The Spivey's

Family Pictures 2011

2011-11-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

We finally got around to having our family pictures taken this last week. I am so grateful that I have an amazing friend with an amazing talent! Thanks to LaRee Photography we were able to get some adorable pictures of our family. Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!!!!

Updated... Finally!

2011-11-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

Alright, for those of you who have been asking for it…my blog is now officially updated! There are about 5 or 6 post so make sure you look at the older post. I feel dumb because it has taken me so long, but what can I say… Life happens!

Happy Halloween…

2011-11-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Because Bryden is STILL not walking, I wasn’t sure what to dress him up as this year. However when buying Wade’s flashing Granny costume online I came across this cute little bear! What a perfect costume it was for Bryden. I wish I had a picture of him crawling in it because it seriously looked like a little cub.

It was so much fun being able to take Bryden around trick or treating this year… even though I still don’t think he even got what we were doing. We made it to a total of 2 houses before he was done. LOL

Daddy’s Little Fireman

2011-11-02T11:42:00.001-07:00

A lot of the time when Wade is working weekends, Bryden and I like to take trips to see him. Now that B is getting a little bit older he is actually more interested in all the things there are to see and do at daddy’s work. The last time we visited he just kept pointing to the engine saying “this, this.” Which basically means he wants something. Below are a few pictures of Wade and Bryden playing in the fire truck! ☺

NYC- Remembering 9-11

2011-11-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Because it was the 10 year anniversary on 9-11, the fire department was sending one firefighter and one police officer to NYC to represent the service men and women of Orem. Well the sad news is that Wade’s name was not drawn for the completely free trip, but the good news was we still got to go!!! We joined 3 Police Officers and 2 other Firefighters from Orem and headed to NYC. The purpose of this trip was to honor the lives lost and families still grieving at the ceremonies that took place. But because of the heightened security due to terror attack rumors, the government decided last minute that the first responders would not be able to attend the ceremony. Lucky for us however, we had an inside connection with the head of security with US Port Authority. We headed downtown to where the ceremonies were taking place and were escorted 5 blocks south, and 5 blocks west on NY city streets that were completely blocked off to public.

Then escorted into the Freedom Tower where we were able to look down into the memorial pools.

After we were done taking pictures from that location, we were escorted to the memorial grounds where we were able to take a few pictures, listen to names being read and admire the beauty of what was a place of tragedy 10 years prior. What an amazing and humbling experience it was. Words cannot describe what a peaceful feeling and yet a gut wrenching feeling I had standing in that location at that very time. I don’t think all 7 of us said a word to each other for the entire time we were in those gardens. I feel truly blessed to have been there and for the opportunity I had to participate in a world mark event.

After the event we were able to explore the NYC streets and meet many men and woman from all over the world who had just enjoyed everything we did. I hope the pictures share at least a little bit of the beauty we experienced!

My Hero…

2011-11-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have always admired what Wade does for a living and the difference he make in people’s lives, but I guess I just never realized how profound of an effect he has on those people. Back in September, Wade was invited to attend a ground breaking ceremony for a new pedestrian crossing light on the UVU Campus. This was significant because a year prior Wade and his partner saved the life of a man who was crossing the road in that same exact spot. Oddly enough I remember Wade coming off his shift the day after that accident occurred. The call really affected Wade, because of its nature, and he talked about it openly with me about it, which he very rarely does. With out going into details the man in the picture never should have lived, but because of Wade’s quick actions he was able to recover from his injuries and lobby to have the crosswalk put in. What an amazing and beautiful day it was and I was so glad to be able to attend the ceremony. I couldn’t be more proud of my amazing and sexy hero!

Bryden’s 1 year Birthday!

2011-11-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Seeing that the last time I updated the blog, Bryden was 6 months old, time has flown by. My baby boy is now 14 months old and so much fun. He is talking like crazy and has the cutest, but naughtiest personalities around. He likes to push the limits on everything and has not a fear in the world. He is also a very stubborn little guy. He pulls himself up, can stand on his own and walk around the furniture, but he absolutely refuses to walk. And don’t even try to make him, unless your patience is ready to be tested.

Bryden LOVES applesauce and crackers and would probably be happy if that was all he ever ate. He also loves to play with his LEGOS and read books. He will bring you every book we own to have you read it to him multiple times a day.
Because we have family in Evanston and Utah, Bryden had 2 birthday parties. The Evanston was a little more low key, due to a sick birthday boy, but still consisted of plenty of cake and Ice Cream. Our Utah party was more of a bash. We rented a big blow up slide for all of the kids and had a taco bar for dinner. Bryden loved all of the attention from everyone. Of course our little man was spoiled and we have more toys than we know how to handle. Posted are pictures from both birthday bashes!

Dear Bryden,

Words cannot even begin to explain how much you have changed my life over the last year. I never could have imagined how complete you would make my life. I enjoy being your mommy and the time that we share together. You are such a talented and smart little man and I know that you are going to achieve so many things in your life. You are probably the most handsome little guy I have ever seen and your personality is contagious. Thank you for always keeping me on my toes, even though sometime it is exhausting. I am glad that you are so determined! I love you sweet Bryden and look forward to watching you grow more and more every single day!
Love Mommy

New School Year= New Drill Team

2011-11-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

I’ve often said that I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, but I don’t say it without reason. Part of that reason is due to the opportunity I have to coach and teach dance. For the last 4 years I have been coaching the drill team at Rockwell Charter High School. We’ve been UHSAA approved to compete on a High School level for the last two years but this year we are finally where we belong, in 1A division. I am so excited for this year not just because we will be competing, but because I have an AMAZING group of girls on my team this year. I’ve never met so many girls with dedication and such a great work ethic. I have been floored by their growth as individuals and as a team. I can honestly say that they bring me so much happiness and meaning to my life. I love these girls with all of my heart and can’t wait to see them kick butt this year. Below are few pictures from camp (we won the hardest working team award) and team pictures (minus 2 girls). I will post more updates and pictures as the season continues.

Bryden's 6 Month Pictures

2011-02-14T09:46:00.001-08:00

One of my best friends, Rachelle Rausch Olmos, was advertising a mini-valentine shoot for the month of February for only $20.00. I decided to jump on this fantastic deal seeing that Bryden will be 6 months old this month and it was time for updated pics. I have to say Rachelle did an amazing job and Bryden just LOVED her! She got some of the most adorable pictures of our little guy. If you are looking for a fantastic photographer or even some free drawings you have to check her out. Lareephotography.blogspot.com

Here is a sneak peak of what she did with Bryden:

Bryden,

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love you. You are the most amazing little man and I can’t ever imagine life with out you. You are the sparkle in your mommy and daddy’s eyes and are the most handsome baby boy I have ever seen. Your smile lights up the room and can change anyone’s mood and melt their heart all in a matter of seconds.

