This is how Jilli coped with all the boys being gone at school all day. Poor girl is so used to having a full-time playmate, that she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. Thankfully her school started the next week and she's managed her time just fine.

This is after Beck's first day of school. Jilli couldn't wait to get him up to their room so that they could play again.

Nate and Mac went to Virginia to watch the BYU football game.  The night before they also went to a fireside where they were able to meet a couple Cougar stars.  Mac was thrilled!

Here's my boys ready for school.  Love them to pieces!

And here's Miss J all ready for school.

Jilli had her four year well-check and got her Kindergarten shots as well.  She was so brave and didn't even cry.

Admittedly, I am loving the little extra alone time that I get with my girl.  She just makes my heart happy!

I love sleeping children -- even after the hardest days, my love is renewed when I see them like this.  Such innocence and sweetness!

Beckam got in the van the other day and said, "Hey mom, I recognize that you cleaned the van out!" to which Jilli responded with, "Yeah, mom sure is a good cleaner!"

Summer Ball

Mac and Jaxton played in the summer basketball league. It was a great way for them to stay active and we met some great people through out the season. The highlight of Mac's season was being asked to play on a travel team. At one point as we were driving in the van, he turned to me and said, "Mom, I can't believe I did it!" When I asked him what he was talking about he replied, "I made it on to a travel team -- I can't believe I really did it!" I'm hoping he finds success and happiness with his new team!

Mac was the "go to" guy again. He was aggressive and passionate and a huge asset to the team.

Jaxton had a great season as well, but it just so happened that his team didn't win a single game.

The highlight of his season was meeting a boy named, Peyton, who has become a great friend to him.

It's on to soccer for all three boys as well as Mac's first travel team tournament in October! Good times!

This past Sunday during Sacrament meeting I was holding Beckam on my lap with him facing me.  He pushed the hair out of my face and then cupped my face in his hands and said softly, "You're perfect."
Melt my heart!  He's such a sweet boy!

Jillian’s 1^st talk – September 1, 2013

Because I am a child of God, I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. 

I can serve with my heart by showing love and kindness to others. 

I can serve with my mind by thinking of ways to help others. 

I can serve with my might and strength by working hard to help others. 

I know that if we serve with our whole selves, that God will bless us and we will be happy.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

When Mac gave his talk, he wanted to rewrite it in his handwriting and then he clipped it to a clipboard and took it to the primary pulpit with him.  I guess it was his way of looking official.

McCade’s Talk – September 7, 2013

We are taught that because we are children of God, we should serve Him with all our heart, might, mind and strength. There are many ways to do this, but here are a few that I have tried:

I serve with my heart by telling my family that I love them and by doing kind acts for those around me.

I serve with my mind by writing letters to my cousins and grandparents who live far away and by helping my brothers with their homework.

I serve with my might and strength by helping with chores around the house and working hard at the things my parents ask of me.

I have a testimony of service.  I know that when we serve with our whole selves that it makes Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ happy and that we will be blessed for it. I hope that we will all try to serve God with our heart, mind, might and strength.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.