Seamons' Basketball Court

It has been a huge and expensive project that has taken several weeks but we officially now have a Seamons' basketball court in our yard! Here's the process we went through.

We debated for several weeks over where to put it. We measured, marked it with flags and moved them all a couple of times before we made a final decision.

While we got it excavated and leveled, we also brought in 6 truckloads of dirt to even out our backyard a bit.

Then it was time to find someone to do the concrete. We called several people and ended up going with the guys who did our basement floor. We were going to do a lot of the work ourselves and then have them just come back and pour the concrete. But we finally decided that it was too big of a project to experiment on so we let them do the whole thing. They first came and framed it up:

Next they brought in gravel for a base and leveled it out:

Here's a closeup of how they framed up the base for the hoop. We had a 4 foot hole to be filled with cement. 

Next they place Re-bar sheets all across the court.

Here's a closeup of the edge. We allowed for an extra 2 inches of concrete on all the edges.

Then came the Cement work.

First the poured the base for the basketball hoop. They stuck it 4 steel poles in the concrete and then placed a metal pad attached to 3 foot base screws onto the top. That hoop isn't going anywhere!!!

They worked in 4 separate sections. They would spray it down first and then pour in the cement. Then all the guys worked together to spread and smooth and level it out.
Corner 1:

Corner 2:

Corner 3:

Corner 4:

They came back later that day and used a machine (that little green thing on the left side of the court) to smooth out the top.

The next day they came and took off all the forms. Whoala! A Basketball court: {We still need to bring in a lot more dirt to slope up to the court but we shoveled a bunch of dirt up against it to cover the gravel areas after the form were off.} For now- it works!

The next week, Brian came and helped Brett & the kids put up the hoop.
{Side story about this hoop: About 12 years ago, Brett & Dixon found this killer deal on commercial grade hoops. It was "too good of a deal to pass up" so they both got one. We have lugged this HUGE, HEAVY bugger everywhere for the last 12 years and through 4 moves. The box has been falling apart the last couple years. I'm actually surprised that we still had all the pieces. But here it is and it's gorgeous!! Only problem is... that how the heck are we ever gonna find a matching one that we can afford for the other side???? LOL}

Justice and Brett figured out how to get the rim and net all hooked up. Then Brett made the final tweeks to the adjustment handle. It's pretty sweet!

We are pleasantly surprised but everyone LOVES it! They are out there all the time playing basketball games (like Lightning), roller blading, and riding their bikes. We're so excited! Good choice, Mom & Dad!!! Next up... Fort, Zipline or grass???? Decisions, decisions!

Decades Dance

Liberty went to her last dance at Montana City School tonight. It was a Decades Dance and she went in a Poodle Skirt.She's such a cute girl! She had a good time!

Here's her with some of her friends:

Broadway Spring Band Concert

Liberty & Justice had their final Band Concert for the Year tonight. It was a Broadway themed night.They did a fantastic job!!!

Liberty did a solo on the piano as prelude music before the concert. She chose to play "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. She has an amazing talent on the piano! She taught herself the song over the last several weeks. Awesome!

Here's the 6th Grade Band. Justice is on the middle of the back row playing the trumpet.

He also had a speaking part in which his acting skills were exemplary! ;)

Here's Liberty in the 8th Grade Band on the drums.

We had no idea that she was playing piano parts for a couple of the pieces. One talented girl!

Bittersweet that this is their last concert together at Montana City School. They are growing up way too fast!

Liberty's Locks of Love

For part of Liberty's young Woman's goals- she has been doing some research about Locks of Love.

What is Locks of Love?

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

Liberty made sure she met the guidelines for donating. She found several salons that supposedly participate in the program. We made phone calls to them all. We found out that some did not participate and other charge tons for a haircut. So Liberty decided that she just wanted Mom to cut it for her. We cut off 12 inches!!!!!! Then she packaged it like they instructed and sent it off. What a brave kid!

 Before:

After:

Donated Ponytail:

Victoria's Mentorship

In the Gifted & Talented Program this year, Victoria got to participate in a Mentorship. Each student in the class decided on something they wanted to learn about and did tons of research on it. Next, Mrs. Ferst helped set them up with a Mentor to actually experienced it. Then presented what they learned to their class.
Victoria learned about Oil Painting and then got to meet with Carolyn Caldwell to do a little oil painting herself.

It took some phone tag but we finally set up a time to meet with Vistoria's mentor in her studio downtown. Carolyn Caldwell (a local landscape artist) was very helpful and patient with Victoria. She set up an easel for her, and taught her some basics. Victoria was lucky because Grandpa Randy had sent her home last Summer with her own set of beginning oil paint supplies. We only had to grab a couple things and she was all set up to paint. She did a still life painting of a cube and learned how to mix paints.

