Failed Christmas

    This year, Christmas was hard. Working full time, buying gifts, decorating, wrapping, teaching about Christ on top of everything else...it was no joke. It was hard and stressful and I feel like I dropped the ball more than once. I intended to teach my children a new name of Christ everyday, but really, only did 17-20. I wanted to fnish Christmas shopping early so I could spend the bulk of my season with my kids, but I was out almost every day until Christmas Eve. I thought I could keep the magic alive, even though no body believes in Santa anymore, but I couldn't get myself to do one more night of hiding Christopher, the elf.  We didn't do one act of service this year. We didn't spend our Christmas Jar money. I failed at reminding my kids that Christ is at the center of Christmas and our lives. While I didn't do great this year, I hope to be a daily example of following our Savior. I hope that my kids know how I feel by my actions. 

    We did get to spend time with both of our extended families, which was marvelous. I barely took any pictures, but we had a great time. We played Christmas games, ate good food, and shared gifts. I love living close to family. Not only is it important for our kids, but its important for Scott and me too. 

    Christmas moring was so good. Our kids were grateful and kind and excited for their gifts. My favorite memory was Tayden working his new flyrod shirtless in the backyard because the weather was so bizzarly nice. 

     I'm thankful for this Christmas season and grateful that I get another chance to make next year better. I'm grateful for the birth of our Savior. This year, I leaned on his name, Immanual. It means "God With Us". I know this year was hard, but he was with me. Not looking on from a distance, but with me. Walking with me, cheering me on, and understanding my downfalls. His birth means the world to me. 

Crappy Christmas

 Scott decided to get creative for his annual work white elephant gift exchange and went above and beyond to wrap a gift card. He was pretty please with his handy work!

Football Banquet

 The older boys had the varsity football banquet. It was so fun to celebrate them together on the same team. I can't wait for next season! 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was great this year. We spent Thanksgiving with the Mennear family. It was especially great because we had Gracie with us.  We ate a wonderful dinner, even though we forgot the mashed potatoes, (that may or not have been my fault?). 

After dinner the girls painted nutcrackers. It was so much fun and a great way to spend the afternoon with my family. 

A few days later we ate with Scotts family in Dave and Cheryls new house. It was beauitful and wonderful to spend time together. 

I love Thanksgiving. This year was no different. It was great to spend time with family and take a break from work. I am so grateful for the life Scott and I have built!

 

State Football

Hillcrest made it to State Football for the third year in a row. Beckett was called up for playoffs and Tayden's collar bone finally healed. We knew the likely hood of either of them playing were very low, but I was excited to see them on the field together. 

The game didn't go as planned and they lost to a private school, but they still enjoyed being on the BSU smurf turf. They didn't get to play, but they had a good time and can't wait for next year. I'm bummed to see football come to an end, but I'm also excited to move on to the next adventure. 

 

Caches First Elk

 Cheryl was the only one to draw an elk tag this year and she was kind enough to give it to Cache. They went out the first day and came home with a cow. It was a fun, easy hunt and Cache was beyond thrilled. It was cool he got the elk, but he loved the one on one time with Scott and his Grandpa, which is what hunting is really about. 

Early Morning Baptisms

Watching these brothers head to Baptisms for the Dead at 6:30am might have been my favorite part of the year. So proud of them! 

 

Team Halloween

 This was my first Halloween as a teacher. It was chaotic, but lots of fun. My team had the best costumes (rock, paper, scissors) and my homeroom moms showed up and put on a great party for the kids. I love working in an elementary!

Halloween 25

 Another year, another Halloween. Although, this one was a bit different. The older boys had a play off game, so they didn't have the chance to come home after school. The younger boys were planning on going trick or treating together earlier in the evening so Scott and I could go to the game later. 

They left out the door to pick up Owen, our sweet neighbor in a wheelchair, and Scott and I couldn't beleive that not only were we not trick or treating, but we were home alone on Halloween. It was crazy. Not 30 seconds later, Cache came barging in the door, upset because Owen didn't want to go trick or treating. Cache noticed how many friends were going together and he didn't have anyone to go with except his little brother and he was really bummed. Soon after, Kyle stormed in, upset as well. He couldn't go unless Cache went, so he was convinced his Halloween was over.

We got them calmed down and told Cache it was his responsibility to take Kyle trick or treating. He was upset and changed out of his costume, but left to take Kyle. Almost two hours later they came home, all smiles. They ran into a friend of Caches who was alone too, so they went together. Even though Cache wasn't in a costume, he still gathered some candy. Kyle was happy that he got to spend the evening with his brother afterall. 

We got them settled at home, turned off the light, and locked the doors. Then Scott and I went to the game. It was cold, but fun! Beckett got to play a few downs and Tayden cheered him on. It was fun to see Beckett get to play in a play-off game. 

It was a wierd Halloween, but it worked out for everyone. And as always, Happy Halloween, but happier its over!

Brothers

Love when they choose to be friends! 

 

Varsity

Beckett was called up to play on Varsity for play-offs. He has worked so hard and was pumped for the opportunity. In prepartions for playoffs, they let him dress down for the last game of the season. And turns out, they let him play. He only got in for a play, but he ran the ball eight yards. It was awesome! Love my football loving boys.