Halloween

Tayden entered the world of parentless Trick or Treating. The younger three stuck with us and we survived the frigid night. Happy Halloween. But happier it’s over. 

What a weekend

Wow! What a weekend. Well, couple of days actually. Scott left late Wednesday night to go hunting with his buddy, Beau  and didn’t get back until late late Saturday night/early Sunday morning. His hunt was successful and he got and elk. 

While Scott was gone, I held down the fort. It was a busy few days. Friday night, Tayden had his end of year football party. It was great. He was recognized for his amazing job as defensive end and I’m already looking forward to next year. 

Tayden with his head coach, Jake Denning, and defense coach, Trevor Peterson. 

Saturday was our annual Halloween party at the Hansen’s. It was really fun. I didn’t get pictures of the boys, but I will tomorrow before they go trick or treating. I snapped one quick picture of Tayden because his makeup looked awesome. We’ll, everything but the lipstick blood. We’ll change that for the big day. 

Sunday was the big day! Dave and Cheryl were set apart to serve as missionaries. We went down for the day and to say goodbye. Of course I cried. It pulled my heart out. I’ve really grown to love them over the past 12 years. It was a rough day and while we’ll miss them, I’m sure great things are ahead. 

Monday, Scott stayed home because he wasn’t feeling well. But since he was home, he powered through cutting the meat. Cache was especially intriqued this year and talked Scott’s ear off through out the process. As for myself, I’m definitely getting better at wrapping the meat. I have a good system down. 

And an exciting day for Beckett, he lost another tooth. He’s my own little Jack-O-Latern. 

It’s been a great couple of days. 

Hunting

Scott’s parents are leaving on a mission next week and Scott was planning on going hunting with Dad one last time before he left. Tayden was so bummed that he wasn’t going this time, but I gentle explained that Dad needed some time with his dad. He understood and tried his best to dry his eyes and put on a happy face. Scott packed up and left while I put the kids to bed. About a half hour later Scott called and said, “Get Tayden ready, I’m coming to get him. Most of my memories of hunting are with my dad and grandpa, and I want Tayden to have that too. He needs time with my dad as much as I do”. I was so proud of Scott. Tayden hustled to pack his stuff, Scott came back and away they went. I hope Tayden always remembers that kind gesture and that trip with his Grandpa. 

Dave’s brother, Fred. 

Pride

This week, my heart is bursting with pride for Tayden. He is always and all around exceptional kid, but this week it was even more evident.

First, he lost his very first football game. They have been undefeated all season and lost in the second round of play offs, which happened to be single elimination and ended their season. They were one game away from the championship and it broke their hearts to miss it. But as I watched Tayden play that hard game, he never gave up. He tried harder and harder and pushed himself faster and faster. When the game was over and he came out of his team huddle, I wrapped my arms around him and told him how proud I was of him. He sank into my arms, bummed and exhausted, but with higher spirits than I expected. The loss gave us a great opportunity to talk about being a gracious winner and having more compassion for people when they lose or are feeling upset. We had the chance to talk about working your hardest and being proud when you've done your best. It really opened up alot of dialogue that we haven't had before. Considering how much I get into the games and watching him play, I can honestly say I'm grateful they lost because some really good conversations came from it.

Now, for the main reason of my bursting pride. Tayden was nominated by his peers to be on the schools hope squad. The hope squad is a group of kids that are trained to look for certain signs among their friends that signal sadness and a cry for help. Tayden was nominated because his friends feel like they can trust him, he makes people laugh and happy and his lack of judgement. Tayden really is a friend to all. He was one of the three boys in fourth grade to be selected. I am so proud that when we aren't around, he is still making good choices. He is practicing the things we are striving to teach him in the home. I am proud that his natural goodness shines through and he stays true to his values. I'm proud that he stands out among his grade for being kind and trustworthy.

Tayden will always be my first born. Which means hes my trial and error. I'm learning how to handle and raise a nine year old, but boy did I luck out. Because this kid makes it easy!

Family Pictures 2018

Our family pictures were amazing this year. Not only because of the quality of the photos or how amazing the kids were during the shoot...but the awesome story behind it. I wasn't feeling well the day pictures were scheduled. But because of hunting season and birthdays, Friday was the only day we could do it. So I laid around all day until pictures, got ready and did the shoot and then came home and laid back down. Scott already had plans to see a movie with some friends and I assured him I'd be find and sent him out the door. The big boys, noticing how cruddy I felt insisted I stay in bed and they'd put the little boys to bed. I trusted them completely and listened to them as they tucked their brothers in. I woke up around 10:30 that night and walked around the house to make sure everything was in order. Every one of the boys were in bed sound asleep and the mess had been tidied up. My heart burst with pride. How grateful I am for those sweet boys.