Victoria's homework from Carolyn was to make color charts with the colors that she had in her paint stash. It took quite a while to get her motivated but she got them done. They take a lot of work and lots of white paint. But man! they are super cool looking!

Here's the Speech Victoria prepared to share at her class:

Hi I’m Victoria. I did my mentorship on oil painting with Carolyn Caldwell. She’s a local artist that does mostly landscapes and has a studio downtown. She was super nice an way patient with me.

Here’s what I learned: Oil painting is pretty complicated so please listen closely.

Oil Painting takes a lot of time, a lot of money, a lot of practice and a lot of equipment.

I’d like to show you some of the equipment you need to just get started in oil painting.

Here’s the EQUIPMENT you need

1.Easel –at eye level when standing up (lots of kinds- Caroyln’s costs about $160) It’s best to stay standing up and step away from your painting a lot for a different perspective

2.Canvas-to paint on (different sizes and thickness) Canvas paper stretched over a piece of wood. Pass around Canvas paper so they can feel what it feels like

3. Palette- For oil Painting it should be flat to mix your paints on

4. Paints- There are tons of colors. It’s good to get a starter pack with some basic colors and you always need lots of white!!

5. You for sure need a palette knife. It’s for mixing and scraping your colors on your pallete. (Show how to scrap)

6. Brushes. So many sizes and types. Hard & soft bristles. Flat & round ends. Just depends on what you want it to look like.

7. With oil painting, you need paint thinner. Preferably the odorless kind so it doesn’t give you a headache. It’s to mix into your paint to make it easier to spread and also is used to clean up the oil paints. Paint Thinner Tin- comes in handy. attaches to the side of the palette

8. Paper Towels- Way handy for oil painting. You’ll need a lot of them to make color charts! (I’ll tell you about those in a minute)

9. Paint Smock or apron to protect your clothing.

Next, you need a SUBJECT

!. Decide what to paint. Still life, landscape, animals, etc

2. Show Cube painting.

I painted this with Carolyn in her studio. (Pass around the photo) It’s a still life. She set up a background with some light and a paper cube for me to paint. We practiced perspective and drew the cube on my canvas with some brown paint. (Don’t use a pencil or pen to draw on the canvas) Then we mixed some black and white paint to get the right shades of grey for my painting.

Now, I’d like to talk to you about COLORS.

With just a few colors you can make any color you need.

Carolyn gave me homework to make my own color charts. (Show)

1. Start with one color. Mix white and make different shades.

2. Mix with another color. Then add white to get different shades.

3. Label everything so that you can make those colors again.

4. These charts help you when you are making paintings and need a specific color.

After all of that- I realized that Oil Painting is way more work than I wanted it to be! Luckily, my Grandpa came to visit for a few weeks. He is a great artist and oil painter. BUT- He brought up a different project for me to do with him. He showed me how to do Acrylic Painting. It can look a lot like oil painting but to me it’s way easier and takes a lot less time.

(Show Painting)- Explain blending on canvas. Drys faster. Less money. Easier to clean up.

In CONCLUSION-

I am really glad that Carolyn taught me about Oil Painting. It was fun to learn about it and I love having my color charts. But I also learned that I really like acrylic painting and hope to do more of that in the future!

Victoria also got to give her presentation to her own 3rd grade class. I got to go and see her present. Good job, Sis!

Mother's Day 2015

Yesterday was a rough Mother/Wife day. I was way irritated about lots of things. I spent the day cleaning the house (or task mastering everyone) so I could be able to relax and enjoy my Mother's day without having to stare at the disaster. Brett was gone fishing and then took a nap. {Which btw- he totally deserves but was ironic since I was doing all the bossing around and cleaning} The kids were happy but no one seemed to listen or care about anything I had to say. By the time I took off for a GNO with some girlfriends- I was twitching! I was pretty sure that my family was NOT excited to do any kind of "Mother" celebration today unless it involved selling me to the highest bidder.

BUT...
My family always seems to make Mother's Day extra special and today was no different! They are pretty awesome!
Before Church, they made me a special breakfast! And they gave me a gorgeous pendant necklace with all the kids birthstones to wear today.

Between the Scout Spaghetti Dinner/Auction, School and the gift we made in Primary-- I scored with flowers today!!

I got a full body massage and some awesome gifts.

Here's their "card" to me:

They think they are pretty funny but they bought me a "SPECIAL" dinner as well. YUCK!!!! They decided on all the things that I don't like and presented them to me first. LOL When I gagged a couple times they got a good laugh and then brought out the "real" Mother's Day dinner. Silly family! It was perfect!

They also made me a Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Delish!

What a great day that I probably didn't deserve. I have a very sweet, sweet family! Happy Mother's Day!

