Random Memories

• I loved how we could go up towards the mesa at night and look back over the city and how it was so beautiful and sparkly.
• Going up the tram as a family and how our hair would stand on end at the top because of all the static electricity
• Walking to and from church
• Our house getting built
• Doing my laurel project (renaissance fair) in the church parking lot
• Learning to drive and going for long drives to nowhere and turning around just to get my ridiculous amount of hours in
• Being in the ward choir, even when I was only 11. Scott Jorgenson was the choir director and he had an incredible amount of patience with me. As did everyone else in the choir and those who had to hear me! Linked to this memory was when our ward choir was invited to sing at the dedication of the Mormon Battalion Monument (which was by the side of the freeway out in the middle of nowhere). Scott got so into directing the song that he ended up throwing his baton over his shoulder into the audience, but he didn't even miss a beat and went on conducting as if nothing had happened. Now this memory is extra special since I served at the Mormon Battalion Visitor Center in San Diego and learned more of their sacrifices and examples.

Albuquerque Temple

Helping clean out the lot before the ground breaking. Chris had a picture in the New Era and I had a quote in it (although the way they quoted me made me sound like a ditz…)
The ground breaking—was on Lesley’s birthday
The open house—we went on Mommy’s birthday
The dedication—was the day after Papa’s birthday
I also remember several youth baptism trips I was able to participate in before we moved to the Philippines. One in particular was a daddy/daughter temple trip and I remember taking pictures with Papa outside the temple. :)

Temple trips

Although not directly an Albuquerque memory, I remember traveling to the Mesa, AZ temple before Albuquerque had a temple. (the first year we did this over spring break and I was not yet 12. So Jacob Sowards and I were in charge of watching the kids. Jacob ended up playing with Lesley’s baby doll and I ended up playing with Jacobs crutches. Jacob seemed to always have some sort of broken bone.)

Nebekers visit Albuquerque

When the Nebekers came with their cousins and Antinaus. Our backyard wasn’t finished yet and Antinaus walked around on his hands near the hole we had dug for the trampoline to go into.
I also remember taking them all up to the petroglyph park and feeling like an expert as we gave them the tour. :) I think there was also a camcorder involved, which probably explains our performing for them.

Festival of Trees

In Bernillo there was a festival of trees every year. Church members would decorate a tree and then the trees would be donated to people in the community in need. Mom was always super creative with the trees that she donated. One year was a Noah’s Ark theme with Beanie Babies as the animals. Another year was a race car tree with a ribbon road and lots of matchbox racecars. It was always so fun to help mom decorate the trees and then to see the nativity displays afterward.

12 Days of Christmas

Every year we would choose one family that was in need and usually a family that we were friends with to give the 12 days of Christmas to. We give them something to represent each of the 12 days of Christmas. It was always so fun to sneak around trying not to be caught. :) As we got older our tactics got more complicated, but the fun was always there and feeling like we were helping someone made it so worthwhile!

New Years

Instead of doing Christmas presents for friends (too expensive and who needs more sweets really…) we would always do New Years Party bags for friends. The contents usually include a bottle of sparkling cider (aka: bubbly), Wheat Thins, cheese, blowers, hats and confetti. It was always fun to see people’s reactions and since Lesley and I were usually the deliver-ers we would always dress up to celebrate, which added some fun to the tradition. :)

Chinese New Year

Oh how I loved the parties! Chinese New Year was a favorite because it was one that very few other people celebrated. We would have several families come over and we would chow down on lots of great Asian inspired food and end the night with a white elephant gift exchange. Somehow a can of sardines usually got in the mix and Papa would always fight for them! Oh Papa! :) But there was always many laughs to be had and great friendships to be strengthened.

My first date

My very first date took place in Albuquerque. Although I had lots of crushes in high school, I was never really interested in one particular guy. So after waiting 8 months for a boy to ask me on a date, I finally got tired of waiting and asked a boy out. His name was Matt Jones and he was a good friend of mine. He, Jacob Sowards and I would hang out a lot at school. We were nerds, but we had fun together. So I asked him to go to Winter Ball with me. I borrowed a friends dress and we went on a group date with Janalee Payne and her date and Chelsea Henrie and her date. I don’t remember much of what we did, but I do remember that he was a perfect gentleman and we had so much fun! I also remember that Jason and Adam were on their missions when the date occurred so Jason couldn’t make good on a lifetime of teasing me about threatening any dates that came for me.

Piano lessons

In Albuquerque I finally learned how to play the piano. I had been playing from several “teach yourself piano” books for quite some time and had done rather well, considering. Eventually I took lessons in high school and Chris and Lesley also ended up taking lessons. :) I know I wasn't always enthusiastic about practicing, but I am so grateful that I have the talent of piano now. :)