Rutgers University Choir, November 22nd, 2008

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!

Happy 9th Birthday to my dear little Jewel

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?

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

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!

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!!

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!