The Union High School Chamber Choir

As many of you know Tanner’s Chamber Choir from Union HS was recently invited to attend the MENC Conference (The National Association for Music Education – Northwest Conference) in Bellevue, Washington this past week.  They were invited as one of four high schools in a six state area (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming) to perform at this conference.  It was quite an honor.

Following their 7 song performance, they received a standing ovation that continued until they were well out of the room. The audience felt the music and messages they were trying to convey.  Their sacred songs brought tears to many in the audience and their Indian piece had jaws dropped in utter surprise and disbelief.

Tanner has been involved in this choir since his sophomore year, which is quite an accomplishement.  The choir consists of 33 students (mostly juniors and seniors) chosen by the director, Mr. Iverson, through an intense audition process.  Tanner acknowledges his training in the piano has given him a great advantage (I think I even have gotten a few "Thank you, Mom, for making me do it.").  These students meet in class everyday during the school year and are also members of the Select Men's and Women's ensembles.  They all have had advanced training in sol-fege, sight-reading, and rhythm reading.  Besides their class hours, these dedicated students have rehearsed up to five hours per week outside of class time for two months leading up to this performance.

Tanner's choir is not new in the spotlight.  They have received many awards and honors.  For example, they have placed in all categories in the State Solo and Ensemble Contests since their formation.  Last year Tanner helped the Select Men's Ensemble win 1st place at the WIAA State Solo and Ensemble Contest for the third year in a row.  They are hoping for a fourth win this year.

We are the U!

Valentine, Be Mine!

I think one of the traditions my kids look forward to the most in our home is our Valentine's Dinner.  I started this years ago as a way to teach my kids proper table manners, and they have really enjoyed it.  I usually send my family a special invitation inviting them to a formal valentine dinner.   In the beginning we focused a lot on the basics like chewing with your mouth closed and saying please and thank you.  From there we advanced to where to put your napkin, which fork to use, proper table conversation, etc.   We even had a dance after dinner one year where we taught proper dance etiquette.  Lots of fun memories!

This year I had just finished reading the book, Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas.  I loved how the main character in the book kept history alive by storytelling.  I realized I don't tell my kids enough stories.  I talked to Eric about this and we decided to make this night a storytelling night about our families history.  Eric put together a little quiz about our courtship and marriage to see what the kids knew about us.  How did we meet?  What was our first date?  When did Dad try and kiss Mom for the first time?  How many times did Dad propose?  How long did we date before we got engaged?  The kids loved the answers, but most of all the stories that went along with them.  It made us real to them, not just Mom and Dad.

My valentine gave me these gorgeous roses
with a sweet card saying he still had the biggest crush on me,
then to show me he took the day off work
and helped me prepare for our dinner.

Since this night I am trying to tell more stories about my life and the people I love to my children.  I hope it will help them understand who I am and build strength in our relationships.

Happy Birthday, Austin!

January 28th
15 years
Austin’s birthday was a big deal this year, so big they cancelled school for the day.  Not really, but we used the day off to celebrate this amazing young man!

Austin woke up to find a wrapped gift, sitting on the doorstep for him.  One of his best friends had a dance competition she had to leave for early in the morning, but she wanted Austin to know she was thinking of him on his special day.   She knows him well – who could go wrong giving Austin food for a gift, and sugared cereal at that?!  This was the first of many pleasant surprises from friends and admirers. 

One of the big items of business today was for Austin to get his driver’s permit.  He is enrolled in Big John’s driving school, so we must get him behind the wheel.  We went to the department of licensing and then to the church parking lot to practice.

With all that work and stress of driving in an empty parking lot and then home on the real road, Austin worked up quite an appetite.  I took him to Red Robin for his birthday burger.  He also needed an appetizer, freckled lemonade and ice cream Sunday.  Look at how happy he is!

