school at the funny farm (3/23)

Dalia had a pretty rotten school experience with the move. Downgraded to elementary school, she found herself wrapped up in recess drama and tied to the same 30 people all day. In addition, she had an inexperienced teacher who relied heavily on her for math concepts every day. We made a few attempts to remedy things but kept hitting a wall. In addition, Dalia was slated for a different junior high than her territorial classmates anyhow. All in all, she made a good attempt but the battle felt fruitless. We strongly encouraged Dalia to change schools but worried at the same time. After spring break, she switched to the elementary that a few friends in the ward attend for an 8 week respite from the drama. Our only hope was that she made 1 or 2 friends for the summer and regained her social self esteem that had taken quite a hit. Dalia was placed in a classroom with a teacher who owns a few animals - including: a 200 pound tortoise named Carl, 2 smaller tortoises, 2 chickens, and 12 baby chicks. Her collection grew throughout the year to add 2 additional ducks. The kids are in charge of animal chores and get to name each new animal. Dalia's first week brought the chore of feeding Carl the leftover lunches every day. Higher ability learning programs were no longer the only highlight to her week. And better yet, she felt welcomed by her classmates without unordinary drama and has met a friend whom she sees outside of school often. And, of course, she comes home with plenty of animal stories. 

and to think, all i wanted was a boat (12/22)

We were recruited for a commercial on the boat ramp at Saguaro lake. Not interested in opening myself to public scrutiny or even just the public eye, I wanted to say no. But I looked at my daughter who desperately wants fame and said maybe. After checking legitimate credentials, I had no choice but to say yes. And it was unnerving but incredible! Not only a fun, unique experience that I never thought I'd have but a crowning moment from years of dreaming. As a kid, I always wanted a boat and knew I'd find a man who could get me and my kids on the lake. As able, we carefully prioritized opportunities to be on the lake together. And as needed, enforced it as family time. Typically, all want to go because we make it fun but sometimes we've fought teenage angst. Shooting a commercial was crowning in that it validated a move cross country and also recognized the dreams I'd always had of having a boating family. Besides also nodding to the fact that we were doing an OK job of it! In that moment, many years of dreaming culminated with reality and I whispered to Dave, "and to think all I wanted was a boat". It was a perfect opportunity! 

On shooting day, the kids were enamored with the 'greeking' required and being served food like celebrities. We were shot with drone footage, cameras on the boat and a pantoon boat beside us. We ran the same sequence over and over in order to get 'the perfect shot'. And although air and water temp were 50 degrees, we were all paid and the kids skipped school for it. All with no need for a "bio break".

Many Mesa locals have spotted our commercial - some have questions and we're relieved to explain but others don't and it's an odd feeling for it to be the first impression of us. But it was such a good time!

Oceans 10: our beautiful home (11/22)

We found a gorgeous home in a quiet neighborhood. Our favorite highlights include: 9 citrus trees, a poop bathroom because it's extra, Kindin's en suite, a concrete pad for the garbages, one story living, so much room that we keep losing people, a Bougie gated community, room for pingpong, blooming birds of paradise, proximity to walmart, a wildlife bird sanctuary in the backyard, a kitchen that we gather in, white baseboards, and a master closet which has been lovingly named Oceans 10 by the kids. We have a small and immediate remodel in the entry in order to make the space work and will have to build a backyard but it's perfect for us! Kindin will always take credit for finding it as the one who suggested we change filters and put in the pool ourselves.  

Kindin's AZ angels (2/23)

Since summer, Kindin has had severe abdominal pain monthly with periods - missing a full day of school every month and experiencing anxiety. November was proving to be the same, complicated by a flu shot the day before. I encouraged fluids, water, and quick rest before becoming a bit more stern about returning to normalcy. Kindin was hunched over and resistant to suggestion; by 1:00, she was screaming to go to the dr. That's when i knew she needed to go in. We went to urgent care who sent us to the ER. unsure if there was anything to stress about, we sat in the waiting room for hours. Tests were finally completed at 11 pm and confirmed an appendix infection. The hospital was overflowing and we were told that her surgery wouldn't be until the morning. It was a very long and scary night. My mother prayers were more fervent than they'd ever been - both for safety and to keep my head about me. Ultimately, I felt like we were sitting ducks hoping to make it through the night. Kindin was in so much pain and only getting worse. They kept pumping her with morphine which I didn't want but felt there was nothing more we could do. Surgery prep started at11:00 the next morning and I sat in a puddle of tears in the waiting room hoping that all was ok. The dr reported that her appendix did in fact, "leak" but that she should heal just fine. I feel like we both had superhuman strength through the night. And we were blessed with humor through it all too. Some of her best quotes in that 24 hr period:

- What if they discover that appendix is helpful in a few years? 
- If I sneeze with my covid test,  I will freak out!
- I'm going to be high soon - the game Never Have I Ever is going to be so much more fun now. Never have I Ever forcefully had my bladder filled up, Never Have I Ever been high, Never Have I Ever been without an appendix
- My head feels kind of bouncy
- "I don't believe you" after surgery and lifted up her gown in front of everyone in disbelief. Then fretted, "They did it on the wrong side!" when seeing where her scar was. 

