Finals are NOT fun!

It's finals week for Troy... and I must say, I really don't think he is enjoying it. He has been studying like mad, writing papers, reading, etc. But, at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.... classes and tests are done tomorrow for this term and then he just has one more paper to do this weekend (due by Monday). Yeah! Of course, it all starts again on Monday with his two week class... but starting on the 16th he has a WHOLE WEEK to play and not worry about school! :) Not nearly long enough if you ask me... but we are excited for our trip to Newport for a few days of beach and playtime!

So while Troy has been studying, I have been working on all the arrangements for the fundraising party on the 23rd (for the Simon Says Foundation), and helping to plan an after party for the first Ririe-Woodbury Show of the season (well, its actually the alumni show, but close enough) that is on the 21st. We will have a very busy rest of the week when we get back from Cali because that's all the same week as Brandon's wedding... oh boy! But, it should be lots of fun!! (By the way... Craig and Carly - what is your schedule for when you will be in Salt Lake, when you will head home, etc? And do you need a place to stay for any of that time? You are, of course, welcome to come stay with me)

This weekend we are heading up to the Symphony (at Deer Valley) on Friday for the New World Symphony featuring Time for Three. They are such an entertaining group and you may recall us talking about their concert last summer. They are a trio consisting of a Base and 2 Violins (if I remember correctly... one or both could be a Viola) and they play a mixture of blue grass and funk. They are so energetic and just a blast to watch and listen to. Can't wait! And of course, after the concert we are headed to the Vivace After-Party, which is always a good time!

This weekend it also sounds like the Burgoynes are all coming to town which is always lots of fun! Looking forward to it!

P.S. So who watched 'So You Think You Can Dance' last night? And who do you think will get voted off tonight?

P.S.S. Thanks for all the awesome text messages last night, Trevor! They were so great!

rain rain go away... come again another day - preferably one when we are not at an outdoor concert!

The summer is half over… and time is flying! Troy’s first semester is ALMOST done! Can’t wait! Despite the fact that the summer semester is almost over, I was really beginning to think that all our usual summer activities were going to get missed this year… we hadn’t been on any of our “Sunday drives,” nor to any concerts, symphonies, the theater or even an afternoon movie… But, as I mentioned on Friday, we finally carved out some time this weekend to head to Park City/Deer Valley! Yeah!!

We went and saw the “Classical Mystery Tour” a tribute to the Beatles and it was such a blast! Our friends James and Michelle came with us (their first time going to the Symphony at Deer Valley) and they really seemed to enjoy it – which we are VERY thankful for considering that we got caught in a large thunder storm and spent half the concert getting drenched my the rain.

The pictures below don’t do it justice, but it was rather entertaining to see the ideas people had to try to shield themselves from the rain – everything from plates to chairs to programs to plastic shopping bags were on peoples heads! Some of the lucky few (us included in those few thankfully – even if our umbrella was way too small to keep anything besides our heads dry) had umbrellas but the majority of people just braved the water and tried to enjoy the concert.

(See Mom- He does this in all photos, not just when you are trying to take photos of us... Haha!)

Despite the drenched clothing, soaking blankets and slippery wet grass, we really had a great time! The concert was excellent and there were even Beatles Impersonators singing… they did a wonderful job! It was fun to hear some of the songs performed in different arrangements (some with a more orchestral feeling). Even James, who is not really a Beatles fan, enjoyed the music and learned that some songs he really likes are actually Beatles songs, so perhaps his opinion has changed a bit. By the end of the night EVERYONE was up dancing and singing along... mostly to keep warm and an attempt to dry off, I think. Haha!

And the best part (ok not really the 'best,' but I have to share it for Shelly’s benefit) - the fish sneakers handled the rain beautifully!

Can’t wait for the concert on Friday! Time for Three and the New World Symphony – should be great fun!

P.S. Heard a great story in a talk at church on Sunday – (I am paraphrasing from the way it was told, so bear with me)

There was little 3 year old boy heading off to primary, full of energy and excitement. After class he approaches his Mom looking rather sad and a bit distressed. She asks what is wrong and he says, “All my life I have wanted to be a fireman, and now Jesus wants me to be a Sunbeam!”

