Boys Thunder

Kelton loves his soccer teammates.  They've had a huge season of growth on the soccer field and are fired up for what's in store next season.  Kelton still plays defense and knows his teammates can always count on him to protect their backfield.  His passing has become much more accurate.  His stamina is fantastic.  He just plays with so much enthusiasm.  

The last game of this season was up in Fort Collins and we had the most fabulous sunset.  So while they didn't win like they had hoped, it was a great evening and a great way to finish up the season.

 

I love sitting on the sidelines cheering on my little soccer players.

Mother's Day

I love May!  I love Mother's Day!  I love the simple nature of the day.  I love not having to cook breakfast or dinner.  I love the little love notes.  I love the flowers. I love just spending the day with my family.   

Thanks for letting me be your mom.  Thanks for being patient with me as I learn how to best show you I love you.  Thank you for letting me make mistakes as I try to guide you as you grow.  Thanks for simply letting me a part of your little lives.

Night of the Notables

The third graders end of the year project is Night of the Notables.  They have spent months researching their famous person in history so that for one night they can BE that notable person.  Kelton chose Gail Halvorsen as his notable.  He made a ceramic bobble head of him.  He wrote a full report and turned it onto a digital book.  He gathered artifacts and pictures to use in their living museum.  Once he was in costume he was ready to roll!  Doesn't he look so good?  

The third grade began the night with a few songs about notables with the invitation to ask them about history.  

They then spread out throughout the school and it was up to the parents to go and interview them.  We were tasked with identifying who they were based strictly on the biographies the students gave us.  They were all little experts and did so, so well.  

At the end of the night we went to their classrooms to look at all of the artifacts they brought in.  Kelton had a picture of Gail Halvorsen with the kids who inspired him to do the candy drops, candy with parachutes, thank you notes from kids who received some of the food, and a few medals Gail Halvorsen received for his service.

  

He did such a fabulous job presenting that night.  I was incredibly proud of the work he put in to be successful.

The healing power of sunshine and smiles

The boys had the day off from school, so I decided to get them outside and have some fun.  We picked up Chick Fil-A and went to eat it at a park.  The best park close to Chick Fil-A is one over at the Outlet Mall.  I didn't think anything of it as we were happily munching on our chicken strips until I was hit with the memories from my attack back in November.  My anxiety spiked and I found that I was very uncomfortable.  I noticed that I was trying to watch everywhere at once.  I couldn't relax.  I was slightly shaky.  There was nothing that day that was a threat.  The park was full of kids and their parents.  The sun was shining.  Music was playing over the loudspeakers.  It was the perfect day to play at the park.  While the boys played I sat down and really tried to focus on what I was feeling.  I went through exercises to keep my mind and body calm.  I kept reminding myself that I was safe and ok.  

As I watched the dozens of kids running around the playground I tried soaking up some of their serenity and simple joy.  I was reminded of just how far I've come in my emotional healing and that it's ok to feel this way.  I found myself thinking of others who have experienced trauma and desperately hoped that they too have been able to heal because it isn't right for anyone to hurt another human.  We should all be able to feel the peace and joy like these kids as they run and play freely.  I was also reminded just how grateful I am that these boys have each other.  I hope they always remain such good friends.

Taxi Dog

Moki takes his job as taxi dog very seriously.  Every time, and I mean every time I need to leave the house to pick-up or drop-off kids he wants to come with me.  

On the lookout, morning and night.

His goofy face says it all, this dog loves the car and loves his siblings.

Daxton's first recital

Daxton responds so well to music that I was so excited when he was old enough to start taking lessons.  He's been working with Owen for a few months now and is thriving.  He practices on his own and just loves the music.  When it came time for his first recital he was very nervous but I couldn't believe how well he handled the pressure.  He only made one small mistake-he jumped up one octave too high-so when he came time to move up again he didn't have anywhere to go!  He kind of shrugged his shoulders and kept going.  I was so proud of him for not panicking.  He may have performed just for the cookies afterwards but I think he actually enjoyed performing too.

 

Spring Formal

Each spring the stakes in our area put together Mormon Prom, also known as Mo Pro or simply Spring Formal.  For the youth it is a great way for them to spend some time together in a way that is a little more wholesome than the school proms. A lot of kids go with dates, but not everyone.  Some kids choose to go in groups of friends which means that more of them have the opportunity to go.  That is what Cambrie and her friends decided to do.  We ordered her dress a month ago to make sure it was going to arrive in time.  Well guess what, it didn't.  So two days before the dance Cambrie and I were driving around like crazy trying to find another dress.  She found this red gown and she just lit up when she tried it on.  Her first comment was "I can totally carry a dagger with this dress."  I guess that means it's a winner!  It made me so happy to see her twirling around in front of the mirror just feeling beautiful.  

We took a couple pictures of her at home before she met up with her friends for dinner at the church.  These girls have been huge blessings in Cambrie's life and I am so, so grateful for them.  

I didn't hear from Cambrie the whole night, which is how it's supposed to be, but I did receive this picture from a friend who was chaperoning.  Being a typical teen, I didn't get many details about the dance, but I hope she enjoyed her evening.  It's hard not to when who look like Gal Gadot!