Kalen's meeting September 2013...

It's that time again.  The time that we set aside for our children ages 5 and up to be able to meet with Kirk and I alone, they pick their favorite treat and get to stay up "all night" with mom and dad.  I love this time so much.  When we are with any of our children alone, they are such different people, I love this experience.  This time Kalen's meeting was first. 



In case it isn't clear Kalen is in this picture, he's the background to his sister Summer.  Kalen is getting big.  He's right at that point where in just the blink of an eye he will be taller than me, and much, much, bigger.  Our meetings with Kalen are always entertaining.  He's very lighthearted and funny.  He loves to laugh and he loooooooves to talk about his younger brothers and sisters.  That's why I chose this picture of him and Summer.  He loves her so much, but she doesn't always love everyone else so much, she's a little difficult.  But he never gives up on her. Everyday when she wakes up I hear him say, "Summer can I give you a kiss?" And she replies, "later."  He cracks up laughing every time.

This time around in Kalen's meeting, besides talking about how cute his youngest brothers and sisters are, we talked about school and goals that are trying to be accomplished.  Kalen is about a year away from his Eagle Scout Award.  We had to help him get organized, all of his blue cards, badges, council meetings, etc. put into order so he could see more clearly where he's at.  He's not too far.  I'm so grateful for a son that is such a good example of motivation and hard work for his younger brothers and sisters. 

Some other big changes for Kalen are that his homeschooling has changed.  He's in seventh grade and is taking Pre-Algebra from BYU independent studies.  It's a great program.  He's also taking a writing course called write@home where he has a real time writing coach that helps him revise his papers and gives him a grade. This has been great timing as he is ready for these challenges.  So far he is doing great. 

I chose to do an interview with Kalen this time around, these are his own words. 

1. What's the best thing about being you?
I know I can always work hard.

2. What's great about being part of your family?
That I have a mom who stays home, she home schools us and I have so many siblings.

3. Your favorite Book?
Candy Shop Wars

4. You in three words.
Hardworking, Happy and Serving

5. Favorite Memory?
Going to Zion's Camp for the first time.  It was so great.

6. Favorite Quote?
Be True to the Faith

7.  Proudest Achievement?
Making MVP for my swim team and taking 3rd place in the 5k run. 

8. What's your favorite thing that your mom makes?
Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana smoothies.

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A Pediatrician

10.  What do you know for sure?
That Christ is my Savior

11. What do you look forward to?
Serving my mission

12. What do you believe in?
Swimming, I believe I can be great at it.

13. Your mom in one word.
Organized

14. Your dad in one word.
Athletic

15. Favorite saying?
"I'm quick, you're silver."  (He swims year round for Quicksilver.)

16. Who is your best friend?
Joe Stepan

17. What do you love about Joe?
That we love to joke around, but when it's time to get serious, he gets right down to business.

18. Who do you admire?
My Grandpa Rick

My husband and I are blessed to have Kalen as a son, and an example in our lives.  Kalen is not perfect.  But, he listens to us, he takes heed to our council and tries hard to be the best boy that he can be.  He's come a long way.  He reminds me a lot of his younger sister Summer, as a younger boy he was also a bit difficult.  I suppose that's also why I love the picture above.  We love Kalen so much.  We love our meetings together, this tradition we've kept going.  It's clear that he's happy, thriving and that he loves being a part of his family.  I can't think of anything better. 

His latest piece, dedicated to his dad.  His dad loves this song... :)