Mikey!

This Spring my brother, Mike, graduated from college with his MBA. I don't know how he managed a full-time job and three kids while he did it. (I'm preeetty sure it has something to do with his amazing wife.) I know people graduate from college every year, but I have to say that for some it's a bigger deal than others. For Mike, it was a huge deal. I can't say enough how much I admire him for doing it.

It's been a long road.

Let's take a peek at the beginning of that road, shall we?

First Grade.

(I'm skipping preschool and kindergarten because, honestly, I don't know much about his experience with that. Though I do think he actually graduated from preschool which is more than I can say for myself. I admit I'm a preschool drop-out.)

I've mentioned Mike to a few of my first grader's parents over the years. Mostly it's to reassure them that their kid is normal when they scream, cry or try to run away from school on the first day. I tell them my brother was the same way. You see Mike didn't like school much. (Pretty sure he still doesn't.) When my mom dropped him off at school he ran after her car crying and yelling. Once he hid behind the dumpsters all day to avoid going to school. Yes, the principal knew him by name.

School was not his thing. It didn't get much better after First Grade.

Fast forward through Elementary, Junior High, High School and College and you wonder why he went through 20 more years of torture?

To put it simply, and somewhat Martin Luther Kingish, he's got a dream. His dream is not to be sitting at a desk working for someone less competent than him. He's got big ideas. And in order for those ideas to become reality he knew he had to get his MBA. So he did it.

And that's what I admire about him. He's not afraid of hard things. He's not afraid of work.

I almost cried when he got his degree. Almost. (No one else was crying and I didn't want to look like a sissy.)

If anyone deserves all the good things in life, it's him.

Congratulations, Mikey!

On a future note, I had to put this picture in. Kalli's on her way to becoming just like her dad. Future business partner maybe? Or, in Kalli's mind, current business partner?

Jeff's Present

Since it's Jeff's birthday today and he's not available to receive any presents, I thought it would be nice of him to give one.

And so, his gift to you:

The Whole Armor of God!

There are prices listed, but for you, everything's free!

Jeff drew this while on his mission in Hungary. VAJ means CTR in Hungarian. (If anyone wants a better picture of this, or just a digital copy, just ask and I'll send it to you.)

Doctrine and Covenants 27: 15-18

15 Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.