Growing Up and Growing Pains

Aiden's summer has consisted of the following:  working at Firehouse Subs, going to FSY in San Diego with his friends, lots of camping, fishing and nights in the Pecan Groves. He got his wisdom teeth out and spent every minute he could with his friends.  

This was a photo from their last "party" at our house.  I have mentioned it before but I am beyond grateful for these boys.  They have been an answer to my prayers on more than one occasion. The last Sunday Aiden was home, Tyler Hogge gave his mission farewell talk.  Then I realized next week, I would be sitting alone with Taylor.  By the end of sacrament meeting I was sobbing.  I tried going to class but couldn't keep it together and ended up crying in my car.  Over the years I have learned to just let the tears come and don't fight it.  Often, a good cry is the only thing that allows me to process and move on. I am so excited to see what the next 5 years holds for these kids!

 Also, Aiden and Lilly decided to break up in July so Aiden could adjust and be ready for college by September.  Honestly, it was really hard for Aiden and he was pretty emotional for a few weeks  He knew he needed a distraction and so he bought some fancy wood online and spent weeks making two checkerboard open grain cutting boards (he gave me one and gave the other to Lily's parents, John and Marie).  He loved it. 

As the summer progressed, Aiden started talking about how maybe he didn't really want/need to go to college, maybe he would just be a carpenter.  "After all," he said, "Jesus was a carpenter."  I suggested we find a woodworking class at BYU.  He has also started questioning serving a mission. Honestly, he's been floundering a bit.  He is an amazing boy and I know he's going to succeed at whatever he chooses to do.  I am hopeful that getting to BYU will excite and fulfill him. The waiting and transition periods are always the hardest.

We celebrated Aiden's birthday a few days early because Brent was leaving on a business trip. He had berry pie and 18 presents.

 

In the middle of all the college prep, this girl turned 16 and started her junior year of high school. 

She had a pink sweet 16 slumber party with her friends.  

They did a photo scavenger hunt, karaoke, crafts and stayed up way too late.  Like Aiden, Taylor has been blessed with and amazing group of friends.  It was fun to have them all over to celebrate her.