Reed and I have seen many blessings in our marriage. We have been challenged but with every challenge came a greater understanding of our Father in Heaven and His hand in our lives.
When Reed and I discovered that having our own children wasn't in the cards for us, we immediately considered adoption. Just seven weeks from our first investigative phone call we had our little boy in our home. It was providence. As we held that little guy in our arms we knew that the name we had chosen was perfect. We named him after Vosco Call and my Daddy, Neal Isaacson. Both of those names hold strength, power and integrity behind them.
As new parents, we wanted to give our baby the best life we could. We wanted his name to be a constant reminder of the qualities we hoped to instill in his life. Love of art, literature, nature, creativity, education, integrity, honesty, fabulous work ethic, honor and diligence are just a few of the traits we admire in these men we named him for.
Vosco and Ruth Call have been cornerstones in theatre forever! We have known and loved them for nearly 20 years. This last summer I had the opportunity to work with their son, Richard in a production of "Chaps" at the Old Lyric Repertory Company in Logan.
Right now, Richard is fighting a new fight. Cancer. Although they live in Burley, Idaho his treatments have to happen down here in Salt Lake City. We are honored to have Richard and Sayda stay with us during his treatment. I wish everyone could see the love these two have for each other and their family. It emanates from them in a tangible way. Our whole family has been blessed beyond description having them in our home.
Yesterday Sayda made dinner for us. Who knew that enchiladas could be THE BEST FOOD ON EARTH???? Oh....... My..... Goodness! I was SO sad to see the last of them disappear as I ate them for lunch....
I just wanted to say, "Thank You" to Richard and Sayda. The spirit they bring into our home is something our little family will cherish forever. We love you two!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Knees, knees, KNEES!
As many of you know, I had a lateral release and a meniscusectomy on my left knee. For the first two weeks everything was wonderful. Then as I was innocently walking down the hall of my home it felt like a hundred knives had been shoved into my knee joint. At that point all of the muscles above and below my knee constricted into what can only be called a hellish ball of flesh invisibly consumed by flame. Yup, SO FUN!
After three weeks of trying to get my doctor's office to return my calls I went to my previously scheduled follow up appointment. He told me that this kind of surgery takes several months to heal completely and get the muscle control to support the new position of the knee cap. Further, he explained that the knee cap will move back and forth a bit, falling out of the groove of the joint. When that happens the bones grind and it is excruciatingly painful. That makes sense to me, since it has been happening several times a day for the last few weeks.
I am very concerned that it may not be strong enough for me to endure the long hours of tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the extensive walking it requires. He told me that if it isn't in tip top shape by June he will give me a shot of cortisone to help me through the tour. Following tour I would have a total knee replacement.
I guess what I am asking is this: Please pray for me. I do not want to have another total knee yet. I desperately want this procedure to work for a few years. I want to be able to fulfill my calling in the choir without the distraction that pain presents.
I know that my problems are so small compared to the vast challenges faced by others. Honestly, I am grateful to have only the problems I have!
Edye
After three weeks of trying to get my doctor's office to return my calls I went to my previously scheduled follow up appointment. He told me that this kind of surgery takes several months to heal completely and get the muscle control to support the new position of the knee cap. Further, he explained that the knee cap will move back and forth a bit, falling out of the groove of the joint. When that happens the bones grind and it is excruciatingly painful. That makes sense to me, since it has been happening several times a day for the last few weeks.
I am very concerned that it may not be strong enough for me to endure the long hours of tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the extensive walking it requires. He told me that if it isn't in tip top shape by June he will give me a shot of cortisone to help me through the tour. Following tour I would have a total knee replacement.
I guess what I am asking is this: Please pray for me. I do not want to have another total knee yet. I desperately want this procedure to work for a few years. I want to be able to fulfill my calling in the choir without the distraction that pain presents.
I know that my problems are so small compared to the vast challenges faced by others. Honestly, I am grateful to have only the problems I have!
Edye
Friday, January 23, 2009
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Tickets on sale!
Choir Summer Tour Tickets on Sale; Going Fast
With 2009 in full swing, the Choir and Orchestra are busily preparing for another year full of concerts, recordings, weekly broadcasts and this year, the Central States Tour.
The 13-day trip across the heartland of America will feature concerts at some of the most celebrated venues in the country including the Riverbend Music Festival with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops and the Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver. In addition, the Choir will perform at venues in St. Louis, Des Moines, Omaha and Norman, Oklahoma. The Choir will perform seven concerts during their trip, making it a busy and demanding tour.
“Each tour brings its own challenges and its own blessings,” says Mack Wilberg, Music Director of the Choir. “For this tour, we’ve decided to include some new repertoire in addition to the hymns, classical works and patriotic numbers that always have a place on the program. My hope is that we can introduce audiences to some great music while still singing pieces like ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’ It should be a wonderful concert.”
In addition to some new and varied music, the Choir will also feature a number of arrangements from its new album entitled Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns and Spirituals. The album features all four of Mack Wilberg’s American Folk Hymns series on one album and other favorites such as “Battle of Jericho” and an inspirational rendition of “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” with soloist Alex Boyé. Each concert on the Choir and Orchestra’s 2009 tour is sure to be a memorable evening of uplifting music, something not to miss.