Because of Austin’s busy schedule this month (driving class three days a week, mutual and indoor soccer the other two with sports conditioning a few days a week after school) it was really difficult to plan an official party.  But Austin wanted to get the family together to share his birthday dinner and mud pie.  We learned a lot about Austin in our getting to know you game.  Did you know that over his 15 years Austin has had 7 broken bones, played on 6 different soccer teams, and he wouldn’t tell us how many girlfriends he has had or currently has.  One thing we do know, we all love Austin and appreciate him being a part of our family.

Winter Vacation

We LOVE winter vacation:  A little break from sporting events, lots of time to spend with the family, life just slows down a bit and it's nice.

Even Mom can find time to sit and read a bit during winter break.

Before Christmas Tanner and Austin went with Grandma Marsha and Emily to Disneyland for their "Teen Disney Trip."  It was a "teen trip"  because the magic of Disney for a teen is different than experienced as a child or an adult.  Tanner, Austin and Emily were able to see and experience things in their fullness, things they will never experience again at any other time in their lives.  For example, who other than a teen will break the record for the most consecutive rides on Splash Mountain.  These crazy teens rode Splash 14 times in a row without getting out of their log.

Only teens will wake up at 6 in the morning to go get the coveted, much sought after Disneyland candy canes that are made only during the holiday season then stay the entire day and shut down the park.

Disney's Handmade Candy Canes:  A Hot Commodity at the Candy Palace
With limited batches made during the holidays, only the most dedicated park guests get to try this Disney treat.

Austin got sick and spent an entire day of the trip in the hotel room, wishing he was home with his mom.  I am sure it was from eating all the unlimited food in the concierge lounge.

During their trip California was experiencing the biggest rain storm it has seen for years. It gave the "teens" the run of the park.  No one in their right mind, but a Washingtonian Teen would be out in that and enjoying it. Everything came home soaked!   I wish I had pictures to post of their experience, but they didn't take any.  No worries, I am sure the boys will remember this trip forever.

After Christmas we had Emily come and stay with us for the week and New Year's Eve celebrations.  During that week we decided to take everyone up to Mount Hood.  We rented a cabin at the Cooper Spur Resort where we spent time playing in the snow, eating and gaming together.  The next morning we got up and went skiing and snowboarding.

Day is done, we had so much fun!

This was McKenna, Carson, and Emily's first ski/snowboarding experience.  By the end of the day we were all pooped, but everyone had a really good time, learned how to get on and off the chairlifts and had some great runs in the fresh powder left from the recent storms.

Christmas Wouldn't Be Christmas Without...

Gingerbread Houses
One of my sweet friends brought me this beautiful gingerbread house.  What a work of art!  We were so amazed at the detail and effort that went into creating this masterpiece.  I am so blessed to have such talented and amazing friends who share with me.  Thanks, Keani!

The Gifford's Amazing Gingerbread Art.

What you can't see in this picture is the beautiful rock work on the chimney side of the house, the fish in the pond, the flowers in the window box, the slate sidewalk up to the door, the presents under the trees, the logs stacked nicely at the back door and the beautiful garland lining the fence - AMAZING!!

After seeing that, we thought we would try our hand at it.  Carson and McKenna had a great time working on this together:

McKenna holding the roof together while Carson applies the frosting.

The Details

The Family

The Finished Product

Christmas Concerts
Tanner and Austin's award winning choirs put on a beautiful winter concert at Union High School and Carson participated in his first Christmas orchestra concert.  Carson had a lot of fun learning Christmas music on his violin.  One of our favorite holiday past-times this year was opening the hymn book and me accompanying him on the Christmas hymns.

Austin Seo, Chad Richards and Carson Sork playing Sleigh Ride
with the Pacific Middle School Orchestra

Mrs. Brosius, the best Orchestra teacher in the world!

