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