April has come -- The Hills Sang and Stunned

I was almost sad for April 4, 2009 to finally pass because I knew it would be the end of a long four month commitment for Sierra and her fellow cast mates, and all of their hard work would payoff.

Payoff indeed!

Polo and I had been looking forward to April 2, 2009 because it was opening night for Sierra's play -- The Sound of Music. We (and I guess I mostly mean me) were really antsy about her debut and our (and I mean my) stomachs were very nervous for her. Interestingly enough when I would ask Sierra if she was nervous she would just say in a voice only a irritated teenager can use,

"Nooooo Mom, I have been practicing for four months, and I know exactly what I am supposed to do!" I harken back to my sky diving experience 13 years ago when I uttered those exact same words prior to jumping out of an airplane, and the instructor got nervous for me because I had no fear. So I guess I knew what she was saying. So I put my faith in God -- because that is where her talent comes from (have you heard Polo or I sing, if you have then you know the talent is not from us) said a few prayers and waited.

Even with this knowledge and faith I was still nervous for her -- she was the lead and she had a huge role and tons of responsibility (108 pages of dialogue, about 13 songs, and in all but 3 scenes). I had been working closely with her the last two weeks in the final rehearsal practices, but I was in and out of the auditorium, working with props, mics, and getting students dressed (that was a trip in and of itself!) and basically doing anything else the directors would have me do! Thankfully for me, I really didn't know the breadth of her responsibility until I sat there watching opening night. Sierra had so many people there for her that night -- so much family, school friends, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandpa and grandma, Ann and Bob, the young women, other women from the church, neighbors -- all in total, about 35 people on opening night were there to see her!

Once the show started all of my fears were replaced by beaming pride. I knew Sierra could sing, I knew Sierra could act, and I knew Sierra had wanted to have a part like this since the second grade when she was The Lead Lady Bug in her musical "Bugz", but what I didn't know was how wonderful she could do all of these things at once.

Sierra from the opening song to the final curtain call was on pitch, on cue and held her composure through a very funny part in the play (which was not supposed to be funny!). As Polo and I watched we were literally the brightest, beaming parents there. Don't get me wrong, there were 33 other kids in the play as well and their parents were beaming too! As well they should be because we were equally enamoured by their performances. After being at a middle school for the last three years I am continually amazed at what a middle schooler is willing to do if only given the chance.

Mrs. Sherman, the drama teacher, is an amazing character. How can she get 45 students in grades 6-8 for the cast and crew to memorize all of this dialogue, sing, dance, act, and learn stage business, work with props and do it all in 4 months? The secret is she has amazing help with Ms. Thomas, Ms. Schwimmer and Mrs. Shok who were all invaluable to students as they took part in this wonderful adventure.

Who knew casting a student, Scott Hancock, who had never been in a play -- EVER! -- would work. But -- they found a Captain whose deep voice matched the part, who could command attention from other 6-8 graders, and who was extremely hilarious to watch. He and Sierra had great reaction to each other and they worked well together. He was a young man with a thousand faces! Too bad there is not a blooper reel from dress rehearsals, because I am sure we could have won $10,000 from America's Funniest Videos! I am so very proud of all the students and their wonderful delivery of The Sound of Music. Every parent, every guest and every student who got to view the play had a smile on their face when they left. How could they not.

Each year Mrs. Sherman has done a musical and each year it has been better than the last. This year's play was by far the best -- the best stage props, the best stage scenery painting, the best props and the best actors. Congratulations to all the students who were a part of a great production.

Mom and Dad congratulate Maria! (I mean Sierra)
















Aunt Colleen and Uncle Jose
Cousins from Redlands! SURPRISE!! Daniel, Samantha (his friend), Adrianna, Desi, Uncle Tommy, cousin Mikey, Aunt Alicia











Ms. Duteau -- Sierra's 3rd grade teacher -- now just a great friend!












Grandma and Grandpa Doria -- great supporters --




















Grandma Ostler -- HUGE fan!

Miss Candy -- Sierra's 2nd Mom -- Mom's great friend!

Cousin Dillon -- all the way from San Diego

Best friends since Tot Stop!

Hannah, Angella, Sierra and Austin

The Hills are Alive!!!!

Well family and friends, the time has come! The production of The Sound of Music is this week and we are all looking forward to seeing Sierra and all of her cast mates.

Here are some teaser pictures for the upcoming production. Hope to see you all there --

Col. Mitchell Paige Middle School 7:00 PM

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Christi Lyn Tiner

On March 14, 2009 my sister, Christi Lyn Tiner, died unexpectedly and she went peacefully in her sleep. She was 48 years old, she was a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a wife and a step mother. She was loved.

