August phone pics

No love going on at our house for sure.

Holy bananas, such a surreal moment for me to drive past the building where I
worked for six years, my only real job before I became a mother, and see it torn
down. I spent a lot of hours there and some of my happiest memories are with
my co-workers and the University of Utah instructors and students. I still
keep in touch with many of them and am so grateful for their friendship.

Grace clearly enjoyed the drumline at the high school assembly.

Because I love yellow. And I love flowers. And I love walks where I see yellow flowers.

 These boys were off to their first bus ride together. I truly believe the greatest gift
I have ever given my children, next to a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
is their siblings. I feel beyond blessed to have been given that option. And remind
myself often how grateful I am for my crazy, loud, busy, beautiful life.

Just six more days

This face is saying, "I'm about to go into my preschool
open house and I think I might burst from excitement!" 

I seriously love her.

Our newest Kindergartener

 

His first official day of Kindergarten. He begged to take the bus home instead of me picking
him up, because he didn't think he could wait one more day to ride the bus. His smile as
he got off was worth the twenty extra minutes I had to wait to hear about his day. 

Love this little Kindergarten pro. Bring on day two!

Two first days of school

My darling boy. Pictured here about three weeks apart or so. At least it feels like it. How could
we have our first senior already? But oh my, he's a good one. And I'm so excited for him.
Even if it feels like I can't catch my breath from how fast time is flying. I'm so grateful for
our Campbell. He's absolutely something else and I'm so honored to be his mom.

My sweet husband

There are a lot of words that accurately describe my incredible husband, but the one that has
always been at the top of my list is kind. One example of that kindness is the fact that he sent me
away for two days to sleep and rest and have some quiet. And that is exactly what I've been doing.
I don't think I realized how much I needed it until right now. But he did. And insisted on it. And that
is why I will tell anyone that asks, Jacob Allen is kindness to the core. I'm so grateful for the privilege
of having a front row seat to that kindness and learning how to be a better person because of it.

Our high school hello assembly

This morning I had the opportunity to attend the hello assembly and support
our Campbell man. Actually, I was able to experience it twice, thanks to my littles
who really wanted to watch it again when the first one was over. Some thoughts
on these six pictures, for posterity, and because rambling is my superpower.

 I just love this boy of mine so crazy much. Have I ever mentioned that?

 School spirit anyone? 

School spirit on steroids anyone? 

Being sworn in as an officer. I sure adore this darling friend of Campbell's.

I love how seriously that son of mine took the oath. 

 And sometimes the blurriest pictures are the best pictures. 

It was a happy morning for sure.

Don't let the smile fool you

Mug shot or post-Kindergarten assessment photo.

You'll never know.

Another first day of school

Off they go...

To 12th grade, 10th grade, 8th grade, 4th grade and Kindergarten.

My boy

This picture of my boy through the school door, after he ran out to see what the playground
looks like, does something to my heart. He starts Kindergarten next week, a few days after
his siblings begin, and I'm so excited for him. But my mother's heart is a little broken. He is my
little buddy. And it has been such a sweet experience to have had him at my side for the last five
and three-fourths years. He is gentle and kind and hilarious and brilliant and good to the core.
Which is probably why it is about time I shared him with the world. Oh I love him so much.

Our prophet

Don't get me wrong, the eclipse was cool and all, but today my mind has mostly
been on this gentle giant full of goodness and strength. He is the prophet of the Lord,
whom I sustain and love and honor and pray for. It is his 90th birthday today and
I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for his life and the way he has led the church
and loved the individual. I'm so grateful for President Thomas S. Monson.

Tonight

Tonight, each of our children sat in this chair and received a father's blessing before the start of
school this week. And my heart couldn't be any more touched or any more grateful to be their
mother. Or to be married to Jacob and to have the life we have. I know God is real. I know He
loves His children. I know Jesus Christ lives. I absolutely know it. They are as real to me as
these children that have been entrusted to me. I have no idea why I am so blessed. But will
keep doing everything in my power to show my Heavenly Father how very grateful I am.

Kings Peak in a day

They did it. I'm not sure why you would want to, but I'm also not surprised they accomplished it.

These two brothers went 24.5 miles, up the tallest peak in Utah and over some of the toughest
terrain you can imagine. In just over nine hours. These Allen brothers, they are something else.

A senior and some sophomores

Even though school doesn't start for several more days around here, there was something
about his leaving this morning that officially felt like the beginning of his senior year.

I'm so proud, so emotional and so geriatric.

And sophomore orientation was this morning for this beauty and
her three darling friends. I have two children in high school. Welp.  

Time, you are a sneaky little bugger and I'm not super fond of you these days.

So much gorgeousness in one photo. So much goodness in one photo.
I adore these girls. Especially that one on the far left.

Jacob's trip to Africa ~ Part three

Jacob's trip to Africa ~ Part two