Aaron, Aimee & Adelaide

MY HAIR IS GONE!

2010-10-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hey All, Looks like I'm "thoroughly modern" now. Yes, that's right, the pictures say it all. I cut my hair and I'm donating the 8 inches I cut off to the "Children with Hairloss" charity. The hair donations are used to provide wigs for children (up to age 21) who are suffering of a disease such as cancer or alopacia that causes them to lose their hair. The wigs are provided free of charge for these children in need. I also wanted to inspire our cast of High Schoolers in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," (which I choreographed and runs November 12, 13, 15, 19 and 20 at Fremont High School in Plain City, UT), that cutting your hair isn't such a scary thing. The girls were really having a hard time with bobbing their hair, so I wanted to give them a little hope that they could do it! Well, here's hopin'!

Come see the show! Once again:

NOVEMBER 12,13, 15, 19, 20. 7pm, Fremont High School

Come support the Arts in Northern Utah!

construction frustration

2010-04-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

So, I guess it's time I actually updated this thing. I know it's been a while, but since I don't read it, I figured no one else did either.

I did the stupidest thing today. We bought a house, right. An unfinished house. which is why we got a good deal on it, but that means the finishing headache is up to us. Well, we closed about a week and a half ago, so now that means that it is officially ours to work on as we choose, provided we come in within budget and on time. So today, I was so eager to get the drywall done on the house, that although I KNEW BETTER, I didn't get the final cost to finish the job written down on paper. What was I thinking? I have had every other contractor's bid scrutinized to the T and then I get in a hurry to get this drywall done and just hire the first person who I think is going to give me the best price, without getting it in writing. Now, I am not sure what the final price is going to be. AAARRRGH! Well, I am sure it will work out somehow, but if anyone has any advice, other than "get it in writing first," that would be helpful.

Anyway, the house should be beautiful once it's done. I can't wait for that part. I just wish I was smarter about some things.

Yeah Hollywood...you know I love you more than...

2009-07-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

So, I think I get the award for the worst blogger in the world, but alas, here is a long awaited post from the Geddes family. Enjoy!

My mom and I decided spur of the moment last week that we would take a trip to California to see my Brother Nick, since he just moved there for his job. Lindsay was going to come too, but couldn't get off work--we missed her.

On the way there we saw:

I bet my brother will rethink purchasing a motorcycle now.

My favorite things about our quick trip,2 days in Cali., in no

particular order:

1. The Beach, need I say more?

2. Hollywood Shopping. I got a new purse complete with sequins and it was ONLY $10!

3. Seeing Hollywood for the first time. It was really just a big city, but it was amazing to think how much filming was going on right around us!

4. Hanging out with my mom and Addie for a few days.

5. Seeing my brother and how hard he works. He really deserves the good life!

6. LA traffic--definitely not a fun or favorite thing, but it really makes me appreciate Utah traffic and good/kind drivers.

7. Transformers Robots--WAY COOL!

8. Getting kicked off the Paramount Pictures Studio lot while trying to take a picture of transformers Robots. Apparently they only let employees past the gates.

9. Seeing all the places I have only ever heard about or seen in movies.

10. Being right in front of the LA temple. HOW GORGEOUS!

11. Realizing that happiness doesn't come from lots of money or fancy cars. My family really is the most important thing in the world.

Inkheart

2009-02-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

So, on Friday we went to see "InkHeart." It was my best friend Ashley Baird's birthday and so we went on a triple date to the movie.

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read a few reviews before going in and I thought it was going to be pretty cheesy. However, I still wanted to see it. Although there were a few cheesy moments, I found myself thinking about it the whole way home, and thinking, "You know, I could see that one again."

Things I liked:

1. The fairy-tale characters. Dustfinger (I think that was his name) was very cool, or I guess I should say "hot" with all that fire coming off his hands. He was very motivated, and I loved it every time he did something selfish. Capricorn was also very evil, and I just loved how motivated everyone was. They were so set on their courses, I thought it was great how they fought for what they wanted.

2. It was a family show. Something I would feel totally comfortable showing to a group of mutual kids. I don't remember anything bad in it. There was some violence, but it wasn't very gory or anything.

3. The family stuck together. They were loyal to each other and I think we just don't see enough of that these days.

4. The comic relief. There were a few characters who again, had some cheesy moments, but it kept it light. I like fantasy worlds, but sometimes they get so dark and serious for me. I like it when there are some funny characters to lighten the mood.

5. Brenden Fraser was actually not so cheesy in this film. I don't always enjoy watching him, but I did enjoy him in this one as much as I liked him in "blast from the past."

6. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! Very cool sets as well, and the costumes and special effects were pretty well done too.

Although there were some cheesy moments and it may not be everyone's cup of tea, if you are looking for a good family film with high stakes, action, adventure and some wild characters, this is a good film. I think part of the reason I liked it was the theater experience. Seeing gorgeous mountains and castles is always better on the big screen than it is on the 27 inch.

Anyway, I recommend it. If you see it, tell me what you think.

10 Things I love about being a mom

2009-01-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

1. Addie learned the word "cookie" yesterday in the car as I was feeding her frosted animal cookies. This morning after getting her ready for the day I said, "Do you want some food? Some Breakfast?"

Her response: "Cookie?"

2. I finally got the house scrubbed today because Addie slept in til 10 o'clock. It was great!

3. The girl loves shoes! She is a girl through and through. Everyday she has to try on every pair of shoes she can find. Whenever she sees a shoe she points to it and says "shoe?"

4. At this moment she is tugging at my pants, not my pant legs, but the waistline in the back. She pulled it down and said "HI!"

5. Yesterday while we were coloring some pictures together, she looked over at the one I was drawing and said, "wow!"

6. Whenever Aaron comes home from work and she hears the garage door open she runs to it like lightening with a huge smile on her face so excited to see her daddy. It is precious.

