Surprise!

Surprise! We were able to pull off a party for my mom which proved to be tricky. The party was initially planned for Friday, February 4th but Covid-19 ruined that. One silver lining is that because we had to reschedule the party, my sister, Jill was able to be in town. 

I had to lie to my mom to get this entire night to happen. Lying is not my forte. I tossed around several ideas before deciding which lie was best. I asked my parents to babysit at our house the night of the party. I said that the bishop wanted to meet with Andrew and I, so we would only be gone for 20ish minutes. I even went as far as having my mom and other family members make guesses about who was getting a new calling (since we were meeting with the bishop) and what it would be. Maybe I took that a little too far...

I had to make sure my mom came hungry to our house which was a challenge. My parents are senior-citizen eaters meaning that they usually eat dinner around 4:00pm. I told my mom that we've been wanting to have them over for weekly dinners before they leave the country (which is true and I've mentioned it to her before). My mom thought the plan was that we would have dinner together, and then Andrew and I would slip off to our interview.

I'm shocked we pulled it off. An hour and a half before my parents were set to arrive, I got a frantic text from my dad saying, "Mom is pushing to come early today- she sent you a text- you will have to make up something." My mom's text to me said, "Want us to come over a little early and play with the kids while you prep dinner? We would love it!" In ordinary circumstances, I would have cherished the extra set of hands to watch my kids while I prepared food. Just like that, I had to pop out another lie. I made up that I had a parent swim meeting, had already made a casserole, and probably wouldn't be home from the meeting until right at about 5:30. I then turned off my location sharing, so my mom wouldn't see I was home. Man, lying gets complicated! 

James answered the door when my parents arrived. He said his practiced line dutifully: "Nana, I'm so glad you guys can come over and babysit us!" Nana walked in and we were holding pink balloons, a sign, and we all had breast cancer ribbon pins on. (Note that I went a bit overboard with my pins and wore 6. It looked like I was wearing a ribbon necklace.) I can't believe I didn't think to video my mom's reaction, but she was amazed, so happy, and most importantly, surprised! 

We were supposed to have "The Pie Pizzeria" for dinner which is my Mom's favorite pizza. I called to order the pizza, and just as I was ending the conversation, the lady told me that "The Pie Pizzeria" was closing at 4:00PM. What! I couldn't believe it and said something like, "Wait, is this the Pie Pizzeria? You close at 4:00PM?" Apparently, they are short-staffed. Well, there went that plan. Suddenly, my invitations were even a lie too- The Pie Pizzeria wouldn't be happening. Marco's pizza was a good backup plan and my mom loves that too. We had: 5 pizzas, breadsticks, chips and dip, salad, raspberries, strawberries, drinks, and chocolate cake. There was plenty!

While eating, we all shared something we love about our mom. She is a strong woman. We played a few rounds of the game "heads-up" which ampted the kids up. We laughed hard.

Not only were we blessed by Jill's presence, but she offered to make the chocolate cake and she did a wonderful job! Some may wonder why there are candles on the cake saying 16-- my mom had to have 16 radiation treatments. On her last day of treatment, they let my mom ring a bell 16 times to celebrate that she finished. While in the check-out line at the store with those candles, I was asked who was turning 16. I should have just lied. I've had lots of practice doing that lately. Instead, I told the truth which turned into a much deeper conversation than I wanted with a stranger/cashier. Apparently her mom had breast cancer too. 

I spent time researching cancer-free songs. "I'm a Survivor" and "This is My Fight Song" came up. I figured I could find a song we could sing to my mom while she blew out the candles. I didn't have much success in my search. We ended up using the "Hello Song" from the Primary Children's Songbook. Instead of singing, "Hello," we sang "Goodbye." It was hysterical because it was kind of a bust and we didn't know what lyrics to sing other than lots and lots of "Goodbyes." 

