Adoring Fans

Friday night's performance of Camp Rock was the best attended show by the folks of Perrysburg. Jake had all sorts of fans to greet him afterwards. Several of my seminary students came, including these two cuties. Jake looks pretty comfortable with these high school girls... 

I'm not a hot blond, but I am Jake's BIGGEST fan. 

Emma and I didn't feel quite right giving our men flowers, so we got them chocolate roses instead. Look's like it was a big hit.

I think Rick enjoyed being a rock star to those junior high kids.

Emma was sure proud of her daddy too.

I had to take a picture of Rick and his on-stage nemesis, "Axel Turner". They got into character for this shot:

All the hullabaloo wore out poor, sick Emma, so I took her home to sleep before the cast party got goin'.

At the cast party, "Brown" and "Axel" had an epic basketball game with the members of Connect 4. 

He may have grey whiskers in his bear, but my man's still got it!

Congratulations Rick and Jake!

Camp Rock Dress Rehearsal

A couple of months back, Jake shocked us all by auditioning for Disney's Camp Rock at school. Even more surprising was the fact that he landed a lead role in the production!

Jake played the part of Jason, one of the Jonas Brothers in the band Connect 4. He got to sing, dance, and play keyboards. It was sooooooo impressive to see our 13-year old boy up there on stage!

Another happy turn in the story was that Rick played the part of Brown Cesario, the director of the camp and uncle to Jake's character.

Always one to sacrifice for his art, Rick grew some retired rocker facial hair and donned some hip new duds. 

Jake really enjoyed having 3 new "brothers" for a few months, especially since they were older and cooler. Each of the guys in the band could really play and sing. They even got together on their own for a jam session! 

I'd have to say that Jake's confidence really developed over the past couple of months. He made a lot of friends, particularly those of the female variety.

Who knows? Maybe the band will stick together even though the show is over.

They rocked!

Super Shibbies

I feel sorry for folks who don't have a loyal doggy to welcome them home after a long day. Our homecoming encites some extreme antics from our normally docile pup. Typically, Shelby starts into dashing if we prompt her with the phrase, "Go Shelby go!". With wild eyes, Shelby cuts and turns around the living room at mach speed. It's a sight to see!

 Shelby, or Shibbies as we've come to call her, has developed an odd fondness for a rubber chicken toy. Chicken migrates all over the house and often accompanies Shibs during her evening constitutional. We've  found Chicken buried deep in the folds of our blankies and smack dab in the middle of the hallway. I've stepped on squeaky Chicken in the early morning darkness numerable times.

 One of our mongrel beastie's favorite games is to play dash and dive with chicken, especially from our bed to the stairs. With each new fetch, her jumps from the ground to our bed get more and more impressive.

This ol' girl can really get some distance!

 After several runs, we have to calm her down or she'll start into a coughing fit. By then, she's so winded that her tongue hangs from her mouth freely.

 Oh my! The breath from this dog! I guess we should have been brushing her teeth all these years.

 Her tender "puppy hug" shows me she's grateful for the play time. All I have to do is tap my shoulders, and Shibbies knows just what to do.

Not bad for 13 1/2 years of livin'!

Rick's Beard

At 1:00 in the morning, I have no business being on the computer, let alone posting on the ol' blog. But, I wanted to share pictures of my lumberjack, er, husband:

 He'll be shaving bits off at a time starting in a week. Stay tuned...

And yes, it does feel funny.

Faye

I'm missing a real wingdinger this weekend. The Colyars are gathered this very evening to honor my lovely grandmother for her 80th birthday. Oh how I wish I could join them! Instead I wrote this tribute for Grandma Faye's Memory Book:

Dear Family,


As the oldest of Faye Colyar’s grandchildren, I especially wanted to be with family and close friends to celebrate her 80th birthday. Unfortunately, I’m stuck on the other side of this great country dreaming of sunnier days. Curse the high-priced airlines! Please know that I’m there in spirit and that I expect everyone to take LOTS of pictures.


