Celebrating Fatty

On Thursday, June 5, my brother Jared graduated from Cottonwood high school. We all went to the graduation. It brought back so many memories. Time goes by so fast. It feels like it wasn't that long ago that I graduated. I can’t believe Jared is graduated. He still seems like a little kid to me. A year from now he will be getting ready to go on a mission. YIKES! This year he was a Cottonwood student body officer-Boy’s ASC, and he has had so much fun. I’m proud of him and all of his accomplishments. He graduated with his associate’s degree. He has worked really hard while he’s been in high school, but I think he’s also made some great memories with his friends. Jared has had really good friends through high school. His friends have been a great influence on him, and he has been a good example to them as well. I think he was sad to graduate, but he's also excited for the new adventures that lie ahead for him. After the graduation, we hit Applebee's for a celebration dinner. Now he is in California at Newport Beach with his friends for their senior trip. I actually just talked to him and he said they were having an awesome time. Congrats, Fatty! We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished so far. You are a such a hard worker and have strong integrity that will take you far. I know you will be so successful in whatever you do. We love you!


























Today is Jared's 18th birthday. Since we knew he was going to be gone for his real birthday, we celebrated last weekend with him. We took him out Friday night. We went to Famous Dave’s (his favorite) and then just went back to Mom and Dad’s and played games and just hung out with the fam. Mom and Dad gave him an itouch. Yeah, totally spoiled I know. Whit got him some sweet sunglasses, and we got him some headphones for his ipod and recording program.

















Sunday was Jared’s family birthday party. Mom and Dad had everyone over. It was a really nice afternoon. I made him a graduation cap cake and a surf board cake in honor of his beach trip to California. They are definitely nothing fancy compared to the cakes that some of my friends make, but they'll do. That night we also gave Fatty a 12-string guitar for his graduation gift. He was so surprised and so thrilled! He has wanted one forever. We have had many celebrations lately for him and it has been so much fun. I can’t believe he will be leaving on a mission in about a year. It’s so crazy to think. Here are some facts about the birthday boy: He loves music. He has always loved music. He takes his ipod with him wherever he goes. He is awesome at the guitar. If we ever can’t find him, he’s down in his room playing the guitar. He quit taking lessons a few months ago because he doesn’t need them anymore, but he can pretty much figure out how to play any song he wants to. This also means he rocks at Guitar Hero. He can't be beat--at least not by anyone in our family. We nicknamed Jared Fatty because he is so extremely thin even though he eats like a horse. Why on earth can't I eat like a horse and be skinny? Jared is such a fun kid. He has such an easy-going personality. His great sense of humor is so much fun. We didn't really realize he could talk until Whit and I moved out of the house! Fatty is so cute with Makai and Isabelle. They LOVE Uncle J. It's totally cute to watch him play with them. Jared is such a good kid. He has always stayed true to himself and to what he believes. He has brought so much strength to our family. I am so lucky to have him as my brother. Happy Birthday, Fatty! We love you.