it was a bit to far and, like most people, fell off the couch. But this is where the brain disconnect comes, I landed on my face first... and broke my nose. Honestly, I just fell off the couch! Luckily, although there is a break, no surgery is necessary this time.Thanks Doc. HALLELUJAH!

But this is, unfortunately, not a first. Last summer, I tripped a fell down the cement slope to our backyard and landed face first on the cement. Ok, no broken nose just a lovely bruise with a concussion. We think that is when I went to a severe deviated septum (the inside part of your nose).

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE, a year and half, almost two years ago, I fell out my front door to pick up a box that was left by UPS. Yes, you see it coming, I fell down the one step and fell on my face and hit my head on my porch. I called my husband at work because I was bleeding because I scraped my face.

What have we learned from all this? My brain must be huge to make me so off center to fall on to it. I must be brilliant.

Then why do I fall on it?

Elizabeth Senior Pictures

2010-08-13T20:18:00.000-06:00

This week Elizabeth had the landmark opportunity to get her senior picture taken for her Senior Yearbook. At BHS, guys look debonair in tux shirt, jacket and red bow tie. On the other hand, the girls have the option of a beautiful red piece of fabric that they use as a wrap...lovely. Since we love them so much, we ordered none. Sorry Grandmas.

But, during June, as part of a photographer workshop, Liz had the opportunity to be a model for senior pictures. Lindsey Jane and her assistant, as part of the deal, gave her all of their pictures for payment. Now we have professional senior pictures, a few of them are here... Vote for your favorite.

Senior Alphabet Soup

2010-08-11T11:33:00.000-06:00

ACT, SAT, AP,

The tests are or to be done,

UofU, MIT, BYU,

Applications to be made,

Student, High School, Scholarship, College,

CIA can't break these codes,

Classes, Notes, Tests, Studying,

Busy, Busy, Busy,

Football, Dances, Nightgames, Dating,

Play, Play, Play,

Tassels, Gowns, Caps, Diplomas,

Graduation, Memories, Friends.

2011.

Jeff's 8 Month Anniversary

2010-08-05T02:41:00.000-06:00

They tell you many things when you send a child out on a mission. You will be blessed. You will be led. You will be comforted.

Tuesday we were led. The message was clear as mud, it was time to clean our son's bedroom after 8 months in the mission field.

The sprinkler's broke and flooded his room.

Perhaps next time we can get an email.

To Blog or Not To Blog

2010-07-26T14:43:00.000-06:00

To Blog or Not to Blog,
That is the question,
Lately my blog has been, well.... nothing worth reading.
Why, you ask? Because I haven't been sticking with what I really believe a blog should be. Yes, you know it is the 4th of July, but that's not the information and questions I should be blogging about.
Now, the question becomes, if I should start back up my blog, my real blog. I would love some input. I know that so many people now just use facebook, but that is not my scene right now.

Watch for a new format and a new discussion line.

Happy Independence Day!!

2010-07-05T00:03:00.000-06:00

The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission." - President John F. Kennedy

USA World Cup Team First in Bracket to 16

2010-06-23T10:16:00.000-06:00

After stunning victory over the powerhouse England, and a nail biter win over Algeria, USA World Cup team finds themselves not only progressing to the 16 in first place from the "C" Bracket, but lined up to play heavy hitter Ghana or Germany on Saturday at 12:30 MT on ABC. This should be an awesome game depending on what teams decide to show up. USA could actually take the match. Extra shout out to Donovin who scored the deciding goal over Algeria in continuation time after the 90'. GO USA!

Father's Day

2010-06-20T10:28:00.000-06:00

Father's Day, made official in the 1970s, is a great holiday to stop and think about those men in our lives and what they mean to us. On this Father's Day, I especially have to highlight my husband, Robert, who has survived another year with us with grace and strength. Not only is he the support and confidant of our son who is in his first year of his foreign mission... not only does he support and encourage our daughter who is preparing to finish high school and apply for colleges and continues to fulfill her dancing dream, but he carries most of the household necessities as well as my needs because of my disability. His hard work both at home and at the office, his compassion that bypasses most I know and his sense of fun under most situations, those that warrant it, all make him wonderful to live with and a wonderful care taker in various ways. Of all the things I did in college, marrying Rob and having our two wonderful children were the best. May the next year be even better for you, than the last. To my love, Rob.

USA World Cup Team Update

2010-06-12T18:10:00.000-06:00

First Match: England
4' England
just before 45' USA

Great game leaving the USA with a tie going into group play the rest of the week. We weren't suppose to have a prayer against England. Last WC win over England was 60 years ago.

Go USA!!

GOOOOOOOAL!

2010-06-11T06:24:00.000-06:00

Today is the official first day of matches for the FIFA World Cup with Mexico vs. the host country, South Africa.
BUT, it doesn't really matter until tomorrow at 11:00 MST when the USA takes on England. It should be a good tight game, but the US just might come out on top.

Watch out for the new official balls that have a zing to them when kicked hard with any spin on them at any altitude. Addidas is now admitting it may affect the games. NO REALLY. Should make it interesting.

Anyway, GO USA!!!

updates to follow

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-30T16:08:00.000-06:00

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy

Years ago as I stood looking at the rows of headstones of the Arlington Memorial Cemetary, the overwhelming sacrifice for the freedom and liberty was obvious. This Memorial Day, may we remember those who have fought and lost their lives for those who have fought for us - in Arlington, VA or in Sandy, UT, and everywhere in between. Thanks!

YEEEHAAA!!

2010-05-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

Howdy, Ya'll!! Recital was just last weekend and "Americana" was a hit. The advanced level girls were cowgirls this year, don't I look fancy in my recital duds and sweats, and enjoyed the experience of demi-solos (2 or 3 dancers at a time with one or 2 groups at times). Next year Liz will be a senior and as long as she keeps active in ballet (laugh hard here), she will have a solo in next year's recital. Yeah!
She also had the exciting experience of watching her little 3/4 year old "popcorn" and 4/5/6 year old "prancing ponies" that she has worked with all year. They did a great job! They were so cute! The recital takes in all of the Bountiful School of Ballet students, and they work on it from January until May. Everyone buys their own fun costume which the teachers come up with and order, tweak and make sure are fun and fit the dance.

New Missionary Picture

2010-05-25T16:26:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been almost 6 full months since Jeff left on his mission. The rainy season is on, but he did send me a new great picture! The weird things missionary mom's get excited about. For those of you who know him, please note that he has a neck and fills out his shirt. He has actually put on some weight.

My Dad Retires Today

2010-05-13T10:23:00.000-06:00

I am proud to announce that my dad, a Justice on the Utah State Surpereme Court, Is officially retiring from the Court! He has been serving on the Court for 12 years, and on the Court of Appeals before that. He has been a guest professor at BYU's Law School. He has been on numerous national panels on law policy. Mostly he has been an awesome Justice! Congratulations Dad!

Eclipse Countdown

2010-05-06T13:26:00.000-06:00

For all us good Twi-hards, here is a countdown to the Eclipse movie. Other exciting things: Oprah is going to have the main characters on her May 13 show (sorry Dad, got to have my priorities straight). Just in case you didn't know, I kind like kinda Stephenie Meyer's series. Oh, well.

Elder Jeff's Update

2010-04-30T16:56:00.000-06:00

This is Jeff's first baptism on his mission. He is currently in Chitrie, Panama with Elder Bell from California. It is an older woman (60s) who they have been teaching for a couple of months. His Spanish is coming along to a point where he is having a problem writing emails in English. Now I just look forward to the Mother's Day call!

