Adam

It's Adam's turn for a post. My oldest child turned 12 in February! I can hardly believe it. He is really growing up. Adam enjoys sports as much as ever. He played basketball with a league this spring. His short height is beginning to be a little bit of a problem for him but it doesn't stop him from loving it. He also loves watching sports. This is really to my advantage because he will often ask me to do extra chores so I will let him spend some time watching a game. He also doesn't mind just listening to a game. He was in cougar heaven having Jimmer Fredette do so well this year. It was the first time that most of his friends knew about BYU. Adam talked about it so much many of them chose BYU to win the championship this year when filling out their brackets (oops!). It was a great year to be a BYU fan.

He has thoroughly enjoyed middle school this year. He especially loved his science teacher, Ms. Borzo. He also enjoyed chorus much more than he thought he would and he continues to excel in just about everything, math being his favorite. He applied and was accepted to be a student ambassador next year. The best thing for us as parents is attending his conferences and having every single teacher tell us that not only is he a fantastic student, but that he is an excellent leader and person. They say he is polite and helpful, but also has a sense of humor. At the end of the year they have had to vote for "Most humorous", "Most beautiful", etc. He said a lot of people were voting for him for "Most Trustworthy". (the results are still not in). We are so proud of him. He is also very reliable at home. It has been so helpful to know I can ask him to do something and know he will get it done.

I think there have been some hard things for him as well. More and more kids are doing things that Adam doesn't feel comfortable with. I think he is starting to feel more and more different. It has definitely been harder for him to find good friends. This is the first year he has talked to us about a cell phone. He is one of only a small few who does not have one. I have been sending him to school with my Ipod Touch and that seems to help him on the bus and waiting before school. For now I think that is enough of a solution. He also wanted a certain pair of shoes that most of his friends had. (He got them for his birthday). He is trying to find the balance of fitting in and having some friends, but still choosing to make good choices.

One of the best choices he has made was to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. He was ordained a Deacon the Sunday after his birthday. My brother Todd and his family, as well as Adam's great grandparents were here to support him. He was very well prepared. He completed his Faith in God award from primary. Also, he has always been blessed to understand things easily and has sought that out by reading the scriptures and other books. When Greg was released as the adult Sunday school teacher, the bishop joked that he should call Adam in his place. Sometimes it is easy for Greg and I to forget that Adam is only 12. We feel so grateful to be this boy's parents. I think he has increased our desires to do and be better people. Thanks Adam. We love you.

One of Adam's favorite things to do is steal the camera and take pictures. I often find many shots like these self-portraits of Adam.

Here is Adam on his birthday with some of his presents, a new suit and a coupon for a new pair of shoes (I wanted him to try them on before buying them).

A picture of Adam we have on our wall. Half of his wardrobe is branded BYU.

Here he is on his birthday. He is all about comfort. You rock Adam!