Colton is RAD

Look at this cool little reward!

Colton texted me and told me that since he did so good getting his grades up, he gets Texas Roadhouse for lunch at school!

I am so proud of this sweet boy. 

He is just the most rad!

Back to School 2018-19

We made it.

The kids are back to school.

They were up and out on time.

They've always been good at that.

Jackson was the carpool driver for the junior high kids and me!

Braxton is my junior. He is at Layton High again. I had to force him to smile here so it's a cheeseball smile. But, it's a smile!

Kaydon is my sophomore. He is at Layton High. This kid is my rock. Nothing seems to get to him. He and Braxton will be driving together.

Colton is my freshman. He is at Fairfield Junior. He is still in the special education program. He is just happy to be alive!

Jackson is my missionary, working. It's weird!!!

People, weird!

This beauty is my freshman. She is the mama hen of the junior high kids. She is a smarty pants. Like, brilliant. 

This boy is my seventh grader. When we dropped him off, Jackson told them that it was going to be a good day. Mari said, "It's going to be evil." He was really, really nervous. But I know he'll do great!

This is my fourth grader. This little sassy pants beauty is my heart! She loves her mama Heidi. She had to get hugs from me this morning before we took the big kids to school. Don't mess with this girl! She is going to take over the world!

Let's do this! 

With courage!

9th Grade Dance, Kaydon Style

Last Thursday, Kaydon went to his ninth grade dance. He looked so sharp! He even smelled super good! Kaydon is all about fashion. He loves to make sure that his cousins' sleeves and pants are rolled up and that they are "stylin'!"

I felt horrible because I forgot that he wanted me to drop him off at the school when I got off of work and I went to the grocery store on my way home! He said he wasn't even mad because he wanted to be fashionably late! Love this kid. He asked me to take some pictures of him, which was good because I was going to force it on him anyways.

This kid has had such a great school year! He works so hard and really tries not to let the world get to him. He is ready for high school and will do great! I sure love my buddha boy. Every single milestone that this kid hits is a miracle and I try very hard not to let that get past me. He was not expected to survive as an infant, then as a toddler. He is more than thriving now and I am so grateful for him!

Kaydon's Sewing!

Sewing does not take place in our abode. If a button falls off of a shirt, it's time to get a new shirt. I don't even own a sewing kit, the kind with just a needle and white thread. What's the point?! Well, Kaydon has sewing this semester. Heaven help me! My kid has to sew! Turns out - the kid can sew!! He made this awesome draw-string bag. It's pretty much perfect and I am so stinking impressed! So is he.

Also turns out that from now on, we won't be replacing shirts! Kaydon will now sew the buttons back on them for us!

First Day of School 2016-17

The boys started school yesterday! Uncle Brandon came over Tuesday night to give the boys Priesthood blessings before they began the school year. I was so thankful for that moment. I am so thankful that Uncle Brandon and Aunt Carrie have good relationships with my boys.

Jackson started 11th grade at Layton High School.

Braxton started 9th grade at Fairfield Junior High School.

Kaydon started 8th grade at Fairfield Junior High School.

Colton started 7th grade at Fairfield Junior High School.

This year, I am able to drop the three youngest off in the morning. We load up in the Matchbox and head to school. Braxton and Kaydon get Colton to his classroom, then head to their locker and to their classes. Jackson picks them up in the afternoon, unless he's working. I haven't figured out a plan yet for when he is working.

I was so happy to hear that Braxton and Kaydon ate lunch together yesterday. Colton has a different lunch. But he told me that he was by himself and sweet Lia Katoa (who is in our ward) came up to him and asked if he was lonely. Then, she sat and ate with him. Pretty soon, the other girls in the ward joined them.

Blessed.

Back to School Feast 2016-17

Monday night was our annual back to school feast. I pulled out our best china (the only dishes we own) and even laid down a table cloth that I got from Kohls for $1.25! I had both crockpots going all day with a delicious chicken recipe (thanks to Miss T), red potatoes, carrots, garlic-cheese biscuits, and of course sparkling cider. We prayed and then I introduced our family theme for the school year:
"Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven who loves you more than you can comprehend." This is quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (my absolute favorite!)
I knew, after praying for guidance, that our family's theme needed to be on faith. I found this quote and knew it was the one! I told my boys that no matter what they are faced with, if they will just remember that they are children of God and that He loves them, they can get through anything.

School Registration

Braxton, Kaydon, Colton, and I went to Fairfield Jr. this morning to get them registered. Braxton and Kaydon filled out their schedule wishes. Colton will wait until we can meet with the Special Ed group to get his schedule in place. The boys asked for maps, and will almost assuredly go each morning to walk around and figure out where all of their classes are. They are super organized that way. It helps to decrease the anxiety as well. I was really happy with the counselor and the office staff. Here's to another year of school! No more kiddos in elementary school. Three in junior high school and one in high school. I really can't believe it!

Date Night

Thursday night, rather than going to Sam's for groceries, we went to Kohl's for school shopping. Each boy had his own cart and a calculator. They added up their finds and then took off 55% for our discount. They each had to be at $100. The three oldest went off on their own, while I took Colton. Kaydon had a big notebook with a list of his needs. The other two had a list on their phones. I was a proud mama watching them be frugal, and always folding clothing and putting it right back where they got it from, never leaving anything in the fitting rooms - but always hanging it back up and putting it back where they found it. We came in way under budget. We could not have done this without my guys at work. We are so thankful.

After shopping, we went to Subway to spend our gift cards. Everyone filled their tummies up and left there happy, ready to close our eyes for the night. Now we just need to worry about shoes and backpacks.

So blessed!