Life is good! It has its ups and downs. In the last 10 days, we have been to the doctor 6 times for earaches, bronchitis, strep throat and weaksauce disease, which seems to have become an epidemic. However it is through life's ups and downs that we learn life's greatest lessons.
In 2010, the ups significantly outnumbered the downs. Here are but of few:
- Walking into my graduation ceremony and seeing two of my daughters yelling "Congrats Daddy!" Lesson Learned: Academic achievement was only a minor focus of a broader education. I love being able to come home after work and playing with my children.
- Getting to see Ashlyn's artwork blossom. The multi-colored cat was designed in January and Jumpy the Hip-Hop Clown was drawn free hand in Dec. Lesson Learned: Encouragement, rather than explanation, is one of the best motivating influences towards developing a skill.
- Flying a gigantic Finding Nemo kite on the weekends either at the park or beach. Lesson Learned: "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." -Ferris Bueller
- Watching Ashyln play her first season of Soccer. I don't think my BYU football fanaticism translated well to 5-yr-old soccor games where the score is not kept and no one fills the goalie position. I was excited when Ashlyn displayed natural talent and competitiveness on the field. During one of my half-time pep-talks, Ashlyn had to remind me that she "was out there to have fun". Lesson Learned: Perfectionism can be the enemy to progress.
- Road Trip to Northern CA and Central Utah. Lesson Learned: After driving a for a total of 30 hours in 4 days (with three toddlers) to reminisce with dear family and friends, I learned that friendships and road trips are like fine wine: they all get better with age.
- Trip to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm with Grandparents. Lesson Learned: Nostaligia has the power to strenghten family bonds. There is some thing about reliving childhood memories with your parents and children that brings everyone closer. My daughters would laugh when my mother would tell them which rides I wimped out on at Disneyland. My kids enjoyed hearing my parents tell them storeis and I enjoyed remember such fond childhood memories. In case you're wondering, I did not wimp of any rides this time.
- Claire starting Joy School. Lesson Learned: Kids need to be held accountable for learning something new everyday, otherwise, they will only remember what character was on their friend's shirt and forget what they were doing five minutes prior.
- Ashlyn starting Kindergarten. Lesson Learned: Growing up is scary for both kids and parents. As your child enters into a stage of development where indentity formation and peer-relationships take center stage, it is comforting to know that Ashyln still enjoys the bon voyage she often receives from her sisters as she leaves for school.
- Explaining the process of making a snowball when halfway through my tutorial Lara pelts me in the head with the hardest snowball I have ever felt. Lesson Learned: When it comes to having fun, no explanation is required.
- The arrival of Warren! Lesson Learned: The joy of parenthood comes from the unique bond you form with each of your children. Each of my children have distinct personalities. Their diverse opinions and interests keep Emily and me on our toes and we love it.
Life is Good!