All of the J5's (my siblings--There are 5 of us and all of our names start with the letter J), helped contribute to a group gift for my mom. Jessica had the idea to get my mom Portuguese scriptures (a quad with her name engraved on them), and a Portuguese hymnbook. It was remarkable that all of the J5's were able to be at the party. Unfortunately, Esther and Lindsey couldn't make the party because Esther was sick. Chris also wasn't able to attend. We missed them! 

I'm just grateful and astounded that the party actually happened. I told my mom I hope to never have to throw a cancer party again, but immediately took it back. I am blessed, indebted, and honored that I was able to throw this party. We have reason to celebrate and my mom was emotional and very pleased to have this special night. I'd take an end of treatment party any day over the alterative. Yes dad, telling mom about the party (like you suggested) would have been much easier, but I think it would have been less sweet. Note to self-- next time when throwing a breast-cancer party, tell everyone to wear pink (I'm new at this). Stay away, cancer!

Play Season

News Flash: One thing Andrew and I have in common is our love for plays! We've had the chance to experience the theater a lot over the last few months. I'll start with our most recent experience and work our way backward in time.

Play #1 "Treasure Island" at Hale Center Theater on Thursday, February 17, 2022. 

For Christmas, I gave Andrew tickets to see this show. He was elated and mentioned that he considered getting us tickets to go for our anniversary. Good thing I beat him to it! I reached out to our friends, Nick and Becca to see if they wanted to join us (since Tuacahn with them last year was a bust). They had already purchased tickets to see "Treasure Island" for the same week and they switched their tickets to go with us. Going together was a blast!

We started the night off strong with baskets full of rolls smothered in honey butter and juicy steaks. We then made our way to the theater. The set for "Treasure Island" was spectacular! There was water on the stage and several of the actors were dumped overboard. Some audience members even got splashed. In all honesty, I was not feeling the play in the beginning. I wondered if it was because I'd had a tough mom day, but was validated when everyone else in our group agreed. One of the actors was just ok. Things improved a bit after intermission. The fight scenes could have definitely used some more oomph. The actors did not need to stand 6 feet apart to keep each other from harming one another with their pretend weapons.

At the culminating scene/ moment of the show, I was laughing out loud. There was a death that included a dramatic fall. Death should not be a laughing matter and I don't think it was intended to be. Andrew had to whisper over to me to breathe because I was giggling so much. Watching the actor fall in "slo-mo" while attached to a cable was just too much to handle. At the end of the night, Becca said something like, "I was entertained, but don't know that I'd tell anyone to come see it." Amen! We still had the best time out with friends though!

Play #2 "Hamilton" at Eccles Theater on Friday, February 11, 2022.

My parents purchased Hamilton tickets for the family several months ago. Our tickets were initially for January, but the Hamilton cast got Covid, so the tickets were postponed. Our Hamilton tickets were rescheduled for February 11. In a very sad turn of events, I tested positive for Covid-19 the night before the show. I thought I was in the clear at this point, but I was wrong. Missing the play was one of my biggest fears and it happened. 

It's hard to put into words how sad I was, so I'll describe it. I cried on and off for 2 days. I could hardly speak to Andrew. I spent a lot of time in my room. I wore pajamas 24/7. My grandma got to go in my place. The night of the show, I took a scorching hot bath and tried to eat the Ben and Jerry's ice cream that Andrew got me while he was enjoying the show with my family. I know pictures were taken that night, but I have not asked to see them. (Andrew arrived after the pics were taken anyway). From what I hear, the play was marvelous (as was expected). I didn't ask for too many details. I do know that I was listening to music at one point while my family was at the play without me and a song from the Hamilton soundtrack came on. I skipped it.

