24th Anniversary Getaway

Ok, it's time to stop neglecting the family blog.  We had some significant events happen in the last few months and I need to record them before I forget.  I hope to be all caught up by the end of the month.  Wish me luck!

Greg and I celebrated our 24th anniversary on 6/29.  The day of, we celebrated by doing sealings at the temple and going out to dinner.  Since we were dropping Nick and Megan off at EFY a few days later (this will be the next post), we decided to plan a romantic getaway while they were gone.  We found a groupon for a bed and breakfast in Waynesville, NC and we couldn't resist!  We decided to make no plans and just relax and enjoy being together.  We had a wonderful time!  The area was beautiful!  We discovered wild blackberries on our scenic walks, and we endulged!  We treated ourselves to his and her pedicures, explored the historic main street, and relaxed in the jacuzzi.

I am so grateful that I married my best friend.  Greg is my rock.  I look forward to many more anniversaries!

24th anniversary - flash slideshow maker

Glass harp-Toccata and fugue in D minor-Bach-BWV 565

I had to share this.  It is so amazing!  I hope he gets paid lots of money to do this.  He deserves it!

Megan's Audition 4/14/12

Megan is auditioning for the summer play.  She already has completed the singing and dancing section, but she still needs to go back and read lines.  I really liked the song she auditioned with because it really shows her range.  I recorded it tonight so I could post it for you.  And, you have to give kudos to Nick for jazzying it up! (And Michael is an awesome page turner!)

Stake Youth Talent Show 4/14/12

Nicholas signed up to be in the Stake Youth Talent Show.  Megan did as well, but ended up dropping out because of having too much on her plate.  Not only did she have the Easter musical number this week, but she had an interview with the principal of Buford High School (and by the way, he accepted her on the spot!), and she auditioned  for the summer play.  Maybe I'll post her audition.  It was awesome!

For Nick's talent, he chose to showcase his new hobby - playing the ocarina.  Ocarinas are usually associated with the video game, Zelda, but Nick is trying to change it's reputation.  Especially since it was created hundreds of years ago.  

Here, he is playing "Come Thou Fount" with Michael accompanying.  One thing about ocarinas, you can't tune them.  So it was really amazing that this came together as well as it did.  Enjoy!

Easter Musical Number 4/8/12

Yes, I know I am way behind on updating the blog, but this couldn't wait! :)

We wanted to share a glimpse of the musical number that Megan and Nick played for sacrament meeting on Easter Sunday. We were so proud of both of them. Megan was so nervous that morning, she threw up! After lots of prayers and a priesthood blessing, they both did phenomenal! Better than any practice session. The spirit was definitely present.

We recorded it at home afterwards, but it just wasn't the same as the live version. But at least this gives you an idea of how it goes.  Just imagine no boo boos, longer breaths, a strong spirit, etc.  :)

Enjoy! 

Christmas 2011

We enjoyed making Gingerbread houses with the Nelsons again this year. Michael wowed us all when he constructed a house with 8 sides and a domed roof.

On Christmas Eve day, we watched “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” (very intense) and eating a super yummy sushi dinner at Shogun.  We ended the evening with our favorite movie about Christmas - “Nativity Story."

 

On Christmas morning, the we were up at 6am to get ready to go  spread Christmas cheer to the homeless in downtown Atlanta.  We, along with many other families, arrived shortly after 7am in a parking lot next to a homeless shelter and started setting up the tables and donations.  The homeless started to form a line in anticipation.  They were able to enjoy a hot breakfast, and they each filled up a bag with various clothes, shoes, toiletries, coats, etc.  It was a very rewarding experience for the Angell family.  One we hope to enjoy again.  The rainy cold morning might have dampened the donations, but not our spirits.  

Setting up the tables for donations: clothes, shoes, toiletries

The food is ready to go!  Ham, grits, biscuits, coffee, and hot cocoa.
Chick-Fil-A even donated their yummy chicken noodle soup!

Eager to fill their tummy and their bags.

Megan helping to fill a grateful receiver's bag.

And then the rain started.  Michael and Nick trying to keep the shoes dry.
The building behind them is the homeless shelter.

Megan trying to stay warm

After drying off and changing clothes, the we made it to church in time to participate in our ward choir’s Christmas program.  Michael, Greg, and Nick, and 5 other men sang “The First Noel.”  The a capella portion was beautiful.   Lauralee was very proud of her boys!  


After church, the we finally got to open presents.  

Playing Santa

Resting after a long night.....

Following family tradition.....

 That evening we enjoyed a yummy Christmas dinner, and a phone call from Jeffrey.  Yay! 

Finally, we can eat!  Ham & Au Gratin potatoes. Yummy!

 

To read about Jeffrey's mission, click here.

Merry Christmas!  And a Happy New Year!

December 2011

How to summarize such a busy month?  One person at a time…. 

Megan’s school band was one of 3 bands chosen to play at a special concert at UGA.  What a privilege!  Megan got to play with a small ensemble of flutes during the “Dance of the Reed Pipes.” It was a fun field trip and a great concert!  

Megan's Band performing at UGA

Megan auditioned for All-State Band.  She made the first cut, and also made 6^th chair in the District Symphonic Band.  She is practicing hard for the 2nd All-State audition in January. 

Megan’s Chorus Christmas concert was held at Lake Lanier Islands.  Lake Lanier is famous for the lights they display at Christmas.  In fact, it costs $60 per car to enter the gates.  But, with Megan performing, we got in free!  

Megan and her friend were chosen to play a flute obbligato for a number in the District Middle School Honor Chorus concert.  We were so proud of her!  

Megan and Ashley

Playing with the Middle School District Honor Chorus

Megan was called as the Beehive Class President.  She has already shown great leadership and ability to love those under her stewardship.

Nick participated as 1^st chair clarinet in his band’s Christmas concert, and as keyboardist and saxophone player in his jazz band concert.  

He also made the first cut for All-State Band and was assigned to be the principle player (1^st chair) for the District Concert band.  He is also practicing for the 2^nd all-state audition in January. 

Nick's Senior Pix  

What a Stud!

For his School’s awards night, Nick was awarded a certificate for “Academic Excellence in AP Physics C: Mechanics”.  Nick’s been working on college applications.  He plans to apply to the BYU schools, Georgia Tech, and SVU.

Award's Night

Academic Excellence in AP Physics C: Mechanics
He has a 109 in the class.

Michael spent his days at work and his nights either with the young adults (especially with one in particular), or sharing his talents.  He volunteered to be in the stake choir, and was busy getting ready for the Christmas concert.  The concert was great!  He also was asked to accompany the sing along at the Ward Christmas Party.

Michael and his young adult buds

Michael and Aubrey

Best Buddies at Stone Mountain

The Boys...What studs!

Lauralee pulled off another successful piano recital.  Megan was the final and most advanced student to play.  She played Jon Schmidt’s “I Saw Three Ships.”

The Motley Crew

Greg took the week off during Christmas and New Years and completed many items on his "honey do" list.  Along with cleaning out and organizing the basement, many drawers, and files, Greg and Michael built a beautiful retaining wall in the rosebush bed out front.  Great Job, guys!!

 CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES Coming in the Next Post!