YWIE - Week 12

I miscounted the weeks and we only had 12 Sundays.  But I had promised 13 parts...what was I to do?!?  HAVE TWO SONGS on the last week!

(Optimistic Voices)

 

I played this song from this link on YouTube.

 

While the song played, I went through these signs:

 

3 More Days to YWIE!!!

You've Done It!!!!!!

 

You are all AWESOME!!!!!

 

(then the music turns sad)

OK....you still need to decorate your table

 

You can do it!  We can help!!!

 

(music turns happy again and I finish with these two signs)

3 short days until MAJOR TREATS!!!!!!

 

We love you and are so PROUD of YOU!!!!!!!!

 

 

(Somewhere Over the Rainbow)

 

Someday in the near future

3 days hence

Young Women's in Excellence

will finally commence

 

Someday in the near future

We'll stand in awe

At your talents and hard work

Success is what I foresaw

 

You picked a value out of eight

Now think of how to decorate

Your table

 

Your name and value I'll provide

for all the rest you must decide

I can't wait to see

 

Stand Ye in Holy Places

in our theme

Serving in this Young Women's is living my favorite dream

(immediately hit this song at the 4:01 mark)

 

I then held up the sign THE END

 

followed by the credits

 

Cast in order of Appearance

Dorothy - Sister Stock

Glinda - Sister Stock

Mayor of Munchkinland - Sister Stock

Lullaby League - Sister Stock

Lollypop Guild - Sister Stock

The Munchkins - Sister Stock

Scarecrow - Sister Stock

Tin Man - Sister Stock

Cowardly Lion - Sister Stock

Townspeople of the Emerald  City - Sister Stock

Sign Holder - Sister Stock

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 11

(Merry Old Land of Oz)

 

Read, read here, read, read there

Put your thoughts in your journal

That's how we work to pass off goals

The blessings are eternal

 

Work, work here, work, work there

As you're finishing up your goal

That's how success will soon be yours

It's really in your control

 

So be diligent the battles almost won

One more week of this

and then my songs are done.

 

JOLLY GOOD FUN!

 

Serve, serve here, serve, serve there

Till you 10 hour project's through

And when you're done, now don't you stop

There's plenty for you to do.

 

Tick, tock here, tick, tock there

Your time is running out

Just 10 more days to work real hard

You'll succeed, I have no doubt!

 

(Fast Sunday - No Treat)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 10

(If I Only Had the Nerve)

 

In this world it isn't easy

Staying clean and pure - (I whispered) not sleazy

to peer pressure don't you cave

 

And bad choices say adieu!

Oh, the Lord has plans for you

Let's be fierce and bold and brave!

 

Stand up for what's good and true

Even when it's hard to do

Lots of sadness this can save

 

In your choices be courageous

You will find that it's contagious

and with all your might, be brave!

 

When we make - a mistake

It leaves our hearts to ache

Repentance is not something we can fake

Be true to you - Simply Partake

 

The Lord - He loves you dearly

His Path - He marked it clearly

It's up to you - Behave!

 

So remember what to say

As we walk through everyday

We will stand up and be brave!

 

(TREAT: Circus Animal Cookies)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 9

(If I Only Had a Heart)

 

We could be rude, vain and tough

Also greedy, coarse and rough

Good feelings torn apart

 

But the world has that in spades

Beehives, Laurels and Mia Maids

Will you share your faithful heart?

 

Let's be tender, let's be gentle

Kind and not judgmental

Your love you can impart

 

We should serve one another

sister, brother, father, mother

As we share our faithful heart.

 

Picture this - domestic bliss

Peace and plenty here abide

We'll find beauty everywhere we roam

When there's LOTS of love at home

 

Let's be faithful and refined

pure and gentle, good and kind

We need to do our part

 

Nurture tenderness and love

and the Lord will be proud of

You for sharing faithful hearts.

 

(Treat:  Mini Cherry and Mini Apple Pies - made in a mini muffin tin)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 8

 

(If I Only Had a Brain)

 

I could while away my days

Living in a haze

from thinking I'd abstain

 

No, I'll reach for something higher

and my mind I won't retire

I'll be sure to use my brain!

 

I can study hard in school

Get good grades and still be cool

My mind I can't constrain

 

With the thoughts I'd be thinkin'

I could be another Lincoln

If I'm sure to used my brain!

 

(hold up Personal Progress book and Scriptures)

Look and see, revealed to me

What God knows I can be

I will study, read and ponder mightily

And then I'll sit and think of Thee

 

I will not just be a nothing

My head I'll put some stuff in

Vast knowledge I'll attain

 

So let's dance and be merry

Life will be a ding-a-derry

Let's be sure to use our brain!

 

(Fast Sunday - No Treat)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 7

(Tune of Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead)

 

Ding, dong we're half-way through

Finish strong, we're proud of you!

Ding, dong we're really half way through!

 

Focus everyday, stay the course

You're on your way.

Focus because we're half way through.