I love your outgoing personality and even your stubborn behavior. Your beautiful Blue eyes are to die for and your big smile is contagious! I cherish the times that we get to spend together and hope those times never change as you get older.

I love it when you sing along with me. I love the BIG smiles I get from you in the morning when I get you out of your bed. I love feeding, bathing and cuddling you every night before you go to sleep. I love the screams you give out while we are out in public and the way that you demand attention from everyone around you. You are such a flirt with the girls but you know just how to draw them in!

You are so much fun BB and I know your just going to get even more fun! I look forward to watching you grow up over the years and am so excited to see the man you will one day become. However, I will cherish every day, every minute and every second I have with you now because I know those memories and times can never be replaced.

I love you Bryden with all of my heart! You are the most amazing blessing and I am so proud and happy to be your mother!!!

Love,

Mommy

5 Months Already!!!

2011-01-28T12:47:00.001-08:00

We cannot even begin to describe what a joy being a parent has brought into our lives. We never thought it was possible to love something so much! Bryden has changed our life so much in such a short period of time. Wade and I are amazed daily at his progress and love watching him grow. He is such a daddy’s boy and loves to cuddle with his mommy. He is in the stage where he still wants to be held and be a baby but then at the same time he doesn’t. He has started on rice cereal and baby food and absolutely LOVES it!!! We are so lucky to have our little blue-eyed boy and are so excited to see him grow over the years. Here are a few pictures of him over the months…

1 Hour Old...

1 Month Old...

2 Month Old...

3 Month Old...

4 Month Old...

5 Month Old...

It's almost Christmas Time...

2010-11-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

and the Spivey household is ready!!! Last Thursday I was inside visiting with a few of my past drill team members. Wade told me he was going to go out and clean up the garage (it is a complete mess due to the fact we are finishing our basement)so that we could park in there when the snow comes. A few hours later when I went to walk the girls out to their car this is what I saw...

and he wasn't even finished!!! I will need to post a pic of the finished project but am going to wait until the neighborhood is all decked out. When Wade put up his set of lights all the neighbors jumped on board and now the neighborhood is starting to look like the "Night Before Christmas" neighborhood in Taylorsville!

Seeing that Wade was excited and spending a lot of time on his lights I decided to do something Christmas-ee too. I wen't to the craft store and bought a few items to make a wreath for the front door. I did this a couple of years ago and thought I would give it a shot again. I must say I am pretty impressed with the results...

Wade still has a hard time believing that I made it because I am not crafty at all, but seeing how impressed him and my mother in law were made it so worth it. And the best part is it cost less than $20 to make...the wreath itself was most of the cost!

A few of Bryden's Favorites...

2010-11-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

*These pics are a little blurry, they were taken with a cell phone and arn't the best*
Bryden is getting so big I can't even believe it. While he is so much fun to interact with it makes me sad to see my baby getting so big. He is not sleeping through the night yet but we are getting close..fingers crossed that will be the next big post. He is however starting to show a lot of personality and is in love with a few things.

This is a pic of Wade reading Bryden his bed time story. Although we only have a few books (Thanks Rachelle) he loves to be read to and could listen to it over and over again. I don't know if he understands anything we are saying or whats going on but I do know that when I show him the book he gets a really big smile on his face!!!

This picture portrays two of Bryden's favorites... #1 and probably the winner is his Boppy pillow. I originally purchased it so that it would be easier to feed him but have come to find out it is more of a babysitter than anything else! Bryden could lounge in this boppy all day long and be totally content. And I am not complaining it makes getting ready in the mornings a whole lot easier. Bryden will just lay on the bed watching the news sucking on his fist. Wish I had a picture of that because it is so adorable!!!

The last favorite for this post is his new slippers. The poor little guy has hands and feet that are constantly FREEZING! So when Wade and I went to Park City this last weekend we made a stop at the Carter's outlet and bought B some slippers. I wish they would fit me because they look oh so comfy!

Having fun being a mom...

2010-11-03T10:28:00.001-07:00

I never could have imagined 11 months ago (when I found out I was pregnant) just how much my life was about to change. People always told me that there was “Just something about being a parent” that makes everyday worth living for. I can honestly say I believe them now 100%. My little Bryden has changed the way I think, act and live on so many levels. Even though sometimes it’s hard… I would not trade being a parent for the world!!!

Bryden,

I just wanted to let you know that you are the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought it was possible to love somebody so much, but you have proven me wrong. I love to kiss on your big chubby cheeks and I could just hold you in my arms all day long. It breaks my heart to have to leave you when I go to work in the morning, but I want you to know I think about you all day long.

Thank you for your smiles and big kisses before I leave that is what gets me through the days. Even though you are not sleeping through the night and mom and dad are both extremely tired, I love getting you out of your crib to feed and snuggle you. I love that you coo all the time and think how much you slobber is absolutely adorable.

Your daddy loves you very much as well. You two look so much alike and a lot of your actions mimic his. He loves giving you baths and letting you “swim” in the bathtub. Even though he won’t admit it he loves when you sleep in our bed with us and will even put you in bed with him before I get there and say its because you were fussy or cold. He hates being away from you when he goes to work but loves it when you come to see him at the fire station. I want you to know that you are the most amazing little man we could have ever asked for. We are so excited to watch you grow up and learn so many new things, but don’t want you to get big at the same time. We love you so much Baby B!!!

Love,
Your Mommy and Daddy

Bryden's 1st Halloween

2010-11-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

On Halloween Bryden wasn't feeling so well so instead of going out we decided to stay at home. I didn't take too many pictures that day (because i was tending to a fussy baby) but here are a few my neighbor took.

We dressed Bryden up as "Dracula". Come to find out our neighbor bought her 2 year old the same costume. This is a picture of the 2 together. Clearly you can see he was not a happy camper!

Bryden is 2 Months Old!!!

2010-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Where does time go??? This is the question I find myself asking over and over again. My little man is getting so big. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and getting adjusted to parenthood.

We took Bryden in for his 2-month appointment on Thursday. He weighs 10 lbs 1 ounce now and is measuring 22 inches long. Although he seems SO big to us he is still really small for his age. The doctor is really pleased with his progress and still can’t believe how much hair the little man has. Bryden is cooing like crazy and is starting to smile a lot more.

