I think fall is falling!

Noticed some red/orange leaves on the mountain this morning. So after dropping the school kids off the little boys and I drove up to the ski lift road to check out the maples. They are just starting to turn and in a week or two they are going to be gorgeous. Unless we get a storm that blows/knocks them off the trees. Which is what usually happens. I'm crossing my fingers that we can go get some fall family pictures before that happens. We are in dire need of a new family picture, but I doubt we can get Jordan down here while the leaves last so I'll settle for a pic of those kidlets who are still at home. We are finally settled into a routine of school I think. I keep longing for homeschooling, but it's just not going to be happening here for a while, if ever again. I've decided to channel that longing into doing some 'school' with Soren who is 4 1/2. I pulled out the Five in a Row manual I bought several years ago and took myself to the library today to see which titles they had. If any. I was surprised that they had a majority of the ones in the book. So I picked up a couple with some go along books and we'll start this next week. I tried to do it with him last year, but he was just too young and couldn't stay with me. Hopefully this time around will be better. This is Homecoming week. Lots of fun activities have been going on. Montana put himself in the running for the Homecoming King. He ended up being the 1st attendant. We were so excited and happy for him. I was especially excited that he kept up with the deadlines and his homework and his cross country practices. I'm seeing signs of adult behavior! Love it. There was a cross country meet here last week. Cambria got 3rd place in the Junior High girls' race. That was exciting. Her cousin also ran after not training for 2 weeks and did very well. So glad they get to share this opportunity. Montana also ran in the varsity race. Don't know what his placement was, but he bettered his time, which is really all he cares about. Our football team finally won a game. Curtis and Ford traveled with the team to Layton and had a good experience there. It was nice to finally chalk up a line in the win column. Keeps the boys excited and working hard. All the rest of our games are 1A so they should be closer, hopefully. I got really sidetracked this summer from the things I was so anxious about at the beginning. I couldn't figure out why I lost my umph. Until one day when I asked myself why I was needing to take a nap every. single. day. And why was my gut unhappy when I was really trying to eat properly. The light finally clicked on for me and yes, you guessed it, #9 is on the way to join our family. I'm happy but a bit sad as well as the things I was really excited about I can see will be put on the back burner yet again until I get past pregnancy, birth and nursing. Oh, well. Jordan is doing well. Has a good job and is enjoying his return to civilian life. It's very strange to have an adult child out on their own. I'm groping to figure out what my role is now. Trying not to intrude too much, but still worrying about him doing the right things and remembering all he learned on his mission. Such is the life of a mother, I guess. Can't ever let go of the worrying! We are so thrilled to have a full-time job for Curtis as well. It has eased so much of the pressure we were feeling. It allows him to interact with all the youth in town and be around his own children a lot. We are thankful that he was given the chance to show what a great asset he can be. I'm also glad his job is here in town and no commuting is necessary. I have been working with the Beehives for about 2 months now. I'm so excited to be back in YW. I will get to work with my own daughters and that is something I've always wanted to do. I just need to put a bit more energy into it. It's been hard that way, as I've been the sickest I've ever been and have had no energy whatsoever. Must be my age this time around! Well, that's our life at the moment.