Happy 13th Birthday Will

Will, oh Will...our comical boy with the biggest heart.  Although you do not see every day nor may feel it all the time, you make us proud.  You are becoming a young man with a heart to help others.  You have questioned your faith a little this year but have not quit trying to develop your testimony.  You are determined. Each day you want to become more and more like your dad, your eyes light up to spend time with him and when he compliments you. You are super resourceful and witty. We love you exactly the way you are. 

Facts about Will, by Will:

You currently want to be when you grow up: Marine biologist

Your favorite color is: teal

Your favorite show: Beyblade Burst

Your favorite game is: Farming Game

Your favorite toy or activity is: Pickleball

Your favorite girl is: Mom

You are really good at:  baseball

Your best friend is: Walker Orris and JJ Jones

You want to vacation to: Disney Cruise

Your favorite ice cream is:  all, I do not really have just one favorite.

Your wish is to be: a shark

Your hero is: my dad

Your favorite thing to do with your friends is: Roblox because cannot due much more during quarantine.   

Your favorite holiday is:  Christmas

Your favorite person in the whole world is: my family

Your favorite song(s) is:  Save our Crown (a Minecraft parody)

Your favorite restaurant is: Olive Garden

Your favorite foods are: pizza

If you had $1000 you would buy:  a yacht

Christmas Day

 Last night was one of my favorite Christmas Eve's ever.  We spent the evening together, ate a wonder dinner, sang Carols, read Luke 2, and began the obstacle course.

Captured Ginny in the moment of tripping

Trying to set up

Jake and I may can mark this as one of our best Christmas's yet.  I think Jake was the jolliest we have seen him in a while (the kids noticed too), we joked with him saying it was because no one was around.  We very much soaked up the moment of just our little family but on the same token, I missed seeing mine too and the traditional Christmas dinner with a family.  All in all, trying to stay "safer at home" was a blessing to us. 

Christmas Eve obstacle course

Let’s begin…

 

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the room, not a child was stirring, each unaware of their impending doom.  

Than arose such a clatter that they arose from the slumber to unravel a story of such awful wonder.

Will they overcome the obstacles and solve the clues before the sunlight hits the morning dew?

 

Here is the first hint: Everything requires hindsight, each lock to be opened- look at history for your insight.

*Lock combo set to 2020*

Clue in the lockbox reads: This is the 1^st game, introduced by Christopher with a ball but Follow the kings reign, or you just might fall.  (Four-square)

 

This is the month and year that we never saw coming. We got two sweet kittens and one with anger. Unlock the door for the kittens before it is too late for Stink, the newest member, for she is in mortal danger.

Lock combo set to 420  that unlocks the bathroom door.

 

You must tell Alexa to illuminate your clue, then slide down the stairs with all care. But name the wrong place and wake mom from dreams of vacation as she transforms into a very hangry bear.

Yellowstone is the code for Alexa to turn on correct light.

 

Papa would probably be mad enough to neat the band…

But we taught you to play poker so play your best hand!

Lock combo set to 000 (code on 10-J-Q-K-A written disappearing ink)

 

It took some effort to learn all together so many times we were “wrong”.

But the lessons centered around a babe and a sign to appease the evil throng.

Lock combo set to 407, code is discovered as page 407 of Book of Mormon highlighted (3Nephi 1)

 

You got so far and come so close, but return to the 2^nd week of February or the game ends and you are toast.

New clue is in the Farming game back upstairs (this in in box by bedroom door).

 

We hope you had fun and created some favorite memories this year. And no matter where or how the time moves us we love you each so dear.  (this is in Farming game attached to a paint stick to move alarm from under bedroom door)

 

This was supposed to be Ginny’s big day but we always knew there was a risk because “she’s going to college” but now is here to stay.

Lock combo set to 511 (should’ve been her graduation day)

 

It’s time to walk in faith especially since the day Aubree started to legally drive. Dodge the tree branches and honor the right away or might slip and take a dive. 

