Snow, Leaves & Cheerleading!!

The second Snow of the season as
Sarah goes off to school..

This week Elder Tom Bennallack celebrated his 19th birthday in the MTC.  We heard from him the following day on his P-Day with another wonderful email.  He had a wonderful day, and one to remember being in the MTC.  He departs for Melbourne this coming Monday.  We love hearing from our missionaries twice a week now, Jon on Monday and Tom on Wednesday.  Happy Birthday Elder T. Bennallack!

For us, our days are passing with the usual industrious activity.  However, whether it's ALL productive is a moot point!  The temperature has really fallen.  We have had two snowfalls now and that seems to have marked the oncoming of winter for certain. 

The second snow fall happened exactly one week after the first. (Just to remind us that Tom left the week before!!)  The next day after a gym session, I decided to walk to Rick's school to pick up the car.  The trouble with central heating and car heaters is that you get an odd sense of how cold it actually is outside, especially when the morning is so gorgeous.  The sun was not long up, the skies were a beautiful 'cobalt' blue and whiteness covered everything like a blanket.  Sparkling snow, brilliant white in the morning sun. After checking the thermometer hanging outside the kitchen window, I thought twice about my excursion, but then decided to still venture out into the cold morning.  I had two layers on my legs, a ski jacket on, gloves and a beanie.  The temperature read -20F, which is -9C !!  After only five minutes of walking, my cheeks were aching badly, however the rest of me was starting to warm up nicely.  I then had to rub my face as I'm walking along.  After fifteen minutes, I couldn't feel my cheeks at all and it was as far to continue, as it was to turn back.  I was glad to get to the school, just in time to catch Rick on 'before school' yard duty, in the snow!!  Unfortunately, I had no camera as evidence..  The snow and cold is beautiful to look at, and you imagine how cold it might be, but to experience it first hand is incredible.  Words cannot describe how cold this cold is!!  (I'm definitely getting pics after the next snow!)

Amazingly, this same day, the temperature slowly crept up to 50F which is about 10C, and all morning sounds of the snow dripping and falling from the tree branches could be heard.  By mid afternoon, it was mostly gone!

The back yard as seen from the green belt after the snow.

 Since then, Rick & I have raked the front yard of leaves to keep our place tidy.  What a job, there was huge piles!!  We still have to tackle the back yard, and this might be a job for the coming weekend.  Well, this is part of the experience, 'Fall', with it's mountains of leaves.  (I actually really like it!!)

The other main thing to occupy us is Cheerleading.  We are in the middle of the competition season.  As mentioned, the first one was held at Eaglecrest, followed by a break for Halloween weekend, then during this week on Tuesday, the Jeffco County Spirit League Competition was held at Ralston High in Aurora. The next is tomorrow at Douglas County with different opponents. 

I have to pause and spend a bit of time here, since this is a big part of our lives at the moment.  In this particular competition, there were three divisions; JV Cheer, Varsity Cheer and Co-Ed Cheer.  In Sarah's division, there were eight other schools they competed against.  The actual routine is rehearsed, refined, and rehearsed again lasting a total of two and half minutes.  Weeks of early morning sessions and Tuesday night Tumbling have paid off, because..... Sarah's JV Cheer Team from Columbine High came in FIRST place!!  Followed by the Varsity Team who also took First!

She's a winner tonight!!

The Columbine JV Cheer Team - the winning squad!!

The JV Cheer Team and the Varsity Team with Ms Doolan (AP) & Mr DeAngeles (Principal)

This was such an exciting moment!  Such a buzz... I was jumping up and down with the rest of the 'Mom's' in the bleachers!  I have to confess, I am now a genuine 'CHEER MOM!'   Oh, Wow!  I think I might have to get one of those T-Shirts too!   Wow! Bring it On!!  What an amazing effort girls and well done Sarah!  You did it!  An American Cheerleader!

A winning performance!  Sarah is a 'baser' who lifts and catches a 'flyer'. 

She is positioned mostly centre back. (Apologise for the poor quality video!)

As a change of subject, I have so enjoyed my Wednesday morning watercolour classes and continue to learn much from Chuck.  Here are some of my latest efforts..