7. Yesterday, while eating animal cookies, she would say "thantue" (aka Thank you) every time I gave her a cookie. It was one of the first words she learned and it is still cute every time she says it.

8. Every morning after getting out of the bath I sit her on the counter to put lotion on her. She always hugs me so tight. It is probably just to get warm, but it still makes me feel good. She hugs me like she never wants to let go and if it weren't for all the other things that have to be done in the day, I probably wouldn't let her.

9. Nursery. As much fun as it is to chase my child all around the chapel and relief society during church while wearing stilettos,

it was really nice to take her to nursery on Sunday to introduce her to it.

She has a few more weeks until she is 18 months, but they let her come in a little early. She loved it and so did I.

10. Watching her play dress up and r

ide her pony, Trigger, at the same time.

11. She learned the "eency weency spider" or "Itsy bitsy spider" if you prefer. Now all I have to do is mention the spider and her hands go into place. Same with "5 little ducks."

12. Yesterday we were at the children's place buying new jammies. Addie is sitting in her

stroller to my right and there is another lady's baby in her stroller to my left. I look over and wave to the smiling baby. The cashier mistook her for my baby and said, "what a calm good natured little girl."

I replied, motioning to my right, "Oh, she's not mine, this one's mine."

At that moment Addie had pulled up her shirt to her neck and was showing the whole store much more than just her belly button.

I couldn't help but laugh at my "calm and good natured little girl."

These are only a few things I love about being little miss Adelaide's mom. I could go on and on, but alas, a poopy diaper awaits.

Until next time...

On with the SHOW!

2009-01-20T15:31:00.001-08:00

It's finally here! Our first concert! Well, actually, this is the 6th year I have been putting on a showcase with my voice students in the winter, but the first year that I have taught my own group and this is their first performance. I am so excited! They are so stinkin' cute in their little sparkly outfits singing "Bop to the Top" from HSM and the Hannah Montana classic, "Best of both Worlds." The concert is not made up of only the newest of Disney favorites, there are also many old favorites like "Part of your world" and "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah," to name a couple.

I am so proud of all my students. The classes are doing such a great job and my individual students are really rocking it this year. I am just amazed at the things that come out of them sometimes-they are so YOUNG! It is interesting to me because I teach them all the same basic techniques, and they run with it. The results are really blowing me away.

Anyway, if any of my 5 readers feel so inclined to see our show, it is at the Clearfield Library, in Clearfield (of all places;) and starts at 6:00 p.m. on January 21st (Tomorrow!)

Hope to see you there!

Nursing homes

2008-12-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that every month or two I go and sing at a couple of nursing homes in Ogden. I just got back from one today, and if you looked outside, you would know that the weather is horrible. I was so worried about getting home before it got much worse, I planned to sing for a little bit less time today. I sang all Christmas songs and for some reason it really got to me this time. Just seeing these people who are so powerless in the world, it made my heart swell to see the joy and memories that some of the songs brought to the hearts of these people. I almost began to cry during one of the songs because I realized that this actually does mean something to them. Hooray for nursing homes to help me feel the christmas spirit!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Belated Twilight movie review

2008-12-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hey all. I know, I know, it has taken me a month to get around to posting again. I have been meaning to post for several weeks now, since thanksgiving actually, but I just have not gotten around to it.

Anyway, what I was going to blog about three weeks ago, finally makes its way to the front page of my blog.

So, I was not so sure I wanted to see Twilight, the movie. I had my doubts. Many of them. I am not going to say that they were all put to rest, because I didn't think the movie was great, but it was better than I expected it to be.

I hated Robert Pattinson's lipstick. No girl should have to kiss a guy wearing the same color lipstick as her unless she put it there with her own kissing. I about puked every time Kristen Stewart had to get close to his face. I am a huge Edward fan in the books, and Edward Pattinson just didn't do it for me. I felt like the two didn't have good chemistry and that the acting was sub-par on both parts. I have honestly seen better acting at High School Drama competitions.

Other than the horrible (and I do mean absolutely horrible) make-up and the less than great acting, it was still entertaining. It was no where near as good as the book, and although some of the other characters we not as I pictured them, they still did a good job. Alice was sweet like she should have been, and even though Rosalie was not quite as Barbieish as I pictured, she still was good and mean. Emmet was funny and Jasper looked like Edward Scissor Hands, at least he was good for a laugh because there was no way he could be taken seriously. James was icky as could be and although I thought he should have been more handsome because he was a vampire, he actually did a really good job of giving me the creeps. I did enjoy the fight scene at the end. Except for the flying, I thought it was well done.

So all in all, I don't get what everyone is going mad over Robert Pattinson for. I thought he looked gross in the movie and he just didn't look like Edward to me. The Edward in my head when I read the books is so much hotter, and he actually has muscles, and he articulates his words like a well educated man.

The Scenery was good, even though all the details didn't match the book, and I really missed the Meadow scene. The pacing throughout the movie was off for me, but I think they followed the book pretty well and got most of the story in. So, it was a good adaptation, I just think the acting and make up could have been done better.

So there it is. I saw it, semi reluctantly. My curiosity got the better of me. So now I have seen it and I still don't get what everyone is going mad over.

How much longer must we endure?

2008-11-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

I hope the person that sent this to me (Monica) doesn't mind if I post it here. I wanted to forward it, but I think it needs to be displayed here as well. It breaks my heart and makes me cry to see such persecution on our very peaceful religion, simply because we are supporting a cause we believe in. Anyway, there is enough to read so I won't add to it. Below is the account that was emailed to me today, Please read on.

