parenting....

It's not always easy being a parent. It becomes even harder when you are faced with the tough decisions. That is when parenting is no longer fun or easy.

We were faced with a tough decision today. How do you tell an almost 14 year old that she can not attend the fabulous ballet summer intensive that she was accepted into?

Jensen auditioned Sunday in Tucson with ABT (American Ballet Theatre). They are in New York and in the ballet world they are the cream of the crop.

We let her audition for experience, to get in front of these people and because she wanted to. We never imagined that she would be accepted to one of their summer programs. Well....today the email came telling us that Jensen was accepted to one of their programs. They placed her in Detroit, Michigan June 21st - July 17th. Holy Cow!!

We are so immensly proud of her and recognize that she has an incredible talent. She works so hard and it is so rewarding to see her get approval from others in the dance world. Way to go Jensen!!

But, on the other hand; do you let a 14 year old leave for a month, spend thousands of dollars for her to attend and split up the family over the summer? Or do you let her go and check out the other side of the dance world, be on her own for a month (she would be staying in a surpervised dorm) and help her find a way to try and earn some money to go towards the experience?

Decisions...there is not always a right or wrong decision. This is where parenting gets difficult. I know if I was in her shoes I would LOVE the chance to go. If she goes, does that mean every summer for the next 4 years she is going to want to go?

At this point I am not sure where this decision is going to go. I said all along she wouldn't be going and then here we are. I am hoping Scott and I will be inspired as to what we should do. I know I have said many a prayer today.

And the kids thought their life was rough!!

Valentine's

Our house is full of love right now. I took a FHE idea from a friend (Thanks Shawni!). We wrote on hearts what we love about one another and decorated the kitchen with them. Not only are they festive, but they are also great reminders to each of us.

Yesterday, Scott came home with the most BEAUTIFUL roses. I was sooo surprised! He does not like to pay the extra $ at Valentine's for flowers he can get anytime. So, I don't usually get flowers for Valentine's Day...let alone Long Stem Red Roses! I am one lucky girl.

Thank You! I Love You!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all our friends and family.

We love you!

Beautiful!

Salt Lake City temple in the middle of all the recent inversion. Someone took it from their office across the way.

WOW!! This is one amazing photograph. I love the feelings that it invokes. I could soak it up Forever!

Enjoy!

~sweet message~

Yesterday I was running around crazy, like a chicken with her head cut off. Yes, that was me! I was deep in the trenches of getting ready for our YW's Fundraiser FHE night. The whole day revolved around that activity.

As I moved from one task to the next, my mind kept reminding me of all that was left to be done.

I entered the playroom to take care of something and upon turning to leave...I was greeted with this lovely message left on the white board.

I knew immediately that it was left by Mackenzie. It hit me like a TON of bricks. It was exactly what I needed at that very moment. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of Mackenzie and her inspiration to write that message.

She is extremely in tune; mentally, physically and spiritually. I know that she is a choice daughter of her Heavenly Father. How lucky I am that I was chosen and in trusted to raise this special spirit.

Such a sweet, simple message...meant so much to me. Thanks Kenzie! I Love You!!

--The Buzz--

There is a "buzz" in the air around our home. So many exciting occasions on the horizon. One can hardly stand it.

Someone and I will not name who will be having a monumental birthday. The BIG 40 is looming for someone. Now that is pretty exciting in and of itself.

Mackenzie is turning 16! She is on a countdown. Exactly 2 months from today! Holy Cow! How did this ever happen.

How does one handle a 16 year old and a 40 year old in the same year?

I am excited for the extra driver. She is very good at the dance route (maybe because we do it a zillion times a week). How great to have her take her siblings places. I seriously cannot wait!!

Which brings me to the next subject..car? She was to get Scott's car until Jensen and I had a scary experience last Friday on the freeway. No way, No how is she driving that little thing on the freeways here. What will we do now?

Jensen is excited to turn 14. Saturday night dances, High School, boy functions at church, need I say more. She is ready for summer and literally living at the dance studio. She loves to dance. Such passion!

Alec will be turning 9. Where has the time gone? He is anxious for basketball camp, scout camp, summer, going on a trip, video games, golfing and playing with Cole.

The girls and I leave for Europe in 4 months. I am so thankful for a giving husband, allowing us 10 days in Paris and London.

Mackenzie will be graduating in one year. I am grateful for a daughter that can see the BIG picture in life. She decided to take on this challenge. Which requires 4 online classes and an horrendous schedule next year. She is ready for the next stage in life. How mature. Graduating a year early and entering college at barley 17. Where did my little girl go?

Spring is busy at our house. Many birthdays and lots of fun looming on the horizon.

Now..what to fix for dinner?

one busy girl = one busy family

Here is the resident "busy girl!" She recently cut full bangs and got a little more spunk with that haircut. Like she needed anymore spunk. Jensen...wants to do everything, be involved in everything, dance ALL week and weekend, read all day and BOY is she excited for High School. I think she is most excited that her sister will be driving and she gets to ride with her.

This weekend I took photos of Jensen for her to take to her auditions. Here is the deal...ballerina's attend auditions the first part of every year for summer intensive programs. These programs are all over the United States and last for about a month. Yes, she wants to go away for 4 weeks all by herself to a strange city without any parental guidance. Hummm...you guessed it! This is not settling well with the parents. Not to mention that these programs cost minimum $3000.00. YIKES!!! Not going to happen sweet Jensen.

We agreed she could attend the auditions for experience. We think it is crazy to send a girl who will barely be 14 to Detroit, Seattle or LA. Besides, we told her she needed a wealthy benefactor who would be willing to sponsor this extremely expensive hobby.

Monthly dance tuition, dance clothes, audition fees, pointe and tech shoes and the gas to get her to and from. WOW! We must really love this girl. She is one costly teenager.

On the other hand, she is one great kid. Bakes a treat each weekend, babysits without complaining (when she is free), steps up to extra chores, has a beautiful smile and sparkly blue eyes.

She's a keeper!