The things I know about my sister

She loved Donnie with all she had and she knew it was because of him she was substance free for the last 10 years.
She was tall - and she was always taller than I was. She would always pick me up and carry me around like a doll.
She loved her mother.
She was always bigger me – at least as far back as I can remember.
She liked to laugh and her laugh could be heard for blocks.
She was not perfect, and none of us are.
She loved her brother Ken and was always worried for him.
She was flawed.
She loved Lorie Frances Person.
She wished she could change a few things about her life.
She was grateful to the Zane family.
She tried to make amends for those things she could not change.
She loved Bryan Allen Person.
She made the last part of her life better and was proud of her accomplishments.
She learned how to box on the Wii with Sierra and Tanner just last summer, and she loved them.
She overcame many obstacles.
She had regrets.
She loved Frankie as if he were her own.
She never ended a phone conversation with anything other than "I love you" or, "Tell the kids I love them.”
She loved fishing and would rather be doing that then just about anything else.
She loved her Granny and Granddad.
She was humble.
She loved her Dad.
She learned to play bocce ball just last year.
She loved, loved, loved ice cream -- any flavor -- anytime -- Lorie did not fall far from the tree.
She told me it was a great day when she became a grandmother and she was so excited when she met Mallory for the first time. Her face would light up in complete joy
She was not good on a computer. four generations
She loved her sister Martha, Terry and the kids.
She was very happy and content when her last day came and she went peacefully.
She loved me.
She will be missed.

Christi, Lorie and Alan

Christi, holding Sara, Martha, holding Jeffrey, Granny and Nancy

Oh YEAH ---- basketball season -- I forgot!

Let's just say I have not been able to keep up with blogging this past month and therefore I have stooped to stealing stories from a 12 year old. The truth of the matter is I could not have said it nearly as well as Carson has. Carson, I hope you understand! I did not want Tanner's basketball season to go completely un-blogged! Thank you for the insightful commentary of a phenomenal season! You - CARZONE -- are awesome!

Sports News
March 8, 2009
Clippers finally snap under pressure

By Carson Whitlock

The next biggest game of the season for the Clippers was a total disappointment. Their opponent was the Timberwolves who had lost a game to the Bucks. With the Clippers hopes high and determination to win the game the T-wolves slaughtered the champions of the league. The only time the Clippers even got close to a lead was when they tied the T-wolves 6-6 in the first quarter. The Clippers defense and offense was very slow as the T-wolves pulled away farther and farther away. The team's top scorer J-Bird Broadhead had a slow game with only about fourteen points. Rookie Car-zon Whitlock led the team with six rebounds, an assist, a steal, but no scoring. The final score for the game was T-wolves 35 Clippers 28.

Sports News

March 1, 2009

Come on let me hear you shout "Hoorah Clippers!"

By Carson Whitlock

Carson had five points as he helped his team stay alive with a 23-10 lead. J-bird It was exciting Saturday as fans packed the YMCA basketball stadium. Today was the match up we have been waiting for for the whole season. Two undefeated teams faced each other off in the most intense and suspenseful game of the year. On the left side was the L.A. Clippers. On the opposite side the Milwaukee Bucks. The crowd's breath was taken away as the jump ball was thrown into the air. The Bucks managed to take the ball away first as they won the jump ball. The first minute of the quarter was very intense as the Clippers point guard Rookie Car-zon Whitlock scored on a layup and scored on a free throw shot. At the end of the first half Car-zon. Broadhead also had a few points as he continued his rampage in the second half. In the second half records were set for the Clippers. The Clippers small guard Max hadn't scored a point nearly the whole season. But that all changed as he shot the ball and made it with a glimmer in his eye. The crowd was walloping and making all kinds of noises as Tanner, the Dragon, Doria himself scored four points to increase the Clippers score. The rookie Car-zon also had another two points as he led the team to another miraculous victory. Car-zon had seven points, four rebounds, a steal, no assists, a block, three fouls, a 20% shooting from the free throw line, and a 60% shooting average. Both Clipper coaches congratulated their team on killer defense an great scoring. Thus the final score was 31-20 after Andrew Barney for the Bucks scored on a last minute free throw. The Clippers now seem unbeatable, but who knows, after all they're three more games left in the season and the Clippers still haven't played the tremendous T-wolves. Since many of the press' reporters were at this thriller game many do not know who played the lower aged Bulls. I'll just say they played the Jazz and beat them because the Jazz are a middle class team where a lot of people like them across the country. From our headquarters in La Quinta, this is Carson Whitlock reporting for the Whitlock Star.

