Magical Moments

This has been quite the week. And despite me feeling like Easter was supposed to be this weekend, it still seemed to go rather quickly. On Wednesday my roommates and I had our final Harry Potter movie night. We made it into quite the occasion. In fact I even bought licorice wands and made pumpkin pasties. Which actually turned out very well, for those non-magical folk pumpkin pasties are kind of like little pumpkin pies shaped like perogies. I donned my wizard robes and we concluded the series. Man I love those movies, and I love the books even more.

Thursday we had a huge blizzard. It seemed to be quite out of the blue, but it was furious. So much snow, I feel like its been a while since it was quite this bad. We got over 30 cm of snow in less than 24 hours, that's a lot! But I have found that snowstorms like this tend to bring out the best in people. My car got plowed in and three lovely strangers came to my rescue in minutes. I'm sure I will never see them again, but I hope they know how much I truly appreciate them. Since you can't really stop to say thank you once you get unstuck, you have to keep driving and shout 'thanks' out the window. I got home and decided it was best to stay parked. The blizzard made me crave a Blizzard from Dairy Queen, and as luck would have it we have one within walking distance of my house. Bethany and Merrill were on the same page so we ventured out into the snow to fetch ourselves some ice cream. It was quite the adventure. The snow banks were huge and since most sidewalks weren't shoveled yet we walked most of the way on the road. The streets were really deserted since we weren't the only ones who gave up driving for the night. The Blizzards were delicious! On the way back we played in the snow, well Bethany and I did. Merrill didn't have a coat on, just his suit, so he didn't make any snow angels. haha.

Friday I was in a pretty grumpy mood all morning and even into the afternoon. Which is unusual for me on a Friday since the excitement of the weekend usually puts me in a better mood. But this Friday just seemed to drag. Finally I made it through nap time for the kids (which was particularly brutal). Not like they did much napping, more screaming. The golden moment of the week came in the last half hour of my work day. One of the children was standing on her own and very proud of herself since she has yet to walk. I put my arms out to her and after one fall she got up again and took her first two steps into my arms. It completely changed my entire day. All the crumby became so worth it. I was so happy and she was so happy. We had a celebration right there on the floor. Moments like this remind me of how lucky I am to have such a wonderful job where I get to take care of beautiful little babies. They are so special, so innocent. I have so much to learn from them. That moment was real joy.

On Saturday I tried to sleep in but failed miserably. I was up by 7 and got lots accomplished. Dawson came to visit in the afternoon, and we had a nice time. We dined on Costco hot dogs and strawberries, is there a finer feast? I'd say not. That evening I went with Kaylee and a bunch of other people to play Laser Tag. I had no idea it would be so much fun. I wish it lasted a bit longer. In all I came in 28th out of 39. So I was not totally last. :)

Today I got to participate in two musical numbers in church. For one I accompanied on the piano. And the second one I sang, even soloed at the beginning. Which was pretty scary, I always get so nervous doing solos. But I made it through and we pulled it together pretty well. Yay! Tonight we went to a music Gala. So many talented people! I love music!

And that was my week. It was awesome. And now this week is actually Easter, lots to look forward to!

I thought I would include some pictures from the week. Here is Delphine, Bethany and I set to watch the final Harry Potter movie. Note I have a licorice wand and Delphine has a pumpkin pastie.

 Bethany and Merrill enjoying their Blizzards amidst the blizaard

 Bethany's attempt at a snow angel. I love this picture!

 Our front yard. So much snow!

Me with my blizzard!! Yeah!!

Barf.

This week I definitely had the messiest day of work I've ever. And it all happened on Monday, what a way to start. Monday itself was kind of crazy. It started with me waking up at 7:20, which would have been fine had it been a weekend. But seeing how I started work at 7:30, that was a problem. Luckily I live pretty close to work, so I made it amazingly only 10 minutes late. I pretty much just got dressed and ran out the door. I almost forgot to brush my teeth, but luckily I remembered before I left. This kind of put me behind for the day, I just felt a bit lethargic. The real 'excitement' happened after the kids woke up from their nap. One boy was not feeling well, and ended up throwing up all over the table. Note, I really dislike barf. Like a lot. So the fact that I was even in the same room was pushing comfort level. After things were cleaned up I was sitting with the boy in a rocking chair when he wanted to get in his crib. I obliged, but almost instantly when I put him down he started crying a lot. So I picked him back up. The problem being that he was facing me when I picked him up, rookie mistake. No sooner had I picked him up he got sick again. It was like a volcano erupting nasty chunks all over me. Sorry for the visual. Anyways, I was stunned since it was everywhere. The irony behind it all was that it was also all over the carpets that had been cleaned for the first time in years. Luckily it was right before my shift was over so I could go home and shower asap. While it was a bit of a gong show we made it through. That night Bethany and I finally finished Downton Abbey. Except I am really not happy with the last 30 seconds. I won't say anything for fear of spoilers, but it was not nice.