Hop scotch on Sept 18th.  (other spots have vasoline)

 

Possible one of my favorite Christmas Eves ever

Obstacle Course

 

Randoms from the day

He loves me--my birthday post from him yesterday

 Today is my totally awesome and wonderful wife’s birthday. She means the world to me and our family. She is strong. She has her insecurities but despite those keeps going and giving it her best everyday... true strength. She is kind. She will disagree with you and then do all she can to help you... real kindness. In your dark times, she will share the light of Christ that she has within her. I not only thank God for her today, but for every moment that I get to share with her. Happy birthday, Renee' Farrell! Know that this day is one of my favorite. I love you.

Will's talk

Will and Aubree have been asked to speak in sacrament tomorrow....it is his first talk. Here it is:

 

Hello Everyone,

            For those who don’t know me I am Jake Farrell. I was asked to speak about our favorite Christmas Story whether it be a book, or an experience and it has to be centered around the spirit. Just so you know we couldn’t choose the Nativity story. If we were able to, I would have chosen that.

            The story I chose was our traditional obstacle course. This is an experience that I look forward to every year. How it works is the kids go to bed early  on Christmas Eve and the adults make an obstacle course. The obstacle course begins as you open the door with traps, riddles, bells, and anything else that may get us.The kids wake up and try to beat the it without cheating and waking the adults. The kids sleep upstairs. When we wake up around 4:00 A.M we make our way top to bottom doing every challenge. The rules were simple:  

1.     No cheating.

2.     Make it through the obstacle course without waking adults.  

3.     No peeking when the obstacle course is being set-up.

4.     If the kids win they chose when to open the gifts, if we lose our parents chose when to open them.

 

            One of my favorite experiences of this is when Aubree got scared and screamed when a door alarm went off opening my parents’ bedroom door and she pushed Christopher, who was way younger in front.

            I related the obstacle course to the spirit.  They are related because life will throw trials (Obstacles) but the spirit (Team) will help you get through them. The spirit helps because he tries to warn us about bad choices by giving us promptings and helps us know good choices too with good feelings. He can prompt you to recognize answers to prayers.  For example: This year when quarantine started, I was riding my bike one day. As I was riding, I fell and slid down a driveway. No one recognized at first but when they saw they ran to help me. I had lost a chunk of my knee and had sliced my elbow badly; I would have to get stiches for both. During the entire experience my family help me the whole time. If we are going to be specific when I say family, I mean Ginny, Aubree, and my mother. They were the reason I got through stiches.

            I bear my testimony that I know the church is true. I know with the spirit and your family by your side you can get through anything. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thanksgiving,Testomonies, and Wisdom Teeth

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Hot Spring Arkansas and met up with some of Jake's family.  Initially everyone was planning to attend but with Covid-19, plans changed. We did not go up as long as initially planned.  The day we left, we had to replace the battery so that added to the adventure but as a result, we decided not to take the cats because just the few minutes in the car trying to start it they were a hot mess.  We ended up leaving Tuesday afternoon and came home Friday afternoon.  Most of the time was spent outside so we could all be distanced. The weather cooperated great. 

 On Sunday December 6, 2020 was testimony meeting at church.  Our numbers are small in the branch but I very much enjoyed listening to the testimonies of Jake and my children.  This past Sunday Jake bore testimony of the Book of Mormon being a book of miracles, Aubree bore testimony of the Savior's character and referenced a scripture she loved in 3 Nephi 19 that talks about the Savior smiling, and Christopher bore testimony of asking for help.  He wrote his testimony on paper before going up, it stated: "I was having a big challenge. I was learning to ride a bike and every single time I fell but this is when my family stepped in. My sister here (Aubree) gave me hope. My brother helped me balance and gave me courage. mt dad was like a teacher. My mom gave me love and faith. My sister that is not here (Ginny) gave me courage. All of this reminded me of our Savior. After all you do it will be easy for you. So if you need help, all you have to do is ask." Simplicity but beautiful.  After church Sunday, we drove to my parents for a visit. That was nice too.

