School Year 2019-2020

Colton was the only boy I got a picture of this morning.

He has been SO nervous about starting high school.

He is a sophomore.

And just the most badass kid I know.

He put on the shirt Mama bought him and the necklace Auntie Tif made him and he was ready!

Ready to conquer fears. Ready to conquer anxiety. Ready to conquer hard things.

Last night we did our back-to-school feast.

I do these annually. 

I felt bad this year. I didn't even get sparkling cider.

Bad mom moment.

But, I did make amazing creamy chicken enchiladas, spanish rice and brownies.

Kaydon was in charge of the theme for this year.

"Kindness and Patience."
He talked about how you really can't have one without the other.

He is right.

This will be a great theme for our family.

Yesterday, Jackson called Auntie Carrie and I.

He was in the best mood.

He informed me that he will only be sending "big" emails every other week.

I was not happy about this.

I told him that this was unacceptable.

He just laughed.

Then, we did not get an email yesterday.

He's gonna get it!

BUT, he is transferring to a new area tomorrow.

It is north about four hours.

It is in the country, rather than the city.

It is called Salamanca.

He has been called as the District Leader.

His new companion is still training, as well.

His new companion is Mexican.

And, Mama is always glad to be back into a routine!

Preparing for School

Colton starts at the high school this year.

I've never been so nervous about something.

Ever.

But, Big Sis Amia will be there... just as she always is.

Tuesday, Amia, Colton and Mama LaLa went and toured the school.

Amia did a map of the school for Colton so that he knew exactly where he needed to go for each class and how to get there.

He came home feeling MUCH better.

Mama is still very nervous.

Mama LaLa and Colton met his Math teacher and one of the assistant principals, who he was very adequately able to communicate his fears to.

I am so proud of this boy of mine!

He is very capable and works very hard to be extremely independent.

Here's to an amazing sophomore year for this boy of mine!!

Layton High School Prom - 2019

Braxton and Hailey went to Layton's Prom on Saturday.

They have been dating most of the school year.
Hailey goes to Layton. Braxton goes to Mountain.

They are a pretty darn cute couple!

Isn't she gorgeous??!!

Matt and I took Braxton to get his suit a few weeks ago.

Because he's Braxton, he wanted the pants to be much tighter than they were.

He had to go get them altered.

He is just the most handsome!!

Best Buds

These two, though.

Ja'Mari will be starting seventh grade this year. Colton will be going into ninth. Amia will be in eighth. Ja'Mari is an AMAZING buddy to Colton. He gets him and he understands him and he is super patient with him. They love to hang out and have sleepovers. Ja'Mari is definitely my fifth son. Lila has been taking them to fun parks and splash pads since the summer break started. I am so grateful for the village that has been created around us... where my boys are looked after and looked over, loved and included. I am also so grateful for the time that I get with this extra littles.

Sweet Amia came over to our house Sunday night as I was getting ready to put myself in bed. She had gone to get me a birthday gift and wanted to give it to me before she left to go back up the mountain for the week. Oh, how I love that girl. And every single day when I get home from work, Sassy is right there to hug me and just holds on. Our village kind of rocks!

Prom 2018

Braxton Boy went to Prom on Saturday. His cute date was Madi (I can't wait to see all of the pictures that were taken!!). These pictures are from our house before they left...

They went to the Trampoline Park for their "day activity." Then they went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner, got pictures done, and then to the dance they went! The only hiccup was that Peanut forgot his debit card. LOL!!! He came home and got it... with people in the car. I loved it!

He looked so handsome and had such a good time!

Youth Conference 2017

Last week, Jackson, Braxton and Kaydon headed down to Ephraim for Youth Conference with our ward and stake. I kept telling them that I was so excited for them because this was a youth conference that I did when I was 14ish. I remember how much I loved it. They were able to do so much more and I loved having them call me when they got home and saying, "That was one of the most amazing experiences of my life." "It was amazing, Mama."

It's so important to me that my children have spiritual experiences. I reminded them that the Spirit that they felt IS a testimony. I am so grateful that they are able to have experiences that remind them that they are children of our Heavenly Father, and that He loves them.