Chez Killpack

Fresh produce on the way...yum!

2009-05-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Jewel decided to plant some herbs, peas, pumpkin and a few other vegies to see if they will grow. They both love taking care of a garden and it certainly rains enough here in NJ.
gratitude thought: Grateful for family members who enjoy gardening. Grateful for Daniel who grew up with a garden in Utah. Patricia knows NADA about planting, as she grew up in the Big Apple.

Math in the class and in the kitchen

2009-05-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Dakota giving a math presentation at Rutgers.
the mathematics behind wallpaper design.....

using math and chemistry to make great bread

gratitude thought: for Dakota's interest in our new wheat grinder. He's been making bread for the family!

Bishopric Appreciation Potluck

2009-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 18th, the East Brunswick Bishopric and families, had a farewell potluck dinner to thank the Smith family for all the wonderful contributions and impact they have left us with. They will be moving to another Stake in NJ and we will miss them so much! The entire Bishopric with all the toddlers, kiddies and teens were there. Daniel, John and Pablo....talking away!
Mac and Priscilla with their three kiddies.
The Lleras & Rumneys & Dakota
The wonderful Smith family

Friday evening, marked the 10th Anniversary of Jewel's school. Here she is with some classmates attending a party.

gratitude thought: Grateful to have met and served with the Smiths. Kristen and Pablo are both wise beyond their years and Daniel and I have learned so much from them. They are lovely!

Waiting for daddy after church...

2009-04-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Jewel on Easter Sunday, (wearing her dress from Oma) as she waits outside the chapel for her daddy. We only had to wait an hour and 20 minutes and we all got to ride home together for Easter dinner. There was an Easter egg treasure hunt for the kids after dinner. Can't tell who enjoyed the hunt more, Jewel or Dakota ;-)

Jewel (age 9, four feet, six inches tall: weight 57 pounds)

Springtime 2009 memories....

2009-04-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

The change of seasons, is just one of the many blessings to enjoy living in the Northeast. We can really feel temps rise and the cold winter slowly leaving as spring approaches. Jewel with Uncle Kevin at Brooklyn's famous Coney Island, waiting to get on a ride. Jewel was on spring break.
Jewel and Kevin being slap happy!
Jewel in her 3rd grade play on the Solar System.
Dakota playing piano for the Stake Youth talent show. Courtney helping turn music.

Ben, Dakota & Megan, 3 youth performing in our ward talent show.

gratitude thought: grateful for warmer temperatures, walks outdoors, birds singing and new daytime hay fever meds that don't make you fall asleep.

Family Home Evening

2009-03-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

Playing a game for Family Home Evening in Jewel's room...
Making the sacrifice to spend one or so hours together, once a week has made for some lasting memories. Even the fighting & teasing before the lesson will be treasured one day when all that is left are memories of our children!

School days, school days, dear old golden school days!

2009-03-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Dakota seated before his performance with the Rutgers University Choir. He sang with combined choirs in the Nicholas Performing Arts Center. It was a wonderful family treat! Daniel came especially to hear the Samuel Barber piece (Dakota is holding and praticing) Daniel sang this piece years ago with his school choir.

Andrew, Mr. Jan & Jewel giving a rollerskating demonstration for the after school program.

The terrific trio after rehearsing...

gratitude thoughts: grateful that Jewel & Dakota enjoy simple activities that their parents did in their childhood..like skating and singing (as opposed to texting, facebook, nintendo ds, wii sports, dance dance revolution, etc...)

grateful for healthy children...

grateful for grandparents who help us in supporting the activities and interests of their grandkids....we love them so much!

Dee Tourtellot's 75th birthday at Red Lobster

2009-02-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

Members of the East Brunswick ward came to celebrate the 75th birthday of Dee at Red Lobster on route 18. Dakota seated here with 5 young women ;-)
We took up almost 1/3 of the restaurant.
Daniel, Jewel and Benjamin waiting for dinner.

Happy 75th birthday Dee. Thank you for allowing us to share this special day with you! (Dee Tourtellot wearing the blue blouse)

Look at me..."I'm eating snow"

2009-02-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

February 3rd, continued to be a snowy day. By evening the entire city was so beautiful covered in fluffy white snow.

Dakota and Jewel in the backyard enjoying the snowfall. Dakota dropped his cell phone, which we couldn't find for the next three days. The snow had turned to ice and the phone stayed hidden in a block of ice.

gratitude thought: for warmer temps that melted the ice allowing Dakota to find his phone. No damage was done!! Yipee!!

Free breakfast at Denny's across the US

2009-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

Denny's restaurant decided to give away a 'Grand Slam' breakfast across the country on February 3rd, between 6:00 am and 2:00 pm. Dakota and Patricia braved the snow and arrived at noon to put their names on a two hour waiting list. Returning home (Dakota is off on Tuesdays) he did some homework, and Patricia & Dakota went back again at 1:45. There were hundreds of people!!

gratitude thought: Pancakes on a cold snowy day, that I didn't have to make myself.

The big 50 at the 'Olive Garden'

2009-02-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, turning 50 has been so cool. It's great to have five decades behind me!! (Jewel made my crown from Bendaroos)

gratitude thoughts: for the gift of life, loved ones and friends over the years, vivid memories to make me smile!

age 0-5...learning to say the word moon, my dog 'Rainy', living in South Carolina, walking to the front of the train traveling to NYC in 1963, my sister Diane taking off my newborn sister's socks, my sister Diane almost drowning in the tub, falling down and skinning my knee the 1st day of kindergarden, my mom always smiling. gameshow 'Let's Make A Deal' and 'I Love Lucy', my 1st grade teacher Ms. Gera, reading 'Dick, Jane and Sally' books, naps with Hester, eating chips with my dad, my mom buying me a new pair of bedroom slippers, watermelon in the summer, New Jeruselem Baptist Church, wearing cat eyeglasses, last one in line at school (taller than everyone including boys)

5-10...swallowing a nickel, long summers and becoming a tomboy, love of dance begins, dance lessons at Ruth Williams in Harlem, going to a different school out of my district, my dad playing jacks, summers in South Carolina with my aunts (all 6 of them), my dad teaching me baseball, my brother Kevin being born, my height of 5' 4" and my size 8 feet at the age of 9

11-20... Hunter College HS (all girls school from age 12-18), dance lessons all day and night as an Ailey scholarship student, my mom graduating from college with her MA, my sisters wearing my clothes after I told them NO! Joining Alvin Ailey junior company, tons of homework, my brother Kevin on his skate board, no idea of how to date, Alvin Ailey audition and being so nervous...

21-30...my suitcase, my first NYC apartment, Capezio's dance store, aches and pains, my passport, getting lost in Sweeden, my first 'walkman' Alvin carrying my heavy suitcase in DC, being a vegan, Music, music.. Athens, Rome, Tokyo, South America, Europe, Israel... The Kennedy Center, travel, travel, travel, watching Alvin make ballets, staying up days at a time, Studio 54, my electric heating blanket, getting too skinny, Pilates, retiring from the Ailey company at age 27, meeting Daniel while teaching at City College, my sisters get married and begin their families, long walks in Riverside Drive with Daniel

30-40....my grandma Hester dies, DANIEL and I are married!!!!, I join the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, visit from Opa to NYC, DAKOTA born, Daniel returns to school twice, living in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, homeschooling and reading loads of kids books, Dakota gets baptized in Salt Lake City with Oma, Opa and aunts and uncles, Opa driving with Daniel to LA, Dakota and I staying with Oma and Greg

40-49...JEWEL born, Daniel gets an MBA, 9/11, Dakota starts college at age 9 attending Arapahoe CC, driver's license at age 43, moving to NJ, My dad Peter dies, taking care of my mom Mable, becoming a YW president, new house in Highland Park!, Daniel becomes a Bishop, Dakota graduates MCC and starts Rutgers, Jewel starts school, Jewel on gymnastic team, a stake calling in YW presidency, talk at stake conference (hard, hard hard!) KPMG for Daniel, driving, driving, driving! attending the Alvin Ailey 50th reunion

50-60...???

2009-01-31T14:30:00.000-08:00

Jewel at Middlesex Gymnastics Academy

2009-01-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's really hard to take a photo of a cartwheel on the balance beam, but it's probably harder to actually do a cartwheel on the beam. The best I could do was to get a still shot of Jewel doing releve walks on the beam. Next class, I'll try to get a video.

Pajama party & movie night

2009-01-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

Jewel between two of her friends for Activity Night at the church. They got to wear their PJ's to watch the movie.

Dakota went iceskating with the young men and young women to Roosevelt Park ice skating rink in Metuchen/Edison. It was about 10 degrees with wind chill but they had fun anyway.

Rutgers is back in full swing for the spring semester. Dakota is taking 3 Math classes (one pre graduate level) and an Honors Mathematics seminar. He will get to research a project and has to do an oral presentation with another class member. He is also taking Honors Linguistics which is going to be his minor or possibly his second major along with Math. He will contiunue with University choir and he's waiting to see if a grad student is available for piano lessons this semester.

gratitude thought: Living only 10 minutes away from the Rutgers campus, it sure makes driving back and forth so much better...

East Brunswick YW New Beginnings 2009

2009-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

Daniel and Patricia, before the New Beginnings program started. Patricia is wearing her Indian 'gold' dress with pants as the new value for the YW will be virtue (represented by the color gold). It was freezing in NJ, as a huge artic storm is traveling across the US this week.
gratitude thoughts: grateful that Jewel's parent teacher conference went well, grateful that Dakota gets a long break between semesters even though he is still studying his Japanese and playing the piano VERY loud. Grateful that Jewel is having a great time on her junior gymnastics team even though her new teacher is 'meaner and more strict' than her past teacher. She can now do things I could only imagine in my dreams on the 4 inch balance beam...cartwheels and hand stands. She seems not to be afraid of anything except her brother =)

New Year's celebration 2009

2009-01-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

January 1st 2009, brought in the New Year with our family tradition of bowling, followed by a buffet dinner. We don't eat at buffet joints too often, so having this to look forward to on New Year's Day is a real family treat. January 2nd, we went to NYC to meet an old family friend for dinner. Carolyn and her new husband Bill. Carolyn was kind enough to let Daniel stay with her while he attended grad school in NYC. This use to be called 'Papaya King'. They still offer the best hotdogs and fresh juices for a great price. Dakota had many lunches here after playing in Central Park as a two year old.
Dakota, Carolyn, Bill, Jewel and Daniel at their apartment, after a great dinner.
Jewel did a great job bowling!
So did Dakota...

