January 2025

 Gwen Turns 16!

Gwen wanted Crepes for her birthday breakfast and Carrot Cake for her dessert, of course!  She turned 16, but we were a little late in getting the driving permit so she wasn't ready to take the driving test, yet.  We're getting ready though!

What we love about 16 year old Gwen:

• She is so smart!  She works so hard in school and is ranked 7 out of over 400 students. Her teachers love her whenever she asks for any help with schoolwork (which is very rare), it's just so she can talk it through with someone. 
• She is conscientious about her health.  She has set a goal to go running 3 times per week and usually meets that goal!
• She is becoming quite the baker.  She loves to make cake pops, carrot cake, chocolate chip cookies, and often helps me in the kitchen.
• She continues to devour books.  She can read a giant novel in just a day or two.
• She is the resident "techy" in our house.  Whenever I have a technology question, I know I can ask her. 
• She is a piano teacher.  She has around 12 students and runs her business so professionally!  She continues to pursue her own talents and is learning so much by teaching.  
• She is willing to serve- she is currently the ward chorister and conducts the music on the months that I play the organ.  
• She is all around beautiful and we love her so much!!

Way to Go West!

West is loving 4th grade and really shining in Mrs. Hinebauch's class.  He earned Straight A's for his first semester. 

Nyle Turns 12!

Nyle is so fun!  He's finally in Young Men's and will be an amazing deacon!  

Some things we love about 12-year-old Nyle:

• He is so tender and sweet.  He often comes up to me, gives me a hug and says something like "You're the best mom ever!" or "I love you so much!" It totally melts my heart. He does the same sort of thing to Zach.  He also seems to do it more when I'm tired or need to feel some extra love; he's very in tune.
• He's a social butterfly.  He's made some good friends at school, but continues to have his friends here in the neighborhood that he usually spends the after-school hours with.  He's always off doing something fun with someone, and what I love best, is that he invites West to come with him. He's very inclusive.
• He's doing well in Middle School and plans on trying out for the Soccer team this Spring.  He's a fast runner and loves to get in the middle of things in Soccer. 
• Nyle is a math whiz.  He often completes math in his head that takes me a while to work out. He just gets it!  He scored in the top rank amongst his classmates and earned a Raising Cane's lunch from his math teacher.
• He's such a smart, great kid. We sure love our Nyle! 

Ned Turns 14!

Ned is our responsible, but true-boy, 8th grader!  He wanted Mountains (German Pancakes) for his breakfast, which is an absolute favorite in our house.  

Some things we love about 14-year-old Ned:

• Ned has been living it up all during Middle School.  I don't think I've ever met anyone who's had as much fun as he has in Middle School.  He's found good friends, got involved in sports and done well in his classes.  This year, he was selected to be a Student Aid.  He loves this class as he gets to run around the school, help out the staff and do all sorts of odd jobs. He's so good at it, that he even got student of the month from the class.  
• Ned has a great musical-ear.  He knows how to elicit a rich tone from his cello, has a soft, pleasing-to-the-ear touch on the piano and finds joy in making music.  He's played a myriad of musical numbers for church. 
• He is starting to sprout up in height. I believe he has just about caught me in height and I know he'll just keep going.  
• He continues to be a natural leader.  I think this is because he's generally kind to everyone so they feel safe around him. And then, because he's so capable in everything he does, he carries a quiet confidence that's attractive.  People just like being around him and he's kind when they are so they naturally want to follow him.  
• I don't know how, but he has the nicest hair!  Whenever I cut it, it's like I can't mess it up; he always ends up looking good.  
• He's a natural athlete.  His love is soccer, but if he allows himself, he has a future in tennis. This is particularly true as he is ambidextrous.  We purchased a double-handled racquet from our Bishop and Ned uses it well.  As Zach says, he has a perpetual forehand! He's also a natural swimmer.  It will be exciting to see how he does in these sports in High School next year. 
• He's a sweetheart and we sure love our Ned!

Other January Happenings

West earned a free pass at "Flip n' Out Xtreme" along with a few of his friends at school.  He was sick earlier in the week, but was feeling good enough by Saturday to go jump around.  

West and his friends: Savannah, Grace, ?  

My poor Sicky

Getting ready to go sell golf balls