go mighty cougars!

This post is in honor of my sweet husband who has been looking forward to Saturday's game since the season ended last year! I was feeling a little guilty about talking badly about the cougs so I thought I would make things right by sending a shout out. I have to admit that my husband is VERY passionate about a lot of things, but BYU games are probably at the top of that list:) There aren't many things in life that he does for himself. I would have to say that he is the least selfish person I know and I love that about him. That is why I feel bad having thought "oh no, here comes BYU season...again!" It's the one thing in life, besides his boys, that he makes time for. I guess I can't begrudge him of that right. The season tickets have been bought, and he and Jackson are looking forward to Saturday's opening game against Northern Iowa.

Oh rise and shout, the Cougars are out along the trail to fame and glory. Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out as you unfold your vict'ry story. On you go to vanquish the foe for Alma Mater's sons and daughters. As we join in song in praise of you our faith is strong. We'll raise our colors high in the blue and cheer our Cougars of BYU. Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra, Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra, Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra GO COUGARS!

bye, bye birdie!

Well, our last bird left the nest this morning. Johnny has officially started Kindergarten(tear). We convinced him to let us take him the first day and then he could ride the bus from here on out. He is SO independent that he would have walked all the way to school if we'd let him. I did really good until they made their line up to head into the classroom and that's when the water works started. Luckily, my friend Amy was there with her son Parker and she was in as bad of shape as I was. Aaron kept saying, "aren't you glad?" Of course, it is nice, but when you are a Mom I think you look at it differently. Dad's go off to their job everyday and that doesn't change as far as what they do with the kids. These boys are my job and my whole life and suddenly it feels that they don't need me and that puts me right out of a job! Hard to explain unless you've been here, but it hurts. I'm sure by tomorrow I'll be fine and adjusting right into a nice comfy schedule just for Mom.

did I pass?

I had to take Johnny to the school this morning for his Kindergarten assessment. I have been working with him this summer on all the things he would need to know for Kindergarten. He actually learned it in preschool, but I like to do workbooks with my kids in the summer. I would hate for all their hard work be lost and forgotten, so they had to work on reading and a couple of pages just to keep their minds in gear and ready for school. Well, this morning we were going over letters with him and there are two letters (G&E) that he struggles with. I can't for the life of me figure it out, but anyhow, we told him that he will have to learn them so he can go to Kindergarten. We didn't think much of what we said to him at the time. Well, when we got to the classroom he kept asking Miss Gurney if all of his friends passed. She told him, yes and that made him hopeful. After every group of questions he kept asking, "did I pass?" She, of course, kept assuring him that he had passed. Finally at the very end he started cheering and I asked him what the cheering was for. He said, "well, Miss Gurney said I passed so I guess I don't have to ever learn what G&E look like and I still get to go to Kindergarten!" We both laughed and hesitantly informed him that just because he passed didn't mean he could stop practicing. I don't think that part thrilled him, but the part of passing and getting to show up for Kindergarten on Monday sure did! You have got to love the innocence and purity of children. For sure, two of the greatest blessings in my life:)

the wheels on the bus....

The day finally came; the much dreaded first day of school indicating that summer is officially over! It was a very successful day and I think we can all agree that we are glad it is over. Too bad we have to do it all over again on Monday with Johnny....you know sleepless nights and first day jitters and all:) Aaron and I took Jackson this morning since it is kind of a tradition. Plus it was good for Aaron to meet his teacher, Mr. Cox. He missed the open house due to scouts (big surprise, I know). Turns out that Jackson knew more kids in his class than he thought and that eased his fears. I can't believe how big he is getting and how grown up he acts. He came home today with the biggest smile on his face saying it was the "best first day, ever!" This is a good sign. He already has homework, but was fine with that. Let's hope tomorrow he is singing the same tune:)

FaMiLy!