Tickets for the concerts are still available through the box office or through on-line ticket outlets such as Ticketmaster.com. For more information on how to obtain tickets and to see the details of the 2009 tour locations, visit mormontabernaclechoir.org
With 2009 in full swing, the Choir and Orchestra are busily preparing for another year full of concerts, recordings, weekly broadcasts and this year, the Central States Tour.
The 13-day trip across the heartland of America will feature concerts at some of the most celebrated venues in the country including the Riverbend Music Festival with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops and the Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver. In addition, the Choir will perform at venues in St. Louis, Des Moines, Omaha and Norman, Oklahoma. The Choir will perform seven concerts during their trip, making it a busy and demanding tour.
“Each tour brings its own challenges and its own blessings,” says Mack Wilberg, Music Director of the Choir. “For this tour, we’ve decided to include some new repertoire in addition to the hymns, classical works and patriotic numbers that always have a place on the program. My hope is that we can introduce audiences to some great music while still singing pieces like ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’ It should be a wonderful concert.”
In addition to some new and varied music, the Choir will also feature a number of arrangements from its new album entitled Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns and Spirituals. The album features all four of Mack Wilberg’s American Folk Hymns series on one album and other favorites such as “Battle of Jericho” and an inspirational rendition of “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” with soloist Alex Boyé. Each concert on the Choir and Orchestra’s 2009 tour is sure to be a memorable evening of uplifting music, something not to miss.
Tickets for the concerts are still available through the box office or through on-line ticket outlets such as Ticketmaster.com. For more information on how to obtain tickets and to see the details of the 2009 tour locations, visit mormontabernaclechoir.org
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I just have to brag for a little minute. My son, Vosco has been attending school in a Learning Center so the class is smaller and distractions are few. His grades and behavior has improved so much over the last semester that he is mainstreaming in two classes this semester! His first day went without incident and he was SO EXCITED to tell me all about the day.
Vosco has always had a passion for cars. From the age of two he could see a picture of an engine part in its exploded form on the page of a technical manual and turn around an identify the part in its whole form inside the engine. I have always been amazed by that talent and am still amazed as we drive down the road and he recognizes cars and trucks for their make and model with uncanny accuracy.
One of his classes is Art 1!!! He is thrilled to be able to learn about art and is looking forward to "getting his hands dirty!"
I just can't explain the blessings we have seen in our family the last year and a half. I love my kids so much. My life would be very dull without them!
Vosco has always had a passion for cars. From the age of two he could see a picture of an engine part in its exploded form on the page of a technical manual and turn around an identify the part in its whole form inside the engine. I have always been amazed by that talent and am still amazed as we drive down the road and he recognizes cars and trucks for their make and model with uncanny accuracy.
One of his classes is Art 1!!! He is thrilled to be able to learn about art and is looking forward to "getting his hands dirty!"
I just can't explain the blessings we have seen in our family the last year and a half. I love my kids so much. My life would be very dull without them!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Today is Sunday. I have had a very full heart today. As I look at my life and the blessings my Father in Heaven has extended I am amazed.
I am grateful to live in the United States. I am grateful for freedom. Although I have never had the opportunity to visit or reside in a country that isn't "free" I have a deep gratitude for mine. I am grateful for the many lives that have been given so my family, and yours, can enjoy that freedom.
I am grateful for the knowledge that we all have a loving Father in Heaven. I look at my children and wonder how we have been entrusted with these delicate and precious little spirits. It really is true that we experience greater depth of love and understanding as we endure the challenges of our life.
Many of you know of the difficulties we have had with our son, Vosco. I look over the last several years and my heart aches because of the many mistakes we have made as his parents. At the same time, my heart rejoices at the growth we have experienced as we received much needed help from West Ridge Academy. For those of you who haven't seen or been around Vosco in the last few years, you will be amazed at his growth and his ability to adapt! He is truly a joy to be with. I pray that the mistakes of my past and present will not impede his continued growth and strength as a child of God.
As the song says, "When the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end, and the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again. Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow, set me free to find my calling... and I'll return to you somehow." That really is our goal. To overcome the natural man, the influence of our environment and return to our Father at the end of that journey. It is my prayer that I can be the mother that leads the way for my children... not the mother that holds them back from growth and increased faith.
I am grateful to live in the United States. I am grateful for freedom. Although I have never had the opportunity to visit or reside in a country that isn't "free" I have a deep gratitude for mine. I am grateful for the many lives that have been given so my family, and yours, can enjoy that freedom.
I am grateful for the knowledge that we all have a loving Father in Heaven. I look at my children and wonder how we have been entrusted with these delicate and precious little spirits. It really is true that we experience greater depth of love and understanding as we endure the challenges of our life.
