Go Spartans!

A few weeks ago was Homecoming week - "fear the Spartan Beast!" was the theme.  The kids were able to have some fun dress up days and participate in assemblies, the parade, and we were able to go to a football game.

I didn't get any pictures at the parade as I couldn't find my phone (in my jacket pocket not my pants pocket like I though...brainless mommy moment), but they were sure excited to march in it!  Cov was excited to see the kids, and see some of our older neighbor friends.  He's now convinced he wants to play the Sousaphone.  He keeps marching around the house, blowing into things as he goes, telling us he's playing the sousaphone.  Super funny!  The kids also really liked the football and volleyball float and we were able to go see it the day after.  All of our kids wanted to makes some little posters to show their school spirit.  Lucy blushed when she saw the Homecoming King pass by her in the hall after lunch one day. Her illustration of the event was priceless.

The football game was great, we didn't go to the wet and cold homecoming one, but a couple weeks before that.  We were able to have a free tailgate dinner put on by the city council.  Dave helped dish up brats and hot dogs.  It was nice and warm.  The team had a motorcycle-cade escort, which was fun.  The new stadium lights were installed this year and everyone is pretty excited about that.  The kids loved running around with their friends and watching some football here and there.  Our team won by a lot!

I love the school pride here and how everyone supports each other.  You see "spartan head" signs and flags everywhere.  It's fun to have the kids get involved in activities this young and though they are usually separated from the junior high and high schoolers, the older kids really are sweet to them.  I've seen them open the doors for our kids, help them find things, help fix bike chains, greet them as they're walking to/from school and more.  The kids have really been welcomed by the other kids at school and made some great friends already.  They enjoy their teachers, and think the school lunch here is the best.  Cov keeps telling me I'm just tricking him and he's really old enough to go to school.  But in the meantime, he likes to wear his yellow and blue football uniform and play with me indoors or outdoors.

GO Spartans!

Cal had to take pictures of the new lights!

Enjoy the here and now.

Lately, I've been thinking lots about how I miss my kids when they were really little and babies.  Possibly it's because I'm down to one being home during the day and it's quieted down quite a bit.  It could be because some women have recently commented to me how they miss this time of their lives of being a young mother.  I think ahead and know time will fly by and soon I'll have teenagers and then be an empty nester and none of the kids at home (gasp!).  And then I got the impression from the Spirit to enjoy each stage and be happy in each stage with my children.  Don't live with regret, just get better at this mothering thing and enjoy each day with my kids, no matter how old or young they are.

What President Ballard said at this past General Conference really hit me - "the irony of being parents is that we tend to get good at it after our children are grown."  

I feel like I'm getting better at some things with my parenting, but still just as bad or worse with other things. Oftentimes I feel I'm coming up so short.  But I know that if I try my hardest and pray for inspiration on how to be a better mother, and put my best efforts forward, the forgiveness and help from the Savior will come and I can raise my kids, teach them, love them, and enjoy each day with them no matter what!  So I will "come what may, and love it"! (Elder Joseph B. Worthlin)