18 Years

 Dear Scott- 

18 years and 7 days. Can you believe it? We've been married for  6,577 days! And I've loved every one of them. Even on the hard days and we've had our fair share of those. I wouldn't have changed my mind. You are my best decision. You are quite literally my other half. Without you, I am not whole. 

I love the life we have built. We've put down roots in Idaho Falls and have immersed ourselves in the community. Our kids are involved in school functions, sports, and other extracurricular activities. They have friends and lives here. We have our own friends and are involved in our neighborhood and ward. We have our favorite places around town, know the golf courses well, and walk our dogs every night. This is exactly the life I wanted. And I have you to thank for it. 

We balance each other so well. Our family is growing and oftentimes that sends me into a panic. You keep me calm and remind me that we are doing a good job and that our boys are doing fine. You keep me grounded and help me remember the things that really matter. I help keep you level-headed, often having patience for both of us. It has taken time, but we have learned how to work as a team, and I think we do a dang good job. 

You are a great example to the boys! You are teaching them what it means to be a hard worker and provide for a family. You show them what it means to be a worthy priesthood holder and how to serve those around you. You live up to your commitments and put others first. I am so grateful that you are their father. 

Thanks for being my husband. I love you so much. Our love is deep and real. It lives and breaths in my body and makes me feel complete. You are everything to me. All my love, forever and ever!

Love, Stacey 

Goalie

Kyle loves soccer and loves being the goalie. He's getting pretty good at it too! Its been fun learning a new sport and watching him find something he loves. 

 

Braces Off Beckett

Last week, Scott took Beckett to an orthodontist appointment for me. I was in class, so Scott filled in. The plan was to make sure that he was still on track to get his braces off the following week. However, the office had a cancellation and told them they had time to take them off early. Scott called and asked my thoughts. He knew I wanted to be there when Beckett got them off. After a few minutes of pouting, I told them it was fine. There was no way I would let Beckett miss the chance to get them off early. No matter how bummed I was. He was thrilled. And look how handsome....and grown up.... he looks!

 

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!