Loving the hardwood

It was honestly a miracle but the guys doing the hardwood finished in one day!  It took us a couple of days to get everything put back together but we are officially done.  I have to say that it was so worth it, the hard work and all of the mess.  I LOVE IT!  The rooms look beautiful and feel so much cleaner.  I am so grateful that we were able to change things up for the better.

Bleeding Blue

Today is the Utah vs BYU football game.  Everyone at the elementary school was asked to wear either blue if they support BYU or red if they cheer for the Utes.  The boys were so excited to wear their blue to school and with two parents who happen to be alumni, we couldn't be prouder.  Love these cute boys!

Tag's latest work

Today the kids were all up in their new sub-floor room watching a ghost story show.  Tag was super scared and really wanted them to turn it off because he was so scared.  He came down stairs and drew this picture.  I love the detail and the light switch that he drew for the word off.  So clever.  I am so impressed by his gift and hope he keeps developing it.

Harlee's first sacrament talk

Today Harlee had the opportunity to give her first sacrament talk.  She was so nervous but she did an amazing job.  She spoke on Honesty. She started her talk by saying that she had asked her dad to let her wait until she was 13 to give her first talk and her dad said she could wait.  She said "I think he needs this talk more than I do".  So funny!   I am so proud of her and the spirit that she brought into the meeting.  Great job Har!  Hopefully it will be a few more years before you need to speak again.

Living in Chaos

Now that the bathroom is complete we decided to conquer another project.  We are getting hardwood floors in all of the kids bedrooms.  In order to prepare we needed to clean out all of the rooms and pull up the carpet.  It was quite a job and the house is a disaster.  Joey put all of the mattresses in Gray and Tag's room so the kids would at least have somewhere to sleep.  They are coming on Tuesday to install the floors and I cannot wait for the house to go back to normal.  As much as I hate the mess I just know that it will all be worth it.

My favorite work out partner

Joey was finally able to track down the treadmill repairman from my college ward- best news ever!  My treadmill has been fixed and I could not wait to go down and run.  I was only alone for a few minutes before Tag came down to join me.  He would trade off between Joey's treadmill and lifting weights.  Seriously the cutest!  I love sharing my workout with my baby.

My favorite bathroom

For the last few weeks the guest bathroom has been under construction.  We hired Mindi to help with the renovation and she did an AMAZING job.  We tore out all of the old and put our vision to work.  We had Mindi tile the back two walls and she put shiplap on the other walls.  We found a beautiful vanity and mirror on KSL.  It all came together perfectly.  I really hope that I can talk Mindi into helping us with the other bathrooms.

First Day of School

After what seriously felt like the fastest summer ever, the kids h.d their first day of school today!  The first to leave this morning was Luke.  He is a sophomore at Skyridge.  Harlee left second to catch her bus and she is in the seventh grade at Lehi Junior.  The three boys are on B track this year so they don't leave until 9am.  They are all three back at Traverse Mountain Elementary and I am so excited that they will be there together.  They can all look out for each other.  Nash is in Mrs. Schaurhamer's 5th grade class.  Gray has Mrs. Wilkins for the 4th grade.  Tag has Mrs. Christensen for 2nd grade.  I am so excited for an amazing year for all of them.

Seventh Grade Day

Nothing like coming back from St. George to have to start school the next day!  This was the case for Har.  All of the boys do not have to start school until tomorrow but Harlee had to go for seventh grade day.  She walked to the bus with her friend Ally and she was on her way.  She had a full day going to each class and getting briefed on what to expect for the year.  I seriously cannot believe she is in 7th grade.  I just know this is going to be a great year for her!

Back to School Blessings

When we got home from St. George Joey gave each of their back to school blessing.  I love this night and feel so blessed that I chose a husband that so worthily honors his priesthood.  I love that he can bring Heavenly Father's words to our kiddos ears and hearts.  I am so touched by this night.  Here are the highlights:

Tag-  He was blessed to have a good year.  Told to love his teacher and that his teacher would love him.  He was blessed to be kind and nice to everyone and to know that everyone would be kind to him.  He was blessed that his mind would be opened and that he would be able to learn this year.

Gray- He was blessed to feel peace as he starts the new school year and that he would be able to catch on in school.  Blessed to be able to expand his friend group.  Advised to look for those who are sad or without friends and reach out to them.  Blessed to be successful in activities outside of school.  Told to grow his testimony.  To watch out for Tag and help him.  Play with Tag and be kind to him.

Nash-   Blessed to feel comfort in his mind and body as he starts the new school year.  Blessed to know that he will like his teacher and feel like he has friends.  He was blessed to be able to pick up on concepts quickly and urged to help teach those  who might not understand.  Blessed to excel in swimming and other activities.  Told to strengthen his testimony.  He was sent to the earth now because of his skill set and because he is valiant.  He was told to study the scriptures and get to know the Savior even more.

Harlee- Blessed to feel comfort going to a new school.  Blessed to find comfort in new surroundings.  Urged to be a good example and to continue to be a leader.   She was blessed to understand new teaching and to grasp on to new knowledge being taught.  Advised to be a good friend and to help those who are not as good at making friends as she is.  Urged to get to know her Savior and Heavenly Father, to pray.  Be kind to others and know that she is here on the earth now because of her special spirit.

Luke-  Blessed with ease this year as he attends Skyridge to find comfort in knowing his surrounding.  Blessed to continue to make good friends and to be a good friend.  Advised to get to know his teachers.  Blessed with help in learning with an open mind to understand what he is being taught.  Blessed to find something that he is interested in learning and desire to pursue in the future.  Blessed to find the desire to work hard.  Also desire to strengthen his relationship with Heavenly Father and His Savior.  He was sent here on the earth at this time to be an example.

Last Minute Summer Fun

With school starting next week we decided to squeeze one more St. George trip for the summer.  We left on Wednesday night and did not need to be back until Sunday since it was stake conference.  The   trip was amazing, not because we did a ton of amazing things, but because we all got to relax.  We spent so much time just swimming, watching shows, and eating yummy food.  It was just what we all needed before getting back to the scheduled life!  I love my family and I love that we get to enjoy time together in our favorite place.  So so blessed.  Goodbye summer!

Wednesday's are forever friend day

Holly, Aubrey's mom, has started working at ABI where Tag goes to therapy.  We decided that on Wednesday's she would bring Aubrey to work with her and I would pick her up when I drop Tag off.  This has been the best arrangement.  The girls have had the best time together with most of their time being spent in the golf cart!  I love their sweet friendship.  No matter how much time passes their friendship is just as strong.

Summer Sleep Over

The kids do not have too many sleepovers but we do make an exception for Kai.  Ever since he has moved the boys love to have him over.  They are such cute friends.  They even included Tag in a lot of their playing.  They made a bed big bed on the floor in Gray and Tag's room and stayed up until after midnight.  So grateful their friendship has survived the distance.

Perfecting Street Lights

Up until today Luke has been practicing his driving skills safely in our neighborhood.  He came to swim this morning while I worked out.  After class I got us safely out of the crowded parking lot and then swapped spots with Luke.  He drove us all the way home from the Legacy Center.  He was a little nervous but he did a great job!  I love that he gets to practice at 6am when the streets are not too crowded.  Proud of you Luke!