Sabeena's Graduation

I can't believe that the last of my 3 babies has finished Primary School, next year all 3 girls will be in Secondary.  Sabeena will be starting her first year and Amani finishing her last, where did the time go.  I just lose my breath when I think of how big they are and all that they have and continue to accomplish.

Sabeena-The Graduate!!!

 Katya's teacher let her come for the issuing of the graduation certificate, but she had to go back to class right after so she wasn't there for the family photo.

 Our friend Ashley was staying a couple of days with us and attended Sabeena's graduation.

The Graduate and her daddy!!

RATS-The Musical

Sabeena did a rendition of RATS-The musical for her year 6 Drama Production.  It is basically a musical based on the story of the pied piper of Hamlin.  Sabeena played one of the rats.  She had a lot of fun doing the production and did a great job in her performance.  It has been amazing watching the girls grow throughout the past year.  Sabeena has become quite the orator with a very strong and clear voice and this was very evident during the play.

Sabeena with her Rat make-up

Sabeena in Rat Mafia Line

Sabeena & Fellow Rats with attitude

Close-up of Sabeena

Pied Piper and his Shadow

SES Music and Arts Evening.

The music and art evening is a night where the students get to display much of what they have been working on  throughout the year in the way of the ARTS.  Katya performed with the Advanced Singing Group, the Flute Choir and the Orchestra.  Amani presented in the Art exhibit.

Here are a few of Amani's art pieces.  She won the Art Award for the upper level in secondary for these pieces and others.  I didn't realize that I didn't get a full photo of the Animal Parts Sculpture.  If Ashi snapped one I will add it later.

Mod Rock Castings with Acrylic II

Skull-Glass, Glue and Glass Paint

Animal Part Sculpture (Horse Head)-Aluminum and Glue

Animal Part Sculpture (Bat Wing)-Aluminum and Glue

Dragonfly Sculpture-Wire

Amani with her friend Jen!!

Katya has been participating in the Drama Club and they did a production of A Midsummer's Night Dream for the Secondary Arts Evening.  Katya played the fairy, Cobweb. Katya also played her flute with the orchestra and flute choir and sang with the ASG.

  Katya on Flute

Fairies presenting themselves

Katya backstage with friend Claire

A Big Night for Amani!! Prom & First Date!!

Lot's of fun stuff accompanies your baby girl turning 16 years old including the world of "DATING!!"  ARRRGGHHHH!!!

Amani's Prom was conveniently scheduled for the weekend after her birthday so she got a 2 for 1 deal, Prom and First Date.

Corsages and Boutonnieres are not the norm here in the Middle East, (as a matter of fact Proms aren't the norm)  therefore it was no surprise that the florist really didn't have the best ability of completing this task.  However, we did end up with what we needed.

DRESS:  Amani was wearing a black & white plaid gown from Alyce Designs with a lace bolero.  She won the title of "Best Dressed" for the evening.

DATE:  Amani was escorted to the prom by her good friend Stefan.  They met a few years back at her friend Johayna's Halloween Party where they were both helpers to care for the younger kids.  At the time they were both playing Soccer.  While, Amani isn't playing anymore she continues to go out to the field and support Stefan and all her friends when they have games.

SHOES:  Black Jeweled High Heels from Splash!!  (Sorry didn't grab a photo)

VENUE:  Al Bustana Rotana Hotel in Dubai.

I think this date has set the bar high for all future dates.  Amani and her friends all seemed to have a fabulous time.  I am thankful for Stefan for treating my baby girl like the Princess that she is and dancing the night away with her.  I don't think the heels even made it through a whole dance.  ;)

Here are a few of Amani's friends and their dates.

Genna & Josh                            










Jen & Ben                                            

                                   








  
Jay & Rachel









More Photos can be see here or here.

My Princess Turns 16!!

Amani is 16!!  She opted to not have a Sweet 16 in exchange for taking friends to Southern California with us this summer to Disneyland and Magic Mountain.  Therefore we just had a small little get together at the house with some Chicken Fajita & Bean Dip followed by cake and ice cream!!

Over the summer we get to squeeze in Driver's Training and I believe her cousin and her friends have already started lining up some blind dates.  Oh Joy!!!!  Not to mention the first date this week!!  Prom!!!

A Day of Happiness & Heartache!!!

We had Stake Conference today where Elder Jeffrey Holland was in attendance and the Patriarch was also in town so Amani was abled to receive her Patriarchal Blessing.  These were very happy things for our family.  The speakers at conference were amazing and very inspirational.

On the way to conference I received a text from Ashi telling me to call my sister because my grandfather had passed away.  I called my sister and got the news and information for the funeral.

At conference Elder Holland gave a blessing to the congregation and their families that they may be comforted through their trial and through times of grief and loss.  I felt the impression of this blessing strongly and new that we would make it through.

After conference we headed to Dubai for Amani's blessing which was a wonderful experience for her.  :)

When we got home I began to make arrangements to fly to Indiana.  I called and coordinated with my mom and sister.

Today was definitely a day of happiness, yet a day of heartache as well.

Happy memories of my papa:

• When I was 8, I flew to Indiana all by myself to spend time with my papa.  While there I went to work with him at the school where he was a Phys. Ed. teacher.  This is where my love of health, fitness and sports began.
• Trips for ice cream at dairy queen.
• Walking through the garden as he worked.
• Playing cards with him and my G-grandma
• Listening to music and dancing through the house.
• Watching a parade from the porch and him telling me stories about how my mom use to think the 4th of July parade was just for her birthday.
• Every time I received a letter in the mail from him knowing he would have answered every pointless questions I asked in my previous letter.  

Here is a link to the beautiful obituary, which will tell you a little more about my Papa.

My photos are all in California, so I can't post any at the moment.

2011 Switzerland

2011 Switzerland, a set on Flickr.

Here's where photos that I took will be posted...so far only a small amount is here, but more to follow...