The Beatles Rock!

Troy is feeling all caught up on his homework, so this weekend we are headed up to the Deer Valley Music Festival to hear the Utah Symphony play a tribute to the Beatles!! Can't wait! The weather has been gorgeous in the mountains, and it's quite a bit cooler up the canyon so, I can't wait for that! (It's just way too hot today! Yuck!)

(Just in case anyone here in SLC wants to join us... here's the link for more info)

	Classical Mystery Tour A Tribute to the Beatles featuring the Utah Symphony July 26 - 7:30 pm

We will have a great set-up with our new picnic bag/cooler.... dinner, cheese/crackers, plates, glasses, real silverware! Wahoo! Now, if we just had a table! Haha!

Here's some shots from last summer so that you can picture us up there having a great time!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to the best Mommy ever!

Wishing a wonderful day and a great year to come!

Love you!
- Troy [and Jen :) ]

seriously???

Really? Twitch and Will in the bottom two?? What was everyone thinking!?!?!? Those two are both just amazing dancers and I can't believe it!

I am thrilled Twitch is staying and I am happy to know that Will will be on the tour (not that I will go see it... Haha! But I know he will have a great dancing career... how could he not with Debbie Allen as a teacher!)

Anyway... that's all...

I've got it!

I think I have figured out why drinking more water helps you to loose weight...... you spend a LOT more time walking down the hallway to the restrooms! Haha!

Not too much else going on here.... so, just popping in to say hi! :)


P.S.
Troy - at first I thought my friend Brian was talking about us in his email when he wrote this...
Quote from my friend Brian's email - "On Saturday night I joined some friends up at Deer Valley to watch Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture. I thought I was all prepared because I brought a blanket, water, and a jacket. But when I got there I got a lesson in being prepared. Sitting right next to us was a couple who looked like they had been there for sometime. They had set up a small wooden table that looked like it must have come from Williams Sonoma. They had evened it out on the slope with towels under the back legs of the table. They had completed their main course and were on to the cheese course. They had grapes, cheese, and cloth napkins. My blanket that my mother still does not know I borrowed from her house looked woefully inadequate when compared with the lounge chairs they had brought. And to top it all off, and I am not making this up, they had a candle in a wine glass to add ambiance to the whole event. As if a mountain setting with a live symphony was not enough. I realized right there if they could have a complete multi-course meal with candlelight on the slopes at Deer Valley then that I could gain a love of camping. That is of course if I can get that couple to arrange all the preparations."

I wish our new picnic bag had come with a table! That would be awesome! Haha! And remind me next time to pack candles! :)

That's a serving??

Wow... its shocking how small a serving is! Haha! Have you ever wondered what those tiny little bowls are for in your nesting bowl set?? Well, they are about equal to a serving of most anything... haha! And seriously... a serving of pasta is about 20 noodles... so small! I didn't believe it would be enough, so I doubled it.. but once cooked, I only ate about half. Should have trusted it! Very eye opening!Anyway... I decided I needed a new hobby since Troy is in school. So... here is one of my new necklaces...
You like?
I am really not very good at earrings yet... but practice makes perfect. :)

And tomorrow I am off to the dermatologist for my bi-annual skin cancer check.... and just so everyone knows - it's skin cancer awareness month! So... make an appointment and go get yourself checked out.

Christmas in July!

I started my Christmas shopping over the weekend!! Wahoo! Talk about a head start?!?! Ok... so I only bought one present but, still! I have never started so early on my shopping and it feels great!! :)

Anyway... Troy and I went a little crazy at the Nordstrom sale, but we had a great time!! We shopped, we had dinner, we shopped some more! And over multiple days... Haha! Troy hadn't bought any new shoes that we can think of since we met... and we all know that is a really long time!! Haha! (With the exception of the $3 flip flops he bought at Target awhile back, and the $1 flip flops from the Old Navy sale.... but no REAL shoes!) So we got him some great Puma tennis shoes and yes, another pair of flip flops! Haha!

And I got these.....