Still life



Mountains & Reflections

Rock Study



Lighthouse in Maine, Eastcoast of USA

Waterfall on 'Yupo' paper

Finally, this week, Kelland received his mission call to the Brazil, San Diego Mission!  It was a very exciting moment that he shared with us.  He departs on the 28 March 2012.  Tom will be so excited!

Halloween in America!!

31 October 2011

Jack-O-lanterns at 'Trunk or Treat'

"Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats." (Halloween: History.com)

My girl, Karlie

First of all, this day is my eldest daughter Karlie's birthday!!  Happy Birthday Karlie.  We are so far apart at the moment, but we are thinking of you all the time, especially today.!

When Karlie was born, it was still spring in Adelaide, but this particular year (1987), it was very hot.  Karlie was actually due about the 7 November, but the days leading up to her birth were uncomfortable.  She decided to help me out and came a week early being born on the 31st October, the temperature was 38C (100.4 F).  Halloween is not generally celebrated in Australia, (the seasons are opposite!) but over the years it is gradually becoming more and more accepted.   Karlie took advantage of this when she turned sixteen, with a great party with the Halloween theme.  A lot of decorating, and a lot of fun. 



A Harvest display at Wal-Mart

And now, we have experienced for ourselves an American Halloween.  We have discovered it to be a very serious event here.  Weeks leading up to Halloween, the stores are full of displays and decorations to celebrate this 'Harvest' season and Halloween.  There are pumpkins for sale at last!!!  All year I have missed pumpkin with only the 'Butternut squash' being available.  (Not the best for roasting..)  Now, pumpkins, big, very round and orange are everywhere.  Not only the 'carving' pumpkins  but ornamental ones too!



A front yard display in our street!

 I have noted how people decorate their homes for the seasons.  Inside, spring, autumn decore is added,  and likewise for the front porches.  Halloween is no exception with goulish displays, complete with pumpkins!! 

I asked my friend Heather one day what they do with the pumpkins, besides carving them.  And she said they just throw them away!!  I was astonished.  NO!! It seems the poor pumpkin is only fit for pumpkin pie or as a decoration, carved out with a candle!!  I in turn, have been met with surprise as I have described all the ways you can EAT a pumpkin!!!  (I apologise for rambling on about my FAVOURITE vegetable!! especially roasted!!)

However, we were excited to see Halloween unfold and to experience it!

It began on Friday night at the chapel with a ward dinner, a 'jack-o-lantern' competition and 'trunk or treat'.  We arrived just a little late after dropping Sarah off to cheer at the football game, but loved the activity.  Many people were dressed in costume and dinner was all you can eat chilli or burrito's with desserts.  The winner of the 'jack'-o-lantern' was announced and then came the main event, the 'trunk or treat'.  Not at all sure exactly what this was, we followed the crowd out into the car park, where trunks (the car boot) were opened and many were displayed with spiders webs, jack-o-lanterns, torches, witches etc.  Children (of all sizes) went from trunk to trunk in the darkness, with their pumpkin buckets or other container and collected treats!  It was a lot of fun to watch!  And what a happy, fun family event..

'Trunk or Treat' excitement!  Watch out!! 

Sarah as 'Ariel'

Sarah meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon, was involved in the Columbine annual 'Trick or Treat Street' at the High School.  Here corridors of the school are transformed into a maze of fantasy worlds of mostly Disney and Storybook characters.  Each group is given a section to transform.  Sarah's JV Cheer team chose the theme from the movie 'UP', so when the kids walked through, it was a world of sky and balloons and floating houses.  The girls themselves dressed up in a Disney character and handed out candy to the 'trick or treaters' that came.  This is in fact a popular event each year, and the line of waiting costumed children and parents went out of the school grounds and way down the street.  A lot of fun again!  Sarah went as Ariel and looked great!! 

On Saturday night she disappeared to a Halloween Party of course!!  Again, it was a lot of fun for her.

On Monday night, we did prepare ourselves for the neighbourhood trick or treaters.  We were warned that if our porch light was on, to expect between 50-70 children between 6.00 and 8.00pm.  When we ran out of lollies, just to turn the light off. 

Our neighbours and friends!
 (Photographed with enthusiastic permission!)

Sure enough, the witching hour came and children of all ages rang our door bell with a watchful adult not far away in most cases, dressed dramatically for the night.  Buckets were laden with loot!  I know this is a 'pagan' tradition, but what a lot of fun for children, something to really look forward to every year, especially when the whole neighbourhood participates.



