X-Box

Hayden: Mom, do you know how much I loved playing the XBOX with Dad at the beach? We really bonded while playing.
Me: I'm glad you had fun.
Hayden: I'm thinking since Dad and I bond so much better while playing the XBOX instead of the Wii, we should get an XBOX. I'm sure that Dad and I could really bond and have a great relationship. What do you think? Should we go buy an XBOX?
Me: nice try, Hayden! You and your Dad already have a great relationship.
Hayden: sheepish grin as he realized I wasn't buying it.
Funny boy!

5th Grader

Every time I think of Hayden being a 5th grader, the song, "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader" plays in my mind and I think, "No, I am not!" The questions on that game show are hard and difficult and I do not remember a lot of them. Now, I will be having to use the internet to help Hayden with his homework. Where has the time gone? How can Hayden possibly be in 5th grade? Unbelievable.
Not only did Hayden grow up on me and make it into 5th grade, he switched schools this year to Cambridge Academy. Location is perfect, in our neighborhood. However, in Queen Creek, 5th grade is Middle School so my boy has 5 different teachers for 6 different class periods. He is changing classes all day and they do NOT have lockers so he has to carry all of his books to and from school each day and to each and every class. Poor boy. His backpack was so heavy we had to find an extra large rolling bag.
Hayden has Mrs. T for Language Arts, P.E. is 2nd hour on MWF and Music on T/Th. Mrs. Butler is his 3rd hour Science teacher, 4th hour is Ms. Little for Math, Lunch is followed by Miss Issar for History and then back to Mrs. T for Study Hall/Character Building.

He is learning great skills in study hall. The students have an agenda with daily requirements that they must write their homework in and anything they need to remember for school. The study hall teacher signs off to make sure that they have written everything down correctly. They are being taught to take notes, how to pull information out of text books, organize their homework and study notes, how to study for tests and how to navigate the way that from here on out school will be for them. It will be good practice for Jr. High, High School and College.

So, my boy is growing up and there is nothing I can do about it. I love the boy that he is becoming. He has so many wonderful qualities. And, although I hate that I am losing my little boy, I do love this new "tween" boy and all of his funny stories, crazy boy loudness and his gentle spirit. If he has to grow up, I couldn't ask for a funner 10 year old that I love more! Here is praying for a great year.

Mayo/1st Day

As luck would have it, I was scheduled to be at Mayo Clinic Hospital at 8am on Hayden's first day of his new school. As a mom, this about killed me. How was I to send my precious boy to school without his mom to walk him in. Thomas informed me, it is easy if he has a dad that can do it. I didn't agree. Hayden reassured me that it would be better because he would be less emotional for his dad then me to take him. So, Thomas went to school with Hayden to start his first day adventure and Julie took me to Mayo Clinic for testing.

Hayden's first day deserves a post in and of itself.

Mayo Clinic was definitely a visit that I needed. The Friday before this, Thomas and I went and met with an Autonomic Dysfunction Neurologist and he had scheduled immediate testing. The first test was with me fasting. I went in and laid on a bed, completely in the dark as they inserted an iv. Then it was lay still, try to fall asleep and the nurses would take my blood pressure, heart rate and blood every 30 minutes for a couple of hours. No book, no music, no one with me, complete silence.

From there, I had one of the most painful experiences of my life. I had to undergo EMG testing. The nerve part wasn't fun, but bearable. Then I underwent some sort of Chinese torture. I was injected with needles that went down to my bone in my feet, legs, joints, hip muscles, calves and everywhere. There were supposed to be three and by number two needle, I was hurting so bad. The doctor performed the test and came back and I went through another twelve needles of testing. I was so done. In so much pain, so I am hoping they were able to determine a cause/solution.

I remained in pain for the net couple of days. Anytime anyone messes with my nerves and muscles, it is like they start the process of the deterioration going into hyper drive. Not fun! I just wanted the torture to end, so I could get back to my sweet son to see how his day went.

We cuddled on the couch that night and talked, completed "mommy" homework and got things ready for school the next day.

I will never forget scripture study that night. We were at the end of Mosiah. Hayden asked me why I was in so much pain. I explained that sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. We had such a sweet talk about why we go through challenges and why Heavenly Father lets us hurt. At the end of the beautiful discussion, with the Holy Ghost present, I was able to bear my testimony to my sweet son that the Lord loves us and knows what is best for us and although it hurts Him for us to struggle, He can see the end, past the struggling and knows what good it will do for us.

As Thomas and I related that same concept to Hayden, he looked up, smiled and said that he could see where we were headed with this conversation... that I was required to go through physical pain and he was being asked to go through emotional fear. He looked at us, with a bright smile and said, "Well, for how scared I am, there must be some really big blessing on the other side of my trial of a new school. I'm ready to hurry through the trial part and get to the good stuff." We laughed and stopped to list all the wonderful things that were in store for Hayden once he conquers his fears of a new school. Things included: more friends, more self confidence, more knowledge, seeing a new way of doing things, closer to home, closer to friends, different great teachers, increased learning and the list went on.

If I have to walk this path, I am glad that it is teaching Hayden that it is okay to hurt. It is okay to struggle. And, it is okay to stay on the path and keeping putting one foot in front of the other, until you understand the why's.

Meeting Faith

While we were in California, Ariyona had a little baby girl and named her Faith. I wanted to be there when she was born but couldn't swing it since she came mid-week while we were in Cali.

I have so many mixed emotions and not sure how much to share. I love Ariyona. She is one of my girls. Having lived with us, all three of us are very connected to her. Ariyona wants us to be apart of Faith's life.

