March and April

March and April are kind of a blur. Time has gotten away from me since the great sickness of February 2026. 

There was the March snow storm. We actually hired someone to plow our driveway. 

I enjoyed watching our new tree come back to life. 

Love the little white flowers:

I googled trimming the hedges. Google said I should do it early spring. Turns out you can't always trust google. I will go back to my trimming late fall. However, here's my early spring trim. 

Backyard view: 

I thought I was going to buy myself some books. I tried and my order was canceled. I tried again and they came. 

However..... I eventually sent them back, and I have sense denied myself the privilege of owning these books. I'll have to depend on the library. 

Rebekah went all out on some expensive fancy nails. Although Rebekah assured me they would be the regular price, they were way more than either of us were expecting but that's how one learns. However, they were really cool. 

Our biweekly pickle order for Don. 

March cleaning was Rebekah's room. We even got it painted in the hopes that a full makeover would help one keep it clean.  

Before

After

I tried to make mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins for a ward breakfast. They kind of exploded. 

But they were all gone, so it seems it did not change the taste. 

I heard the robot vacuum on. Thought Don was helping me out with the cleaning. Turns out he just didn't want to change the tablecloth so he let the vacuum take over. 

Rebekah found a new place to chill. 

And she also found a new way to eat a frosty. Just add root beer. 

I recently discovered that if I bring chocolate with me to pick up Rebekah, the drive home is much more pleasant. I assume this could possibly be a bribe, but it may also be me realizing her sugar levels are low and she could use a pick me up before dinner. 

Rebekah's school's Jazz band played at the local assisted living facility. Don's aunt is there so her son and mom were able to come over so they could all watch. She took the following picture. 

Wright Brothers Weekend

As part of our Forced Family Fun, Don took us to the local Wilbur Wright Birthplace museum.  It's not very well taken care of but still had some moments. 

The outside plane was more of a WWII thing, but it wouldn't have been possible without the Wright brothers. 

We walked through the house which really needed some loving care. Then we went through the museum. It had some good moments. I may have forced the following pictures: 

Spring Concert

It seems like Marching Band just ended and yet here we are again lookin at the next season. 

Right after the kick off, the advanced bands had their concert. I, of course, took lots of pictures. I also took audios of the concert, but if you're patient, you can look at her ISSMA performance and hear the songs there. Actually, I think I may have already published that post. I'm SO out of order. In my defence, it's been a rough start to the year. But I digress. 

Spring concert pictures: 

You can almost see her face behind the stand. Third horn in. 

Mr. Newman making sure they are in tune. 

Better pictures of her. 

Madison County Honor Band

Rebekah was able to participate in Madison County Honors Band again this year. I believe, and yes I know I'm bias, she's at a higher level then most of these kids. I think she felt she had to slow down for them to catch up. So, although it was an honor for her to be chosen to participate, it was still somewhat frustrating. However, I give you a few pictures and the audio of her songs. 

National Anthem

Drive

Red Balloon

Dominion

There was another song, but for some reason it won't play back or allow me to do anything with it. Ah well. If I can get Don to look into it, you may see it (or rather hear it) later. 

The group of students who went from her school. 

Conference Weekend

We are still doing Forced Family Fun. This week was Don's to choose. We went out to a pizza place and then went to mom's friend Frank's so Rebekah could drive the golf cart. 

Here she is taking grammy for a ride. 

Afterwards she took her dad for a drive. 

After that she drove Frank's lawnmower a bit. 

And since she was driving everything else.... 

The next day I made the traditional conference sweet rolls. 

ISSMA Honor Band

Her ISSMA performance for the Honor Band happened very late. I believe they started around 9 PM. Yes, I stayed awake for it out of great love for my daughter.  

The guy next to her is a good friend.  

And because I could, I kept taking pictures. 

Canterbury Tales

Rippling Watercolors

Officer of the Day March

Insert applause here. 

They were rated Gold with Distinction. 

Jazz ISSMA

Rebekah's Jazz Band had their ISSMA adjudication. I was very happy to be able to come to this year's performance. We even got good seats. 

Rebekah walking in. She looks very deep in consentration. 

Getting set up.

Think she's giving me the look.... 

Without further commentary, the performances: 

Swingology

Last Night of Summer

Hey Elephant

They were rated Gold. Rebekah received an award for her solo in Last Night of Summer.