BUT Mable had the highest score for both games. She bowls in a league in SC.

gratitude thought: For Carolyn and her friendship over the past two decades. She's such a bright, neat lady and we're happy for her wonderful husband Bill. He's just great, funny, smart and a terrific cook. We had the best evening with them.

grateful for simple family traditions that unify our family! And grateful for grandma Mable who makes the Holidays special with her visit with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREG!!!!

2008-12-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T20:37:00.000-08:00

Grandma Mable with Jewel. Merry Christmas! Mable gave Patricia a cross stitched scripture to put in her ofiice. (the kitchen)
Patricia gave Mable an Alvin Ailey 50th anniversary scrapbook.
Theresa, Kevin, Christopher and Dakota waiting for Christmas dinner.

gratitude thought: For the birth of our Savior.

Another tough year for many families. Grateful that we all still have homes, food, and the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ to sustain and uplift us.

The Big Chill Race

2008-12-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

December 2008, the East Brunswick ward members participated in The Big Chill race held at Rutgers U. The only requirement was a donated toy for a Christmas gift and you could run (or walk). All smiles before the race!

reflections of my day....as I walked alongside the 4000+ runners, I just took in the sights of the Rutgers campus. Things have a way of not turning out the way we expect or hope for. But on this day, I walked knowing that my son was given this opportunity to learn and be a part of this Rutgers community. What a happy walk/run for me. Nothing is better in life than seeing your child smiling and feeling like they belong.

Happy Birthday Doris!

2008-12-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

November 29th, we celebrated the birthday of a very special and wonderful woman, Doris Killpack.

There are not enough words to describe how it feels to live with Doris' third child my husband Daniel, who has inherited all of her kind and generous spirit. Although miles away, we feel her influence and presence in our home at all times.

Doris with her family of 9

Greg & Daniel Killpack as little boys.

Daniel wearing the hat, with Greg.

gratitude thought: For Doris Killpack...her life, her heart, her tenacious spirit, her optimism, her love and support of our family, her gift to me (her son Daniel) and her legacy. Thank you Doris!!

The Prince & The Pauper

2008-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Jewel presented her book report on The Princess and The Pauper. She has read several versions and decided to do a comparison between the different books. Jewel is in the third grade at The Greater Brunswick Charter School.

It was fun to visit her classroom again and see the kids that I met in kindergarden. They grow up so fast.

gratitude thought: Dealing with this ecconomy and and stressing if we will have a job or not in January, has been so painful for me. But on this day, for ten minutes in this classroom...I was grateful to be a stay at home mom sharing this small moment and memory with my daughter. We don't know what the future will bring and if I will have these moments again. So for now I am grateful for my past opportunities to have shared special occasions with my children, and they knew 'mom was there for me'

2008-12-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Kevin....

We celebrated Kevin's 40th birthday at 'The Enchanted' restaurant in Jersey City on November 29th, his actual birthdate. This event was planned and hosted by Theresa who made the BEST red devil cake for the occasion! A very lovely evening. Uncle Kevin with Jewel, helping him open gifts.
Sister Kathy, son Chris and his friend with Kevin and his friend Theresa.
Kevin's friend from the job, Hugh.
The 'Dingle' children. Kevin, Kathy, Diane and Patricia

gratitude thought: I can't imagine life without you my dear brother. You are the best and kindest in men.I am honored to be your sister. I watched you take your first baby steps and have watched the paths you've taken in your life. Well done!

Rutgers University Choir, November 22nd, 2008

2008-11-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Dakota had his very first performance with the Rutgers University choir Saturday night. He performed pieces from the Baroque period including "Xicochi' which is an Aztec piece and 'The Foundling Hospital Anthem' by Handel.

Singing bass, the performance was really great and the Kirkpatrick church on the Rutgers campus was just beautiful. Patricia, Daniel, Jewel, Amy R. and her friend Daniel came to the show!

2008-11-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 9th Birthday to my dear little Jewel

2008-11-23T19:15:00.000-08:00

Has it been 9 years that you have blessed our home with your sweet spirit? Your mommy and daddy remember the first time we laid eyes on you. November 10th 1999, 7:10 pm at the Good Samaritan hospital in Los Angeles. You are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. Birthday party at McDonals's playland in South Brunswick. Jewel with Kate. Jewel and her classmates meet Ronald McDonald.
Opening gifts...fun, fun, fun at any age.
A good time had by all on a rainy, cold Saturday evening in NJ.

Jewel, your mom, dad and brother wish you a wonderful 9th year, enjoy and savor each minute.

Where were you on November 4th 2008?

2008-11-05T06:12:00.001-08:00

Where were you in 1969 when Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F Kennedy were killed?

Where were you when Jackie Robinson and Henry Aaron broke into professional sports previously denied to people of color setting records?

Where were you when Halle Berry and Denzel Washington ended the drought in Hollywood of acknowledging the excellent work of actors of color by receiving 'Best Actress and Best Actor' awards?

Where were you when Americans voted for the very first African American President?

gratitude thought: For possibilities, for hope....for change
Thank you to the many Americans who went before me, giving their lives and suffering unjust acts of cruelty to make November 4th a possibility.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

Jewel as a dog....she called herself 'Diva Dog' the name that is on the sweatsuit jacket. A busy Halloween for her as she got to wear her costume 4 different times. Once for her activity days night, one for a party (school friend), one time for the ward Trunk or Treat party and for Halloween night. 15 year old Dakota as ???? He went to the home of his math professor (who lives in Highland Park) asking for candy...wonder what the look on his teacher's face was??

gratitude thought: Grateful for Daniel for his wisdom, insight and love of his children. He worked from home on Friday to be there for the kids on Halloween. Dakota decided at the last minute to go out and trick or treat around the neighborhood. Daniel went to the attic, got some fabric paint and helped Dakota paint his shirt...the painting lasted only 10 minutes...but the memories of daddy helping his 15 year old son prepare to enjoy his Halloween will last all of us a lifetime.

Happy Birthday and thank you to my son!

2008-10-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Dakota Lovell Killpack, 6 lbs. 15 oz., 19 in. Dakota, you were born at 2:13 pm on 10-27-93 and we could feel our world shift in that minute. As your dad and I held and looked at you, we knew we would give you all of ourselves. Life with you has been an adventure as you have taught us both how to view the world with the speed, depth and curiousity that you were blessed with. Laughter is what you give to others. You are a light in our lives and have made these past 15 years with you an absolute joy. My dearest son...thank you for the ride! You hold our hearts.

gratitude thought: For Dakota........

It's over!!

2008-10-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

Patricia is breathing easy again as she just finished two talks back to back. One in the ward and the other in Stake Conference. It was her first time EVER speaking in front so many people. There has been no dance piece or ballet class that has ever made her legs as numb as the walk today to the podium. She couldn't feel her legs until she sat back down.

Daniel went back to the airport today as he traveled to Montreal for the week. He is still ill (something he ate) from his trip to India. Hopefully he can get some needed rest in the hotel.

Dakota had a tough, tough Biomath midterm and a crazy hard Natural Hazards exam. His studying has increased where he takes the laptop to bed and studies right up until time to sleep. He's loving school!

Jewel, continues to enjoy her gymnastics class and all the new tricks there are to learn...she has her first parent/teacher conference this week.

gratitude thought: The talks are OVER!

Jewel's activity day at the farm

2008-10-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sitting in a wheelbarrow with her dear friend Jonathan. These two love to spend time together and they play so well. Daniel and Patricia have given his parents permission to marry Jewel :-)
East Brunswick Activity Day girls and Primary children.

'Mirror, Mirror on the wall...the hay on my head must not fall'

Happy Birthday Opa!!!

2008-10-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

A walk down memory lane with you Opa...
Happy birthday 'sing a long' from our house to yours.

Food , glorious, food..."

2008-09-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

A lovely cookbook on preparing wheat recipies from Oma. Opa and Uncle Greg.

It will be fun to see which will become family favorites, and we are excited to see how the dishes will turn out.

Thanks so much for the book! We are so grateful to have it!

Service Project and Dinner with the Missionaries

2008-09-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Patricia selling tickets & Jewel bunji jumping

A gorgeous day in NJ. A day when EVERYTHING was scheduled. Jewel had a Primary program which was followed by the Heritage Day fair in North Brunswick park. Our ward members help out by working the games, selling tickets and cleaning up all day. This was followed by dinner with the Missionaries at a buffet place... (Home Town Buffet) perfect for young men to eat many plates of food. Dakota and Daniel went to the Stake youth dance in Princeton and Patricia stayed home with Jewel who had a fever.

News from RU: Dakota stayed home to study (he has a slight cold) and to work on a research assignment for BioMath. He's modeling a 'budworm' and looking at the DNA of a cancer strand. He's not been afraid to seek the professor out, to ask questions and get clarification on concepts. He thinks it's so funny that he's in a 300 math class and the work is so abstract that he hasn't used a calculator yet. He loves abstract math and hates computations. BioMath so far uses discrete math, linear algebra, differential equations, calculus 1, 2, and 3, some Chemistry, Physics and Biology all in one study. Really fascinating!! Dakota says the work is VERY hard and VERY challenging, but we're happy that he's up to the challenge and is facing it head on, giving it everything he's got. He's happy to be on the University choir and he's singing 'bass' at age 14. He's got his daddy's deep voice...

gratitude thought: grateful for restaurants and the joy and ease they bring to one's life. After a day of running around and working in the park, it was a blessing not to have to cook and clean up.