Sports News February 22, 2009

Clippers go over 40 again as the Bulls bear trap the Grizzlies

By Carson Whitlock
So day began when the undefeated Clippers challenged the Indiana Pacers. The first half of the first quarter was rough as the team struggled to score. Luckily, Rookie Car-zon Whitlock scored a layup to lead the Clippers 6-4. In the second half on the first quarter J-bird Broadhead helped the team pull away to make a 12-6 game. In the second quarter the Clippers exploded. Antonio, Ant, Mulqueeny scored a long with M-Dog Matthew and the J-bird to make the score 26-8 going into the second half. In the third quarter Car-zon Whitlock scored on two more coast to coast layups, while J-bird stole the ball and Antonio Ant scored as well. The game finalized with the Clippers going over 40 for their fourth straight game. Rookie Car-zon Whitlock had 5 shots and six points, a 60% shooting average, no assists, no steals, no blocks, but four rebounds. The Clippers next week will face the undefeated Bucks and some friends as well.

Sports NewsFebruary 15, 2009

Clippers sweep the Cavaliers of their saddles

By Carson Whitlock

The undefeated Clippers would be playing the 2-1 Cavilers. The court became jam packed with fans as the game began. The Clippers won the jump ball and after that scored 11 points in the first half with J-bird leading the team and Kyle McCune shooting a three pointer. But Kyle McCune with a minute still left in the first quarter was ejected from the game after supposedly giving one of the Cavilers a rough push. That didn't stop the team though as they went on to the second half. The Clippers held the Cavs to two points in the second half and went on to win it with a 23-13 victory. Rookie Car-zon Whitlock had four rebounds, two steals, two assists, four shots but no points, and a block. Even if he didn't score he still had a great game.

Expectations were high for the Clipper game as fans packed the stadium. The Clippers having scored more than 80 points against their opponents in the previous two games were thought to beat their new opponent the Heat. In the first half of the first quarter the starting team couldn't score but held the Heat at the same score. When subs were called in, J-bird Broadhead along with Tanner, the Dragon, Doria helped the Clippers score four points. In the first half of the second quarter Rookie Car-zon Whitlock scored four more points to make the score 8-0 when subs were called in. At the half the score became 20-3 with nearly ten points for the Clippers along with an additional 2 points from Antonio Mulqueeny. In the second half, Rookie Car-zon Whitlock led the starters on his shoulders with 6 points two of which were long shots. The Rookie point guard altogether scored 10 points, had 2 rebounds, 3 steals, no assists, 2 fouls, a block, 7 shots, and a 71.4% shooting average. The Clippers also got 6+ steals and 20 points from the J-bird. The final score, Clippers 42 - Heat 7. The Clippers played sensational defense and outstanding offense. This week's match up for the 3-0 Clippers are possibly the 3-0 Bucks, but who knows. We shall find out this week. From our headquarters in California this is Carson Whitlock reporting from the Whitlock Star.

Sports NewsFebruary 1, 2009

Clippers blowup the Nets

By Carson Whitlock
As the second game of the season took place on Saturday the fans first took a look at the Clipper vs. Nets match up. The game started slow with the score being 6 to 0 after the first quarter. But after that the Clippers took charge. Point Guard J-Bird Broadhead lifted the Clippers head out of the clouds by scoring six points in the second quarter to give the Clippers a 12-0 lead over the Nets. Unfortunately, the Clippers gave up four points to the Nets but pulled it off to keep the first half in their hands. 18-4 was the score going into the second half as Rebounder Tanner, the Dragon, Doria and Rookie Car-zon Whitlock began to play. Tanner, The Dragon, Doria got two points for the team as did Car-zon. But as the third quarter neared to ten seconds the Nets had the ball. Car-zon stole the ball at six seconds. He then ran it down with the coaches counting down and scored on a lay up. The game was near to the end as Rookie Car-zon, and Tanner, the Dragon sat down for the rest of the game. They let J-Bird lift the team to another victory. The final score: Clippers 44 - Nets 12. The rookie had 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 9 shots, 4 assists, and a 33% shooting average.
Rookie Car-zon, Atomic Bomb Alec, J-bird, Brett, and Antonio on the field

Sports News January 25, 2009

Clippers slam it on the Warriors

By Carson Whitlock
The basketball season has begun! The Clippers win their first games in a huff.

From the very first moments on the court the game already seemed to be in the hands of the well known Clippers. The team's great rebounder Mr. Tanner Doria scored many points along with Point Guard J-Rod Broadhead. The team's rookie Carson Whitlock scored two points had four shots two steals and two rebounds. Altogether the Clippers outscored the Warriors 44-16. From La Quinta, California this is Carson Whitlock reporting for the Whitlock Star. Until next game.

FRAMED!

Last Sunday we had our New Beginnings program. The theme this year's is from 1 Timothy 4:12, "Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." If you can't tell by looking, we used frames as a symbol of that scripture.

