Trust Your Power

I love this ad. Derrick Coleman came out of college undrafted, but fought his way on to the Seattle Seahawks, who play on Sunday for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Oh, and he's deaf - the first deaf offensive player to ever play in the NFL. Very impressive.

The Young Family Christmas Letter

WEDDING HIGHLIGHTS A STELLAR 2013 FOR YOUNG’S

Grand Rapids, MI – As the year Two Thousand and Thirteen comes to a close, it seems assured that it will go down in history as a great year. Or, at the very least, a good year. Definitely above average. Let’s recount a few of the reasons why:

WEDDING

Mackenzie Young and Liz Fast officially tied the knot on August 9^th, surrounded by 200 of their closest family and friends. The long-awaited wedding went off without a hitch, and despite the heat of the summer afternoon causing a few inopportune pit stains, the day was a total success. Reached for comment, brother of the groom and co-best man Cameron Young said, “It was okay, I guess. Do you think they took enough pictures? I mean, how many smoochy photos do you need?”

BUSINESS

The Michigan economy continues its upward trajectory, and along with it goes the fortunes of the Behler-Young Co. under the steady hand of its leader, Doug Young. Reached for comment, shareholder Cameron Young said, “For the last time - where’s my dividend check? Seriously, where is it?”

SPORTS

The year in sports was not so sparkling. A surprise trip by the beloved Wolverines to the pinnacle of history in the NCAA tournament fell just short, and was promptly followed by the team’s best players heading off to the NBA. Even a repeat of that anti-climax, however, would have been preferred to the abject failure that was the Wolverines’ season on the gridiron. Reached for comment, season ticket holder Cameron Young complained, “I can’t even show my face around town without a Sparty honking their tractor at me or gleefully screwing up my fast food order.”

TRAVEL

There was no shortage of memorable experiences in 2013. Doug and Kim spent the month of April jet-setting between Panama, Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Israel, while Jon spent time in Colorado visiting family. Mackenzie joined Liz in Minneapolis in September to begin their life together, and the family hopes to visit them and other family and friends in the Twin Cities soon. Reached for comment, reluctant traveler Cameron Young said, “If the state doesn’t end in a –rida, -fornia, or –wai-i, or have an average temp of at least 80, I ain’t going nowhere!”

CLASSIFIEDS

Wanted: One cute and cuddly puppy to join Bo and provide us with constant entertainment, along with the occasional headache. (Reached for comment, Doug said, “H$#@ no!”)

For sale: A 2007 Buick Terraza, 104K miles, excellent condition. Can’t get up driveway when there’s even a millimeter of snow, so after the 30+ inches there’s been so far…4-wheel drive is in order! Reached for comment, extremely safe driver Cameron Young said, “Does Porsche make vans?”

From our family to yours, God Bless, and best wishes for a fantastic 2014!

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Bo Knows...

I love this kid. His energy and enthusiasm are palpable - just listen to him talk! And his reaction to Bo is priceless.

Each overcame significant challenges - Blake, born without lower legs, and Bo, with his devastating hip injury. But they inspire each other, and each used their distinct roadblocks as a way to better themselves and achieve success. Definitely something we can all learn from!

I'm not sure what person would have to come out for me to react that way...Tom Brady? I'll have to ponder that awhile...

Epic Dance-off

My goal in 2014 is to smile as big as the chubby kid in the red shirt... This dance-off at the Palace led to this appearance on Jimmy Kimmel... Hilarious!

Heartwarming...

WVTM-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Birmingham, AL

This is a pretty great story....and a great road map for how we should treat others in 2014!