Apparently we are now season ticket holders- my husband is extremely excited and I…surprised! In most ways Eric can equal my frugality, however when he does spend he goes BIG! Knowing how much I love basketball he is attempting to convince me I will enjoy soccer as much…I am not so certain- recently I watched my first Real game and felt the score of 1 and 0 to be lacking (compared to a typical over 100 Jazz home game).
Despite my raw comprehension the atmosphere was actually quite enlivening…so maybe if I familiarize myself with the players and game regulations, soccer just might grow on me.
Chris Seitz was very obliging when I asked to take his picture. He is goal keeper for our United States men’s soccer team.
Eric has always been a go-getter, though never before has he immersed himself so deeply in his work. Typically Eric puts in an 80 hour week. He is out the door by 5:30 in the morning, home by 6:30 that evening, and toils most nights in front of his laptop or on the phone. He even spends some Saturday mornings at the office. Hard work reaps success and while I am incredibly proud of his labors and recognize this standard of living as temporary, sometimes I long for a bit more leisure time together, especially at present while I have the summer off.
The following depicts my sentiments after consecutive days receiving less than usual of my husband’s attention:
(Dancers: Chelsea & Mark, Choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon)
Note: Eric incorporated ARO exactly one year ago next month. The business has come a long way in such a short amount of time. Most importantly, Eric thoroughly enjoys what he does for a living!
Carly amazes me more and more each day. She really is becoming a gorgeous dancer. She has great lines, spatial awareness, and her movements are grounded. She did a wonderful job at her recital. Carly performed in two numbers; “Do you think you love me”- choreographed by Erin and “No one”- my lyrical piece.
The recital…
Our spring dance recital at Weber State was sensational. Everything from the music and lighting to the confetti for our finale ran perfectly. During the performance some of my responsibilities included loading the pit, working stage right, cuing my routines front stage, and shooting one of four confetti guns…and I did this all in high-heels! However, my greatest accomplishments this year were my two large routines. I choreographed a fun upbeat number for nineteen 3-5 year-olds and a four minute lyrical for forty-seven 6-10 year olds. What a challenge the latter group was to make ready. This very complex six-count dance necessitated girls running in and out from one curtain to another and in various formations. After countless hours of practice and several rehearsals it turned out beautifully. I was so proud!
I remember what an amazing thrill it is to perform onstage! I have danced in many locations, including various NBA and NFL stadiums, yet nothing can compare to a stage performance- the lights, the curtains, the acoustics, and the excitement!
Business & pleasure…
I genuinely come to love the girls I work with and the conclusion of each dance year is always bittersweet. Over the years I have taught hundreds of girls from diverse situations. Though my primary function is always a dance teacher I have regularly fulfilled the role of friend, mentor, counselor, and nurturer for those students who have truly helped to inspire my calling.
Passing the torch…
Dance has played a significant role in my life. I attended Weber State University on a dance scholarship and I am a former member of the school’s performing dance team, dance athletic squad, and modern dance program. I spent two years as an advanced student with Ballet West under the instruction of Mary Lou Hammer and Maria Borough. I have sixteen years of teaching experience, as well as twenty-two years of formal training in a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern, contemporary dance, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and ballroom. In 1996 I won ‘Best Choreographer’ at the Utah Modern Dance Invitational, and was awarded ‘Best Choreographed Routines’ at the 2000 Utah Dance Championships. My teaching philosophy encompasses individuality, function and expression, and the interplay of improvisation and technique. Dance has provided me with experience that I hope to pass on to my girls. Someday soon I expect to organize an establishment that will in time afford opportunities for Quincy, Carly, and Emily to instruct and teach.
Where my passion dwells...
Contemporary dance is my favorite to watch and perform. Though it is not necessarily an exact dance technique, rather a collection of skill and methods that derived from Modern and Postmodern dance, the movements so beautifully denote characteristics such as breath, emotion, gravity, placement, fall and retrieval, suspension, contraction and release, and opposition using balanced and off-center movement.
Repertory Dance Theatre is my favorite local modern dance company because of their contemporary flare. I enjoy their elegant and classic style, their intensity and precision, and their artistic use of movement and music.
The artistry I most enjoy watching is that of Emmy Award Winner Mia Michaels. Her choreography is absolutely breathtaking:
Expectations...
I will never lose my enthusiasm for the performing arts. I have seen women twice my age outperform the average dancer. The childbearing years might postpone athletic aspirations but motherhood often enhances the passion. Though teaching can be blissfully rewarding I would take great pleasure in reacquainting my body with the rigor and devotion required from a student of dance and I anxiously await that future opportunity.
