And we thought SUMMER was busy???

Back to school we go. Yeah for having my schedule back ... and bed time ... and structure. Everyone is loving school and doing great. We've got great teachers again and we LOVE living across from the school. It's just so CONVENIENT. We're so blessed to have such a good school and such high quality teachers in our community. I love being involved with the kids' school and knowing that it makes a difference to them that I am. I love that they have other positive role models in their life. I love that they get to spread their wings and put into practice what they've been taught. I love seeing their confidence grow as they succeed and work through problems. I actually got a job at our school as a 504 aide for four hours a day, and I'm having a good time with that. The little boy I work with is DARLING and we have a lot of fun together. And honestly, you just can't beat the commute. I love getting out for a few hours a day and keeping busy. Heaven forbid I get bored. Honestly, no one wants that.

London's a big third grader now. She loves her class and her teacher.

T.J. is a big first grader now, and he thinks the whole lunch at school thing is the coolest. I get to see him and London at lunch and lunch recess while I'm there, and that's been really fun. Also, I can make sure T.J. gets the cheese Dorito mess off his face before he goes back to class.

He's pretty sure he rules the school now that he's in FIRST grade. Just ask him. Cool stuff.

Jackson is a big sixth grader now and actually does "rule the school." Just ask him. He'll tell ya. He is LOVING this year. Love his teacher. Loves his class. Is OBSESSED with his friends. I'm glad he's happy.

Wow. Middle school? Really? I don't feel this old, and if anyone tells me I look old enough to have a middle school student, I'll punch em. Despite all the panic and anxiety, he's doing great and loving it. He likes all his classes except for keyboarding ... which I made him take anyway, and I stand by that decision.


Jackson ran for Student Body Secretary at his school and won. His cousin, Landon, won vice-president. They're having a great time with that, and so far the student government advisor hasn't killed either of them, so that's good. He ran a great campaign based on making sure every one has a friend to play with and that no one is left out on the playground and stopping bullying by standing up for anyone getting picked on.


Jackson giving his speech to his peers. He was nervous but did a GREAT job!

Way to go Jacks! And a special thank-you to Nike for their help in his campaign.


And we've been doing lots and LOTS of football. Between the boys three two-hour practices a week each and one game a week each, we eat, drink, and breath FOOTBALL. And when they're not playing, we're watching BYU, and that's just the way it is. It's the way we roll around here. We LOVE football.





Austin's coaches have a new strategy of sending their big guys out there as team captains for the coin toss before the game. If you look close, you can see the opposing team in purple and white standing across from them. Look at the size difference! That's not even nice! Haha. Intimidating the other team before the game even starts. Dave says it's part of the game, and I don't argue with him when it comes to football.



After struggling for a few years, Austin's team is having a winning season this year, and they are all SO EXCITED! It's fun to see them having success and all their hard work paying off.


Not sure when this happened, but I OBJECT! Also, I'd like to point out that I'm not standing up completely straight.

That's Austin in the white blocking #16 and another guy.


Jackson's LOVING playing on the same team as Landon again this year. His good friend Josh is on his team this year as well. They have so much fun playing and working hard together. It's fun to see them having such a good time. And it helps a TON to have people to carpool with. I don't even want to know how much we've spent in gas since July.



And this is another reason I love football. You see Jackson there in the middle? His coach has his UNDIVIDED attention. Jackson is such a good kid, but when I'm talking to him about homework, chores, making his bed, coming home late, life, WHATEVER, I get a lot of blank stares, goofing around, attitude, eye rolling, and snarky comments. When his coach talks, HE LISTENS. No exceptions. And slowly through the season, I see those good habits creeping into our home. More respect, more listening, more obedience, more discipline. Love it. I could care less who teaches it to him, and if his coaches can get through to him where I can't, bless them.

That's Jackson (#88) there in the front. Dave says I shouldn't take pictures of him while he's in the process of committing a penalty. Holding on the offense #88. Ooops.

Listening to his coach again.

That's Jackson there in the front again blocking a kid who is a lot bigger than him. He has that responsibility a LOT, and he works hard on every play. I'm so proud of him.

And it looks like it's time for a haircut. I guess I didn't notice since it's been under a helmet for THREE MONTHS.