The Zoo

Hibiscus Flower

My Monkey's on the Rhino!

Grace hanging around!

Beckham and Grandma waiting for the Bird show to start.





Still waiting for the bird show to start!
These guys were front row joes!

How cute is miss Annika in all her freckle glory?

Just can't get enough of her.

Beckham again, monkeying around

The bald eagle, Very patriotic.

The Tiger, it was huge

The baby and Mama Elephants!

So stinking cute. I could have sat there all day and admired her!

The End

No, really, that's the end!

The first weekend of summer my Mom and I took the kids to the zoo. My Mom purchased a Grandparents pass for the next year. The kids are thrilled. When we pulled in my spirits were dampered a little bit by the amount of cars already lined up in the parking lot. It was busy, but we managed to scoot around people.

The zoo is nothing like what I recall from my childhood. They have done so many improvements with more plans in the future. I'm glad that it's busy and thriving. I just wish I could go when there aren't so many other people. I like to pretend I'm the only one there. I try and avoid crowds at all costs.

We had a great time watching the bird show, the tiger drink and pace, the baby elephant eat from the trainers hand, and bats eye us from just feet above our heads. It was a great trip and we can't wait for our next visit!

Thanks Grandma, your the greatest!

While we were walking up to Nature's Nightmare Exhibit a woman pulled in line just ahead of us. She ended up reserving that spot in line for her Mother and her 3 sisters plus all their children. I quickly became annoyed. Why do I do that? I get so irritated when people do the same things that I would do. Maybe that's why I get a little nervous when I actually pull something off similar to that. I try to avoid peoples eyes and sush my children. Oh the small quirks in society.

Fruition

My two bald boys!

When you have small children it's hard not to think of the day when they'll all be in school and you'll be left with so much time on your hands. 2 months after moving into this house I gave birth to Beckham, my 5th child. Jaren was only in kindergarten and gone for just 2.5 hrs a day. I remember trying to nurse Beckham in the front room. We struggled since he had thrush and the infection kept going between his mouth and my breast. It was a chore. It took everything in me to sit down and try to nurse. Hence the alone time I was taking in the front room. This particular memory takes place on a Saturday since I remember Brent went golfing. I hadn't heard Isabel and Annika in a while so I thought I better go and check on them. NEVER LEAVE TWIN 3 YEAR OLDS to their own devices. What happens if you do? An emptied fridge of jam, corn tortillas and raw eggs all scrambled together on your new carpet. I was at my whits end. I was in pain, I was in tears, and I was alone. I called Brent in tears begging him to come home. He came home, when his round of golf was over with. It's at those very moments when school days can't come soon enough. Until they finally do, and you wonder what happened to all the time.

Yesterday while at the Library Beckham really wanted to play a game on the computer. Well, it was time to go and I had to pull him away. He was upset. I thought to myself, I'll just bring him more often once shool starts. My next immediate thought was, No you can't, he's going into first grade and will be gone all day long. My emotions soon flooded to the surface and I had to hold back tears, just as I'm recalling those fresh feelings writing this. Baby Beckham is no longer a baby. He's 6 years old and going into first grade. My dreams of all my kids going into school all day has come to fruition. It's harder to cholk then I ever thought it would be.

At this point I start wondering if I did everything I needed to do for my kids. I know time is not completely up with them. But it's quickly slipping away. I need to stop wishing for the future to come more quickly. It's already here. What a great reminder to myself to love and enjoy my children while they are still mine and at home. Not torn away by the ways of the world and peer pressure.

Besides, not all my children are in school yet. I still have Grace to tag along with me every where I go.

Warning: Psychotic Birds Ahead!