Family participation …
My kids and I often engage in a dance-off. With fun and upbeat music as our backdrop we get into rhythm by showcasing our individual moves, then we dance collectively until we drop- Typically I am the first to crash, the kids and their abundant energy can last for hours! Tyler and Travis are quite the breakers and Carly as feminine and girly as they come. Recently Emily has joined in the fun and what a little bopper!
Junior golfers play 3-4 hours a week (nine holes & putting practice). Tyler enjoys golf and is quite skilled at driving the ball (a straight swing past the 100 marker). Last year Tyler shot his first Birdie on a par 3 at Eagle Lake Golf Course. Tyler is extremely independent and enjoys golfing with friends.
Yesterday Eric took the boys and Emily to his parent’s house. He left the kids in the car while he quickly helped Gary with the boat. However, after returning home Eric discovered he was one child short. Grandpa had snatched the baby from her car-seat and the two were in hiding.
Considering the situation was easily remedied and Emily prefers her “best buddy” anyway, we decided to let Grandpa off the hook this time with a warning!
Carly cut her finger on the glass-top of our blender. The unfortunate left-pointer must stay dry in a splint for a few days. When dad brought her home she said in a very sad, feel-sorry-for-me voice, “Mom, I guess I won’t be washing dishes for awhile”.
Finally, an almost smoke free Lagoon… We’ve already caught a few renegades trying to conceal their cigarettes. They must be so accustomed to the foul smell to think we won’t notice. Nonetheless, reporting them is almost as invigorating as riding the rides.
Emily going solo:
Emily cried when I took her off the boats, so the next time around the worker let her stay on three consecutive rides. She loves to ring the bell and chew on the rope…Yuck!
At last…Travis can ride the BIG ones…and he rode them all fearlessly.
My dad’s got rhythm and an ear for music. He always dreamed of playing the drums but was never afforded the opportunity… so instead he resorted to playing the dashboard. Traditionally the dashboard is not thought to be a bona fide instrument, but dad can play it masterfully. His accompaniment enhances the sound of bands like the Beach Boys, the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, and Gloria Estefan. Through the years dad has played all types of dashboards: Chevy, Nissan, and Ford to name a few. One memorable year at Lake Powell while waiting our turn to launch the boat, Dad let loose his excitement atop the instrument panel. Wearing a handkerchief beneath his hat to protect his neck from the sun, and sunglasses equip with turquoise chums, he gave us a show to remember. Wow… dad could really rock!
The Salt Lake City & County Building has special significance to our family. A few days ago we walked the grounds of this revered edifice and enlightened the children with our story. They were quite intrigued by the idea of this place fostering our relationship, and as a result their own existence.
Our story:
On Tuesday, June 6, 1995 I was working the afternoon shift at the university radio station, standing in for a fellow disc jockey. Throughout my early college years playing records for a few hours helped relieve stress. I was a full time student struggling to balance general education courses with the dance classes required to maintain my scholarship. Dance occupied most of my time; not only was I heavily involved on the school’s dance team, performing at every sporting event and school function and practicing more hours each week than I spent sleeping, but I was also a passionate contemporary dance student with full intentions at the time of making it my major. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed every minute, in fact my college experience as a whole comprise many of my most cherished memories. However, a little time at the station did wonders for me still. I inherited a passion for music from my parents, and while growing-up there always seemed to be a tune playing in the background, which explains why I found radio a comfort. On that particular day two very carefree and well-groomed young men interrupted my solitude with a couple requests, “The Players Club” and “I Got Skills” to be exact. The blond was outgoing and talkative. The dark one stood aloof and I perceived him an introvert. After brief introductions and some polite conversation they left the studio but returned almost immediately and it was the latter who asked me, “Do you have a boyfriend?” I responded “No”, despite having zero intentions at the time of starting anything that could possibly interfere with my dance career, which I believed would inevitably take me away. When they took leave the second time I decided it appropriate to mention their names on the radio before playing their requests…“These next two songs are for Ryan and Aaron”…
One week later, when Eric, not Aaron (a mistake we still find amusing), arrived on my doorstep, he maintained that first impression of relative shyness, not quite the type that typically sparked my interest. Our double date consisted of pizza and a video (“Major League 2”) in his basement. At the close of our evening he asked to see me again. Considering everything had been pleasant enough I agreed. However, when the second date loomed closer I received what I thought to be a better offer and cancelled my plans with Eric, who vowed to himself after my call to clear me from memory; he was not the type to take rejection lightly. Our brief association was soon forgotten…at least until the following Thursday.
