Brooke

 

Brooke, 

This Christmas season has been tough for a teen and even tougher for a teen in your shoes, but I stand in awe at many courageous and Christ-like things that you have displayed within your character these past few weeks. It is said that if you give a person money and all the money in the world, you will find out who and what they are by what they spend it on. I think that's true. When I was given money I used it to make something that could talk about Jesus in a pretty way and touch hearts as a gift of love and beauty. You were given a chance to spend some extra money a few days ago and this season through your babysitting job ( You babysit some children of a single Mom in our ward on Sunday and teach them a Come Follow Me lesson since she has no choice but to work ). I was not surprised, but delighted when opening Christmas presents on Christmas to gifts that you personally bought without Grandma and Grandpa's help, and without your Dad's help. You got me a perfect gift that I would love of cards with scriptures on them printed and you said you knew I would like to give them out to people at stores, etc. It is true and so thoughtful and caring of you! You purchased Will somehow these rare Pokemon cards that came off a Pokemon black market or something? You are very resourceful! And, Brooke....after I told you that you would be able to get one more expensive gift from me, you came into my rooms and said, " Mom, I don't think I should get that gift we were going to go get today, but instead, let's get Will a new phone; I think Will feels like he wants the tech stuff I have. " You didn't want Will to feel bad and were willing to give up this thing you had talked me into getting for you last min. This gift giving is a show of your loving heart and I am so blessed to be your Mother. 

Brooke I think a person's true character comes out and shows who they are under pressure and trials too; not just when given a lot of money...

These past few weeks I have seen you be engaged in your school work and having ideas about how to help me run my CPR business as one night you came to me and said, " Mom, I made you a Google Form for you to send to every student you have, so that it will help you keep them in one place and have extra info you need. " You are brilliant and blessed with so many talents Brooke! I can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to use you through all eternity, to bless His children. 

You gave me what I asked for in my favorite gift for Christmas as well, which are kind thoughts and words and I felt so blessed that I didn't ask you to, but that you wrote kind words to everyone in their own letter; Grandma, Grandpa, your Dad, etc. 

I feel everyday that you are the Brooke that the Lord wanted to give me, to help me have His living water daily, as I am desirous to get you to Him and you are desirous to go to Him yourself...

I hope we can catch some fish, like Jesus said to be fishers of men...along our way..but, I know I will be so happy with even one soul in you, and more I am sure...in God's Kingdom forever with you my daughter. 

I love you Brooke my princess.

        Love, 

               Mommy 

Will

 

Will, 

As a Mother I am very blessed by your faith. A couple weeks ago when I was reading in 3 NEPHI to you, during our scripture study, we came to the portion that gave the promise to anyone who reads The Book of Mormon, they should ask, to know if it true. I suppose I had heard this passage in The Book of Mormon so many times that it did not hit me as something to talk to you about, but you were listening and the spirit must have pricked your heart of the truth of this promise as you interrupted my reading,you said, " Mom, I haven't done that? " I said, " You haven't done what? " You said, " I haven't prayed and asked if The Book of Mormon is true? But, can I because I know all the stories but I can't read like that. "  Your concern about your dyslexia was flooding over you, no doubt..my heart was touched by your desire to follow the instructions in The Book of Mormon, even so much so, that you wanted to make sure you could ask even if you hadn't done it the way others had. I felt the spirit fill the room with gentle love from Heavenly Father for you Will. I told you, " Of course you can ask if the Book of Mormon is true, because you have done what you can in watching videos and every single one about the BOM. you have read a lot if it too. Why don't we read all of 3 Nephi and you can ask? " You thought about what I said and replied, " Well, can He answer the question again, if I already know The Book of Mormon is true? Because I know it's true, I just hadn't done what that scripture said. " I suppose the feeling of love I was feeling from the Lord for you, also had reminded you that you already knew. I said, " Yes, Will, you can still ask. You can just tell Heavenly Father that you know The Book of Mormon is true, but that can He send you messages to help your testimony of it be stronger . " You seemed excited and said, " Okay, after we read 3 Nephi. " I then encouraged you to try and read yourself again as you don't like to, and you have done wonderful in the children's version! 