Elizabeth and Prom - It's all about the Dress

2010-04-25T19:20:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth was lucky enough to be asked to Prom this year by Bryce Harrison, a long time friend of hers. The fun part was she had the option of a number of dresses from her cousins and from a friend in the neighborhood. She chose her friend's Junior Miss dress, which was a beautiful choice on her. It was a almost olive green dress with a good sheen to it with boning that made her look even thinner, if that is possible, and decorated with delicate double embroidery, beading and rhinestones. It is beautiful. The following are just some of the pictures.

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T14:20:00.000-06:00

"Treat the world well. It wasn't given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children."

Although I am not a huge greenie, I do believe in basic earth preservation. Not only do we save the earth, we save ourselves. So here's to reusable water bottles, bicycles and cf bulbs. May we all leave our footprint on this earth smaller than those before us. Happy Earth Day!

Little Brother Awarded University of Utah Award Today

2010-04-21T12:04:00.000-06:00

Par Excellence Award – Brad Wilkins BS’01

I am delighted to announce that Brad Wilkins has been chosen as the 31st recipient of the University of Utah's Par Excellence Award, given annually to the alumnus of the University who, within the first decade and a half since graduation, has demonstrated remarkable service, achievement, and excellence. Past recipients include the inventor of the artificial heart, the creator of the 911 emergency response system, distinguished professors, ambassadors and governors, and university presidents.
"The award is given by the University of Utah Young Alumni Board to an outstanding alumnus/a who has graduated within the last 15 years. The award, presented at the Annual Spring Awards Banquet, recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of an individual who has given outstanding service to the University, the community, and his/her profession."
Brad has been engaged in design efforts on cutting-edge, award winning structures in far corners of the world. His experience in the creative design process of highly sustainable, energy super-efficient, very tall buildings puts him in rare and remarkable working company. His personal design efforts have contributed to iconic structures in places as far flung as China, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.

Brad's Background: Brad Wilkins in an architect and senior designer at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, a firm that specializes in sustainable, large, mixed-use buildings. He has worked on the Chicago Olympic effort, the world’s tallest building (the Burj Khalifa), and the world’s first zero-energy, supertall skyscraper (71 stories), the Pearl River Tower in China.
A native of Utah, Wilkins trained with Rocco Yim in Hong Kong and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, among others. He graduated in 2001 from the University of Utah’s architecture program and in 2004 from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design with a master’s in architecture. As a senior designer at AS+GG, Wilkins has influenced several award-winning designs.
Wilkins is one of a very small group of emerging world-class architects. His brief career has been marked with a number of significant designs in sustainable, energy-efficient, super-tall buildings. His design expertise and creativity have contributed to a variety of advances in this highly competitive field. He has earned the certification of the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and is an Accredited Professional.
In addition, Wilkins is involved in a number of charitable and civic activities, including as a founding member of the Taj Heritage Foundation in Agra, India; as a member of the Chicago Architecture Foundation dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Chicago’s unique architectural heritage; and as a member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, dedicated to preserving and advancing the understanding of the work and contribution of one of America’s signature architects, through volunteer participation and contributions.
Honors Wilkins has received include a Gold Award for the Pearl River Towers from the 2008 Spark Awards; the 2008 Best Green Development from the Arabian property Middle East Awards; and the 2008 Utah Heritage Award from the Utah Heritage Foundation, among others.
His current pastimes include travel, photography, reading, golf, and running. He is also a die-hard fan of Football Club Barcelona, and, of course, the Running Utes, and Utah football.
In fact, Wilkins claims that “life for me started at the U.” He was the child of “two struggling but happy University of Utah law students (his father is Utah Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Wilkins BS’75 JD’77, and his mother is retired Judge Diane W. Wilkins BA’75 JD’79),” so his life has always been tied to red in some way. Indeed, he claims that “red is my favorite color and always has been.” (Oh, and my baby brother's single and looking.)

It's a Goofy Day

2010-04-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

Just a little something Goofy that made my day. Hopefully it will make yours too! Sorry for being off the radar, more details later.

htt p://www.youtube.com/watch?y=OABeWNqZph4

Popcorn

2010-04-09T11:01:00.000-06:00

I looked out the window and what did I see...
Popcorn Popping on my Apricot Tree...

Looks like a bumper crop this year
and the snow hasn't gotten it yet,
so if anyone is interested in apricots this summer let me know
and we'll work something out.
I love spring,
if only my family could breath through it.

But my family work is all done...

2010-04-07T14:33:00.000-06:00

All of my family history work is done, just ask me. My four generation chart is full and everything. I've tried learning the LDS Church's system, but I don't quite have it down yet. THEN, my mom retired. My daughter decided this week, spring break, to do baptisms for the dead every day, but Monday of course, with a friend (and so far has). The cool thing is that my mom has kept her and her friend busy with family names who need doing, 10 to 20 each trip. Now she only has 3 to 500 to go! Just in baptisms. As soon as my foot is better, I have tons of work to do, too. And I thought I would never have family work to do. It's much cooler, IMHO, than just doing anyone's family's name. Someday I will meet them and they will thank me for helping with there work - cool!

Happy General Conference

2010-04-02T20:26:00.002-06:00

To all those LDS members who are looking forward to General Conference this weekend, a weather update... 64% chance of precipitation from the history of spring conferences. Too bad that Kevin Eubank agrees with history, too. Enjoy the snow!

When Life Gives You Lemons...

2010-04-01T12:54:00.004-06:00

Well, the last couple of weeks have been rather busy. Above and beyond the normal family stuff, and missionary stuff, my father-in-law and sister-in-law both had some surgery to remove tumors. My father-in-law's, while uncomfortable, seems to be completely benign. But today, a week later, we are sitting on pins and needles to find out what kind of Lymphoma she has. Lymphoma? I'm too young to have a sister with Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. Doesn't she have enough with a son with downs syndrome and another with high functioning ausbergers? Hasn't she been through enough with the loss of her oldest in a car accident? And a son ready to go on a mission except for finishing one letter on his paperwork. But now this.

I truly believe no one will be given more than you can handle, and my sister-in-law is very strong. So is my mother and father-in-law. But this is a family deal, am I strong?

Do I really watch movies in the theater?

2010-03-26T12:20:00.000-06:00

Well, the New Moon video is out. Saturday thousands of fans all over the country waited in lines at just after midnight Friday to get it. Halfway through Saturday, I finally broke down and splurged and bought my copy of it. For those of you who haven't figured it out, I am a bit of a Twilight addict.

I saw it in the theater. So last night when I watched it I didn't expect any surprises. Ok, I must have been tired when I saw it before because it was a different, and frankly, better, movie last night when I watched it. Amazing how that happens when you actually see the whole movie in one sitting. I look forward to the time when I can watch it again. I wonder if I can get Rob to watch it with me?

Please forgive me...

2010-03-23T13:43:00.000-06:00

Please forgive me,
I haven't blogged,
I have thought about you,
but the computer has been kaput,
until (mostly) today.

Well, a little catch-up,
I need to do,
First of all I need forgivness,
I cheered for BYU.

It was the NCAAs,
And they were champs,
And anyone from Mountain West
I like to see do well.
but All Hail to the U of U.

Next my foot has been... well... hurt,
No break,
No stress fracture,
Just sore enough to wear
a beautiful Orthepedic Boot.
It's been 6 weeks,
I have 2 more,
Then walking and driving I can do once more.

So that's my story,
Not so bad, you see,
Just lazy but ready for Spring
(and walking)
You see.
So Happy Easter to all
and see you again soon.

