once again...

yep - something else. you didn't really think i could have only 3 jobs {waukeenyans, hair & gravity} did you? check out the blog: www.brownsugarsunlesstanning.blogspot.com and like me on facebook then come try it - you're gonna like it!!!

never say never...

{state champion jackets}

WE DID IT! I just finished my 4th and final year coaching the Cedar High Drill Team {mohey tawa} and it couldn't have been a more perfect ending to 4 amazing years! Deciding to quit was a hard decision that took lots of thought, but once I made the decision, I knew it was the right one. I could go on and on about the things I will miss about the girls, the job, the sport, but I wont. Instead, I've compiled the latest stories that have been done on our
Region & State Champion Team, in hopes that I'll never forget! Smile, Sparkle & Shine...

Team Transitioning After Transformation
Iron County Today

In 2007, the first year McCall Scott coached Cedar High School’s Mohey Tawa, the drill team placed last at the region competition and did not qualify to go on to state.

The girls who were freshmen that year have been part of a significant transformation. In 2008 they swept the region competition and placed fifth at the state contest, in 2009 they swept region and placed second in the state contest, and this year they swept region and state, coming home with the state title and first place in all three categories.

This year six seniors will graduate with an accomplishment they can always be proud of, and Scott will be moving on as well.

She said her experience coaching Mohey Tawa was very rewarding, and when she started she knew she wanted to stay at least four years to see what she could do with the team. Now, with the state title under their belts, she feels it is a good time for her to move on and pursue other things.

“It was a hard decision, and it was one that took a lot of thought, because I love it … but I have treated it like a full-time job,” she said.

Scott also coaches the Southern Utah University drill team, the Waukeenyans, and owns Gravity Dance Studio.

She walks away with no regrets, with the team on top, she said.

Though she didn’t know who the new coach would be as of press time, she said she was confident the team would continue to be successful. The girls she’s leaving behind know what it takes to win.

“I’m sure they will just continue to get better and better,” Scott said.

There were five juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen on the team this year with the six seniors, and Scott said a team of 16 is a little small, but that was part of her strategy. It left fewer girls sitting out dances. The dancers had to try out for each routine, and all the girls were able to be in the military and kick routines. There were 12 in the dance routine.

When building the team Scott also intentionally kept the number of freshmen pretty small, which made for a more mature team. She said she found if dancers were cut their freshman year they usually tried out again for their sophomore year and were more ready.

Scott said the key to Mohey Tawa’s success was that it was treated like a sports team.

“I think we treated it like a sport instead of like a dance group or a dance class,” she said.

They focused on the competitive goal and did not get caught up in the drama that a group of teenage girls can often create. Scott had very strict rules on what they did and didn’t talk about inside and outside of practice, she said. Team issues stayed on the team and were resolved there.

She also had a rule that after a performance the girls and their parents were to let her be the coach. The parents’ job was just to compliment the girls and the girls shouldn’t tear themselves or the team down. If something needed to be addressed, she would address it, she said. This helped every performance to be a positive experience.

“If all they ever hear is negative than that’s all they’ll ever think,” she said.

The girls and their parents stuck to the rules and saw the payoff right away, she said.

Scott said in addition to claiming the state championship as a team, three seniors were recognized. Brittney Evans and Alexis Gonzalez made the academic all-state team, which means they were among the top 10 3A drill athletes in the state academically. A minimum 3.75 grade point average was required to apply.

Laurie Gregerson took second place in the state drilldown. At state, all the 3A drill team members were brought onto the floor and had to follow commands, military-style. Commands were given until all but three girls had been eliminated, Scott said.

At state, Mohey competed against 16 or 17 other teams. They took first in all three categories, including kick, which replaced prop/novelty at the state competition this year. Scott said last year there were rumors that would happen, so they competed with a kick routine at invitationals to help the girls get a feel for it and get feedback from judges.

Evans, team dance captain and Cedar High’s dance sterling scholar, said she was a little intimidated by the kick routine at first because she doesn’t feel like she’s very flexible, but she liked it. Prop was intimidating in a different way because nothing can be out of place and it’s more about “who can put on a better show,” which is more based on opinion. Though Mohey had done well in the past with the prop routine, they had also done well with kick and she felt good about the change.

“I think that a kick routine is a better evaluation of a dance team,” she said.

Scott said for her first two years coaching at CHS the team only focused on the routines they had to do at region and state, but the past two years she has been confident enough in the girls’ and they have branched out, competing in other categories at invitationals. This year they learned six or seven dances, including a hip-hop dance.

