Ethan is, by far, my most curious child. Almost daily he asks me if he can look something up on Google that he's interested in. His mind is always going. If he decides he needs to know something he doesn't rest until he's found the answer.
Tonight during Family Home Evening, we were reviewing a few things before Ethan gets baptized on Saturday. Somehow the millennium came up and one of the girls asked when it would be. Jared explained that no one, not even the angels in heaven knew when it would be. Before he could finish his thought about Heavenly Father being the only one that knows when it is, Ethan pipes up with, "Even Google doesn't know?" Jared and I both busted up laughing. "No, Ethan, Google doesn't even know." Jared said. Ethan's quick reply? "Wow! I thought Google knew everything!"
I guess Google doesn't know it all!
Walker Family
Monday, April 30, 2012
It's Great To Be Eight!
My cute little guy turned eight last week. I've been so slow getting his birthday stuff up. Part of the reason is I wanted to include a few pics from his friend birthday party on this post. April 23 began bright and early. The birthday boy was so excited he could hardly sleep the night before. Luckily, he finally fell asleep so I could make this little creation.
He looks totally tired to me in this picture. However, you can't miss the excitement of the day all over his face. And yes, his shirt does say, "I'm my biggest fan."
Later that night, we ate cake with the sisters, Grandpa Allen, Aunt Lisa and cousins Conner and Brynn. I bet you can't guess who got the piece of cake with the giant Y.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Such a relief after some of the rainy weather we had the day before. I really needed the weather to be nice for his birthday party, you'll see why very soon.
Ethan wanted to have a football birthday party. A few weeks earlier, he and I had been looking online for some party ideas when we saw a family who had spray painted a football field on their back lawn. Using our powers of persuasion, Ethan and I convinced Jared (truthfully it wasn't hard to convince him, he's a sucker for this little guy just like me!)to do the same for the birthday party. We did take it a little farther by putting up a field goal post made of PVC pipe.
Ethan is a huge BYU football fan. The only person I know that comes close to loving BYU football as much as Ethan is my nephew, Luke. We honestly haven't brain washed him, he came wired this way. The kid eats and sleeps sports, but his true love is football. From a mother's perspective I wish he could love something a little less violent, but what can I do. He loves what he loves. Therefore, what type of cake to make him was a no brainer. I always make their cakes the night before so when they come down in the morning they can see them sitting on the counter in the kitchen. To put it mildly, he was thrilled! Totally worth all the work to see his adorable face light up with excitement.
He had to open his gifts before school. It was just going to be cruel to make him wait. By the way, those were his words, not mine.
He looks totally tired to me in this picture. However, you can't miss the excitement of the day all over his face. And yes, his shirt does say, "I'm my biggest fan."
Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Such a relief after some of the rainy weather we had the day before. I really needed the weather to be nice for his birthday party, you'll see why very soon.
Ethan wanted to have a football birthday party. A few weeks earlier, he and I had been looking online for some party ideas when we saw a family who had spray painted a football field on their back lawn. Using our powers of persuasion, Ethan and I convinced Jared (truthfully it wasn't hard to convince him, he's a sucker for this little guy just like me!)to do the same for the birthday party. We did take it a little farther by putting up a field goal post made of PVC pipe.
I'm not going to lie, this thing was the hit of the party. All eight little boys had a fabulous time kicking field goals and playing football related games. The field is still painted on and the field goal post is still up. It will have to come down eventually, but I'm loving watching him enjoy it so much. He dreams of playing football for BYU one day. Whenever we drive by the stadium he tells me that I'm going to watch him play there one day. I realize that the likelihood of that is slim to none, but I still love watching and listening to him dream about it.
Ethan is a total joy to have in our family. He loves to tease his sisters and pester to the point of distraction, but you can't help but love him all the more. He is a fierce defender of those same sisters he loves to tease and a great example of constantly choosing the right. He loves to help me and has a great respect for his parents. He is a fantastic little boy that never ceases to melt my heart. I can honestly say he is my favorite son!
Isn't he the cutest little football player you've ever seen? Who knows, maybe he will play for BYU one day. :)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Your Life In One Sentence
A few weeks ago we received a call from Jared's brother that every person dreads. Jared's mom has been diagnosed with a massive, inoperable brain tumor. The initial diagnosis gave her one week to live. She has been a trooper though. With the benefit of modern medicine, she is still with us. We know her days are numbered, but are grateful for the time she has left to share with her family.
When we received the phone call we immediately made preparations to go to Idaho. It was pretty amazing to see all 10 of their children along with spouses and grandchildren together. All of us, except for one grandson on a mission, were there. It was such a great testimony builder of eternal families.
