Hungry Teenager

11:30 second or third dinner for our teenager.

Kyle Turned Seven

 I can't believe my baby turned seven. SEVEN! Time is a thief and gone way faster than I would like. I feel like I'm holding on to its coattails, digging my heels in and trying to get it to slow down. But time is stronger than me and pushes on regardless of my protests. With every milestone he celebrates, my heart cries a little but simultaneously bursts with pride. It's the strangest phenomenon. 

Kyle is the best seven-year-old. He is spunky, super funny, and passionate about everything. Which can sometimes result in exaggerated fits and tantrums. He loves to read and play with friends. He is strong-willed and convinced he's the favorite. He loves his brothers and dad but always chooses to sit with his mom. 

We had a great day celebrating him. Tayden and I stayed up late and decorated his "painting cake". Cache saw it in the morning and didn't think anyone would notice if he took a gumball or two. We did. Kyle was such a good sport about having his birthday on General Conference and didn't complain as we watched four hours of talks.

We love this son of ours. I felt him calling from Heaven so hard and immediately felt whole when I held him in my arms for the first time. He is everything good and we can't imagine life without him. 

 

Birthday Party

The awaited day came and Kyle finally got his birthday party! Scott was at a track meet with Tayden, so it was just me manning the party. It got a little wild, but the kids had a blast painting. All except, Crew, he was up all night the night before and just couldn't hang. We let him sleep. 

It was a great party! We're so lucky to be surrounded by the best people. 

 

Taekwondo

Cache has had a hard year finding his place. He compares himself to his older brothers and feels like he needs to follow their path. He didn't love football or basketball as much as he had in the past and has been having some friend issues at school. It's been rough. We wanted to give him something that was just for him. He's been asking to do Taekwondo for a couple of months, so we decided now was the time to do and I am so grateful we did! 

His academy is so great. They really focus on confidence, respect, and empowerment. The students are expected to be kind to others and respectful to their elders. Cache can go as many nights a week as he wants, and because it's just up the road, he likes to go almost every night. 

Whether or not this sticks, I don't know. But for now, it's bringing so much happiness and confidence. And that is enough for me! 

 

Pretty Girl

 Scott and his pretty girl. 

Birthday Prep

Kyles's birthday is coming up and he can't wait for his party. With the help of my mom and her laser cutting business, they put together paint boxes for his friends. Kyle took the job seriously and helped my mom from start to finish, a total of two hours. He typed, organized, carried, and put the boxes together all on his own. He really took ownership of his party. Every child will have a box, with everything they need to make a cute door hanger with their name and extras on it. It's going to be a great party. I love that my mom and Ky got to do this together. 

Nicole and Kids

Nicole and I were best friends in high school. Inseparable and complete sisters. We did everything together, told each other everything, and never ever thought we would lose touch. Well, life happened, and years passed and before I knew it, it had been 10 years since we talked. Last year, I reached out to her, and now, we talk every day. It's as though no time has passed at all. We live about 2 hours away from each other, but were able to meet in Pocatello over spring break. The kids all got along fabulously and the moms really enjoyed catching up in person. I love this girl and don't intend to lose touch again!