While delivering Christmas caramels, I got a call from Kindin who reports that she was just hit in her car. I heard a loud-mouthed male on the other end of the phone and felt so fearful. Kindin said, "there's no damage to the car but we pulled over and I don't know what to do." I was less concerned about the accident and more concerned about her personal safety. I called David to respond as quick as possible but half terrified, I find myself driving to the scene as well. When arriving, I kept eyes on the scene but circled waiting for Dad to handle it. Somehow, there somehow wasn't any damage to her car!?  She later told the Swig worker that she must've been protected because, after all, she and her friend were on the way to the temple lights. Thankful for angels who somehow provided a bubble of protection for her and her friend that night.

I received a scary text from Kindin from work, indicating that there was a break-in after hours and that her and 2 coworkers were hiding in the backroom with crashing noises out on the sales floor waiting for the police to arrive. With it being Superbowl week in Phoenix, I was terrified that the police wouldn't get there soon enough. David was unreachable so I blindly jumped in my car - thinking about how I could intervene on the way there. Luckily, a police officer arrived just ahead of me whose arrival scared off the intruder. The girls came out to discover tables knocked over and inventory thrown around. So thankful that the intruder didn't harm any of these girls and for police who responded quickly!  

apartment dwelling (10/22)

Other than lots of second hand THC inhalation and a cockroach in the fridge, living in an apartment was uneventful.  And except for the kids being short with each other due to lack of personal space (or was it the fact that we had just moved across the country?), I loved it. I found that I enjoyed my kids close - close in proximity. I did miss a yard to sprawl in but we had a lake view and were treated to duck visitors often. We also found that the on-site pool, hot tubs, and gym were a special treat.  

Dolly's many career paths

Dalia has thought about a million different career paths and is capable of others she isn't even aware of. The other night, she treated mom to a full mindfulness exercise - complete with aromatherapy, a guided imagery, and massage. Direct quotes include: 

"Envision yourself in a place that brings you peace - whether it's your war cry on the boat, sitting with a nice warm blanket at the tennis court, or 1st row in an auditorium."  

Dalia has also taken an interest in the kitchen. Since acquiring citrus trees, she delights in juicing and making popsicles. In addition, she takes ownership in being a hostess - offering freshly squeezed juice to all our visitors. 

Her tentative career options are all very intuitive, viable options given her talents:

A foreboding waffle dinner (7/22)

How do you tell your kids that you are moving 1000 miles away? There's no right way to do it so we chose a favorite family dinner to discuss. Jack immediately perked up - showing a sense of adventure but soon withdrew his excitement when he saw Kindin begin to bawl. Dalia also cried. I don't think Kindin talked to us for at least a week and remained cold for about a month. For the record, we accepted blame for about 5 months before finally telling her that we were done with her anger. (I don't think Stover mom will ever entirely let go of guilt over the move though. Despite knowing it is the right decision for our family and future, she spends a lot of time beating herself up about it.) 

Unfortunately, racing out to catch the start of the schoolyear would have been next to impossible so we waited until high school's first semester was complete in October. Nebraska's block schedule didn't quite line up with Arizona's but it allowed them to be ahead rather than behind at school. In addition, it allowed for a few months notice from Bishop Parry and for Madonna as well as a home finding trip to expedite settling down. The extra time also lent itself to a drawn out goodbye - filled with naysaying natives who we had hoped to get support from or at least help garnering excitement to 3 very scared teenagers. After all, we had seen sacred miracles of open doors and lit paths. 

In the end, our last moments were filled with the 'Nebraska Nice' we loved. Highlights included: a bucket list day with my girlfriends, a meal hosted by my big brother and a visit from little bro, offers for goodbye parties, Omaha themed gifts, a heart to heart with mom, food brought in, a farewell at work, a few goodbye walks, and a surprise book from the ward. In addition, our family photographer insisted on snagging one last photo before we left. It was the perfect goodbye gift from a treasured friend - considering she has taken the last 10 years of photos for us. 

Karting for his 14th (5/22)

Jack wanted to go-kart with the boys for his 14th birthday. He also requested a steak dinner and made a special request to our amazing ministering brother for Reese's PB cups (the candy he can't get enough of). He had a great time with a fabulous group of dudes and included his cousin, Charlie as one of his besties. 

notes from this year: Jack's doppleganger is Karate Kid's Johnny Laruso and many comment on it, he and Grant didn't think twice about taking a helicopter ride at the fair by themselves without parent permission, he strongly dislikes Spanish and all things verb conjugation, he loves video games but now is mature enough to opt out for physical activity - many times for shooting hoops, he memorizes jokes and useless trivia quite well, he saves memes on his phone because they make him laugh, he desperately misses competing in wrestling, and he has nicknamed his mom "plop" despite her sincere wishes otherwise.  