****

This is very sobering. It was hard for me to read. The answers are at the end. Please take the time to read all of it. These are things that the news fails to report. I was in Hawaii a few weeks ago and two of our churches were burned to the ground on Oahu. One is a chapel in Waianae which my family and I attend when we visit there and the other was in Honolulu.

When the police begin to side with the protesters, that is when they look the other way while women are "beaten to the ground". The next step will be several dozen protesters over the fence and within a few moments they can be inside the Temple.

Bill Robbins
Gen Mngr
Sun Communication LLC
SUNSPORT / SUNPRO
801 479-6700

About the Author:
A thirty-one year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, Paul Bishop currently directs a Sexual Assault Detail with responsibility for investigations in more than twenty-five percent of the city. His career has included a tour with the department's Anti-Terrorist Division and more than twenty years' experience investigating sex crimes. Twice honored as Detective of the Year, he has also received the Quality and Productivity Commission Award from the City of Los Angeles.

IN THE FACE OF HATRED

It has been an interesting week.
The Chinese homily, "May you live in interesting times," has its roots in a curse, not a blessing.
As I said, it has been an interesting week.
The controversy in California regarding Proposition 8 (the proposed amendment to the California constitution defining marriage to be strictly between a man and a woman) built to a frenzy in the days leading up to Tuesday's election and then exploded into anger and violence in the aftermath of Prop 8's slim passage into law.

I am a Los Angeles Police Department detective supervisor running a sex crimes unit covering the western quarter of the city, which also includes the area where the Los Angeles temple is located. I have a fantastic crew of 20 detectives who are an amazing mixture of races and sexes. I have several detectives who are openly gay or lesbian. This orientation has nothing to do with their efficiency as investigators. I deeply respect and like these individuals. I enjoy working with them. My life is often in their hands when we serve high risk search or arrest warrants. I trust them implicitly.
Obviously, the types of crimes we investigate bring us into regular contact with victims who are of an alternative lifestyle orientation. It is incumbent upon us that our compassion for these victims be no less than for victims who are heterosexual.
Hard Choices
Working in such an environment, I found taking a position on Proposition 8 to be difficult. Even though I chose to follow the direction of our Church leaders in my voting decision, it was extremely hard for me to place myself on the line when it came to actively working to ensure the passage of Proposition 8.

Still, I watched in amazement as my fellow ward and stake members worked tirelessly, committing themselves full-heartedly to the cause - not out of homophobic hatred, but out of a love of Christ and a belief in the sanctity of traditional marriage. Their faith strengthened mine, and I committed to participate in a sign waving public rally sponsored by our stake to be held at a local intersection.
By following through on this commitment, I found I had a greater stake in the battle than I had ever thought. I learned a number of hard and harsh lessons. And in the events following the election and passage of Proposition 8, I felt great anguish forcing me to drop to my knees in prayer - eventually coming to a more personal understanding of the Love of Christ and what he expects from me.
During the Proposition 8 rally, as I stood with my wife and friends waving Yes On 8 signs and waving to the passing rush hour traffic, I learned several things. I learned supporters of both Yes On 8 and No On 8 liked to honk their horns. I learned the way to tell the difference is the No On 8 supporters usually accompanied their horn honking with an obscene gesture or a string of obscenities. They also liked to swerve their cars toward the children on the curb.

I learned when we didn't engage in argument with the No On 8 supporters who intermingled with us in the intersection, they became enraged, red faced, and fit to burst.
I have no doubt Yes On 8 supporters both from our church and other churches engaged at some point in the shouting matches during the numerous rallies and demonstrations across the state. However, on the evening of my participation, I was amazed by the cool and non-confrontational way the Yes On 8 supporters conducted themselves.
I learned at the rally several of our ward members had received hate mail after their names, religious affiliation, contribution mounts, and addresses were published on a website inciting No On 8 supporters to target the listed individuals. Their houses and cars had been vandalized, their campaign support signs stolen, and opposition signs planted in their place.

When I returned home after the rally, I had a huge headache and my stomach was in knots. I am not a fan of confrontation, and the noise of the horn honking, both pro and con, and the divisive atmosphere inherent in the volatile situation had taken its toll. Still, after praying with my wife, I felt calmer and was pleased we had chosen to participate. While our efforts were miniscule compared to the hours of service to the cause provided by others, we had at least jumped down from the fence and done something.
Then I saw the latest No On 8 television commercial.

Tolerance?
Supposedly produced by an independent group not affiliated with the official No On 8campaign, the thirty second commercial spot shows two scruffy male white actors portraying Mormon missionaries who force their way into the well-kept home of a married lesbian couple.
"Hi, we're from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," one says.
"We're here to take away your rights," says his companion.
The missionaries then rip the wedding rings from the women's fingers and ransack the house until they find the women's marriage license, which they destroy.
"Hey, we have rights," one of the women says.
"Not if we can help it," answers a missionary.
Moving outside the residence, one of the missionaries smugly says, "That was easy."
Flexing his muscles, his companion asks, "What do we want to ban next?"

While I was appalled by the commercial, I was even more appalled both MSNBC and The Comedy Channel happily took money to broadcast this overtly hate filled vignette. I cannot imagine a similar commercial, targeted at any other religious or racial group, not being considered a hate crime with a civic outcry for prosecution.
My hackles were beginning to rise in a distinctly unchristian way. However, the fun was just beginning.
Election Day And Aftermath
Election day in California saw numerous No On 8 activists distributing literature and vocalizing at polling sites in clear violation of election laws. Police were called, 100 yard distances from the polling places were paced off, yet the agitation continued.