After the exciting announcement that thrilled all Utahans and made talk of the 2000 Olympics a reality, it was announced that all-night dancing and partying would best commemorate the occasion. That evening I found myself headed to the city building grounds with a blind date that might nearly have put me to sleep if not for the grand excitement surrounding me. Loud music, news stations, Olympic paraphernalia, and people celebrating in every direction; it was the appropriate place for any college student to gravitate, it was exhilarating! My group of friends encountered many acquaintances that night considering that anyone and everyone seemed to be present, so it was no big surprise when I spotted Eric and Ryan from a distance. Eric looked particularly handsome that night and his demeanor promised finer company. I suddenly devised a plan and flung myself into the mosh pit, dragging my poor date along. As a dancer I had survived many a mosh pit thrashings and supposed the circumstance worth the risk. It didn’t take long to separate myself, as my companion was tossed and spun uncontrollably, unapt to move with ease among hundreds of teenagers jumping wildly up and down, banging their heads to the beat. I quickly made it through to the opposite end, gathered my bearings, located Eric, and made my way to his side. Though astonished by my sudden approach he appeared quite pleased to see me. I instigated a leisurely walk, purposely redirecting him around the building to add further separation. As we talked Eric finally began to emerge from his shell, it’s amazing what a little fresh air and loud music can do. It certainly gave me added conviction and fortitude that night. Under normal circumstances I might not have been so bold. Anyhow, I discovered that Eric was going to the “Pearl Jam” concert the next evening; they just happened to be my favorite band and suddenly we had something in common. The more we talked the more comfortable he began to feel, and soon a very lively personality emerged and before long he was dominating our conversation with animated stories, laughter, and the unearthing of even more common interests. In the midst of all this we arranged to meet for breakfast the following morning before his concert.
Eggs and pancakes launched a short but very romantic and enlivening courtship. We were together everyday thereafter. The following Tuesday, after dinner and music, Eric expressed an interest to eliminate other prospects and it was the next Tuesday he told me he loved me. I felt clear-headed and assured that everything was right. In the past I had been quite the opposite with boys, always afraid to commit and doubtful throughout the relationship. This time was unmistakably different and I relished every minute, every thought, and every feeling. Tuesday next, another day of celebration, Eric accompanied me to the Clearfield Fourth of July Parade where my dance students were to march behind my dad’s truck and boat. Secretly a day prior we had slipped inside a fine jewelry store at the local mall to glance at wedding rings. A friend noticed and informed my mother, who bravely cornered Eric before the procession with her hands place firmly on her hips, though a smile on her face, and asked with comical intimidation, “What’s this I hear about a ring?” Eric glanced my way in an effort to gather his wits, smiled, and then shocked us all, including himself, by answering very assuredly, “Jen and I are getting married.” Hugs of congratulations followed and suddenly something we had originally decided to postpone for another month or so was out in the open and plans were underway. The next day, on bended knee beside the waterfall that adorns the bountiful temple grounds Eric placed a ring on my finger and made it official. On Tuesday, October 3, 1995 we were sealed together for time and all eternity.
Emily recently celebrated her first birthday and after months of incessant forehead bruising she is finally beginning to associate head-butting with the accompanying pain; good news for those unfortunate persons who leaned in for an innocent kiss and got knocked silly instead (last month she gave Grandma Hep quite the shiner). Now if we could just eliminate the head-thrashings against the crib rails she’d be in even better shape. Ouch…the poor thing!
My only binky baby has voluntarily given up the habit, though I imagine weaning her off the bottle might pose quite a challenge. Her vocabulary now includes the following words: Yuck, Yes, Mama, Dada, Baba, Bye-bye, and Uh-oh. Emily plays patty-cake, peek-a-boo, waves bye-bye, eats crumbs off the floor, and instinctively bounces to music. She is not terribly fond of her car-seat and will scratch like a kitten if provoked. Emily thoroughly enjoys the company of her brothers and sister.
A Birthday Cupcake at Grandma Jen’s
The Kids & Quincy
The Birthday Table
Her $2 Gift from Mom & Dad (after four kids we are wiser too!)
All of my children evolved from crawling to walking in their own way. Tyler walked very unsteadily at 14 months. Carly’s strides at one year were much more balanced. Travis walked at seven and a half months and was running and climbing soon after. Emily, who turned one this month, saunters about with ease though she still prefers the quickness of crawling. (Note: I walked at nine months & Eric at one year!)
In the first grade I was cornered by Carly’s teacher who pronounced my daughter as the most popular girl in her class, the one everyone hoped to befriend. In subsequent years I have received similar compliments from teachers who readily acknowledge how kind, thoughtful, well-mannered, and helpful she can be. This year her classmates voted her “Most Responsible”.
Given that Carly has lots of friends and is very well-liked it is not surprising that she has never singled out one friend in particular as her best friend…until now...
4th Grade Buddies
Carly’s Birthday
The two best friends have matching shirts and necklaces
