March 13, 2005

March 13, 2005
What a crazy week! And it still isn’t over yet. Where should I begin?
Marisa has ben spending every Monday after school practicing with the gifted and talented students for their Trivia Team. Their actual test is tomorrow. Then they get to compare their scores to other programs around the nation. She is very excited and has been practicing quite a bit.
On Wednesday, I had all 3 parent conferences. I am proud to say they are all doing a fantastic job. I really do like this school district and the kids are doing so well.
On Thursday, I had my first Stake meeting. It went well, but I felt a little overwhelmed. There is a lot more involved in this calling than I knew. But I am very excited. Next week we feed the missionaries at zone conference. Then on Saturday, we have the huge annual RS symposium where I will be speaking (not too long thank heavens). Today we are visiting one of the wards and will visit the other 9 in the next 2 months or so.
Thursday night was Marisa’s "Festival of the Orchestra" concert at the big High School concert hall. They do this once a year where all the 5th graders in the whole district play together as an orchestra, then the 6th, then the middle school and then they have a high school symphony orchestra. Marisa did such a great job and she said it was so cool playing with a conductor on a stage with so many other 5th graders. The 6th graders then played. When the middle schoolers started to play, I started to cry. They were so amazing! I realized how much I love orchestral music and how grateful I was for parents who exposed me to it and helped me develop a true love for it. ( I can see my parents shocked faces now!!) I was completely blown away by the full high school symphony orchestra. They did Schindler’s list and had two incredible violin soloists. They also played Pirates of the Caribbean (my favorite music) and I of course, cried. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening watching with kayla. We had a great time. Marisa is SO excited now to continue with her violin. And Dad, someday I hope to get their for the messiah performance. (But you have to let me conduct-jk!!)
On Friday, Bob and I spoke at the Ward Enrichment Night. It was on "Love is the Tie that Binds". I think it went well- it was very nerve-racking since we haven’t spoken here before. It was a nice evening with dinner, speakers,e tc. When we went to the Activity, Tyler said he was feeling so sick. So, I left him home (on purpose this time)with marisa. When we came home, he had throw up all over the couch. We moved him into his bed, where he promptly threw up again. So, we put him in the bath while we cleaned up. Then we got him out and he threw up again. Long story short, he couldn’t keep anything down until today at 1:00. He has had a fever and has been so miserable. Bless his heart! I just pray no one else gets it. I have been following everyone around with disinfectant spray. I am determined that it will all be gone by the time Nina gets here Saturday!
Yesterday, we did all our normal Saturday routine and then watched part of Karate Kid II. Tyler is more determined now than ever to take karate.
Well, I guess that sums up our week. Not too exciting, but very busy. This week is even crazier and then Nina comes- whoo hoo! Our love to you all.