Despite these efforts, Proposition 8 obtained a slim majority (52.5% to 47.5%). Exit polls showed the proposition was supported by 7 of 10 Black voters, a majority of Latino voters, and by people with children under the age of 18 still at home. Clearly, it was supported by all people who believed marriage is a special and protected institution.
The day after the election, spontaneous protests sprung up in West Hollywood - a small residential community, with a large gay and lesbian population, located within Los Angeles County , but just outside Los Angeles city borders. The protests did not have a particular focus or target other than outrage as they strayed outside the confines of West Hollywood and into Beverly Hills , Hollywood , and West Los Angeles . Several arrests were made, but the seething anger at the passage of Proposition 8 was not dampened.
On Thursday, however, two days after the election, rumors began to be picked up by LAPD of a large protest organized by gay and lesbian activists and their supporters to be staged outside the Los Angeles LDS temple on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles.

LAPD has 22 geographic Areas divided between 4 administrative Bureaus . My investigative unit is attached to Operations-West Bureau - which has responsibility for the area where the Los Angeles temple grounds are located. We operate out of a squadroom across from the Bureau's administrative offices. In such proximity, I was in a position to observe the command post set up in the Bureau offices to monitor the actions of the field command post charged with keeping the already illegal (no permits) protest peaceful.
What I learned by watching and listening shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. During my 30+ year tenure, the LAPD as an organization has made great professional strides in the internal battle against sexual harassment, sexual orientation harassment, and racism. While there are still those in civil liberty organizations who contest we are still guilty of racially profiling on the streets (difficult to imagine when our department is so thoroughly integrated at this point in time), organizationally there is little or no tension remaining in these areas.
In the Bureau command post there was a large screen television displaying scenes from the protest outside the Los Angeles temple. Imagine my surprise, when angry protestors began rushing the closed temple gates, and I heard an officer in the command post say, "I hope they burn that place to the ground."

Imagine my even stronger surprise when another officer replied, "They better hope they don't get through the gates, because the Mormons have an army in a bunker under the temple that will come out and kill them all."
Really? My temple recommend must not be of a high enough clearance to get me into that part of the temple.

I'm now doing a slow burn. Not only am I watching a sacred building under siege from 2,500 angry people shouting, " SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND HATE," and carrying signs proclaiming MORMON HATERS and LOVE NOT HATE, I'm listening to other police officers who agree with the protestors or have the most imaginative fantasies about blood atonement armies hidden under the temple (exactly how do we feed them, drill them, get them in and out without anybody seeing, or are they all in a state of suspended animation until needed?).
I want to emphasize these were not officers or detectives from my own unit - who are all aware of my Mormon faith. Those in my unit who disagree with me over this issue are respectfully tolerant, as I am respectfully tolerant of their opposite beliefs. Tolerance, as Orson Scott Card recently pointed out, is indicative of disagreement. It is not a battle we choose to fight amongst ourselves. Most of us have known each other for a long time and are either embracing of, or oblivious to, our differences - divisiveness has no place in the types of investigations we conduct.

In the Face of Hatred (Part 2)

Click here to return to part 1

The Mob
The worst, however, was yet to come. The temple presidency made a decision to close the temple for the evening. The right decision, but since when do we as Americans stand by - no matter what our religion - while access to a place of worship is forced to close down because of aggressive outside influences?

The late local news showed scenes of several Hispanic females in tears outside the temple trying to remove the signs desecrating the walls and fences surrounding the temple. As these individuals - who according to a temple spokesperson were not church members - removed the hate-filled signs, the mob exploded and began beating the individuals to the ground. Police intervened and arrests were made, but the fact this was allowed to happen at all was appalling.
Other supporters of Yes On 8 drove slowly by the protestors with Yes On 8 signs attached to their cars and pickups sparking other violent confrontations.

A friend of mine, watching the same scenes play out on the television, called and said he felt like he wanted to go down to the temple with a baseball bat and begin swinging at the demonstrators. I must admit, the natural man in me agreed.
In actuality, the scenes on the television, literally drove me to my knees in prayer for the safety of the temple, the members, and our church. A lesson I have learned several times before, caused me to expand my prayers to include those who were opposing us for they are not our enemies - they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Appropriate Response
In the face of hatred, how are we to feel about this focused attack upon our church? An attack launched not because we are the only supporters of Proposition 8, but because we have been the most visible and financially supportive entity in the battle. We are an easy target.
In a recent article on Christian Courage , Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, "I would say that one of mortality's great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively - to put up our dukes . But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior's example. Remember, Jesus Himself was despised and rejected by the world. And in Lehi's dream, those coming to the Savior also endured 'mocking and pointing . fingers' (1 Nephi 8:27). 'The world hath hated [my disciples],' Jesus said, 'because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world' (John 17:14). But when we respond to our accusers as the Savior did, we not only become more Christlike, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him as well.

"To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34)."
We have often been instructed to love our enemies, and despite the current horror of our trials, this is no time to do differently.

As I write this (Friday, November 7, 2008), plans are being made by the LAPD to respond to another larger protest/demonstration being planned by No On 8 supporters to be staged in front of the Los Angeles temple on Saturday.
This is interesting since Saturday is my stake's day in the temple. For some weeks now, we have been encouraging families to come together to the temple on Saturday to participate in ordinances.

How do we respond to hatred disguised by the adversary as tolerance? Our stake president has talked to the temple presidency who has assured him the temple will be open for business as usual. There are eight weddings scheduled on the grounds. Will we be able to get to the temple without being molested or our vehicles vandalized? We must place our faith in the Lord and proceed.

Challenges to our faith are not new. Nor are they likely to go away anytime soon. But, as Elder Hales reminds us, "True disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition. We can take advantage of such opportunities in many ways: a kind letter to the editor, a conversation with a friend, a comment on a blog, or a reassuring word to one who has made a disparaging comment. We can answer with love those who have been influenced by misinformation and prejudice - who are 'kept from the truth because they know not where to find it' (D&C 123:12). I assure you that to answer our accusers in this way is never weakness. It is Christian courage in action."

