That's my boy

(warning, this is a little long)

Today Ali and I took Chase down to an audition to what we thought was going to be a respectable audition for a TV show. You may have heard about it on the radio. Ali and Brooke thought it would be great for Chase to audition since his true passion is acting and singing and he's such a natural. So Ali pretended to be me and called in and schedule a time for him. We were told to go down to the Hilton at 7:15 and that his time slot was 8:00. Ali even asked them if this was like John Robert Power's acting school and was told no. Wrong. It was an audition for two things. One was an audition in front of a talent scout for a new tv show. He's looking for one kid. They let 700 kids audition. The main one was ACT Talent School with a tuition of $9900/year. There was a lot of hype and excitement and music and the whole time I wanted to stand up and yell at Miss Hollywood and say, "You deceived all of us! Do any of us look like we can affort $9900 for our little children to go to your school?! I don't think so!" However, I didn't. Chase was so excited for his chance at stardom I couldn't possibly burst his bubble. Then the lady started in on how much work it is to be a child actor and they have to miss out on school and holidays and birthday parties and normal kid things. Chase didn't hear any of it. He was too excited and nervous. Finally the lady sat down and let the kids start to show their stuff.

When all is said and done, Chase was probably looked at for 5 seconds. The "interview" consisted of:

Typical LA guy (we'll call him Him): What's your name?
Chase: Chase Evenson
Him: How old are you?
Chase: 11 years old
Him: On a scale of 1-10 how much do you want to act?
Chase: 10 for sure
Him: Have you ever thought of modeling because you have a great look.
Chase: No. Just acting
Him: (to me as he points to the tuition page ranging from $2000 to $10000) Mom, are you willing to spend this kind of money to help your son fulfill his dream? ( I wanted to smack the imbecile)
Me: Um what?
Him: Do you see any prices here that you could affort for tuition?
Me: Oh, yes. i can afford this one (point at $2000)
Him: Great. and are you willing to spend the time to help your son fulfill his dream?
Me: Of course (dough head as my mom used to say to stupid people)

Then Chase had to read a two liner pop tarts reading in front of the manager guy who looked like he really could care less about being there. Then we were done.

On the way home Chase said, "Mom if I feel great about how I did tonight, then why do I have such a horrible feeling in my stomach?" I said, "that's the spirit telling you that what you just tried out for isn't right". We went on to have a long discussion about the things in our lives that we think are going to be amazing experiences and when it comes down to the actual experience, it may not be everything that we wanted it to be because Heavenly Father has different plans for us. Tomorrow morning I am supposed to call the place and find out if he made it for callbacks to their school. (Of course he did.) Chase told me that if he did make it, to tell them no. It's not the right thing for him becuase he still wants to serve a mission and stay with his family on Christmas.

That's my boy.

MEMORIES

So, I am a CRAZY sentimental freak-- I saw this on Mandy Woodhouse's blog and decided totally copy her. What a cute idea! I'm very curious to hear some of your favorite memories-- here's what you do:Here are the directions:1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments (or I'll email it to you)

Pee Wee Herman

This post has nothing to do with Pee Wee Herman other than the fact that as I am typing this post, I am listening to Rick do a Pee Wee Herman imitation. It's entertaining.

The past week has been very busy. Last Friday I took the kids to the zoo - Ali, Tyler, Brooke, Chase, Marcela & Aron. My advice to you is don't go in the middle of the day. Not only is it extremely hot but the animals are also hot and sleepy. So, we saw either a lot of sleeping animals or what appeared to be empty cages because they were hiding in the shade. My thought on the zoo is have you ever thought about what a strange animal a giraffe is?

Tyler, Brooke, Chase, Ali, Aron, Marcela

Then on Saturday, we continued our 9 year tradition at attended the Draper Days Parade and the Rodeo that night. This has been one of my favorite things about living in Draper. Especially now that I don't have anything to do with the pageant or float. I love hanging out with our circle friends and the kids and just enjoying everything about the day. Everyone drives around on their four-wheelers or scooters. I have no idea where the police go for the day because it seems that there are none to be found.

The kids anxiously awaiting the candy. Forget about the floats and marching bands!

Finally, yesterday was a sad day. We had to say goodbye to our cute little Marcela and Aron. We absolutely loved these children. Aron reminded me what it's like to have a 3 year old living in the house. It will take me awhile to clean all of the finger prints off the walls, counters, windows, floors, bedding, toilet - you get the point. And Marcela was the sweetest little girl who just loved to give hugs - on her terms. I wish we could see where they will be in 10 years. Would be interesting. But they are the reason why we do shelter care.

Marcela (Aron is throwing one of his silent fits - so funny)
Aron

Catchin' up again

THE BIG 40

My birthday present from Rick for my 29th, I mean 40th, birthday! Yes, I turned 40 this year but riding my scooter I feel like a kid again. I love my scooter!!!! Plus I am being economically frugal and smart. (Yes, Dad, I do wear my helmet most everywhere) My favorite outing was when I went over the mountain by way of Suncrest and visited Debbie and Jill in Lehi.