2008-09-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Mable, visiting from South Carolina for a week. She's staying in NJ for a few days...

(Mable & Patricia), Jewel being picked up from her school bus by mommy and grandma. It's always fun having grandma around. We all watched the reruns of the Olympics this week with Mable being the biggest cheerleader of all.

Mable has been the inspiration for many years of homeschooling. Her love of learning, saving tons of materials and creative ideas were passed on to her daughter and grandchildren. Dakota was very blessed to be able to sit in on Mable's classrooms at good old Intermediate School 149.

Mid life crisis or good sense?

2008-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Patricia woke up to a vivid dream... the need to move faster with food storage. So she went out and bought water and many, many cans of vegetables on sale at PathMark. She will try to buy more items each time she makes a purchase at the store. The family has lots of wheat and potato flakes but need MANY more things. Learning how to prepare the wheat into something edible would be a good start too!!

Feeling inspired after the Ailey reunion, Patricia decided to take her first ballet class again after almost two decades. Wondering if this is a mid life crisis or feeling the need to finally drop all the extra pounds over the decades?? The money could also be used for life insurance for Patricia in the event something happened to her?? What to do?

One day at a time, and it's time to soak the very tired, stiff muscles... it's probably better to sort out one's life choices when we're not in pain.

gratitude thought: grateful for hot water and a bed!!

grateful that my dyed ballet slippers came out a decent color brown

grateful that leotards come in large and extra large sizes

grateful that Daniel's flight to San Fransisco went well, that Dakota loves being on campus at Rutgers (he even asked if he could live on campus next year as a senior, and mom and dad replied NO).

grateful that Jewel is happy going to school just loving life!

Opening Socials for East Brunswick Youth

2008-09-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

Jewel is with her lovely teacher Mandy, (who just had her 6th baby) who is in charge of the Activity Day girls. Jewel LOVES going to this activity and looks forward to her Wednesdays. Dakota is here with the 'Teachers'. All will turn 15 by the end of the year. The youth played glow in the dark volleyball. The church was filled with many, many happy kids.

gratitude thoughts:

laughter of children

teen aged boys talking and joking

School bus for Jewel

2008-09-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Wednesday September 3rd, was Jewel's first day of school. A long fight with many phone calls finally resulted in a schoolbus for children in Highland Park to attend their out of district school.

Today was also the first day of her new gymnastics class off route 18. The traffic on this major road is close to a nightmare but Patricia will try to learn some tricks to avoid as much of it as possible. Dakota had a Natural Hazards class, and it will be a few weeks (Dakota is learning the Rutgers bus system) before the commuting is ironed out.

Family Home Evening was held on Tuesday (Monday, we were all wasted from the 5K race, beach day) We used a DVD from Dakota's EFY session and Daniel did personal interviews and gave blessings to start the new school year. We played 'Hands Down' (Patricia & Daniel played this game as kids) and 'Elfer raus'. Elfer raus is a Killpack tradition that we began playing years ago. This game comes from Germany where Oma Doris visits and it's also her place of birth. She was kind enough to give this to us.

gratitude thought: grateful that Daniel is home for a few weeks, for the beginning of the school year!

ru ready

2008-09-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

First day of school for Dakota...Geology (Natural Hazards) Mathematical models in Biology, or Biomath, and Transitions to advanced Mathematics.
The driving wasn't too bad as the campus for the first class today (math) was close to the house. He hopes to learn the Rutgers bus system soon.

He had to audition for piano classes (if there are any teachers available to teach him) and also he auditioned for the University choir.

Daniel worked from home to watch Jewel (as Dakota and Patricia had a lot of running around to do) as school doesn't start until tomorrow for her. Patricia is still sore from the walk yesterday but feeling great. Daniel is sore too, and his knees held up great!!

The Killpacks run the Eatontown 5K Race

2008-09-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Killpacks along with the Glad & Losito family, participated in the Eatontown 5K race on Labor Day. A great day early on, (75 degrees and sunny) we all arrived at 8:30 for our 9:00 am race. Everyone did the 5K run, except Patricia who did the 5K leisure walk. One of the gifts the Alvin Ailey company left her with, were partial injuries to the knees from the years of wear and tear from one too many plies and arebesque turns. She never knew knees could scream and yell STOP... SIT DOWN NOW!!, until she tried running. Dakota did his race in around 27 minutes, Daniel in 33 minutes, Jewel 37 minutes and Patricia did a 43 minute walk.
Jewel won a first place trophy for coming in 1st in the 12 years and under females. Our friend Jacob Glad came in first in males 13-19, running it under 25 minutes!!! Jewel getting her trophy from the Mayor of Eatontown, NJ.

After the race, the Lositos, Glads, Daniel and Jewel went to 7 Presidents Beach. A great afternoon with temps in the high 80's. Patricia drove Dakota home for lunch, picked up his friend from church Amy, and drove them to another church members' home for a movie. Patricia did grocery shopping (as school begins tomorrow), did some housework as she limped around the house feeling tired but very happy she finished the race. Daniel and Jewel had tons of extra energy as they spent most of their time in the ocean after running a 5K race. Wow!

gratitude thought: the gift of laughter...I love seeing my family happily engaged in activities that are good for them. Grateful that my heart still works while beating very, very fast, grateful for beautiful days. Grateful we can carry lovely memories of the summer 2008 into the fall and winter seasons to warm our hearts.

"Here's looking at you kid".....

2008-08-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Attending a quinceañera on Saturday night August 30th
(this is the Latin equivalent to a sweet 16 party, only held at age 15)

Dakota traveled to Toms River branch with a couple of youth to celebrate!!

gratitude thought: Good clean fun and having to be a teen only once in life (-:þ

Jewel's swim lessons!

2008-08-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

The YMCA where Jewel takes swim lessons has 'Olympic fever' due to the great swimmer Michael Phelps. So for the last day of swim in the summer session, they had mini Olympics. Jewel did relay races and individual races in freestyle and the backstroke. She's holding her little 1st place ribbon...she's fast for a little thing. (age 8 1/2, 55 pounds, 4'3')

Our summer coming to a close...

2008-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Daniel returned from his second 2 week stay in San Fransisco to get ready for his first YW camp ever. Patricia went first staying three days, and Daniel went on Thursday for Bishopric races, evening program and testimony meeting. The YW dressed him up as a fairy and they won the best costume award along with a scripture mastery award.
For Stephanie and Christian Nielson...ward members met at a local school and launched ballons for you on Saturday August 23rd at 8:00 pm. (EST) The Nielsons lived in our ward three years ago and were in a plane crash last Saturday. They are recovering in Arizona while relatives care for their four children. http://cjanerun.com/ (website to follow their recovery)

Sending our prayers and get well wishes to the Nielsons.

A family afternoon bike ride on a gorgeous sunny 80 degree day in August!!

gratitude thought: The gift of life!

THE Judith Jamison

2008-08-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

O-K, Pat really wishes the photo of her came out better, but it's with Judy so who cares?? Judith Jamison, who in additon to being a major star and fantastic dancer, has taken the Alvin Ailey company to such great heights. Simply an amazing job. Poor awestruck Patricia kept addresing her as 'Ms. Jamison' so Judy had to almost slap Patricia back to reality by screaming at her ' Pat, stop it, this is me Judy' Guess Pat's really been away from this world for so long, she's forgotten how to act!

As the two dancers are almost the same height, poor 19 year old, skinny, shy Patricia stepped into some of her roles. Wade in the Water, The Mooche were two of the first things learned from Judy. She taught about listening to music notes, and how to dance trying to capture an audience. Poor Patricia tried so hard that she fell flat on her face during rehearsal at the Minskoff Broadway theatre while learning the piece that made Judy famous 'Cry'. (Cry was a 15 minute solo created by Alvin as a birthday present to his mother)

When Patricia got up from the floor, she felt like crying!! Patricia went on to dance Cry, and it became one of her favorite pieces.

Patricia was so happy that her mom, brother, Dakota and Jewel were able to attend along with church members Virginia and Kaye. Patricia has waited a long time to explain this past life to her kids and now they get it. They asked to make an Alvin Ailey annual December performance as part of the family tradition.

Alvin Ailey 50th Alumni Anniversary August 8th-9th

2008-08-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre founded in 1958,
celebrated it's 50th Anniversary by inviting and combining the alumni dancers with present dancers for a weekend of dinner, performances, and a gala party. Pat Dingle-Killpack had the time of her life, seeing dance buddies, choreographers, and people who've made history in the dance world. Just to be a part of this was a joy. Patricia may even decide to take a dance class again....after marriage, kids and schooling, this passion has fallen by the wayside. It will be interesting and rather funny to take beginner ballet class at the age of 50. (hee-hee-) Pat may cry just like little kids when learning hard movement. Posters of dancers, who Patricia knew and worked with.
In addition to bringing her kids, mom and brother, two church members came.

Patricia, Ralph and Mable. Ralph created a birthday collage for Patricia for her birthday when performing in Canne, South of France. She had turned 23.

Alvin Ailey 50th Anniversary cont....

2008-08-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Patricia in between Shirley Black-Brown and Nasha Thomas.
Both were beautiful and dynamic dancers. Shirley still can make anyone laugh!
Patricia standing outside of the Ailey 'home' theatre City Center. It felt like a second home walking and sitting inside this theatre. MANY hours of Patricia's life was spent inside this theatre, more time here than in her apartment. Patricia doing the 'Alvin Ailey' arms, one of his favorites.
Patricia with one of her first ballet teachers at the Ailey school, Tom Stevens.
THE famous dance star Judith Jamison. When Alvin died, he made Judy the director of the company. Mazazumi Chaya, another dancer, is the associate director. He use to help Patricia do her hair for Talley Beatty's piece "The Stack Up" and break in her high heels for Alvin's ballet 'Blues Suite'. Same size feet and Patricia was most grateful for broken in shoes to perform pain free in.