Leader of the Pack (8/22)

Dalia began middle school knowing that she wasn't able to finish the year in Omaha; however, she still wanted to try out for show choir. We warned the show choir director ahead of auditions to ensure that she didn't take someone else's spot and she went on with the audition. I soon received a phone call from Mr Firkins raving about her abilities. He said, "She is the only 6th grade girl to score high enough for varsity. I want to offer her a varsity spot and I can assure you that she won't be taking anyone else's place. We'd love to have her for a few months." Dalia loved practicing with a high performing team, began making good friends, all while anticipating an unfortunate end. Her "pack" went on to win multiple city competitions and sent her a personalized tee and note to wish her well in AZ. 

I make 11 & 1/2 socks an hour (6/22)

Kindin was almost able to handpick her first job in this crazy economy. After only paragraph length applications, she received two employment offers right away - both offering pretty good starting pay. She decided on Old Navy where she works with some friends and gets a great discount on clothes. On one occasion, Kindin quantified her career start by joking, "I make 11 & 1/2 socks an hour!" 

warren & charlie (4/22)

We'd been meaning to attend Berkshire Hathaway for a few years and finally made it happen. Wisdom from Warren Buffet (at age 91) and Charlie Munger (at age 98) was a fun experience. Charlie ate peanut brittle throughout and advised not to take life too seriously while Warren's wisdom emphasized investing in yourself. He said, "Your skill can't be inflated away from you. The best investment is to develop your skills. By investing in yourself, you'll own 100% of your future earnings." 

you had one job! one! (10/22)

With relaxing For Strength of Youth standards, the bishop's wife and daughter ran to Claire's for double piercings. Kindin went first and has worn double hoops every day since healing. I went next but the gun got stuck on my ear and I ended up with an uneven piercing. With only a couple of days before moving day, I didn't have time to deal with it. And the longer I waited, the more scared I was to redo the piercing. I ended up waiting it out until the visit of a trusted friend to supervise a few months later. Dalia anxiously awaits her turn and even wrote a lengthy persuasive argument on the topic.  

Destin-ation (6/22)

David and I snuck out for a weekend away to FL for a chance to discuss parenting teenagers and to escape the pressures of bishoping. We stayed on a private beach. were driven around by retiree Uber drivers, visited the dolphin show at the aquarium, got stuck in a downpour, went on a jetski tour, got stuck in the Disco Van twice, tolerated drunkenness at crab island, shopped the Wharf and ate Dole Whips at Harborwalk Village. It was both serene and silly. 

Ad-libbing as Hazel (6/22)

Dalia participated in her first musical in the form of a week long musical theatre camp. Campers mastered a shortened version of Newsies from start to finish with a performance at week's end. It's amazing both how much they do - music, choreography, auditioning, costumes - and how well they do it within such a short time frame. The show was entertaining and I was proud and impressed to see how well Dalia performed. Not only was she a real natural on stage, I was shocked by what she had independently ad-libbed to Hazel's character. She had undeniable talent up there!

letters from home 6/22

The For Strength of Youth camp suggested that a letter from home might be a nice gift for my campers away from home. I penned the tender feelings of my heart with hopes that they knew that they were exactly where they should be. And held a prayer in my heart that they would have a great time. While there, we received updates that mayo was in good supply and that they were making new friends. And upon return, we heard stories of running in hidden undergrounds and making megabeds. (pictured below with friend and "sibling" Hudsen)

Hi Kindi, 

Wanted to tell you how much I love you. You have a bright light about you that everyone looks to. You somehow manage to be cute and confident and smart and kind and fun and athletic. Others are drawn to you because of these qualities and how you shine. I also wanted to tell you how much I love my Savior. It's no secret that my testimony has been challenged recently; however, I know that consistent effort and standing in holy places is where Christ meets us with open arms.  I love Him. I love you for who you are as a daughter of God. I'm proud of you for standing in holy places. 

Hey Hants, 

Wanted to tell you how much I love you.  You are a light in my life - I absolutely love your humor. You have such an easy way of making me giggle. And you've done so since you were a baby. Lately, I have admired how willing you are to learn and grow - you have overcome some tough trials and succeeded at SO many things - I'm convinced that you are stronger and smarter because of it. I have also enjoyed seeing your work ethic come out strongly and am amazed at how much you've saved. I truly love the man you are becoming! I also wanted to tell you how important my testimony is. Being committed to church activities and good friendships there - as a teenager - was the beginning of setting my course. It influenced my choices and kept me from going down dark paths. And it kept me committed to seeing what opportunities God had in store for me instead of giving up or settling. (In fact, church activity and friends in the gospel continue to help in the same ways today.) I have a testimony that the best way to find your unique course is through Christ and that the church provides holy places and special companionships in your commitment to do so. I see you doing that again and again and know that you'll be blessed for your desires and effort. I am truly proud of you.