Jaxen's First Touch Down

In a boy's life there are a few memories that you'll never forget....this was definitely one of those for Jax. He's in the far right corner, #39, playing corner. (I also think for a dad...like this one in the red shirt....this might rank high on their top ten)

A Big Bro

From the day she was born, I have been watching this sweet relationship grow. I have always felt a bit jaded that I didn't have a big brother. I have long felt that EVERYONE needs one! I'm still working on how to make that work, but we all need some big guy who could seem tough and solemn to others, but be tender to you. Someone to protect you, defend you and, most importantly, TWIRL you when you are bored. Someone to bring over his cool friends to flaunt in front of. Someone to teach you cool handshakes and to let you win. Someone to pave the way, but always be checking back to see how you are coming along.






Autumn is particularly lucky. Two big bros, one close enough to share a few interests with and one old enough to erase all jealousies. When I thought of having kids, I mainly thought about me reuniting with souls that I had loved before, but I realized more and more that these four souls are continuing a bond from before, and I am lucky enough to watch them realize this fact.

I dont' stick my tongue out!!!!

Oh REALLY?

NYC

I am blurry eyed and recovering from my first trip to NYC. It was also my first girls trip since I got married, these ladies were ideal travel companions. It's really still just reeling in my head. We walked, ATE, ooooed, ahhhhed, explored, ATE, applauded, belly-laughed, ATE, listened, cried and giggled a lot. We slept very little. We kept a log of all we did, I will post that soon, but for now a few pictures. I loved, loved, loved it. A void was filled, friendships were strengthened.

Fall, First Day and of course...Football

School has been in for a few weeks and may I say..... I LOVE IT!!! Don't get me wrong....summer was fun. Love these kiddos. But my brain needed a break. The questions, the food requests..... "can I have a friend over", "what are we dong today?" I am not a homeschool kind of gal. I love getting them ready, making their breakfast, their lunch, going over the spelling words, but I also love my 3 hours each day while Autumn naps to be ALONE!!! It will end when she gives up the naps, but why think about that now? I am relishing each afternoon, working at lightening speed, watching TIVO'ed shows while I fold laundry. LOVING IT!!!!

Against my urging, Jaxen has started football. I think it's all a little nuts how young they are starting and how intense it is. He is doing well, but feeling a bit behind as everyone else started in 2nd or 3rd grade. I do love our coach, and I love the time Jason and Jaxen are spending together. Jro is coaching the tight ends (does that make anyone else laugh when you say it?) and the corners. Their team is kind of incredible. They just come in and score like crazy....really I feel bad for the other teams. The other parents tell me there will be some closer games, but it makes me sad to see those guys so sad. Really, I sometimes want to pop their "sometime insane" parents, barraging them from the side lines. Still, our parents do a good job of keeping their cool and having a winning team is helping Jaxen get through their tough practices.



Football really seems to be everywhere I look. We were able to head down to the BYU/ AIR FORCE game. Since it was on Sept. 11th, it really was touching to see the fly over and the half-time tribute to survivors of the attack and the soldiers who had served. The cadets are most impressive as they stand together and come down to the field for some push ups after each touch down. As for the Cougs, it was a bit sad. We did get to high-five Cosmo, but overall, it was a sad ride home.




As for fall, it's 90 degrees, and I am still in shorts. I don't like shorts. I like jeans, and I'm very ready to start layering once again. Colorado usually has short falls and springs. I'm waiting patiently, but I hope the snows stay away. Just give me fall and spring, fall and spring all year round.

Part 3: Bear Lake

We had an amazing trip to Bear Lake. I had never been and it quickly became one of my favorite places on earth.

It felt like we had the lake to ourselves. The water and the weather seemed to be on our sides and since we were there during the weekdays, it felt like our own private beach. The Davis' were our hosts, sharing their cabin and large collection of "big-boy toys". We also were able to get to know the Wride family better, us all sharing cooking duty and taking turns on the beach while others went out on the boat. To me it was my favorite family vacation because it was so relaxed, everyone had a friend (even me :)) and we just relaxed....no pressure, nowhere to be. Heaven!



















(I did eventually get up and stay up on the wake board.....I really wish I had proof because it may never happen again.)

Unemployed

Today, I am unemployed. The gym where I have been teaching had to close, due to a fight with the landlord. While I am so sad not to see my ladies and while I really do enjoy it...... I must say my main emotion is relief.

I have been trying to get up the guts to quit, but have been putting it off. I feel the need to slow down....take a breath and focus in on my family. It is no small thing to raise a family, and I do not have the personality to stretch myself as thin as I have been.

Tonight I will not make up a new Balletone routine, or listen to music to choreograph for yogamotion. I will blog, I will read, and I will hope---beyond hope--- that I can stay in shape without the added incentive of being prepared to teach.

Namaste------Shanti-Shanti