 

Your time is running low

Let's go, let's go, let's go

Yo-ho!

Let's do our best and work

to finish projects

 

Ding, dong the merry-oh,

sing it high, sing it low.

Aren't you glad?

We're really half-way through!

 

(Treat: everyone was invited to my home the next night for an ice-cream social)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 6

(Lollypop Guild)

 

I represent the

lollypop bribe,

lollypop bribe,

lollypop bribe.

 

And in the name of

the lollypop bribe,

We're BEGGING you to get your projects done!

 

(Treat: Oreo Truffle Lollypops)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 5

 

(Lullaby League)

 

I represent

the presidency,

the presidency,

the presidency.

 

And in the name of

the presidency,

We wish to tell you girls that

We LOVE You!

 

(Treat for the week.....Veggies and Ranch Dip)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 4

(Mayor of Munchkinland)

 

As Counselor in this Young Women's

In the merry ward of Islands

I welcome you this Sabbath Day

and hope that you're well on your way.

Let's see.....

Let's see.

If she.........

If she.

 

Is morally, ethically,

spiritually, physically,

positively, absolutely,

undeniably working on all her goals

 

(hold up photo of the medallion)

Earning this will be a day of independence

For ALL you girls.....and your descendants.

Yes, let the joyous news be spread

Sister Stock has brought you

HOMEMADE BREAD!

 

We spoil you, we spoil you

Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la

 

(I made mini loaves of homemade wheat bread and brought strawberry butter and plain butter for the girls)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 3

 

(To the tune of  It Really Was No Miracle)

 

(I start by saying......How did I get my Young Woman Medallion?)

It really was no miracle

What happened was just this

I opened up my book,

Quickly gave a look

and suddenly ideas inside my brain

They shook

Just then I took, another little look

Decided to work hard and not be on Facebook!

 

So now, let's see the steps I took

I opened up my book

In my breakfast nook

and suddenly ideas inside my brain

They shook

Just then I took another little look

Decided to work hard

No task did I forsook!

 

(no treats.....It was Fast Sunday)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 2

(Song Glinda sings to the Munchkins.....Come out, come out)

Work hard, work hard

remember my friends

work hard, be diligent

Until you reach the end

 

You'll reach the end

of that I'm assured

And you'll find success, I give you my word

(then I motioned to the girls to repeat the line and they did)

And you'll find success, I give you my word

 

I bring you good news

or haven't you heard?

I brought you more treats

another miracle occurred

 

(That week I brought them mini candy bars)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE - Week 1

 

(sung to the tune of Somewhere Over the Rainbow)

Someday in the near future

Don't you shirk

There are goals to accomplish

Go and put in some work!

 

Someday in the near future

Tables are set

And the projects completed

will lots of high praise get.

 

Just pick a value out of eight,

then set your course, don't deviate

Be constant

 

When goals are set and plans are made

Due diligence must next be paid

That's how you'll succeed

 

Stand Ye in Holy Places, everyday

Oreo Truffle Brownies

Yum - they are on their way

 

(The treat was Oreo Truffle Brownies)

LINK BACK TO ALL 13 SONGS

YWIE 2013

Young Women In Excellence (YWIE) is a night to celebrate the girls and their talents/accomplishment.  We encourage them to get a 10 hour project done from their Personal Progress book.  This year, we decided to use the Wizard of Oz theme as we encouraged them.  They were "following the yellow brick road" as their path to Personal Progress.  For 12 weeks I rewrote songs from The Wizard of Oz and performed them for the girls.  I also included a treat except on Fast Sundays.  It was challenging at times, but so worth it!  I called my one woman production

ODE TO PERSONAL PROGRESS....in 13 parts

Follow the links to weekly song:

Week 1 - (Somewhere Over the Rainbow)

Week 2 - (Munchkinland)

Week 3 - (It Really Was No Miracle)

Week 4 - (Mayor of Munchkinland)

Week 5 - (Lullaby League)

Week 6 - (Lollypop Guild)

Week 7 - (Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead)

Week 8 - (If I Only Had a Brain)

Week 9 - (If I Only Had a Heart)

Week 10 - (If I Only Had the Nerve)

Week 11 - (Merry Old Land of Oz)

Week 12 - (Optimistic Voices)  &  (Somewhere Over the Rainbow)

 

Now we're finally ready for the big event.  First, the girls we celebrated that night along with Bishop Call.

The girls displayed their projects on those side tables.

Here's our "Dorothy" table

(our program is on the table too)

Our "Glinda and the Munchkins" table

Our "Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion" table

Our dessert table

We made the treats that we had been giving to the girls over the past 12 weeks.  This included:

Oreo Truffle Brownies

Homemade Bread

Veggies & Dip

Oreo Truffles

Mini Pies

Circus Animal Cookies

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn

We also served lemonade and water for the drinks.



I just think it turned out so beautiful!!!

I wish I had a photo with all the food, but by the time the food was out - everyone was eating!!!

 Lots of candid shots of the evening!