I think I need an intervention

2010-02-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think I need an intervention!
I have to admit I have an addiction,
It is for Olympic competition.

It happens every two years approximately,
When I cheer for the USA compusivly,
Everything from skiing to curling,
Even summer events, from morning to night.

Now Vancouver is coming to an end,
So I have to wait for London in 2012,
From Anton Ono to Micheal Phelps,
The shift will not be hard to make.

Thank goodness World Cup Soccer is this summer!

What do you do in the winter?

2010-02-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, what do you do in the winter? If you've hurt your foot and something you are way obsessive about is on, you watch the Olympics, once every four years. Did you know that you can watch Olympics on normal channel 5 from 2pm to 2am with little interruption? I LOVE the Olympics. I was addicted way before Salt Lake City in 2002, but that only made it worse. So all I have to say is... it's only 16 days and GO USA!

Garbage Day

2010-02-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today I pulled out of the driveway,
I noticed that every house was decorated
with a large black can...
It was a beautiful sight.
The only problem was that it was late in the day,
And my house was the only one bare this week.
Anyone else seem to continually to forget garbage day, too?

Insurance

2010-02-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

4 hours on the phone today with 2 insurance companies and their pharmacy departments and I still don't know anything more about my coverage. If anyone knows how insurance, works... please call me...

Phone Call from My Favorite Missionary

2010-02-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while traveling to Panama, Elder Jeff Billings was able to call from Atlanta for about 22 minutes. Liz and I enjoyed the time to talk and enjoyed the time to hear each other. After two months, it was so good to hear from him. Now we just have to make it to Mother's Day. Yeah!

Sweetheart Dance

2010-02-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

BHS' Sweetheart Dance was Saturday, Feb. 6. The school decided on the theme of "Decades" this year. To go along with the theme, Elizabeth wore a dress that her Grandma Billings' wore during high school. With a little adjustment, this beautiful dress with antique rhinestone earrings and all she was ready. A couple of curls (uh, yeah, she was proud it took only 45 minutes), and a twisty do and she was ready to go.

A really good friend of hers, Taylor Hansen was her date, and they met up with a group for a day activity of marshmallow wars at a local church gym. They made guns out of pvc pipe and decorated them with electrical tape.

After the day activity, she prettied up (now pictures), and Taylor picked her up. The dance was held at Rice Eccles Stadium overlooking the whole city.

They were home on time and from all the stories it was a wonderful dance.

Happy Groundhog Day!

2010-02-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

P. Phil saw his shadow so we will have an extra 6 weeks of winter. Last year he saw his shadow, and we had the 50s and 60s in February. We'll have to see.

Australia (2008) - a movie review

2010-01-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, after the TV died, when we bought the new one we bought a couple new DVD's including Australia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. I found it not only entertaining but a tear producer, even the second time I saw it (so did my loving husband who hates "chick flicks).

The story is of an English aristocrat who hires a cattle drover to move 1500 head of cattle hundreds of miles to Darwin, Australia in a move to try and keep her cattle station. Lots of sub-plots make it wonderful. The cinematography of Australia outback is award worthy. I enjoyed the acting, especially Kidman and Jackman

The one draw back is that the movie runs a bit long, 2 hours and 45 minutes, however, I think it is important to the plot. But the drawbacks are minor and shouldn’t keep you from enjoying this blockbuster movie, which was nominated for an Oscar and won numerous other awards for its incredible cinematography.

I highly recommend it. It's rated PG-13 for some skin and some brief strong language.

Missionary letters

2010-01-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Called to serve, not called to write, I've decided,
Missionaries are busy, but so are Moms.
My son has decided writing the first paragraph in Spanish is really cool,
But I get the letters first and, as he knows, I DON'T KNOW SPANISH.

Someday he may understand waiting almost 20 days to send a letter within the state is a bad idea,
But by then he will be in Panama.
He always had problems doing his homework,
I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

If you have prospective missionary,
Get them writing thank you notes and letters to grandparents,
Try and make sure they understand the importance to you to be part of their life,
So when they don't write...

YOU CAN KILL THEM.

Is 40 the new 50?

2010-01-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Is 40 the new 50? (I don't feel that old),
It's YOUR special day, (and your niece's),
It's the day you get everything done for you
(except the dishes),
It's the day you don't have to do your work
(except your exercises),
Everyone will take care of you
(except for your kids who need help with homework
and a husband who has to go to work),

But you have an automatic party at dinner
because there is a group to eat with you,
There are all these friends who wish you Happy Birthday
on your facebook page,
MAYBE your missionary will get a letter to you today
(please, please, please),
Most importantly, there are people around
that make you feel loved.
What a Birthday!

Christmas (Seasons Greetings) Cards

2010-01-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Our family really did do season greeting cards this year, but if you didn't get one, you're not alone or less important to us. December was busy with a missionary and a Nutcracker soloist. So we just want to send our a big "Hello" and "Love You" to all our friends and family that didn't get their Christmas cards. Please keep up with us on this blog and Jeffrey in the MTC/Panama on his blog at ElderBillings.blogspot.com. Thanks so much. Love you.

How to tell your 17 yr old is having a Birthday...

2010-01-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

How you know your daughter is a teenager and is having a 17th BIRTHDAY TODAY....

1- Birthday parties are figured out by boy/girl ratios.

2- Car keys to the family car are a wonderful birthday present.

3- Birthday party with family are secondary placed behind... well... everything.

4- "Happy Birthday" wishes come with a passing "thanks" in the morning on the way out the door.

5- When asked about family dinner, no idea.

6- When asked about friends party, full plans weeks in advance.

7- Most important, becoming a beautiful, intelligent, caring young woman.

The Sun

2010-01-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Only shines for a few hours a day
in the winter,
Stays to the South,

When it can get out of
the haze of Utah,
Haze since the beginning of
time,

Or the snow storms,
which are better,
But still no sun.

The sun makes me happy,
The sun is warm,
I miss the sun.

Working out???

2010-01-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday, since the boy is on the mission and the Christmas tree is down and everyone else is back to school or work, the bike came back out and the wii was hooked up again since I got a wii fit (cool, eh?) from my missionary. I made a plan about my exercise and weight loss. So I got up yesterday morning and biked. Good start. I clipped out (I have those awesome pedals that you hook into and my bike is on a trainer so it just sits still while I ride in the front room) and managed to fall off my bike. It's not moving, I just didn't pay attention and ended up rolling out of a fall off a non-moving bike. Excellent, stressed my wrist.
Because my wrist was sore, I didn't ride in the afternoon again (it really is hard on your hands and wrists until you are better than me). So last night I went downstairs to get something and managed to twist my ankle and take myself down again. Excellent, stressed the opposite ankle.
No workout today as planned. Slept in instead.

The Scarlet Letter

2010-01-04T11:40:00.001-07:00

The Juniors in Honors English at BHS are working on a series of projects to earn points towards their Scarlet Letter grade. One was to do a movie and another was to take pictures. Apparently Elizabeth makes a good Hester. Now Hester, for those of you who may be a little rusty on the story, Hester is a woman in a strict religious community and has a baby by another man. She won't name the man. She is initially punished by forced to wear a scarlet letter A for adultery. Great book written by Nathanial Hawthorne.
One of Liz's set of friends did a movie and had Liz act out as Hester.
The best project her friend, Annie Leishman, did some lovely pictures of Liz portraying different parts of the book. Now I have some of the pictures, but I don't have her subtitles that she put with the pictures. Now you that know Liz will notice that Liz dyed her hair red for these pictures. Not to worry, her beautiful blonde hair was back after one wash, it was a mousse that colored her hair. It made a beautiful red color like Hester. Enjoy the pictures.

copywrite on the pictures: Annie Leishman

Here are some pictures to see the color of her hair:

And for comparison:

(a lovely picture of her hiding, but you can see her blond hair)

Cool, eh?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

2009-12-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

At the MTC the Missionaries were are snuggled in,
with visions of Spanish and Christ in their heads,
With a promise to write on Christmas day a letter or two
to keep the family at bay.

