dance pictures

Scott and I had to split up today because of conflicting kid activities: Jeff had a soccer game and Vanessa had dance pictures. I was hoping to go to Jeff's soccer game (he happened to score an amazing corner kick goal that Scott forgot to film for me; why does all the cool stuff happen when I'm not there, Jeff?), but it would end at the time Vanessa needed to be at the studio for pictures, so we had to split up.

I want to note that Vanessa is not into makeup or fashion, so when this time of year rolls around (dance pictures and the actual dance recital), she absolutely dreads it because she has to wear makeup and dress up.

The poor girl also has sensitive eyes, so applying eyeshadow and eyeliner makes her eyes water, so it takes me a bit longer to get her makeup done as I'm no expert at it and am basically fumbling as I try to wing my way through it.

The pictures are done at the dance studio, and although the classes are staggered at different times, it can be chaotic in the waiting area. But, the wait is never long, so we can't complain.

Here's the class picture being done:


And then, individual shots (complete with "touch-ups" by Ms. Bonnie, ha!) :


The photographer is the same each year (she's a good friend of Ms. Bonnie) and she's always so patient and helpful with all of the girls. Here, she's giving Vanessa suggestions for her picture.


While Vanessa was taking this picture, one of the other dance moms turned to me and said, "Vanessa looks so gorgeous!" You can imagine how that made me feel considering I thought I fouled up her makeup. Thanks, Jackie's mom! :-)


We'll get the pictures back in about 3 weeks, so we can't wait to see how they turn out!

senior night

Near the end of lacrosse season, the coaches put together a little program to honor the seniors on the team. It happened tonight, right before the varsity team played; they announcde the player, who is escorted onto the field by their parents, while a short bio is read. Then they're greeted and congratulated by their coaches and high school principal, and given a little swag bag, in addition to these banners that are made for them.

It's really an awesome moment for these senior players and I'm glad that they're given a spotlight for just a moment.

Unfortunately, Ryan wasn't able to play due to an ongoing injury, but he stayed to cheer his teammates on, which they were grateful for. It's amazing how close these boys have become over the course of their high school years; they truly are a family and not just a team.

I did manage to get some pictures with my athlete, although I was surprised when he didn't put up a fight. Pictures don't usually come easy, but I will definitely not complain this time, lol!

I love that he's almost as tall as his dad. Scott likes to joke that everything will be great if his kids just stay shorter than him, ha!

We're so grateful for lacrosse and everything Ryan has experienced. He's grown and learned not only the rules for this sport, but dedication, hard work, and teamwork. Thank you to is coaches and all of the others who've made Ryan's time as a lacrosse player memorable!

elder cutler

I have no idea what possessed him to pose like this, but I’ll roll with it because it’s so Ryan.

As excited as I am for this, I still can’t believe it happened: Ryan received his mission call. We we were pretty much told that it would be coming today, so Ryan was on pins and needles when he left for school this morning. I was able to keep my mind off of it by cleaning, but since it was a nice day, I left the screen on the storm door down. Which means I heard when the mail truck drove away after dropping off the mail.

Funnily enough, it came earlier than usual, so I rushed out there to check. And it was there! 

However, I had to leave it in there, under strict orders by Ryan. But, I decided to be a mean mom and text him to let him know his envelope had arrived.

Naturally, he freaked out and wanted to come home, but was unable to because he was at school; we had a whole texting conversation about seeing if his teacher would let him go or not, but in the end, he decided to just tough it out for the remainder of class. 

I don’t know how he managed that last hour and a half of school, but I’m positive he went running for the school parking lot the moment the last bell rang, ha!

He had a plan for this day (he’s such a self-motivating, planning kind of kid, this day has been planned out for months now!), which he followed to a “t”: he got home from school, grabbed his mission call and drove to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple to open it by himself. Then he came home and waited until 6 pm, when our family would be here to hear his announcement.

I should note that when he got back from the temple, it was just a little after 3 pm, which meant a whole lot of anticipation from me and Scott, and teasing from Ryan because he refused to tell us until everyone got here. He wouldn’t even drop any hints, the little stinker!

But, 6 pm finally rolled around, and with me, Scott, his siblings, my parents and siblings, and Scott’s parents (his dad came a bit later because he was working as an usher at the Jordan River Temple open house), Ryan made his big announcement:

Totally not what any of us expected; we were all expecting him to serve in an Asian mission, like the Philippines (like his dad) or similar. But, it’s where the Lord needs him to be, so we won’t argue.

And, just like that, I now have a missionary son.

Well, technically, not yet. He still needs to be ordained and set apart, but you get the gist of it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it and squash some anxiety that has popped up, but overall, I am really excited for my boy. And so proud! He made this decision on his own; Scott and I have always told him the choice was his and we would support him either way. So when he started the process on his own, I know he had put a lot of thought and prayer behind it.

He is going to do great things for his Heavenly Father in Mexico. :)