Goodbye Endeavor!

When I was five or six years old, I remember making a list of things I wanted to be when I grew up.

#1 - First female astronaut
#2 - Professional soccer player
#3 - I forget but it was something just as lofty

Sally Ride burst my bubble on the first one. She was the first woman astronaut in 1983 when I was 9 years old. As for the second one, I didn't even play soccer in college.

Today was the last day the space shuttle took the flight. My co-worker's husband called us just in time for us to run out and see it as it passed by (my work isn't too far from Moffet Field). As I watched it fly overhead, I felt the urge to wave with excitement as if I were a little kid.

All of the kids were lucky enough to see it pass by their school. A friend of mine was able to capture the kids on the playground.

When I asked her to send me a copy of the video, her only comment was, "the kids' reaction was magical." After the kids returned to their classrooms, Lucas's teacher had a PowerPoint on the space program. At one point, she turned around to find Lucas crying. When she asked him what was wrong, he answered, "I am just sad that the space shuttle  is over." She attempted to comfort him and returned to teaching the lesson. Within a few minutes, 10 kids were crying in her class about the end of the space program.

I completely understand Lucas's feelings. I too teared up when I watched the video and the kids running after it to make sure the could keep it in sight for as long as possible. Farewell Endeavor!

A Deacon in the House

Twelve years old is a big age in our church. That is the age the boys are given the Aaronic Priesthood. The first office in the priesthood is to become a deacon. In order to become a deacon, each boy must be worthy and be interviewed by his bishop. Then a worthy priesthood holder (in this case Jeff) along with other brethren (including Bobpa) confers the priesthood upon him.

Jared is very excited to have the priesthood because he is able to attend classes during church with other "Young Men." He had grown very tired of being with the Primary age kids (8-11 year olds). It was fun to see him hanging out in the gym after church with the other young men. It made me realize how old he is now that he is with the 12-18 year old boys.

Three generations of priesthood holders (the resemblance is hard to miss).

Jared turns 12!

How did this happen? I couldn't possibly be old enough to have a twelve-year-old son. Yesterday I was remembering going to the hospital twelve years ago. The doctor had promised me that he would be born on the 14th and that he was going to be around 8.5 pounds. He was born well after midnight and tipped the scales at 9 pounds, 5 ounces - not to mention a huge cranium (that I blame on Jeff)!

My wonderfully talented, incredibly smart Jared has continued to bring me joy and challenge me every day since he was born.

Jared reading his card from Grandpa. The card talked about what a great grandson he is.

Grandpa gave Jared a comb/brush that folds in half. Jared had seen Grandpa use one and had been asking for one. Josh and Kerry gave him a new soccer ball.

Nonni and Bobpa gave him a long board skateboard (his soccer coach will be so excited!)

This was the second of three desserts that Jared requested (vanilla cake for book club and brownies for the soccer team). Red velvet is his favorite and with all of the baking, I had forgotten to buy candles (hence the 3 x 4 = 12). 

He is an incredibly lucky kid to have an extended family that loves him so much and which attends almost every one of his events. 

Claire's First Day of Soccer

Claire is fierce. She is a crazy combination of sugar and spice and puppy dog tails. We will put her up against kids a few years older than she is in a foot race. Her determination and speed are quite striking.

This year Claire is very excited to be playing with her cousin Kylie. It was fun to see them next to each other for the entire hour.

The first day ended with the coach putting them in three teams. The goal was to collect as many balls as possible. Claire made sure to guard her team's balls with all her might.

My Five Year Old is Better than Yours

For those of you that know Claire, she is a piece of work. She is the typical 4th child. Claire is able to smile and melt your heart. Meanwhile she flies completely under the radar to get away with things.

Lately, she has taken to writing me notes. This one she left on my pillow.

In case you need the translation:

Mom 
You love me
You help me
You care for me
You snuggle with me
You make stuff with me
and I just have to say 
I can't stop loving you.

She is a great kid and tells me every night that "I am her best mommy ever."

Jeff saw the note that she wrote me and asked why she didn't write him notes. She responded with...

As I said, she knows how to cover her bases (note no hearts for dad though.)