Seasons are Changing...

I want my blog to be as real as it can be without being too personal.  Of course I put mostly good times on here because that's what I want to remember.  At times though I feel like I have to explain my mental state to keep it more real. Here goes: 

In Hawaii we felt like we had to make the most of every free moment we had.  We went and went and went until we were exhausted and tired of exploring.  By May and we didn't do much all month other than prepare to move out.  It was great to come back to summer but it was also hard.  We came home and had to move back in, get settled and adjusted to our new old life plus we had all the normal summer activities to attend to, I was sooooo burned out.  

We never did find a routine (I do much better on a routine).  I realized too I was kind of mourning the old life we left because I thought it would be easier to get things back the way they were before we left. I thought if I got my house put back together it would be the same life we left. I should have realized life couldn't go back to to way it was. I felt like my head was below water most of the time and I had just enough strength to take a breath when I really needed it. I was really overwhelmed all the time. Anything small that came up was a huge deal and I wasn't able to cope great.

On the other hand though, I wanted the kids to have a fun summer because between moving out and starting school so early in Hawaii last year they really didn't get a summer break.  So, I pushed on trying to attend all of the important activities and trips. We also had lots and lots of friends over.  As I've looked over all of the summer pictures I've realized I missed taking many pictures because I was too tired think about taking them. But in the pictures I have, I can see their happy faces and see that they did have a great summer.  I'm so grateful I made it through and the kids have good memories the summer we got back.

I've also realized from catching up on this blog that even though it was crazy and I wasn't sure if I'd ever feel settled again, summer really was great.  In Hawaii, I just hoped to make a friend so I had someone to smile and say hi to at at church. I missed so much being around people I knew and loved. It was so amazing to come home to everyone again and feel that we were "home".  We are so blessed to be able to live pretty close to most of our family and friends.  Having relationships with people really does make life more meaningful and happy.   I have a new appreciation for being surrounded by the people we love and to live in this great little town called Rigby.

When we left for church today there was a chill in the air that I hadn't felt in a long time.  Fall is in the air. A new season will soon be here.  It makes me reflect on our life.  I'm still trying to get our new normal figured out but things have started to calm down and we are beginning to find it.  We've had a few weekends home without any obligations which made time to work on things around the house and I've gotten some rest. I'm beginning to feel like I can almost keep my head above water. It's been fun to have the kids back in school.  Most days they are so happy to go and happy when they get home. It's been fun to have some alone time with Caleb and some time to myself as he has a quiet time in his room. I feel like I'm finally catching up on life and it's so nice!  As summer turns to Fall I am excited for a change and feel just as excited for a new season in our lives.  

First Day of School

First Day of School 2016!

Hailey 6th (middle school)-Hailey jokingly said, "I got so bored I died."

Jackson 3rd-Jack said, "the first day of school was kinda fun." "Nani was so excited to see us again."

Conrad 5th

Brayden PM Kindergaten, Brayden said, "I have snacks and watch shows."

They all had a great day at school.  Jack did say it was long though.

A "Sweet" Story

Brayden and I had stopped at Big Lots to pick up a couple of things one day in July.  While we were there he saw a huge lollipop and he wanted me to buy it for him. I told him he could earn it and we could come back and get it soon.  Right after that he fell and had to get stitches. While he was getting sewn up I told him he could pick any treat he wanted and he chose the lollipop.  We had to go to Utah right after his stitches so I told him we'd find one there.

Well, we couldn't find one so he ended up getting another treat instead and was still pretty happy but hadn't forgotten his lollipop.  The next week he ended up earning his lollipop. We made a trip to Idaho Falls to get it and while I was paying for it he accidentally dropped it.  Of course, it just shattered.  He was sad but seemed okay about it.  I thought since we were in Idaho Falls we could go visit my Grandma Irene too.

While we were driving I looked in the rear view mirror and Brayden looked super sad.  I asked what was wrong and he burst into tears and said his sucker was broken.  He had talked so much about getting that sucker that I should have realized how upset he was. I wanted to fix this sucker that he had wanted so bad.  So, I thought about it and the idea came to my mind to let it sit on the dashboard in the sun while we were at my Grandma's then try to squish it back together.  I said a quick prayer that it would work and his sucker would be fixed.

After my Grandma's house the sucker as really warm and I squished the sucker all around hoping it would do it's thing and then let it sit until we got home.  It worked!!! His sucker was back in one piece.  I know this may sound silly to you, but it made Brayden's day.

From this little event I saw how Heavenly Father wants us all to be happy.  If something matters to us, it matters to Him.  I know that putting the sucker on the dash wasn't my idea.  Whether we are five and our heart is broken over a shattered lollipop, or whether we are middle aged going through the toughest trials of our life he is there waiting to help us.  We just have to do our part.  I'm so grateful for Him and his help that day.  I know Brayden will remember how Heavenly Father has blessed him too.

Jackson's Baptism

His new suit

Jackson chose to be baptized on August 4, 2016.  It was a special day for him and us.  He had been waiting for what felt to him like forever.

We are thankful for all of those who were able  to come over and share the day with Jackson.  He really appreciated it and loved reading through the notes that everyone wrote to him while we were waiting on him after he was baptized.

Ready to go

Waiting to get baptized

Us by the font

Jack and Grandpa Porter (the rest of the Grandparents came but we missed the chance to get a picture.) 

Jack with Nani

The family-I really should have put my arm around Hailey.  :)

Summer Fun!

Here are some pictures of some of our activities this summer.  I missed many pictures and we did many things, but the smiles in these pictures tell me that the kids have had a great time since we got back.  They are so happy to be home!