Will, Last Sunday you were so supportive of Brooke and me. Brooke had Fireside to go to and I found out the parents could also. I didn't know what to do because we had left Grandma and Grandpas house and wouldn't make it on time if I were to take you back. By the time I found out parents were allowed to go we wouldn't be there early as Brooke likes. You said, " Mom, it's okay. I can just go with you guys too, since I know you want to be there with Brooke. " This was so thoughtful of you Will. Your offer was heard by the Lord, I am certain. As Brooke wanted to go alone, you even consoled me on the rest of the drive home and said, " Mom, it's just because Brooke likes to feel like she is in charge that she doesn't want you to go. Don't feel bad. She just wants to be in charge of everything. " 

You handle Brooke being a teenager pretty well Will, and you reminded her how logical you are and patient about her mood shifting. Brooke decided recently she wants to be a school teacher. Will, you told her when she declared this, " I don't think that's a good idea for you to be a teacher Brooke." She asked why, " You said, " Well, you can't even handle one of me for 20 min. How can you handle an entire class of me without being so annoyed? you can't do it! " Brooke reminded you quickly that no child is like a little brother.

I think you handle Brooke being a teen pretty well Will, but you are getting really sick of the virus. Today you complained that you couldn't go to Primary again this week after Sacrament, and you are feeling pretty lonely missing as much time with friends at recess etc. 

Will, You now love Pokemon and you are so thoughtful that when you opened a pack of Pokemon cards this week; you saw you got a card that is your friend's favorite, and you were excited!  ( you get to see this friend because he is in your class ) ! You said, " I am going to give this to my friend William! " Can I make him a card and put it inside? I said, " Of course." Well, you didn't forget you wanted to do this Will. On a Friday night I asked what you wanted to do. You said, " I want to get a funny card for William to put his Pokemon card in." I said, " Okay." You were pretty upset you couldn't find what you envisioned at the store and got grumpy at me. A few min. Later you said, " Sorry Mom, did I make you feel bad? " You felt bad for getting upset at me that you couldn't find what  you wanted.

Will, you care how others feel and when I was sad the other day you said, " Mom, You don't have anything to be sad for because you are the nicest person ever and Jesus said that if you have charity then you have the best gift, and you do have charity and if you didn't have charity then you could be sad, because then without charity you are nothing. " You are a true example to me Will! 

River and a brook

Well, Brooke....You dressed up as " River Song " from " Doctor Who " for Halloween this year. 

Brook...as River.. 

   You love the tv series " Doctor Who " and you have gotten your brother into it as well! I am not sure if you not only love the show, " Doctor Who"  but if you think on a daily basis that you need a doctor because of how unusual you think your parents are right now in your life? 

I am not sure if it's a teenager thing or just being a child of us, but you do constantly look at us strange and ask if we are being serious? 

Brooke, I can't blame you. You are really smart, and you do show me so many things I can do in the tech world, and tell me that I need to stop only posting scriptures on my social media pages if I want anyone to want to listen to me? 

You are so organized in your ability to produce a plan on paper, so much so that your Dad asked you to make a planned out parenting guideline for us? You said, " Aren't you supposed to do that Dad? " When your Dad offered to pay you to do this, you didn't hesitate. 

Brooke, you continue to want to help the helpless as you want to be a Vet and show compassion to those in need, even as you stopped and announced to the house hold that you never imagined your Dad would ask you how to work the washing machine when you were 14 years old and expected that to be a normal question in his mind? Or when you wanted to help your Mom ( me ) by making each of her students use hand sanitizer as they walk in the door for a CPR class in our house? Or helping the helpless parents by ordering groceries online when we are in a hurry, researching what kind of products we should buy to protect the environment, and looking for better deals on the internet for things that we purchase...or when your Mom says we should eat cake for breakfast and you recommend something else. 

Brooke, I am grateful for your goals that you talk about that set a good example for your brother. Will has a good example of caring about his school work in you, and caring about the animals in nurturing and sweetness that he learned from you in the pets. 

So that you don't look back at this and feel completely sorry for yourself for living in a house with the helpless....

You did get some needed help from a little brother of yours a few days ago when you were using a drill on your own bedroom wall, (you were trying to hang a jewelry holder ). Will, upon hearing the sound of a drill, came into your room, and for the first time didn't get sent out as you said, " Will, I need your help!" Will had to tell you that you were using the wrong type of screw, you were drilling into a stud, and had the drill put into reverse mode. Will says that he saved you from having about 15 holes in your wall that day. Apparently Will knew where the stud finder was in the garage and as soon as he brought it into your room, you let him take over. 

 

I took Brooke to the recording studio with me to record a song she wanted to sing for choir! She did awesome and the amazing thing was it was my favorite Christmas song to song as a kid!!!

