July

Our anniversary. 16 years. Don and I went out to a restaurant, then picked up celebratory ice cream on the way home. I got the Bee some, and then did my best (right up against the AC) to get it home to her. It started to lean a little... but I we were successful. 

When I got home, Rebekah gave me a sign that she and Don brainstormed together. Very nice. 

The evening of the 3rd I was mowing the lawn (or attempting such as the mower wasn't working - but Don fixed it - such a handy man!) I noticed something scurry under our AC unit outside. Turned out it was a baby duck. I texted the Bee and she came out to investigate. Eventually she had to come in because it was night. 

The next day she went back out to see if it was still there. It was. Apparently it was fending for itself because Rebekah said it had a bug half in and half out of her beak. 

Our neighbor noticed Rebekah's actions and we got the rest of the story. A duck had nested in our neighbor's front bushes. Most of the ducks hatched and the mom duck took those that hatched with her and left. The other few eggs eventually hatch but were left to themselves. One stayed in her bushes, the other ran towards our AC. 

Rebekah found an animal rescue place nearby and made with our neighbor and her granddaughter to take the ducks. Very proud of Rebekah and her efforts in behalf of the ducks. 

The 4th celebration was delayed because of rain, but the show went on the day after. It was a quiet affair in our backyard. Wouldn't have it any other way. 

I talked Don into planting some flowers. 

Mid month: 

By the end of the month they looked like the following. Don stated, "they actually look good this year...." And yes, I had some words with him after his statement. 

While I was doing massive amounts of homework, Don took Rebekah to Gene's Rootbeer. 

Don and Rebekah did some grilling. 

Marching band continued. Since I didn't get the first day picture, I took this one. 

And finally, our summer view from the back porch: 

Two Weeks in July

Elizabeth

As part of my masters program, I plan to certify in Orff. It's kind of an odd direction for me; most people are either Orff or Kodály, but both? I find they are two wonderfully amazing tools for teaching. I believe they accomplish different things. While one focuses on in tune singing, the other focuses on creativity and freedom in music. Why does it have to be one or the other? I believe they complement each other nicely.  However, I found this was not the thought process of my Orff teachers. Ironically my Kodály teachers never even mentioned Orff. I still believe both is the best way to go. 

In general my masters program has not been what I was hoping for, however I feel I have learned a lot. I can't believe I'm writing this but my theory class has been my favorite class so far, although I have learned much through Orff as well. 

But Orff is not without it's trials. I learned this year that Orff was first a dance movement, then it embraced music. The movement portion is the hardest for me. Yes, this is because of my current poor physical ability, however even if I was at 100% movement does not come easy for me. I am not a dancer. I don't even feel comfortable in my body in general, let alone having it do things on purpose to the extent that people will want to watch me. Sigh. 

I pondered this as I walked back and forth from pedagogy and movement class. The scenery helped. I believe this section of the campus is called the garden. 

For the final assignment in movement I had to lead the class in a movement exercise, exploring the themes that we had studied. I spent a lot of time wondering what I could do to match what these other students, most of which - if not all - are elementary teachers. I was coming up with nothing but failure. But inspiration came. I decided to embrace who I am and what I'm trying to do with this education. To that end I did a conducting exercise where I had them dance / move in the manner I conducted.  It was completely different from all the others, but I'm completely different from all the others. 

The day of the assignment came, and I felt like Tolkien's Ents, "it may be we are marching to our doom..." but I held the course. The teacher asked me what music I would like to use, and I held by saying none. When it was my turn it worked better than I had hoped and I almost felt like a teacher again. I praise my Heavenly Father for the inspiration given to me, for I know I had no idea what to do until this thought came. 

And I received my level 2 certification. This was the entire Orff community - both level 1 and 2 teachers and students. 

This was our teachers and the level 2 students. 

I have one more level to go. While my body was better in some ways (last year I couldn't sit), I was still in so much pain. Hopefully next year I will be ready, for level 3 is taught every other year. I do not want to wait until 2029 to graduate. 

Rebekah 

Rebekah had one more week of summer break, then she hit marching band hard. She says it's somewhat different this year because they lost about 20 seniors. They gained approximately the same amount of freshmen, however the new senior class was the covid year for 6th grade band, so the class is quite small. The music they are doing is more modern than last year, and she's concerned about the drill / choreography. But onward and upward. 

Don

We had some bad news about the Nox: it had some major repairs that needed to be done. The old question - to use significant money to repair an older car, or put the money into a new car.  Don went back and forth. We looked at several cars but didn't like them. Then the weekend between my 2 weeks in class, Don decided he wanted to go up to look at another car dealership. I had so much homework, I didn't go. Rebekah, however, took one for the team and went to make sure he didn't come home with a new car.  However, I recieved this picture:   

The decision was made. That evening, on the way to a church meeting for Rebekah, he introduced me to the new purchase. 