They also performed with the pep band this year, which hasn’t been done for about 25 years, but the school has a great pep band so it was a fun opportunity, she said.

Evans said her experience on Mohey was great, and getting the state championship this year was particularly rewarding. She said she went into the competition knowing they could do it, so she wasn’t surprised, but she was very pleased to be able to achieve what she and the other seniors had worked toward for four years.

“Our dreams came true,” she said. “I felt really accomplished.”

She said the team members have always had a close bond and been able to put the drama aside. Everyone on the team has been able to grow in one way or another, whether in their dance skills or as a person.

“Everyone can blossom on Mohey,” she said.

Evans credited their success to their hard work, the support of their parents and the school, and Scott, who’s been a great coach.

Cedar Sweeps 3A Drill Competition

The Spectrum

OREM - McCall Scott couldn't exactly say she knew four years ago - when taking the Cedar drill team gig - that she was eventually going to have a state championship-caliber team.

After all, it didn't even get qualify for the meet.

But look at Scott's squad now: for the first time in a quarter century, the school has a state title in the sport.

Cedar swept all three 3A events - military, dance and kick - at the drill team state championships at Utah Valley University.

"It all came together this year," Scott said of a group that consists of six seniors. "We're the Cinderella team now. We came all the way up."

Canyon View, behind 3A coach of the year Krysten Reynolds, finished right behind Cedar with a sweep of second place in the three events.

Reynolds credited the unity of her team for Canyon View's first time in school history that it placed in all three events, plus top-5 overall.

With four seniors, Reynolds said, "There was just a drive to keep getting better; to do it everyday."

Several St. George-area competitors made postseason honors. In 2A, Jamie Croteau (Kanab), Ashley King (Kanab) and Kira Robinson (Kanab) were academic all-state. In 3A, selections were Alexis Gonzalez (Cedar) and Brittney Evans (Cedar).

There were also six all-state selections:

In 2A, Tausha Hansen (Beaver), Jamie Croteau (Kanab), Brittani Heidenriech (Parowan). While 3A included Jordon Howard (Canyon View), Brittney Evans (Cedar) and Madison Barney (Hurricane).

Duchesne won the 1A title by sweeping all three events, while South Sevier took 2A with first place in 2-of-3.

Also, Kanab was third overall in 2A after placing third in military and dance, and fourth in kick.

But the eight-hour day at the UVU events center belonged to Cedar. The military title was announced first, then dance and kick in the 25-minute awards ceremony.

Cedar sounded just as honored and genuinely pleased and surprised as each title rang in.

"We didn't expect to get all three," Scott said with tears in her eyes. "But we're so glad we did. I think that's the best part about all of this - not only that we did it, but how we did it."

Dancing Their Way to Victory
KCSG TV

Cedar High School's Drill Team, Mohey Tawa, put together a perfect state tournament, by sweeping each of the three categories on their way to a state title. The championship has been four years in the making for many of the girls who were part of the team that didn't even qualify for state their freshman year.

watch the story here

at last...

Cooper finally lost his 1st tooth! He was starting to get anxious... I mean, he IS in first grade and will be 7 in April! 9-1-1.
We noticed a few weeks ago that he had "shark teeth" but nothing was moving, until he finally wiggled one loose, but couldn't get it out.
New Years Eve the boys were wrestling before heading to some friends house for a party, and out came the tooth!
No tears, just pure JOY!
[Jaren says this picture is creepy, but it shows the rows of teeth!]

My friend Trinity makes these cute Toothfairy Pillows, and she made Cooper's in a flash! He was SO excited he took it to the New Years party. After the party he hung it on his bed post and fell asleep - hoping the Toothfairy would deliver... and she did! $1

Porter is now convinced he has loose teeth. Coop can't wait for the next wiggle...

porter is four...

Porter turned four today! some things we don't want to forget about our "dodo" are:

he started preschool and LOVES it - and Mrs. Danielle!
he stopped sucking his thumb about 3 months ago when he knocked his teeth and they were wiggly. he came downstairs the first night and told us he couldn't "belax" because he couldn't suck his thumb.
his best friends are talon, ammon, grey & maddie
he likes to play the "boyfriend/girlfriend" game with maddie. (we checked it out - it's safe)
he LOVES Coop
he is still quite shy, but SUPER funny

We love you Porter! Happy Birthday!

family photos 09

summer 2009...

This year our summer was full of mini-excursions! Several fishing trips, a Mohey Sand Hollow trip, and a Lake Powell weekend gave us our water fix! Cooper was busy with t-ball and lizzard catching. Jaren took the boys on their first hunting trip and had his 10 year missionary reunion. I went to a few dance camps and on a few girls girls trips and had my 10 year class reunion. We enjoyed a garden that Jaren planted, and really LOVED being in our house!

off my chest...