Of course we put together our family Christmas program for Grandma Hirons and the other residents at her retirement home.  Tanner sang "Believe" with Tasha from Polar Express.  Austin played the Christmas Cannon from the Trans Siberian Orchestra composed by Pachabel on the piano.  Carson played a few carols on his violin and was also the MC for the night.  McKenna sang "Where are you Christmas," from the Grinch.  We also had Alex Reid, the McKague family and Tasha's girls perform with us.  The highlight for me was when a resident came up after and wanted us to keep singing.  I invited her to sit on the piano bench with me and all the performers came and sang Christmas carols with her. She said she has always wanted to sing with a choir, but could never find one that would take her.  I assured her we would.  And we sang and sang and sang.  I am sure it made her night, as it did mine.

The Sork Family, December 2010

Christmas Eve Parties
Christmas Eve is almost as great as Christmas itself!  All year we look forward to our aebelskiver brunch with the Tippetts family.  Toasty bacon, sizzling sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs,  roasted potatoes and of course the aebelskivers with various toppings like warm maple syrup, cherry and apple pie filling, homemade raspberry jam and vanilla ice cream haunt our dreams for weeks before.  YUM!  After we have filled our plates and our stomaches, we hang around play games and visit with everyone then go back to the kitchen for more.  We had a special visit from Santa this year too.

Carson and McKenna displaying the joy in giving and receiving.

In the later afternoon we head over to Lani's to spend Christmas eve with her and the Gordon/Sork clan.  The kids get their Christmas jammies (and underwear), help with the Christmas puzzle and eat their favorite foods until their heart's content.  Of course Grandma G makes sure everyone has exactly what they want to eat.  Grandma Hirons, Cathy and Steve are always fun to have around.  We also get to spend time with Uncle Scott who we so rarely get to see.  We make it home just in time to be tucked into bed before Santa arrives.

Uncle Scott Gordon, Steve and Cathy Gehlhausen and Leah

Grandma Hirons

Lani, fondly known as Grandma G

"I am SOO excited!"
Tanner

"I think I will have to grow into these."
Carson

Christmas Morning

Before the sun comes up Christmas morning, everyone piles on my bed to hear the Christmas story.  This year Eric chose to focus on the wise men.  They sought the Savior, and when they found him they spread the good news so others could find him too.  Dad encouraged us to be like the wise men and always seek the Savior in our lives and share His message with others.

Following our Christmas devotional Dad goes down to check if Santa has come.  He always ooo’s and aaaah’s and assures us that Santa has definitely been here.  We wait anxiously at the top of the stairs.  When we hear Christmas music playing from Eric's Christmas Morning playlist, we know he is ready for us to come and see what has been left under the tree—FINALLY!

Our Christmas tree after Santa's visit.

Christmas morning always has fun surprises for everyone!

Carson opening his gifts on
Christmas Morning 2010

Austin opening his new swimsuit to use on our Disney cruise in April

McKenna (and everyone else) loves the mini boxes of cereal Santa leaves for them.
This look of craziness explains why Mom doesn't serve sugared cereal all the time.

The Festival of Nativities

The first weekend of December brings the Festival of Nativities.  As my kids get older, they complain a little more about going.  I determined their complaining is because I make them dress up in the children's area and pose for a picture in the manger.  This year I decided to use the camera a different way and see if it made a difference in their attitudes:  

One of the nativities on display.

As we piled into the van to go, I split the family into three teams.  I gave each team a digital camera and a list of ten items they needed to find at the festival and take a picture of (such as a nativity from Germany, the most colorful nativity, the biggest nativity, etc.).  It was fun trying to find the specific items on the list and not letting the other teams see you taking pictures (thus alerting them to an item they needed to photograph too).  At the end of the evening we met in Joseph’s Workshop to share our pictures and experience with one another.  

 "Nativity with the most pieces"
Team Austin and Dad

 "Joseph with the baby, Jesus"
Team:  Tanner and Carson

There were so many different pictures taken for the same item on the list.  We really got to see and experience all the festival had to offer.  I don’t think the kids will complain next year about attending this wonderful Christmas event with me.  Tanner even said he might want to bring a date along!