February 26, 2013

Quick Favor to Ask....

Kenzie's dream is to be a Musician
... (aka: singer, rock star, etc)

After Alta Idol, I have been told by MANY people that Kenz needs to have a YouTube acct/channel with lots of followers/subscribers.  

I am new to all of this (& am probably even using all the wrong terms) but she (we) would Love it 
if you would check her out on YouTube & subscribe or follow her (however you say it).  
Even leave her a comment or "Like" her songs, etc.  We would really appreciate it. 

click HERE to go to her acct.

Last night she was bored watching to Jazz game so I told her to go record something.  
She decided to quickly to the "Cup" song from Pitch Perfect 
(great movie if you like music and need a laugh).  

February 22, 2013

Alta Idol ~ What a Night!!

What a night!!!
After auditioning, last week, for her high school's Alta Idol, she made it to the Top 13.

Wednesday proved to be a day for nerves, meltdowns, pep talks, & Kleenex.  Kenz caught a cold.  Her voice was going & she didn't feel good.  She stayed home from school & we chatted  ~ reminding her that "Winning isn't everything." We were already very proud of her!!!
She told us that she "probably wouldn't make it to the final round" & if she DID ...because she is "only a sophomore & no one knows her, there is NO WAY she could win".  
We again told her "winning isn't everything."

Thursday was THE NIGHT!
Her Fan Club (aka family) arrived just before 7 pm, ready to CHEER Kenz on!!
(I know I say this a lot - my family is THE best! 
Everyone that COULD be there  - was.  Manda was on Facetime with us but we lost connection for Kenz's performance.  But even with the timezone difference she was texting well wishes & anxiously waiting for results.   My family is ALWAYS there to support each other & is sincerely happy to be there.  They really are THE BEST!)

It was our understanding that: 
~ all 13 would sing. 
~ Judges would eliminate half.  
~ The remaining would sing.  
~ The audience would vote as they left.  
~The winner would be announced on Friday morning...

We were WRONG!

They introduced the JUDGES:
Steve Simons 
~ former Alta Choir Director & member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Aleksndr Arteaga
~ Theatrical performer

~ American Idol Season 11 Semi-Finalist 

1st Round

She decided to sing: 
Oh Darling (Beatles)

The Judges commented on her performance.

The judges scores were tallied & the3 finalist were announced:

WE WERE SHOCKED!!  
All I could hear was "I probably wouldn't make it to the final round" & if I did, "I'm not popular enough to win"...
  
Mackenzie Tolk has a beautiful voice, comes from a musical family,  & is a senior.
Kynlie Godfrey is a popular girl with a great voice & I'm told "everyone loves her".

Kenzie had to sing FIRST.

FINAL ROUND:
She debated singing a medley of Ed Sheeran songs (different then the one she has on youtube) or Bon Iver's "I Can't Make You Love Me."   I LOVED the Ed Sheeran medley & thought, if it was being judged by her classmates, that was the way to go but it was her decision & BOTH were awesome!!
 

After the other girls sang, they told us we had "FIVE MINUTES to text in our votes!!"
IDOL1 for Kenzie Hall
IDOL2 for Mackenzie Told
IDOL3 for Kynlie Godfrey.
Then they announced the WINNER!! 
(Remember there is "NO WAY she could win!")
(Yes I hit the power off button on accident after they announced her name... duh!!!!)

We were SO Proud of our Kenz!!!
She was congratulated by many friends & family ...
... Kyle Khou wanted to talk to her to congratulate her & share some advice.  

She is SO TALENTED & SO BEAUTIFUL!!  
WHAT A NIGHT!!
Plus they say she gets $50 from Alta High School for winning ... That might just buy her a tank of gas that her dad brought home an hour before she had to leave... ;)

February 20, 2013

Hayden's a Cub Scout

Hayden was awarded his Bobcat at his first Pack Meeting last night.

Click on the picture of Hayden to read all about it. :)

Click HERE to see HIS blog...
If you want to leave him a comment... please do.  He checks all the time... :(


February 18, 2013

Crossing our Fingers!

Last week Kenz auditioned for 
"Alta Idol" 
(similar to American Idol but not as intense - obviously...)
She auditioned with the song "I Can't Make You Love Me" 
(Bonnie Raitt-originally & Bon Iver-more recent)

187 people tried out.
They chose 6 girls and 6 boys.

Kenz is one of the 6 girls!!!!
We are SO EXCITED and SO PROUD of her!
The show is: Thursday night at 7 pm at Alta Hight School. 

You are ALL welcome to come and cheer her on.
Please Come!!!

My understanding is: 
she has to have 2 songs prepared.

They'll sing one song and the judges will make the first elimination.
Those who make it to the final round will sing their other song.
The judges vote and we think all in attendance will cast their vote as they're leaving.
They will announce the winner on Friday during school.

Now she is trying to decide what 2 songs to sing...
Beatles "Oh Darling"?

Bon Iver "I Can't Make you Love Me" again?

My favorite Hunter Hayes "Wanted"?

John Mayer's "Daughters?

Or maybe an Ed Sheeran Medley?  
We are crossing our fingers... but really - it doesn't matter.  
We are so proud of her already!!


February 16, 2013

She sure looks Cute in it

February 8th
I took Kenz & her cute friend Audrey to the DMV to get her 
ACTUAL DRIVER'S LICENSE!!
Hayden and Mackay waited in the car... 
until they got sick of being out there for an HOUR!!!!
It took forever for them to finally call her number!
 But they finally did ...
 and she walked out a happy new & legal driver!!
 Then ... because she has the best dad in the entire world... 
she spent the entire weekend with Aaron searching for just the right car.

This Thursday she will get to pick up our "FAMILY" car... (aka Kenz's car)
2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS
She sure looks cute in it!

February 15, 2013

Steph & Mazie Come to Visit

While Adam was away (in Nigeria) the girls will play!!
Stephanie and Mazie came to visit!!
This little Mazie girl is THE cutest little thing!
 Kamryn made her the little yellow and grey hat.  Very cute!
 


 


 
Oh how I wish she lived CLOSER!!  



February 14, 2013

Valentines Festivities!

Kenzie asked Brennen Brumm to "Sweethearts", Alta's Valentines Dance.

He answered her with a YES!

February 9th
After going to Classic Skating all day, the finally got dressed up and headed to the dance.
She looked beautiful. 

They looked darling.




February 10th
We had our "Special Valentines Dinner" on Sunday 
(since Valentines Day fell on a Thursday - date night)
Hayden chose the menu - stuffed pasta shells, garlic bread, & salad.

 



 Valentine's Day Boxes 
(aka Mom Homework... grrrrr.....)


Aaron gave me beautiful red and white roses with a sweet card... 
and I scattered funny pick-up lines all over the house... 
We went to a movie for date night and since we are old lovebirds we enjoyed 
watching/giggling at younger lovebirds do their best to impress.  
Dating is such a strange thing... 
Happy Valentines Day!!