Lessons Learned
Clearly there are lessons to be learned from the current unrest:
Tolerance is not agreement and should not be a one way street. However, we must still remain tolerant of those who are intolerant of us.
Recognize the adversary at work here - making good seem bad and evil seem good.
We can only be disciples of Christ when we respond to adversity in a Christlike manner. To do less opens our actions to the influence of the adversary and hurts us even more.
We should never take for granted the opportunities we have to gather together in worship. We should never put off the opportunity to attend the temple. For these valuable things can be disrupted and possibly even closed to us - if not permanently, then at least on a temporary basis.
Pray. Often. Don't forget to include those who are set against you.
And finally, have no doubt President Monson knows where all of this is leading. He will surely reveal the knowledge to us on the Lord's timetable. Meanwhile, we must support and trust him, his inspired councilors, and our inspired local leaders in our actions. Their actions of Christian courage will be our examples.

****

Tagged-I guess I needed a Jump Start to blog again.

2008-11-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

So I have been tagged. It's not the first time since my last post, I just haven't gotten around to any of my blogging stuff lately.

Seven weird or interesting facts about me:

1. Many of you know that I sing and actually teach other people how to sing now. However, when I was a kid, I was a horrible singer. My parents patiently endured years of flat notes and bad tone before I got to be any good. They put me in voice lessons when I was 12 only because I begged and begged them to. Now, they actually enjoy my voice and hopefully the others I have sung for do too. It is nice to be able to make a living at something I used to be so bad at. It just goes to show what a lot of hard work can do with a little talent and a lot of drive!

2. I love to write songs, stories, poems etc. You wouldn't think I am much of a writer judging by my blog, but I love to write with a mechanical pencil, on every other line, in a spiral note book. There is just something about the click and scratch of pencil to paper that thrills me, especially when I think something profound is coming out of it. I usually look back over my stuff and read what I have written, and see that it is the farthest from profound you can get, but hey, I figure I am still learning and as long as I am trying, the only way I can go is up.

3. I love pink shoes. I have at least 4 pairs in my closet right now and another pair in the garage. Whenever I see pink shoes on sale, I have to buy them. I especially love pink sparkly shoes. I simply can't pass them up! Come to think of it, pink and sparkly anything is hard for me to pass up.

4. I (like my dear sister-in-law Tiffany) LOVE a good deal! My Dad and aunts taught me how to hunt for a bargain. I simply cannot stand to pay too much for something. It physically almost makes me sick to pay more than something is worth or to not get a bargain on certain items. There is something so thrilling about knowing you got a good value for your money.

5. I am addicted to voice lessons. I know that sounds geeky, but I love taking lessons and giving them. I am totally fascinated by the voice. If I had the money, I would go to a lesson every week, twice a week maybe and get two different teachers perspectives. Hopefully some day.

6. I hardly watch TV. We don't have cable or anything but the regular standard channels and I really don't mind. I like to watch Seinfeld (when it's clean) and the news now and then, and American Idol when it is on. Other than that, I really could care less what is on TV.

7. I love to watch the same movies over and over again. Once I find a movie I like, I have to watch it a million times. This all began when I was a little child. I used to watch Annie and Babes in Toyland everyday while my dad took a nap. Finally my family got so sick of Babes in Toyland That they recorded over it with South Pacific. I have never liked South Pacific ever since.

So there are my seven weird facts. I tag the first 7 people who read this and who haven't already been tagged to do this one.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

-Aimee

My Funny Kids

2008-09-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

So although I am only a mother of one, sometimes I feel like a mother to up to 9 at a time on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. I don't know how my mother-in-law did it with 10 kids.

So I know they don't actually think of me like a "mom" but I do enjoy teaching them and calling them my "kids" for a little while each week. I took some pictures of them because they are so cute and make me laugh each week as they learn. The last two weeks we have been working on the Tiki Room (kindergartners) and Zip a Dee Doo Dah (2nd-5th graders). I hope they are having fun learning it. I have fun teaching them.

Miss Adelaide's Birthday Party.

2008-09-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures of Addie's birthday party. She was hilarious. See for your self. Thanks to everyone who could be there, and those who were there in their hearts. We love you all!

It's Fun to Be One!

2008-09-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Miss Adelaide Aimee Geddes was born on September 5, 2007 and has brought us tons of laughs over the first year of her life. While the first few months were pretty rough, she is such a doll. I made her an Ice Cream cake for her birthday and her aunt Brooke brought her some really fun toys. Below are some of the fun and funny pictures we have collected over the year. Enjoy!

This is the very first picture we ever took of Addie. She was rebellious from the start. :)

This is the baby announcement that my sister Brooke made for Addie. She is very talented and actually makes announcements for people for births, showers, weddings, etc. Check out some of her other samples: http://perfectlypaisley.blogspot.com

A typical day in the High Chair.

Visiting Great Grandma's house.

Mad in her crib.

Daddy was using a miter saw in the basement and it was loud, so Addie had to wear earplugs like the rest of us.

Sunday morning in her new dress.

Baby feet.

Music video rock star. This was her costume for the music video Aaron's family made for his little sister's wedding luncheon.

A big girl like mommy.

(You're not supposed to eat the make-up brushes.)

Swimming with cousin Mason. You're not supposed to eat the Legos either.

4th of July Parade fun.

Chubby Cheeks.

Trying to recapture the blessing day, didn't happen.

Peas. Mmmm.

Me and my best friend Taylor.

Chillin' with Grandma.

Ready for nap time.

Ahhh! Don't look at me, I'm not decent!

I love you, Dad.

You're a cutie, miss Adelaide. We just want you to know we love you very much! Happy Birthday!

