Off With The Braces

 Tayden got his braces off! He was highly disciplined while he had them on and did everything the orthodontist asked him to do. He had them on for less than 15 months! He looks so handsome...which I love...and so much older....which I hate! 

Sunflower Head

Beckett gave me a sunflower seed for Mother's Day. We planted it in a cup and watched it sprout. Then, as it got bigger, we planted it outside along the fence in the garden, and to our surprise, it grew over seven feet tall. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures of it all season, until Cache took the head off. It was so fun to watch it grow from a seed to maturity. The whole family loved watching it get bigger and bigger, bringing so much joy and beauty to the garden. Next year, we will plant a whole row and I can't wait! 

 

16 Years

Scott and I celebrated our 16th anniversary on Thursday. To say he is my best friend is a vast understatement for our relationship. Scott is part of me. Over the years our love has matured to a deeper understanding of each other. We put each other first, look out for each other, and genuinely like being together. We have learned when to let things go and when to stand our ground, but never stay upset with each other long. I'm so grateful all those years ago we found each other and trusted the Lord when we told us to leap and start our life together. This marriage has been the joy of my life. 

 

Contentment

 This picutre is my contentment.

This picture is the end of a perfect day of watching my older boys play football and Cache compete in his taekwondo tournament, taking a nap and running errands with Scott, cuddling with Kyle, and having a quiet minute to read my book. 

In this moment, I was reminded how blessed we are to live in Idaho. To be close enough for our parents to come support our kids. To belong to a supportive community with friends around town that we see in the super market and on the field. We have a home that is safe and warm and shelters us from the temptations of the world. And, we even has a safe haven in the mountains that we are lucky enough to call home away from home.

I took this moment to soak up my boys, who truly are becoming my best friends. To take in their goodness, their life, their love. I am overwhelmed by the blessing to be their mother. Watching them grow has been a crazy rollercoaster ride of emotions, full of ups and downs. I appreciate this stage we are in when we can spend the evening on the golf course with each other. Everyone can tie their shoes, buckle up, and carry their own stuff. I never thought I would get here, but now that I am, I never want to leave. 

I was reminded of my good husband, who loves me and makes me feel seen and important. Scott puts so much effort into being a good dad, and always leaves room for advice and improvement. He works hard and has provided a life for me that I love. I want for nothing. Sure, it would be nice to have a bigger house, a nicer car, more money...but because of Scott, I want for nothing. He is everything. As long as we are together, I have everything I need. 

This life is good. So very good. 

Dog Bed

 When you buy your dog a dog bed, she'll lay in it once and while...

And usually with a bunch of guests....

But she'll always keep napping with Dad

Second, Second, First

Cache had his first taekwondo tournament yesterday. We didn't know what to expect, but he did great! He competed in three events; forms, self defense, and board breaking. He took second in forms and self defense and first in board breaking. He didn't know that he should practice before the tournament and went in kind of cold. Watching some of the other kids perform, he was doubting himself a bit, but in the end he did great. Getting first in board breaking was awesome. After they called his scores and he saw he beat his hardest competitor, he did a small fist pump and smiled huge while mouthing, "YES!" It was the best part of the whole tournament. 

I am so thankful for Southwick Blackbelt Academy and community. Its just he comradery we were looking for for Cache. He has really excelled in confidence, determination, perseverance, and acceptance of mistakes. I love how the academy focus on life skills such as respect, courage, and kindness. I love that Cache has found a place that makes him happy and a sport that he loves. 

 

New Course

 Scott and the boys hit a new golf course near Ashton, called Timberline. They said it was really fun and super beautiful. I love that they are doing this together!

Labor Day

 Is there a better way to spend Labor Day than reading in Ashton? Nope. No, there is not. 

Night Lights

 I love watching my boys play football. It's my favorite sport to watch, but there is something extra about watching it under the lights. Both boys had games at night last week and it felt like a glimpse into the future of Friday Night Lights. Even better, was watching Beckett kicking two field goals. Go Sandcreek South! 

Multi Sports

One night's worth of activities. Football, taekwondo, and soccer. I love this busy, but super fun stage. 

 

Middle School Day One

He rolled out of bed, threw on some un-preplanned clothes, and said, "Let's do this." Happy 8th-grade year! 

 

Elementary Day One

The elementary kids started school last Monday. Even though Beckett maintained he was not excited for school to start, he was up at 6:45 and ready to leave at 7:15. The younger boys were blatantly excited and could not wait to go to sleep the night prior. Beckett is heading to 6th, Cache to 4th, and Kyle to 2nd. 

Tayden didn't start until Tuesday, so we took advantage of his last day and went out to lunch with Dad. Which is a great perk of his new position. 

I love this time of year and the reset of life and schedules. Its going to be a great year.