Jennifer's Journey: Kia

Jennifer and Kia

Kia is my cousin, my sister in Christ, and she's also my friend... and when we were kids she was my playmate! Oh the fun we had playing dolls, going to the park, reenacting musicals, telling silly stories late into the night, playing dress-up, and just being typical girls. Family gatherings were always loads of fun because Kia was there!

As young adults we were both very involved in music. Kia even studied musical theater in college. We both loved to sing. Kia has a beautiful alto voice and I've always been a soprano, so singing together in harmony is always fun! One favorite memory of mine took place at our grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. We sang, "Let There Be Peace On Earth" as a duet. We even had matching dresses (together with my sisters). But, the photo below is our claim to fame! Wearing our matching dresses, we're posing for the cover of a magazine! Yup, that's right! My dad was editor of "Gopher Music Notes" and this was the cover for one edition. It went to all the music teachers in the state.

Gopher Music Notes magazine cover

The day Kia got married is another beautiful memory of mine. Everything was colorful and festive. She and her husband were crazy about each other. I got to go with Kia to the park where she and Zach saw each other for the first time that day. The ground wasn't the cleanest, so I got to hold Kia's skirt as she walked toward him. It was beautiful and so special to be part of that exciting day.

Kia and Zach

Kia's beautiful wedding

Kia is now a teacher in a Montessori school. I think it's so fun that we both became teachers! Below is a photo of Kia on the day she came to visit my students back in 2004. Her visit was twofold. She brought her impressive penguin collection and read Tacky The Penguin books aloud to my class. And, she talked about drama, did some acting for the kids, and then gave them tips on the poems they were memorizing to recite for class. It was a red letter day!

Kia's penguin collection

Kia and Zach live in California where Zach has a career in film making. They actually attend church in Hollywood! Exciting! But, the most exciting thing of all is that they now have a sweet baby girl named Maya to love. She is adorable! And, with a Mom and Dad like Kia and Zach, she is bound to have a fun, full, happy life!