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.

Cache Thomas turns SIX

How is it possible that my Cachee Boy turned six today?! It seems like yesterday we were worried sick about the baby in my belly and now we are celebrating his sixth birthday! 

He had a great day. The biggest bonus was the fact that school was out for the day. He was convinced it was because of his birthday rather than parent teacher conferences. He opened up his gifts first thing in the morning and then played with them all day. 

The big boys each had parties this afternoon, so we shipped Ky off to a neighbors house and took Cache out to a special lunch with just mom and dad. A couple of weeks ago Scott and I went on a date to a hibachi grill and brought home some left overs. Cache has been begging to go the “broccoli and chop sticks” place ever since. So today, we made that dream come true. He loved it! He loved watching the chef cook in front of him and he devoured the food until he was full to ears. And I loved having some one on one time with my third born. 

After we all made it back home, we headed out to pick pumpkins. I forgot my phone and wasn’t able to take any pictures. But as usual, it was super fun. 

Scott and Tayden headed out to go hunting, but not before we could sing happy birthday and eat cake. My cake was less than epic this year, but he was happy with it. 

It was a fun day for everyone. Cache is just the best. He makes up the wildest stories, like the one where he told his friend he’d been kidnapped before... the imagination from that kid is out of this world. He is smart and is soaking up school like a sponge. His memory is great which is proving beneficial for kindergarten. In fact he scored 2nd in his class on the overall reading tests and surprisingly enough his listening skills were over the 80th percentile for all of Idaho. Cache is a lover of lizards and tarantulas. He loves red, eats a ham and cheese sandwich everyday and says “they” instead of “the”. He runs with the big kids, but still loves his mama. And I love him. He is such a vital part of our family and we love him to the moon and back!! 

Happy birthday, sweet sweet boy!! 

Funeral Flowers

My kids principal died in a tragic accident last weekend. I’ve been so touched as the community has rallied around his family and the students and staff of Woodland Hills. My kids have seen and felt the love during this difficult time and wanted to do something kind to help during the funeral today. They decided to put flowers on the cars of the people attending the services.

After we picked up the flowers the plan was to go grab some lunch. The line was too long to wait and eat, so I decided to do the flowers first and eat second. The boys were less than thrilled. But as I talked to them about putting others first and our needs second, they relunctently agreed. However, as soon as we got going their attitudes changed and the good they were doing made them feel good. They were so happy to be helping. 

 I am so proud of them and their willingness to serve and honor a man they loved in their own small way. I’m grateful to live in this community and be surrounded by great people. I’m so blessed to know the good of this world.

The Hammer

Tayden has worked so hard this football season. He was worried that he might be behind since this is his first year, but he can keep up with the best of them. Honestly, he is a great defensive end and is a huge asset to his team. This last weekend he played the best I’ve seen all season. And his coaches saw it too and award him with Thors Hammer, the tackling award. He was so proud of himself! As well he should be. It was a great game.