And...Action!

2008-09-01T14:54:00.001-07:00

The Studio is finally complete! Aaron and I have been working on this for a while, and yes, we did wait until the very last day to actually finish the basement, but it will be well worth it once all those little kindergarteners and third graders start learning to sing and dance at Breakthrough Studios!

Take a look at the fun "hollywood" atmosphere we tried to create. Aaron got really mad when he saw all the glitter on the floor, but he finally gave up and decided it was for the cause, so he stopped ranting and let me have a sparkly floor:) The picture doesn't really show all it's sparkly glory, though. :(

Thanks to my grandparents for the mirror donation, and to our neighbor for installing the lights and outlets for us. I will post some pictures of the kids when I get a chance.

Classes start tomorrow and I am so excited. We are doing mostly Disney songs this semester and I have had a really good time slipping on my old dance sneakers and choreographing some fun routines. There are so many cute kids from my neighborhood who have signed up and I am so excited to get to know them better and work with them!

In other news, Addie started getting brave and started walking yesterday! She won't do it for more than a few steps, but she knows what to do now! It is so cute. She also went all the way down the stairs all by herself today, several times! She is growing up so fast, and I have received accusations for not posting enough pictures of Addie. So here you go:

To Do...and then some

2008-08-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

So , I know you are probably all thinking that I am still depressed about the whole American Idol thing and that I really am that big of a loser and that my life is over. Actually, there are really only about 8 of you who even read this blog, so I apologize for not giving you something fantastic and nail-biting to read, but sometimes life just gets in the way of my blogging habits. I apologize. Thanks for reading anyway. Here is my list (abbreviated) of things to do today and a few of the fun things that have happened recently:

#1 Update blog. Check.

#2 Schedule piano tuning. Check. (I found a guy nam

ed Paul Gates, I didn't know he tuned my in-law's piano until I called him. Sounds like he knows what he's

doing and is a re

ally nice guy.)

#3 Find costumes for my singing group. I found some cute shirts at Old Navy that will be

cute, but I have to find out if they fit. So I guess I can't check this one off my list yet.

#4 Laundry. half check. I have washed Addie's bedding for the third time in the last 4 days. Maybe I need to invest in some more expensive diapers or not give her anything to drink before bed.

#5 Make visiting teaching appointments. Not check.

#6 Practice Piano. This is what brought on the piano tuning. Also the fact that I am way embarrassed to have choir practice at my house now since my piano isn't ready.

#7 Finish Registration for the singing classes I am teaching this year. Mostly check. Most people have turned in their registration to me. I am still working on getting it all organized, but I am so excited to start teaching next week. It is going to be so much fun!

#8 Get guitar book. So I have attempted the guitar a few times in my life. None very successfully, but I figure it's never too late to learn. I came up w

ith a new song the other day, and it really needs guitar behind it, piano just won't do! So, I have come to the conclusion that I better educate myself a

little more.

#9 Repair the seat in the "new" truck! Yes, we got a "new" Toyota T100. We call it "Mr. T" Although it isn't brand new, it is a little bigger than what we had and is in good shape. We love Toyotas, (that is all we own) so we were really happy to get a SCREAMIN' deal on th

is truck! It's nothing too fancy, but it will do the job!

#10 Pacify ornery baby.

#11 Get over my cold so I can go see

the new Olivia

Isabella Woodall, my first

niece on my side of the family! Brooke had her last Wednesday and I haven't been able to see her at all because I have had a nasty cold. Hopefully I will be germ-free enough to see her in a few days! She is so cute! (from the pictures I've seen.)

#12 Arrange for musical numbers for sacrament meeting for the rest of the year. They just put me in as the new Ward Music Chairman. It is a big calling, but I am terrified and excited for the challenge. It will be a lot of work, but I think it will open my eyes to church music in a way that I have not experienced it before. I will just try to do my best and hope it is enough.

#13 Try to repair favorite brown high heeled shoes. Check. Didn't work.

Sometimes I wonder what all these little temporal activities teach us in life, but the other day I went to the cannery to do some peaches and I realized: the Lord cares about our lives here on earth. He needs us to learn lessons by doing temporal things. Spiritual things are important as well, and we need to learn those lessons too, but that doesn't make the temporal things like practicing music, or keeping journals or cleaning the kitchen any less important. It was a nice reminder that my life is worth something, even though sometimes it is hard to make sense of all the little tasks that seem to not add up to much.

The Big Day

2008-07-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was it. We had to be in line at 5am for American Idol auditions. I was planning on getting up at 3 so I could get ready, leave by 10 to 4 and pick up Lindsay at 20 after and be in line by 5. Well, I woke up at 3:45, picked Lindsay up at 4:45 and we made it down there by a little after 5. Not bad, but it really didn't matter that we were a little bit late. We didn't go inside until 8 or so.

Waiting in the line outside was kind of fun. We had a good time and met some fun people. I made some cute posters as you can see, and they came by twice and interviewed

me. We were sitting by some twins that were so cute and nice and they interviewed them too. They asked me all about Utah and the people here, and that part was pretty fun.

When they finally took us inside around 8, they had us learn a couple songs: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Get Ready." We all sang them as a group so they could film the whole crowd singing. Lindsay and I had a good time jammin' out to the songs and waving my posters so the cameras could get us. She was a really good sport about the whole day and it was so fun to have her there. She was the perfect person to come with me and we had a good time together. You are the best Lindsay! Ryan Seacrest came out a little while after the au

ditions started and we had to stop and film again with him there and cheer loud when he introduced Salt Lake City. Then we just had to sit and wait and wait and wait.