Another major star in the dance world, Donna Wood.

Alvin Ailey dancers cont....

2008-08-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

The alumni dinner was held in the new 15 million dollar 'Ailey' school on 55th and 9th avenue. For Patricia this was a long way from the humble beginings where the older dancers use to take class and rehearse, in an old church building on the east side. Dancers April, Sylvia Waters (director of Aiely 2 junior company for 30 years), Dolores Browne (scholarship director when Patricia was 15) and former dancer, Charles Epps, known to us as Chuckie, who had amazing legs and extension!
Getting together to take the 50th Anniversary photo with dancers past and present. Ralph (before Ailey he did the Broadway show "A Chorus Line") with Lenny Meeks. Lenny had his own company and choreographed many pieces before auditioning for the Ailey company.
Judy Jamison (center) surrounded by present dancers.

The former rehearsal director Mary Barnett with two dancers from 1978, Peter Wooden and Pat Dingle.

Just a regular day...

2008-07-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

Daniel worked from home yesterday and today, Dakota went on a 50 mile bike ride with a couple of YM from church. They rode around making random visits to some families. Jewel stayed in and played on the computer, watched a movie, did a bit of math, ate ice pops. Patricia cooked, shopped, did laundry, took the car in to get checked, tried to clean the house a little and played with the kids.

gratitude thought: grateful for regular days when we are all healthy and safe at home.

Bishop Killpack, is the Bishop's storehouse your home??

2008-07-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

For the Turners'...thank you for your friendship, kindness, and love. We remember when you first moved to NJ with a little two year old Cami. Later David Graham and Priscilla Rose joined your family. Thanks for the MANY great memories, playdates with Jewel and Dakota, dinners and conversation. When we moved to this ward, Jason Turner saved us. He came to help us move in and between Jason, Daniel and Patricia, they moved ALL that furniture into their home. Something we will never, ever, forget. Best of luck in England (Jason's new appointment teaching Philosophy) and stay in touch.
Due to a park party that was rained out, we held the party in our Bishop's storehouse. The homes in Highland Park are small for parties.
Five year old Cami, thought this was the home of the Bishop=) Graham Turner and Dakota watching Peter Rabbit on video.
The Turners (Starr, Graham, Jason, Cami and baby Rose) with Jewel

Oh What Do We Do in the Summer Time? (primary hymn)

2008-07-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

'Oh What do We Do in the Summer time when all the world is green?
Do we play with dry ice, cause it looks very nice...
and try to inhale, going pale....?
Is that what we do? NOT I'

Dakota plays piano at EFY (VIDEO)

2008-07-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dakota's first EFY

2008-07-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Dakota is pictured on the bottom row, far left.
He is with his 'company' of 22 youth and counselors. Dakota is pictured with some of the young women in our stake.

Driving home the Rankins stopped off to visit one of the caves in Virginia.
Dakota playing for the variety talent show on Thursday evening.

What a great thing for a LDS youth to participate in. Especially For Youth is a program or camp in which LDS youth from around the country get a full week to spend time together participating in classes and other wholesome activities. This camp also gives them the opportunity to connect with other LDS kids and build friendships.

Coney Island

2008-07-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday July 16th, Patricia took Jewel and her cousins Chris and Jovi (for graduation and b'day) to NY's Coney Island. They all did the famous rides and Jewel spent some time in the water...Uncle Kevin came to drive them home as they all took the train going to Coney Island.

Daniel is still in San Francisco and Dakota is attending EFY in Virginia. Hopefully he will take some photos.

Patricia received a call from 1450 am, the Jack Ellery show to follow up any new leads for Dakota and college. She did another phone interview and will follow up once Dakota has made a decision.

gratitude thought: grateful for the wonderful beaches and the way fresh air, the sound of seagulls and waves, relax me.

grateful that Kevin lives so close to Coney Island that a $2.00 train rides gets us there in 15 minutes

While the boys are away...the girls will play

2008-07-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

With Daniel in California for two weeks and Dakota attending Scout camp and then EFY...Patricia and Jewel are having the time of their lives playing!

Patricia is catching up on some very needed sleep and Jewel loves playing make believe games. Her current favorite is where she is a cat that does tricks ('Frisky' is her name) and auditions for Broadway shows. Patricia is the producer and holds the auditions which include an imaginary acrobat, fire breather, juggler and lion tamer. Although Patricia is slower when getting up from the floor or needs to sit down after dancing....it is still wonderful to enter the world of a little girl and to pretend!

gratitude: Lazy, hazy days of summer.

I have been listening to the group 'America' for the past few days. They had a hit called 'Ventura Highway' when I was Jewel's age or sometime in the late sixties. I would listen to the song looking at the summer sky, wishing I could stop time for a moment. This is how I feel spending time with my family.

Where do we go for college??

2008-07-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

As of this week, Dakota's college status is as follows:

1. Accepted into Rutgers, aid available only in student loans
Pros: close to home, great research opportunities
Cons: large class sizes, unwilling to try to help us match scholarship funds

2. Accepted into NJIT (New Jersey Insitute of Technology)
Acceptance to the Albert Dorman Honors College pending...

Pros: math program #10 in the nation, small campus and class sizes, intimate teacher/student relationships, good research programs. very willing to help with scholasrship aid (still pending)

Cons: travel to Newark by train, name recognition not as prominent as Rutgers for grad school applications.

On Monday June 30th, Dakota had an interview with an undergrad admissions director from MIT in Boston. He wants Dakota to apply for spring or fall of 2009. Yikes???

Pros: IT'S MIT!!! He can't get any better school than that, and he could find some same age peers.

Cons: What in the world would we do IF he even got accepted? Acceptance rate is better than Harvard (7.4%) or Princeton (7.6%) as MIT is around 12%.... he'l only be 15 turning 16.
PRICEY...is an understatement. Worst nightmare is he gets in and we can't afford to send him after any aid he may get.

I always thought I had more time when it came to making decisions like Dakota living away from home, or the family moving again. I would like to stay in NJ for awhile longer. For some reason time is slipping away quickly and the challenges are back full swing. I don't know if I have any more boxing gloves left, I have used them all up....

gratitude thought: grateful for the opportunity to pray and receive insights and answers.

July 4th 2008, 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'...

2008-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Jewel had free tickets to a local minor league baseball team, 'The Somerset Patriots'. We spent the overcast, light drizzling afternoon at the game and drove to Piscataway High School for fireworks in the rain. A fun time with $1.00 hotdogs at the game. Nothing beats America's favorite pastime of a baseball game in the summer.

gratitude thought: 'God Bless America, land that I love, stand beside her and guide her.....'

Court of Honor: Eagle Scout for Noah J.

2008-07-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Some of our youth drove one and a half hours to support one of the YM in the stake, for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Noah, is in the Stafford branch and there is only one YM in his branch. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Youth Conference in NYC

2008-07-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

After MONTHS of planning and a hectic last three weeks pulling this together...the East Brunswick Stake began their three day Youth Conference. Day one: sign in, classes, lunch, games, service project, dinner, movie, dessert social and home to host families, Day two: Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty. The 116 people split into two groups. We rotated the Ellis Island movie, tour, museum exhibit and lunch. Things have changed so much since Patricia and Dakota visited the Statue of Liberty. Security is tighter than the airlines and now you have to have a reserved ticket just to set foot in Lady Liberty. NO ONE is allowed in her crown anymore, so the pictures of Dakota and Patricia in her crown will be treasured forever. Day three: Testmony meeting, cleaning the church building and home. Above, Dakota with his YM group, he did not wear the special designed t-shirt)
Outside the Stake Center, by the zipline activity with William G.
Service Project: Making Missionary kits and thank you notes.
A very tired group of YM (they did not sleep at all last night) on the ferry.

gratitude thought: Youth who try to be their best, a church activity that is planned to enrich and strengthen our future leaders.

5, 6, 7, 8.....shuffle tap, arabesque, skip leap, and smile

2008-06-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

June 12th, Dance recital for Jewel Isobel Killpack. (mom's makeup job bombed)
Pictured here with a stage mom who redid her makeup! Doing a contraction in her modern dance piece..her favorite number.
Ballet dance, music is Serenade (my FAVORTITE Ballanchine dance.)
Tap dance piece. They look like Charlie Chaplin! Backstage after the show with her dance friends and flowers!

Grandma Mable, cousin Chiniqua, Mr.Jan, classmate Andrew, Patricia, Daniel and Dakota all attended Jewel's 1st dance recital. She took lessons last year, but as the recital was held on a Sunday...Jewel could not participate. (Sabbath day)

So much fun watching all those little kids moving and watching all the proud parents beaming. Jewel had a great time and this was a great experience for her.

gratitude thought: grateful for a teacher that moved the performance date to a Thursday so Jewel could participate.

grateful for Daniel who gets up early everyday, travels into the city and earns money so Jewel can have lessons.

grateful for a family and friends that support Jewel in her efforts.

grateful, that I have NOT become a stage mom and pushed too hard. I left backstage right away so she could have her time alone. (what she didn't know, was that I was standing outside peeking in, biting my nails and nervously)

My mom Mable used to talk about her nervousness when she watched me dance, now I know what she means!!1

East Brunswick Stake Seminary Graduation 2008

2008-06-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

Dakota seated with the Kinghorn family. President Rankin, Stokes, Flores & Llera with Dakota
A great achievement, Seminary at 5:50 am Monday-Friday

gratitude thought: grateful for a Seminary teacher like Sister Kinghorn, parents and Daniel for getting up at 5:00 am everyday of the week for Seminary. Grateful for the friends and relationships made over the year for Dakota and that he had 100% attendance.

