Top 20 things I've learned about 15 year olds this month.

1. They roll their eyes more often.
2. The pressure of being 15 is sometimes too much. They need a break.
3. Football 'up and downs' are the worst thing on the planet.
4. They need space.
5. They need down time. (did I mention that already?)
6. They like to hang with their cousins/friends more than anyone else.
7. Don't take it personally (see #6).
8. They like to tease.
9. They like to torment their sisters.
10. They eat a lot and like places like Golden Corral.
11. They are still sweet and need to talk.
12. Listen more than you talk.
13. They stretch out and look like they are going to fall asleep at church.
14. Home Teaching causes stress.
15. They like to shoot air soft guns at each other.
16. They seem to say "oh mom" a lot more.
17. They think bruises are cool.
18. They have a lot of girl 'friends' on Facebook that you don't know and really don't care to know.
19. They like money.
20. They still need hugs from mom.


Happy Birthday Brax!

p.s. The cake was SOOOO good.


A Delicious Yellow Birthday Cake as requested by Brax.

1 box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1 cube butter (softened, not melted)
1 8oz container of sour cream
1 3oz box of vanilla pudding mix
(mix together - 2 to 3 minutes low speed mixer)

1 chocolate bar (high quality), finely grated by a very good friend
(fold in carefully)


2 round cake pans, lined with parchment (spray with Pam)

350 degrees - 28 to 35 minutes (depends on your oven)
Cool completely in pans.
 Frost with 2 containers of whipped chocolate frosting.

YUM!

Don't forget to be a fun mom.

Photos are from a New Harmony photo shoot in 2008 with my friend Chris and his family.  

During church on Sunday, our Stake President came to visit. My friend Kathy leaned back from the bench in front of me and told me that there was a strong possibility they were getting released at Stake Conference next Sunday.  I spent the next three hours being slightly depressed at that thought.  I was very glad I was meeting with the Stake President that afternoon. The first two minutes he had to reassure me that all was well (for me anyway) he wasn't going anywhere. I said, 'sorry, I keep telling Heavenly Father to leave you where you are.'  I don't know if he appreciates that or not (seeing as how I have such pull you know).

As I was leaving, President Wright (1st counselor) was in the hallway. During one of my many adventures to the stake offices over the past four years, President Wright pulled me aside and told me a wonderful story about his mom. He finished with these last words.

"Remember to be a fun mom."

I told Emma and Brax about it on Sunday night. Emma leaned over and patted me on the leg. 'Don't worry mom. You're fun.'  Whew... except it was kind of a pathetic pat.

I'm realizing that it doesn't have to be expensive. The park and a drive up the mountain. Frisbee and spending time with good friends. In my quest for mastering single motherhood, I'm always trying to remember his advice to be a fun mom. 

I still make them clean though. :)