7 Jul 2024
VOLUME 12 – NUMBER 563
Watching fireworks on garage roof
This week was the Fourth of July! It was actually really fun. We had delicious food, and watched some fireworks from the roof, cracked some glow sticks, and had some ice cream and Snickers bars.
Ashton and Caleb came up that day, and it was really fun. We played Revenge with them, and I almost won a couple of times, which is surprising, since I'm not good at basketball.
Family and dogs at Fourth of July breakfast
Me and Dad have been giving Mom’s and Dad’s bedroom a make over. Dad asked me to be his assistant on the project. My main job is to get him the tools he needs. He says I’m the best in the family at knowing which tools are in each toolbox.
We started by putting shelves up in Mom’s office area for all of Mom’s books that have been piling up over the years, mostly from her job at Utah Foster Care.
To clean up her bedside table, we also got her a new phone/watch/headphone charger. Instead of all the separate cords and plugs, it’s all one piece now. We also got her new wireless headphones that are small and charge wirelessly on the new charger.
Mom’s bedroom makeover
Finally, Dad has two paintings that we needed to hang up in her room. One is the woman on a horse painting he got her a few weeks ago, and the other is a painting that Sister Mendoza from the 5th Ward got Mom, as a thank you for teaching piano to her children, and for all the help Mom gave her with their dog.
After all the new supplies and gadgets arrived in the mail, we went to work. We took all our stuff to their bedroom, and I got all the tools ready for Dad.
The project took us most of the day. I think it took longer than Dad thought it would, but once we finished, Dad was pretty excited about it. When we showed Mom, she was excited too. It was fun to see her reaction.
Family at ward Fourth of July breakfast
This week I learned in Come Follow Me that I can be servant to others as a disciple of Christ. As I was studying the lesson, it helped me realize that I can be more, if I serve others in many ways. I also learned that my service to others can help them come closer to God and Jesus.
On our hike for our young womens activity recently, there was a girl named Brylie who looked lonely, so I went up to her and just started talking with her. I could tell that she felt more comfortable after I talked with her.
By the time the activity ended, she asked if I could be her friend, and I said yes. We have been talking this week, and I feel like I served her by making her feel like she has a friend.
Gloria and Owen
On the 4th, I went with Danielson's to the West Jordan Parade. I had never been before, and I had so much fun being there, talking with his cousins, and getting candy.
Back at home later that night, we went up through my bedroom window, our on the garage roof and watched some fireworks.
For Monte's birthday, he had a party, and I had a good time. I have never been really good playing crazy ball, but this week we played it almost everyday, so that helped me be a good player at the party.
Family hiking to temple hill
This past general conference we were excited to hear that a new temple will be built in West Jordan. We were even more excited when the church announced the location, which is only about a mile from our house.
Out of curiosity, I did a little research and found the exact location. The West Jordan Temple will be built on the top of a small hill, which is nestled in a new master-planned community surrounded by other small hills.
On a whim, I decided to take the family out to the site on Sunday afternoon. There was no one there, and since we didn’t see any “no trespassing” signs, we headed out across a field and hiked to the top of the temple hill. What a beautiful location for a temple!
After hike to temple hill (in background)
My work gives us the 4th and 5th of July off, so I decided to time some of my paid time off by taking Monday through Wednesday off. That way I could have nine straight days of no work, including weekends. We didn't go on a trip anywhere, but we took advantage of being able to relax here at home.
We got invited to a Fourth of July party at a ward member’s house. They have lake-front property and a dock. so there was swimming, games, and even a food barge—think food truck, but on the water.
It's been beyond hot and humid here in North Carolina lately, so it felt so nice to jump in the water and play with the fam!
Braden and Brooke family swimming in lake
This week I turned 18! This has been kind of hard for me, because I've really enjoyed childhood, and I'm really sad that it's pretty much over, but I am looking forward to what is in store for me in the future! To all you young people out there, time moves fast, so cherish your childhood while you have it!
I officially started my mission papers, and I got my recommend to schedule my patriarchal blessing.
For my 18th Birthday, I celebrated with a party. I invited some of my close friends, and we went up to the stake center to play crazy ball, and Murder in the Dark. I had a great time with everyone.
Dogs in Fourth of July bandanas
I had one of the best rounds of Murder in the Dark, that I've ever had. Nobody suspected me at all, and when the perfect opportunity arrived at the end, everyone was in the same hallway, so I quickly ran through and "killed" them before they could even react.
On the second day of celebration, I went to Walmart with Mom and Dad to pick out my birthday present, and we came back with... nothing. I couldn't decide on what I wanted, and then Dad brought up a really interesting idea.
He brought up the subject of a 3D printer. I've wanted one for a really long time, and he thought would be a great thing for the family to have, so we went home and discussed the idea with the family. Everyone seemed to think it was a good idea, so we bought it.
Owen in same carrier Endia used to ride in
On Sunday after church, I built the printer. It didn't take to long, and I'm so glad that I got everything right on my first try. I then figured out all of the software that was needed, and then I went onto Tinercad, built a 3D model, and printed it!
I decided to make the first 3D print my own designed lightsaber hilt. It took the printer 29 hours and 39 minutes to print, but it was so worth it, because the finished product is amazing.
Here's a message to Mom and Dad. I just want to thank you both for being there for me for these 18 years. I wouldn't be where I am today without you guys. I think the hardest part about growing up for me is that I won't be around you guys all the time. I love you, Mom and Dad!
New 3D printer
For the Fourth of July, the Olders got on the roof to look at the fireworks from a higher vantage point. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen! It was amazing!
Mom also prepared a very delicious holiday meal, which we ate outside in the back yard. Delicious!
Caleb, Ashton, Troy, and I also played basketball. We also ate a bunch of Snickers. We felt like that was a good Fourth of July treat—it resembles the American flag the most, because of the red, white, and blue on the wrapper! We also had some ice cream.
Family Fourth of July dinner in backyard
Troy and Dad were doing a room makeover for Mom. I helped a little bit. After we were done, we were downstairs. Mom was gone at work, but when she got home, she came to see it with everyone else. It was cool. Mom loved it, and now she has a new shelf with books that were nicely put on it.
Mom at High Bluff Park after dog walk
Sitting on the roof for the Fourth of July was a ton of fun. Too bad the fireworks weren't a little closer. They were banned in our area due to how dry the neighborhood was, but we could see the big ones going off all over the valley.
I'm finally working! I mentioned in last week's article that I started work but I was wrong. It was really this week. I spend about eight hours a day cleaning rooms and toilets, so it's tiring, but I love having a job.
I drove down to Springville to spend some time with Endia and Owen. We had some rootbeer floats. The three of us went out for a walk in the evening to the Springville flea market. It was so beautiful. The sun was setting, turning the mountains orange. Then it started to rain. I love walking through flea markets or farmers markets. They're always so fun.
Family at the top of temple hill