The rest of the week was quite nice, and a lot more clean. My brother, Stage, was passing through on Tuesday so we got to spend an hour or so together. It was wonderful, he is such a funny guy and always lifts my spirits. For some reason I still fall for some of his pranks. We were eating blizzards at Dairy Queen when he pointed out the window asking if there used to be a mall their. I totally fell for it, cause I looked and he stole all the whipped cream off the top of my blizzard. Will I ever learn? The thing about Stage is that he likes being caught. He can't handle merely getting away with it, he must make sure you know you just got fooled. Silly boy.

Wednesday I went to the Temple and had a very peaceful visit. That was exactly what I needed. Some peaceful renewing.
That evening Bethany, Merrill, and I watched Harry Potter 7 part 1. Man I love HP. We even made movie style popcorn, which looked pretty gross in the wrap but turned into buttery salty deliciousness!

Thursday was Pi Day! And in honor of the occasion I definitely ate pie. I went over to Kaitlyns house and we made an apple pie and a berry pie. While they were cooking I went to check on them. It was near the end of the baking time, but I determined that they needed a couple more minutes. Some juices may have leaked into the bottom of the oven because we soon saw smoke coming from the kitchen. I just assumed it was from the juice, but Nathalie insisted we check. As it turned out the bottom of the oven was literally on fire. Elise was the brains in the operation, all I could think to do was blow on it, but that was the wrong answer. The oven was turned off and luckily the pies were saved. Which obviously is the most important part. And despite the terrible burning smell that filled the apartment, we dined on excellent pies. Still a success! woot!

This weekend has been nice. I didn't have any big plans, just friend time. Friday night I went to a play with Kaylee. It was at the Capital Theatre in Fort Edmonton Park, which made me feel like I had taken a step back in time. We didn't have time to eat beforehand so we smuggled in our Oodle Noodle Box food and enjoyed the musical. They didn't say 'No Food or Drink' so I figure we were good.

Saturday I went to Wetaskawin with my friend Val and her little daughter Macy to see our old roommate Kari and her family. It was a nice visit. We just talked and talked. And there was a lot of cookie eating, just like the old days! That night I went to a 'Save the Redheads' party, which was excellent! And a worthy cause if I do say so myself. You'd be surprised how many famous gingers are out there. So this week I encourage everyone to take a minute a thank the gingers in your life for simply being there. Who knows how much longer we'll have that chance, since there are studies saying that eventually gingers will be extinct. Make sure to do your part in prolonging that terrible fate.

Well that's all for this week!

Rajaton=silky smooth chocolate milk for the ears

What a week! On Monday for the first time ever I got to Rajaton in concert. For those who don't know, they are an AMAZING Finnish singing group. They were so good. All of their voices are so so so good. Listening to them is like drinking silky smooth chocolate milk. It was probably one of the shortest concerts ever, it went by so quickly. I could have listened for days. Pretty much everyone I had every sang with in choir was there in the audience. That was fun to see so many people. After the concert we were just visiting, and Rajaton was signing autographs. The line died down and Lisa decided to go ask them for a picture. I was totally on board. As I was asking which Rajaton member she was going to request a picture, Lisa declared "All of them". Yes Lisa Martin makes things happen. Rajaton was more than happy to oblige and there we were chatting with the entire group on our way over to a photo-op. I talked to Jussi and babbled on like a star struck teeny bopper. But he was very nice about it. Now Rajaton and I are pretty much super tight.