I feel flustered. A little deflated. But SO excited!
Registration at the dance studio begins tomorrow. I am not flustered that I'm busy, or that the studio won't be ready, or that I don't think anyone will come to register.
I'm frustrated over things I can't control.
Since Jaren & I decided that this was an endeavor worth taking on, I have TRULY tried to be professional. It may seem that my coaching position at both the high school and college my be a conflict with a private studio, but I have taken EVERY precaution to make sure it doesn't. I was very open and honest with my dancers and their parents about my intentions. I don't talk about or promote the studio at either team's practice. I haven't encouraged my dancers to come to my studio, or discouraged them from taking anywhere else. I also sent a letter (which I did NOT need to do) to the other studio directors in town, letting them know of my intentions, that I was not trying to "take" their students or hurt their programs in any way.
I just want to be another option!
I am frustrated that others haven't chosen to be professional. I feel deflated that everything positive I am trying to offer is being challenged, or suddenly topped. I am hurt that people I considered friends feel more like enemies.
I guess competition does funny things to people.
BUT... I am SO excited by the positive response I have received! I am confident in the curriculum we offer. I am so proud of my staff and what they will offer. I am eager for everyone to see the studio we have worked so hard on. I am GRATEFUL for good friends who have been encouraging, come to help, defended me, "made the move," and will eventually :). I am proud of myself for taking the high road - it has NOT been easy!!! I vow to continue on that road.
I do not regret - for one second - this decision. I do not doubt that it will be successful.
But I can only control my actions!

it's official...

www.gravitydancecenter.com

gone. again.

Ben 10 is gone again! I'm pretty sure it's for good this time.
So long Ben 10...

ben 10...

2 weeks ago Jaren went to Colorado for a business trip. He left early Monday (Memorial day) and returned Friday - with a turtle! He and his boss found 3 box turtles walking along the road after it had rained. His boss had been there before and brought one home, so Jaren grabbed one and his boss took the other 2.

THE BOYS WERE SO EXCITED!

He got home with the turtle Friday afternoon, just as I was leaving for Vegas. The boys couldn't have been more anxious to see the turtle, name him, buy him a home...

I got a text telling me they named him Ben 10.

Saturday I was at the mall and got another text that Ben 10 was MIA. GONE.
Cooper had been at a birthday party and Jaren was getting the boat ready to take the boys fishing and left Porter outside playing with Ben 10. He let him go. THE TURTLE RAN AWAY. Porter plead the fifth. Jaren searched. The neighbors searched (seriously). Cooper cried. Wailed actually. Porter got in trouble. Still, no turtle.
THIS is where the story gets good...
We were outside after dinner tonight, opened the door to the little garage, and there was Ben 10! Just chillin' in the garage like nobody's business. Totally alive! 10 days later.

Welcome Back Ben 10!

buggin...

The boys latest adventure is catching bugs!
I bought Coop this "bug barn" at Big Lots and did I ever hit the Lotto!!!

Yes, Porter insists on wearing his helmet 24/7. He poked a stink bug with a toothpick and carried it around while the bug squirmed.

SERIOUSLY. Look at this bug!

Ive heard it's a Sun Spider or Camel Spider and Cooper insists it's called an Indian Ack.
WTH?

I guess it's a boy thing. Way better than them being obsessed with video games?

kindergarten graduate...

Cooper made it through his first year of school! Hooray! He LOVED school and was above average on all of his testing. His teacher was Michelle Vasi, who we LOVE.
He was in the p.m. class with most of the other kids in the neighborhood.

We heard some GREAT stories from Cooper throughout the year.
Stories that I don't want to forget!

Coopers favorite things about Kindergarten were the "show and teach bucket," PE and recess. He did not like Power Hour.

He told us that at recess the girls would line up to whisper in his ear that they wanted to marry him cuz he's the hottest one in the class. WOW.

The picture above Coops head is his self portrait.

What do you think? Jay Leno or the guy from The Incredibles...

He is CERTAIN that he is the best, fastest, strongest etc. at
whatever they do in PE or at recess.
Wednesday was "crazy hair day" at school. Cooper wanted blue hair. He wanted me to take a picture with a mean face, to go with his hair. 100% his idea.

Just because I bleached his hair and then added permanent blue does not make me a bad mom, right? I was just participating :)

He said they voted in his class for who had the best hair. Everyone voted for Cooper, INCLUDING COOPER, except for 1 boy.
He voted for himself and got 2nd.