 THANK YOU to all the leaders (and their spouses and children) who helped set up and tear down.  THANKS to all the girls for being so wonderful and talented!
Such a great evening!

LAST SOCCER GAME, FIRST SENIOR MOMENT

Bittersweet day, last home soccer game of the season.  Getting ready to take the field.

Senior signs ready to go!

(it cracked me up that they had his number wrong!)

 Mamita and Kyler on the sidelines.

  Then came half time.....and the Seniors walked their parents out on the field.  While we walked on the field, the principal read Colton's words:

"Colton is the son of Anthony and Nicole Stock.  Colton looks forward to becoming a writer or an animator.  He plans on following his dreams and being creative throughout his life and looks forward to someday raising a family of his own.  He would like to thank his parents for their support and for putting up with his attitude as well as pushing him to excel in school and life in general.  Colton's parents have taught him so much and are prime examples of what Colton hopes to become when he is older.  Colton wants to express how much he loves his parents and appreciates all that they have sacrificed for him." 

Congratulations Colton on a wonderful senior season.

Yep!  It made me cry......heaven help me!  How am I going to get through this whole year?!?  Stocking up on tissue now......I'll need lots on graduation night!

My beautiful flowers!

....ok.....more crying!

 Then the release of the balloons......

 

DON'T GO, COLTON!!!!!

  I mean........

BALLOONS,

DON'T GO, BALLOONS!!!!!!

(please, pass the tissues!!!!)

LIFE AT THE HOUSE OF STEVE

Have I mentioned that the House of Steve has a mascot......meet Jim. (I was really hoping for a different name, but if the house is named Steve then I think our eagle can be Jim)  We like to decorate him and normally it works out better than this.  He's wearing a superhero mask from girls camp and Krispy Kreme hat from the summer.  He looks like a weird hat wearing chicken.

 

 We're trying to start taking 15 minutes every night (they can take more time if they choose) to work on personal goals.  I just thought it would be a good way to help our kids see how a little bit of consistent effort can have big results.  Problem: the older boys are gone too much, but that will change after Thursday when the soccer season ends.  Kyler chose to work on drawing.  Tony tries to give him short lessons to learn technique.  That might work with another kid, but Kyler thinks he's an expert in EVERYTHING!  He doesn't really see why he should slow down and try to learn something. 

 Tony also chose drawing.  He's really happiest when he's sketching!

 I've decided to work on photography....mainly I need to read up on how to use my camera.

 

 I have a lot to learn, but my camera makes me happy!

With soccer.....and just life.......Asher is very tired in the afternoons.  I was a little shocked to see him under the pool table (which I think we're selling....any takers?)  How could I pass up the opportunity to capture that moment!

 And finally......why do kids have to grow up so fast!  I'm still trying to deal with the fact that Colton will be graduating in May.  These photos just make me realize how quick it's all been. 

Brianna and Colton at a Halloween Trunk or Treat &

Brianna and Colton at Mormon Prom 2013

HE MIGHT BE GROWING UP

Conversation in the van this afternoon.

Kyler: "Mom, you know how you get mad when I tell you about a school assignment the night before it's due?"

Mom: "Yes, Kyler.  So, what's due tomorrow?"

Kyler: "NOTHING, NOTHING!  I got an assignment that's due next Thursday.  Well, I got it yesterday, but you weren't in a good mood and I didn't want to tell you then." (Am I always mad or in a bad mood......I hope not!)

Mom: "Well, Kyler, I'm proud of you for telling me about your assignment."

Kyler: "I'm trying to change." (said in a matter-of-fact voice.....that seemed much older than his 9 years.)

 

I love this boy of mine! 

THIS LITTLE PIGGY

This little piggy was ordered

This little piggy was picked up

This little piggy stayed the night in my bathtub

(he really did....wish I took a photo!)

This little piggy slept on ice and

This little piggy was roasted!

Tony was so excited for this Elders Quorum party and really....who wouldn't be!



 It was a lot of work, but everyone came together to make it work.  Alani Tufi roasted the pig!  Jayson and Shonda Hunt offered their home for the event.  They both worked so hard to make the evening special for everyone.  Shonda made all the hanging flowers, balloon towers, decorated the pillars, and placed flowers on her white lights.......and she's going to have baby #4 in a few weeks!  I felt like such a slacker...especially since she helped me with the centerpieces.  James Von Lutzow &  Jim Barnes helped with all the planning.  James also provided the punch and design for our invitation.

Finally, the decorations were all put up, tables and chairs set and the party was ready to begin.  We had such a great time and enjoyed lots of yummy food.   I will admit that it's easier to eat an animal that you didn't host in your bathtub......oh, but he was delicious!

 I love candles! 

Close ups of the table centerpieces.

  All the candlelight really added so much to the evening, especially the dozens of floating candles in the pool.  Shonda and I agreed that they looked like the floating lanterns in Tangled.  Hmmmmm.........

Maybe that should be our next activity!