He recognizes voices and interacts and plays with us. He LOVES bath time especially when daddy bathes him. He will swim around with his little arms and loves to have his hair washed. The only time he screams is when you take him out of the bath.

Sadly for us the little man is still not sleeping through the night. We think he is having some problems with his acid reflux and with the formula he is on now. The doctor gave us some medicine to try out but we haven’t seen much of a difference yet. We are looking forward to the night he sleeps all night but for now we are just trying to soak up every minute of our little man!!!

I have to say I never thought being a mom could be so rewarding. I love the special bond that I share with this little guy and hate being away from him. Although the adjustment is challenging I wouldn’t trade it for the world!!!

Bryden's New Born Pictures

2010-10-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Mikki Grimley (a friend from work) was so nice to take these pictures of Bryden when he was about 4 weeks old. We had been so busy that we kept putting it off but thankfully Mikki was so good to just do them for us on a morning that Wade had off. They turned out so cute!!!

Baby Bryden's Birth Story

2010-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

***Pictures of this day to come***

The last couple of months before Bryden was born were really rough as my body was struggling with the pregnancy so needless to say here, 2 months later, is the birth story of our little man…

I went into the doctors office for my 37-week appointment with high hopes that after we did the amnio test that I would be admitted into the hospital to deliver my baby. After waiting in the doctor’s office for about 3 hours the doctor came in and told us that his little lungs were not ready quite yet. Bryden’s amnio score was a 37 and it needed to be above a 50 in order for me to be induced. So very upset we left the office and scheduled an appointment for 4 days later to come back and do another NST. When I came back in for my appointment that Monday the doctor told me he was not going to do anymore test, he figured that I had suffered long enough and the baby was not responding well so he wanted to take him right at 38 weeks. He told me to go to the hospital on Thursday and he would strip my membranes with some sort of jelly that would get me ready for labor. Then I would need to come back early Thursday morning and I would be induced.

Wednesday afternoon I went into the hospital as planned. I had my NST done and then the doctor came in about 5:30 to strip my membranes… boy did that hurt!!! Not even 20 minutes after he did this I started to go into labor. I was having the most painful contractions only about a minute apart. The nurse came in and told me that I could have an epidural at that point but she needed to get the doctors approval. The doctor on call said that I couldn’t have one because I was not dilating at a fast enough rate. After about an hour they finally came in and gave me morphine shot but said that they were going to admit me that night because my contractions were just too close together.

That night was the most restless night ever. My blood pressure would drop so the nurse would have to come in and check on me, then 10 minutes later the baby’s heart rate would drop, 10 min later I need oxygen because my levels were too low and so on and so forth ALL night long. Finally at about 6 am the nurse came in and said we were going to start the induction. 20 minutes later she came back in and said that with the night we had they didn’t feel comfortable starting me on the pitocin and I would have to wait for the doctor to come over and break my water. However the good thing was I could finally have my long awaited epidural. The doctor came in around 730, broke my water and the pitocin was now dripping. It was a waiting game from there on out, but not with out all the bumps in the road. Much like the night before the baby and I had problems with our oxygen levels and blood pressure. I was only able to get a drip level of 6 (20 is what they usually do for inductions) because my body and the baby were not responding.

Finally at about 3:30 the nurse came in and checked me and said that it was time to start pushing!!! This was probably the hardest part of the entire delivery. I was just so exhausted and it didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Luckily my support team was encouraging and got me through it. Finally at 4:15 pm our little boy was born weighing 6lbs even and 19 inches long. I wish I could say that it was everything I ever dreamed of but it was anything but that.

Right after the doctor pulled Bryden out he didn’t cry for about 3 minutes. They took him over to the ventilator/bed and had nurses blocking him so we couldn’t see what they were doing. From what I could see they were roughing him up pretty good to try and make him breathe. I kept asking if he was okay and everyone just told me he was fine but would change the subject. I was really nervous because my doctor just kept sewing me up and didn’t say a word. FINALLY we heard a little fuss coming from our Bryden. They came over and laid him on my chest but the little guy stopped crying and started panting so the whisked him away to the NICU. It was almost 5 hours later before I got to see my baby boy again. ☹ Luckily daddy was there to save the day. While my parents stayed with me, Wade was in the nursery with Bryden while he was having all his test done. He would come in periodically and give me updates so that I knew what was going on.

I don’t really like remembering the hospital much. It was a really hard time for us because we were not able to hold or feed our baby for 24 hours. He was hooked up to all kinds of IV’s and monitors. His poor arms and feet were a pricked mess from the test they were running. The pictures are still so painful to look at. Thankfully though the worst was over. Our little boy was able to come home 4 days later with his mommy and daddy.

26 Weeks and Counting...

2010-06-04T09:06:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe but I am already 26 weeks along, we have less than 100 days until we get to meet our little guy. Although we are super excited I think we are both starting to get a little stressed because we have absolutely nothing for a baby and haven’t even started on a nursery. Wade and I both have completely crazy schedules and if anyone were to spend a day with us they would probably not think we were expecting a child. Our neighbors (really close friends) are starting to even get stressed for us and are offering to do the baby registry and nursery for us. I feel terrible that we have not done more but I am hoping with it now being summer we will be able to spend all our time getting ready for our little boy.

Even though we haven’t met the little guy yet, I feel like he’s already got a personality. He loves keeping his mom up in the middle of the night by kicking like crazy, but sleeps all day long while I am at work. He gets the hiccups A LOT, and I just feel so sorry for him although it does make me smile. If there is one thing I know about this boy it is how much he loves his daddy! It does not matter what time of day it is if Wade is around the little guy knows it for sure. The sound of his voice makes the little guy wiggle around like crazy. And without fail whenever he wants to feel the baby move he can put his hand on my belly and the baby will kick him (he usually wont kick for other people)! If Wade is even touching my belly a little bit while we are cuddling the baby will just kick and kick an keep moving until he is in a position where he stays touching his daddy. (Which could be why he keeps me up all night) I just know he is going to be a daddy’s boy and while that makes me sad, I am also reassured because I know what a great daddy Wade is going to be! I am also a little worried that this baby wont be a cuddlier. He definitely likes his space… for example when I read a magazine I can’t place it on my belly because it makes him mad. He will kick anywhere the magazine is placed. Also when I am at work if I scoot in too close to the desk he makes sure he kicks at it until I move away. And last week when were at our doctors appointment he wouldn’t let the doctor listen to his heart, he just kept moving around like crazy!