Before we left, Jared had a quick paper to write for one of his Master's classes. He went down to the office to do his school work while I packed and loaded the car. A few minutes passed before he called me down. I walked in and he said, "What's my one sentence?" I was completely baffled, I had no idea what he was talking about. He handed me a book he was reading and pointed out a paragraph he wanted me to read. The author's basic idea was this. Each person has one sentence that defines his life, the person he is, his character, etc. He used Abraham Lincoln as his example. I don't remember what his sentence was for him, but it had something to do with abolishing slavery and winning the Civil War. For part of Jared's paper, he had to write what his one sentence was or would be.
I'm not sure why, but I haven't been able to get that off my mind. At first, I pondered about whether or not I agreed with the author. After I decided that I did agree, I've wondered often what my one sentence will be. The thing is, I don't know what it will be. Initially I thought that I had time to make my one sentence whatever I wanted. But, Jared's mom is a perfect example of the falsehood of that statement. We never know how much time we have left on this earth. If I were to die tomorrow, what would my family and friends say about me?
I realized that I have been blessed with the perfect opportunity and I have embraced it. I've been given a reminder to align my priorities correctly and to be sure that I'm being the best person I can be. I'm not perfect and I don't have it all figured out, but I'm working towards it. If nothing else, this experience has given me a new zest for seeking the best things.
Who knew I could get that much out of Jared's homework assignment.
When we received the phone call we immediately made preparations to go to Idaho. It was pretty amazing to see all 10 of their children along with spouses and grandchildren together. All of us, except for one grandson on a mission, were there. It was such a great testimony builder of eternal families.
Before we left, Jared had a quick paper to write for one of his Master's classes. He went down to the office to do his school work while I packed and loaded the car. A few minutes passed before he called me down. I walked in and he said, "What's my one sentence?" I was completely baffled, I had no idea what he was talking about. He handed me a book he was reading and pointed out a paragraph he wanted me to read. The author's basic idea was this. Each person has one sentence that defines his life, the person he is, his character, etc. He used Abraham Lincoln as his example. I don't remember what his sentence was for him, but it had something to do with abolishing slavery and winning the Civil War. For part of Jared's paper, he had to write what his one sentence was or would be.
I'm not sure why, but I haven't been able to get that off my mind. At first, I pondered about whether or not I agreed with the author. After I decided that I did agree, I've wondered often what my one sentence will be. The thing is, I don't know what it will be. Initially I thought that I had time to make my one sentence whatever I wanted. But, Jared's mom is a perfect example of the falsehood of that statement. We never know how much time we have left on this earth. If I were to die tomorrow, what would my family and friends say about me?
I realized that I have been blessed with the perfect opportunity and I have embraced it. I've been given a reminder to align my priorities correctly and to be sure that I'm being the best person I can be. I'm not perfect and I don't have it all figured out, but I'm working towards it. If nothing else, this experience has given me a new zest for seeking the best things.
Who knew I could get that much out of Jared's homework assignment.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Happy Birthday Jenna!
Jenna turned 13 yesterday. How on earth do I have a teenage daughter? I could swear that I just gave birth to her and brought her home from the hospital. I know it was just the other day that I was worrying if she was eating enough, breathing in her sleep, sleeping too much or not sleeping enough. I know that it was yesterday when I took her to her first doctor’s appointment and asked no less than a dozen questions about everything…was she big enough, could she hear, could she see, was she healthy. I’m sure our poor pediatrician thought I was crazy…I probably was.
It turns out we got her to this point though. And as much as I may be in denial, she is actually 13. I don’t feel old enough to have a teenager. I certainly don’t feel smart enough to have a teenager. I’m to the point that I don’t rely on the pediatrician for everything anymore. I’m sure he’s very grateful. I’m learning that most of the time my Heavenly Father has great advice for me with my cute, little teenager. It turns out he knows an awful lot.
All that aside, we are very blessed. Jenna is a fabulous daughter. She has a strong testimony and she loves the Lord. This brings me great comfort when I wonder if she (and I) will make it through the next few years. My uncle told me once that teenagers are only as bad as you make them. He told me that I could have fun with my teenagers or hate the experience. I totally plan to have fun!
Jenna, we love you and the beautiful young woman you are becoming. Always remember that daddy and I love you! Heavenly Father loves you too! We will always be there for you. Thanks for bringing your good heart and love of the gospel into our home. I love that you were the first little person to make me a mom, almost as much as I love being your mom.
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