A Pain in the Shoulder

Beckett had a rough game last week. During an aggressive play, he got hit hard. It took him a minute to get up, and when he did, he was holding and flexing his shoulder. I was kind of concerned, but he assured me he was fine. A few minutes later, he was crying as the coaches were trying to get his pads off. I immediately ran down to the field and met him under the tunnel. He collapsed on me, sobbing into my shoulder about how badly he wanted to play football. I just hugged him. 

The sports trainer looked at him and thought he had injured his AC joint and suggested we get an x-ray. However, the head coach came to talk to me and suggested I get a second opinion from one of the other coaches. We did so, and he felt confident that it was more of a muscle issue rather than a bone issue.  Considering what I have watched the sports trainer do and not do, I didn't take his advice. In all honesty, I don't trust that man or his skill. 

Beckett is taking a few days off to rest his shoulder, and it's already feeling better. He'll probably be out for a week or two, but it's not season-ending. So we're feeling grateful. 

 

Back to School

It's that time of year! Back to school. This is a big year for us. We have the oldest in elementary, middle school, and high school! 

Kyle is in 6th grade. The oldest in elementary. He isn't in my homeroom class, but I do get to see him multiple times a day in rotations. He is witty, funny, and kind to everyone. 

Cache is starting 8th grade. He is the oldest in middle school. He is excited to be in guitar this trimester and is taking advanced math. He knows who he is, what he loves, and stays true to himself. 

Beckett is a sophomore this year. He has great friends and is a good kid. He is hilarious and keeps us on our toes. He is a good example, and people are drawn to him. 

Tayden is a senior! I can not believe it. I want him to stop growing up, but I refuse to pout about it and miss out on the fun. He is more and more independent every day and can't wait to see the world around him. I'm excited to see him take on the world. Even while he is wearing a little kid backpack. 

 

Soccer

After a season of fall football, Kyle returned to soccer. He loves this game and is getting better at it. He has a great coach this season who is really working on conditioning and fundamentals. In fact, when I picked him up after his first practice, he said, "I quit football to get away from all this conditioning and running!" But now, he is happy with how much better shape he is in and how his endurance is increasing. He hasn't played goalie this season, but has learned to love being a defender. I'm proud of this kid. Sports don't come as easily to him as they do to his two older brothers, but he hasn't given up, and that makes me so proud. 

 

Cross Country

Cache started cross-country this year, and it has been so great for him. He is loving the sport, and even better, he is making friends. It's been fun for him to be part of something without having to compete on a team. He loves leaving school for meets and riding the bus with friends, and I love watching him. I really hope this sticks! 

 

Mennear Family Pictures 2026

Having all the Mennears together when Gracie opened her mission call was such a treat. We were lucky enough to take family pictures with all of us together. I love these people and feel grateful to call them family. 

 

Broken Collar Bone x 3

I was shopping at Kohls last week when my phone rang. It was Tayden's coach, and my heart sank. I knew something was wrong. I answered, and my oldest was on the other end of the line. He said, "Mom. We have a problem. I just broke my collarbone." I dropped everything and headed to the school to pick him up. He was fine until he got in the car and he broke down in tears. He said, "I prayed last night. On my knees! That God would keep me safe this year." My heart has never broken quite like that before. 

We got an x-ray and sure enough, it was broken. We got into the car and talked about what choices he had. He could either be angry and turn away from God, which honestly, would be understandable. Or, he could turn to God and let this be a refining moment. He could use this opportunity to draw closer to God and strengthen his testimony. 

We got home, and our bishop came over to help give him a blessing. He talked about how grateful he was for a hard trial that his oldest son went through because it helped prepare him for his mission. He talked about having faith even when things are hard or we don't understand. 

I did great the whole time we were out dealing with the broken bone, but when we got home, I lost it. I called my mom and told her how angry I was at God. I felt so betrayed for my son. I cried and cried the rest of the night. Not because I was upset that he wouldn't be playing football, but because my heart was breaking for him. The love and devastation I felt for my son in the moment was more than I could take. I was also wildly in awe of him, as he put on a brave face. It was crazy emotional. 

As we talked, we decided we are going to expect a miracle, just as President Nelson taught. He is taking bone supplements and using bone rub. I am mustering every ounce of faith that I have for my son that he can heal quickly and play at the end of the season. I am determined there will be a lesson in this and I hope it is that faith can bring healing. 

During all of this, I am so grateful for the community that has rallied around us. Countless people have called and texted to check on him. People have stopped us at the store and in the streets asking about him. Friends, teammates, and coaches have come to the house with treats and well wishes. They are the miracle in all of this. 

This isn't how we anticipated his senior season going, but here we are. It's heartbreaking. But watching my son face this setback with such faith and determination has been completely awe-inspiring. He is so much more than football, and while this may slow him down, it's not going to stop him. I'm always proud of him on the field, but I'm forever proud of him on the field. 

Senior Banner

Tayden got his senior football pictures done for his banner. They turned out so good! I can't believe we are already here!