At the end of the year swimming party, he told me that when he takes his shirt off at the pool, all the girls will probably scream. SERIOUSLY.

Aside from being VERY confident, he really is a sweet boy. He gets his chores done, is usually nice to Porter, works hard with his dad at the farm, is nice to kids and adults alike, and is fun to be around. We are so proud of him and look forward to many more years of great stories!!!

meow...

The cat is out of the bag... I'm opening a dance studio this fall! Before you freak out about me have 4 jobs {all of which I happen to LOVE} believe me when I say 1. I can handle it and 2. it's not what it seems
After becoming more and more involved in the "dance world" in Cedar in the 5 years we have been here I have realized a few things: 1. there are many dancers and parents who have not found the "right" studio for them 2. there are so many incredible dancers/teachers here who are not being utilized because they don't have the opportunity - it is my intention to provide another "option" for dancers and the "opportunity" for teachers!
I plan to act as the director, overseeing the program as a whole, not teaching the classes. I do intend to teach each class once a month. This will enable me to be at the studio 1 day a week, keep things moving in the direction I intend, and boss people around which is what I truly LOVE!!!
The studio will be named "gravity dance center" and will open in August. We are working now on a website, flyers, and just getting up and running!
Wish me luck!

coopers sixth birthday...

Cooper turned 6 and we can't believe it!
The things I want to remember about Cooper being 6 are:
: i can't keep him entertained - he wants to be with friends constantly
: that he LOVES star wars clone wars
: his favorite food is ribs (from chili's)
: he thinks he is a really good dancer
: in fact, he thinks he is really good at everything
: and he is!
: he is not wimpy or whiney
: he really is a nice boy - his kindergarten teacher tells me everyone wants to be his friend
: ladies in his life are: brooke (his mohey tawa g.f. of 4 years) & haislee (the girl next door)
: he does well in school. loves math but HATES power hour
: porter worships him. he teases porter.


Coop had a really fun birthday party at the Washington Swimming Pool. He has really cute friends - we are lucky to be in such a great area!


Presents & Pizza...

He got a trampoline that Porter likes more than he does...

california

We just got back from 6 days in California, and oh do I miss the sun! Our friends the McCurdys went with us, which made the trip even more fun! The boys were awesome and it was fabulous to have no diaper bags, bottles, naps...
We did Disneyland, California Adventures, Newport Beach & Sea World. Here are some photos...

julie

People are awesome. Here is my proof. I went to the hospital to have my blood work done (i still have to go once a month until July) from the Molar Pregnancy. I signed in at the kiosk to register. I waited only a minute when a lady came out of the office and asked for "McCall?"
I stood up and said hi.
Here is how the rest of the conversation went:
lady(shocked): Oh, I was sure you had put your name in wrong.
me: Yeah, they usually file me as Scott McCall at the dentist. Haha.
lady(still shocked): Well, come to desk #1 and I'll get you registered.
me: Sure!
Now we're at desk #1
lady: So, is Scott your married name or your maiden name?
me: It's my married name.
lady: What was your maiden name?
me: Cooper
lady(now more shocked): Have you EVER asked your mom why she didn't name you Julie, or something normal?
me: Nope.

Mohey Review

Mohey Review
TONIGHT
7pm
Cedar High Gym
$3

miniMOHEY

Some of you wanted a reminder about miniMOHEY. Here it is!

miniMOHEY starts Monday, March 9 and goes through Wednesday, March 11
it's from 4-5pm
it costs $15 and includes a cute shirt
the girls will perform their dances at the Mohey Review on Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm

Registration is Monday at 3:45 at the Cedar High School Gym
If you want more info, let me know.

Hope you can make it!!!

family night plans...

Waukeenyan Showcase
Monday, March 2
7pm
SUU Centrum
(i'd love to see you there)

it is your birthday.

Saturday was Jare's 30th Birthday! What an OLDIE!!!
It was a good day... went to the gym, got massages, played with the boys, then headed to SG for "dinner with friends." I told him earlier in the week that we were going to dinner with Downeys, Wells, and Slacks (Jaren & Ryan share the same b-day) in SG. He is didn't ask questions.
BUT Steph and I had planned a SURPRISE birthday party!

It was fun! Everyone met at the Pasta Factory at 6 and we showed up a little after. Both Jaren & Ryan were totally surprised. It was a fun night! Thanks to everyone who came (especially our Cedar friends who drove down) and kept it a surprise.
I think the biggest surprise was that I kept it a secret!!!

Happy Birthday Jare! Thanks for all you do for the boys and I - you are an AWESOME dad and husband. We love you!