Scenes of destruction after Japan's tsunami, quake - ksl.com

Scenes of destruction after Japan's tsunami, quake - ksl.com

11 March 2011 - Earthquake in Japan

This morning we awoke to the news that overnight Japan had experienced an 8.9 earthquake.
We woke Fuzuki up early so that she would have time to comprenend what had happened and to have a chance to discuss and vent any concerns for her family. Mostly she reassured us that the earthquake was further north than where her family is located.  Most of the concern is for her Mom and Dad, as they would have been at work in Tokyo. She is a bit concerned of how they would have managed to get home or if they are yet home in a nearby city.
So, today the thoughts and prayers of this home and all who reside within these walls are with our friends and family in Japan. We ask Heavenly Fathers blessings to be upon you and protect and help you at this time.

Tomorrow is a big day for Fuzuki. She will be attending Prom with her friend Nick. They are planning a day of games, then dinner, then the dance. She tells me that she is not going to promenade. I am not sure if that is correct or not.   Well, for today, our concern and thoughts are with those we care about in Japan.

This evening, we have received an email from Fuzuki's parents. Their family has survived the earthquake well and all is ok within their family and their home. What a blessing. Fuzuki told me that Uske has heard from his parents and Ohne is the only one now that has not heard from her parents. It's good to KNOW that all is well and to not have that worry. So, Thank you Kiyomi, for letting us know that all is well.

Tonight, Fuzuki has gone to  Carmens home to hang out and watch a movie. That is good. they were here last week for a party. Fuzuki had about 8 friends over for a party and to watch movies. They had a good time and lots of good treats. Pizza, chips, candy, cupcakes..yummy. It was good! 

So glad that all is well with Fuzuki's family and friends who are back in Japan.

8 March 2011 - Rock Haus

Young Men and Young Women's Combined Activity this month was going to the Rock Haus in Logan.
The kids had a great time. There were different levels for everyone to participate.  The employees at the Rock Haus were very courteous and gave great instruction to the kids. Everyone was prepared well by the time that they allowed them to belay.  Here are the photos from this activity.

Hannah you go girl!! Lexie is belaying Hannah

Those 16 and older learning to belay.

Fuzuki getting into the swing of it.

Heather and Eve climbing the wall upstairs.

Chauncey climbing and wow is he UP there!  Great job!!

Joe making his way to the very tip top!! 

Good Job Guys!! Joe Burgan, Jeff Isham, Casey Jeppesen I can't recognize the girl on the left.

Fuzuki is second from the left. Good Job Fuzuki!!

I have more photos to post but had to purchase room to post them. So perhaps I can edit and add them tomorrow.
This was a wonderful experience. As we left the Rock Haus, one of the young women said "This would be a great place to come for a date". What fun we all had. Eve and Fuzuki are still sore from all the exercise.  

28 February 2011 - Abravanel Hall - Home of the Utah Symphony

 ABRAVANEL HALL - Home of the Utah Symphony

This is a beautiful photo of the building. I love the shape of this building. I just love everything to do with the symphony. I think it was a great opportunity for Fuzuki to perform with the Symphony . 

The Lincoln Youth Symphony was given the opportunity to perform in  Abravanel Hall along with many high school groups. It was a bright shiny day and the temperatures were very cold on this Monday Morning performance.  Fuzuki left home at 6am to be on the bus heading towards Salt Lake by 6:30am. They performed at 9:30 am.  It was a remarkable opportunity to be in such a lovely building and to perform where the acoustics are so great. Roger and I drove down to record their performance. We wanted to get a great  photograph of the Symphony on the stage, however, some very sweet grey haired older ladies would not permit it. So we recorded and photographed from our seats instead of the back of the concert hall. 

Fuzuki is sitting behind the left micorphone. Wish I could have seen her clearer without any obstructions.  

 Isn't this just a beautiful Concert Hall!!

Love these beautiful chandaliers.

Fuzuki and her violin.

It was a wonderful experience!! 

Fuzuki is on her way up the grand staircase to take a group photo with the Symphony.

26 February 2011 - Huge, Beautiful Frosty Snow

Fuzuki is growing tired of the snow, however, tells us that she would rather have snow than rain.
We are all ready for spring and with that in mind, here are our latest pictures of one of our latest snows.

17 February 2011- Swimming Banquet

BEHS Swimming Banquet

I can not say enough good things about the BEHS Swim Team and their coaching staff.  In most teams there is rivalry not only from one school to another, but within the team itself. However, you will not see that among those swimmers at BEHS.  What you find are students who are competing against their best, their fastest swim time. Sure this team wants to win, but the real goal is improving their own time and if they do that, They truly are winners!! Can you believe there is a coaching staff that is teaching things that will benefit our children  with true skills that will benefit them for life, not just for a race. .... Yes, if they have individually improved their own time, they are WINNERS!  This coaching staff encourages the best manners among young men and women today.  I will say that Coach Robinette is not just turning out great swimmers, he is contributing to turning out  Great Citizens.  Great Young Men and  Wonderful Young Women. He is an positive reflection of most of the wonderful teachers at Box Elder High School.  If teachers across this country would emulate his example, this country could quickly fix our problems.