Can't wait to sing the fish head song every time I wear them!! :)

And now... Troy is back to studying 24 hours a day... I am glad he was able to take a little time off over the weekend so that we could relax a bit! :)

We are both very excited for our trip to Newport at the end of the semester! It will be so nice to have a whole week with no worrying about school! We will be in Newport from the 16th to the 20th... and are looking forward to a wild B-Day bash for Trev on the 16th! Yeah!

And I'm off to find my food scale... thanks for the info Shell! And the encouraging words Mom and Carly! :)

I need a food scale!

It seems that it was just a week ago that I was telling Mom and Shelly that I didn't need a food scale... oh wait, it was! Haha! Well, maybe 2 weeks ago. My reasoning... I don't cook enough, I don't need to be that accurate on portions, blah, blah, blah.... and alas, here I am in need of a food scale! So, here are my questions... who has one? does it matter if its expensive or cheap? about how much do they cost?

All the executives at my company decided to engage in a weight loss/health contest for 90 days, and several of others decided to join in the "fun"... including me! Not sure what I was thinking there, but what the heck! I could stand to loose a few pounds and I could definitely use some extra motivation to get me to the gym.

So my strategy is to focus on portion sizes, rather than necessarily trying to overhaul my whole diet. I know I won't stick to it if I can't eat the foods that I like... hence, the need for a food scale! Ok... I am off to eat some carrots and drink another bottle of water!

Simon Says Foundation

I am working on a new project…. Helping to plan a benefit party that will benefit the Simons Says Foundation - http://www.hopeprojects.net/

I found out about this great foundation from a friend of mine, and I am so glad that he told me about them. In fact he gave me a new nickname of “God’s little helper” in hopes that I would help him plan the plan the party… well, as it turns out, I was game (and would have been even without the very flattering nickname.. haha!) :)

Anyway… here is a little about what they do…

Simons Says was organized in 1967 by Dr. Jerry Simons. He wanted to provide assistance for those who were in need and willing to help themselves. The organization has provided such people sewing machines, building materials for schools, engineering help, medical clinics, farm animals, clean water systems, and green houses. In 1999 Dr. Simons established HOPE PROJECTS as the delivery system of the foundation's humanitarian work and shifted attention to the peoples of the high Andes of South America. These people of Peru are extraordinarily motivated and committed to helping themselves.

Dr. Simons and his associates discovered several hundred villages of the forgotten Inca people who fled into the Andes when the Spanish Conquistadors invaded them in 1532. As an IRS 501 (c) (3) organization, HOPE PROJECTS provides over 100 villages with materials and engineering for the construction of needed structures along with a variety of other assistance. Villagers provide the labor.

From what I have read about the foundation, they really do some great work! They teach the villagers the skills to help themselves in the future – they supply the building materials and the villagers build the schools, orphanages, etc. The villagers are learning a trade, or multiple trades in many cases, which will help to ensure that their community will see a healthier future.

Anyway… looks like the party will be late in August. We are hoping to find a way to combine a swim, volleyball, BBQ party with a dance party… hopefully it will work! Either way... It should be lots of fun!

P.S. Happy Anniversary to Mandy and Jason!

Army Wives?

Does anyone else watch that show? I personally love it! Anyway... I discovered this past week that the cast has worked with Ford to create a new line of Warriors in Pink apparel where the proceeds go to the Susan G Komen Foundation. I personally love the new clothes and would love to get one of each item!

Anyway... if you feel like shopping and fighting breast cancer at the same time, check it all out! Here's the info —

Ford has gotten in on the Fight for a Cure (with the Susan G Komen Foundation) – Check out their site at http://www.fordvehicles.com/warriorsinpink/

You can enter to win the Warrior in Pink Mustang (or buy one yourself), nominate someone as a beautiful warrior, or just buy some adorable new apparel. I may just do all three!!

And I don’t know about you… but I really love that “Warrior Cap”, and several of the t-shirts, and the hoody, and the woven scarf!! Check them all out - http://www.shopwarriorsinpink.com/default.cfm?fuse=home

Yuck!

Food poisoning is really not fun at all.... :( I'll write more later when I have more energy...

Happy Birthday Mom!

I figured that even though I did the complete birthday list for the month, that my Mom deserved her own post for birthday wishes. :) So.....

