Tag Archives: science

March 22, 2025 · 5:00 am

Who Wants To Teach Kid 3 To Drive?

Any takers? Mailboxes were never closer when John and Anna were learning to drive. I had a good 5 year reprieve from instructing new drivers, but here we are again! And, I honestly can hardly believe it.

FIFTEEN! Jett is one of a kind. He always has been. The thing that can drive me crazy about him is also the same thing that makes me adore him: He never sees a request as unreasonable nor an idea as unrealistic. He’s been this way his whole life. Whether it was him asking, “Think we can go to Universal in the next few weeks?” And, Kris somehow making it happen. Or asking to be taken to places that are clearly wayyy out of the way…..and somehow it’s accommodated. To requesting to go to the store to buy everything you need to make a Wolverine helmet or an entire Iron Man suit or an entire outdoor planet painting station or ask for an entire room dedicated to just your Legos. Most every seemingly illogical ask gets met with a yes. Not all of them. But soooo many of them.

My dad recently commented to me about something I was doing for Jett: “Dusty, most parents wouldn’t do what you’re doing.” I responded, “I’m not most parents.” But the truth is, I am. I should have just said, “Jett Takle isn’t most kids.” He has somehow learned how to make his wishes a reality.

And, while that can drive me crazy at times, I love that he doesn’t think something is beyond reach. That same mind that believes nothing is impossible is the same mind that will say, “I’m going to learn to play drums today,” and actually do it. It’s the same mind that can research how to build or create something, make a list of materials he needs, and then bring it to life. His insatiable desire to learn and apply what he learns amazes me. He’s a dreamer, but he puts in the work to make those dreams come to life.

Jett Takle, I love you so very much.

I love how you always ask, “When will dad be home?” Not because you necessarily need him for something. But because you just love being around him.

I love how you look up to your brother and sister and call them for advice.

I love how you love your friends. You are a great friend.

I love how you love live music! You are SO much fun to take to concerts.

I love how you love playing guitar and drums. I love taking you to Record Heaven and Guitar Center. I don’t love staying in there for HOURS though. But I love that YOU can.

I love how you love your Norwegian and Swedish roots and think you’ll live over there one day.

I love how you are the funniest one on our group family text. (John and Anna have accepted it.)

I love how you dream of what you want to do when you graduate, and you never limit yourself.

I love that you STILL love explaining science and space to me.

I love that you can watch the same documentary several times.

I love that you love to learn how things work.

I love how ask for big things. And, I love how you calmly accept disappointment.

And, I love how you aren’t afraid to talk to me about ALL the things.

I couldn’t love you more if I tried.

I can’t wait for dad to teach you how to drive. Okay, just please don’t get upset when I yell in the car. We’ve got this.

Happy Birthday, Bud. This is going to be a fun one. And, don’t think I won’t soak up my last year of driving and riding with you ALL over kingdom come.

I love you so so much, Jett Takle.

Love,

Mom

11 Years Old!

We always say Jett is a different kid. But, I am realizing that what we should be saying is Jett is the kind of human everyone should be. He is the most compassionate, considerate and thankful person I know. And, he is 100 percent unapologetically himself. He doesn’t try to be who he thinks someone else wants him to be. I don’t even think he knows to try to do that. I think it’s because he so accepts and loves everyone else as they are, so he believes they also accept and love him, too. Last night, he came into my room with his birthday gifts from his friends. He said, “Mom, I have a lot of friends. That’s a good thing.” It’s a very good thing, Jett Man.

He loves the planet and wants to take care of it.

He thinks it’s time for a woman to be president.

He loves talking politics and science.

He loves researching obscure light sabers, and he saves his money to buy them.

He knows more about animals than anyone I know.

He loves reading Greek Mythology and Harry Potter, and he loves trips to the library.

He loves Legos, and he’s certainly a master builder.

You never know if he’s going to request to listen to J Cole, Def Leopard, or Jim Croce. But, he almost always requests Abba when he’s with his sister. I suppose it’s the Swedish in him.

He LOVES his brother and sister, and they love him. I’ve never seen a kid look up to and be more proud of his siblings than Jett. And, I’ve never seen a brother or sister protect their little brother the way John and Anna do. I think we all desperately want to protect who he is, because we never want him to lose his sense of wonder and his sweet disposition.

Jett Takle, don’t ever stop being you. You are exactly who God created you to be, and this world needs exactly who you are.

I love that you dream big. You believe anything is possible.

I love that you are passionate about the planet and want to protect every single animal, big or small.

I love how you light up when you see Paxton.

I love how grateful you are for every single thing someone does for you.

I love how you aren’t afraid to try something new. You are so very brave.

I love how you share your heart and tell people why you love them. You are such a great encourager.

I love how aware you are if you think someone might feel left out. You leave wherever you are and go be with them.

You don’t complain when something doesn’t go your way. You accept things as they are. You accept it when we say no, and you say thank you one-hundred times when we say yes.

You have a hard time telling Ga-Ga no when he wants you to go fishing with him. And, you run into Nan’s arms every time you see her. You also think she cooks better than I do, and that is very fair.

You think Far-Far is hilarious, and you love him dearly. You think Cathy is the coolest, because she loves animals like you do.

You think Farmor can make anything.

And, you know your dad can make any dream come true.

You love the people in your life so hard and so well. Your quick wit makes us laugh. Your tender words melt our hearts.

Your presence makes us catch our breath.

You are everything good in this world, Jett Takle. Thank you for helping us soak in the present moment a little bit more.

I hope this year is your best year ever. I believe it will be.

Happy 11th Birthday, bud. I love you so very much.

Love,

Mom

A day at the museum.

It’s been a pleasant 100 degrees here in Middle America. It’s so hot, even the pool sounds treacherous. I mean, it’s excruciating enough to wear a swimsuit at the pool. So, Saturday, I decided to take the kids to Oklahoma’s own Science Museum – the Omniplex.

To be perfectly honest, the only science I prefer is science-fiction – as in movies. But, to escape the heat, break up the monotony of the day, and give my kids some sort of educational experience, I endured the world of science.

The best part about the experience was the 45 minute movie on the Grand Canyon in the Dome Theater. Eight dollars bought us two sodas, two popcorns, a box of Junior Mints, and Strawberry Fruit snacks. That would have totaled about $150 at the “real” movie theater. The movie was narrated by Robert Redford and the music by Dave Matthews. I haven’t watched a movie on the ceiling since I was a kid myself and nearly lost my meal replacement bar I snuck in a few times. Holy head spinning, stomach turning Batman! Anna just kept asking “Why we moving?” Over and over and over again.

I think Anna enjoyed the face painting center most.

I’m thinking that the next time I spend a small fortune at the MAC counter (that’s make-up heaven for all you dudes reading), I’m going to explain it off to Kris as a science experiment.

I believe the black tape here is to prevent people from touching this display. Hence, John Henry’s arms raised as if to say “Are you finished taking the picture already?”

After three hours of me pretending to be oh so fascinated about science, we left. I picked up my wailing three-year old who kept saying over and over again, “I want this to be my home.”

If she thinks gravity is cool and wants to live at a science museum, I’m pretty sure I’m never taking her to Disney World. Else, she’ll have to endure years of counseling that we refused to let Cinderella be her new mommy.

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