End of Summer Fun

Summer has come to an end. I am still doing my 4:30am wake up to do the 5am gym classes, that is pretty crazy sauce. I can take Rex to the child care, but that is saved up for the day hours so that I can do studying and other things alone for school. Sometimes I need a break from reality, but my kids continue to pick my lock when I lock my door and take pics of me when I am in a bad mood. I listened to my girl Jenn Platt speak at Education week, a great getaway for an hour (Jared took the 3 kids to the Bean Museum on campus). Tio Gavin took the four boys on a hike to Cascade falls where they enjoyed the water and dirt, hot dogs afterwards and riding in his new truck. Summer Movies with friends, outdoor theatre dates at the Scera, and lots of laundry from all our vacations!

Wes

Wes, my preteen, is now in Jr High! He takes the bus to school, carrying his french horn (and complaining about that one), does tackle football (where he gets bruises and coaches screaming at him, all good endurance for him! He does say it's fun but stressful), and is really taking ownership with his 10 different class schedules. I know he likes to stay busy, so this has been a good experience for him as he gets older and has more responsibilities with scouts and fast offerings as a deacon. He enjoyed a week long scout camp at the Grand Tetons and earned 5 merit badges (thus earning his phone back b/c I required him to get 3 during summer). He has a good heart and although he steps in too often into his brothers fights (which forces me to make him walk home to cool off or dad getting upset with him), we are working on finding peace and harmony despite frustrations. 12 is a hard age to be at, lots of changes and attitudes. We will get through this!

Austin

Austin is such a money maker! He started promoting car washing/vacuuming and got a few customers from it. I am grateful for his efforts, even if he leaves all his supplies and messes around after he's done working (gotta get that one figured out!) He makes a delicious breakfast of a few types of eggs, he pulls Rex around in the wagon and made his first purchases of an edger from Home Depot for his landscaping business and then some clothing/shoes that he wanted from the store. He wants to do the purchasing on his own, no mother around, and he also has been doing deposits at Wells Fargo. He continues to run daily and even had a stranger give him $20 towards his track goals. Lucky!

School starting

Father's Blessings for the new school year. Mom took notes and had the kids sign their names. 5 kids will be in school this year from Pre-k to 7th grade. Dad was prepared with special blessings and making the kids feel loved. So grateful for his worthiness and awareness for each of their individual needs and concerns. We did back to school nights, registration for Jr High and Kindergarten assessments. Rex was a good boy and just sat through it all. The boys were ready for school with fresh haircuts, trimmed nails, new shoes, fun tall socks (Nike Elite for the older ones that they bought), snacks and lots of nerves! We walked Wes to the bus stop, he needs to leave by 7:25am (which is super early for that late riser!) I am so grateful for transportation that I don't have to do with my littles in tow. We are all happy to have new environments, friends, space from one another, routines and a fresh year! Our summer was really great, but school is also great!