Sunday

This past Sunday was our annual primary program. The kids practiced their parts and were so proud that they had them memorized. Of course Boston was too scared to speak into the microphone when it was his turn and pretty much just ran back and forth from the bench where I was sitting in the audience to the stand, but still participated in the songs. The primary program always makes me emotional because their hearts and voices are so pure. I especially liked the final song which talked about a family's purpose and why God gave us families. I catch the kids talking about God and Jesus in their every day conversations and know they have a true understanding of who they are. Their simple minds remind me of what's really important. I'm glad we have Sunday's to rest and break from our every day lives. Even though as mom, it's not a total day of rest, it is a day to reflect and put things back into perspective.

The Giants

The football season is off and running! In honor of Eric's college and professional numbers, Jackson is #73 and Leighton is #69. They looked so official in their uniforms and won their first game 23 to 6 (against the Steelers). Eric is helping coach and is totally in his element. He's the loudest coach out there but seems to be the biggest motivator. The kids listen when he talks. The boys are holding their own, trying to get the "pancake award." The point is to pancake someone else, not to be the pancake.

Boston has also started t-ball. He lives and breathes sports so you can imagine his excitement to actually be on a team. They are the Yankees and have their first game October 10. He's going to look so sharp in his uniform. For his birthday he got cleats, a metal bat, a tee, and a bag to carry it all in. Watch out world. Here he comes!

The Boss is "4"

Boston is now 4 going on 6! We celebrated with the Hannum Family at Metro Pizza and then had friends over for games, a pinata, and cake and ice cream at our house. He was so excited for his friends to come over and when he talked about what friends were going to be there they ranged in age from 3 to 49.

I wish I would've taken more pictures but I was running around making sure everyone was okay and forgot to capture the moment. I told Eric I just wanted to keep it simple - a little cake and ice cream and a pinata. Eric wanted to make sure all the kids had a good time so he threw in games with prizes. There was the quarterback throw, the soccer kick and the basketball shoot out. Boston is still obsessed with sports and loved every minute of these games. I think the little girls could've done without them but they obliged. All in all, Boston felt special and that's what matters. The only thing he really asked for was a cake from Costco. We go visit them every time we're there (the sports ones). And without fail, he pushes on the plastic and leaves his mark.

Living away from family it sure is nice to have friends who love and support us. Thanks to all who came and enjoyed our chaos and for the unique gifts! Boston has been having fun with all of them.

Boys!

Read this post at your own risk. It may contain offensive material.

Jackson: "Leighton says not to eat soggy waffles because if you do, you will get a rash on your privates." (He used another word but I decided to filter.)

Leighton: For football the boys are supposed to wear protection for their family jewels (a cup) and he was so excited when he heard this. "Now we can pee in our cup. We don't even have to go to the bathroom."

I only post this because my memory stinks and I really want this stuff in their history. They love to hear funny stories about themselves and I'm sure this will make them laugh years from now.

50th Wedding Anniversary

Eric's parents (Tom & Sonia Bateman) celebrated 50 years together September 4th! We all joined them in Heber, Utah, for a labor day weekend of fun in the sun, and dinner by the light of the Salt Lake Temple. We rented a 8 bedroom cabin that fit all of us and then some. Even the kids had a bed to sleep in. Eric has 3 brothers and between all of them there are 20 grand kids.

They are products of the 60's and couldn't resist a little song and dance to entertain us. I think having a good sense of humor is how they've made it all these years. And...they are hopeless romantics.

The Roof restaurant on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building was a perfect spot for an adult dinner. The setting was just perfect with the temple in the background.

The Roof was special for Eric and I as it was where we went on our official first date.

We all wore matching shirts for our hike up Stewart Falls and to Sundance where we picniced. We received lots of comments on our matching shirts and there was no mistaking that we were all part of the "Bateman Reunion."

It was nice to do this hike with no complainers. The kids had such a fun time and made it without thinking they were going to die (last year was a different experience).

Jackson and Leighton toasting their happy day with a root beer.

Eric couldn't resist a dip in the falls.

Sundance - taking underwater pictures of the fish with Uncle Byron.

Like Father like daughter, Kennedy taking a dip.

If you're ever in Heber, this a great place to eat dinner - "The Spicy Lady." It is the oldest building there and had live music with great food. We ate with Mike & Marie's family - Bethany (23), Katie (14), Hannah (10), and Preston (5). Christian (17) and Emily (21) weren't able to be there at this point.

Eric had to crawl on the roof to get the rockets that went up there and I caught this picture of him trying to get back in the window. He's very stealthish.

We couldn't leave the area without doing the Alpine slide. Jackson was in tears up to this point but had a great time once he was going down the slide. He is very cautious. In fact, he will always have Leighton check things out before him to make sure they're safe (like public bathrooms).

Bliss in the car! Thank goodness for dvd players. We can't wait to go back to Utah for a BYU game and the beautiful fall colors.

Looking old

I received a phone call this morning from a friend in Utah basically saying she wanted to do a face peel for me because I was looking old! I'm sure she means well but it really hit me hard. I'm fully aware of the "mean lines" between my eyebrows and the lines across my forehead but the reality that it's that obvious makes me want to crawl into a hole.

When I was younger I used to slap on the baby oil, lay on a bed of foil and worship the sun, telling myself I would never get old or look old. I didn't believe the world would still be in this state when I turned 40 so I figured I didn't need to worry. Well I haven't turned 40 yet but apparently look the part. I guess I should take it all with a grain of salt and be grateful my friend wants to peel my ugly wrinkles and skin off. But today, I have a sick feeling in my stomach of my stark reality. Maybe tomorrow I will embrace it all and deal.