In That Holy Place

This was the song that Ashlee played in the Primary program on Sunday. She worked hard at it for nearly three months and pulled it off beautifully. While she was practicing, she kept telling me, "Mom, I wish I wouldn't have agreed to playing this," but as soon as she had it down, she was glad she did. It was good to see her stretch herself and grow and overcome her performance anxiety. We are hoping that she will have the privilege of becoming the Young Women's pianist some day. =) Great job Ashlee, we love you.


To hear the words to the original song, go here.

Love One Another- part II- The Final Duet

I hesitated to post this before Sunday morning, so if you're one of my church friends don't play this yet! I was able to sneak into Ashlee's piano practice today and record her and Kylee doing the duet. Ashlee is the accompaniment, so what you really hear coming through is the flute. I personally think the piece is beautiful played alone on the piano, but they do harmonize well together. Ashlee's piano instructor wrote the second verse herself. She is a woman of amazing talent.

Good luck tomorrow girls!

Love One Another

This is the song Ashlee will be playing in church in two weeks. She was asked to play a duet with her friend Kylee, who will be accompanying her on the flute. I think this is my favorite piece she's learned so far.

Blossoming Talent

Ashlee is continuing to work on her piano skills and practices new songs regularly. Her goal is to be the Young Women's pianist at church in one year, so she has been working extensively from the Hymn's book. Here she is playing "Israel, Israel God is Calling." (Authentic version below.)



And of course you have to have a little fun, so here she is playing "Breathe" by Taylor Swift. (She's a Taylor fan; authentic version below.)

Fanfare in C Major

These are the two pieces Ashlee has been working on. It is an absolute pleasure having her piano music fill the home, and I love listening to her play while I do dishes, sort laundry, etc. We have been very happy with her new piano teacher and the progress she's made (I liked watching this in full-screen mode best.)

Jacob's First Recital

Jacob's first piano recital was held last night at a beautiful home in Pleasant Valley. It was a very relaxed setting and the kids had a great time. Jacob has only been taking lessons for about a month, and we are pleased with his progress so far. I think it will be the beginning of a good thing.

(his piano instructor)

(the group of performing students)

Marble Valley Piano Recital

Ashlee was invited to perform at Marble Valley's music recital this year. To those of you who are unaware, Marble Valley is a (somewhat prestigious) private school owned by some members of our church, and we were honored to be in their attendance. This was Ashlee's first recital since she's been with her new music teacher, and we are so happy with the progress she's made.

It just so worked out that she was able to have her hair done in a fancy up-do by one of the sisters from the ward last night for Activity Day. She came home looking like she was ready for prom! She slept very carefully so as not to mess it up.I think we counted over 30 bobby pins in all.
The recital was held at the Green Valley chapel on a very beautiful evening.
Here she is post-performance with her instructor, Jennifer.
I was impressed by the sheer amount of talent from these young students and the variety of instruments that were played, including a guitar, a flute, and a cello. Ashlee played her Canon in D Major beautifully.

Pachelbel's Canon

Ashlee started working on this piece about two months ago, and she's finally mastered it. This was mine and Forrest's wedding song, and I see Ashlee playing it at her siblings' weddings someday. Girl, you amaze me.

Silent Night

Ashlee's Piano Recital

Ashlee's piano instructor, Kyra. We met her at church, and she is the sweetest girl.

The recital was held at Piano Arts in Rancho Cordova. The students had the luxury of playing on a beautiful grand concert piano.

I told Ashlee this is the nicest piano she will ever play on, so to take advantage of it.

We were glad she chose to wear her black and gold dress- she matched the piano perfectly!

Kyra is due to have her 3rd girl mid-June, so we'll be taking a break for the summer.

Ashlee did really well on her first piece (which was supposed to be a duet with the instructor, but she ended up playing it alone.) Swan Lake, however, was her piece that wooed the audience (with the exception of the not-so-happy 2 year old wailing in the background.) She got a little performance anxiety and choked up a bit in the middle, but she recovered well. I felt really bad because she cried a little bit when she came and sat back down. The compliments she received after the performance helped to lift her spirits back up. Thank you Kyra, all the children did wonderful! We are so grateful Ashlee is developing this talent.

My Girls

One of Kaitlyn's favorite things to do is to sit in on Ashlee's piano practice (and play along when she can sneak her fingers in.) Ashlee is so good and patient with her, she is more than willing to oblige. We definitely uncovered one of Ashlee's gifts when we brought home the piano, and my hunch is that Kaitlyn will follow suit. I love Ashlee, she's my mini-mom.