And that was Halloween!  A celebration that also signals the Harvest Season, as the end of autumn comes, and preparation for the cold winter months ahead begins.

A Farewell in a Snow Storm

Elder J Bennallack near his apartment in Saint-Etienne, France

Before I commence the tale of the past few days, I need to include this photo of my second son Elder Jonathon Bennallack.  It shows him in his new area in the city of Saint-Etienne, rugged up against the cold! This past week he has been able to travel by train to Lyon and to Geneva, Switzerland for exchanges and meetings.  He is certainly getting to see a great deal of France and is enjoying the challenges of a new area.  Also, finally he received our package containing a new pair of shoes.  These took two months to get to him, but fortunately, at the same time, he also received a birthday package which surprised him.  He is 21 this weekend.  Happy 21st Birthday Jonathon!! 


Following our busy Cheerleading day with Sarah, Sunday was upon us which was the last Sunday for Tom here in Denver.  In the evening, we held an 'Open House' at our friends the Hansen's.  Kelland and Tom have become quite inseparable over theses past few months, and we usually see Kelland on a daily basis!  Many of the people from our ward came to wish Tom the best as he departs on his mission.  We have really grown to love these good friends of ours, and I am not looking forward to saying our final goodbyes in about 7 weeks..  We took many photos, but here a just a few:




Suzie O'Connor, Cindy Johnson, Sarah & Kelsie

 

Bro. John Cutler & Tom



The Ballard's: Michelle & Matt with Rachel & Brayden




The Prueitt family: Jesse, Karen & Roger





Kelland, Tom & Conlan!!

 

The Harvey's: Rick, Crista, Nathan, Erica & Kaitlyn

Joanna & Mike Moody with Tom (holding Keely)



The Mercer family with Tom



DeAnne & Bishop Smith

Michelle with Linda Hansen who kindly opened her home for us!

We have been so blessed to have the love and support of these people, and many others not pictured,from the Clement Park Ward, Denver Columbine Stake.

The following two days were spent trying to finalise last errands and fit the contents on the dining table into the suitcases!  A challenging task, as there were many extra items not on the 'list' but which were deemed necessary to take back to Australia.  I estimated at least 8 kilos of American condiments and luxuries!! (I think we might be facing a similar challenge in a few weeks!)

Wednesday was departure day, but with it came two cold fronts, one from the north in Wyoming and the other from the south that met somewhere over the mountains and Denver producing about 6-10 inches of snow!  We awoke when it was still dark to a thick layer of snow.  Gone are the golden leaves, instead the branches looked like they had been covered in thick blobs of heavy, white royal icing!!  Snow really transforms everything.  It really is very pretty.  However on Wednesday, the whole day remained grey and dull and very cold.  We were able to get to DIA (Denver Int Airport) in good time and before long we had to part ways with our third missionary son!  The feelings this brings are difficult to describe and tears flowed.  Tears because we will miss him dreadfully, but also tears because we are so proud of him and this huge commitment, which in turn brings joy and peace.  A complete oxymoron, but it has to be experienced to be completely understood.  We love you deeply Elder Tom Bennallack and wish you God's Speed and all the very best for this next phase in your life.



Bye Tom.. we will miss you, work hard and we'll be seeing you!



 
These past couple of days have felt rather quiet and empty.  Sarah feels Tom's absence acutely, but we are doing our best to keep busy.  And with having two days off school this week, Sarah is 'snowed' under!! (excuse the pun!)

Speaking of snow, I have a few pics to illlustrate the transformation.  Yesterday, the storm completely cleared to bring blue, clear skies but also a chilling cold. 

We awoke to -8C, -20F and it was only about 6C late afternoon as Sarah was cheering at the Freshman football game at Columbine.  Consequently, some coughs have returned.. (The football field was cleared of snow for the game, but it was a bitter 3 hours.. The girls are really layered up here!)

 The pic on the left is the view from our front door.  The colours of the leaves are just wonderful.  It has been a really beautiful 'Fall' in Litteton, Denver Colorado.  The pic on the right is where we live.  The 'red' tree is right outside Tom's room.  It's amazing to look out his window through these leaves.