The rest of the week was wonderful as well. Lots of choir once again. Even though it keeps me so busy I certainly love it. I was reading my journal from Grade 9 and almost entry I talk about how all my life is is school and choir. Every day. haha I realized that things really haven't changed that much. It also made me realize how big a role music has played in my life. It has shaped me into the person I am today, and I love it just as much as ever. Choralfest was going on Thursday-Saturday, this is a festival for choirs. Most choirs in Edmonton and area perform for two clinicians who then work with them and give them some helpful tips. Thursday night I performed with Oran, which of course was amazing. Friday night was Shumayela's turn. They sounded so good. Its amazing what they are capable of. I truly enjoy working with them this year. Saturday morning was Kikimasu. They are so much fun to watch. Honestly it puts me into such a good mood watching their faces and expressions and listening to their beautiful voices. After they were done I went and met Lisa at her work. Nathalie came with and we all had a lovely visit. It was nice catching up and just chatting. Afterwards since I was still downtown, I figured I would stay and watch Kokopelli perform at Choralfest. So I got to see every choir in our organization (except Tamariki, the littlest choir who didn't do choralfest) perform. Quite a treat!

That night I had a ward party. Lots of pizza and games makes for an excellent party. It went well. And now aside from the time change, life is good. Honestly, this morning when I woke up I felt pretty good. But I did do some extra yawning through out church. I only worry about tomorrow when I have to work at 7:30. I know lots of people have it worse than me, so I won't complain. But best of luck to every one trying to battle the changing of the time! I have a good feeling about this week despite it. :)

ps Here is a link to one of the numbers we did at the Stories concert. Its called 'Heartlines' and was so much fun to sing. You can't actually see me because I'm in the front blocked by aisle people, but its definitely worth a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zv_l5SwdKkY

Post Concert High

Yesterday was the Kokopelli Choir Association's STORIES concert. And what a concert it was. The entire day was so full of a range of emotions, due the the performances themselves. And certainly one of my favorite concerts. I was so proud to be a part of it. There was quite the variety of music selections, and everyone sang beautifully. There is so much anticipation and work that goes into it, and then all of the sudden the day is here. I always get so excited for concerts, I admit performing is one of my true joys in life. There were so many elements of artistry that went into it. Choral singing mixed with video, lighting, and movement made for a very innovative concert. Both of the younger choirs performed in the concerts as well. Kikimasu in the afternoon and Shumayela in the evening. Watching them gave me a very proud 'parent' moment. They have worked so hard and they did beautifully! Their sound was so good and the movement was so clean and added so much. I heard a lot of feedback from people about how well they did, and I do agree. Kokopelli sounded so good as well. I am so impressed with how much they are able to do. Watching them perform made me miss being in Kokopelli. The years I got to sing in Koko were very happy, and I met some of my closest friends during that time. So Kokopelli will always have a place in my heart. Singing with Oran was wonderful, and there are so many times whether I'm rehearsing with them or performing I just feel incredibly lucky to be singing with such a talented group of people. Its not a common thing to be able to take part in such a high level of musicianship with so many other people. They all love music just as much as I do. We sang a piece called Canticum Calamitatis Maritimae. I admit when we first started looking at this song I did not like it. It is a very difficult piece and it really didn't make sense to me. But the more we practiced and practiced and practiced, it came together. And it became more than just a bunch of confusing notes on the page, it was an incredible tribute to hundreds of people who lost their lives on the sinking of the M.S. Estonia ferry. You should look it up.

Not only was I happy to be part of such a concert, but I was so glad to share it with many family and friends I love. My grandparents drove down from Whitecourt to come to the concert, and brought my Aunt Francine, cousin Courtney, and Courtney's new husband Zach. This meant a lot to me, since never have I had any family come to a concert since I've been in Kokopelli. My family has been so supportive in my music, they have come to countless choir concerts, plays, and drum corps shows. But since my family moved to Ottawa, the distance has made it pretty impossible for them to come. I know that my parents would love to be here, so that is why having my grandparents come meant so much to me. How did I get so lucky to have such amazing family members? I also had lots of friends come out as well, and that is always a treat. Performing is great, but its even better when you have someone in the audience that is routing you on.

Today has been a nice relaxing day. I am attempting to make bread. It started out alright, but I was letting it rise while in the bowl still. I had turned the oven on to preheat it and must of had the bowl a bit too close. Because the next time I checked it the dough had started baking already. Oops. So I picked off the cooked parts and put the rest into loaves. haha. It smells good, so that's a good sign. Perhaps not the best batch ever, but hey learning process right? Maybe one day my Mom will teach me all her bread baking secrets. :)

Well friends, I hope you all have a lovely week. Stay posted for videos released from the concert. I can't wait to see some!