I never realized how much fun it would be being pregnant, but also how much it changes everything. I have gained a total of 14 lbs at this point and have realized that everyday tasks are starting to seem impossible. I luckily have an amazing husband who is so patient and understanding. He is so good to cook, clean, entertain and still work his long hours during all of this. He’s been so sweet and makes sure that I am feeling good and beautiful every single day. I realize that this would be impossible without him! I will post more pregnancy pictures soon.

Las Vegas Wedding

2010-04-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Although Wade and I were married almost 3 weeks ago, I am just getting around to posting some pictures and details… Sad I know!

Originally Wade and I were going to get married this summer when it was warm outside and we could have a big party. However finding out that we were pregnant made those plans seem not as great. We both decided that because we had this unexpected little guy on the way we wanted to be married before 1- I got to big to fit into a wedding dress and 2- well before the little guy arrived. We thought because I was not getting any less pregnant and uncomfortable we should do something small right away, plus we were ready to get married anyways! Because we wanted to do something really small we didn’t really spread the word. The plan has always been to do something little right now and a year from know after the baby is born and I am back in shape :/ we would have our big celebration with everyone.

We wanted to be married somewhere warm so the plan was to head to Mesquite and get married in a courthouse there. After finding out that they don’t do this in Mesquite we decided that we would get married in the courthouse in Vegas. We told our families and that was it… or so we thought. Wade’s mom was not so eager about the idea and suggested that maybe we do something a little more meaningful and get married in one of the many chapels in Vegas. I originally was not so keen on the whole idea. I’ve always thought as getting married in Vegas as something you do when you’re drunk!!! However Wade and I looked into it and actually found a little chapel that looked really cute. Wade’s mom ended up booking the place. Once the place was set word began to spread that we were going to get married in Vegas and much to our surprise so many people booked their rooms so they could attend the ceremony. My two sisters Kim and Misty, my brother Sterling, Parents and nieces and nephews were there on my side. Wade’s parents, and 4 couples of close family friends (Chris & Cindy, JT & Linda, Fred & Terry and Steffanie & Ross) joined us on Wade’s side. Then there for both of us were My old boss Darren Beck and his family, the business manager at my work, Virginia Bowser and her family, and our neighbor Mike. And the rest was history, On April 3rd Wade and I were married surrounded by our parents close family friends!!!

We honestly could not have more pleased with how the wedding turned out. They had a limo come and pick us up from our hotel and take us to the chapel. When we got there we were escorted to our own little chapel and met with the minister. They performed a beautiful wedding ceremony and took some great pictures. Everyone was really happy with how everything turned out. I am so glad that Theresa suggested we do this and would highly recommend anyone to thinking about doing the same to get married at the Chapel of the Flowers in Vegas!

After the wedding we headed back to our amazing hotel suite that Wade had booked at the Golden Nugget and had a little brunch (pizza and drinks) for everyone. We even got to cut a wedding cake because one of my dance moms made one and sent it down with Misty!!! It really was an amazing day for us and we just want to say thank you to all our friends and family that made it that way.
Also a huge Thank you to Wade for making the entire trip so amazing. I wish I had pictures to post of the amazing hotel room that he booked for the entire week but our camera was dead! It was two stories and completely decked out with a bar, huge jetted tub, steam shower, living area and amazing view over Fremont Street. I am so lucky to have found Wade! He makes me so happy in every single way he is such an amazing husband and is going to make one amazing daddy! Love you babe.

Boy, oh Boy...

2010-03-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

We are having a baby boy! That’s right, Wade and I are pregnant… we initially found out we were going to be parents back in January before we took our trip to Hawaii. I was feeling really crappy and just not like myself. For a while we thought that maybe I had an ovarian cyst or something like that so we weren’t too worried. Well my pains and being uncomfortable just grew so Wade started to really worry. Once we started doing the math we realized that I was a little late for my cycle and the thought then crossed into our minds. However, Wade being in the medical field, really started to worry that something may not be right seeing that I was in so much pain. He started to call around to some doctors he works with and they all suggested that maybe I should be checked out. Especially because we were leaving in a week for Hawaii and if something were wrong we would want to know before hand. Tuesday January 5th Wade called me at dance and said that he wanted me to stop by the station after I was done teaching so that I could take a pregnancy test that way we were close to the ER if it was positive. I don’t get done teaching until really late so I told him that I would just buy one on the way home and take it there. If it was positive then we could go to the ER just to see if anything was wrong. To our surprise the test came up positive so needless to say within a half hour we were at the UVRMC ER. Wade and I were really worried and not sure how to feel about it all. Once the doctors checked me out they assured me that we were pregnant, everything looked good and I was about 5 weeks along. We left the hospital relieved but still unsure of what all the pains were for.

We went on our trip having only told our parents we were expecting and had an amazing time despite being a little tired! When we got home we had to wait only 2 weeks before we met with our new OBGYN. It wasn’t until that point that I really started to feel sick. I started to realize how sick pregnant women get and just how fast you get out of bed when you need to puke!!! When we went in we got to see the little baby on the ultrasound. It was bigger than 4 weeks earlier but still looked like a little frog. We could only see the stubs (arms and legs) and little round ball for the head but Wade was convinced the tail was his little penis! We actually found out at that appointment as well that instead of being 9 weeks at that point I was only 8, but were still really excited because we already could hear the heartbeat! We went the next couple of weeks dealing with the sickness. There were times when Wade had to force me to get into the shower because I was just too sick to do anything.

We went back in at 12 weeks for some pains and concerns that I was having. We were able to hear our baby’s heartbeat again and the doctor re-assured us that everything was okay with our baby. Since then I’ve been feeling a lot better. I have days where I forget that I’ve been so sick and then days when I just want to die. But all in all I’m feeling good.

Yesterday we decided to go to Fetal Photo to see what we were having and to get a look at the baby to make sure everything was still okay. We went back in the ultrasound room and poor Wade was so nervous he couldn’t sit down. They started to do the ultrasound and the entire time he just kept counting fingers and toes and making sure that everything looked normal. When they took the gender shot before the technician could even say anything Wade was pointing at the screen with the biggest smile saying, “oh that’s a boy”, “That’s a boy”.
Seeing the excitement on his face was worth the money we paid for the ultrasound. Our little guy was so active while they were doing the ultrasound. The technician had to chase him around in order to get some good shots. He kept his hands up by his face almost the entire time and was having fun playing and exploring with his hands.
At one point we got a thumbs up and what looks like an “I love you.” He kept cuddling up in my tummy and made the 4D part a little bit hard but after having me lay on by side for a while gave us some good shots. I just know our little man is going to be a cuddle bug because he just kept cuddling up in my tummy with his feet to his head and hands on his face. Our baby boy looks great and is developing the way he should be. Wade and I are so excited and could not be happier that we are having a baby boy!!!!