They estimated that there were about 6,000 people there. Not as many as in some cities, but still a large number of people to get through. They had 10 booths set up on the floor of the Energy Solutions Arena and they took people 4 at a time and sent them to a booth. Then they had each person sing for 15 to 30 seconds, then they called all 4 of them up and told them whether or not they were sending them on and handed them a golden ticket if they were going on. VERY few people made it through. The thing to remember when trying out for American Idol is that it is FIRST a TV show. Nothing more. They are casting parts, not singers. It really doesn't matter how good you are. There were some AMAZING singers there yesterday, that I saw walk out the "non-winner" exit. It was astonishing how few actually went out the "winner exit. Out of 12 sections that were filled with people in the ESA, there were maybe 5-10 people from each section chosen to go on. I don't know how many total were given golden tickets, but I know not more than a few hundred out of 6000. Most of the types they sent through were skinny black boys, short muscular white boys, a handful of brunettes and a few blondes that sang country. There were also the weird ones like a ventriloquist, a drag queen and his boyfriend (which everybody booed) etc. There were actually not very many really really bad people. Most of the people there were pretty good from what we could see and hear. It was like watching the show at home, but being right there and then stepping into it. The twins we sat by in line made it through. I don't know that they were amazing singers, we could see them audition, but they didn't sing loud enough for us to hear like some of the other singers, but they were twins, so they got to go through. They were beautiful though, and really nice, so we were happy for them.

Anyway, we waited and waited all day long, and finally around 5pm I got to go up. They had our section go down on the floor and wait in mini lines of 4 then they sent us to which ever judge they wanted. I took my posters with me which was probably not the best idea, but I thought it would help me stand out. It did alright. Anyway, when my group came up, I sang second. I felt like I sang really well, and had lots of energy, but after our line was finished they called us all up and said "we're just looking for that next level and you guys just aren't it. We need, stronger voices or more stage performance or something." I was shocked because if there is anything I am known for, it is a strong voice and lots of stage presence. I was mad and said "What can I do? Can I sing another song?" The mean guy judge said "No" quite flatly. Then I said, "Would it help if I told you I did the splits when I was 9 months pregnant?" He said no again. After that I had no choice but to walk away. That was it. I knew all along that my chances were slim, but I was hoping against hope that they would see in me whatever it was that they were looking for that day. It made me mad that the judge wasn't all too friendly to begin with, but still. It is just a TV show, that happens to be a "singing contest." Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing people that make it on there, and some really great people come out of it, but if they have too many blondes already, it doesn't matter how good you are. They just don't care.

So, there you have it. I didn't make it for this one. Oh well. It's not that it's that big of a deal because I knew what I was getting into when I went, but it was mostly the sting of a harsh face- to-face rejection that hurt. So, today, I am reading the twilight books to get ready for the release of breaking dawn on Friday. I can't wait for that. I am also working on my choreography for my classes for my kids. I am excited to teach them this fall and am looking forward to a big success that way. I am exhausted today from getting up so early and forcing out so much energy the last couple of days, so if I don't answer the phone, don't take it personally, I just am not ready to talk much yet, and I am really tired. Even twilight is having a hard time keeping me awake.

Look for my pictures on the american idol website, there should be one on there of me with my posters, and hopefully my interview will be on the show. Thank you everyone for your support and your cheerful comments. I really appreciate it! You are awesome!

Wristband!

2008-07-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's the big day! Registration started yesterday and today, so this morning I got up at 4:30, did my hair and make up, got dressed in my cute new outfit I bought for auditions, and headed down to Fruit Heights to pick up my still sleeping sister. She got ready fast and we went down to SLC to the Energy Solutions Arena. We got there around 7:30 and walked right up to the registration desk. It was sweet! Nobody was there. We probably saw 10 people who were auditioning. I saw on the news that yesterday people had to wait in line for 3 1/2 hours to register. It just shows that the early bird gets the worm! It will be interesting to see how long the lines are today. Oh well, I just better make sure I get some sleep tonight since we have to be IN LINE at 5 AM tomorrow! AAAH! I am so excited though. I will try to get on the news, so be looking! -Aimee

Dreams Come True

2008-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Some of you have noticed the new link on my blog under "My Vocal Studio." (thanks for visiting.) Many of you know that I have been teaching private voice lessons for a while now (5 years actually). I have had a lot of people ask me about lessons for their really young kids (8 and under) and for a long time I had thought about doing a "show choir" type of class where I would teach the kids singing and dancing. Well, it's finally here. I have decided to give it a go and the response has been awesome! I only started advertising last week and I have had almost 15 people contact me, wanting to get their kids started. It truly is a blessing and I know I haven't done it all on my own. I definitely have had some help from the man upstairs.

In other news, as far as dreams coming true are concerned...AMERICAN IDOL IS COMING TO SLC! I am so stoked, I can't even believe it. I have wanted to try out forever now, and they are finally coming to Utah! My awesome sister Lindsay is coming with me, and we are going to have a blast. I have been practicing, and going to lessons and workshops and doing everything I can to get ready. You never know what they will pick, but I just plan on being myself and if they pick me, GREAT! If not, oh well. I guess I just wasn't what they wanted this time around. Anyway, those are my two big pieces of news! Fun, huh!

First Fruits

2008-07-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

I know I am kind of a geek when it comes to some things, and I admit my own geekdom about the following post and the fact that I am even posting abut it. It's all right, I can accept it.

So, our new house we moved into at the beginning of the year came with a very nicely landscaped yard. It is beautiful, in fact, and we really enjoy the way it looks. It is a bit of work, but I let Aaron do most of it.

We decided that because there are so many flower beds along the back fence, it would be nice to make a little room for some fruits and vegetables. There was already a strawberry patch planted when we got here, so we left a lot of them and planted some raspberries. We also planted some zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers and tomatoes.