 Kaylee and Tiffany and their father Eric Jeppesen 

At this banquet, like all dinners that I have been attendance with them, after the blessing on the food has been offered by a swimmer, the young men step aside to allow the girls to get their meals first, but that is only after the swimmers, both the young men and women, have served their parents before they themselves serve their own dinner and join their parents to eat their meal. 

When a swim team member is swimming in a heat, the others that are available to cheer are at poolside encouraging the swimmer in the water. I have witnessed this team cheer for other swimmers from competing teams. They are encouraging each swimmer, regardless of which team that swimmer is swimming for to do their best! 

 This year, we witnessed one young swimmer, who became distracted at regionals, the crowd was so loud they didn't hear their name announced several times calling them to the block. Parents in the stand were nervous, trying to get the attention of  coaches, other swim team members, the swimmer themselves all to no avail.. by the time that the swimmer realized they should have been on the starting block, the swimmers were halfway down the pool. This swimmer ran to the heat sheet to see when their heat was swimming, realizing that this was THEIR HEAT, they ran back to the pool wanting into the water, but being turned back by the timekeepers, The swimmer burst into tears and was quickly surrounded by team members, who comforted the swimmer. The coach took this young lady in his arms and held her as she cried her heart out. At that moment, Coach Robinette was a wonderful Coach and a giant of a Father as he took this swimmer, one of  "his girls" in his arms to comfort her.  He reassured her that it was OK. She was not put down or shamed in anyways, On that day, at that very moment, many of the students, parents, swimmers were in tears as well. They all knew that it could have been them. That day we were all Fuzuki.  I worried for her, how would she feel when she came home. It was difficult to watch from the stands and not be able to do anything about it. however, when she came home, while sad that she had missed her final race of the season.. she knew that it was Ok, she was still loved by all and in no way brought about criticism from the coaches or the other swimmers. BEHS has the best students and the Swim Team has the Cream of that Crop!!!!

My camera settings were off the night of this Banquet and some or most of my photos are blurry but I remember and rely on this comment, that the faintest of ink is better than the BEST Memory. So with that in mind.... Here are the photos from the Banquet. The Banquet was held at the Brigham City Community Center. Dutch oven dinner was served. Dutch oven chicken, BBQ Ribs, Dutch oven potatoes. So, yummy. The cooks did a great job!

The coaches shared their love and appreciation for these students in their speeches. The swimmers gave awards to their peers. Most were funny. The graduating Seniors passed on their silly momentos - trophies that had been given to them by previous swimmers. Leaving a legacy of love and rememberance from those who had previously participated in this elete group of swimmers.

 Shannon and Coach Robinette

Ogden Douglas going to receive one of his numerous awards.

Coach Robinette and Tiffany Jeppesen

Kaylee Jeppesen with flower on back of her head. Seniors are passing along

their fun trivia momentos that have been passed to them from previous years.

Fuzuki was given a gift along with the seniors since they

anticipate that she will not be returning next year. 

Photo book with photos and written messages to Fuzuki.

Graduating Seniors 

Seniors 

Fuzuki and  

It was a fun evening for swimmers and their parents. If there is one sport that I would encourage any parent to place their student into at BEHS, it would be the Swim Team!!! 

Following this dinner, These students went to the Natatorium and went swimming together for a final Swim as a team.  They all had a great time. Fuzuki has thoroughly enjoyed her experiences as a part of this wonderful group of swimmers. 

As a Mom, I want to thank all of the students, for being uplifting and positive to their team mates. 

 I also want to thank the coaches for all the long hours that they are away from their own families so that they can be to practices, meets, and for all that they give and do help and prepare our children for the future as great individuals.  

Way to go BEHS SWIM TEAM!!!

YOU ARE ALL WINNERS!!!

9 February 2011 Foundation Concert

Box Elder Foundation Concert

Fuzuki performed with the Box Elder High School Orchestra in the Foundation Concert. She spent the week practicing with the special conductor that was brought in for the week then they gave this great performance.
Roger, recorded video and I took some still photos of them. Fuzuki sits just to the left of center. You usually can see her head and recognize her by her hair cut. These photos aren't as clear to identify her, unless they are huge.
 

Ohne played with the Band and she is sitting far left, right next to the stage. You can see her easily in the photo below.