Reminders are Good

Kenz was asked to sing for her good friend Cole Parkinson's mission farewell.

She was thrilled.

She decided to do the same song she did for Seminary Graduation.

  How Great Thou Art.

She rehearsed with our friend from our stake Mike Anderson on Tuesday and felt ready. 

Saturday night, she started to realize how many of her friends would be there 

and how important it was that she sing well.  

She worked herself up a little.  

Mike texted me that morning.  

She sat nervously looking at her words while Cole spoke.  

I finally showed her Mike's text. 

 She read it and gave a relieved smile.  

Walked up to the stand and sang BEAUTIFULLY.

Sometimes she needs to remember that she has been given a gift.  

It is a blessing from her Heavenly Father.  

And when you are willing to share your gifts and talents, 

you are blessed.  

He answered her prayers (& mine) that morning.  

Calming her heart and mind. 

And helping her bring the spirit through music.  

As a mom, 

I am always SO GRATEFUL when she is given the opportunity to sing in church. 

Singing at a Graveside Service

Our sweet friend across the street lost her dad to Kidney cancer.  

He was diagnosed just a week or so prior.  

She texted me the morning of his service to see if Kenz was available to sing.  

Her musical number had fallen through.  

Kenz was actually sleeping at my dad's house.  

I knew she'd say yes, but I was hesitant to commit until I knew for sure.

Kris Maxfield was Kenzie's leader in church.  

Kenz was honored she thought of her.

Kris explained that her dad's favorite song was Stand By Me by Ben E. King.

When I got to my dad's with her guitar she immediately started to fiddle with the song.  

She decided to mash it up with Watching You by the Police.  

I think it is really cool how lyrics of a song can completely change meaning in a different setting.  

It sounded really neat.

Rehearsing before heading to the cemetery.

Kenz arrived and had a feeling NOT to sing her version 

and to just go with the original version of Stand By Me.  

I talked her into singing the mash up that she had put together.

When she went up to sing... 

they didn't have a mic stand so I got to hold the mic for her.  

Although I bumped her face once - she sang beautifully!! 

 I wasn't able to film since i was holding the mic. 

When she was finished... she wished she had trusted her gut and just sang Stand By Me.  

Later she explained that she felt she took something special from them (his favorite song).  

She felt it wasn't her place to embellish or change it.  

She ended our conversation with "in the future, Mom, please trust me."   

I felt sad she felt sad.  

I don't think Kris or anyone else felt she ruined their loved one's song... 

But in the future "I WILL trust her".   

Lake Powell Senior Trip

See You Again

Kenzie Graduates

walking in 

Graduating

Seminary Graduation - How Great Thou Art

per kenz: Had the pleasure of singing one of my most favorite hymns last night.  Thank you to Bro. Mike Anderson playing the piano for me.

Per performance jitters

Laughing with the Stake Presidency

Teasing Bro. Wolfe - glad he puts us with her.

Bro. Wolfe - "Your song was beautiful."

Kenz - "thanks.  you're still from Idaho."

These two moved into the neighborhood a month apart as little 11 year olds and have been best friends ever since.  I love Hunter!!

Senior Dinner Dance

Senior Dinner Dance

with her best friend Lauren Harker

With her cute boyfriend Hayden Lee.

Kenz and Tanner Townsend both received the Award for:

Most Likely to BECOME FAMOUS