One morning shortly after I turned 40 the thought came to me, “Go arrange a Primary song.” I almost laughed out loud. Although I had played the piano for over 30 years and have played many wonderful songs written and arranged by others, I’d never been the creative type. I couldn’t even play Three Blind Mice without music, and there was no way I had the skills to arrange something as simple as Row, Row, Row Your Boat. But the thought persisted, so I decided to try.

Four days and many hours later (much to the chagrin of my family), I had completed simple piano arrangements of nine Primary songs. Feeling confident that I had done what I needed to do, I sat back to rest.

However, fragments of melodies and lyrics started coming to my mind more and more frequently. Instead of sitting back to rest, I felt compelled to write the ideas down. After lots of hard work plus help from heaven and close friends, I finished several piano/vocal arrangements of hymns and primary songs. Those who listened to them loved them.

The thoughts kept coming. Most of these turned into original pieces that blessed the lives of those who heard them. I realized, with gratitude and awe, that the Lord had given me a new gift of songwriting and arranging. I felt strongly the Lord gave me this gift to bless the lives of others—so I began the process of making this CD, His Tender Care.

When I’m not writing music, I enjoy helping out in my children’s classrooms, volunteering for the PTO, playing volleyball, doing just about anything with my family, reading historical fiction, and eating chocolate chip cookies.

I served a mission in Hong Kong. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University and a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from the University of Utah (some call me a traitor while others call me enlightened!). My husband, four children and I live in Las Vegas, NV. I have served in various church callings in Relief Society, Young Women’s and Primary. I have been organist in my ward for eleven years, and I’m also currently the Primary Chorister and Choir Pianist.

I am deeply indebted to my husband whose careful attention to lyrics and the overall flow of my songs has made them what they are. I’m also indebted to Crystal Theriault who was the first to sing most of my songs. Her inspired suggestions put the finishing touches of grace and beauty on almost each song on this album. Finally, and most importantly, I’m grateful for a loving Savior who gives us different gifts at different times in our lives, based on what He needs us to do and who He needs us to become. I would be nothing without Him.