Last night we were able to meet up with Aaron's sister Michelle who is visiting from California. Her daughter Julia dances in Hula competitions and was competing in Salt Lake. We met up with the two of them and also with Chad, Noey, and Mom Jolley at Chili's for a little dinner and, as always, fun conversation. We missed Cameron and Cody who have been quite busy this week what with "hell week" and all! Quite the ball players those two are:) After dinner we went back to Noey's for our own private viewing of Julia's ability to "shake what her mama gave her!" That girl can dance!! We also saw a previously taped competition so we could get the full effect of costumes and all. It was amazing to see how well she dances, due to the fact that she only started in March. Now that's talent! It was great to see them and we were glad to get to spend a little time together. We love you guys!

school days...school days

After much anticipation and many a sleepless night, my boys found out today who will be their teachers for the upcoming school year...YAY! Jackson will have Mr. Cox. Not so sure about this one since this is his first year of teaching at Harvest. I am, however, trying to keep an open mind about it. The good news is that he is NOT in a trailer. Johnny has Miss Gurney. She came highly recommended from another Kindergarten teacher at Harvest and isn't a trailer either. I'm sure there will be even more excitement as well as nerves tomorrow when we get to visit the classrooms and meet the teacher. I can tell they are both SO nervous, but trying very hard to put on a brave face...so cute! We all remember being there and getting older doesn't omit any butterflies. They are going to do so great and I keep reminding them that Mom will be there to hold their hands if they get scared. But wait...who's going to hold Mom's hand?! Hooray for the 2008-2009 school year:)

King's Peak 2008

My husband is such a die hard, as most of you already know. Well, this past week he and a good buddy of his decided to hike King's Peak. For those of you who aren't familiar with King's Peak, it is the highest peak in Utah. 13, 528 feet to be exact! This is something that Aaron has wanted to do for a long time and with the help and experience of his good friend Kelly, he was able to accomplish it. I am so proud of him for setting a goal and accomplishing it. Even with the weather and all elements out to get them, they still made it to the top. Way to go guys:)

T Minus 12 & Counting!

I cannot believe school is starting in 12 days! 19 if anyone has a kindergartener:) Where did the summer go? I feel like we haven't even had a chance to enjoy it and it's already over! This is going to be a big change for our family this year (mostly change for Mom), because I will have BOTH of my boys in school..(tear). I haven't decided how I feel about it yet. Everyone keeps saying, oh you are so lucky to have them both gone. The part of me that wants to pull my hair out when my children aren't getting along is VERY excited! The other part of me, the part of me who has known nothing but taking care of my kids full time for almost 9 years, wants to bury my head and cry. I'm not sure I know how to be anyone but Mom. However, I am thinking that getting out of the house while they are in school will be great for my mind and my sanity. I guess you can only clean a house so many times...right? Anyway, I'm looking for something to hopefully open up at the boys' school so that I can still be with them as much as possible. I think that somehow it still makes me feel connected to them on a full time basis. Let's hope it doesn't drive them crazy having Mom around all the time.

So anyway...I wanted to post something that happened last weekend and is for sure a journal entry day. My Dad sent me a coupon to the Gap and I thought it was a perfect idea for saving a little money on the boys' school clothes (Thanks, Dad!). I understand now why Mom used to get upset when my brothers used to get holes in their clothes. What is the deal with clothing being SO expensive?! Aaron and I will both need 2 jobs just for the bare minimum! Anyway, I called Aaron to tell him about the coupon and to my surprise he actually volunteered to help me do the shopping this year. Thanks to his willingness to help and the boys' cooperation, we were able to finish (yes, finish) all of our shopping on Friday. So nice to have it done. And to all of you out there who haven't started yet...good luck! If you think about it, shopping was the easy part. I have a feeling homework is about to get very interesting this year with both a 3rd grader and a kindergartener. So much for free time, right? Oh well, busy is what keeps us sane. Here's to a great school year:)

The Last to Know!?

Stupid AMAZON! I just got my book today. I haven't even started it yet and I think I'm officially the last person to know how it ends. Aaron even called me yesterday and says, "honey, I know how the book ends and everything in between!" I of course tell him, "ya, right!" And he proceeds to tell me that a woman at one of his offices needed, I guess, to talk with someone about it and talked about it with him. I told him that if he tells me anything he will live to regret it. (not really, but I said it anyway:) He then goes on to ask questions like, "who are the characters again?" I can see him trying to get it all straight in his mind...so funny! Anyway, I'm hoping to get around to it sometime this week. I just hope it lives up to the hipe because I always worry about stuff like that. Guess I'll have to wait and see!