Brand-New Teenager and a 9 Year Old

 

This week we celebrated the promotion of our second official teenager! Phillip turned 13 on Thursday. He is the best kid. His flavor of weird daily astounds me. Evelyn's birthday was yesterday (Saturday). It was a fun week celebrating these two cuties. 

The kids survived their first full week of school. The older kids are exhausted, especially Everett since he joined Cross Country so runs after school each day. Everett is taking lots of hot baths and using the tens unit often. His first meet is next week! Evelyn still loves her teacher, hoping for a better year. Amelia got her mangled schedule figured out, at least she has seminary now! The STEM classes are not possible but she is ok with that since her Photography class is very fun. Phillip loves being at school with his 2-3 buddies. 

Justin gave us Father's blessings Monday evening. That was a spiritual high for us all. We took a moment to write down our impressions and what we could remember. Each person had personal prayers answered, questions that weighed on our minds. For example, Amelia was blessed to make friends and to use her talent to befriend others to help those around her to feel belonging with the Savior. Phillip was urged to develop his talent for music as a tool to strengthen his testimony. Everett was reminded he is loved and to use his testimony for the good of others. I was told I have a talent to see into people's hearts. Especially to bring others to Christ. Mia went bowling with the Stake Youth Leaders as a bonding activity. She was out until 10:30 pm bowling her little heart out. 

Josie is making progress with her violin. She is now using her bow and plucking to play GDAE notes. I am attending lessons with her. It helps me know what she is learning and needs to focus on during daily practice. Phillip went with me to Costco afterschool on Wednesday. He helped me pick up his birthday cheesecake and other snacks for school lunches. 

Phillip kicked off his birthday opening two gifts on Wednesday night. I found a Dipper Pines hat and pendant necklace for him to wear on his birthday. He also got 4 packages of peanut M&Ms, his favorite treat. I picked up JJ's and delivered it to school for his lunch. Yum. He requested sausage gravy and biscuits for dinner. Phillip went swimming with Darrell and Abram two friends from MCO and church. He opened up a new Lego (Fawkes), a new shaving kit, $25 Roblox card, and Exploding Minions. Our birthday song rendition was especially awful. Ambree was completely embarrassed by Sara when Sara kept singing. The eye rolling was intense. I was surprised the cheesecake this time was yummier than usual, add the fresh berries and whipped cream for over the top goodness. The best part of the day was watching Phillip videos. My favorite is still "baby in a stockpot."

Justin left very early Friday morning for two funerals in Utah. His mission president, Brother Cavanaugh, passed away last week. Justin studied accountancy because of President Cavanaugh's influence. Justin caught up with many mission friends at the funeral. He stayed with Charity that night, got to visit with Libby and Cole, said that Mason is growing into an astounding young man, and of course sweet Reagan. He attended the graveside service for Aunt Carolyn in Heber. I am so glad he got to attend. 

Evelyn's birthday started Friday with McDonalds for lunch at school. I had to drop off the van for an alignment assessment, turns out the alignment is fine. I was late for lunch until I realized that her lunch was at 11:55 and NOT 11:35 like she told me. Ha ha ha, intentionally early? Maybe not. Saturday was jam packed busy. Amelia and I enjoyed a special live meeting with Sister Cardon at our Stake Center. Three young ladies sang the most beautiful arrangement of Come Thou Font and Hie to Kolob. We all recited the YW theme. That was so powerful, Sister Cardon talked about all the titles we have: beloved, cherished, repenter, witness, etc. She asked us: puppies become....? Dogs. Kittens become....? Cats. Ducklings become...? Ducks. Daughters of God become....? Goddesses, Queens, Mothers, Angels. 

We missed the last 45 minutes due to Amelia's job interview at 11:15 am. She did a great job driving out to Kuna...like a Grandma Turtle. The 20 minute drive took her 30 minutes! Better than a speed demon. I drained the van battery after rolling down the windows, I forgot to turn off accessory mode for 5 minutes. We waited for over an hour for her turn. Amelia was the very last interview. Today we heard she got the JOB! Yay! Carson is bummed he was not hired. Now we need to figure out how to get her to work while I am teaching piano full time. We got home to find the kids lazing about. At least the boys sort of mowed the lawn. We deep cleaned for the next two hours. Amelia made orange crush cupcakes for Evelyn's treat. Evelyn was at Lily's birthday party from 1-3. We hosted a family BBQ for the birthday kids with the Ostlers, Potters, and the Reddishs. Evelyn finally got her "Pioleroid" Camera and a cute Lilo and Stitch backpack. Justin got home just in time to eat dinner with us. 

Justin had the heavy responsibility to teach a class today on Protecting our Children and Youth. As a ward we took the child abuse prevention training. The training is ok, quite inadequate in some respects. Division and contention is tearing the fabric of our ward. Cami Reddish came to church just to express her opinion that sexual abuse reporting needs to be changed. Sister Roundy stood up to essentially tell Cami to stand down and remain silent. Of course, Cami rose to the challenge and emotions ensued. Justin quickly shut down her comments, which were quickly turning heated. He was so flustered that he steamrolled the discussion. I thought there was room to talk about Cami's suggestions. We don't really know the protocol surrounding reporting and laws within the church. 

Everett came to me in tears before church, a bruise on his forehead from banging it on the wall for a few minutes. He is very frustrated with Amelia. She is often very argumentative and mean to her siblings. I am at a loss of how to lovingly kick her butt, urge her to change. Everett was bullied at school a few times last week.