Many of you know of the difficulties we have had with our son, Vosco. I look over the last several years and my heart aches because of the many mistakes we have made as his parents. At the same time, my heart rejoices at the growth we have experienced as we received much needed help from West Ridge Academy. For those of you who haven't seen or been around Vosco in the last few years, you will be amazed at his growth and his ability to adapt! He is truly a joy to be with. I pray that the mistakes of my past and present will not impede his continued growth and strength as a child of God.
As the song says, "When the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end, and the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again. Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow, set me free to find my calling... and I'll return to you somehow." That really is our goal. To overcome the natural man, the influence of our environment and return to our Father at the end of that journey. It is my prayer that I can be the mother that leads the way for my children... not the mother that holds them back from growth and increased faith.
Homeward Bound
Sayda taped this the other night and since it is one of my favorite songs, I thought I would post it here as well....
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Kids.....
Reed and I feel so blessed..... we live in a great neighborhood with wonderful neighbors and most of all, have a great home where the door is always "open".
Tonight we have been laughing SO HARD!!!! Aubrey Call and Ruby have been playing all night. They have giggled, chased, giggled some more and thrown smart remarks back and forth to each other.
Sayda, Richard and I have just laughed and laughed at their antics. Add a little Amanda Ewan and the laughter escalates to gigantic proportions!
I will post some pictures of these crazy kids tomorrow.... wish you all were here to laugh with us.
Tonight we have been laughing SO HARD!!!! Aubrey Call and Ruby have been playing all night. They have giggled, chased, giggled some more and thrown smart remarks back and forth to each other.
Sayda, Richard and I have just laughed and laughed at their antics. Add a little Amanda Ewan and the laughter escalates to gigantic proportions!
I will post some pictures of these crazy kids tomorrow.... wish you all were here to laugh with us.
Friday, January 16, 2009
We had the best Fourth of July EVER in 2008. I was in Logan working on a show and Reed picked me up with the kids and 7 pug puppies, the Mommy pug and another Sister pug.... Yup, you read that right. Reed, Edye, Vosco, Ruby and 9 pugs.
We were able to spend the time with the Isaacson families and the Marchant families as well! There were about 2,000,000 people in the house. Utter love and chaos all wrapped into one weekend.
I had never been at a fourth of July when normal citizens could buy HUGE fireworks. Every back yard was like a major fireworks show. I was completely amazed.
We were able to spend the time with the Isaacson families and the Marchant families as well! There were about 2,000,000 people in the house. Utter love and chaos all wrapped into one weekend.
I had never been at a fourth of July when normal citizens could buy HUGE fireworks. Every back yard was like a major fireworks show. I was completely amazed.
Things in the Wagstaff Household have been busy. I am currently on leave from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir while I recuperate from surgery.
Vosco is in the 8th grade and is pulling all A's and B's. This is a complete MIRACLE! It has been so nice to have him see success in the school environment. Such an answer to prayer. Actually, answer to about a million prayers.
Ruby is in the 3rd grade. Hmmm, how do we describe Ruby? Diva? Adorable? Hilarious? Pain in Vosco's rear? Yup, that works. She is also doing very well in school. Somehow, she is just like me - talks too much in class. You would think she was genetically ours. Heavenly Father makes certain the Grandmother's curse happens even through adoption. ;-)
Reed and I are preparing to play piano in the pit of Layton High School's production of "Showboat" that will open in March. I absolutely love doing things like this with my husband. Since we have moved to SLC we haven't been able to do this nearly as much as we would like.
Probably the biggest thing in our life right now is that our very dear friend, Richard Call is receiving treatment for cancer at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We feel blessed to be able to offer a bed and some "home environment" while he is away from his own home. The Call family has always been family to us and we are grateful they are willing to stay with us during this difficult time. If there is ANYONE who can make it through this, Richard can. Please include him in your prayers.
Vosco is in the 8th grade and is pulling all A's and B's. This is a complete MIRACLE! It has been so nice to have him see success in the school environment. Such an answer to prayer. Actually, answer to about a million prayers.
Ruby is in the 3rd grade. Hmmm, how do we describe Ruby? Diva? Adorable? Hilarious? Pain in Vosco's rear? Yup, that works. She is also doing very well in school. Somehow, she is just like me - talks too much in class. You would think she was genetically ours. Heavenly Father makes certain the Grandmother's curse happens even through adoption. ;-)
Reed and I are preparing to play piano in the pit of Layton High School's production of "Showboat" that will open in March. I absolutely love doing things like this with my husband. Since we have moved to SLC we haven't been able to do this nearly as much as we would like.
Probably the biggest thing in our life right now is that our very dear friend, Richard Call is receiving treatment for cancer at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We feel blessed to be able to offer a bed and some "home environment" while he is away from his own home. The Call family has always been family to us and we are grateful they are willing to stay with us during this difficult time. If there is ANYONE who can make it through this, Richard can. Please include him in your prayers.
Trying to blog as a lifestyle.....
Ok, so everyone I know has a really tweaked out blog and it is time for Edye to join the parade.
I will be doing some updating at least once a week... in hopes of catching up with my life.
I will be doing some updating at least once a week... in hopes of catching up with my life.
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