I’ve started to gain weight, probably about 5 lbs at this point and have definitely noticed the changes in my body. (pic below is at 14 1/2 weeks) We’ve slowly been telling people here and there and others are starting to notice now but now the secret is out. I’ve posted a few pics from the ultrasound. Baby still looks a little alienish but that’s normal for only 16 weeks along. We go back next week for another doctor’s appointment so I will post more pics and details later!!!

We are going to Vegas Baby!!!

2010-03-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well it’s officially set and ready to go… Come April 3rd I will officially be known as Candice Spivey!!! Wade and I have decided that we wanted to get married soon because there are a lot of things that have taken place over the last couple of months. We really didn’t have a lot of time to plan a big extravagant wedding as we are looking to get paper work pushed through (insurance purposes, so we can officially join all of our finances and in case anything were to happen to him at work I can be notified) so we decided why not do something small and simple for that purpose and then next year we will have a big party/wedding for all of our friends and family! We’ve just kind of thrown the idea around for some time and have just finalized our plans.

On April 2nd we will be heading down south to Las Vegas and will be married in a beautiful little chapel there at Noon on the 3rd. We will be joined by our parents and family and few close family friends to celebrate this exciting event. If anyone is interested in coming down let me know. We have some great rates on rooms and a lot of fun stuff planned. Wade and I will probably be staying down there until Thursday or so of the next week. If you can’t make it and would like to watch the ceremony you can view it online for up to 8 hrs after the ceremony. But most importantly want everyone to look forward to our BIG celebration we will be having in a year, trust me its going to be the best!!!

Just wanted to let you all know the good news and let you in on our plans. Love you all. More exciting news to come again very soon…

WOW...

2010-02-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Even though I get on my blog practically every day, to see what everyone else is up to, I have yet to update my own!!! So here I am practically 4 months later trying to get up to date. The challenge now is just remembering everything that has happened in the last 4 months. As always life has been busy so I will try to touch all the key point things.

I guess probably the most exciting thing that has happened to me lately has been Wade. I met Wade on the golf course out here in Eagle Mountain. I knew the friends he was golfing with and while I was working stopped to say Hi. Mike (Wade’s neighbor) instantly started to talk up Wade and telling me all about him. They invited me over for a neighborhood party that night, but unfortunately I didn’t go. Lucky for me Wade never gave up. We went out that next Saturday and literally have not left each other’s side ever since. I really cannot even begin to explain what an amazing man Wade is. He really is what I have been looking for all along. I am such a lucky lucky girl!!!

December through January all I did was Drill Team. My team did so well this year. It was our first year competing on a Varsity level with the High School Activities Association. Even though we had a very small team this year the girls kept up with everyone else and even beat some of them out! All I can say is that it was exhausting yet very exciting all at the same time. We will end our year on March 19th at our annual Drill Team Review.

For Christmas, Wade surprised me with a trip to Hawaii. It was a complete surprise to me, but he had everything planned out and ready to go. We left on January 13th and spent 8 days in Maui just soaking in the weather and the beach. It was literally the most amazing trip I have ever been on and by far was the most BEAUTIFUL place I have ever visited.

Again Wade had more surprises up his sleeve and on our second night there he proposed! It was perfect, on the beach at sunset. I really can’t think of any better way to get engaged. Like I said before I am a very lucky girl. We aren’t sure yet of a date but I will let you know!

The month of February for us has been very crazy. We spend as much time together as possible but with my work schedule and Wade’s schedule sometimes it seems impossible. He is a firefighter/Paramedic for the city of Orem and works 24 hour shifts. This month it seems like he is working every weekend and off during the weeks. I cannot wait until his days off match mine again.

For now that is just a brief update of what has been going on. There is a lot more in store so hopefully I will be updating my blog very soon with more fun and exciting stuff!!!! ☺

Been a while...

2009-10-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that I have gone this long without updating my blog! What can I say other than “How Time Flys”!!!! I’m trying to remember all of the fun things that I have done and I just cant remember that far back… but I’m gonna give it a try.

The end of September I was feeling a little overwhelmed with work and the stress of everyday life and felt like I just needed to get away. Spur of the moment I decided what would be more fun than taking a trip back to New York. I threw the idea around for about a week and finally I had a taker. A friend from work decided she needed to get away as well, so what did we do… booked a trip for the very next week. It was amazing. I forgot just how much I loved the “Big City”. Our intentions were to just go stay a couple days and shop like crazy the entire time. But we ended up just being tourist the entire time! We went everywhere the double Decker bus would take us (pretty much everywhere) including Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Financial District, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, 5th Ave and even caught a show “Chicago”. It was a well-needed trip and one of the best times ever.

In September I also took on a new “project”… I agreed to choreograph a dance a for the Shakespeare team at our school. Not just a dance but a dance that they were going to be competing at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. I have to admit at first I was not 100% convinced that I could do it but after a lot of choreographing and re-choreographing the dance ended up coming together. The team did amazing and ended up taking a 3rd place against some pretty amazing schools, but not only that they took home the 3rd place sweepstakes award! This is a HUGE accomplishment seeing that we had more than half of our students had never had any dance training beating out performing art schools!

While we were in Cedar City my drill team girls, and I have to admit myself as well, were really not feeling the whole drama/Shakespeare thing…just not our scene or people! (Don’t get me wrong we tried out a workshop, saw a couple LONG plays, but after a while all the overly excited kids started to get on our nerves) The girls were starting to fight and getting really ornery and I was feeling sick and needed to get out of the hotel so I made an executive decision as a coach and surprised my girls with bowling. This had to of been the best part of the entire trip! The girls were awesome bowlers, and despite a couple of face plant spills on the lane and a few balls flying backwards we all had a GREAT time. I love not only teaching these girls everyday, but being able to just hang out! That weekend was a tough one on me and the girls were so supportive and encouraging the entire time. I am a lucky coach!

Fun Times!!!!

2009-07-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

It’s been a really long time since I’ve updated my blog, so here is just a little bit of what has been going on. ..

Stadium of Fire

This year my studio, Ultimate Dance Etc., was picked to perform at the Stadium of Fire. The girls put in a lot of time this summer to learn the dances and had three days of grueling practices; I’m talking 35 hours in the HOT sun during those three days!!!
And although they were extremely tired and exhausted they made me one awfully proud coach because they handled it so well and looked so good on the field. I really wish that everyone could have seen them perform. It was truly an amazing show and an opportunity that I’m sure they will never forget.

