Lex Makes Me Laugh

Alexa: I tricked ya, Dad.
Alan: Nope, ya didn’t.
Alexa: (walking away) Yeah, I did—just accept it.

Called to Serve

Alan, Cynthia, Austin, Kellie, and Alexa have been called to serve in the David and Rebecca Cook house for 23 months. (oh, and Dave and Becky were called to serve in the Eastern Europe area for their mission.)

Musical House

Each of our children only asked for one gift for Christmas. Austin wanted a laptop, Kellie wanted a full size guitar, and Alexa wanted a drum set.

We found a guitar for Kellie, to which Austin said, “Wow, this is nice, I am a little jealous.” Not that he would ask for one, or had any expectation of getting a guitar; he just realized that Kellie had asked for an awesome gift. Grandma Cook found a great deal on a better guitar and bought if for Austin; we quickly exchanged Kellie’s for the better guitar. The guitars are just different enough that they can tell whose is whose. Kel has been a very good teacher for Austin and enjoys learning and teaching herself songs.

When Alexa asked for drums, I (Cynthia) told her they were expensive and loud (I get frequent migraines). I asked if she wanted anything else instead, and she said, “Whatever I get will be fine.” We went drum shopping while I had a migraine, the salesman showed us the electric drums where the drummer would have to wear headphones and I was sold.

It is wonderful to hear guitars, the piano, the occasional violin, and even the tapping of the drums.

Note: with a combined effort Austin did get a netbook for school.

Parental Pride

Kellie set a goal this year to get on the honor roll. She set it up so she was accountable to our ward’s Relief Society president, so once a week they would ask each other if they were still trying to meet their goals. The 1st term Kel was 0.02 points away from being on the honor roll. She was sad but she didn’t quit; she worked even harder to get on the honor roll. When 2nd term ended we found out that Kellie is on the honor roll. We are proud of her.

Kellie is Impressive

Kellie is an impressive young woman! She took the initiative on her own to work on Personal Progress in her spare time. Before turning 13½ she has finished her Personal Progress.

She loves Personal Progress so much she has decided to help one of her friends earn her Personal Progress award and in return Kellie will earn her Honor Bee. We are very proud of Kellie.

We gave her a bracelet to help remind her of the Young Women values she loves.
Kellie is a great example to all of us.

Scouting

We are proud of Austin, he has earned the rank of Life in scouting.
Next up . . . his Eagle!

First Day of School

Kellie and Alexa were so excited to get back to school. They told me they hope they don’t have as many breaks from school as they did last year.