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope that it's fabulous because you deserve the best! Thanks for being such a great Mom and friend! I am sad that I won't be there to celebrate with you, but I will be thinking of you.

Miss you lots!
Love you tons!

Happy 4th of July... a few days late :)

I was so very sad that Troy had to miss the trip to Cali... and he was very sad about it too. School work is really no fun when you know the whole Streiff clan is playing at the beach. :( But... he will be happy when he gets straight A's!

I missed Troy terribly, but had a great time seeing family and friends! We went to the beach, played on the WII ( including Rock Band - Thanks Darren and Troy for the late night tips on unlocking extra songs! ), went to the park, went swimming, made some jewelry, ate TONS of cookies, etc. Basically just enjoyed being together and hanging out! It was great!

Several of us went to a surprise B-Day party for a family friend (Barry Behrstock) and had a great time seeing so many old friends! Everyone was sad that Troy wasn't there but they are all looking forward to meeting him in the hopefully near future.

And of course, I always have a blast hanging out with Rob and Michelle! Sorry we bored you so terribly, Rob! Troy says he owes you big! Michelle - Thanks for being such a great friend for all these years!

Anyway... here are tons of photos! Starting of course with Rock band! It was such a blast!
Boxing was a big hit and Elliott was beating everyone... well, at least I know he beat his Dad (Sorry Craig). I think Granny was holding her own though. Way to go Mom! Thanks for bowling with me too, El!! Sweet little Luke giving his little sister a smooch. :) Madde spilled a little of her drink, and out came the pouty lip.... so cute! Such a sweet girl! I loved sitting with her at church... we read, we painted, we colored.... I loved every minute of it!! I don't know how its possible but I only got one photo of Trevor... and isn't he adorable!?! And don't go trying to call me Jennifer in front of him - I am Auntie Jen! Hunter is just the sweetest little guy, especally when Meri isn't around. Haha! :) Mom and I were so happy to have some time to hang with Hunter all on our own! We loved every minute!!! Luke the wild man on the swings and on his bike... the funniest was watching very pregnant Mandy chase him down the green belt. Haha! I thought for sure that our new baby girl would be arriving early after that sprint!

Happy Birthday!

I have way too many July birthdays on my calendar!! So here goes the list, just to be sure that I don’t miss anyone!

Happy Birthday Nate!
Happy Birthday Marianne!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Happy Birthday Jodi!
Happy Birthday Lee!
Happy Birthday Shelly!
Happy Birthday Brian!
Happy Birthday Kevin!
Happy Birthday Tina!
Happy Birthday Misha!
Happy Birthday Avery!
Happy Birthday Tacy Anna!
Happy Birthday Colleen!
Happy Birthday Tom!
Happy Birthday Terrence G!

And I am sure there are more…. So Happy Birthday to all the July birthdays!! Including those in the Burgoyne family who have b-days this month!! I am so sorry that I don't know the exact dates! (Tanya - I'd love a list of all the b-days if you could send me one.)

And of course a Happy 4th of July to everyone!! What a great holiday!!

i'm tired of school... how about you?

Troy and I seem to be taking turns being sick of his school schedule... luckily we are somehow managing to balance each other out when needed - otherwise he might have dropped out by now. Haha!

I am not sure what we were thinking when we decided it would be a good idea for him to cram all the classes into 2 semesters with 25 credit hours each semester and continue to work.... but alas, here we are! He has about 4 weeks left of this block and is exhausted constantly... but he is getting awesome grades, which is wonderful!

After this block is done he has a 2 week intensive class that meets everyday for those two weeks. He is looking forward to it... Not as many papers as his other classes and a good chunk of the grade is earned by showing up (not always an easy task for Troy in the past - he has a history of not attending class but showing up for tests and getting straight A's - but I think he will make it work if it will help his grade. Haha!)

Anyway.... He has one week off in August and then we start it all over again.... I am still wondering what we were thinking, but it will be sooo great when he is all done!! I am already counting down the days until December 19th!!

So... now if he can just get his spanish paper done, his 12 page history test, his 200+ pages of reading, his outline, and his other paper ALL done today (they are all due on Monday)... we can have a nice holiday weekend in Newport! Sounds easy, right? Haha!