Topham Family News

Our cherry tree in full bloom on Sunday:

I feel thankful this Mother’s Day for this beautiful day and my beautiful family.  Not long ago it seems, I remember struggling to become a mother, so it seems amazing to me that I am now a mother to two 8 year olds and a 5 year old. 

I received two “Top Ten Things I Know About My Mom” along with various ceramic items (vase and pencil cup) from the boys.  A few of my favorites…From Austin, “#1 She loves to play the violin because she loves music which made me want to play. #2  She makes great chocolate chip cookies!  #6 She likes to be funny sometimes because it makes us laugh.  #8  She has a garden in the summer that has lots of vegetables.”  From Cole, “#1 My mom is a good cook and is willing to try new recipes.  #2 My mom wants to save the environment.  She refuses plastic bags.  #4 My mom only gives us a certain amount of screen time. #5  My mom loves to snuggle with us.”

From Natalie, I received the royal treatment at the Love Spa at her 4PreK classroom on Friday.  I was able to make a fancy hat (out of newspaper and tissue flowers she had made), receive a massage (we used several lotions – I smelled wonderful!), get my nails painted (each one a different color), and was served punch and lovely cucumber sandwiches. 

A most precious gift came from my mother-in-law in the completion of the “Grandmother Remembers” book which we presented to her on Christmas Eve 2000 when we announced our twin pregnancy.  I am still making my way through all her stories and thoughts and I know it is something we will treasure forever.

Austin performed with Intermoutain Children Strings on Friday, May 7th at Assembly Hall.  The program lasted approximately 1 hour, and consisted of various works by J. S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Scott Joplin, and others.  Austin played with the group for 7 of the 18 pieces, including “Somewhere Out There” and the Feather Theme to “Forrest Gump”.  The performance was simply spectacular and we couldn’t be more proud of Austin and the entire group.

Arriving outside historic Assembly Hall at Temple Square:

On stage with the group for a final dress rehearsal:

The entire group (about 3 dozen youth violinists aged 7-17):

With Melissa (his violin teacher and co-director of ICS):

Thank you to all our friends and family who came to support Austin:

This 4th and last book report of the 3rd grade year consisted of choosing a person to learn about, reading a biography book on that person, writing and presenting a speech as the person, and coming up with a costume.  Cole chose to study William Shakespeare and Austin chose Jacques Cousteau.  They both did an awesome job on their oral presentations!