The whole idea started a little over a year ago. My sister Joanna was thinking I should put a summer show choir camp together. This was an idea to help employ me over the summer- and keep me going, without having to leave the family and work at David's farm. At first I didn't see it happening, then one day in the spring, inspiration hit, and it all made sense.
I came up with a summer package system where kids could either take voice or the show choir camp. After a few posters made and a little advertising, I got quite a nice number signed up. Then I planned the music- and it was ready to go. Executing the camp was a different story- I just didn't know how it was going to pan out. I had kids ages 20-5 signed up- how do you work with that? So I organized all of them into four groups: the Shining Stars 5-11ish, the Reality Rockers 12-15ish, the Dazzling Divas 15-18ish, and the Careers 18-20ish.
It worked out great. I only wish we could have had more boys sign up- but that seems to be the curse in this area and this profession-guys have a problem thinking this stuff is cool. That's what makes the guys who do it, even cooler.
The camp started on Friday the 16th. We were able to secure the Women's Club in Safford as our rehearsal space. It was perfect! I came up with a schedule where we would all start together in one big group, then separate into our smaller groups. I had a leader in each group- Ari was in charge of the shining stars, and then I had designated choreographers in each group to start teaching dances. It worked GREAT! They worked hard through all of Friday.
Saturday morning the kids were a little squirelly and scraggely. Some of them looked like they stayed out WAY TO LATE the night before, but they eventually got into it again.
Now this was the dreaded day: why? Because not only was this huge Show Choir Camp going on, but my oldest sister was married in the Gila Valley temple at 11:00 am. I basically just had time to get the kids going and then leave for the wedding. While we were in the temple, it was beautiful. I tried to push out all the other stresses of the day and enjoy this blessed event! I can't even tell you what a blessing this wedding is for our family. It is SO AMAZINGLY AWESOME to see my sister with a man who respects her, and honors her for the daughter of God she is. She deserves this SO much. The peace and joy that we can see in her eyes makes all the pain and hurt we've experienced the past few years seem miniscule in comparison. Every girl deserves to have a man love her the way Heavenly Father wants his daughters to be loved, and if this experience has taught me anything it's to love and respect my wife with all my heart and NEVER EVER forget my sacred covenants I made with her in the temple on our wedding day. I will spend my life teaching this priceless and most important concept to my boys!
After the wedding, the whole family went to the stake center for a HUGE group family shot. It was kind of miserable, but also will be great to have this picture. Probably the last one, but we always say that. . . . At least this time we have all the eternal family members present and no one that we want to cut out of it:) Once again, I was a nervous wreck during this event, because I knew I had to get back to the camp and I was hoping everything was going well. Ari and I grabbed a quick bite, said goodbye to our boys, and took off to finish the day. (THANK YOU to our blessed nanny for taking the boys both days- we love you Ariel! Vegas next year, we'll hook you up!:)
The last part of the camp was spent fine tuning and putting the whole production together! And it all came together! We even had a little extra chill time then I anticipated. We then departed ready to commence for the final performance at Lee Little.
The show went off without a hitch and we had an awesome crowd. The tech guys were amazing, and followed the program PERFECTLY! It was so neat to have all my brothers and sisters there (minus Kelly and Troy who were off on their honey moon;) to see what I do. It was also awesome working with Lacey, Joey, and my newly acquired niece, Shannon! We love you and are so glad you're a part of our family. . .quite the performer too!
This ended up being the show order:
1. When You’re Home (Piano)- ALL
2. Brand New You (CD Track 5)- DIVAS
3. HSM3- STARS
1. Together (piano)
2. Right Here (piano)
3. I Want It All-HSM (CD Track 6)
4. Reflection (Piano)- ROCKERS
5. Love Song (CD Track 7)- CAREERS
6. Electricity (Piano)- ALL
7. From A Distance (Acapella)- DIVAS
8. Rockin’ Robin (CD Track 8)- STARS
9. Breathe (Piano)- CAREERS
10. Hannah Montana- ROCKERS
1. Butterfly (Piano)
2. Hoedown Throwdown (CD Track 9)
3. The Climb (Piano)
4. Always Find Your Way Back Home (CD, 10)
11. SHEA GREEN/ALLY HORST- Gravity, (Piano)
12. Kelly Clarkson Medley- DIVAS
1. Breakaway (Piano)
2. Since U Been Gone (CD Track 11)
3. A Moment Like This (Piano)
13. Michael Jackson Tribute
1. Rock With You (CD Track 12)- CAREERS
2. I’ll Be There (Piano)- STARS
3. Man In The Mirror (Piano)- ROCKERS
4. Thriller (CD Track 13)- DIVAS
5. We Are The World (Piano)- ALL
A big group shot at the end!
Here's a slideshow from the weekend of Camp glee WannaBe!
After the concert Ari and I grabbed a quick bite at Jerry's. Then we had to run home because I still had to take a final for the AZ Constitution class I've been taking all summer. Between the hours of 10-midnight I took the final while Ari packed for NC. I was WASTED- beyond exhaustified. Words started swimming, and my head was POUNDING- about 6 hours sleep in the last 48 hours would do this to you I guess. Also, with the humidity from the monsoon, it was pretty uncomfortable. BUT. . .I passed the class- did pretty good actually. Grabbed a quick nap from 12-1:30, and then we were off to the airport to make our 6 am flight! Pushing it, but we made it JUST on time. We definitely were in need of the vacation in NC and the beach. Such a nice reward for all our hard work. Thank you Grandpa Leinbach!!! We love you and are so glad for the memories we made with you.
Oh, also Kodee got this wicked bruise this week after falling off of a chair in the kitchen. His legs were caught in the rungs, and his chin crashed on the tile. Poor guy. He's one big walking catastrophe- but a darn cute catastrophe.
3 comments:
Jordan! I'm soooo glad you got to do that Show Choir camp! Right up your alley! :) And I commented before, but it almost makes me cry a little to read how happy Kelly is now, with such an awesome man! I can't begin to put the right words for how happy I am for them, and your whole family. Thanks for sharing! :)
Oh OUCH!
I wish we could have stayed there a gone to your recital. I was pretty bummed when I heard it was that night. Bet it was great!
Holy cow. You are out of control. Oh lillies.
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