Play #3 "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at Hale Center Theater on Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Andrew works for a generous company. For Hivewire's Christmas Party, we were treated to dinner at "Olive Garden" and the play "Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang." We had a remarkable time. After seeing 2 productions at Hale Center Theater fairly close together, it was easy to compare the 2. It was unanimous-- "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was better. I recognized someone in the play that I went to high school with. I don't think Andrew appreciated my nudges each time he was on-stage, but in my defense, it felt like I knew a celebrity. Although, lets be real-- he was just a backup dancer. "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was one of my favorite movies as a child. The music throughout the play was phenomenal and so catchy. They outdid themselves with the car they made for the play. Just typing about it now gets the music stuck in my head. LOVED IT!

Play #4 "Elf" at Pioneer Theatre Company @ the U on Friday, December 3, 2021

It's only fair that I went to a play without Andrew, since he went to Hamilton without me. (Although let's be real-- I think he got the better play.)  My friend, Valerie is an amazing seamstress. She made some of the costumes for the play "Elf." In return, she got paid (obviously), but more importantly, she got free tickets to see "Elf." She asked me and another girl in our ward to join her. We met up with her mom and it was a party. Seeing the play put me in the Christmas spirit. There were a few tweaks from the original "Elf." The Utah jokes were a hit. I'm grateful Valerie invited me! It was an enjoyable evening out, but it wasn't the highest quality performance I've seen. 

I don't want play season to end and it doesn't have to! I don't see our hobby ending anytime soon. There's a beautiful outdoor theater at Sundance and I'm hoping that we check it out this summer. 

Valentine Distraction

My sister sent me a cute Valentine's idea and I decided to go for it. From February 1-14, I gave the kids a treat along with a cheesy saying. To take this idea to the next level, I had the kids do a scavenger hunt to find the treat.

Here are the treats I did:

• You're super "stars." (Starburst)
• We love your "colorful" personalities (Coloring books)
• You're "read-ly" wonderful (Valentine book--"Love from the Crayons")
• You rock (Pop Rocks)
• We're so "lucky" to have you in our lives (Lucky Charms cereal)
• You've "ofishally" stolen our hearts (Swedish fish)
• You're the "apple" of my eye (Apple Juice)
• We're "BERRY" happy to know you (Gummy bears)
• We love you "More and More" every day (M & M's)
• We could "HUG" and "KISS" you all day. (Hershey hugs and Kisses)
• You're all that and a bag of CHIPS (Ruffles and ranch dip)
• We're BAGELS about you guys (Bagels)
• We love the way you "SPARKLE" (Markers)
• Everyone is "JELLY" we get to have you as kids (Jelly Beans)

Let me just say that having treats to look forward to daily felt like my saving grace. Since we were homebound (Covid), having something new and exciting for the kids to do each morning was a perfect distraction. I did kick myself a few times for throwing in the scavenger hunt and spent many evenings scrambling to get that together. Seeing how much the children looked forward to the hunts made it worth the work though. Andrew wrote 2 of the scanger hunts which I appreciated. It got surprisingly difficult to think of new places to hide things--we did 5 clues each day. Creating a loving home is my #1 priority, so I don't think my time went to waste.

To make sure every member of my family was feeling the love, I added a new heart to everyone's bedroom door daily. On the heart, I wrote something I love about that person. Now sometimes the kids will tell me something they love about me which I don't mind one bit.

Valentine's Day finally arrived! Before putting the kids down for an early bedtime, we made Valentine's sugar cookies as a family. Not only did we have heart-shaped cookies, but we had Christmas trees, reindeers, hands, and more all topped with BLUE frosting. (Oops-- good planning there. We ran out of red food coloring.) Andrew and I kept with tradition. We ordered pizza and watched a chick-flick of my choice.  I'd recommend the new Jennifer Lopez movie called, "Marry Me." Both of us were entertained! We've learned our lesson throughout the years... I made sure to pre-order the pizza hours before to avoid "grumpy Jenna." One year, things went south quickly when Andrew spent most of the evening waiting in Papa Johns for our pizza (it definitely killed my mood). In case you're wondering, I picked the Pepperoni Magnifico pizza from Marco's. 