It has been 95 degrees for the past three days and I am so grateful for air conditioning. There is no feeling to describe feeling cooked from the inside out and walking into a cool house.

Going public!!

2008-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday evening, May 21st, Patricia received a phone call from the financial aid office at Rutgers. Dakota was denied any financial aid as he was ineligible to get a scholarship for transfer students. Only four are issued and competition was quite high. After inquiring about minority scholarships and departmental aid, she was flat refused. In addition she was not given any other names or contacts to continue her search. When Patricia said that Rutgers was three times as expensive as Middlesex and that she would be able to only pay for one class per semester, financial aid coordinator Larry Jones replied "well pay for the one class and sign him up for high school football" Unbelievable!

Patricia noticed a Star Leger scholars award in the paper and called up the columnist who wrote the article. Although Dakota was ineligible as he did not attend high school, we were put in touch with Bob Braun. A well know and respected columnist at the Star Ledger newspaper in New Jersey.

http://tinyurl.com/3fsth8

Not only did he do an article, but Patricia was invited to discuss this issue on the Jack Ellery radio station WCTC 1450 in New Brunswick on Tuesday morning June 3rd. Very surprisingly, many people called in and the show ran AGAIN on June 4th. This radio show is a huge RU supporter and has a huge fan base at Rutgers also broadcasting Rutgers sports....

Both the columnist Bob Braun and radio host Jack Ellery find our situation hard to believe. A 14 year old basketball player was awarded a full ride for four years at Rutgers when he graduates and there is not money to pay a 14 year old for only 2 years at Rutgers who is also a minority! Patricia made her case about many guidelines and rules which block aid because of his age.

Patricia is to report back in a few weeks to both Bob Braun and Jack Ellery to see if anything has happened on the Rutgers end.

Tough decision to go public with this. In an ideal situation, Patricia would be able to pay for Dakota herself to attend college but having Dakota going to college a decade early leaves us a bit unprepared. Does Rutgers need any dance teachers??

Happy Birthday Daniel!!!

2008-06-04T20:03:00.001-07:00

Birthday dinner at 'South of the Border'. Mexican choice by Daniel.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL! Thank you for all you do!

Although Daniel was unable to take the day off from work, he was able to work from home on his birthday. He received a very needed piece of luggage that can be stored overhead in airplanes. Airlines are now charging fees for baggage!!

He picked a Spanish/Mexican restaurant in Highland Park 'La Fonda' which we dicovered went out of business after we drove there. Dakota suggested a Mexican alternative 'South of the Border' which was a great choice. We ate early at 5:00 and Daniel drove Dakota, Jewel and Roen (12 year old friend) to church. Patricia stayed home and worked on her two lessons for ward conference this Sunday June 8th.

East Brunswick Ward Memorial Day Picnic

2008-06-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

John Llera and Daniel Killpack on the grill George and Enid Yourstone with Mable Dingle
Jewel playing in the sand
Jewel, Uncle Kevin, girlfriend Therea, cousin Chaniqua & Daniel relaxing

Not pictured in our ward Memorial Day photos is Dakota. Daniel, Jewel and Dakota all participated in the ward Olympics while Patricia & Mable stayed home talking and talking.... Jewel came in first for her age group for girls, and took 2nd place with boys and girls combined. Go Jewel!!! Patricia credits her speed to her years of practice running away from her brother. Daniel, Jewel and Dakota took 2nd and 3rd in family races. Dakota came in first for the boys 12-15 age group in the 100 meter dash. Go Dakota!!! He also ran in the 200 meter dash, the 4 by 100 relay dash and finished the day off with a 5K.

This explains why he did not stay for the noon picnic. He won, but at quite a price. He didn't move for the rest of the day. Come to think of it, he didn't talk much either...

gratitude thought: For those who lost their lives so that we could enjoy the freedom we are so blessed with. I am grateful for the millions of families and individuals whose lives were impacted in one way or another by the losses, injuries and illnesses sustained by their loved ones.

Dakota Killpack, class of 2008 (May 22nd Middlesex CC)

2008-05-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Up there as far as a surreal experience for us all. 10:00 am began graduation excercises for the 1071 students at Middlesex Community College. Holding his diploma, an Associates degree in Math with uncle Kevin. Daniel and Jewel had a blast.
Dakota with his Physics professor Dr. Montana and the vice president of MCC
Grandma Mable flew in from South Carolina to attend. Patricia remembers pacing up and down this corridor chasing little Jewel a couple of years ago as we waited for class to end.
Dakota sporting a brand new haircut. We had it cut several days before graduation when he finally realized his cap wouldn't be able to fit over his afro! Of the 1071 graduates, only 12 had an AS degree in Mathematics. Pictured are Dakota with two other Math majors who were both in his Differential Equations class. They were just on the podium receiving their degrees.

Dakota Killpack coming from his room, getting ready to leave the house and getting ready to line up to march at 9:00 am.

GRATITUDE THOUGHTS....so many of them as I realize how fast the years go by.

Beginning classes at MCC (10 turning 11) he was 5'3", had a high voice, and loved to learn. Grateful that he grew so much, and so quickly that he blended in class with the other students. Grateful for really great professors in both Science and Math courses. Grateful for the kind support and encouragement that helped sustain me, when things got tough. Grateful for Daniel and Jewel's patience with the hundreds of car trips needed to get him to school and back.

grateful that gasoline was much cheaper.

Walk-A-thon at Jewel's School

2008-05-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

Daniel, Dakota and Jewel attended the Greater Brunswick Charter School walk-a-thon on Saturday May 17th to raise money for the school.

gratitude thought: grateful for a charter school that held a lottery. I was in the Edison public library when I saw the date of the lottery. I went to the school to check it out and thought it would be a good fit for Jewel. So far, she really loves it.
It's wierd to pay taxes in a town when neither child goes to the local public schools. BUT I'm grateful they both have found a 'home' for their educations.

Mother's Day..... May 11th 2008

2008-05-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

For Mable, If I can learn to have half the optimism, vigor, giving heart, sacrifice, tenacity, forgiveness and love of my children that you had and have for me, Dakota and Jewel will be blessed forever. Thank you for the journey and lessons of life you continue to teach. I carry your voice in my heart!

Dakota (age 6)
Jewel (age 12 hours)
Grandma Mable visiting
Children's Hospital
Los Angeles, CA
November 11th 1999

Jewel (age 8) & Patricia opening Mother's Day gifts May 11th 2008 in New Jersey

Games galore at Stake Youth activity

2008-05-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 3rd....the family went to a stake youth activity. Volleyballs, and tons of board games. Jewel even got to hit the ball once while playing one game of volleyball.

Daniel left for Washington D.C. right after church, he'll return on Wednesday night May 7th.

Dakota wraps up his last week of finals. He's been studying hard and hopefully it will pay off. One final on Tuesday took three hours. He had three Differential Equations problems, with each problem taking the class an average of one hour to complete. Yikes!!

Patricia continues to plug away at the daunting task of organizing the Stake Youth Conference in NYC...it will be fun!

Going, going, gone... The 'Casa Kids 5K Race'

2008-04-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 26th, Daniel and Jewel ran 1 mile and Dakota did the 5K. Patricia snapped photos and jumped up and down trying to stay warm in the 50 degree windy morning. They all did very well and mom is so proud of them.
Our ward has team members that are part of the 'Uberphast' team. Go EB, Go Uberphast.....Go Killpacks, Glads, Paterson, Maldonados. Lositos...

gratitude thought: grateful for activities and memories we can create as a family..grateful for a physical family that enjoys moving!

grateful for a moment to be able to blog. Between our callings and activities of the Stake youth increasing for the summer, time is precious. I'll try to do better and blog more often!

Family fun Saturday

2008-04-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Jewel and Daniel in Philadelphia
The Liberty Bell...

Saturday....although we are all in different places, all had fun.

Patricia went to the Mid-Atlantic African American genealogy convention. She took classes on finding records of her ancestors and listened to wonderful speakers. The BEST was being included in a special DNA test. This test will provide info on her heritage and can trace which African nation she is decended from. Very exciting! This was held in Cherry Hill NJ, about half an hour from Philadelphia. The concluding speaker was Martin Luther King lll, son of the late Martin Luther King Jr. There were over 550 African American people in attendance and it was such a great thing to be among so many different black folks all coming together to learn about their heritage.

Daniel and Jewel drove to Philadelphia and had a fun day taking in American history and visiting a farm. Jewel got to watch sheep being sheared and even bought back some wool of her own.

Dakota went to the Stake merit badge clinic to work on some badges. He waited for us to pick him up at the Glads' home. They were very generous to take him home with their family after the clinic.

gratitude thought: It's so much fun to be alive with so much new technology. I can't believe someone had researched and developed a database that includes the DNA makeup to test the 109 different African DNA codes.

grateful that I can be a part of new technology by sending notes to people via 'text messaging' I am slow, but am keeping up with the young folks. If the letters on my cell phone were larger (meaning if I could see them better) perhaps I could go faster ;-)

Dakota waxes analytical

2008-04-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

N.B. It is highly advised that prior to the commencement of the reader's perusal of this wonderful document, a means for maintaining the subject's complete visibility during analysis be set into order.

And here we are presented with a wonderful scene, a study of sorts in layerpositioning and lighting.

One can clearly see the perspective of all four distinct subjects, it appears as if something were in fact drawing their attention leftwards quite magnetically. This evidence can be easily corroborated by the necklines, clothing contours, and corneal tracking.

More important perhaps is the layers, and how they blend. Obviously, Jacob is bravely displaying his profile in the foreground. More subtly, this sets the tone of blending into the next three layers, a tone that will find itself continued throughout this setting.

Further examination will reveal the carefully chosen skin tones of the middle two layers, providing ample ambiguity to create an illusion of depth. This is further compounded with the rear layer; the darkness due to increasing proximity from the flash illumination device combined with the complete blackness of hair and clothing serve to enhance the flow yet again.