The Nutcracker was over, boy, was that a relief,
Driving to Sandy was something we could now do in our sleep.
But the Dew Drop Fairy did a wonderful job,
and not just according to her mom and her dad.
And the last performance came around with roses for the soloists,
the Snow Queen, the Sugar Plum Fairy and our Dew Drop, the top three.

On a mixed note, we had to finally say goodbye to a friend,
And help his family who mourned him because it was his mortal end.
He struggled three years until 16 when his body couldn't fight anymore,
but you see, three years of chemo and radiation and more, his fight was valiant and we'll miss him evermore.

And then we had family, which is always a treat, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with just enough to keep us fed, but not too much to eat ;).
Oh, the Christmas cards, well, I guess it's a good thing they say Seasons Greetings,
Since we haven't lifted a finger to get them out to our friends or family this year.

And then comes the time when just our little family gathers and says to each other, "Merry Christmas and we love you... and can you believe we survived another?"
So no matter your position this Christmas season finds you, may the light of Christ find you and warm you this day.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family!!

Happy Birthday to my loving Rob!

2009-12-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

To Rob, Happy Birthday! You put up with so much crap, you eyes are a perfect shade of brown. Thanks!

We love you, your kids and you loving blogger (I mean wife)

Opening "Night" for Cast B Nutcracker

2009-12-14T12:34:00.004-07:00

Saturday at 2pm was opening "night" for Elizabeth at the Nutcracker.

Thanks to the High Priest Leadership Christmas get together, we actually ended up seeing it. Normally we don't see her perform until closer to the end of her run.

But needless to say, she was beautiful! Those long legs and wonderful performance was great to watch! Her months of practice have paid off!

Dew Drop Fairy is the only soloist that is not a partnered soloist making it easier and harder at the same time. Her choreography is technically difficult while not as necessarily as showy.

Her corps of Waltz of the Flowers did a great job, too.

One show down, three shows this Friday, Saturday and Monday night, closing performance.

Go, Liz!

The MTC Adventure

2009-12-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, today was the day...

the big day...

we've all been waiting for...

Jeff, Elder Billings, went to the MTC.

The drop off was smooth.

The morning was nice.

And I didn't cry...

I was proud.

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

In a year of change in our family, all I can say is, "Happy Thanksgiving from all of us Turkeys."

REAL Salt Lake takes the MSL Cup

2009-11-23T15:57:00.001-07:00

All of us futball fans would like to stand up and finally say "HA, we told you so." And MLS has taken hold in Salt Lake City as REAL SL took the coveted MLS Cup (sort of like the Superbowl but better) after shutting down last year's champions in the first round. We proudly wear our colors and thank Checketts for keeping REAL here over overwhelming odds. We love our new pitch, we love our new coach, we love our new team, but mostly we love our new cup!! REAL 5-4!!

“The ball is round. The game lasts 90 minutes. The rest is just theory.”

Jeff's Farewell November 29th

2009-11-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe, but Jeff's farewell has finally gotten here. Next Sunday, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, at 2:50 (come at 2:30 for seats) at 650 S 200 East in Bountiful, he will give his final talk. PLEASE come and join us saying goodbye and good luck to Jeff.
There will also be an open house at his grandparent's home immediately following the meeting at 1397 S Stellaria Cir. in Bountiful that we would love to see you (and even your kids) at.
I can't believe it has gotten here so fast! But he is so spiritual ready to go, now if we could just get the rest of his things ready we would be set. He goes into the MTC on December 9th, only 4 days after his birthday.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

My life today

2009-11-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would give you a feel for my life... up at 6 or 6:30 when my daughter gets breakfast, short nap until son and I get up for the day an hour or so later, rush and do errands with Jeff... today it was flowers to my mom for her birthday (Happy Birthday, Mom), chat with the 'rents for half hour or so, go put picture into the Clipper and find out why we stopped getting it, get a canvas tool kit at home center for a first aid kit for mission, go to Asmus Copy Center (Hi, Mary) and copy every piece of paper accumulated to this point about Jeffrey, go home.
Have lunch together. Put together all visa and travel document information for the Church Travel Office. Call and find out if they need the Yellow Fever Documentation he must travel with. Seal envelop and hope that everything is in there including all 8 pictures (what are they going to do with 8 visa pictures??). Pause briefly and think heavy thoughts about how my little boy really is leaving in less than a month to the MTC then Panama.
Take 30 min. nap to be awaken by face wash by 2 year old Rottie. Lovely. Liz gets home. Needs the car IMMEDIATELY to go see her elementary school librarian who is retiring. Shuffle through and organize other copied papers. Liz returns, she wasn't there.
Sit with and talk to Liz while she has a snack since she didn't make herself a sandwich for lunch today. Get Jeff to bag and compost leaves before weather changes. Feed dog, again. Instant Message Rob. Having a bad day and not interested in cooking dinner. Have to leave earlier because of bad accident on the freeway. Call carpool and move up pickup time. Feed Liz, again.
Drive to Sandy for Nutcracker practice, missed most of the slowdown. Drop off carpool. Take tired husband to dinner at Hires (not as good as the one downtown somehow). Almost like a date, but if it were a date, we would both be asleep. Go wander around stores for hour and fifteen until practice is almost over. Drive back to studio and wait for then pick up carpool and drive home.
Get home, 9:15 ish, dog is excited to see the three of us and just wants some attention. Son joins us in the front room on the floor (Mr Mac bags and other mission stuff on the couches) and we just kinda scratch the dog and discuss bed. Rob goes to bed (9:45 at the latest). Liz hits facebook, Jeff goes to his room, I sit down to talk to Liz. She goes down to bed about 10:15/10:30. I pick up my book to try to calm down enough to sleep (The Time Traveler's Wife - five stars so far).
Now I am starting to relax after getting too emotionally involved in the book because I feel like Jeff is going to disappear like that for 2 years and I forget things like he does. It's 12:40. I'll be asleep before 2 am. Then tomorrow, I'll start again. Sometimes having two very busy teens/adults can be taxing ... but I love it. I love them. And I love my husband and appreciate him so much, he's my life.
Not meant to complain, just a rundown of my day. I don't stop and think about the nitty gritty of it much.
I read this and realized I left out of my rundown the most important person that I include everyday, I say my prayers and sometimes even get to scripture study. Couldn't go on without my Heavenly Father.
Keep Smiling =0)

To the Veterans

2009-11-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

To the Veterans on this Veterans' Day, those from wars long past and those still being fought. A thought from Music and the Spoken Word delivered May 24th, 2009 by Lloyd D Newell, Remember the Heroes.

In the comfort and security of our lives, we sometimes foget the debt we owe to those who left behind their own comfort and security and paid the ultimate price that we might live free.

When the United States entered World War I, David Endicott Putnam was a freshman at Harvard University. Too young to enlist in the fledgling American aviation corps, he traveled to France, where he served with distinction as a pilot. A year later, he joined the Americans as a flight commander of the 139th squadron.

