Mis Padres

Dad's farewell party at Strong & Hanni

Alright, I just wanted to do a quick shout out to the people who gave me life. They are amazing people!

The other day I was reminiscing about my trip to Europe back in 2007. Then I started thinking about my trip to Poland and the Czech Republic when I was 11 years old. Rachel and I joined a touring violin/viola group. I cringe when I see pictures from that trip. I was barely learning how to style my CRAZY hair and so it just looks huge in all of the pictures. Not to mention, Rach and I also survived off of carbonated water (which we tried to make taste better by putting fruit roll-ups inside...ha). It was a fun trip I'm sure, although I don't remember much about it. Here is a treat: (and don't feel bad if you laugh)

So while I was thinking about this, I remember when my mom first told me that I was going to join the group and go to Poland. I was so excited and nervous that she wouldn't be coming with me. I'm pretty sure at this time she was going back to school at BYU. As I sat thinking, I realized what amazing parents I have. Mom and Dad hadn't ever been to Europe and yet here they were, giving their little girl an experience they never had. Totally unselfish!

My parents have given me so many opportunities to succeed in this life. When I graduated they once again gave me a life-changing opportunity to tour 7 European countries with an orchestra. They supported me through countless viola lessons, recitals, orchestra concerts, auditions and so much more. They gave me the gift of music! When I was living in China, my work wanted me to do a music recital for the kids and their parents. As I waited for my viola at the shop/bar (yeah, it was way weird) there was a string quartet rehearsing. They found out I could play the viola and invited me up to play with them. Let me tell you this: every ounce of energy I put into practicing was worth it in these 20 minutes. I had been living in a country that I couldn't communicate with people around me and here I was, able to express myself and communicate with people who didn't even speak English. Amazing! As I was playing I thought to myself, "Thank you Mom for all of those times you made me practice when I didn't want to!" And Dad, thanks for not getting annoyed when I practiced the same 4 measures over and over for a half hour.

Now Dad is a mission president in McAllen, Texas. I wake up each morning jealous of those missionaries who get to see him and my mom more often than I do. I'm grateful for their example of sacrifice. It's hard for me to even comprehend how much they have given up for me, and now they are giving up 3 years to the Lord. I know the missionaries who work with my parents will become better people because of my parents.

Dad, thanks for the laughs, smiles, and hugs. You can make me laugh even when no one else can. I miss hearing you sing the Soprano line at church. You're the best.

Mom, thanks for always listening. You've supported me in all I've done and you understand me more than anyone else. You are a beautiful woman and I aspire to be more like you.

Enjoy the pictures below!

Mis padres & Hermana Peterson (before she left!)