This is what Wednesday looked like for most of the day! And by Thursday, there were no pretty red leaves left!  I guess that makes raking just one big job instead of a constant one!  The snow that fell was very wet and heavy, making branches really bow down under the weight, and snapping the roses.  We lost a couple of branches from a tree near our back door, and indeed this was a problem throughout the city causing some power outages.  We also heard later in the news, that over 50 flights had been cancelled due to the snow..

Tom, meanwhile was met at the Salt Lake Airport by his cousin Ben who helped him exchange shoes at 'Mr Mac' and delivered him to the MTC.  Many thanks Ben, who also sent a couple of pics!!



Elder Thomas Bennallack with his cousin Ben Crosley.
Looking good boys!  We can see it's not snowing in Utah!!



It has been quite a week.  And so begins the next chapter..

Our American Cheerleader!



Me and our Cheerleader!





The past fortnight has passed very quickly.  Each day has presented it's own various tasks to complete and slowly, but steadily they have all been accomplished.

Our time has mostly been spent following the regular routine of school and work.  However the task of preparing a missionary has remained in the forefront.  Tom and I have spent alot of time together.  We have shopped, cooked, completed errands, had lunch out and have attended the Temple.  These will remain with me cherished memories of quality time with this third son of mine.

Rewarding ourselves with some mexican lunch after finding the last item -  a good coat!!
 (I will never think of mexican food the same again.  This is incredibly amazing!)

The pile on the dining table that was the result of the 'missionary list' grew, became stable and slowly declined as articles were made ready for the promotion to the suitcase!  I have hemmed and labelled everything in sight until we have been satisfied that all is in readiness.  This has been a great time of anticipation for Tom and a little hesitation for the rest of us as we realise that 'these are days never to be forgotten', and that change is imminent, however good that might be..

We were able to go out to dinner with the Mercer family to celebrate Paige's seventh birthday and as a last 'hurrah' for Tom!  We went to Casa Bonita, a mexican restaurant which is set up to imitate a mexican village.  There was entertainment as well as good food and company.  A lovely evening we will remember! Thank you Mercer family and Happy Birthday Paige!

The Casa Bonita -  a true Denver experience!

The Mercer family: Brooke, Kelsie, Jeff, Donna
Dillon, Caden & Paige (the birthday girl!)



Now to divert, I want to focus attention on my youngest child.  My Sarah who is busy as busy can be with school, home seminary and most especially as a Junior Varsity Cheerleader.  Who would have thought one of my daughters would be an American Cheerleader!

Sarah in the back row.  The JV Cheer team commands the third quarter of the Varsity games!



Sarah is a 'baser' which means she lifts the 'flyers'.  This task caused her initial concern in case they dropped the girl flying, but the girls work well as a team and have built up their personal strength admirably.  I was at tumbling one evening observing, and watched as Sarah performed a regular handstand, then another girl steadied her ankle as she commenced doing some pushups!!  Whoah! This is serious fitness and strength.  Cheerleading is a glamorous looking sport but it is actually very gruelling, requiring great commitment and physical strength.

Sarah as a 'baser' at an afternoon Soccer game at Columbine HS.

September, October and November is a busy time in the calendar of a High School Cheerleader. Not only are there early morning practices and a weekly tumbling session, there are football, soccer and volleyball games to cheer at.  This involves all of the JV games and some of the Varisity games. This also means the wearing of the cheerleading uniform to school in support of 'game days'.  There are a few uniform options, casual warm ups to three different performance outfits.  There is the coordinating of how the combination of the uniform is worn, including hair. This is usually decided by coach, for example, bangs(fringe) in a 'poof' and high ponytail with pink ribbon.  Wearing the cheer uniform also means glitter, and lots of it!  First gloss is applied to the cheeks and eye area, followed by the application of glitter! Lots of sparkle and bling! 



This is America!
 (The game lasts 3 hours and is televised on Root Sports!)



Columbine Rebels  (Sarah is right in the middle of the group..)

This month also brought the first of a series of six competitions.  The first happened at Eaglecrest High School last Saturday for the 'Kickoff Classic' followed by cheering at the JV Football game back at Columbine HS.  A busy day, but a memorable one. If any one has seen at all the 'Bring it On' Movies, it is so like it!! I was so impressed at the skill level of these junior cheerleaders.   In Sarah's division there were eight other teams.  At the end of the competition, Columbine JV Cheer Team came in a commendable fourth position, with using only limited skill levels due to team absences.  Well done girls, this was really exciting to watch and they will only improve as the weeks go on.

