Late Night Film

I never want to forget the late-night film we watch after every one of Taydens game. He gets home and we rewatch and analyze his plays. It makes for a late night, but I love this time with him. 

 

MY QB

Beckett was asked a tough thing this season. He was asked to give up his lineman position and step up to be the quarterback. The previous season's quarterback decided not to play football, leaving the team without a QB. The coaches got together and decided Beckett was their best bet. 

The first game was rough. More than rough actually. It was brutal. It was mentally the hardest game he has faced. The coaches expected Beckett to play quarterback and lineman. He literally played the whole entire game, without a break. It was his first game playing as quarterback and he didn't know the stress and pressure that would carry. He would go from struggling at quarterback, straight to the line on defense. He didn't have a chance to talk to the coach after throwing the ball to readjust, he didn't have time to clear his head and think, and he never had a chance to catch his breath. He was so defeated after the game and he and I cried on the field about how hard it was. 

The next day, Scott and I had a conference call with his coach. We expressed our concerns, saying they were expecting way too much from him. He needed a break in the game and needed time to clear his head. He needed fewer people in his face and more time to think. His coach listened to us, implementing our plan, and it has been awesome.

Beckett is really developing as a quarterback. He is making great passes, running and scrambling like a champ, and leading his team. Honestly, it's impressive how good he has gotten in just a few short weeks. I think he has a bright future in this position.

I am so proud of him. It's fun watching him do his job well, but I am more proud of his attitude. After that first game, we were ready to throw in the towel. But he stuck with it, determined to see it through. He has listened to his coaches and put in the work to get better. He is a team captain and takes that job seriously. If he makes a mistake, he clears his mind and moves forward. I am so proud of his hard work. They've won the last two games and it's so fun watching them be successful. 

 

Varsity Play

Tayden played in his first varsity game last week. It even happened to be the Civil War, which is the biggest rivalry in town, Hillcrest vs. Bonneville. He didn't get a ton of time, but he was thrilled. My favorite part of the game was watching him on the sidelines talking to his senior friend, Mason Saunders. Mason has been such a good example and friend and I love their friendship. Football is going to be great this year! 

 

Fire Hole

Beckett and Brody are at again! They built an underground fire. It had one hole for the fire and one hole for ventilation. It was super cool. Unfortunately, there was a fire ban that weekend and we had to explain how the fire could spread underground through the roots and cause major damage. But, it was fun while it lasted! 

 

Varsity Jersey

Our boy got a varsity jersey! He has worked so hard in the off-season and it has paid off. He is one of four sophomores who were asked to play up on varsity. He might not see a lot of field time, but he is so excited nonetheless. And we are so proud and thrilled for him! 

 

School 2024

Summer is over and school has started. Summer was great, but we were ready to return to our normal schedule and routine.

Kyle: Fourth grade. He is officially one of the older kids at the elementary school. He has the same teacher that Beckett and Cache did, Mr. Peterson. He woke up early the first week of school and was completely ready by 7:15. He is an independent kid with the quickest wit. He loves soccer and 3D printing. He has a quick temper but is even quicker to give a hug. 

Cache: Sixth grade. He is pumped to be the oldest in the school and switch core classes this year. He has a new teacher, Mrs. Tuttle, whom he loves already. He is in a hard class with some hard kids, but he is determined to make it a great year and I am so proud of him. He still is obsessed with spiders and loves taekwondo. He chats like nobody's business and has an opinion about everything!

Beckett: Eighth grade. He was not excited for school to start but is eager to get his last year of middle school over with. He is as confident as they come and is kind to everyone. He loves football, basketball, and dirt biking.

Tayden: A sophomore! I can't believe it. He was not excited about school either. It hasn't felt like a new year, but rather a continuation of last year, so that was hard. However, he gets to drive to school and that's been wonderful for everyone! He's happy to not be the youngest in the school and is excited for the football season. He loves football, and golfing, and is growing up quicker than I'd like to admit. 

 

Cloudy Walk

Walks on mornings like these are the best.