" The Christmas Song " 

Good Will and His good will

 Will, 

You have given so many witnesses of your love for Jesus lately and you have even been a good example for all around you!

Well, you really like Five and Below Will. It's one of your favorite places to go and just get an inexpensive toy and bag of pocky sticks you like.

One day a few weeks ago as walking towards Five and Below for your toy before meeting Grandma and Grandpa for dinner, we were approached by a sales person that asked if we wanted to donate an animal to children in need. You know you and Brooke perked up because you like pets and they mentioned giving an animal. I quickly realized this was a monthly donation and thought I give in tithing, but you started asking all about the animals the kids would get. You remembered when Aunt Audrey had chickens that laid eggs and you went and collected them and ate them. You asked if we could donate before I could even say I wanted to know more about the company Will. 

Everyone standing around us was shocked because you said, " I don't need to go to Five and Below, I can give them my money for a toy, for the animal for the kids instead. " You did just that, and allowed them to get money from my bank account each month because of your kindness too Will. 

Will, you also offered to let us find a different home for your ferret so that Brooke could have a kitten from the liter she raised. With tears in your eyes you said to Brooke when she asked if you would do that as your Dad said, so she could have the kitten, " Okay, but only because you guys ask me everyday to get Sparky a new home." That was such a sacrifice for you Will, because even though you loved your ferret you knew we were having problems with Brooke wanting animals so much she'd cry all the time. 

When I was feeling sick after a workout yesterday you asked right away if we could say a prayer that I would feel better and then you said the prayer Will. 

There are so many scenarios like this when you have been an example that I can't even write them all, but a very inspiring one was when about a month ago we were in Arizona and Aunt Audrey took me to the store to see tortoises because when I was a kid I liked turtles and you love turtles so much that you chose a sea turtle backpack this year for school. 

Well, we came back from the store with tortoises that live outside and you were very upset that they were not water turtles. You even cried. I thought you would be so happy but you were upset because you like sea turtles, not land tortoises. After awhile of crying you came to me and said, " Mom, I think satan is just tempting me to be upset, because I don't know why I am so upset that it's not a water turtle. I am sorry. " 

I could hardly believe my ears and knew the Lord was letting wisdom be taught through the mouth of my babe as I know some times I get tempted to be upset for a reason I should not, and especially since like I was trying to give you a gift, Heavenly Father gives me lots of gifts. 

I was so proud of your testimony and ability to stand back for a moment and realize you could be happy and know that you will still get a water turtle if you want some time. 

When we had to get on the airplane with baby tortoises Aunt Audrey said, " Let's say a prayer they let you in with them. " You said right away, " I already did and that we won't get in trouble for trying to bring a turtle on the plane. " 

You carried the little pets in a Tupperware and security loved them. They started passing the tub around for fun to other workers to admire and then they asked you to walk through security with one turtle in each hand. 

I never thought I'd see that happen at an airport? 

You have a strong will to do good will towards men Will! 

You have such faith in prayer and you are a blessing of example to those around you. 

Grandma told you at church today that the girls are going to love you because you are so handsome and sweet. 

She is right and I asked you to take a picture with her. 

Love, 

Mommy 💝

4th Grade Will and more masks

 

      Will goes to 4th Grade!!! 

Will has always been a mask collector, and I have had to say I won't buy him anymore masks after having Iron Man, Spiderman, Darth Vader, Kilo Ren, Hulk, Power Rangers, Storm Troopers, more Spiderman and more Iron Man masks than one could possibly need...but now Will is asking for more of the new kind of masks, and very picky about them, even as he had to wear it at school all day this year. 

Regardless of the mask wearing....

Will is so happy to be back at school and he was very blessed to receive an answer to his prayers as requested by him a few weeks before school started. 

I still have an individual scripture message with Will each night as I put him to bed, and though I feel ready to be asleep while he kicks around in his bed and waits for his cat " Hulky" to come to our nightly tradition of scripture and prayer just Mom and Will, in his bunk bed, it is a cherished moment each night for me, though my eyes are heavy, my heart is mostly warmed. 

A few weeks before school started this year Will was very nervous. With the fear of the virus that had been instilled into Will, and the unknown of wearing a mask and sitting apart from the other children, Will just didn't feel as excited as normal. I didn't even suggest it, but one night after scripture with Will and upon me reminding him to pray ( He likes me to stay with him until he falls asleep, so I hear his personal prayers each night ) Will asked, " Heavenly Father, Please just help me to get into a good class with a nice teacher....etc " 

When it was time to meet the teacher on video call this year, She asked Will what his least favorite subject is? 