The other day, all of our efforts came to frution and voile! We had home grown tomatoes, raspberries and zucchini! HOORAY! They actually survived this time, unlike the last garden I tried to plant.

Child Prodigy!

2008-07-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

OK, so I am shamelessly bragging right now, but every mother hopes their child is a prodigy. I am no different.

Two days ago, I was playing the piano a little bit, nothing much, just a few primary songs to brush up my meager piano skills. Addie loves the piano and always tries to play and sing along. Usually she will just play a few notes and kind of go "Ahh" pretending she is singing. Well, As I was playing, it sounded like she was actually matching some of the pitches. I kid you not! So then I played an F for her and she matched it! I was so proud. Then I played a D and she wouldn't go down to match it, but then I played the F again and she sang it. Then I played a G and she would go up to match the G! It was pretty amazing, if I do say so myself.

*Just so you know I don't really think she is an actual prodigy, but I am proud of her for matching the pitch at such a young age, because if you ask anyone in my family, they will tell you that I did not have good pitch for a LONG time. I didn't even start singing till I was 10 years old so it makes me so proud to see her show an interest at 10 moths old.

Blondes Away!

2008-06-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

About every 6-8 weeks I get my hair highlighted. Since my sister-in-law, Kristi is getting married on Saturday, I thought it would be a good time to get it done. As I was standing there with my foil helmet on, I got to wondering how Addie would look with a little highlighting. Lacey, my other sister-in-law does my hair and agreed to mix up a little extra bleach. Turns out she makes a great blonde! See for yourself:

She was a pretty good sport for such a little one!

"Miss Awesome"

2008-06-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

I just got put in as an activity-day leader for my ward church calling and last Thursday I went to my first activity. We were having a breakfast of Pancakes in the church and we were all standing there waiting to begin. There are a lot of the girls I haven't met, so I asked them, "What is everyone's name?"

"Miss Awesome," a tall girl with very short, extremely wildly curly hair and an almost 'miss piggy' like nose, said without a moments hesitation.

It was all I could do to keep from laughing. I didn't know whether or not to take her seriously, but apparently, all the girls knew she was "Miss Awesome," and some of them even referred to her as that. I did a couple of times, but had to keep the laughter inside. I thought it was hilarious that a 10-year-old would have that much nerve.

So, here's to all you "Miss Awesome"s. I think you're awesome!

Polyester Sheets

2008-06-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

For a while now I have not liked our current bedset. So, when we did our taxes, I told aaron that I wanted to get new bedding for our room with some of the tax return money. We agreed on an amount for each of us to spend on something we wanted. He bought golf clubs, and I set out to find the perfect bedding. This was not an easy task, but after months of searching for the perfect bed set, I found the one I wanted. Funny thing, though, it is the exact same bedset my sister had already bought for her room, but a different color. Then she filled me in on how to get it for cheap off of ebay.

So, I ordered the set I was dying to have and once it arrived, I figured I better get some new sheets to go with it. They just put in a new Ross by us in Layton, so I decided to check out the deals there. I found a cute set of white, damask, stripe sheets that I thought would be perfect! I felt inside the package and they had that silky feel to them. I thought to myself "These will be great!"

I got the sheets home and put them in the wash before throwing them onto my bed. I had examined the package, looking for a thread count, but couldn't find any. "That's odd," I mused, but didn't think much more of it. Then I noticed they were made of 100% polyester. Even after I noticed this I thought, great, they will last FOREVER!

The first night, I crawled into bed on my new, polyester sheets and suddenly every loose skin cell or rough spot on my body became the only thing on my mind. The sheets stuck to my feet like glue! ARGH! I had to put socks on because it was so annoying!

New rule: NEVER buy polyester sheets.

Duh! (I guess the word polyester should have been the first clue.)

My sister Brooke

2008-06-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

So, I have this awesome sister, and her name is Brooke. I was going to write about her a few weeks ago, when it was her birthday, but everytime I would log into my Wordpress account, it would malfunction and shut down my internet connection. Go figure. If I were more internet savvy I could probably fix the problem. I could probably learn how, but it was easier to start a new blog since I had been having complications with Wordpress for a while now.
Anyway, short story long, here is my ode to Brooke, my most awesome sister. (You are awesome too Lindsay, and I will write about you for your birthday.)

Brooke

B: Bubbly. When we were little, sometimes we would laugh together until it hurt. Sometimes we still do and there is nothing better than laughing with your sister.

R: Right on. Everything she does is exactly right on. She just knows how to do things right. Whether it's making invitations to a party for 3 or 300, she does it perfectly. She always takes her time to make things look good and abhorrs turning in crappy work. Everything she does looks great and you can tell she put a lot of time and effort into it. Way to go Brooke!

O: Ornamental. I know that is kind of a weird word to use to describe my sister, but she is so beautiful, she reminds me of an ornament. Joel must feel pretty lucky to have her on his arm. Even pregnant, she always manages to look beautiful.

O: Organized. Maybe this doesn't count for the closet we cleaned out when she was younger, but she has it figured out now. At least it always looks like she does. If you ever want a spectacular party thrown, look to brooke. She can get it done.

K: Kind and good with kids. Brooke is going to be an awesome mom. I am so excited for her and her new baby. She is an amazing aunt to my little Addie and has always been so good with kids. She always was the best babysitter and still is. People loved to have Brooke babysit because she took such good care of their kids and their homes.

E: Enjoyable. I so enjoy having Brooke for my sister. She always knows how to turn around a bad mood. When I was youner and would hide out in my room, throwing myself a pity party because I didn't have any friends or some other dumb reason, she would always come in and cheer me up. She is really good at that.

Thanks for being a great sister Brooke! I think you are awesome and I love you so much. Sorry this is way late from your birthday, but what can I say, good things come to those who wait, right? Love you lots! Happy b-day.