So, I've been a bit perplexed with Connor for the past month or so. There are some behaviors that have changed that I was totally unprepared for! Sure, I've known 8-year-old boys before, like my brothers, but when they were 8, I was a teenager, so I really didn't pay that much attention! No offense, guys.
For one, you know those things he's been wearing his entire life, but never really noticed before? Well, now he cares about them! It's weird, having him tell me how much he loves a certain item of clothing, picking out clothes for his dad to make sure he stays looking sharp, and asking me for new clothes?!? The short list right now is a suit for church, a big belt buckle, and a tight Under Armor shirt.
He LOVES his scriptures. He takes care of them like a prized possession, which they really are. And several times this fall when I've asked him what he would like me to read to him at bedtime, he suggest that I go get my scriptures and we read from the Book of Mormon together. I knew he'd be excited about having his own to take to church, but I thought it was just so he would look big. But it's more than that. He truly loves them.
My Connor is NOT a morning person--never has been. And so during the school year, we've struggled every day getting him up and moving. This year, he suggested that we buy him an alarm clock. I didn't see the point, since we're up anyway and can just wake him up, but Tony thought we should give it a try. We haven't had to get him up once since. He sets the alarm, and every morning within a minute of the alarm, he comes stumbling out, scriptures in hand, ready for family scripture time. Amazing!
I never realized that 8-year-olds were capable of making lunch (sure, it's just quesadillas, but still!) and are happy to do it.
Although in many ways, Connor is more responsible since turning 8, I can't figure out what has happened to his bedroom! He used to take pretty good care of his stuff, but now every item of clothing just ends up on the floor. I've told him, and told him, and eventually he cleans it up, but today I decided to start treating him like the big 8-year-old he is. I did laundry, but only washed his things that had actually make it into his laundry basket. Maybe when he runs out of clean clothes, he'll decide that it's not such a chore to throw them into the basket rather than onto the floor. We'll see . . .
So, I knew all these things would come eventually, but maybe a few years down the road. Luckily, he still has no interest in girls. Major sigh of relief.
Random item #2:
Connor was pretty proud of his finished product.
Also, on Monday, I pulled up the rest of the garden plants. While doing that, I discovered a little bit of broccoli and peas that were good. I was shocked! In October?!? Anyway, I decided to mix them in with our carrots and potatoes and enjoy a wonderful vegetable medley in October. Pretty sure that's the first time I've done that with my own fresh veggies. So fun! Team this up with some Alaska salmon and homemade bread with raspberry jam, and you have my favorite meal I've had in awhile. 
Today, however, the weather is not so beautiful. In fact, it's been snowing almost all day! But what better way to spend a snowy, blustery day than having a dance party with friends?
Mariah just LOVES her "best friends." These twins are actually Mariah's cousins. They live here in the valley so they get plenty of opportunities to play together. They just love each other!
It was fun for them to get to show how hard they had worked and how much they improved. They were really proud of their songs.
On Labor Day, we had one last hoorah at Seven Peaks. We would have been pretty sad about this, but they were running a special on the passes and we were able to renew and upgrade our passes (adding another water park and a ski resort) for just $30 apiece, so there will be more hitting the slides next summer. Yippee!!! Olivia went with us since she's living in Provo now. We were able to see her apartment there at the Y, which was fun.
School started the next day, and both Connor and Mylie were so excited to go! I have never taken Connor to school on his first day (Tony always did since he was going there anyway), but this year I took them both. I missed Back to School Night for a volleyball game, so I felt like I really should take them and see their classrooms. But as soon as we got into the school, they both said "See ya!" and ran out to the playground, leaving me with really nothing to do but go back out to the van and go home. Oh well. At least they both are loving school! In fact, Mylie had a field trip a few days ago, and when I told her I was coming, she said, "Ah, Mom. Now I won't get to sit by my friends on the bus." I told her I was going anyway, and we actually had a great time together.
. . . to hanging out with this buddy.
(Although, whenever I try to call her my buddy, she corrects me, telling me that she's Dad's buddy! I feel so loved lately.)
He got new scriptures, a new small hymnbook, and a scripture case, complete with scripture marking pencils and reading charts. He's been really busy reading from his scriptures, and has told me thanks for the scriptures over and over! He loves them!
Needless to say, the kids LOVED the party!
Finally, Connor was baptized on Sunday. This was such a special day, and we had so many family members attend. Connor is so excited to be 8!! Connor is growing up into such a good boy. He has a sweet testimony and so much faith. I am so proud of him!
Our whole team, minus Connor, and plus a few cute little kids
Go, Connor! He did a great job for us, putting in four miles total.
The Hearts of the Children
1 year ago