Now we shall move onto the lighting, a subject that, while arranged coincidentally, required the touch of a master to capture so fluently.
Special attention must be drawn to the doorway in the right side of this photograph. The light on the top clearly radiates a halo of warmth, a certain yellowness that draws attention away from, yet also focuses attention to the main subjects. Beneath such we have a wonderful pattern of five dots, again arranged by chance, but these provide endless possibilities for the analytical mind. Spirits? Signals? Only time shall tell!

Moving again below, we have perhaps a cliche, the age-old 'sun peeking through the trees' motif. This shines so brilliantly across the ever-so-classic gradient of setting sky, flowing downwards through yellows, browns, and whites, bringing us back in a commodious recirculation to the door, the wall, and off the curtain to the next window, the final subject of this presentation.

The colors captured within this curtain reflect well not only the skin tones, but the clothing of several of our subjects. This hazel-bronze figurette of cloth serves to bring us yet again to the pattern of circulation so well found here. This more boldly borders the grays, whites, and blacks found within the aging sky below. These colors embody a sense of yearning, a longing for better times; a somehow enjoyable litany of woe, a rainstorm.

As a final note, let our attention be drawn once again to the magnificent Jacob sitting there so strongly. The necktie worn by the aforementioned was not in fact, a mere coincidence, or perhaps a stylistic insight, it was a carefully executed measure to ensure that this photograph could in fact come together as a wonderful whole, such being much more than the sum of its individual parts.

Thank heaven for little girls....

2008-04-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Wacky Hair Day
Greater Brunswick charter school Ballet class..forth arabesque tendu
Jewel at Steven Yergensen's baptism
Steven and dad Bishop Yergensen (EB ward 2003-2005)

The land of Testosterone

2008-04-13T18:12:00.001-07:00

Kevin Joseph Dingle (Patricia's brother)
Christopher Rodriguez (cousin)

Jovan Rodriguez (cousin) Dakota at the Court of Honor
(he is advancing to Life)

Young Men at Danielle Thorne's

Sweet 16 party

Daniel helped Christopher file taxes and submit his FAFSA online, to help Chris apply for financial aid. He was accepted into a college in upstate NY.

gratitude thought: For the East Brunswick youth and how they support and care for each other. The relationships they are building will stay with them forever. Dakota has so enjoyed the youth programs and Scouting.

grateful for Kevin and all he does, and for Chris and Jovie who always make me laugh.

New entry into the world!

2008-04-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

"I want my mommy!!" Graham (2 1/2) "Is my baby sister here yet?" Cami (5)
Mommy Starr Turner with Prisilla Rose (6 hours old)

We had the chance to babysit Cami and Graham Friday night, when mom went into labor. The new baby sister looks so much like Cami and Graham (siblings), our family has nicknamed her 'Crahmi'. (she favors Graham a bit more right now).

gratitude thought: grateful for changes in visitation and hopital regulations. Jewel and I were able to visit and see a healthy newborn only hours after birth. Years ago, Jewel would not have been able to see an infant so young. Not unless her mommy had another baby. Mommy can see an infant so young, but only as a future grandchild!

Conference weekend & gifts from Oma Doris

2008-04-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

Blurry photo of Daniel and Dakota on skates at roller party
Gifts from Köln, Germany Rollerskating party for Andrew
Jewel is wearing new top from Oma

Conference weekend...we all went to a skating party in between sessions for Jewel's classmate Andrew. Sunday we went to the chapel for the first session, and Patricia and the kids came home, listening on the Internet to the 2nd session. Daniel had interviews and stayed at church the entire day.

Doris aka Oma brought back lovely gifts for the entire family after her yearly trip to Köln, Germany. (her birthplace) Jewel and Dakota were so excited and as always Dakota spent his money that was to be used to help him with his studies. His comment for purchasing games for the Nintendo DS was "these games are to be used in between my hard studying to relax my brain" Thank you Oma, as he sudied VERY hard, played hard with his new games and got a 96 on his Physics 2 test.

gratitude thought: For a phone call from dear Aunt Sadie. She has been a friend/sister to our family since my birth and has left us with so many wonderful and cherished memories. I'm grateful for all she has done!

grateful for Aunt Lucille and her legacy she leaves behind. My two cousins Linda and Louise (her daughters) are just the best!

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2008-04-04T16:55:00.001-07:00

Patricia Nadine Dingle (10)
Diane Michelle Dingle (8)
Kathy Ann Dingle (6)
Kevin Joseph Dingle (6 months) Harlem, NY 1969

More memories of Alvin Ailey

2008-04-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

If I close my eyes I can just picture seeing Judy in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center. We (the Ailey Dance troupe) had just flown into DC from Los Angeles for a two week run at the Kennedy Center. It still remains one of my most favorite theatres in the US. Judy just had pins put into her hips and was in a lot of pain. As I was her understudy for Alvin's piece 'The Mooche', she asked if I could rehearse and go on that night. I was 20 years old and scared to death.

Luckily that night went fine and Judy was so sweet. I love her sense of music and how her movements always fit the tiniest note. I guess that is why she is a major star in the dance world and has done such a great job with the company.

One memory of Judy was in the changing room ( I was taking an all male ballet class with my dance coach so that a young Daniel Killpack would notice me) asking if I wanted to return to performing. I had left the company only six months earlier at the age of only 27. Shortly after Alvin died, Judy was named the artistic director.....

last memory of Judy was on 94th and Broadway in NYC while shopping with an infant Dakota. She seemed surprised that I had married and changed my life with the addition of a baby...I guess life is about 'the choices made and which path one takes' When I see Jewel dancing, there are no words to describe how I feel...

Lucille Jackson November 1924 - April 2008

2008-04-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Aunt Lucille (in pink)

Dingle sisters & holding Jewel

Lucille Dingle (Jackson ) my aunt, passed away on April 2nd 2008. She was 83 years old and the baby daugher of Luisa and Peter Dingle.

Lucille and my dad Peter Dingle Jr. were the youngest two children of eleven born. She leaves two daughters, Linda and Louise. Lots of fun and fiesty, she and my dad were hang out buddies and spent a great deal of time together. She was a school teacher in Pineville South Carolina until her retirement. Her husband Jackson, departed this life suddenly when involved in a fatal car crash. Lucille lived out her final days alternating between her home in Charleston and Pineville S. C. Pineville is the home she grew up in and where the remaining sisters still live.

Her favorite TV shows were Judge shows especially Judge Joe Brown. She enjoyed odd toys including a traffic light in her bedroom.

Quentin van Beethoven

2008-04-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Little Quentin Martino at the piano

The Martino family says goodbye to NJ as they begin a new journey in Texas. They were part of the East Brunswick ward and moved to New Brunswick about a year ago.
We will miss you! keep playing little Quentin!

Jewel started school this week after her Easter break. Highlights of that time off include, watching both Jewel and Dakota play 'Phoenix Wright' on the Nintendo DS. It's a game where you get to be a defense attorney. Also watching Jewel pretend she is a dog auditioning for a Broadway play. She named herself FRENZY the dog (inspired by watching her poor mom) and she would dance for the producer, to gain a spot in a production. Another highlight...Patricia would sleep an extra hour as the girls would stay up late while the boys went to early morning Seminary.

gratitude thought: grateful for a marriage that has two different sleep cycles. Daniel goes to bed early and rises early (doing the early morning things...Seminary, leaving for work, etc..) while I go to bed late (doing laundry, mopping, grocery shopping at 10:00 pm) and still get up fairly early!! We are two passing ships in the night, but we can get a whole lot of stuff done (hee-hee)

The last weekend in windy March

2008-03-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Jewel putting up the trampoline

With spring around the corner, Jewel has been asking her dad to put the trampoline up in the backyard.

Liliana, Rueben & Mayra

The lovely Dominguez family came to visit the EB ward today from Brooklyn, NY. Originally in our ward, they moved to Bay Ridge in Brooklyn (about 10 minutes from Patricia's brother, Kevin) They came to dinner and we had so much fun talking about the changes in our ward. They look great and as always Patricia is delighted to see Mayra (one of the EB YW two years ago)

Sunday was a regular busy day, church began at 9:30...Fireside for Daniel and the kids, Patricia ran off to Freehold for youth council.

gratitude thought: grateful for old friends and the joy of seeing them again, laughter, seeing Mayra smiling, Liliana's blue eyes and learning about Rueben's love of irons =)

COSTCO and their cooked roast chicken, which we ate today!

gallon jug of happinesss

2008-03-28T19:21:00.001-07:00

See what a week home can do!

Jewel and Dakota are on the couch playing with the DS.
Although only Jewel had the week off from school, it was
a very relaxing time to spend with the kids.

Jewel and Patricia got to play 'dog auditioning for a
Broadway show'. Patricia was the producer and Jewel was
the dog. She named herself 'Frenzy' (from watching her mom?)

Daniel had a call to Pakistan on Friday morning and
worked from home. During the evening he did church
work for the ward.

The tittle of this blog 'gallon jug of happiness' (by Dakota) was inspired by the actions of Patricia, who forgot to do her math. With other sisters in the ward as team members in a weight loss program..the challenge of the week was to drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of water (each day), for the entire week. Well Patricia had eight 16 oz. bottles of water. Needless to say 128 oz for the day, made her a bit ill.

gratitude thought: For school breaks where nothing 'big' is planned. No trips, no sightseeing, no distractions. Just watching your kids play on the couch quietly, being happy and loved at home...watching the sun shine on their heads while dinner is in the oven.

grateful for the realization that I would wind up in the ER if I had to drink 128 oz of water everyday for a week...that I finally did the correct math!

The legendary Tri-Colour Tongue!

2008-03-24T17:44:00.001-07:00

Has he left the USA for good? Find out... next week!

