BYU Cheer Tryouts

We decided to start this NECFamily Blog so that we could captures our Family's Lives as we learn and grow, both as individuals and as a Family.  No one will ever read or view this blog as much as we do.  It is a source we look to often for laughs and memories, and sometimes it reminds of the trials, struggles, and bitter times we have been through.  This post will be one of those, but we are so grateful for the many blessing and opportunity's  the Lord gives to us, and recognize His hand in all things, including Aubrey's cheer experiences. 

Today was Day 2 of BYU Cheer Tryouts.  Aubrey was somewhat blown away by all of talents she saw on Day 1, but felt good about where she was and that she could hang with them.  Day 2 brought some whole group work in front of the judges, and one on one questions from judges, who were previous BYU cheerleaders. Though the she thought the coach would be doing the interviews with the contestants still in the running for a spot on the team, she interviewed with a judge and was happy to share a little about herself and why BYU cheer was so important to her.

That night she was called back to perform for the judges as an individual or partnership 4 times.   Each time she was called back, her confidence grew, knowing they wanted to see her again and again. Her 4th call back came about 11:10 pm.  She was called back with another girl who was her same size, same stunt position, same look, etc (they only difference was this girl was a member of last years squad)  They performed together, and were escorted  back to the waiting area.  

Within 5 minutes, the judges brought all the participants back into the gym area and called out the numbers of this years squad.  The girl Aubrey has last performed with, was called back, and Aubrey was not.  She was the last cut in this year BYU Cheer Tryouts.  

It was hard, it was really hard.  She texted us, walked to the Jeep, and tried to start driving home.  The tears came hard and strong, to the point that she had to pull over for a few minutes, until she could see the road again.  All of these years of work, standing up for what she believed in, living her standards and being ridiculed for them.  She had put everything she had into this and felt really good about her chances, so she and really none of us, were fully prepared for this outcome.  

We know that the Lord is mindful of Aubrey and of each one of us.  He is mindful of our dreams, fears, aspirations, and challenges.   This was a chance for us to put our trust in Him.  He can see the big picture and we know there are great things ahead for Aubrey at BYU.  Go Cougs!  

Kayla's Permit

Kayla got her Driver's Permit today!  Yeah!  Passed one the 1st attempt...with flying colors.  To celebrate we took her to the "Serving Time Cafe' at the Prison in Draper for lunch, as she had never been there.  We're always looking for  new lunch places and experiences, so this fit the bill. 

So excited to have another driver in the family soon!  Yeah Kay!

Hades

Emi has some of the best ideas.  This week she and a friend were doing a report on Greek Gods, so they just made themselves into them. 

Hades - God of the Underworld

Emi ContemporaryDance - Competition #1

This is Emi's Contemporary Dance from her 1st competition this season.  She competed in Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet & Contemporary with her team winning 1st place in each of those categories.  This girl LOVES to dance, and we sure love to watch her.

Instructions for Grandparents - Click on the arrow and then the box in the lower right corner to make it full screen,  Emi starts the dance standing. Exit out and reload to watch again.  Enjoy!

General Women's Meeting

The Saturday before General Conference each April and October, we get to gather as Sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hear messages from our church leaders and prophet.  This Aprils Women Session focused a lot on Families - and how the Family is Ordained  of God.   As we are in the midst of raising 5 amazing Royal Daughters, we fully recognize that strong family's take great time and effort, they don't just happen. These messages always touch my heart and lift my spirit and desire to follow our Savior Jesus Christ and His teachings.   I especially loves Sister Cheryl Esplin's talk entitled "Filling Our Homes with Light & Truth".  You can read that talk,  as well as many others, by clicking on the link below:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2015/04?lang=eng

 I love the opportunity we have every 6 months to gather as Sisters throughout the entire world and focus on our divine role as Women.  I love being a women.  I love being a Mother,  There is no success, role, or title, that for me, could compare to being a mother and having the opportunity to  raise strong and valiant children.  They grow up quickly, but I treasure the time I have with them, and know that the legacy I leave will shine forth through my children.

We swapped Aubrey for sweet Rachael this night.  Rachael is my niece from Arizona who attends BYU, so we are lucky enough to have her with us periodically.  Love you Rach!!

PROM 2015

Aubrey's Senior Prom.....already?  I think there Senior year goes by faster than any other year.   It was fun to see her go with Jake, who has been one of her best friends since 4th grade, when we moved to this house.  I love seeing these kids grow up!

Lindz 14th B-day

Starting her day off with some 'cold hard cash'

Necklace from Aubs 

More necklaces....this girl loves jewelry, Worthers Originals, & cards that sing or talk

Her biggest surprise was her Very Own Sewing Machine - we can't wait to see what cool projects come from this.  Love you Lindz Lou.  We are so proud of who you are and the important role you play in our family.  14 years strong!!!

Today's Lego Creation

Brenna LOVES legos.  Today she built a park, a cafe, and a pool - complete with dolphins.  

A Day Off

Kayla has the day off from school & Em's off track so they planned some outings.  Smoothies from Orange Peel (oh so goood - Thanks Syd!)  and shopping at Scheel's  

Kayla also had to fulfill her LAX obligation of an hour of wall ball after I dragged her to an hour of TRX training (one of my new favorites)

Emi was there to give her some competition on those ground balls

Love having these days off periodically to just be able to hang out together. 

Donut Dessert

 
Guess who was treat for FHE tonight?  The donut lover herself - Ms. Kayla Janae.

 We had Schmidt's Bakery all to ourselves.  So....

... we ate donuts, danced, laughed, posed in front of the fireplace, and were as silly and goofy as we would have been at home, but with really good donuts.