GNO & a BIG plate of French Fries

I got to get out for a bit with some of my good friends tonight. We went to the Age of Adaline. It was a good chick flick but at the end we all said, "Huhhh". If you see it- you'll know what I mean! LOL However, Blake Lively (who plays Adaline) is gorgeous throughout the whole movie. What a fun role to play. She did awesome!

Then we all went to Shelly's  for a BIG plate of french fries with ice cream. So yum! I just love laughing and hanging out with these ladies! Luv them! Happy early Mother's Day to ourselves, ladies! ;)

Fish Fry with Dad

Brett took kids out to fish today while Mom went out with some girlfriends. They caught one and fried it up over a fire. Awesome!

Teacher Appreciation

It was Teacher Appreciation this week. We are grateful for all the staff and teachers that help our children to grow and develop. We were assigned a few extra staff to do gifts for and then did some for the kids teachers. We got their favorite drinks and candy along with a little note. It was a Superhero themed week so we had a lot of fun! Thanks to all the staff at Montana City School!

We also did some extra stuff for Victoria's teacher, Mrs. Sharbono because we love her tons! Here's the tags we used on the other gifts we gave her. SUPER fun!

Cinco de Mayo

Mrs. Sharbono (Victoria's 3rd grade teacher) celebrated Cinco de Mayo today at school. Victoria got all dressed up in a large sombrero and a poncho for their party. They learned Spanish, broke a pinata, and did lots of Spanish activities. Mrs. Shrabono is always up for a celebration. (Perhaps that's why we love her so much!)
I hadn't really planned anything for our family but since Mrs. Sharbono hyped up the day and the Paynes were planning a special Mexican dinner-- I thought I better step up my game and get with the Fiesta! LOL
So Glory dressed up and we had a special TACO TUESDAY! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Justice Gets the Priesthood

Part of having a twelve year old boy means that you have the opportunity to have something very special happens in your home.

Last week, Justice was interviewed by the Bishop and found worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained to the office of a deacon. Today was the very special day!

Our whole family was able to go down and see Justice get the Priesthood. It was super special! I brought my camera to take a picture of all the men in the circle. Brother Payne had to laugh at me and told everyone that it wasn't a Seamons event without a picture! He is SOOOO right!!! LOL

We are so proud of Justice and his righteous example to us and to others. He is a super special boy! Love this guy! XOXO

Here's the men that participated in this special ordinance. (Left to Right:) Brother Steve Fife, Tyler Fife, Bishop Brian Staley, Brother Brett Seamons (Dad), JUSTICE, Brother Brian Payne, Tim Earl, TJ Wilkerson, Alex Caldwell and Brother Alsbury (YM President)

Here's a few things that were said in his blessing:
* Heavenly Father is happy with your righteousness
* Look to the Savior
* Study the Scriptures and Pray every day
* Cast out the Adversary from your life
* Your example will be a good influence to those around you
* Remember the scripture that states- "The Priesthood is only to be handled upon the principles of righteousness"
* The Priesthood is to serve, bless and provide ordinances to return to Heavenly Father
* As you do this service, you will feel the happiness.
* Priesthood will prepare you for a mission
* Seek the Spirit
* You will have health and strength
* Your mind will be open to the Gospel and the things of the world.

When we asked him about his day- Justice said- "I felt good. I felt way happy like I was all tingly. I almost laughed because I was so happy!"

The next week Justice was able to pass the Sacrament for the 1st time. Brett and I couldn't help but smile the whole time. There's nothing like watching your children grow up in the Gospel and make good choices. We love it!!!

38th Bday Weekend

I had a awesome Birthday Weekend thanks to my fabulous family & friends. The day before my birthday, I got together with my workout buddies for brunch at the Bagel's Company. Man, I love these ladies!!! (Kaysie G. came as well but she showed up after the picture. But we'll count her! ;)

The Paynes also dropped off these gorgeous tulips for me. They are so gorgeous!!!! I love them. Thanks guys!

On my birthday morning, my family let me sleep in. When I got up- everyone was gone for the day but I had a cute note on my bathroom mirror and breakfast ready for me. So sweet!

 That night we shared some salsa and a big birthday hug!

Justice was a superhero and watched the Seedall boys and our girls so that I could go out to the new Avengers movie with Brett, Liberty, Hailey and Nick for opening night!!! It was AWESOME! Justice had all the little kids asleep when we got home. What a great babysitter he is!

The next day- the party continued. I got to open presents (a new bedskirt, some organizing hooks, lots of superhero workout stuff and superhero earrings. I'm so excited!). They also made a fabulous fancy dinner and a delicious dessert. What a perfect day!

Happy Birthday to me!

P.S. The work ladies took me out the next week for a birthday lunch! So fun! Best friends ever!