Semester Success

 I made it through another semester. I thought for sure this was going to be the one that did me in. I was driving up to Rexburg four days a week and my classes were hard. I struggled to balance school, home, church, and everything else. I dropped more things than I would like to admit. However, my family were rock stars and they helped me make it through. Not only did I make it through, I passed with flying colors, securing another semester of straight A's. However, the best news isn't my grades, it's that I only have one year left. One more semester of classes and then student teaching. Going back to college has been such a ride. I have loved learning as an adult. I appreciate the content more and can focus on the lessons. I make more connections because of my life experiences and am not afraid to ask questions. However, being a mom and making sure that my kids aren't feeling neglected has been challenging. I've had to squeeze in homework any chance I get, study in the parking lots, and listen to assignments while I drive. It's been hard, but not impossible. And, if I'm being honest, I'm so darn proud of myself. I feel so accomplished and proud of my work. I'm good in the classroom and feel like as I move forward, I'm fulfilling a large portion of my potential. This semester I had the opportunity to work in a middle school classroom and I loved it. So much so that I think that's the direction I am going to go. I want to teach middle school. That is where my heart and educational views are the best match. I want to make a difference and help kids who feel unseen. I believe every child deserves an adult in their corner, cheering them on, and I can be that adult. I can make a difference. However, for now, I'm taking a break. And I'm really happy about it. I'm going to spend the next few months enjoying my time off with my kids, working on my senior portfolio, and taking my state tests. And next time this year, I'll be graduating! I'm really doing this!!!

7's Tourny

Beckett had his first seven-on-seven tournament in Utah. He loved it. It's a fast-paced, 20-minute passing game. His team hasn't competed at this level before, but they did great. They made it to the semi-finals before getting knocked out. However, they played the champions earlier in the day and only lost by 9. It was a good time and I love watching Beckett do what he loves. 

 

Nerf War Party

Kyle was so excited to have a birthday party this year. We reserved the church, rented a bunch of Nerf guns, and let the boys go wild. They had so much fun shooting each other. We made Tayden tag along and the little boys loved playing with the big kid. 

I love this kiddo and I'm happy we got to celebrate him. 

 

Kyle is Nine

Ky turned nine! I absolutely can not believe it. I'm feeling the pressures of time, but suppressed my feelings, to celebrate this wonderful kiddo. I had school, Scott had to work and the boys were busy with their other activities. We had a short 15-minute window when we were all home and smashed in a quick birthday bash. Kyle was gracious throughout the craziness of the day. He knew there would be a birthday lunch and party at the end of the week. \

We love this little boy. Ky is headstrong, so so headstrong. He doesn't back down from anything or anyone. But for every ounce of stubbornness, there are two of loving-kindness. He loves reading, all things techy, and playing outside. He is one in a million and I am so glad he's mine. 

 

Easter

Another great Easter. Truthfully, I could have done a better job talking about Christ and the Resurrection this year. In fact, I did a terrible job. And I feel awful about it. School got the best of me the last week and I fell behind in what really mattered. 

We spend the Sabbath in Inkom celebrating with Scott's family. It was a beautiful service and I loved worshiping with our family. After church, we hung out at the house, ate brunch, did an egg hunt, and played games. It was a fun time. 

On the way home, we talked about the Ressurection and what it means for us. It was a short conversation, but I never want my boys to doubt the meaning of this holiday or my belief in it. Our Easter baskets, if you can call them that, were less than minimal this year. At the end of the day, we put out some candy on the table and said Happy Easter. We laughed about it but, I just didn't feel right about putting the commercialism of the holiday first. 

I know our Redeemer lived and died, and then rose to live again. I know that because that happened, I can live with my family again, death is not the end, nor is this life the beginning. We are part of an eternal plan and I am eternally grateful. 

 

Brothers Fishing

Tayden took his little brothers fishing the other day. There were a few tears and a little bit of frustration, but all in all, I'd call it a win. 

 

Spring Break in Utah

Last week, while we watched Disney on Ice a couple of performances had me in tears. Not because of the skating, but because of the memories that they solicited. They brought back memories of Friday Night Movie Nights with my little kids. That used to be such a regular thing and over time, they just stopped. Now, the bigger boys are gone most Friday nights. It had me panicked that in three short years, Tayden could be out of the house. And the others are not far behind him. 

So, when we got home, I told Scott we had to go somewhere for Spring Break. We need to take every opportunity we can to be with our kids. We put together a quick one-night trip to Utah and had so much fun! We went out to dinner, laughing each time that was like feeding a small army. We played at Top Golf, went to the Manti Temple Open House, and shopped our way home. It was just what my heart needed. Sitting in the car with my beautiful family, listening to an audiobook, and just being together, brought me so much joy. 

I am so grateful for the time we have together. I cherish being a mother to these boys. They are my light and watching them grow is such a pleasure.