My heart leaped as I held this sweet precious baby girl that was only a week old. She smiled at me and looked directly into my eyes the entire time I held her. My heart was immediately in love with this sweet little newborn. As I held her, my heart softened towards this sweet little girl. What is it about a baby so fresh from God that can make all the world seem okay. Babies sure put things into perspective. Look at her precious smile.
I loved holding her, cuddling her and just soaking in every moment of her love.
Thomas had continued to earn the right to be called the baby whisperer. The second Faith started crying hard, Thomas took her, cuddled her, rocked her and the tears immediately stopped. She looked deep into Thomas' eyes and that little girl nestled in and went right to sleep. I'm not sure how he does it, but he definitely has a magic touch.
I am sure that the more this little baby girl is around, the more spoiled she will become. We love being parents. But, I think we are going to have a ton of fun when the time comes for us to be grandparents, too! Welcome to the world, Faith. We hope you will want to spend lots of time at our house as you grow up.

Heavy

Hayden: grumbling and complaining about how heavy his backpack for school is this year. When Thomas walked in, he piped in, "It's as heavy as a huge burden of sins!"

Thomas and I: totally caught off guard and started laughing hysterically.

That's my boy!

And, yes, his backpack does weigh an absolute ton!

Cambridge Academy

Only three days after getting back from the beach, it was "Meet the Teacher" and parent orientation at Hayden's new school... yes, after being at the same school since pre-school, we decided to give a school in our neighborhood a try.

5th grade is a big change in Queen Creek. 5th graders are now Middle School students with 5 different teachers, moving classrooms, dressing out for P.E. and a ton of books. What a change for Hayden to experience. He is going to have to conquer a new school and a drastic new routine all at the same time. I know he can do it, we just need to instill the confidence and self assurance into Hayden.
Me and my boy headed to the school to see what is in store for this coming year.
I think the orientation left all three of us questioning our decision. The teachers and staff were great but was my baby ready for switching classrooms, middle school homework and responsibility and all the challenges that come with this much change? This move has been such a hard decision for me. You see, LAA was family to us. Everyone knew us. Everyone knew my health situation. Everyone knew Hayden's past, his challenges, his triumphs, his great character, his quirks, his greatness, his charity, his integrity and his entire personality. He has had the same friends for the past seven years. I am great friends with everyone from the principal to staff and teachers and love all the parents of Hayden's classmates.

So, why the desire to change? I'm not sure myself. I was driving by Cambridge Academy one day, it is in the entrance to our neighborhood, so it is a daily occurrence. I felt the need to investigate it. To try it out. I went to the school, talked with the principal and staff on the phone, took Hayden on a tour and just felt so good about the opportunities for Hayden. Lots and lots of prayer was involved. A lot of pleading with the Savior to know where Hayden was supposed to attend school. Many hours questioning my feelings and praying for guidance.

As the days grew closer, I grew more nervous, as did Hayden. Comfortableness and sameness is good and easy. Change is hard. We have been going through so many changes, is it smart to add another huge one into our lives? Am I following the Spirit and doing as I am directed? Am I hearing correctly? Am I trusting enough in my Savior?

As I tried to find words for each of those answers and comfort to my soul, I have felt at peace. There are moments when Hayden feels it is the right decision and then days of apprehension and fear get the best of both of us.

We decided to trust the Spirit and give Cambridge Academy a try. We will see how it goes. Hayden, Thomas and I have decided to give it our all, our best effort, our full support for two weeks to try it. We are praying for continual guidance as we set out on a new adventure. I pray these new teachers, students, and staff are wonderful and accepting and welcoming to Hayden.

We definitely will use our motto: Our family does hard things. And the promise of Nephi, "“I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Just Us

I love spending time with all of the Simonton's. I love reconnecting and building the relationships. However, the best part of the beach for me is these two incredible guys that I get to spend an entire week with. No interruptions. No "to do" list. No problems... just joy. There is no one in the world I cherish more than I do Hayden and Thomas. I feel so incredibly lucky that they are mine.

Look at his boy. He is no longer little. He is growing up into a wonderful young man. He know who he is, a son of God. He is honest. He has integrity. He is kind. He serves. He is loving. He is really becoming a disciple of Christ in so many ways. I am so proud of him and the incredible heart that he has. I am in awe of him and his goodness.
I love how much my boys love to play. They are happy. They are loving. They serve hard. They play hard. And they love without limits. I love watching them truly enjoy one another and see joy just bursting from their souls. It makes my heart and soul delighted.
Thomas is the love of my life. He is my best friend. He is who I lean on for support. Turn to in my time of need. Want to tell my greatest accomplishments to and my darkest fears. He is my world. I look at him some days and am in awe that I was the one lucky enough to be his wife. I am so glad he chose me.
My family! I love the three of us. I love when we are together. I love the joy and love that we share. I love that no matter what curve balls life throws at us, together we always have each other. What security. What joy!
And I love being a mom to this boy more than words can describe. He is my greatest work of art. He is my souls greatest desire and warmth and joy. I cannot imagine a better gift from my Father in Heaven than the gift of being chosen to be Hayden's mom. There are no words to describe my gratitude.
Some people take New Year's to evaluate their lives and see the changes. To me, it has always been Week 28 of the year... when I take the time to reflect on my life. Really mentally take note of all the changes, challenges, heartaches, joy, comforts, tender mercies, goals and realize all the changes that have taken place in the past year. This year definitely had its ups and downs but more than anything, I have overwhelming gratitude that I was allowed to live to spend another year on the beach with my boys. This is the "good stuff" that life is about... moments with family that bond us together so we can endure whatever life throws at us. We had such a great week. So many memories made. So many wonderful moments to carry us through whatever life has in store for us ahead.

Thank you Oceanside. You have definitely provided us many many moments to look back on and smile. It's not goodbye but a "See you next year" when we come back with a year more of experiences under our belt, another year of challenges overcome, another year of memories and another year of hope and joy!