Wrastlin'!

Kendon
circa 1980-something

Connor
this weekend


I knew Kendon was a wrestler (wrastler as his family would say. yes we are from southeast Idaho!) when I married him and always figured we'd have a wrestler ourselves, and BOY DO WE! Connor started wrestling practice a few weeks ago and he loved it from the first moment he stepped onto the mat. This week he had his first two tournaments and he did so well. I was so proud of him. I was not only proud that he did so well (winning 7 out of 9 matches) but more importantly for his winning attitude and determination. Connor demonstrated very well two aspects of our family motto. He "worked hard," and he "had joy." I don't care if he **wins or loses, but I want him to always try his best and have fun doing it. And HE DID! Wrestling is not an easy sport. Sometimes it hurts (and makes you cry. ugh.) and you don't want to go back out there and finish the match, but Connor did every time. He NEVER gave up even when he was on his back being outmatched. He kept fighting until he heard that whistle blow. What great characteristics to have throughout your life.

We are so proud of you Connor Man!

**Though, honestly I like it when he wins better. I mean, who wouldn't? But seriously, wrestling is a tough sport to watch when you are the mama. Oh boy. Thankfully, he won more than he lost so MY tears were kept to a minimum. Phew!

AWKWARD

After listening to Meg try to say her whole name...

CONNOR: "Meg Jensen Elizabeth. That sounds awkward."

SIRRI: "No Connor. Awkward is when you kiss a boy."

My Husband...

sews.

does the dishes nearly every night.

never complains when I go out with girlfriends.

supports me in Relay for Life.

MY HUSBAND...

doesn't grumble (very loud) when I spend too much money.

keeps our lawn beautifully mowed and green.

does laundry

folds laundry.

doesn't put laundry away.

gets giddy during hunting season.

MY HUSBAND...

is hot.

can build or fix most anything.

doesn't snore.

helps me harvest and can the produce from our garden.

MY HUSBAND...

is handy. and handsy.

is a great cook.

makes a delicious breakfast every weekend.

MY HUSBAND...

does his own ironing.

reads to our children.

is a runner.

loves me.

I LOVE...

my husband.

Just You and Me

Dear Meg,

Every single morning after the kids get on the bus and Daddy heads off to work, you look at me (typically grabbing my hand) and say, "It's just you and me, huh, Mama?" "Yep, sis. Just you and me." And it melts my heart and makes me smile. Spending time with just you every day has been such a delight!

Every night before I go to bed, I've found myself making sure to get all my house cleaning jobs done so that in the morning there will be plenty of time to play. To play, with just you! We have had dance parties, glam sessions (complete with mascara on those amazing eyelashes of yours,) soccer "games," walks to Aunt Wylene's for an apple, laying in bed reading or watching cartoons, sharing chocolate way too early in the morning (cause that what girls do!) and playing lots of make believe (typically you make me call you Grandma and I play the role of Meg.) Sometimes there are still jobs to do, but you don't mind and boy it is sure much more fun with a sweet little partner like you.Ever since you were a little tiny baby you have been such a lover. You love to snuggle and hug and you have a special way to make others feel loved and important. Sometimes when you are being "influenced" by others (ahem...Connor and Sirri) that side of your personality is harder to see. But, boy, when it is just you and me, your true self SHINES through!

I'm so thankful for this special time that you and I will be able have these next two years to be together. I hope it will be a time that you will be able to remember and look back on and feel joy. Because that is what you have given me these last few weeks....JOY!

I love you Meggers!

Love,

Your Mama

1/3

A third set of school clothes....

A third backpack hanging on its hook...
A third kiddo in school!
Meg has anxiously been awaiting the day that she would get to go to school at Mrs. Tammies and it finally arrived!

my wishy washy, achey breaky heart.

Two weeks ago:

"Seriously, school could not start soon enough."

"Is it the 25th YET?"

"If I hear anyone (Connor) torturing his siblings one more time..."

First Day of School:

"Maybe I don't want him going to school."

"Do I really have to put him on the bus all by himself?"

"He grew up way too fast."

Second Day of School:

"Is it really almost 11:00 already? Kindergarten is too short. I could use a few more hours."
-----------------------------------------------------

Man, oh, man. Do I ever have a wishy washy mama heart. One minute I can not wait to send the kiddos out the door and the next, I'm worrying about their day at school and wishing they were home snuggling on my lap. Sending Connor to school this year was so conflicting for me. He is SO ready to go and he could sure use a break from his siblings (and his mom. and vice versa.) But, with each child that goes to school, it just means that my season as a stay at home mom, whose job is to raise babies and play all day is coming to an end. Though, sometimes it's easier to do my job when I get a little break from the dears. See, my heart just can't make up it's mind. Am I crying as I watch the bus drive down the road because I'm sad or are they tears of joy that I have a little freedom? Maybe both. Who knows.


I do know this. He is one handsome kiddo.

Going....

Going..............

GONE.
boo. hurray! boo. hurray!
good grief.


Though...I do like hanging out with just this girl for a few hours every day.

First Day of School 2010

SECOND GRADE

Mrs. Miller

Kindergarten

Mrs. Swainston

Bus Buddies

Sirri, Kennedy, Sydney

Thank goodness for friends!
Connor, Blaze, Russell