After they were done performing the girls got to sit on the lawn (probably about 30 yards away from the stage) and watch the Jonas Brothers perform. They were SO excited. I can’t say that I was head over hills about them but it was fun to pretend. The fun part for me was sneaking Addie (Zach’s best friend’s niece) onto the field with me.
She was awesome… she told me who was who with the Jonas Brothers and must have thought I wasn’t listening because she gave me a quiz after explaining it to me. She thinks Joe is the hottest so here we are making kissy faces for him.

Thanks Kresha for letting me steal here from you for a while!

After the concert and as a finale to the show the old HUGE flag (the one that they usually bring out on the field for the national anthem, ya the one that takes up the whole field) was retired. We were able to watch the burning of the flag. That is one thing that I have never seen and it was one experience that was so neat to see! The flag was brought out by service men and women and put into a caldron to be burned. It was so patriotic and a perfect ending to an amazing day…Well besides the fireworks!

Thanks Misty for letting me be a part of this, sorry you didn’t get to perform your dance…maybe next year! hahaha

Grandma is 93!!!

2009-06-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a birthday party for my Grandma Parker who will be turning 93 on Tuesday! All of my sisters and quite a few of the grandkids went up to Ogden to have cake and ice cream. If you know me you probably already know I get bad anxiety around all of my family, not really sure why seeing that I grew up the youngest of 9 kids and they are great people, but despite all that it was a great day with little anxiety! I actually really enjoyed myself. Grandma looked so pretty and seemed to be really enjoying herself. She even tried to blow out the candles, but the grandkids had to help. Here are some pictures of the celebrations. Happy Birthday Grandma!!!!

Rockette Review

2009-05-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has already been a year since I started coaching Drill Team, but it has. Many, many early mornings later, with countless hours of practice, numerous competitons and a ton of awards later we are ending this amazing year. Tomorrow, Wednesday the 20th (aka my birthday :) ) at 7:00pm we will be having our end of the year review. I would like to formally invite you all to come and share this evening with me. The review will be held at Rockwell Charter High School in Eagle Mountain. It won't cost ou anything to get in so just come on out for a night of fun. Hope to see you there!

A visit from the Queen's Royal British Guard...

2009-05-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday Britain’s Queen Royal Guard visited the school I work at and showed our students how the changing of the guards is done. They soldiers, of Britain’s Grenadier Guards Army Infantry Regiment, were visiting Utah this week as they are doing training before being deployed to Afghanistan. Because we are so close to Camp Williams and Eagle Mountain is always doing some kind of Tribute to the Troops, our school was chosen for their demonstration. I have to be honest, I thought the idea was cool but wasn’t going to attend the demonstration as I had other big projects to be working on. It wasn’t until the secretary told me to go out and get some fresh air that I was even semi interested in watching. Boy was I glad that I did. The changing of the guards is an AMAZING show (if that’s even proper to call it) and I literally stood there the entire time with my jaw dropped and in complete awe!!!! Every step was in precise unison; they marched from a quick step to a steady slow step then turned and stopped on command. Every march was a stomping type motion; they have spikes in the bottom of their shoes that they are supposed to dig into the ground as the do every march. It was so amazing how they could stay on pace because the beats kept changing and never once was one of them off!!! Because the ceremonial informs are so big and elaborate, only three of the soldiers wore their traditional red and black Buckingham Palace attire with the big Bearskin cap. The rest of the guard wore their camouflage fatigues, so I can only imagine how amazing the real deal is! After the ceremonial demonstration was over the guard members played some tag football with the students and took pictures.

These are some pictures of the staff at Rockwell with the guard members.

I have to say that I feel very lucky to have been able to watch and interact with the Queens Royal Guard Members. I consider it a once in a lifetime opportunity. Teaching at a High School really is probably the most enjoyable and rewarding job ever! I’ve experienced so many life experiences in such a short time, who would of thought!!!!

Relay for Life

2009-05-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I’m writing this post to hopefully rally some troops! As many of
you know, I’m involved in an amazing charity called “Relay for
Life” in West Jordan. Relay For Life is the American Cancer
Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone an opportunity to
participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people from all
walks of life will camp out at West Jordan Park on June 26th -27th.
We have fun while raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise
awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

Our goals are to:

• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength
of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
• Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have
walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
• Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and
desperately want to put an end to the disease.

I’d like to share with you the reason I Relay:

I relay because: In my lifetime, I’d like to see the day we find a
cure for cancer!

I have seen too many close family and friends taken by cancer.
October of 2007, I lost one of my very close friends, Amy Greetham, to
Ewings Sarcoma. It was day none of us ever want to see. We tend to get in a habit of thinking something like this will never happen to anyone close to us, but it does. Amy was such a fighter, although she was diagnosed with this terrible disease she never let herself get down. She lived everyday to the fullest and kept the most positive outlook on life. She was a very inspirational girl and did a lot for this
charity, even when she was so sick. Since then, I have wanted to
carry on her legacy and try to help reach her goal of putting an end
to this awful disease. I miss Amy everyday of my life and feel so
much sadness every time I hear that a good friend or family member has
lost someone to cancer. It is the hardest thing to watch someone so
close to you, suffer so much.

I have also seen the benefits of cancer research and know with more time and effort from us all we will see a day that a cure is found. I have a sister who has spent a lifetime battling cancer. She has overcome the fight not once but twice all by the young age of 37. Like Amy, she is such a fighter and has so much love and excitement for life. We hope the fight is over, but know the chance is always there. With that said, I’m asking for your help to join our charity in hopes
that no one else we love, loses someone special to them, due to
cancer. You can be involved as little as or as much as you’d like.
Some ways to help are below:

Start a Team: Team Captains and Team Members are the "foot-soldiers"
in the fight against cancer. Team Captains lead their team by
representing them at monthly update meetings and are the liaisons
between the Event Committee and your team. Team Captains organize the
team's participation in activities before and throughout the night of
the event. The teams also set up activities and booths to sell goods
to the public to raise funds.

Recruit Survivors: If you know of a survivor that you think should be
honored, please give me their contact info. as we would love to honor
them.

Corporate Sponsorship: Have some pull in your company or think the
company you work for would be interested in donating for a tax write
off? We advertise very heavily to the huge crowd we draw and allow
companies to set up a booth to sell goods at the relay if they’d
like.

Youth Involvement: Start a team of children to camp out for the night
and be a part of this fun event. Involve their schools to help raise
money. Ask me how….

Purchase/Sell Luminarias: During the event, we honor our loved ones
with the luminaria ceremony. The luminaria bags are $5 and are
usually decorated to honor someone who has either beat, is beating or
has passed away from cancer. If you’d like some, let me know and I’ll
either deliver them or mail them to you.

