Simple Joys

Today I attended Stake Women's Conference.  The theme was "Make It A Great Day Cafe" and the cultural hall was decorated like a french cafe. We sat at tables with white cloths, black placemats, and each of us was given the "menu" of daily choices to make it a great day as well as a "My Simple Joys" journal to record our daily joyful moments.  There were speakers from each time of life--young mother, single mother, mother of teens, empty nester woman, grandmother, and widow.  Each delivered a touching and entertaining viewpoint. I found myself wondering which group I truly belonged to--then I realized that as a Relief Society sister I belong a bit to each one even if I haven't personally experienced that particular stage yet!

These chalkboard panted posters decorated the walls.  Each with a quote to lift and inspire.  This is only two of the many that were there. Following the speakers, we were served a delicious brunch of egg casserole, red grapes, muffins, and  hot chocolate or juice.  A male quartet sang barbershop music to provide some entertainment while we dined and chatted.  I sat at a table with Shauna and Kelsey Steed and Kim Sorensen and her mother.  We had a fun trip down memory lane as we talked about where our lives were now and the growth of our children and their families.

I came home so uplifted and encouraged.  It was a wonderful morning with just the January pick me up that I needed.  How grateful I am for the gospel and the many opportunities it provides to teach me and uplift my spirit.

Harmony - Green Room Take Two!

While waiting for the 2 p.m. Saturday matinee, Kevin and I were walking from the BYU bookstore to the Museum of Art through the Fine Arts Building.  As we approached the north stairs we noticed that the Young Ambassadors were huddled in a nearby room.  Brinton Dinnell saw us, waved, and nudged Brad who came out and invited us in to "green room" prior to the matinee. 

Alexis Flake's parents were instrumental in getting the Young Ambassadors into Cuba last summer.  They had driven up from Arizona and brought a  promotional DVD the Cuban officials created praising the Young Ambassadors and highlighing their performances there.  Alexis then read an entry from her journal following the show in Cuba.  She said that the number "Stand By Me" in which Brad had the solo was incredible and that the crowd went wild in a way she had never before experienced.  For her it was a life changing moment.  Timing is everything and how lucky we were to get to experience this moment with Brad!

Ron Simpson shares his thoughts.

Ron Simpson, the newly retired band director, was also in attendance and shared his testimony of the impact that the Young Ambassadors have wherever they travel. 

Pre-show Huddle and Cheer!

It's showtime!

Shae Hunsaker is ready to go!

Brad embraces a friend who has come to see the show.

The show was great and full of energy!  The entire cast seemed to be relaxed and having a great time.  I was so glad we had stayed for this performance!

Kevin and Shae talk after the show!

Spencer Parks, Brad's roommate, is the new keyboard player.

Jason Sanders talks with band members.

Jason was Brad's roommate two years ago and the drummer in the YA band for two years.  He and Brad came to dinner every Monday for a winter semester following their Economics class at BYU Salt Lake.  Jason also had shoulder surgery the same year as Kevin did!  We consider him our "other son".  He told me on the QT that he will soon be engaged to be married to Brittany Worley, a YA from last year!  Such exciting news!



Todd Schwartzman and Brad

Todd and his mother attended the matinee and following the show the two "presidents" had a friendly chat!  I love the opportunities I get to just watch Brad and the Young Ambassadors in action.  It is such a blessing in my life to be the mother of such an amazing son!

HARMONY - The Music of Life

Young Ambassadors rehearse prior to "green room".

Last evening we traveled to Provo to watch Brad perform with the Young Ambassadors in the DeJong concert hall at Brigham Young University. I had the opportunity to attend "green room" prior to the show. This was my first "green room" experience and it was amazing!

Randy Boothe and Eric Hansen review final show details.

Living Legends attend "green room"

The Living Legends attended the Thursday night performance and came to "green room" to commend and encourage the group.  They brought a basket of chocolate and  expressed how much they loved the spirit of the show.

Stretching and preparing for the show in "green room".

Brinton Dinnell gives tech notes.

Brad, YA President, addresses the group in "green room".

What a treasured experience to hear my son bear his testimony and acknowledge his love for his Savior, his parents, family, director, and the members of the cast and crew!

Final group cheer and it's showtime!

We purchased tickets for the entire family so Mark and Katie, Tina, Rick and Shyann joined us for the performance. Shyann had the opportunity to be the "princess" in the show--complete with a tiara. Her smile was ear to ear! It was so much fun to have everyone together enjoying these memories as a family!

Brad and Kevin talk after the show.

Rick, Tina, and Shyann are all smiles.

Katie and Mark Bradshaw

Following the performance we went to Los Hermanos for a late dinner. Brad and Shae Hunsaker joined us and Mark and Katie. The food was great and the company lots of fun. We stayed overnight at our home away from home - the Provo Marriott Residence Inn and will attend the Saturday matinee before heading back home later today!