The competition routine. Sarah starts off crouching on the far left.

 (Note the 3 'spotters' at the back in case of falls)

 I have to insert here, that Sarah, who is now obviously taller than me, can now do a back handspring flip confidently!  I am more than impressed with this dedication to learn these physical feats, having never participated in gymnastics or the like before.  In the coming weeks, she will also be included in the tumbling during competition.. (I feel nervous thinking about that!)  Good work Sarah!!

Autumn Aspens, General Conference & Counting Down!





For the first day of October, Rick & I escaped into the mountains.  Estes Park initially, and then drove through Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was the perfect weekend to do this drive, as the mountainsides were awash with the yellow from Aspen trees.  I'm sure there were others trees too, but the Aspens are so prominant, and when the sun catches their leaves, they become flourescent!  So many shades of yellow! 

We drove to Bear Lake which was at a 'dead end' and were fortunate to be able to park and walk.  There were so many other people also sightseeing, that the traffic was very busy, and attendants were turning cars away from the parking 'lot' until free spaces became available!  We really enjoyed the amble around the lake..



Rick at Bear Lake, Rocky Mtn National Park, Colorado



The Aspens mingled with Pines, very beautiful!

 

We headed towards Granby following Trail Ridge Road, which took about 2 hours.  It truely was a spectacular drive through the mountains, climbing up past the timberline and then back down into the Aspen forests again.  We eventually passed Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake and then to Granby which took us to the main stretch home.  All in all, we drove for about six hours!  Just Rick & I, no one else to ask 'are we there yet?'  Aahh! Pleasure!  What a great day!

This weekend is also General Conference for our church, which is broadcast bi-annually from Salt Lake City.  http://www.lds.org/

Last April, we had the great priviledge of attending every session.  This conference, we watched it at the chapel and from home on BYU-TV!  (Well, I caught the Relief Society session on the internet in my kitchen 'in real time')  For the Sunday morning session, we watched it at the chapel as Tom's boss from his work came (good work Tom!). We watched the Sunday afternoon session at the Werhli's home after lunch which consisted of BBQ ELK!  Delicious!  It's the first, and probably the last time, we would watch conference eating hot chocolate brownie from the oven topped with icecream!!  But despite, this different experience, what a fantastic conference!  I love General Conference, the talks are all excellent, and especially for me I'm sure!!



Bear Lake, Colorado

This past week Tom & I have been shopping in earnest, and I am satisfied he has everything he needs.  My dining table is loaded with missionary items he needs for the next two years.  I am sure he has too much, and will be making use of the scales for sure!

Tom is very excited to be serving soon and has especially enjoyed skyping with Michael in Brisbane.  Our days have been busy, between work schedules, cheerleading training and games and mission 'stuff'!  The weeks are going quickly and so is 'Fall'.  Already there has been snow in the mountains since our epic drive, and one ski field has opened after receiving a deep snow fall.  Officially, they open after Halloween in November.  Speaking of Halloween, the shops are full of magnificent displays for Halloween.  The seasons and holidays are a big part of the culture here, and we look forward to seeing Halloween 'happen' at the end of the month..

This past weekend, I had the opportunity of attending 'Time Out For Women' here in Denver, sponsored by Deseret Book.  It was an evening and a full day of inspriational talks and music!  We did experience a power cut for about half an hour on Saturday afternoon which made things interesting!

 But what a great event, with great company!  Thanks DeAnne, Denise, Lori and Karen for taking me! I'm all beamed up now!!


Elder Bennallack - dinner appointment, Toulon, France

 

This week Elder Jonathon  Bennallack has been transferred!  He enjoyed a baptism last week of Sophie, and this week, he leaves sunny, touristy Toulon and is now in Saint-Etienne which is about 4.5 hours north.  Saint-Etienne is in the mid-east of France, about 60km from Lyon. In his email Jon said he has gone from short sleeves to long sleeves, jacket and coat! There is also no gas in their flat for hot water at present, so interesting times for him.  He sounds very fluent in French and is loving his mission.  We love his emails and look forward to them every Monday!  We received an email from a lady in Toulon who had him and his companion over for dinner Sunday evening before his transfer, she kindly sent some photos!

As of today, Tom leaves in fourteen days... We are counting down in earnest now.