Gratitude thought: For my dear son Dakota...never a dull moment in my life !

Easter Sunday 1994, 2000, 2008, etc..

2008-03-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Jewel's first Easter... April, 2000
LA, California

Dakota's first Easter... April, 1994
(Note the pillbox hat on Patricia's head)
Bronx, NY

Easter Sunday with the Missionaries... 2008

Highland Park, NJ

gratitude thought:

Easter Sunday throughout the United States, throughout the years of our family...one constant remains. We too can become resurrected beings, because of the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Saturday night youth Stake activity

2008-03-22T20:15:00.001-07:00

Youth Service project + Classes = Micro EFY

The entire family got to participate in the stake youth activity. Jewel lucked out as both mom and dad needed to attend.

Favorites of the night:

Dakota: sewing teddy bears service project

Jewel: stuffing the teddy bears

Daniel: Kristin Smith class and spending time with the family

Patricia: talking with the youth, the stake leaders, and enjoying the whole family together

Remembering my kids only six years ago

2008-03-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

October 31st 2001...7 weeks after 9/11

Dakota (age 8) Jewel (age 2)
Denver, Colorado

Good grief Charlie Brown!! you blockhead...

2008-03-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

This happened Sunday morning driving to ward council in Stafford. What makes this so bad, is that Patricia has no recollection of driving through the toll booth. This costly mistake could have been avoided if she had not been driving so fast and paid the minimal .35 cents. Instead, she will pay $25 hard earned bucks.

The rest of the week has gone smoothly. It has been nice having Daniel around. He doesn't leave town again until May, but he will travel twice in the month. He WILL be here for Dakota's graduation ceremony on May 22nd.

Why oh why do high school or college rings cost so much??? Dakota wants a ring from MCC and ordered the simple, no frills ring...still a whopping $229 dollars plus tax. This was without 10 or 14 karat gold, a stone, or any diamonds. While on line at the graduation fair, we overheard a ring going for around $600...good grief!

My highschool ring from good old 'Hunter High" was $50 in 1977. It is sitting where it has been for the past 30 years, on my dresser. My ring is size 5, Dakota's is 10 1/4.

gratitude thought: For Daniel and in the past year Dakota, who bless our home with music. Dakota loves to play piano at home, and plays often. If he sees me dancing to his music, he stops. So I have learned to dance in the kitchen, very quietly or until I bump into the fridge doing a pirouette that didn't have a smooth finish. (ha-ha)

I got WAY involved with his Bethoven piece last week and my poor knee took a bump on the dishwasher....no broken dishes though!

grateful for Jewel's spring break and my chance to clean my poor house. I love to cook, why don't I enjoy house cleaning. Maybe hypnosis!

trivia: Dakota's graduation day, will take place on what would have been my dad's 80th b'day. He passed away in December, 2004. I know he will be smiling down at Dakota. Peter Dingle Jr. May 22nd 1928 - December 11th 2004, was a chemist for Revlon. Now I know why Dakota loves chemistry so much.

Patricia Nadine Dingle (7 yrs.) with dad Peter Dingle Jr. (38)

Sunday afternoon, after service at New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Harlem, New York 1966.

* Note how we were dressed in those days, even to go to the park. My dad's suit is the popular color of the 60's, baby blue.

Beauty and the Beast highschool performance

2008-03-15T18:43:00.001-07:00

Megan Shook ,Courtney and Jewel. A few of the East Brunswick ward members went to watch Megan perform in her Spotswood Highschool play 'Beauty and the Beast'. A wonderful production and Megan was beautiful. Classmates from Jewel's school came too.

Dakota went running today...from Highland Park to North Brunswick. He ran to the home of the Rankins and stayed awhile. Our family picked him up later as he wanted to stay longer, and running home would have cut into his time there. It is about a 15 minute drive, so the run is one hour or so.

Daniel went with the ward to the Manhattan Temple this morning. He had a wonderful time.

For dinner, the family went to Wegman's for a cheap dinner and grocery shopping!

gratitude thought: Springlike weather is coming...

Jewel's first salon blow dry and cut

2008-03-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

Jewel with straight hair !!

Patricia and Jewel went to the hair salon. It was a regular conditioning and wash for Patricia and for Jewel her first 'ever' straight hairdo. Painful for her as she was not use to the blowdryer or the flatiron. BUT it is the first time since she was an infant that the family could run their fingers through it without tangling.

gratitude thought: grateful that I have a daughter to share my days with, passing on to her the things that she will do one day, with her own children.

Daniel's first funeral

2008-03-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY NIGHT
THE RELIEF SOCIETY DINNER Our RS birthday dinner & Jewel in the nursery at RS dinner

Monday night for FHE, we all went to Walmart to buy things for Daniel to put in his office. Granola bars, water, candy for the ward, and other items he may need while spending time in there. He cancelled his trip to Florida as ward member Stanley Domino passed away. He had to help with the family and arrangements, in addition to attending the funeral and burial. He was in church all day and night on Tuesday.

Tuesday night: The Relief Society had a special birthday dinner and program that was so lovely. They read stories from the sisters on how RS has helped them or taught them. Dakota went to babysit, but wound up roaming the halls. Jewel had a blast as there were plenty of kids to play with. Dakota has his spring break this week.

Wednesday night: The kids had their church activities and Daniel had a Bishopric meeting. We all drove together and Daniel got a ride home as the ward secretary lives one block away from us.

gratitude thought: Daniel's boss knowing that the commute to NYC takes up lots of time, has agreed to let Daniel work from home two days a week. This will enable him to do some of his church work easier and cuts down on time away from family as he still has to travel. I'm grateful that the workforce has changed somewhat and companies offer working at home as a way to help keep employees more productive and happier.

East Brunswick Young Women New Beginnings

2008-03-09T18:29:00.001-07:00

Bishop Killpack attending his first New Beginnings program.

The lovely young women of the East Brunswick Ward.

The theme for the East Brunswick young women program was 'Plant a new Seed'.

Both Daniel and I attended and he had to give closing remarks. In additon we had the Baptism of Gilfred and Darnell today. Paola Valez (mom) and her husband came as well.

Patricia's head cold continues to linger and she hopes to kick this, by the end of the week.

gratitude: The many different season's of our lives, what it means and what it brings.

Titanic research Project

2008-03-07T16:28:00.001-08:00

Jewel in class, with her friends and as she talks about her project. Friday March 7

Picture of the Titanic drawn by Jewel.

New meaning to 'Super Tuesday'

2008-03-06T05:11:00.000-08:00

Monday: For our family home evening...we babysat Cami and Graham Turner for their parents to have a 'date night'. Her baby is due very shortly and the parents took a very needed break as they spent a little time alone. Jewel is feeling better but her cough is returning. She did go back to school after a couple days home resting. Patricia's survey job at Q-Research begins...Monday-Thursday from 1:00-2:00 in Old Bridge. It's a bit of a hike but pays for Dakota's piano lessons.

* The Austin family, brought over dinner for us...they wanted to help out, as our family begins it's shift in dynamics and time as Daniel begins his calling as Bishop. We were so grateful for their kindness.

'Super Tuesday': Busy day with work and school. Patricia had her stake meeting and Daniel had his first Bishopric meeting. Choir practice for Dakota was cancelled and he stayed home with Jewel to study for his Political Science test tomorrow. That dinner from the Austin's came in handy as time was very short as Patricia continued her little jobs today. Jewel's coughing continues.

Patricia stretched out her friend 'Charlie Horse' on the Pilates machine. Much better... twitching has stopped and the fear of having a painful cramp while behind the steering wheel is gone. (no place to stretch the leg except out the window) She has driven with her leg out of a window before, when she sprained her ankle and the swelling was so intense. Not something to repeat.

Wednesday: Work, school as usual (Dakota has sememster's first Political Science test) ballet for Jewel, YM Mutual and Ali Hunter baby shower at the church. (she is expecting a little girl) Daniel will catch up on his sleep tonight by going to bed earlier. He still takes Dakota to Seminary at 5:30, while Patricia stays with Jewel.

gratitude thought: grateful for the RS sisters and the team wieght loss program that we're doing together. It has occured to me that I have never know how to lose weight with a healthy program. All I have ever done are crash diets and plain old starvation while dancing. Somehow I know this wouldn't be good for me now, it was easy to starve at age 20 and drop 6 pounds in the blink of an eye.

I spend HOURS driving the family around, so why can't someone invent a car seat that has control devices in the drivers' seat, that are attached to the steering wheel. I could navigate the wheel by using my buttock muscles to control the steering. (hee-hee) Some workout huh? great way to tone the buttocks and thighs...I guess a great way to have an accident too.

trivia: Aunt Lucille is home from the hospital with congential heart failure. Her heart is operating at 20%. Both my cousins Linda and Louise are home with their mom.

A new road taken in the Killpack journey

2008-03-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

Oil Pastel of Titanic

Jewel and dad finish her research project on Titanic.

Saturday, Jewel still has the sniffles. At 3:00 pm Dakota gets to play basketball with the YM. As he will miss next week's game (he will begin training with a running club with other teens in Franklin) this may have been his last game of 2008. Saturday night we stay in (didn't go to the Missionary farewell) as we all went to bed early trying to stay flu & cold free.

Sunday....Daniel, John Llera and Pablo Smith are sustained as the new Bishopric for the East Brunswick ward. It is quite strange around here to hear people call and ask to speak to 'Bishop Killpack'. Patricia hopes she gets use to it faster than when she had to get use to hearing her new married name of Mrs. Killpack. (that took about two years). Daniel is ready to begin and is very excited to serve with his two wonderful counselors.