One of the most highly decorated Allied pilots of the war, David was credited with bringing down as many as 20 enemy aircraft. In letters to his mother, he wrote; "Combat after combat comes my way, and without boasting I'll say that I generally meet them head on ... 'You nearly lost little David' again this morning...A miracle saved me...This I will say, that if I go, I will die fighting."

On September 13, 1918, David noticed several enemy planes pursuing an Allied biplane. He attacked, and he saved the biplane, but he was unable to save himself. He was shot though the heart and perished.

In a letter he had left for his mother in the event of his death, David said: "There is no question about the hereafter of men who give themselves in such a cause. If I am called upon to make it, I shall go with a grin of satisfaction and a smile."

At this time, we also honor those Veterans who fought recently on our own soil at Ft. Hood and give a special prayer to those who had family who died or were injured, or were otherwise impacted by those cowardace acts.

From a family of Veterans, I wish all Veterans everywhere a very special day of dignity and gratitude from us all. Happy Veterans Day.

Busy, busy... sigh.

2009-11-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

You know how things are suppose to come to you at certain times for certain reasons, you know everything in it's season. Well, this is my busy season. Not only do we have mission to prepare for and AP classes to worry about and Nutcracker to practice/perform and work and church. I think everyone knows the feeling here. The holidays have finally started to hit and life just gets busier. Now I find out that Liz's friend and her mom, my friend, already have tickets to New Moon, so we probably won't end up going for a while after it opens and I've been counting down on my blog for almost 200 days.... ah, sigh.

Our Family Photo Shoot

2009-11-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, after 2 months of planning and waiting, we had a family photo shoot with Lindsey of Lindsey Jane Photography. She is in our ward and was one of Liz's Young Women's advisors until just recently. She did a workshop where they used Liz as a model a year ago, and the pictures turned out wonderful, so we decided to have her do a family picture for us before Jeff left on his mission. So in the cold, at Wheeler Farm, we had a fun hour of shooting photos... ok, as she says, the funnier you feel the better the photos will look, which turned out to be true. Our proofs are done and some of her favorites are on her blog if you want to take a look. My favorite thing overall is the color of Liz's jacket! Let me know what you think.
lindsayjanephotography.com/tnblog

Piggy Flu Update (H1N1 Flu)

2009-11-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Liz is the only one in our house to get the flu. I don't know what, but we're doing something right. We figure it will hit the week of the farewell. Anyway, the reason I update today is last night Liz's eardrum burst. For those of you who have had little ones go through it, it actually gets harder when a teenager is in pain for a day in her ear, nothing releves it then suddenly it bursts. The doctor says she has to be seen if the fluid continues to drain or if the pain continues or in a week to make sure it's healing correctly.

The reason I mention this is that the H1N1 is not just bad just for the flu itself, it's the infections afterwards that kill. PLEASE take it seriously and get the vaccine if you can, it's free in Davis County. The risks of the flu just aren't worth it.

A Hip Halloween Dance

2009-10-26T17:40:00.001-06:00

What there's a dance today? My date better get ready. Who is he? Well, it's Trevor Wilson, and it's Halloween time.

In a group full of poodle skirts, Elizabeth stood out, in a skirt from her Grandma and the awesome slip from her Great Aunt, she really looked the part. Throw in a scarf, a lime green sweater, period earrings and glasses and she's the perfect poodle nerd. Her date showed up with his hair greased, white t-shirt, leather jacket and converse, too.

They got together with their buddies for dinner at one of the girl's house's, lasagna, then off to the dance. It started with a brief spook alley which they had a screaming good time in, then the dance itself.

Afterwards, it was back to Megan's for rootbeer floats and talking before the bewitching hour and everyone's curfew. From all accounts, it was a roaring success!

Couples pictures and group pictures are to follow.

50's Ninja

When the Pigs Fly Part 2

2009-10-26T16:23:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official, Liz has H1N1 or as we call it the "piggie flu". We mostly want to know when she is going to grow a tail. After a night of croup like symptoms, first major day that we knew she was sick at all, we went to the instacare and they were already worried about pnenomia because of how poorly she sounded. I kind of like the break in her talking, j/k, she's lost her voice for a full day now. We figure the rest of us are probably going to get it at some point, soon, hopefully. So we won't be seeing you around for a little bit. Keep that hand sanitizer on the ready! Immunizations are available in Davis County on Tuesday October 27th at the Davis Convention Center if you haven't had it yet.

What Do You Call It When Pigs Fly?

2009-10-20T23:55:00.001-06:00

I've tried lately to keep things lite, so I'm not sure if anyone's reading them. But my sister gave me a link to her ward site for this article and after you read it you will be washing your hands and trying to get your kids the H1N1 vaccine, too. (more info at the end).

Sunday, October 11, 2009

What Do You Call It When Pigs Fly?

Swine Flu.

When the Relief Society President called to check on us this past Wednesday she awarded me the honor of being the first family in the ward with the Swine Flu. Wow, thanks. That is an honor we could have done without.

I kept thinking how I could write this funny post about our awful experience, but I just don't have it in me. I'm physically and emotional tired, but wanted to share and hopefully inspire you to get a flu shot, or get ready and stocked for a week with an unwanted guest.

Last Saturday when we were in Bear Lake for Conference weekend, Adam developed an awful cough. By evening he was throwing up and by the next morning my body was trying to do the same (luckily I do have amazing anti-vomit skills). We packed up as quickly as we could and left the cabin while expressing our deepest apologies to all our loved ones that were now potentially infected.

We raced back home as my fever, coughs, chills, and body aches came on in waves. By Monday morning Shem was sick too. I kept Kate home, anticipating her mild cough escalating in the coming hours.On Tuesday Adam was begging to see the doctor so he could get better. Our pediatrician saw him that afternoon and said, "That is the flu." While he didn't test for N1H1, he was confident enough he said we wouldn't need N1H1 vaccinations, just seasonal flu shots. He prescribed Tamiflu for Kate and Mason to shorten the course of their illnesses. ($110 - ouch)

That night after Kate and Mason had thrown up, Shem gave us all blessings. The Spirit was especially strong when he blessed Adam to begin healing from that moment forward. That night everyone slept...finally.

On Wednesday Kate, Adam, and Mason's fevers broke and the throwing up had officially stopped. However, the night before in an illness-induced stupor Shem had flushed about 8 paper towels down the toilet. At the time is seemed the most logical place to put them after cleaning up throw up in the bathroom.After a visit from a masked Roto-Rooter worker (we insisted on the mask) and a $255 check our drains were again in working order. Now if only our bodies...

That night my visiting teachers brought us Chicken Noodle soup and it started to look like we were really going to be okay.

On Thursday the kids were regaining their strength and getting hyper, Shem and I were completely exhausted, and Colin was starting to fun a fever. I took him to the KidsCare where the doctor gave him a prescription for Tamiflu. Before filling it I called the pharmacy to confirm they had some in stock. When I asked if Tamiflu is safe for infants the pharmacist said it had not been tested for children under 1. I called the pediatrician back and she apologized saying she had misread Colin's age and I should NOT give him Tamiflu.

Colin still has a mild fever and the rest of us are coughing and will probably continue to do so for another week. Kate and Adam are no longer contagious and will head back to school tomorrow. Here are the most important things I learned this week...

1. N1H1 is extremely contagious.
2. Tamiflu is really expensive, but it works really well. It is not for babies.
3. Don't flush paper towels.
4. Vaporizers and VapoRub help ease night time coughs.
5. Dye-free fever medication is much better than the pink kind (especially if you manage to spill most of the bottle on yourself and your baby in the middle of the night).
6. The power of the Priesthood is amazing.
Thanks for all the love and prayers, and especially for the love and support we got from our ward family.

