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.