Our New Daughter

I'm sorry, I published the title only and never had a chance to put any words/pics. . . so now everyone is wondering if I'm having a baby or WHAT?! We have a foreign exchange student, Diana Gomez Mancilla living with us now, for the next 4 months. She's a wonderful girl and I'm enjoying having a 16 year old "Baby." We all love her very much. I'll post more about her ASAP. . . this week is our huge Girls Camp Valentines Day fundraiser, and next week is New Beginnings, so I'm very busy with my church work, but will post later (with pics!)

Ben, the Baller

See the little dude in the bottom left corner? That's Benny, hanging on his coaches EVERY word.

Can you see the wheels turning in his cute little brain? His coach just said, "Guard your man."

He did just that, at his first game. He guarded his man on both sides of the court. It was the cutest thing ever. One kids he guarded just tried to get away from Ben the whole time. It was more like a game of tag, than Basketball!


These are Ben's Fans!

A Midsummer's Night Dream STARRING . . . Emma!

Emma was in her Middle School's rendition of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" last weekend. She did great! She played a kitchen servant (a silent background roll). She was very expressive.

Then, she'd add wings to her ensemble and voila! She was a fairy. This was a singing, dancing and speaking part. She was a beautiful, graceful, earthy fairy. And she delivered her line with enthusiasm.

Here she is, with Titania, the queen of the fairies. She's hanging on her every word.

Now joins Oberon, the King of the Fairies . . . I have never seen a photo where Emma looks more like me than this one. Except I have wrinkles and gray hairs. But it's the same profile. Weird.

Here's Emma and the fairies pampering Titania and her new boyfriend/donkey, Bottom. I noticed Emma always made sure to get the best job . . . manicure to the queen, rather than pedicure to the donkey. She's a smart one, my girl.

Here's a close up of Emma and her fairy friend, Julie. Em, we are so proud of you, you did so great! We love you and hope to see you in many more plays.

Emma's School Play Ad

Emma is in the Scenic Middle School's play, "A Midsummer's Night Dream." She prepared a 7 minute dialogue and an A Capella solo for the tryouts. I thought she should have gotten a lead, of course, but she was cast as a lesser fairy. She will be dancing, singing and has a small speaking part. The performance is next week and I'll be happy when it's over! It takes up a lot of Emma's time, but she has enjoyed it. She's using the experience toward her Personal Progress in Young Women's, at Church.

Her dad bought an ad in the program. . . but her Aunt Tiffany is the genius behind the verbiage and design. I love that woman. Anytime I need a Photoshop project handled, she is the master I call! Thanks Tiff! It really is cute (and funny).

Elder Goold Gets Home Today!!

My 21 year old brother, Daniel gets home from his church mission in Panama TODAY!! I am so proud of his service and dedication to the Lord. He is a wonderful young man and I love him very much.

Before he left, two years ago, all the Goolds got together. Since Dan has been gone my sister moved to Italy, married an Italian and has an adorable little stepson. My brother Michael got married and now we have another sister in the family. My brother Jonathan moved to Alaska . . . so Daniel is coming home to some changes! I'm flying out to see him in 2 weeks. And hopefully we'll fly him to Oregon to spend some time with us!

This is Daniel and the only girls he's thought about for 2 years. . . my mom, my sister and me!!

Damian had an Accident!

Today Damian slid on some ice and drove off the road, flipping his dad's truck twice, falling 20 feet . . . I think his neck is hurt badly, and his torso is bruised, but he's waiting to see if it will go away, before going to the Doctor. Silly man . . .I'm glad he's OK . . . he keeps saying, "I thought I was going to die!" I guess the truck is totaled. Maybe he can stay home and rest tomorow, while I hike Table Rock with Josh's class . . .

Cruise

Damian's siblings/spouses are going on a cruise together mid-May. . .I am re-committing to workout ALL THE TIME, because goodness knows, I don't want to change my eating habits. . .but this FRIDAY I am going running, I have to up my cardio workouts to loose this weight. Jared is planning to wear his g-string bikini bottom, and Tiffany will be 5 mos. pregnant, so I might actually look alright!! My cousin has a little scale ticker on her blog that shows her weight loss goal and how much she's lost. . .if I loose ANYTHING, I'll put one of those on the blog.

My Sister is Engaged!

My parents went to SLC to meet Briana and her boyfriend Sem. Over dinner, he asked them if he could have their permission to marry her, that he loves her very much and can't imagine life without her. It was very emotional and sweet, according to my mom. . .I'm so happy for her. She really adores this man and wants to start a family with him. The only problem for me is that they'll live in Sardinia, Italy. . .so I won't see her and her children much. . .but I'm really thrilled for her. I will try and figure out how to post a photo soon, Arrivederci!!