 

 

On Tuesday I received a call from the doctor wanting to see Aubree again for labs, her blood work for liver functions came back abnormal so they wanted to re-draw.  I was off today already to take Ginny to the dentist to get her wisdom teeth pulled, so I took her in.  Ginny was a hot mess with her teeth.  Afterwards, she was convinced they took her tongue and sold it or gave it to a homeless man. She also thought I was kidnapping her and as her dad was helping her in the back, she cried hysterically more that he was "holding her back".  She cried about everything.  She seems to be a little better tonight.  It also just so happens Jake called into work sick today as he left yesterday (Wednesday) early not feeling well.  I felt that there was a lot happening in my world today.

A prophet's counsel to show gratitude

On Friday November 20, 2020 President Russell. M Nelson offered a message of hope and gratitude for the world.  As I listened to the 11 minute episode, my heart was warmed and my eyes watered as he spoke of losing his wife and two of his children. He encouraged us to count our blessings and not recount our problems.  President Nelson challenged us to use social media for the next seven days to share messages of gratitude.  Here are mine thus far: 

Friday November 20: "I am grateful for messages of hope- in all forms (scriptures, music, loved ones, etc) because they provide comfort when I am down" 

Saturday November 21:  "Today I am grateful for the ability to experience cleanliness (both spiritually and physically). To break down a little more I am thankful to be able to repentance, for forgiveness for shoes to keep my feet clean, showers  and soap, clean restrooms, and cleaning supplies." 

And later that I evening a few family photos with this post: "I’m grateful for quarantining that allowed more time with our family. We got to spends loads of time with our children, our future, the next generation. Each of them has unique characteristics that allow them they shine and are an integral part of our family.

Ginny- She is obedient, faithful, and always make the right choices. She is my surprise cleaning fairy some days.

Aubree- She is charitable, kind,a rule follower, and has a bright testimony. She is my dish fairy, many days I come home and the dishes are all put away or the dishwasher loaded.

 

Both my girls have an unwavering love for the scriptures.

 

Will- He notices the one alone and goes to them. He is full of compassion and energy.

 

Christopher- He gives the best snuggles and reminds us daily to have prayer.

 

These are my people! I will save the Jake post for later.

I am thankful for a the next generation!! The past four years I was fortunate to be able to spend lots of time with them. Their capacity for optimism, faith, and goodness can be felt every time I am around them. The youth fill me with hope for the future too, alongside my beautiful 4 children." 

On Saturday November 21, Aubree posted a few pictures with family, cousins, and friends with this message: "Yesterday the global faith leader, President Russell M. Nelson, challenged the world to make social media their gratitude journal. I could think of no better way to start this week-long challenge then with my gratitude for friends and family. I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending me to Earth in a perfectly imperfect, crazy family. I’m grateful for the friends I’ve been so blessed to have. I could post a thousand memories with a hundred pictures of all the people in my life I’m grateful for, but Instagram limits me to ten. I love you guys!" 

 

Ginny's post for Friday: "I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. It brings me peace and light when I am in unpeaceful and dark times. I finished it last week and I know it is true! #givethanks

Also it’s not just for children. I bought the children’s journal version bc my mom told me it had coloring pages in it and she lied to me."

Ginny's post for Saturday with a few pictures and a clip of Will singing: "Today I want to #givethanks for this goofy family of mine. They’re pretty funny and always put a smile on my face. I love our text strings and the constant teasing. I might not always show it but I’m glad that I’ve been blessed to have a lil extra time at home. I’m glad my dad makes us stop and take a sweaty picture in front of dying sunflowers and he lets me take bad pictures of him to keep him humble. I’m glad my siblings do silly things and are themselves. The video of will singing is my favorite thing. I’m glad that my mom always serves and does things that scare her so I’m not lonely."

Family pictures

 On Saturday November 21, 2020, we had some family photo pictures made.  I want to ensure that I have them because one day I may wish I had more but at least I will have some.  I am actually discouraged by my looks and weight. When I look at them I get more discouraged but want to have these memories with the people I love the most. 

Jake was so inflexible we could barely reach each other.

Notice how the kids facial expressions are the same.

He makes me smile every day

I love these four.

Ginny (18)

Will (12)

We have BEAUTIFUL girls.

Literally my reason for everything I do.

I love our HANDSOME boys.

Not sure we will ever master the "jump" photo but we always laugh so hard when we see them.

Aubree (16)

Christopher (10)