Noah's Summer

Noah is having a very fun summer. He goes to camp every day. At camp they swim, play games, go to the library, and even go to McDonald's once a week. He loves camp and his counselor, Rachel, is very nice. On Fridays Noah gets to go on field trips. Last week he went to Milwaukee to a children's museum. He had a great time!

Ethan's Talk in Sacrament Meeting

Good morning. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ethan Garner and I was asked to talk about fathers.

I read a talk written by Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from the 2009 General Conference titled “Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship”. He said that fathers and sons can play a critical role in helping each other become the best that they can be. Elder Ballard also gave a couple of tips for you and your father’s relationships.

First, for young men and young women, trust your father. He loves you and would never do something that he thinks wouldn’t help you.

Second, take interest in your father’s life. Ask him about his job, stories about his childhood, what he was like when he was younger, and so on.

And third, ask your father for advice. He’ll probably give you his advice no matter what so you might as well ask.

Elder Ballard also had tips for the fathers.

First, listen to your [children]. It will make it easier to connect with them.

Second, pray with and pray for your sons or daughters. It will draw you toward each other as well as towards the Lord.

And, third, talk with your sons or daughters. This is the best way to connect with each other.

I’ve had a lot of experiences with my dad from walking in war-torn Kuwait to eating samples at Costco and all those times has built a strong foundation on our father-son relationship.

Another Book Report by Ethan

I just finished the book "NIght" by Elie Wiesel, the story of Elie as a child in the concentration camps of World War II.

Elie and his dad were in the concentration camp together. They had death chasing them at every turn, and faced torture and torment, but kept holdig on.

"Night" is haunting. It's dark, and tells of human beings being tortured. I think about people like Elie when I have to run laps. I'm just running a track; Elie was running because the SS men would shoot anyone that slowed their pace. Anytime I face trials I think of Elie Wiesel.

"Night" is depressing. Elie and his dad are always struggling to survive, witnessing thousands of deaths, and being tempted to lie down and sleep for good. Elie is always looking out for his dad, but his dad is beaten by the Nazis and Elie can't do anything about it. The sense of helplesness is unbearable. It's very sad to read because Elie and his dad are always between life and death.

(Note by Ethan's mom - - Ethan has been reading a lot of books about WWII lately. "Night" is more for older people, it is very sad, but it's a great book!)

Garner Cousins

Noah made a drum for his music class and it was selected to be on display all next year! He loves his music class.

Ethan had a birthday and turned 13. We celebrated at a fun restaurant where they cook your food at the table. He had to wear a funny hat made of balloons.

Tonight Ethan is fulfilling his priesthood responsibilities, by helping a lady in the ward move some furniture. He didn't even hesitate an instant when he was asked to help. I'm so proud of him!

Meredith is cruising (walking holding onto things) all over the place. She can stand up for about 1 second. She's such a cutie!

When the Barkers came to visit

Doesn't that sound like a title of a good book?

We had lots of fun with the Barker clan when they came to visit us. Unfortunately it was short, but the kids loved every minute playing with their cousins.

Happy Birthday Teenager

Wow Ethan. You are old. Happy Birthday man!

Ethan's Book Report

I just finished the book "The Boy Who Dared," by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. Even though it's aimed at youth and is short, it's a great book.

The main character, Helmuth Hubener, is inspiring. He took risks more bold than people twice his age. He got the death sentence for speaking out. He gave his life to protect others, while at the same time making a statement. He was the youngest "war criminal" to be executed in Germany.

Reading this book made me grateful for all that I have. I take for granted my freedom and rights. The Nazis took away freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and many others. I can criticize the government all I want without punishment. Helmuth was killed in cold blood just for speaking the truth! I used to think people were just given rights and freedom. Now I know differently. I knew about the merciless killings by Hitler on the battlefield, but I didn't know about this.

I can almost put myself in Helmuth's spot. I am Mormon as well. I call my grandparents Omi and Opa. And to imagine that this was real! It's people like Helmuth that help the world. Revolutions rarely happen because everyone is too selfish. but Helmuth helped to stop World War II because he cared for his friends, family, home, and the world. He gave his life for a new Germany.

As you can see, I'm very passionate about this subject. I can't put half of my emotions about this book on paper. I cried while writing this. I looked at all I have and thought about the privilege it is to read books from other countries and listen to or watch media from other countries. It makes me love America. This book has changed me. I feel lucky for all I have. This is the most emotional book I have ever read. It gets so much across in so few words. I have to hold back tears every time I look at the cover. This is a great, and perhaps life-changing, book. Hats off to Susan Campbell Bartoletti. Helmuth died with dignity and his legend will live on!

Piano Survey

Weston has been taking Piano Lessons and we have been talking about if people want to play the piano. He created a survey--please take it and later we will publish our findings!! :)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BDN9PJG

The song that Omi wrote

Gross Apples in the Night

(sang to the tune "Ghost Riders in the Night")

I looked beneath the covers and I looked beneath the sheets
Down at the bottom of the bed where Aidan keeps his feet.
There was something slimy there, there was an awful sight--
Gross apples in the night!

Happy Birthday Evy!

We all wish you the happiest birthday filled with laughter!

Poem

Weston had to memorize a poem for January, and this is what he brought home from school. We thought you would all enjoy it.

I made myself a snowball
as perfect as could be.
I thought I'd keep it as a pet
and let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
and a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
but first it wet the bed!