Andrew spoiled me with an extremely heartfelt note and the goods. (Peanut Butter M&M's and Reese's). To top it all off, a couple days later, I went to Galentine's Book Club. We did a "favorite things" gift exchange and I came home feeling pampered with a new brush, a shower steamer/soap, and acrylic nails.

It has been hard for a toddler to comprehend that the scavenger hunts are over. She has been devastated a couple of mornings. Until next year! 

Ditto Studios

Suddenly, I have 8 piano students! I wasn't sure if I wanted to advertise piano lessons in our new area, so I didn't. I have continued teaching 2 students from before (their dad lives fairly close to me), but that's all. Word got out to someone in our ward that I teach (thank you Valerie!) and 3 families in the ward reached out. In preparation for the piano recital, I've been accompanying Jessica's violin/viola students. 2 of them wanted to start piano lessons too. It's crazy how fast it all happened! I gained 6 new students in about a one-week period of time. I'm delighted.  

Teacher Jenna has come out. I've spent more time than I should admit getting things ready for my new students, but let's face it--I've been quarantined so I have zero plans. I've gone through 2 printer ink cartridges. The new students all have note name flashcards cut out and ready to go, Ditto Studio policy papers, notebooks, and student surveys. I also have scales and chords printed and ready with incentives in place. A couple of my new students are advanced which has been fun!

I had a piano recital scheduled for Saturday, February 5. Jessica and I rescheduled the recital since my family was in quarantine. Well, guess what? I wasn't able to make it to the rescheduled recital either on February 12. 

Covid took time to spread throughout our family. James tested positive for Covid on Sunday, January 30. Isabelle tested positive on Thursday, February 3. Andrew tested positive on Saturday, February 5. I didn't test positive until Thursday, February 10 (2 days before the recital). It has been a big bummer. Fortunately, Andrew and I had mild cases (we are fully vaccinated and boosted). The kids aren't old enough to be vaccinated yet (James will be in March though!) and Covid-19 was worse for them. 

James was definitely the sickest of the group. One day, he slept for 7 hours during the day and an additional 12.5 hours that night. It was bad for both kids for a couple of days, and then thankfully symptoms eased. (Although their fevers were pretty stubborn for awhile.) Since having Covid, James' prayers have been very sweet. "Please bless none of our family will get Covid. Please bless everyone in my preschool will stay healthy." "Please bless I won't get Covid again." James cried in pain more than once.  If James doesn't have an appetite, you know something is wrong! That first day, he didn't eat. The scariest point may have been when Isabelle was wheezing and couldn't breathe which caused her to throw-up. It was sad to see my babies so ill. So glad the kids are back to their peppy selves! James was jumping for joy when he was able to return to preschool.

To say the recital situation was stressful is an understatement. Should we reschedule the recital AGAIN? We decided to move forward with the recital without me. This wasn't an easy decision to make. It seemed like there was no good solution. My mom really stepped up to the plate. She accompanied all the violin students on the piano for me. This was not an easy task-- she had very short notice to play some challenging songs and spent hours practicing. I owe her.  Fortunately, I was able to watch 4 of my students perform via Zoom. Despite everything working against us, the recital turned out and I'm relieved to have it behind us. Thank you, Jessica, for leading the recital so beautifully and for booking the recital at a gorgeous venue. I better be able to attend the next recital in person. I was in charge of the treats for the performers. I'm pretty original-- they got Pop Rocks Candy with a label saying, "You Rock!" 

Apparently, I'm off the hook with publicizing that I teach piano. Nothing is more powerful than word of mouth! Ditto Studios is taking off. My evenings will be a little busier with my new piano teaching schedule, but I think I'm going to like it. I'll definitely be relying on my Crockpot and Instant Pot for more meals. What a relief that I'll be back to teaching in person. Quarantine, I'm almost at the finish line. I'm thrilled to watch my 8 students progress.