I do wish to contribute some thoughts to Grandma’s Memory Book though. I’m sure folks will stuff the pages with great stories and comments. I can’t wait to look through it the next time I visit (sniff). I want to share part of a lengthy list of attributes I admire in Faye:


Talent


Grandma Faye’s musical gifts are legendary. She’s blessed countless lives serving as pianist, organist, choir director, and music chair in the Church. Has she ever served in a non-music-related calling?


True to her selfless nature, Grandma’s musical efforts have always helped to shine a light on others. When she accompanies a soloist or group, she supports them rather than drawing attention to her vast talents. What a rare and generous thing for a performer to do!


Patience


She taught piano lessons AND raised 6 kids - at the same time! As a mother of two I marvel at how she balanced working from her home and keeping peace in the family. Talk about multitasking!


I still remember the years of piano instruction I received from Grandma. My enthusiasm waxed and waned, but she continued encouraging and guiding me along. It’s because of her that I stuck with piano. I couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing my sweet Grandmother who gave me lessons out of the goodness of her heart. Oh! And the weekly bowls of Lucky Charms helped too.


When my training became a pleasure instead of a chore, I delighted in tackling the pieces she hand-picked for me. She recognized my love for the Romantic composers and nurtured it with the good stuff (Chopin, Brahams, Grieg). Playing piano gave me confidence, comfort, and joy. What a beautiful gift for a lucky granddaughter!


Humor


Is there any more delightful sound than Faye’s chuckle? A singing sigh usually follows too. I have fond memories of Grandma laughing at my goofy aunt and uncles over the years. For her, the kookiest of comedians are her own kids. I think I’ve inherited her funny bone too. For me, it doesn’t get much funnier than at a Colyar gathering. Boy, am I missing out this weekend!


Constancy


I am just one member of a very LARGE family. I’ve had moments worthy of celebration as well as moments worthy of heartache. So have the rest. Grandma is always there, nurturing, supporting, and caring. I’ve saved dozens of cards over the years from my sweet grandmother. I imagine my cousins have received their share of love notes as well. No matter our choices, her love for us is unconditional.


Grandma’s testimony of the restored gospel is firm. I know this because I’ve observed her quiet service and felt her prayers. I know she has great faith in the power of the priesthood. All of us have had our names on the temple prayer rolls a time or two because of her. I deeply appreciate her example and faithfulness as I’ve grown up in the Church.


Grandma, on this day and always I want you to know that I love and admire you greatly! Have a wonderful and blessed birthday celebration!


Love,


Audrey

Apollo High School Graduation Class of '95

  

Letter written to me during my high school years

Our wedding luncheon 1/02/96

Emmy's Baby Shower '00

Nally Reunion 2006

  

The kids' last piano recital with Great Grandma Faye

this WILL turn your stomach

It's nice to know that when something like this happens...

 ...I can count on my dear husband to clean it up.

 And, when I have to pick up a prescription for my patient... 

 ...it's nice to know that a furry little nurse will keep her warm and safe... 

What will we do with our poor, sick Emma? She's been battling a bug for weeks and it keeps on pulling her down. Her homework, along with the laundry, just keeps piling up!

Here's hoping that this girl returns to full health!

SNOW NO MO!

You may have heard about the debilitating storms that have ravaged the country...

 We're totally fine, though it was a noisy, windy night. By morning we were at a level 3 snow emergency. Only emergency response people are allowed on the road in those situations. Guess who had to go to work?

I'm embarrassed to say that this is a picture of snow caught in all the cobwebs by my front door. It's such a cool picture though, I had to share.

 Lots of folks in our neighborhood were trapped in their driveways. All morning long we could hear snow plows and ATVs digging through the white mess. 

I certainly feel blessed. It was a lot worse for Chicago, and they're only 3 hours away from us!