The invitation was framed on the table, "Example of the Believers", and the programs looked like they were in silver frames, but they were just paper.
At New Beginnings we Introduced the new YW theme, the 2009 theme, and the girls introduced each of the eight YW values.

We introduced our 5 upcoming Beehives this year. Naomi, Britney, Sarah, Alexis and Cortney, we are so excited to have you!

Then Sister McCoy gave us an overview of of the Personal Progress program. We are really going to make a push to get every girl going on her personal progress this year, so get out your books and get familiarized with them, because we are going to be using them tons.

Then the young women and the leaders sang our 2009 theme song, "We are Examples of the Believers." What a pretty song.

Then Sis. V gave the talk about the 2009 theme, and let us all in on what the frames were for. She said that when we are members of the church, believers, people know it and they are always watching, just as if we are wearing a fancy frame everyday that says "Look at me. I am a believer." The frame captures attention and pulls it in toward the work of art inside the frame. Our discipleship acts the same way. Weather or not we live our lives in a Christlike way is open for all to see.

If our discipleship is the frame, then we are the masterpiece, and the master artist who created us is Jesus Christ through the medium of the gospel. Our value: infinite worth.

Who is studying you? Can they see the brushstrokes of the artist? Can they tell who the artist is by looking at the masterpiece?

Then each girl was given a special surprise, a pretty polka dot box with their name framed on it. In each box was a silver bracelet with a tiny frame charm, for the girls to wear to remind them that they are examples of the believers.
The bishop closed the meeting by claiming that he had been framed.

Then, for the best part - pink cupcakes topped with little silver frames.

It was a wonderful New Beginning to what will be an exciting year in Young Womens.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Sierra's school Drama Department is hosting a Pancake breakfast on February 28, from 8:00-10:00 AM at Applebee's in La Quinta. All profits from the breakfast go to the school production, The Sound of Music. The kids will be serving and there will be some singing performances at the breakfast.

Cost is $6.00 per person

Hope to see you there!

LOVE --- LOVE --- LOVE -- Doria Style

We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day Eve Doria Style. That means there will be cookies, candy, cupcakes, cevechi, family, friends and lots of love. What better way is there than to spend the whole afternoon making cookies with your kids, Grandma, your friends, your niece and your grand-niece? We did the baking first because the guys were out shopping for all of the cevechi fixings. Our goal was to get all the cookies baked before they return from shopping.

The good news was that everyone -- Grandma, Cousin Lo, Mallory and the Whitlock clan -- arrived within five minutes of each other ready to help with all of the festivities.

First things first ---- COOKIES! or was it cupcakes??? Red velvet, of course! Mallory had no problem getting the party started.

Blake and Garrett help Nancy and Lo --- Madison is handy with a rolling pin.

There's the baking .................................. wash those hands Tanner and Carson ...... we know you have been digging in the backyard!

"Tanner, I want to cut that cookie -- give it to me or I will SPATULA you!" Carson goes cookie crazy!

Mallory tries to cut some cookies. She likes eating them better.

Sierra always wants to look fashionable -- even when baking. It is hard to look so cute when Mom is hanging on to her back!Alysa -- always smiling and always with bundles of love close by!

.................. and then there's the eating!!!!!

yumm....yumm....yummmmmm

AND FINALLY THERE IS THE CLEANING!

JUST A QUICK DUNK IN THE KITCHEN SINK.

Then there was the playing!!! YEAH!!!

Car-Zone and the gang continued to dig their way to China in the Doria's big hole in the ground in the backyard.

Now we are all ready for the making of the famous or infamous -- Polo Doria Cevechi. While the adults prepared to make the cevechi the kids and Grandma started watching Madagascar and everyone was happy! We all await our instructions from the Cevechi

Master -- we are ready to learn, ready to dice, ready to defend our cevechi skills. Let the games begin.

The chopping was being done masterfully and the mixologist, Polo, was adding the vegetables and fruit to his special cevechi bowl. A little of this, a little of that, a dash, a pinch and a taste. Alittle more of this ---- a little more of that -- and then we have some good eats!!!

Every bit of counter space is needed as well as the kitchen table. All dicers are wielding their knives ready to sacrifice for the betterment of cevechi.

The chopping was being done masterfully by all of the Master's subjects. The Master puts in the fruits and







After cevechi making it is time for dinner -- thank you Whitlocks! -- or should I say thank you Gunn family in St. George. A great lasagna, bread and salad, and, of course, cevechi. The greatest part of dinner was we all got to sit down, rest our feet and visit without our heads looking down at a counter.

After dinner we decorated the cookies we made earlier in the day and had dessert -- cookies, cupcakes and candy --- wooooowhooooo!

Having a party full of love is exactly what the doctor ordered.