THE BIG DUKE

Duke Evenson of Draper. 9 1/2 years old, 120 pounds, probably 6 ft tall if he was a person walking around on his back legs. He's only eaten a couple of leashes, pulled out some of the neighbors trees and don't leave your shoes in our yard because they will become his chew toys. We feel bad that he probably has never tasted any of the steak we have given him because he eats it all whole. Rick decided that it was time for his annual bath in the kiddie pool. As you can see, Duke is very happy about this. Actually what he's thinking is, "Mom, please put the camera away. Can't you let a dog have his dignity and privacy while he's bathing?"

4th of July in Snowbird
We love these children!!! Almost three weeks ago Marcella (6) and Aron (3) came to stay with us, thus the reason for the blog title sixormore. They are the sweetest children and we have all fallen in love with them. They LOVE hugging us. And Aron is probably the most accident prone child I have ever seen. They are supposed to come to be safe at our house and we have already had to take him to the emergency room to get four stitches in his lip from a little scooter mishap. (No, we were not letting him ride on it) We've decided there is so much to learn from a little three year old foster boy, like how important it is to give as many hugs and kisses as you can in one day and how important that makes people feel. However, there are some Spanish swear words that he is also trying to teach us which is not so good.

This is after Aron was running down a hill at Snowbird and we kept yelling "slow down Aron! You're going to fall!" Sure enough . . . It's one of the funniest things to watch his little legs going faster and faster than his upper body. . . then down he goes.

This video was one of 10 videos of Chase riding the bull. The guy operating the bull started him out slow, real slow, thinking "this kid is going to be easy to knock off." Then after about 2 minutes, he sped it up, still couldn't get him off. Finally this video was after about three and a half minutes of Chase showing his cowboy roots. Maybe there's a future in this for him. On second thought, I hope not.

DAVID ARCHULETTA AT THE AMERICAN IDOL CONCERT

PROPS TO RICK!!!!

Gotta Love Rick and thanks to Craig Martin! Because of Rick and his friend Craig, we were able to go to the American Idol Tour concert Tuesday night. The whole experience was so fun all the way from the inviting of people, my favorite being Chase's friend, Kaitlyn Neff, to hearing the girls' ear piercing screams when David Archuletta come out. They say that he had to use two ear buds because he couldn't hear himself over all of the screaming. I love going to concerts!

ALI AND REBECCA

DAN AND RICK (I know, Rick looks a little odd here but that is Rootbeer only!!!)

Debbie was a little star struck all night long.

BROOKE AND SUMMER

CHASE AND KAITLYN (SHE NEARLY BLEW MY EARDRUM WHEN I TOLD HER SHE WAS GOING WITH US) ((THEY ARE ONLY A YEAR APART)) (((JUST WAIT TILL CHASE STARTS TO GROW!)))

DEBBIE (ON HER ANNIVERSARY NIGHT, THANKS MATT!), JILL, ME, MARTY

TY AND BAILEY

DAN, HEATHER AND DANE EVANS

I thought this was hilarious. Summer was taking a picture of David on her phone through the binoculars.

RICK AND ME

BY THE END OF THE NIGHT, SOME JUST COULDN'T KEEP UP WITH OTHERS.
WHAT A FUN NIGHT!!!

Lame Blogger

I know. i am a horrible blogger. I intend to take the time to post but time just slips away from me. So I can't sleep because my mind is running a million miles an hour right now. We've been preparing for Nick's (my nephew) wedding lunch which will be held at our house tomorrow. Everything's ready. The yard. The house. It all looks great for Nick. So. . . Congratulations to Nick and Kylie. Welcome to the family Kylie. It gets a little crazy sometimes but what a great family it is.

******

The other thing on my mind at 11:43 pm is that Ali turned 20 yesterday! I remember when she was born and I turned 20 and I remember thinking, "Wow, when this little baby turns 20, I'll be 40. Holy cow that is so old!" Well, it isn't old. You're only as old as you feel. I still feel 20. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALI! So a shout out to Ali. She's amazing. Really. A true professional photographer. A great sister, friend, daughter. She's got great common sense and can do a mean shimmie. . . but don't ask her because she won't do it unless she's in a really weird mood. She has her own style which is often mimmicked. She finds the best music and shares with her mom and Aunts. She always trys to find the best in people. And she is missing her missionary but she'll accomplish much in the next two years. She's definately one of a kind.

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This picture is of us miniature golfing on Rick's 43rd birthday a couple of Saturdays ago. We had a smiliar picture taken about 9 years ago. I'll try and scan it in later. (I know, you're thinking it'll be another month before that happens).Birthday dinner at Chili's. Don't the three of them look alike?
I'm also thinking about Ali, Jill and my trip to Greece and Italy. It was absolutely incredible. We had such a great time and I need to take Rick to Italy. Italy was my favorite place to visit. I loved everything about it, the crepes, the ravioli, the shopping, the architecture the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the huge rain storm, the bus system. The list goes on and on.