Donate Yard Sale Items: We are having a yard sale the morning of May
16th in the southwest parking lot of 7800 S. and Redwood Rd. If you
have anything you’d like to donate, let me know and we’ll arrange to
have it picked up. (No clothes please.) All proceeds go to the
charity.

Become a Committee Member/Volunteer: We have a couple positions still
available if you’d like to be involved individually. A committee
member has a specific role, where as a volunteer helps the day of. If
you are interested, let me know and I’ll get you added to our google
group!

Pass Along! Send this to anyone you think would be
interested.

Thanks for your support! For more information about the Relay, visit
www.relayforlife.org/westjordanut

Fun!

2009-04-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wow… I don’t know how time keeps flying by SO fast but I seriously need some time to breathe. I have had the best of intentions to update my blog sooner than this but as you can see it just has not happened. So here is a run down of what has happened.
The 2nd week of April was my spring break. It was a week off from work, but a whole week planned of fun and excitement. There was no time to relax this year it was just play, play, play!!!

Sunday started out with Wicked. Bambie bought us all tickets for Christmas. I was so excited to go and couldn’t wait to see the show. We had such AMAZING tickets; we were right in the middle of the theater and were on row M. The show was SO GOOD!!! I think that it is by far my most favorite play of all not to mention the best I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for the tickets Bambie!!! (Sorry I don’t have pics)

Monday I flew into Long Beach Airport (what a dump) and met up with my family in Disneyland. My mom was even in town, so it was good to spend some time with her. Monday night we took Trev and Kaylee over to the park so that they could ride on some rides. Trevin practically lives at Disneyland (not really but they have been 3 times in less than a year) and Kaylee had never been. It was so much fun watching the two together. Both of them were so excited and loved every minute of it. Surprisingly the two were really well behaved too. There was minimum fighting or pouting.

Tuesday the dance studio girls performed in Disneyland. It was so much fun and such a neat experience watching them have that opportunity. They did so well and had so much fun.

The rest of the day I hung out with the Beck’s and the Seegmillers. They are practically my second family and they are so much fun to be around. I experienced my first Tower of Terror ride and I must say it was horrifying!!! The picture looks like I’m laughing but I was screaming my head off.

I spent all day Wednesday and Thursday with my family and the nieces and nephews. And despite some drama had a lot of fun with them!

Just on a side note one thing that I did find funny is that despite Disneyland being known as “The Happiest Place on Earth” there are a hell of a lot of ornery people. Seriously, we were standing in line for Pirates and some lady behind me literally wanted to fight me because she thought we butted her!!!! Wow… long story short no brawl took place but it made me realize that people just need to chill! Thanks Misty for planning such a fun trip.

This last weekend I went to my nephew Trevin’s first T-ball game. The first thing Trevin did when he saw us was stick his butt out and say “I’m 2” he was trying to show us the number on the back of his jersey. All I can say is that this wasn’t the only funny or entertaining part of the game but the whole thing was a bit humorous. Whenever someone on the other team hit the ball everyone but Trevin would run and doggy pile on it. Trevin would start running for it acting like he was going for the ball and then stop before he was tackled. He is just not into that getting dirty stuff.
Trev is so excited to be playing t-ball and even cried when the game was over. He did such an awesome job and I’m so glad I was able to make it to at least one of his games. Way to go Rev!!!!

And besides all the boring work stuff I’ve been doing I think that about does it!

Dance, Dance, Dance!!!

2009-03-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

This last week has definitely been a fun and exhausting weekend as far as dance goes. It all started on Thursday night when Misty and I headed down to the Badgerette Review in Ephraim. Our coach Kathleen Pili, who has been the drill coach for 24 years, sent all the past Badgerettes a ticket to come and watch her last review. It was so much fun seeing past team members, Kathleen and her family.
The highlight of the entire review was when Kathleen & the Dynamos (Merilee and Margie) did a dance number. Snow College was by far the funnest experience that I have had in my dance and college time. Had it not been for my big sis Misty and one of my best friends Rachelle I probably would have never had the chance to experience Snow. You see I always wanted to be just like Misty so when she and Rachelle's older sister Marcie danced at Snow College together Rachelle and I decided to make a pact to be just like them. From 7th grade on we knew that we were going to go to Snow College and be on the Badgerettes just like our older sisters!!!
Misty went with us to our first try-out and cheered us on. (I can still remember that day so clear,even the part when she stole the pen from a subway drive through and decided she needed to return it. She started reversing and actually backed her car into a little pylon and almost the building...haha) Anyways the Badgerette Review was so much fun, we stayed until 11:30 just talking and reminiscing about old times!!!

Friday started the Spanish Fork, Can't Stop Dancin' Competition. This was the first time I was able to see the Solo's that the studio girls have been doing for months now. I must say they represented the studio so well. The girls ended up taking 1st and 2nd places and we even had some BIG time winners. My niece Delilah ended up winning the HUGE 6 foot trophy for the Overall High Point Award in the Mini's category and Katie Foote won the Junior overall High Point Award as well. This is the best that you can do at a competition.

I just have to take a second and go off on a tangent and be an emotional aunt... It seems like it was just yesterday when my sister Ronnett brought home and adopted Delilah. She was an overweight little girl who's parents were heavily into drugs and alcohol. Her and her little brother didn't talk much but whenever you passed a fast food restaurant they knew what it was and could say the name. Ronnett seriously saved these kids lives. They were so neglected and didn't truly have any understanding of what a loving family was. Ronnett got Delilah into Ultimate Dance and Delilah soon became the little girl that Misty always wanted for herself. Misty has been choreographing solos for her now for three years in hopes that Delilah would win that six footer. Delilah even had a dream that she was going to win that trophy as well. So to say the least when they called her name as the overall winner we were all jumping up and down screaming!!!! It was a really emotional night for me driving home Friday thinking about her standing up on the trophy pedestal. To think that if Ronnett hadn't opened up her heart and home to this little girl that this dream may have never come true. Just to think about all the happiness that she brings to all of us, how could a parent turn their backs on that? But all things do happen for a reason and I am sure glad it did because then we would not have been able to be a part of this beautiful girls life!Saturday is when all of our teams got to perform. Although it was very stressful (dances were happening in both the gym and auditorium at the same time so both Misty and I had to get these girls on the floor while having the next one lined up to go while in different places) it ended up being an awesome day for both Ultimate Dance and Rockwell. Ultimate Dance took mostly 1st and 2nd places and ended up winning Mini Overall Grand champs, Junior 2nd place overall Champs, Teen 2nd Place overall Champs, and Mini overall High Point award.(Winning a 6 foot Trophy!). AWESOME!!!!Rockwell Ended up taking 1st places in all three of their routines and even won the teen intermediate amateur 1st place overall high point trophy for their lyrical routine. It's awesome to think that most of these girls have never competed before and they are performing and keeping up with girls that have been doing this their whole life. They make me look good! I have to say that I am one lucky coach.
Lastly I just have to say that I am so thankful for the talent that I have been blessed with. Dance has truly lifted me up and brought me out of some of the lowest points in my life. Thank you Misty for being such an amazing Role Model for me and inspiring me to be the best teacher possible. Fact of the matter is that I have always strive to be just like you and you have led me to so many great things. Without you I would not have been able to be part of such an Amazing studio and so many amazing girls life's. I also would never have embarked on the coaching job at Rockwell. You are an amazing sister and role model! Sure Do Love and Appreciate You!