I was surprised and his teacher Mrs.Putman was shocked when Will said his least favorite subject is choir. 

Mrs.Putman said, " How could that be with your Mom's singing? " 

I didn't know how she knew I sang and so I said, " How do you know I sing? " 

Mrs.Putman said, " Well, I am in your ward! " 

Will and I were both happy but also embarrassed that we didn't know her and she knew us as members of her ward!

I apologized and she said not to worry because she had been in nursery the past year and a half she has been in our ward and 6 months of that was Covid time , not going to church. 

Will's prayer was answered! 

Will is happier everyday with a teacher from our church than I have ever seen him at school. 

This week I received this letter about Will from her. I agree that Will is determined and wants to set a good example. I am also so proud of you Will!!!! 

Hey there! This is Mrs. Putman, Will's ELAR teacher. I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying Will in my class.  He is really trying to work hard and do his best: which is awesome!  I love watching his confidence, determination, and friendships grow. He is such a sweet young man that is working hard to be a good example to others. I am just super proud of him, and I cannot wait to watch him surpass expectations this year!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Putman

                Will and his cousin Addelyn 

Addelyn has always taken a special liking to Will and Will prays for Addelyn sometimes and I didn't even remind him! 

Grandpa and Will at the icecream shop. 

      Will is always anxious to see family whenever he gets the chance! 

Wynne ( Wills cousin, Amy's son ) and Will had tons of fun looking at dinosaur footprints in the water at Fossil Rim.

Will and his cousin Lehi ( Audrey's son ) 

Will and Fawn ( Audrey's daughter ) 

Will loves makes scripture pics with playdough and his Title of Liberty pic was made with gold playdough that he selected just for this scripture picture

Will and Waffles on the first day of 4th Grade 

Brooke's COVID summer

 

Brooke's Baby Kittens

 Brooke has entered highschool! After being stuck at home more than normal, because of the Covid regulations, Brooke was even more ready to go to school end of this summer than usual. 

However, Brooke did have one or two funny and exciting things to share about her summer as she'd see friends again and exchange summer stories. 

Even though Kevin said he'd be camping in the backyard if we had even one more animal, I decided Brooke's health and development would have to be kept priority, otherwise Kevin might be in a worse position because his daughter was suffering so much in not being able to be with friends as parents and sports shutdown, wouldn't allow it.

I told Brooke instead of watching endless videos about kittens and animals all day, that she needed to start reporting on what she was watching and come up with a plan about how she can develop herself and do something herself that included her interests in the video. 

Brooke took what I said to heart and started learning how to take care of neo-natal kittens from videos on YouTube of animal rescuer experts. Brooke learned how to revive sick kittens, appropriate weight to age, number of bowel movements, what healthy kittens look like, and development stages and then, I told her, just sign me up to be a Foster Mom with the SPCA because she is too young. 

Because Brooke wrote out an entire action plan of how to care for kittens needs and read the entire SPCA Fostering Handbook, I let her get a Mom cat and four kittens to stay at our house, in Brooke's room, until they finished nursing and could be adopted. This action allows for more animals to be in the shelter that are ready to be adopted, so it seemed to be a good help that Brooke could get involved in her interests while stuck at home. 

Brooke decided she wants to be a vet and so it was a great chance for her to see how much she'd like it? 

I am not sure who was more excited though, as we picked up the kittens at the SPCA; Will or Brooke? Will said, " This is one of the best days of my life! " , as he put his face close to the crate that was handed them in the car, as he saw your kittens meowing at him. Brooke was so excited she was hyperventilating for the most part. It was entertaining and a memorable moment of life's excitement of having children.

Brooke did a good job of caring for this Mom cat and kittens until it came to her missing sleep as she noticed one kitten not doing well. I stayed up an entire night hand feeding the baby kitten to keep it alive all night, and I knew just how every parent feels when they are reminded that their children's responsibilities are also their responsibilities. 

Brooke took care to vacuum her room daily, change two liter boxes daily and it all paid off as she was no longer watching others on video doing what she wanted to do, but could in actuality experience it herself and then to wake up to little kittens on her bed each morning was like something she didn't think would happen when living at home. 

The second story she had to bring to High school was the fact that she got to drive her Dad's golf-cart all summer, even though he tells her she can't and then let's her anyways.