JHS Choir records at Studio C (BYU)

I took the JHS choir up to BYU’s recording studio to record a couple of songs for a future PBS broadcast.  I got to go in and watch the whole process and it really was an amazing experience.  They recorded in the same studio that Studio C is recorded in.  They were one of 13 choirs across the state invited to perform for this “Celebrating America” broadcast.  Of those 13 choirs, only three were invited to perform a second number.   Mrs. Esplin always picks songs that carry a powerful message musically and lyrically. The program airs on March 11 at 7:00 p.m. mountain standard time and again on March 19 at 5:30 p.m.  It will also feature Gentri,  Alex Boye, and Dallyn Vail Bayles.  

 This is the group warming up in the rehearsal hall.

 Emma Brooks was one of the soloists.

The choir couldn't function without Margret Thomson.

 This is Mrs. Esplin recording the intro.

 A quick picture of the group and....

 We are rolling! 

 The group recorded their first song three times.  They nailed it the 3rd time!

 And we are rolling on the second song.

 Can you find two kids from Levan?

This song was about Noah and the rain! 
The song concludes: The next time by FIRE!

LEVAN HOMESTEAD NEWS---JANUARY 2016 Edition

We have had an old-fashioned January complete with beautiful snow storms, a temporary thaw, and sub-zero nights that left everything dressed in lacey frost.  We have also become the home of the two most amazing snow horses ever.  Sometimes I think the UPS man makes an extra trip down the lane just to check them out one more time. In some ways it has been a very long month, marked by ups and downs that can only be described as an emotional roller coaster, but there have been a wonderful events and days and that is where we will focus. 

January 1^st we had the Kenison Christmas. Uncle Dale’s family was in charge. It was well attended and it felt so good to be together. We were so grateful to have Colton and Malea here and we missed the Wilkins a lot!  Grandma Anna was still in the hospital, but it wasn’t too many days before she was home.  Dad has had the privilege of spending a couple of days and nights each week with her. I think they both look forward to that time and realize what a priceless thing it is. Grandma has graduated from all home health care and physical therapy and Dad finished up his physical therapy this month, too.  We were so sad when Colton and Malea went home.  They have been invaluable in helping the dust settle on Bethany’s recent move home and in making sure there was something fun going on every day. Since then Katie has been the chairman of our support group and sunshine committee and she has done very well.

A main highlight of the month was being able to attend the Provo City Center Temple Open House with Neldon as the guide.  There was a BIG crowd that day, so it didn’t go exactly as he planned, but we were deeply moved by the Spirit and beauty of that place.  We stopped in Springville for Kaleb’s 5^th birthday party on the way home.  I’ve had a couple of other wonderful temple trips this month. I was at the Jordan River Temple during a bus run and had a sacred experience that I will always remember because of the peace it brought.  We’ve made it a goal to get Bethany to the temple twice a month and we are happy to report that was done in January.

Dad and I had a couple of dates this month other than the temple.  We went to “The Nerd” at the Hale Theater and to the movie theater to see Star Wars VII.    I actually enjoyed the movie more than the play, except that we had an extra ticket to the play so Katie came along with us.

We had our Stake Conference this month. We had a rep from the Provo Mission Presidency, Elder and Sister Michael R. Jensen of the 70, and Brother and Sister Laker from the Payson Temple Presidency. It was a wonderful, Spirit filled conference both Saturday and Sunday. We came away with some great one-liners:

“Even if you are on the right track, if you just sit there you’ll get run over.” Will Rogers

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Vince Lombarde

“Forgiveness is the ultimate form of Love.”

“We must KNOW Him to follow Him.”

“We need daily spiritual experiences to sustain us through hard times.”

“We should go to the temple asking questions about what questions we should be asking.”

“We can’t emulate the Savior’s mission, but we can emulate His ministry.”

“As we serve in the Church, the Savior can share glimpses of the love He has for those we serve.”

“There is no one we can’t love if we understand their story.”

A highlight of my job this month was the JHS choir trip to record a couple of numbers for PBS at the BYU recording studio. The program airs on March 11 at 7:00 p.m. mountain standard time and again on March 19 at 5:30 p.m.  It will also feature Gentri, Alex Boye, and Dallyn Vail Bayles.   You can bet we will be watching it. I also enjoyed watching the JHS Drill Team compete at region. They took 2^nd overall because of a penalty on their first number, but I can tell you they emit tangible energy and know what excellence looks like.  McKall Kenison was one of the All State Academic recipients of the group.  Hope all is well with each of you.  We love you! Dad and Mom

Sister Kenison: See andreaapril.blogspot.com