What a week...

2009-03-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

This week has been so full of excitement and huge accomplishments. Because there was so much that happened this is going to be quite the lengthy blog, but too much has happened to make short.

First off, the week started off not so great. I woke up feeling pretty crappy on Wednesday and actually showed up to drill team about an hour late. I started feeling progressively worse through out the day so made and appointment to the doctors. Come to find out not only was I battling the mono that I was diagnosed with two weeks earlier, but now I have an inner ear infection, strep throat and bronchitis. Not to mention the doctor thinks I have scoliosis. I knew there was no time to rest this weekend so I just put on my big girl pants and worked through it the best I could. I’m not feeling much better today; I think I have completely over done it, but sleeping in until 12:30 this afternoon definitely helped.

Friday was the Rockettes Mini Drill performance. This year for our drill team fundraiser we held our first annual mini drill clinic. The girls were AMAZING! They handled over 80 girls under the age of 12 so well. This fundraiser was a bigger success then we could have ever imagined. We earned over $2,000!!! This money will go to pay for all of our competition fees this year. The parents were so thrilled seeing their little girls perform. Surprisingly the dance looked pretty good. Way to go ROCKETTES on a job well done.

Saturday was definitely a day of excitement. The day started off with the Thanksgiving Point Competition. Kaden and Abby, Ultimate Dance Etc and Rockwell Drill were there to compete. Kade and Abby were so much fun to watch! Sadly I had never seen them perform before. Miss Abby got up there and did her thing. She was so confident and just shined! All I know is that in a couple of years that girl is going to be AMAZING and will be winning some big trophies. Kade was also so cute; he is quite the hip hop dancer. I had seen him do stalls and stuff around the house before but he really knows how to put on a show for the crowd. It’s sad to think he wants to just do sports next year because he is such a good dancer. But no matter what the boy does he’s a natural!

Being the first competition of the year Misty and I were so excited, but unsure of what the day would hold. All the Ultimate teams did really well and took 1st and 2nd places in every routine. The studio even won high point and studio overall trophies in the Novice and Beginning levels. Misty walked away that day with 4 OVERALLS!!! I am so proud of her she is such an amazing teacher and studio owner. Every year we win more and more. We always say we don’t know how we are ever going to out do the year before but things just keep getting better and better. Thanks Misty for letting me be a part of the success!

Like I said before the Rockettes also competed. I have to be honest I was a little surprised that they took 1st place in all their dances. The girls were so stressed about such a small space to perform (keep in mind they dance on a gym floor not a stage everyday) in and really let it affect their performance. Don’t get me wrong the dances looked good but not as good as I have seen them. After their last dance I told them they could leave as there was championship game going on at Rockwell. Sadly I told them I didn’t think we would be winning an overall because I didn’t think their dances looked good enough. So everyone left with the exception of Taylor. To my surprise when they did the awards they called me up to the stage to accept an overall award for our “King of New York” dance. It was such an amazing feeling standing up on that stage next to Misty accepting an overall for not only our studio but for Rockwell as well. Being a first year coach at a first year school with a first year team I have to say I am pretty happy. Thanks girls for working so hard.

After the competition was over we texted the principal, Mr.Beck, who was at the State Championship Basketball game for Rockwell, he was so proud of the girls. We decided that we should go back to the school to show off the trophies and to support the basketball team. When we got to the school the girls ran into the gym with the trophies and gave Mr. Beck a huge hug. They honored the girls and their accomplishment at the game. It was so neat to see the staff, administration and basketball players come out and hug and congratulate the girls. It felt so good as a coach to see this, word can not even describe the feeling. The Rockwell basketball team went on to win the 2009 State Championships. These boys are not only quite the athletes but such good sports. There was a lot of drama at the game and they handled it all so well. Their show of sportsmanship said a lot for our school. What a great day for Rockwell!!!!

It's Christmas Time...

2008-12-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Early Morning....

2008-12-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

I’ve been coaching drill team now for five months and while I love teaching I must say sometimes it is really hard to get going in the mornings and even harder to stay motivated, be happy and act alive while I am there!! But then there are those days when you see the improvement the girls are making and feel the sense of accomplishments that you are making as a team and it makes it all worthwhile!!!! I have to say I have been really lucky this year to have the girls on the team that I do. They work so hard every day (not only that they want to have extra practices ALL THE TIME), they all get a long so great, they do things as a team and have really helped to lift each other up on the “not so great days.” This last month we have been struggling to get grades up and the whole team decided that they would put in the extra time together to help each other with homework and decided not to perform until EVERYONE could. When I asked them why, they said “because we’re a team and that’s how we perform!” What can I say…I’m a lucky coach! Above is a picture of one of the many beautiful sunrises that we get to see every morning. This time we thought it would be fun to take a time out and get a picture to share with everyone still home in bed… Hope you enjoy!

2008-11-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

Fundraising

2008-11-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

The week of Halloween at school my Drill Team Girls did a team fundraisers selling Halloween Goodie Bags, Putting on Tattoo’s and selling Hot Chocolate. Below are pictures of them at 6 AM making posters to put up around the school! (Brings back memories)

2008-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

2008-11-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

Thriller

2008-11-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

On Halloween Day the girls performed “Thriller” for a school assembly. The girls learned the dance in less than two weeks and killed it! I was so proud of the girls for working so hard and giving a GREAT performance to the student body. This was most everyone’s time ever performing and I couldn’t of been more proud! You would not believe how many compliments I got from the staff and student body. I can’t wait to see there next performance, but am a little nervous too because they set the bar so high!!!! Way to go girls.

Pumpkin Carving

2008-11-25T10:33:00.000-08:00