Ara in Russia

Ara is loving being a volunteer in Russia. It is getting chilly and it is hard work, but she is so happy.

Here she is with her neighbor, Dima's broom.

trying to swing - and failing

inside an older house

AP English Assignment

Gonzo, Ara's AP English Lit teacher, gave them an extra credit assignment wherein they seek advice from a trusted adult, in much the same way that Polonius gives advice to his son Laertes before he heads off to France for university studies. (They are studying Hamlet.) This is the famous soliloquy that reminds us to thine own self be true, neither a borrower or nor a lender be, etc.  So below are my thoughts of wisdom to Ara. 

To my most dear and darling Ara

As we approach your departure from the embrace of our home I want to write to you a few thoughts:

Fruits and Vegetables and Exercise are your friends.

Sleep can cure many ills. So can music and a good dance party.

Pray – every day. Your Heavenly Parents love to hear what is going on in your life.  As do your earthly parents.

Never postpone a prompting. You may be the answer to someone’s prayer.

You will be happiest if you look for ways to help others everyday.

Be as quick to kneel, as you are to text.

Pay the Lord first, then save for the future, then live on the rest.

It’s much easier to live within your means if you learn to budget your wants.

In family relationships, love is spelled T-I-M-E.

The scriptures always have the answer, as does Harry Potter.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Dumbledore is the man.

Always be humble, it is a sign of greatness.

Be kind, even when you don’t feel like it.

Don’t lose your muchness and stay golden.

I am excited for your future, you have the intelligence and the drive and the spirit to become anything you want.

THE MOST important decision you will ever make is to marry the right person, at the right time, by the right authority. If that is a good decision, it will make the rest of your life a joy, even through the trials that will be thrown your way.

If you are on the right path, it will always be uphill.

“I sigh that kiss you

For I must own,

That I shall miss you

When you have grown”

         -William Butler Yeats

From your mother (and your father), who love you ALWAYS, no matter what.

This is what I send my kids while they are in Spanish class

It's pretty funny.

Soccer

Annika blocks a goal. Whew.



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This is Halloween

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Laboring

My friend Teri asked me to go out surfing on Monday. It was fun to be in the water. And I almost caught a wave. And my arms are really sore. It's a real workout. At least for wimps like me. Ara did catch a wave and stood up!!! I don't think her arms are sore at all.

I want to be like her when I grow up

This woman  is amazing.

those shoes! and that sweater! and that hair!

PPI

Personal Progress Intensive.

I highly recommend it. I took my Mia Maid and Laurels for a 24 hour retreat. We popped down to Newport Beach and stayed at the Marriott. We had a great time and accomplished an extraordinary amount.





The drive down was a fun time to chitty chat and catch up. After checking in we reviewed what Personal Progress each girl wanted to cover. Then we went swimming. Came back and did more PP then headed to dinner. More PP then a movie. The next morning we went to the Newport temple to do baptisms.





Then we headed to Balboa Island for lunch and a quick walk. Then we headed home.




It was a nourishing spiritual experience and the girls made considerable progress.

I highly recommend it.



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