OCTOBER

This month has flown by and it feels like I haven't had even a second to exhale, so instead of starting to prepare my Sunday School lesson... I thought I would blog!  (I'll be sorry Sunday morning!)

FALL BREAK IN PARK CITY

At the beginning of October, my kids had a few days of school for Fall Break.  Summer and her boys were heading up to Park City, and were nice enough to ask if we wanted to go with them.  We had so much fun.  It was so nice to just relax.  We went to the Alpine Slide, shopping at the outlets, played games and found a really good breakfast place!  I have loved getting to know Summer and her cute family better.  She is an amazing mom and an awesome friend.  I'm so glad she moved in next door!

FOOTBALL

The week after Fall Break was intense football practice!  Connor's team was in the playoffs and it was single elimination!  They practiced harder than they had practiced all season, and went Saturday morning ready to win.  Connor's team made the first touchdown, but didn't make the extra point.  With only a few minutes left in the game, the opposing team marched the ball down the field, made a touchdown, and made their extra point.  Connor's team lost by 1 point.  It was such a bummer!

One of the things I really love about football season is that Rick takes the time out of his busy schedule to coach my boys.  Although he never complains, it is a huge sacrifice for him.  I have watched his relationship with Nathan completely change when he started coaching him, and the same has happened with Connor.  They eat, sleep, and breath football together.  I also love to watch Rick grow to love all the other boys on the team.  I am so thankful for a husband that is willing to invest in our children - and he is really hot to watch on the sidelines!

BENGTZEN HALLOWEEN PARTY

The very best thing about the Bengtzen Halloween party was when Brittani and her roommates and friends came.  It is so fun to just sit around and listen to them.

CAITLIN'S BRIDAL SHOWER

My niece, Caitlin, is getting married in December, so Brittani and I gave her a bridal shower.  Brittani was in charge of the game and it was a hit!  Britt had asked Alvaro (Caitlin's fiance) some random questions, and then at the shower she asked Caitlin the same questions.  If Caitlin's answers weren't the same as Alvaro's, Caitlin had to eat piece of bubble gum.  The questions were hilarious!  My all time favorite was: In the event of a zombie Apocalypse, what weapon would Alvaro choose to use?  Obviously, at the end of the game, Caitlin had a mouth full of bubble gum!

J.A. BIZTOWN

The 5th grade at Mountainville Academy have the privilege of going on a field trip to J.A Biztown.  J. A. Biztown is a town put together by local businesses to teach children about real life.  Every child in the 5th grade has a job, a checking account, a debit card, and some cash.  They have to work and spend their hard earned money.  Connor was the CEO of Alpha Graphics.  He learned quickly that advertisements worked miracles, and how important it is to have a product that people want to buy.  I was able to go and spend the day with Connor at J.A. Biztown, and it was amazing to see him in action.  At the town meeting in the beginning of the day, he gave a speech telling the citizens about his company.  He was confident and funny.  But the part of the day that I loved most was at lunch.  There is a new boy in Connor's class named Eric, and Eric has major anger issues.  The teachers have been working with him, trying to help him with his problems, and they have asked Connor to try to be his friend and help others be his friend.  Connor has taken this challenge very seriously  and has really helped Eric.  As Connor and I were eating lunch at J. A. Biztown, Eric came over and Connor instantly said, "you can sit here by us", and then went on to talk to him for the rest of the time we ate.  I sat back and watched my little boy turn into an amazing, kind, caring person.  I am so proud of the man that Connor is becoming.  I love you handsome man.

HALLOWEEN HALF MARATHON

FLORIDA

Dave and Karen Ramsay were kind enough to invite Rick and I to go to Florida with them.  We ate, sat on the beach, and ate some more!  It was amazing and beautiful.  Thanks so much Ramsays - you guys are awesome!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNOR

For Connor's birthday this year, we went to Porcupine for breakfast, went to Park City, and then Rick made an amazing dinner.  Most of Rick's family came over, as well as my mom and grandma, and Brittani brought all of her roommates.  It was a really fun day!  Happy Birthday Connor!

DEAR CONNOR

September 23, 2012

Happy Happy Birthday Connor!

I know that you know the story of the day you were born, but it definitely is worth repeating.  I'll give you the shorter version so you can get onto finding your presents!

As you know, my body had a really hard time getting pregnant with you.  When I finally, finally, found out that you were in my tummy, and growing strong, it was one of the happiest days of my life.  The road was rocky though, and you, Mr. Connor, fought so hard to stay alive.  Thank you for being my strong, determined boy.  I can't imagine my world without you.

So today, 11 wonderful years later, I want to wish you a happy birthday.  Connor, you are an amazing person.  You bring joy and happiness to my life every day.  You are kind and loving, smart and funny.  You give the bet hugs in the world.  I am always amazed at the good boy that you are.  You make good choices not because someone told you to, but you find out the "why", and then you decide, and that amazes me.  You have such an amazing light about you that others want to be around you.  You are a leader.  I'm so excited to see the man you become.  Just like when you were in my tummy, you are strong and determined... you are a fighter, and you have so much greatness within you.

Connor, I love you more than I could ever, ever, tell you.  You make our family whole.  Your smile stops my heart just a little bit, and your sweet tender heart melts me.  Thank you for choosing to come to our family.  Thank you for fighting so hard to get here.

I love you to infinity and beyond.

Mom