On the way home we discussed the name for the new car. We called the last car The Nox. This one is blue, so I suggested we call it The Blox. Rebekah suggested we call it RachmoniBlox. Got to love my musician daughter. 

Don went to trade in The Nox and pick up The Blox the next Monday. I asked him to take one more picture of The Nox. It was such a good car. 

Then he came home with this one. It looks very similar. However, it definitely drives more like a truck. And there's weird safety things - like the seat vibrates when there's a car it thinks you may hit. And it's positional. If the car in question is on the left, the left side of the seat will vibrate. I find it remarkable disturbing and question the sanity of increasing the anxiety of the driver through seat vibration. But it's a nice car. Can't wait for the journeys we will take. 

 

Oops - I forgot

As I was going through my videos, I realized I didn't post this anywhere. Rebekah probably wouldn't be to happy with it on here, however, since she doesn't read the blog.... And one day her posterity will be grateful I'm in overkill mode. 

These are Rebekah's audition pieces for her next year band placement. 

And since it's been so long, yes, she made the top band. 

Movie and Finals

Right after Michael and I purchased the tickets for Utah, talk was had about seeing the Mandalorian movie in the theater together. All was invited. The morning of the movie, Rebekah went with a friend and among other things, stopped at Swig where they got the order confused and she came away this this HUGE monstrosity. 

Meanwhile, I was concerned about making it through a movie, not to mention the massive amounts of homework. However, I was convinced I should go. So when Rebekah got back, we headed out. 

All said we should get the fancy seats that are more like recliners then actual seats. Have to admit I was very helpful; I got through almost half of the movie before I had to start switching positions regularly. 

It was fun. Here's the movie crew. We even had a texting group, dubbed "MovieGoers" by Rebekah. Texted like Yoda we may have. Fun it was.  

After the movie was over, I had to get a picture of all the Star Wars shirts

Best way to spend our last day in Utah. And then it got better: we met Daniel and Shelly and went out for a final dinner. Fun times. Sure love Shelly and Abby! 

Since we were all slammed into the rental car, I attempted a selfie on the way home to document the slammed family fun. 

The next day was filled with packing for me, Don took Michael to the airport, and Rebekah saw one more friend. Then we were off. 

May it not be another 3 years before I see this guy again. 

They loins from which I sprung. 

The flight went well and we arrived back in Indy with Rebekah still willing and able to give the trip one more picture. 

The drive home went well and soon we were in bed, ready for another day in Indiana. 

Family Time

That weekend Spencer, Lily (or I should say Sister Stirland), and Katie drove up from St. George to spend the day with us. 

We chatted while we waited for Jo. Then got some pizza and talked some more. Eventually we headed over to Daniel's. Rebekah seems right at home. 

Rebekah, Lily, and Katie. 

We talked outside, played games, and just spend the day together. Eventually we had hamburgers and a bunch of other really good food. Mom even made a pound cake with strawberries for desert. 

Afterwards, I forced a few more pictures: 

Just missing a few: Michael's wife AmySue, Daniel's boy Samuel, and Spencer's wife Shreann, and kids Oliver and Claire. Sure love this "immediate...?" family!

Vegas

Right after we purchased the flight out, Don and Rebekah talked about a road trip to Vegas. I, of course, would have to stay home because of the homework and the masters class. Sigh. 

They planned to go down Wednesday, however Wednesday was the only day Abby was free for Rebekah time. They spent the day in the pool and then had a sleep over where they watched How to Train Your Dragon movies until the wee hours in the morning. 

So the next morning, they headed down to Vegas.  

I checked on them throughout their trip, but they made it okay. Eventually Rebekah sent me this picture of their hotel. 

They rested a bit, then did the tourist thing. I got sent the following: 

The look on her face. I know she picked this out just for me. 

Then they went to see the water show. 

While there.... this one was more for uncle Jo. 

Don was one tired man. 

Eventually they made it back and hit the bed hard. The next morning they continued to be tourists, but this time via car. They stopped at the temple. 

Then they headed towards Hoover Dam. 

Then they headed back north, ending up pretty late back at mom's.

Rebekah had purchased some souvenirs, example: this blanket out for uncle Michael. It seems quite appropriate. 

She also got her friends things, her grammy some coke salt and pepper shakers, and an orange M&M Christmas tree ornament for me. Shortest, most productive and fun filled dad / daughter Vegas time ever.