12 Eyes

All the boys had eye appointments the other day, We walked in with one kid in glasses, (Tayden- technically contacts) and walked out with three in glasses. Tayden, Beckett, and Cache are all near-sided. Becketts glasses are only for school work and reading, but he is actually liking them, so he's been wearing them more often. Cache needs them full-time, which works out fine. He loves being able to see and hasn't had any issue wearing them full time.  Kyle is a little bummed to be the only brother that does need eyewear, but at this rate, I'm sure his day will come. Without or without glasses, they are sure are cute! (Becketts glasses have transitioning lenses. He had been outside before the pictures,  that's why they appear a little darker.)

Hillcrest Game

Last week, we did something new. We went to the local Highschool basketball game. It was so fun! Tayden goes all the time, but this time we went as a family. We didn't stay as a family, but we went as a family. Tayden immediately ran off with his friends, as did Cache. Beckett sat with his friends, near us but not by us. The only kiddo that stayed put was Kyle. He had cotton candy and a book and was content as could be. 

It was so fun! I wish we would have taken the opportunity to do this before, but I can see more games in our future. 

 

Napping Luna

 Dads turn to nap with Luna.

Valentines 2022

Valentines was great. In years past, we usually have at least one sick kid. This year, everyone was healthy. Although, Kyle was convinced he would wake up sick. He missed his class Halloween and Christmas parties due to sickness, so he was sure Valentines Day would be the same. Boy, was he excited when he woke up healthy. 

The three elementary kids made boxes. Kyle made a pokemon character named Richu. He did a lot of the work on his own and it turned out super cute. 

Cache made an imposter from the popular game Among Us. His box came with a few tears. He saw a tutorial on how to make the box and wanted to follow it exactly. I tried to explain to him that sometimes we can look at others' ideas and find ways to improve them. I had an idea for the box that would have cut out lots of steps, but he wasn't having it. After lots of tears and a major lack of patience on my part, we took a walk together and talked it out. I told him he could make it how he wanted and I would do my best to help him. As he followed the tutorial, he saw why my way would be easier. He gave in and did it my way. After he was done, he kept saying, "You were right mom. This is was so much better. I didn't think it would turn out so awesome!" Music to my ears. 

Beckett was not at all interested in making a box this year. He took a bag. 

Although, he snazzed it up in the morning a bit. I love this child. 

Scott and I agreed that we wouldn't get anything for each other, but being the stinker he is, he came home with a gift behind his back. He gets me. Like, really REALLY gets me. And that is the best kind of love. 

Gym Time

 I took the boys to the gym with me yesterday and it was awesome. It was so fun sharing that part of my life with them and exercising together. It was harder than they thought and their mom is stronger than they expected. We can't wait to go together again!

Grandpa Great

 Scotts Grandpa, Ted Packard, passed away on January 25th 2022. Grandpa Great held a very special spot in all of our hearts. He was so kind and loving and made me feel loved, important, and wanted. Nobody made me feel as welcome as Great Great did. 

This was the first taste of death that kids had ever experienced. The younger boys were sad but did okay. Tayden cried a couple of minutes, but Beckett was crushed for days. He came home early from school once because he couldn't focus and often broke down.

The funeral was beautifully done, but again hard for Beckett. He must get his emotions from me. He sat next to me and cried on my shoulder the whole time. Losing Grandpa was hard for me, but watching my son struggle was gut-wrenching. Scott spoke and did a great job, but again watching him choke up pulled my heart out. I feel like I could be sad and take on the weight of the world if it means shielding my loved ones from pain. 

We knew it was going to be a long hard day, so we rented a hotel and let the kids swim after the funeral. Jeff and Sharlee and Matt and Jen and new baby Hunter came with us. It was a lot of fun and just what we needed after our rough day. 

I'm grateful for the legacy that Grandpa Great left behind and even though I'm an in-law, I get to reap the benefits of it. And more than ever, I'm grateful to know that we will get to be together again. 

Taydens Birthday

 It's official! We have a teenager. Tayden is 13! It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that he was born 13 years ago. It has gone so fast. He's hardly home these days. He's either at school, sports, or hanging out with friends. Hes super social and full of life. 

Tayden is a great big brother, most of the time. He can pester with the best of them. He works hard at school and gives himself to whatever sport he is playing. He is kind, gentle, and not afraid to stand up for whats right. This boy of mine is a winner and I couldn't be more proud of him. 

Becketts Birthday

 On January 24th, Bedkett turned 11! Honestly, I feel like he's been 11 forever! I don't know if it's his size or the enormous personality he has, but 11 didn't feel earth-shattering to me. He had a great day. I picked him up for lunch at Wendys and then he skipped school the rest of the day. It was a pretty low-key day. Natalee Snarr and I planned a surprise party for him and Brody, but we had to cancel because of a school event that most of the kids were attending. I told Beckett the mishap and that he could plan his own party. He promptly asked for a friend's day in Ashton. So this summer, we'll party with his friends. 

Beckett is the best! He has confidence coming out of his ears. He is whity, charming, and downright funny. He teases his brothers but is fiercely loyal to them. He can be mean to them, but nobody else can. He still loves basketball and football and anything that has to do with the outdoors. He got his mama's tender heart and feels emotions strongly. Life would not be the same without my Beckett Boy.