The H1N1 is spread through contact, so keep those hands clean (Joleen good luck with Easton). Davis County, as well as I think the State, is experiencing huge crouds at immunization stations and limited supplies. Children to 24 are able to get the immunization for free, in the form of a spray, for instance it is required for Jeff to go to the MTC. To get the most current information about immunizations it in Davis County, http://www.co.davis.utah.us/flu or 801-451-3333. Oh, and this doesn't cover the other normal flu, which you get at your local county health clinic, which is also out, but is available to all.

New Moon Movie Soundtrack

2009-10-20T16:35:00.000-06:00

Ok New Moon Movie update, the soundtrack is out.

Haven't checked it out yet but will, my family will get used to it momentarily. Check the countdown for how long before the movie comes out.

Loved it since the beginning.

Bear vs. the "E" Collar

2009-10-18T20:13:00.000-06:00

This is Bear.

This is Bear, our puppy with his rubber chicken.

Bear is not a little dog. He's a Rottweiler.

He's 97 lbs. and 2 years old.

Bear had an accident and broke some glass

(ok, it was a storm window when the postman appeared).

He had to get some stitches and wear this lovely Elizabethan collar

(I recommend it to many parents now). The dressing had to last 5 days and the collar 14, it all ends on Friday.

These pictures were taken on Tuesday, 3 days after the accident.

These pictures were taken today.

Our collar has to last to Friday.

We don't like our collar.

It makes it hard to see and chew and get through small places.

So, we eat our collar.

The tape is clear duct tape (a great invention).

We are going to win against the collar.

We have 5 days to go and we can reach our toes now, see.

Mom and dad are at their wits end.

We love our puppy, really we do.

(and I think I've figured out the new way to blog pictures, yeah)

Elizabeth Dew Drop Fairy (Nutcracker) Tutu

2009-10-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

Saturday, Elizabeth and her friend Katie (Snow Queen) helped out Mountain West Ballet at the Utah Arts Festival. Unfortunately, she HAD to wear her tutu and head piece. And since she had her ballet BFF Katie along in her tutu, they just had to take some pictures. I hope this helps everyone get excited about coming and seeing the Nutcracker (hint, hint). Hope you enjoy them.

Denim Quilts

2009-10-13T14:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, I've already had someone ask me for pictures of the denim quilts. I'm almost done with the second top then I promice to post pictures of both of them - PROMICE. But they are turning out darling, and they go together so fast (when you have time to sew). So something for you crafty, quilty or sewers out there to look forward to. :o)

Sewing and Reading, and a Little of Everything Else

2009-10-09T07:23:00.000-06:00

So, I haven't been blogging like I usually do because all I have been doing is reading and sewing. Reading the new Dan Brown book, the Lost Symbol. I gave it to my dad for his birthday in May (gift certificates are wonderful), and paid up when it came out. He read it and gave it to me. Great system I have for getting all the great new books :) And I love thrillers by Dan Brown and some others (see list) because they are usually well researched, which this was seems to have been.

Now when I'm not reading, which seems to mean not sleeping lately (really screwed up sleep schedule), I'm sewing. Years ago, like I can't remember when, I saw a picnic quilt that was made out of old levis where they used the pockets too so that the napkins and plastic silverware wouldn't fly away. It was so cute. So, in one of my more manic moments, I gathered all the levis that were worn out in the house and started keeping ALL levis that wore out no matter the color (yes, I have pink and red ones) or the condition (I have ones that have been under cars and thouroughly abused). I kept them in a box, or two or three, and started cutting them into blocks and strips (sashings) for making them later. Well, later finally came because my husband needs my sewing space so I have to clean everything up including all those levis. I put together my first top (hopefully there is a picture here) and bought red flannel for the back and I will tie it as soon as I finish the others. Yes it is twin size, approximately. The others, 2 queen size quilts with left over levis to be thrown out. Not many will just see the garbage can, they are too distroyed for even DI, but a few will. Pictures, lots of Pictures to come. And with Nutcracker coming, more sewing, costumes, lots of costumes to come.

And in my spare time, I take care of my daughter, which means driving to rehearsals in Sandy twice a week. And learn more about Panama and the things Jeff will need to take with him. With my friend's son in Columbia, just South of Panama, I have a feeling she will be a lot of help.

Mountain West Ballet Nutcracker 2009

2009-09-27T13:57:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth, for the 10th year in a row, will be participating in a production of the Nutcracker. Mountain West Ballet (MWB) is a community company that is semi professional that she has participated with the past 5 years. This year she tried out with some concern with her heavy school schedule. No longer a concern, she was talented enough to be cast as Dew Drop Fairy. Dew Drop Fairy is a soloist part with a corps of her own that dances to the Waltz of the Flowers portion of the Nutcracker. There is really only one part better than it, Sugar Plumb. She is outragiously excited and looking forward to her first traditional tutu.

Watch for upcoming information on performances in December!

Called to Serve - Jeffrey D. Billings

2009-09-23T22:04:00.000-06:00

Elder Jeffrey D. Billings has been called to serve in the Panama City, Panama mission. He enters the MTC in Provo on December 9th. And we're all thrilled (including him).

Book Review: Mortal Instruments Trilogy

2009-09-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

Well, since I finished a homecoming dress (who someone ripped out the sleeve at the dance that I have to fix), I'm taking a small break from sewing and doing some reading. I've found suggestions for new series that are easier reading, no Jane Austen right now. But I have found some great books.

The Mortal Instruments Trilogy, recommended by one of my favorite authors, Stephenie Meyer, is great. The City of Bones, City of Ashes and, my favorite, City of Glass, written by Cassandra Clare, is a great story of different dimensions and those that monitor and take care of them while being invisible to mere humans. There is action, adventure and just a little bit of first love as Clary tries to find out how she fits into this world that she has never known of, but obviously is part of. She learns she has an amazing and untapped skill in creating runes.

This is a great series, definate two thumbs way up from me and is appropriate for really any age, very little PG. There is one character that is gay, just so you are aware, but it is handled tastefully. I really recommend this series to anyone and everyone. It's now one of my favorites.

Team Peeta

2009-09-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

Some of you may have noticed a new icon on the side of my blog, Team Peeta. Ok, books review time: Suzanne Collins has released the first two thirds of her trilogy on, as the first one is called, the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is about a post United States nation that requires 2 children in each district to play to the death for food rations for themselves, their families, and their district. It is a great book that has some fantastic twists and turns and is appropriate for probably preteen through adult readers, even with it's story line.

Her second book, Catching Fire, is a follow up to the first and continues the plot with the same characters and the same fantastic twists. It just came out this fall, but it was well worth the wait. Also appropriate for preteen through adult readers.

I came upon these books on an on-line forum dedicated to helping moms find new books for themselves to read and has included things from Twilight to Jane Austen and Three Cups of Tea (all of which I recommend). I'm working on another trilogy that once I finish it, I will let you know about them, so for I really like them, too.

When did I find time to read??

BHS Homecoming 2009

2009-09-13T19:45:00.000-06:00

Liz was invited by Taylor Alvey to Homecoming this year which was last night. They went with a group of 10 couples in their group of good friends. They played photo scavenger hunt in the afternoon for fun, then for the evening, they split up into three vehicles (whoever put Liz and Taylor in the 8 person van didn't think it through, she was hyper apparently - duh), and went to one of the boy's uncle's house in Centerville for a lovely dinner. Chicken Cordon Blue and all later, they finished up and took homecoming pictures. I haven't seen them yet but apparently, his house had some wonderful areas for single and group pictures. I'll post them when I get them.

