The everyday quest to be #1

It is no coincidence that each member of our family in their own way is on a daily quest to be number one. Competition runs thick in our veins and being the best at whatever we are doing is pretty darn important to each of us! This can pose some stress and tension within the family when we are striving to be the best at the same thing which usually occurs while playing games together or during a friendly family sporting event which has ended on multiple occasions as not so "friendly". At the moment each daily quests are in very different areas of life...

Devin is living and experiencing life in a way like never before but clearly is continuing a quest to do his best everyday while serving a mission in Argentina for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.

"  I have been transferred to the Office in Salta to be the Secretary for the Mission. Along with that I am the sole provider of legality for the entire Mission.  Of the almost 300 missionaries in our mission, over half are illegal.  My focus is on what can be done next not what needs to be fixed.  My goal is in 1 year to have all missionaries in our mission 100 percent legal and with proper documentation."

 " I have fallen in love… with Buenos Aries accents and the smell of burring trash

(Very Argentinean) and it feels at times like I am living in the suburbs of Los Angeles."

Trevor has been on a quest since June 30th to attain the starting quarterback position for Pasadena City College. This has not come without some frustration and extra hours of strength training and perseverance. Last weekend he was given the opportunity to QB the second half of the Lancers game against East LA and he did not disappoint! His phone call last night confirmed that he has earned the starting position for next weeks game... Success in his quest to be number one! 

Natalie is a little more reserved and quiet when it comes to vocalizing her passions and goals. She is taking the same math class Devin took his Junior year and it was exciting for her to find the notebook he used for this very class! She was concerned about using the notebook and the ethical issue it posed. Her quest to be number one must be fair with no advantages from cheating in any way! After finding the notebook she located the first test of the year...the same test she had just taken herself. Devin received an 86% and Natalie scored an 80% missing almost the same exact questions. She may not verbalize it, but you can see the desire in her eyes to ultimately out preform Devin in her IB Math class. 

 Savannah has 8 more months until she graduates from 8th grade and enters High School. Five months after that she will be competing for a spot on the La Quinta High girls water polo team. Actually, not just any spot, but a spot on the Varsity Team as a Freshman! She made the decision this month to not only play club water polo 3 days a week but add swim practices the other 3 days. I was very reluctant at the idea of committing to participate 6 days a week and wanted to know the reason why. Her response, "I am not progressing anymore with my polo practices and need to be a faster swimmer if I'm going to make the Varsity team next year." I was sold and really admire her determination to work harder knowing it will help her achieve her goal for 2015.

                    

Gerald is hands down the number one supporter of all his children. He succeeds in his quest everyday and the product of our children is the proof! Always teaching strength, determination and the urgency to never settle for mediocrity! He is the epitome of hard work and serving others!