Patricia is saying hello to her new friend 'Charlie'...as in 'Charlie Horse'. Her left hamstring is twitching and is very tight from the running/walking training. She had to stretch before church to avoid a painful cramp that could have occured in Sacrament. That would not have been a pretty sight..She has had these before in her past dance life, but usually when the muscles have been way overworked. Not the case here, so the muscles are just getting older =)

gratitude thought: For Daniel and for who & what he is...I am grateful that he asked me to marry him, grateful that I had enough sense to say yes!

news: Lucille Jackson (my aunt) is not doing well in SC. Plans are to place her in a nursing home for better care. Her strength needs to be built up. Our prayers are with her and Linda and Louise her daughters .(my first cousins)

Lewis Jones is home from the hospital. He did have pnemonia and is home recovering and resting. Get well Lewis. (My brother in law)

0.993170741

2008-02-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

Blog title (numbers) courtesy of Dakota. This is a calculation of some kind and he will let us know what this means at some point. (we hope)

Poor Jewel, sore throat, sneezing, coughing and a stuffy nose, She stayed home all day today. It was freezing cold with winds, so we're glad she didn't have to go out.

On Wednesday evening, Daniel had a smooth and safe flight from Chicago. He arrived when the kids were at church activities and Patricia at her meeting. It was a happy reunion for all.

trivia: Diane Jones (Patricia's sister) husband Lewis, is in the hospital having tests done. He has water in his lungs and probably has pneumonia.

gratitude thought: A hot bowl of soup in the winter. Nothing like it in the world except a warm hug.

Afrochef

2008-02-26T15:23:00.001-08:00

Remember the Easy Bake Oven?

Dakota and Jewel decided to make a cake the 'Easy Bake Oven' way. This oven was a gift from our friend and ward member Paola Valez along with some other games like 'Hands Down". Other than the rubbery texture, the taste was great as they put loads of chocolate frosting on top.

We are waitng for Daniel to fly in from Chicago tomorrow evening.

gratitude thought: I love watching my kids play with games and do things I did some 40+ years ago. It's like watching my life being slowly replaced with the activities and paths of my children. Watching them grow is simply joyful...and then someone screams or hits the other. All part of the journey...

We get a family snow day!!

2008-02-22T16:45:00.001-08:00

Jewel, Dakota and schoolmates from our charter school. After playing wii sports, they had a 'kosher' dinner. It's been great having the kids learn about each others' religion. They're Orthodox Jews from Russia.

The family went to bed on Thursday evening, (Patricia at midnight) thinking there was no way that we would have a snow day. Between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 am, we were covered in six inches of snow. Seminary, and both schools were closed. Yipee. Patricia curled up in her warm bed and slept another two hours after the 5:00 am Seminay cancellation call.

Daniel feeling ill, did not go into the city but left his laptop at work. Since he needed it to fly to Chicago on Monday, Patricia braved the snow and went to fetch it for him. Long time since she has been in NYC walking around in the snow.

Saturday: two basketball games for Dakota. One win, one loss. Patricia cooks 'Runzas' for the meal exchange at church.

Sunday: Family split. Daniel and Jewel attend East Brunswick ward. Patricia and Dakota attend the Stafford branch for ward conference. Dakota hangs out with some of the Stake youth and gets to attend ward youth conference.

gratitude thought: Grateful for Kristen Smith who has moved into our ward. Such a lovely family and a big hello to you. I will check out your family blog! Dakota told me that you were doing one.

Grateful for Daniel's Christmas gift to me of the GPS. This 'robot map' has helped me get around the state of NJ, and without it I would have pulled my hair out. That robot's montone voice has become my friend!

Heritage Day & Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T05:14:00.001-08:00

Edelweiss dress !!

On Wednesday, Jewel had 'Heritage Day' at her school. She picked her Edelweiss dress that Oma gave her several years ago from Germany. She had her hair up too, as she looked like a little fraulein but frau mommy put the hairpins in too tight.

Tueday, Dakota had a math test that was a killer. He takes comfort that one of his exams can be dropped from his average. Daniel had a late Presidency meeting and only was able to get four hours of sleep before heading off to work. By Wednesday night, he slept like a log.

A big hello to Tricia...happy belated birthday and I hope your year will be a great one. It was so great to hear from you and I miss you too!

We had a fantastic front door view of the Lunar eclipse last night (Wednesday). It was just a clear cold night, perfect for looking at the moon and fun to staying up watching.

gratitude: grateful for 10:00 pm each night, when I get to call my dear mom to check in. I love hearing about her activities in SC and catching up on all the news. She is just so much fun to talk too!

President's Day

2008-02-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

...a day off for all but Daniel.

We went to the home of the Llera's (a wonderful family in our ward) as Jewel had a playdate with Jessie and Junior, and Dakota watched a movie with Courtney and Sara called "The Mummy." Patricia and Sonia went to A.C. Moore to buy materials as Patricia has an upcoming lesson for ward conference. John Llera is a big Mets fan, like Patricia and they had a chance to talk baseball, steroids, Hall of Fame and integrity.

FHE: We'll finish watching "A Work And A Glory" movie and will have key lime pie for dessert. We were given an Amish dough to knead, bake and then to pass along like a chain letter. This will be interesting...

trivia: Andy Pettite has news conference to defend his position in regards to Roger Clemens and an alledged steroids conversation.

gratitude thought: grateful for families that extend their frienship to the kids and open their homes to us ;-)

Yeah..the weekend fun!!

2008-02-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Jewel began her weekend with a four day break from school. She went with mommy to the hair salon to watch mommy get a wash, conditioning and a blow dry style. Jewel is so grateful for her head of curls and that she doesn't need to do the same things mom has to do to her hair. Patricia is just waiting the day that Jewel has to comb that head of curls by herself instead of mom combing it while listening to the screams.

Friday evening Jewel went rollerskating with Andrew, Stephanie and Mr. Jan.

Saturday was a basketball game for Dakota and the YM. In the evening was a Stake meeting for Patricia followed by the youth Stake Valentine's Dance. Dakota wasn't feeling great so we found some advil for him from one of the Stake Relief Society sisters attending the dance, and he was better. We were home by 11:30 pm with Jewel anxiously waiting up.

Daniel's work week was busy and he was quite tired but able to catch up on some needed sleep.

Sunday, Dakota stayed home from church with Daniel as he was still under the weather. By afternoon and medicine in his system, he went to the youth fireside with dad as the Teachers' Quorum was in charge.

trivia: Barry Bonds found guilty of steroid use in November 2001.

gratitude: grateful for days off from school and to spend time with the kids. Monday February 18th, is President's Day. Both Jewel's school and the college are closed. Daniel has to work :-(

タイトルを入力して下さい

2008-02-14T18:15:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

The kids wrote Daniel little love notes, gave him a single yellow rose and went out to eat hamburgers.

To all of you in our lives, you are in our hearts...we hope your day was filled with love and happiness!! Thank you for all that you are.

Icy bells.....

2008-02-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

Jingle Bells, Patricia yells
the Volvo wants to slide

she pumped her brakes, and turned the wheel
but all they did was glide..

Jingle Bells, all is well
the family's home and safe

Patricia gripped the wheel so hard
her hands are chapped and chafe

Lots of snow, freezing rain and ice on the road. Driving conditions were awful and Patricia couldn't park the car near the house. She and the kids had to park elsewhere after sliding backwards down a hill (unable to stop the car when brakes were applied) and she walked the kids home while Dakota walked Jewel home. She was able to drive to the train station to pick Daniel up. The six minute trip took 35 minutes, each way.

Stake Presidency meetings cancelled tonight!

gratitude thought: so very grateful that after sliding so much, I never hit a car. Came close twice. Once when I was inches from rear ending someone. The other when the car skidded sideways into a parked car, and we squeaked by missing by a hair.

trivia: Dakota is sad to lose his Physics teacher for the sememster due to illness. He has a new teacher and thinks she is extremely boring. He knows he has to stay in the class to graduate so he has to just grin and bare it.

Dinner with 14 year old Rutgers student and Dakota cancelled due to weather.

Baby it's cold outside..brrr

2008-02-12T05:50:00.001-08:00

Cold temps in NY/NJ continue. The windchill on Monday was -7 and today it is 10 degrees. There is snow coming too, not much but a nice sprinkling.

Monday, the kids had regular days in school and Daniel had a pretty normal workday. Dakota is glad that his dad is home as they can ride to early morning Seminary at 5:30 am.

Patricia went to help her friend Kaye get bills in order to help her qualify for Medicaid. Her doctor found small growths in her left lung and she will go for a biopsy on Wednesday. She had treatment for lung cancer two years ago.

Patricia has her small jobs this week and is making frantic phone calls to NYC to find service opportunities for the upcoming Stake Youth Conference in June. Turns out that NYC is a difficult place to volunteer. Insurance and Unions are big in the city. Also as the Manhattan ward building will be under contruction, the youth now have no place to use classrooms for lessons. The city is very expensive to rent rooms and even if the church paid for the classrooms, religious instruction is forbidden in many public places in NYC.

Daniel has Stake presidency meetings tonight and Patricia and the kids will eat out (a rare occurance, especially during the week). Dakota is going to meet another 14 year old who began at Rutgers this year. He is a first year student doing research on stem cells. Hopefully the two can become friends and if Dakota can get into Rutgers, it'll be great to have a same age peer.

gratitude: I'm grateful for friends. My friend Nina called for my birthday and after playing phone tag, we finally got a chance to talk. I met her when I was 16 years old training at the Alvin Ailey school. She is a piano prodigy and an excellent ballet dancer from London and Montreal (duel citizenship). There are no words to describe reconnecting with my friend and talking about the past dance life we shared. So many memories, such glorious, fulfilling and fun times in both our lives. It is way cool to have enjoyed her friendship these past 33 years. We both miss those days.....miss dancing.....miss that life....

trivia: Black History month continues...grateful for the contributions Black Americans made to the USA. While helping my friend Kaye, we listened to an R&B station featuring black musical artists. I was blown away listening song after song. what enormous talent in the music industry.

Who would have ever thought a Black man would be running for President and doing so well?? My ancestors must be grinning from ear to ear.