Then back to the High School for the dance they went. Taylor had no problem keeping up with Liz's antics (like she started the hokey pokey at one point), with his own. We actually have a couple of shots of them at the dance obviously having a riot!

Taylor and Liz

Taylor, Branson, Taylor and Liz

After the dance, they went and had ice cream floats and looked at the pictures from the scavenger hunt and finish up the night right about midnight.

From what I can tell, Lz had a wonderful time. "I feel like a princess" was her phrase before the dance. Afterwards we heard lots of stories, but mostly she was just happy. She started off today on a bad note when the dog ate her corsage, but nothing could tarnish her memories of a fun homecoming experience.

Homecoming Dance - Evening Pictures

2009-09-12T20:44:00.000-06:00

Liz after day activity - 2 1/2 hours to go

Liz after 1 hour on her hair

Liz had to be sewn in to her belt. Then she discovered

she could still twirl in almost 3 inch heels.

Liz and Taylor Alvey Stories to follow in the next blog.

Homecoming Football Friday Night

2009-09-11T08:37:00.000-06:00

We would just like to wish Tooele better success against the BHS Braves in the varsity football game tonight than they had yesterday against the Sophomore and Junior teams. Both BHS teams won by a significant margin to zero. But especially because it is homecoming, GO BHS BRAVES!! (and both kids are going so Rob and I get the house and a vehicle to ourselves!)

Boys vs. Girls Planning Dances

2009-09-11T08:30:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is Homecoming Dance. The tradition now is a daytime activity, go home to change then dinner and the dance.

If the girls planned it, they would have it scheduled down to the minute, know who was riding with who, what they were doing, what they were eating, when they would be at the dance, what dress they are wearing, how they are doing their hair AND have the tickets bought... before they asked the boy.

Since the boys are planning it, Liz still doesn't know when, if she needs to drive or what they are doing. Oh, and one of the mom's kind of had to help get them to start organizing enough to ask 2 weeks before the dance. Guys kind of wing it.

Surely there is a happy medium?

Hello? Anyone out there?

2009-09-09T12:34:00.000-06:00

Ever feel like your all alone and that the only people who know you are your immediate family? Ever feel like you just go through the motions and no one notices if you really are there or not? Ever wonder if your blog is really read by anyone who would call you friend and know you enough to know you're really very shy? Anyone out there?

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-07T12:37:00.000-06:00

Today is a day we celebrate many things, the end of summer, the beginning of school (homecoming week), but most importantly is the American worker. On the backs of American workers, who built-up many of benefits we take for granted now, industry has grown. Because of the previous workers, workers today enjoy benefits such as 40 hour work weeks, PTO, medical insurance, worker's compensation, and barganing with the company, collective if in a labor state. So enjoy your picnics, your shopping, your housework, but also appreciate the labor that came before. Happy Labor Day.

New Blog: "Elder Jeffrey Billings..."

2009-09-06T17:50:00.000-06:00

Proud to invite you to visit my new blog Elder Jeffrey Billings: Called to Serve (hopefully next month we'll have a location) at ElderBillings.blogspot.com . It will have information and ramblings of a first time missionary mom about the whole process. Eventually, it will have letters back from Jeffrey and his testimony with any appropriate comments or questions going back to him when we email him. That's what the comments are for. The followers just lets me and Jeffrey know who all is interested in and following his blog and won't be used for any other purpose. Hope you're interested and see you on the flip side!!

I hope they call me on a Mission

2009-09-02T10:27:00.006-06:00

Today, Jeff finished up the final parts and submitted his mission papers to the Bishop for interviews and to be submitted to Church headquarters. Now Jeff is, of course, old enough to be a missionary and is plenty prepared. But am I? I am proud of him. I am just not sure I'm ready to have him gone. I've really enjoyed having him around home since he has been working for us and not going to school since he has a good chance of leaving before the semester is out. I guess it's time for me to grow up. Nah.

Please come to Homecoming? Ok!

2009-09-01T21:08:00.005-06:00

Monday afternoon, Liz and I were sitting in our front room talking before she had to leave for ballet when one of her guy friends in slow motion sneaked up to the front door. Now for those of you who don't understand how funny this is, our front room has a huge picture window in the front and both of us could clearly see him "sneaking" up to the front door with a box. Having a good idea what he was doing, it took all our power not to let Bear out to meet him, but he is the one of Liz's friends allergic to dogs. Apparently, as he got to the door, he noticed Liz standing there - since she was at the door, he dropped it and ran for it. Luckily he's on the cross country team and can run fast.

So what he left,

To:

A cute request:

And Liz found the name immediately:

Taylor Alvey! This was better than just ok. They've been friends for at least 3 years, and two weeks ago Taylor asked Liz for his first time dating. He just turned 16. He brought her this beautiful bouquet of hot pink daisies because he knew that pink was Liz's favorite color.

And needless to say they text quite a bit (ok, almost 900 texts the first month alone). And they have four class periods together, all of Liz's AP classes. And they are both on Stake Youth Council. And his sister lives in our Ward and was one of Liz's Young Women advisors until about 3 weeks ago. The Alvey's are a really great family, having worked with Sister Alvey in the Stake Young Women's program when I was in the Ward Young Women's program. So we think Taylor is ok.

Well, next came the answer. A simple concept, count the M&Ms and if they were odd open one envelope, if they were even, open another. Ok, the even envelope said, "Eat one and count again." The odd envelope said "Yes. Thanks for asking." 2,762 M&M's later, he got his yes. Well, all boys like chocolate, right? It should be a fun dance. Oh, I forgot to mention, the dance is a week from Saturday. It's a good thing we already have the dress made.

A heavy load, the pros and cons

2009-08-31T16:09:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth this year decided to take a heavy load... AP Chemistry, AP US History, AP BC Calculus and Honors English. On the light side she has Seminary, Yoga, & AP Research. Now, the first night she came home with homework, not just your standard get these supplies, but outline this chapter and do these problems type of homework.

To round it out, today she starts dance, only four days a week, 7 hours a week total including teaching. There is some question on Nutcracker this year, but we'll see when we see her schedule.

On top of that is her social life. Yes, junior girls like to socialize, with girls, boys, parents, brothers (ok, maybe not so much), dog, etc. Texting was turned on in our household for the first time the month before school started and Elizabeth won with over 900 texts (most to a single number who will be left unnamed, but he took her out on his first date a couple of weeks ago).

ADVATAGES: More school out of the way this year.
She really enjoys the classes she's in.
Said boy is in all the AP classes as well as other friends.
She gets out of a lot of home chores.
She can compete with Jan in Yoga.

DISADVANTAGES: Has to go to bed earlier if possible.
Doesn't get to see her friends as often.
May not be able to do Nutcracker.
Can't walk the dog as often.
Mom and Dad only see the top of her head.
She has to wake up just after 5:30.

I love just being the mom and not the student sometimes!

