What Was Going on a Month Ago

So it's been forever--over a month since I posted. Sorry. It's been a bit crazy around our house. The last time I posted, Jumble and Niles were headed to Indianapolis, Indiana for Bands of America Grand Nationals. They had a great experience there and we are so glad they were able to go. They did a couple of features to highlight our band and tell the incredible story of their season and how they ended up at Grand Nationals, which was cool. We were disappointed, but not really surprised, that they just missed making finals again. They placed 15th in the nation, made semi-finals (again), and won the Al Castronovo Memorial Esprit de Corps Award. (As it says in the program: "This special award is presented to the band which, throughout their Grand National participation, best exhibits the pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of our nation's high school marching band members. This award is presented in memory of Al Castronovo, who exemplified the ideals throughout his teaching career that Music for All strives to uphold.")

Jumble and Niles both report that their semi-finals performance was like no other. They say they can't even describe the feeling that was there as they performed. It was a very emotional experience for all of them. Since their return home, Mr. Miller (band director) has been flooded with e-mails from people who were there and who were very moved by their performance. So they feel like they did what they went to do. I'm grateful that they had the opportunity to thank so many people, to honor our veterans, and to share their story and the legacy that Heather has left them, with so many people. I think it was very healing for all of them. Here's a few photos that Niles took in Indy:

Niles and Jumble--and Jumble is actually smiling!!


Getting ready to perform--believe it or not--it was in the 70-80's in Indianapolis in mid-November. It was warmer there than it was at home here in Utah! So they really enjoyed the pleasant temperatures while they were there.

At the semi-finals awards ceremony--our band drum majors are all in white in the center of the line.

Minnie helping to decorate Jumble's room to welcome her back home.

Atom and Jet helped, too. This is Atom writing his name on a balloon.

Since marching band season has ended, life has been particularly hard for Jumble. She has really been struggling and we have all been suffering along with her. But things are starting to get better now, and we are confident that we are all going to come through this experience stronger, better, and more compassionate people. We are grateful every day that we still have our sweet daughter with us. We know that the bus accident was an experience that she was meant to have and is part of the plan that a loving Heavenly Father has for her (and for us) to teach her things that she could not learn in any other way. We will always look back on this season of our lives as a time of trial mixed with many, many, incredible blessings.