Flashback (way back) Friday

As I searched for a topic for my historical research in music education research study, I found myself taking many trips down memory lane. I thought about all the music teachers that have influenced me to be where I am today pursuing my Ph.D. in music education. This was not a wasted trip down memory lane as I found a wonderful person to write a biography on. I will not tell you who because I would like to finish it first!

So for today, I will leave you with this...my 8th grade pictures of me as head rifle girl for our school's marching band. I realize most middle schools do not have marching band but my teacher, Mr. Thomas, thought it was important. What a wonderful opportunity at such a young age. Even though it's been 15ish years since middle school (ouch), I still remember those experiences and know they sparked a love a music that would not soon go away.

Flashback Friday (late..again)

My high school best friend Tim and I in San Isabel in May of 2007

I've chosen this picture for several reasons:
1. Tim and his wife had a baby a couple weeks ago
2. I miss Colorado
3. I miss snow! You don't definitely can't have a snow fight in Tucson, let alone in May!

Oh to be young and semi-carefree...

Happy Saturday!

Sisters, Sisters and a Brother...

Both of my beautiful sisters have birthdays this month. Stacey on January 5th, and Jessica on January 25th! I cherish both women greatly because they've helped me become who I am today. Stacey reminds me to always try to keep a pure heart, and the joy of a child. Jessica is there whenever I need her. I've called her crying at 2 a.m. after a bad breakup. It's so wonderful to know I have a sister that will listen to me whenever I need an ear. She also keeps me humble...which I don't always like but appreciate!



"To be blessed with a wonderful sister

I ask myself why I have been blessed with someone so understanding and so caring...

Perhaps it's because I can truly appreciate you or maybe it's because God knew I needed you so much." -Jean Therese


This picture was taken almost 10 years ago when my sister was pregnant with my niece Alison

My big brother, Wayne also had a birthday in December (before I decided to do the occasional blog dedication). Because of my brother, it is my sincere belief that all girls should have a big brother like I did to take me on impromptu road trips in high school and remind me of my value and uniqueness! Love you brother!

This picture was taken a couple years ago on a visit to California to see Wayne and Veronica, my sister-in-law.

Flashback Friday (late)

Since I was recently studying some J.S. Bach in music history class, I thought I would flashback to college when I had the opportunity to visit Eisenach, Germany, the birthplace of J.S. Bach. And who better to visit this historic place than my two fellow music nerds...I mean music majors, Amy and A-dub!

Flashback Friday

In an effort to blog more throughout the semester I've decided to blog on Fridays with the theme of flashing back. During the semester I'm typically stressed out and very overwhelmed so I've chosen this theme to remind myself of great things and events in my past that brought me to where I am today. Enjoy!


One of the simpler joys in my life. Even as a kid I used to just circle the room doing summer saults over and over. This may explain a few things..

Enjoy your holiday weekend! I'll spend mine in class (yep, on a Saturday), working, and doing homework! I'm going to attempt a date with Austin somewhere in there!

For my Friend...

If I hadn't taken that math CLEP test so many years ago (10 1/2 to be exact), I might not have ever met Amanda. I still had to take the college Algebra class because I didn't pass said CLEP test (Amanda probably passed her test), but I gained what would become one of the most important relationships in my life. Amanda has been such a blessing in my life and now her husband and two beautiful little boys continue to bless my life as well!

Here are the top 10 things I love about you!!

1. I love that we communicate almost daily
2. The accountability partner you have become in my life.
3. Your gift of encouragement, God has truly blessed you with such a gift.
4. When we see each other twice a year, it's as if we've never been apart.
5. Your karate kicks
6. When one of us does something embarrassing, we immediately call the other so we can bring cheer to the other's day.
7. Brownies and movies
8. Gifts of Twilight calendars and cups
9. late night phone calls regarding paper and grading deadlines
10. Your fantastic ability to make me laugh!

I'm sure I could go on but I'll stop at 10!
Happy Birthday Amanda! I could not ask for a better friend! Here's to 10 years of friendship and many more adventures to come!


Amanda's college graduation in 2003



Not sure of the year but some time after college.


December, 2009 with A-dub (love both these girls with all my heart!)

Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold--
For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear,
And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer--
It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand,
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand--
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls or riches, but the love a real true friends.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Amaryllis Blooms

So I think I'm going to have to keep an amaryllis in my apartment at all times! It grows so fast and is so beautiful!

My Amaryllis

Here is my amaryllis five weeks after planting it! I had to tie a ribbon around it because the leaves were too tall and falling down. I am really enjoying watching it grow.

Christmas in Oklahoma

I headed East to see my family this Christmas. It's always a really special time to catch up with family and see some best friends. This year was especially wonderful because I got to meet Liam Benjamin Nichols, the newest addition to my best friend's family. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures but I'll leave you with a few of my favorites!





I flew into Amarillo and then headed toward Guyman to spend time with my parents and visit my Grandpa in Colorado.


Amanda had this little guy on Monday, December 28. Liam Benjamin Nichols. I'm such a proud Aunt!!


Liam with both his Aunt Aprils.


Playing with Casen at the hospital.





I always hate leaving Oklahoma. But here I am back in Tucson, preparing for another semester. I just pray the next two years go very quickly so I can leave the desert!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Austin and I took our first picture that was not taken by me holding the camera up to our faces so I just had to share. We spent a lovely evening with our friends Lisa and Dan hanging out and decorating Christmas cookies! It was a nice way to kick off the Christmas break.



The pig-like creature is a javelina (indiginous to this area). The really weird on on the top right is Austin's artwork. Mine are on the bottom. I'm especially proud of my Christmas tree with strung lights on it.



Tomorrow I leave to visit my family and to meet the newest addition to my dear friend Amanda's family! I CAN'T WAIT! Merry Christmas Everyone!