Jill got in trouble for sitting on these stairs. They blew their whistle at here. She wasn't too scared though. She's such a rebel. (That's her hard core "Hard Rock Cafe - Athens" t-shirt she has on. It enabled her to have attitude)

The other day Rick brought home a box. it looked innocent enough. This would be a great experiment on human curiousity. As soon as you slide the top door open, a mouse pops up. This was Tyler trying to be cool after getting freaked out. I am sure he would never admit that he was scared. (he just read this post and said, "I was not scared") Here's the proof. . .

GOOD NIGHT. I'll try and do better.- Lisa

Thoughts from Chase

Well, first I like to sing . . . a lot. And my mom told me about Dean Kaelin who is David Archuleta's singing coach. And so we called him and signed me up for singing lessons. I went to my first lesson yesterday. He told me lots of things and how to sing. He also said that if I practice every single day, he might take me on as a student for real. So, I've practiced every day . . . well so far since yesterday. Well, got to go, I haven't practiced yet. Better go do that. if you are someone who likes to sing like me, there's only one thing I can tell you. Practice Practice Practice. and ps. don't move your head up and down with the notes. - Chase

19 days till Greece and other random thoughts

Jill (my cute sister-in-law, not that they aren't all cute but she's one of the cute ones, well, they are all cute, anyway) and I are 19 days and counting till we head off to Denver (again) and take off to Greece! So excited! Ali said the other day that she'll be able to experience Greece two different ways, one as a local and the other as a tourist with her mom. I think she'll like the tourist part quite a bit. I guarantee it'll be a party.
Tonight I went to a baby shower for a friend of mine who is just a little younger than me and is having a girl soon. Why on earth didn't they have the cute things she received when i was having my babies?! Now it just leaves me baby hungry. Okay, it's gone.
We get to have my nephew's wedding luncheon here at our house in June. We definately have some work to do to get ready for that. Nothing like a deadline to kick you into gear! Anything for Nick.
Thought for the night: For a brief moment of entertainment, watch your 17 year old son listen to David Archuleta sing a Dan Fogelberg song. Now that's entertaining! I didn't think he could be in such pain. David did great but why would they have a 17 year old sing a Dan Fogelberg song?
Boring post but so am I right now.

Thinking about Ali in a better way

Just a quick update on the Greek Traveler. She is doing great!!! We found an amazing couple that took her in and have loved her like their own granddaughter. We are so grateful for amazing people like them. Ali definately must be living right to have received the blessings that she did last week. Check out her near-daily updates on her blog at www.alievenson.blogspot.com. It's quite entertaining to say the least! She's having a great time and the pictures definately prove it. Thanks for all of your prayers in her behalf!

David Archuleta Day

IT'S DAVID ARCHULETA DAY FOR

BROOKE AND CHASE AND FRIENDS!

They were give VIP passes by our friend at Fox 13 so we woke up at 5:00 Friday morning, got ready and were on our way to see American Idol Contestant David Archuleta up close.

The kids were just a little excited. See the smile on Brooke's face? Does anyone else notice that Chase is the only guy? He knows where it's at.

The excitement increases as David's limo arrives.

It was pretty tough to get a decent picture of him because of all of the people that were pushing and shoving just to see the boy. Brooke being the pushiest of all. . . jk

We're not sure but we think that he was singing just for Brooke.

This was when Dan, Keri and David were looking at Chase asking David a question, "What is your favorite thing that Paula has said to you?" (interesting question). Keri answered for David who seemed a little stumped by the question, "My favorite thing was when she said that she wanted to squish David so tight that his head would pop off and she would dangle it from her review mirror." Okay, that's weird Paula!

And then he was gone. All in all, it was a fun experience for them. It gave Chase the bug for singing even more than he had. So, he had a singing lesson today with Dean Kaelin, David's voice coach. Dean really knows his stuff. In just a half an hour, Chase had already improved on his talent. It was a lot of fun to watch the change.

THINKING ABOUT ALI

I'm not sure that I know anyone more crazy or brave then Al. Fortunately she made it to Greece safe. However, that was not the end of our worries. Oh no. What we didn't know was that was only the beginning. When I spoke with the host mom I thought, "what a sweet lady! I'm so glad she's taking an interest in Ali and will take such good care of her." Hmm. Not quite what we thought. Maybe things will get better. I think that the experience is not turning out quite like she thought it would. However, as always, every experience can be for our good, even if it appears to be the opposite. The good in Ali's situation is that she is certainly learning to lean on Heavenly Father and will need to dig deep to feel him in her life right now. She is also being faced with the opportunities to stand up for what she believes in. I think that if she can stick with this experience, she will have grown up more in the next month than she has in the past 19 years. In the meantime, pray for Al. -- Lisa