Back to School

It's that time of year again. BACK TO SCHOOL. The kids have been so excited. Taylor is going to second grade and Abby starts Kindergarten. Dallin will start preschool this year. School is even new for me, with a new Principal and different expectation. The past week has been crazy. During the day, we tried to play and enjoy the last week of summer vacation and at night I would stay up trying to get my school work done. I have tried hard to not short change the kids because of the few hours I work. Sometimes I am better at it than others.

Sunday, while we were still dressed up, we had a short Family Home Evening. Jared gave us blessings to start the new year. It set the perfect tone to start school. We are so lucky to have a Dad that honors his Priesthood and can do that for us. Thanks Jared. That night at bedtime I read the kids the story "Let me hold you longer". It is such a cute story but the wrong one to read that night. I started bawling, Abby started to cry and even Jared got emotional. It's sad to see the kids growing up so fast. It made me more determined to be a better Mom and enjoy the kids more. I focus too much on all the stuff that needs to be done. They are growing up and soon all I will have is those sacred memories of when they were my babies. Ok, so I am bawling again.

Monday, the kids were up bright and early. Taylor looked so handsome and grown up. He got himself ready, feed the dog and had an hour to spare. Abby was a little nervous, but so cute. They both loved school and their teachers. Dallin was the one who struggled. He didn't want Abby to go. I am glad that preschool will start soon.

I think that this will be a good year for all of us.

Belle

Taylor thinks that Belle is now a family member, so I better add her to the blog. I am not sure how much I agree with that. She is a good pet. But like all good things, she requires a lot of maintance. We bought a book to teach us how to teach her. So far she can sit.

I have been proud of Taylor. He has taken good care of her. He decided to take ownership and has kept up with the responsiblity so far.

Grass!

Last summer our lives revolved around building the house. This summer every spare second that Jared has had (or hasn't had), he has been trying to get the yard in. From planning, mapping, measuring, leveling, trenching, spraying, and finally planting--we now have grass!!! We get such a thrill out of watching the grass finally grow (yeah, I know our lives are exciting).

Now for some trees...

The Rhodes Fam

I am new to blogging but I though that I would give it a try. (Any advice is welcome!) Just a little bit about us...
Jared and I met almost 11 years ago. We met at a wedding and 6 months later had one of our own. We have three beautiful children. Taylor is 7, Abby is 5 and Dallin is just a month shy of being 4. We have been so blessed with wonderful kids. The kids sometimes test our patience but I marvel at the love I have for them. Taylor is so smart and sensitive. He can read like a 5th grader. He loves to learn (and to tease). Abby is going to start Kindergarten soon. Abby is all girl. She loves pink and purple and doing her hair. She loves to try on clothes. She dramatic about everything yet a tough little chick too. Dallin is tough and rough. He loves nothing more than to just play in the dirt. One of my favorite things right now is Dallin's favorite saying. All the time--just out of the blue--he'll say "I love you Mommy."