Welcome Back to School

2009-08-25T03:26:00.002-06:00

Schools back in session! This brings mixed emotions in our household this year. Liz is a Junior at BHS (Go Braves!) and is carrying a heavy load, so she'll be busy (along with ballet and, of course, her friends). She even has a boy that seems to be as interested in her as she is in him. Hum, we'll see if she gets an invite to Homecoming Dance.
Anyway, for Jeff, it's bittersweet. He misses the social aspect of school so much. On the first day of school, he finished all but his picture for his mission papers to go in next week. He's so excited, but it's a bit of the unknown and a change from what he is used to. But there are lots of little projects he and I have to get him ready, like immunizations (he's a baby when it comes to needles). His good friend, Dan, actually just got his call, the first of his group of friends, and leaves in November for San Fernando, Ca. Spanish speaking. I think that helped Jeff's spirits. And in the end of September, his grandfather is taking him to Washington D.C. as a graduation present to see the sites.
Rob started out on a sad note, His uncle passed away after a long battle with congenital heart disease. It kind of puts a damper on your day. So this weekend we will unfortunately have a funeral to go to in Northern Utah. But his father, who is recovering from bone cancer surgery seems to be doing better and they think they got "clean margins" meaning they got all of the cancer - yeah!! Now he just needs to get through the long process of rehabilitation.
For me, school in session brings many emotions. It's a time of change of pace. Early consistent mornings, scheduled time, and usually more time to myself. Luckily this fall it means more time with my son. Now I just need to get back on a solids diet, and I can start riding my bike again and my days will be school complete.
I wish all of you a successful fall/school season - wow, the summer went fast!

What was I thinking?!?

2009-08-18T15:54:00.002-06:00

Ok, Liz is a Junior this year. HOPEFULLY, she will be asked to Homecoming Dance which is on September 12th. I used to sew a lot. I guess I thought a 1952 Vintage Vogue would be not that big of a deal. 2 panic attacks later, one over how to add sleeves and one over cutting out expensive fabric, it's starting to go together. I think it's going to turn out. (It'll turn out, It'll be beautiful- voice inside my head) Both my mother and mother in law have helped me so far. It's a beautiful crepe with a shear fabric with dots on it over the crepe. I'll keep you updated.

Wisdom Teeth in 2 Parts

2009-08-15T08:46:00.003-06:00

Thursday, Lizzy got her wisdom teeth out on the recommendation of her dentist before it ruined her years of orthodontics. Last month, Jeff got his wisdom teeth out so he could go on his mission. It's amazing how different two kids' experiences can be.
Jeff got his dad's genes, no reaction to anesthesia, pain meds or down for more than 3 or 4 hours.
Lizzy unfortunately is related to me nausea, nausea, nausea, down for 2 days and looks like a chipmunk. I do have pictures, but I value my life too much to post them, sorry.
Luckily, we're all done with wisdom teeth. One follow-up appointment for Lizzy and it's over.
Rob still has all 4 of his and mine were removed the first week of college (yeah, smart).
Ahh, the milestones of life.

Ballet Boot Camp Part II

2009-08-13T11:03:00.003-06:00

All you need is friends... (and most of her new ones are from out of state)

Elephant update

2009-08-11T16:47:00.003-06:00

Ok, my snail hasn't moved since I put it up and started my crusade to lose weight. Well, to tell you the truth, I haven't even been on the scale... But I have a good reason. I've been working really hard on my eating and drinking habits, but I've had some difficulty exercising.

It all really began July 26, Sunday morning. As many of you know we have a puppy, Bear. Well, people give Bella a bad time about being clumsy, I may not do it as often, but I can do it better. We have a slight hill, cement, between the patio, cement, and the driveway. Bear was being a puppy and wanted to play outside more and I wanted him to come back inside so we could all get ready for Church (some days I love 1 pm schedule). Needless to say, he pulled me off balance, not hard to do, and I landed on my right side of my face on the patio with some force. Bear immediately got the idea when I let go and Jeff raced to my side, why he waited to figure it out is beyond me, but he did. Jeff came and offered me a hand up off my face - not the best of positions to pause and gather ones whits in. I think I made him feel bad when I told him to get his dad because I was seeing stars and was nausiaus.

By the time my loving husband made it out, the two of them got me righted and we looked - no blood but lots of swelling and, well, it looked like one of my better attempts to knock myself out cold. So some 3 hours, 1 ER doctor, 1 CT scan and a Lortab later - the verdict was in... I have a very hard head. Surprise. I spent the next 4 days with a concussion that was serious enough that I couldn't drive Liz to dance (thank goodness for good sons). I didn't even bruise that much so that people realized I was loopier than usual. I did swell like crazy, and stayed swollen.

But I figured that would go away in a week or so. NO, I have to be more talented. Today I had to go to the Ear, Nose, Head and Throat doctor (there's a specialty for Edward, speaking of Twilight), because I can't lay flat, use any kind of earphones, sleep well or get my head (all of it but especially right earish - that's a new word - area) to stop hurting including with the pain medicine they gave me at the ER. So I know nothing is broken (CT Scan remember), they test my hearing (I have excellent hearing - yeah I know - I have teenagers - they're the ones with the poor hearing), but I have this large muscle that wraps around my ear and the side of my face that is inflamed and will take at least 1 good week but most likely 2 weeks to go down, if I am good.

Now let me define good: Sleep with my right side up still. Take my muscle relaxer at bedtime. Don't grind my teeth. No gum or that kind of intense chewing. And I'm on a soft food diet until I see him next in 4 weeks. To some, a tragedy, to me, a strange opportunity. OK, I'm going to put this out there and let's see how it works. If I can't eat things that require heavy chewing (Steak is definitely out unless I want to make a smoothie), maybe I can maneuver my eating habits in a healthy direction?

What's ironic about the whole soft food thing, is Lizzy gets her wisdom teeth out on Thursday so she'll be on only soft foods, too, but she'll be back on normal food sooner. And she was all worried about suffering alone.

Regardless, September 1, I'll step back on the scale even if I can't exercise because of dizziness and pain (mostly the dizziness - how embarrassing would it be to fall off your bike and hurt yourself when your in your front room on a trainer!?! ARGH!). Onward and downward!

Ballet Boot Camp Ends Friday, August 7 Part I

2009-08-11T16:03:00.006-06:00

Ballet West/University of Utah Summer Intensive (Ballet Boot Camp) ended Friday, August 7 and pictures are starting to trickle in. Because of complexity of the story, editors have compiled a two part series: class and classical artistic photography, and the girls behind the story. Although our inside source who will remain unnamed to protect her (Lizzy) was unable to take many pictures of this first part of the series because, of course, she was dancing, we have some valuable insight into one class, Choreography, and one outstanding picture thanks to West Point Blog, by Ballet West of one of her teachers, Jane Wood.

Jane Wood, now of Oklahoma, was a long time Principal with Ballet West and was invited back to help teach during the summer intensive. She taught every day during the last part of the intensive for our source's class and was well loved. In the picture here, she is the teacher standing in the middle of the class watching a few girls dance. Lizzy happens to be just out of the frame of the picture dancing. She was very much enjoyed for her positive attitude and her constructive criticism of the class. She didn't seem to play favorites.

The following pictures are of the Corps practicing during the Choreography class. Lizzy was chosen to be one of two soloists in one of two casts, so was able to take these pictures during corps practice between her practices. The goal of a corps is to look the same. Jump, turn and move the same so that it looks like one continual piece. This is not an easy thing to do. Being in corps is not a demotion, just a different challenge. The first picture (if I can get it to work right) is a picture of the corps in formation taking instruction. The next is them dancing in that formation. The other two pictures are of the corps in sequestration. Those not together are partly because pictures had to be taken slowly without a flash.

The final pictures are a couple Lizzy took with her creative side even though she didn't have our good camera just to be creative. Enjoy! Look forward to Ballet Boot Camp Part II: The Participants.