This morning while on my walk I was literally attacked by birds! I'm not kidding in any way shape or form. People passing by could see me covering my head with my hoody and screaming for my life. Yes, I realize I am 10x bigger then they are. But they have beaks to poke my eyeballs out, and talons to rip my ears off! It was SCARY!!! I wasn't planning on doing any running today, but was forced to, to save my life. I'm sure you've seen those birds if you've ever walked on Canyon Rd. I'm talking about the small black birds, with psychotic white eyes! They usually dive bomb me a few times, but nothing like this morning. Those black birds should all be shot!! When I thought I finally escaped them, they reappeared a few yards ahead. One of them was waiting for me in the road, he must have been playing look out. I wont be walking along that stretch of Canyon Road! Yikes that was scary.

In Memory Of

As we were looking for Grandpa's grave this tank came barreling down the side road.

Like an embarassing Mom, I had the kids quickly run up to the road so I could get a good shot.

This was the best of the bunch I took.

We miss you Grandpa Les

Brent forced to be in a picture.

We miss you Grandma and Grandpa Edwards!

In the end, Grace could stay awake no longer.

Sleep overcame her still after being pulled out of the suburban.

While walking back to the cars Brent spotted this engraven tile.
We had never noticed it before.
Grandpa was being honored for his service in the military.

Usually on Memorial Day we just get together with family and celebrate with a b-q. This year we actaully made it to several graves. Our first stop was at Granpa Les's. He passed away just last year. I figured it was going to be busy. But I wasn't expecting Police Men to directing traffic in an out of the Orem Cemetary. I think we just timed it all wrong. They must have had some sort of program and we arrived just as it was ending. I couldn't believe the swarms of people there! We waited for probably a good 10 minutes before the police men directed us in. We found a parking spot and started searching for Grandpa's grave. We hadn't been there since his funeral last year. Luckily it didn't take us long to find it. We didn't stay long or say any words. Next year I'm going to do it differently. I would like to read some sort of poem or favorite memory that I have of our loved ones that have gone on. It just didn't feel right. I'm glad we made it any way, in honor of their memory.

Next stop Grandma Penny and Grandpa Rick's. We had hambergers, and they were the best burgers I've had in a long time. I don't know what my brother does to those things, but they were dang good.

On our way home we stopped by my Grandparent's grave, Grandma Charlotte and Grandpa Edwards. It was nice to see that the headstone was properly ingraven. We could tell that other people had come to pay their respects. Again, I had no peom or words to say. Next year will be different.

Both Grandpa's had served in the military. They both had honorably served thier country willingly and with pride. I am so grateful to the service men of old and new. For their sacrifice to ensure that my freedoms are kept strong and alive. I am grateful for their families sacrifice in letting them leave and live without them for a time. And for some of them paying the ulitmate sacrifice, their own lives. This country is worth fighting for. Even though we are living in uncertain and perilous times. I believe we should fight even harder and with more valor.

Faking It!

I forgot mention a few posts ago how many kids are in softball/baseball and how many games we actually have to juggle. Jaren plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Isabel and Annika(on the same team) play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Beckham who also plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On those two days we have to figure out how to get to 3 games. Sometimes they are all at the same time. Other days they are staggered.

Yesterday we had just two games to juggle. Just as Isabel was getting on her uniform she started to complain of chest pains. Oh really, I thought to myself. She also complained of a stomach ache. Skeptical of her symptoms I told her she better go right up to her room and get into bed. What am I suppose to do when every now and then she grabs desperately at her chest. I did call Isabel down for some Top Ramen. She asked me what I thought the pain was. I told her, "A bad case of I don't want to go to my softball game-itis." People, you know your own children. You know when they are faking and when they aren't. She was faking. I wish I was a quick witted as my husband though. When he got home he asked Isabel if she was still in pain. She said yes. He told her we better take her to the hospital cause chest pains are serious. Her eyes got a little bigger and she said the pains, miraculously, went away.

I understand the fear and anxiety that come moments before a game. Even in a simple city league. Hello, that's why I passed on the chance to play on a women's team. The pressure to hit that small ball and then sprint to first basing hoping to heaven that you can get your fat butt moving faster then the ball. I would fake chest pain too!!

Summer Hair

The look: Short, short, short!!

And if your the baby, pony in the front!

Awesome Mohawk Man!!

My homage to Glee!!
Puck for a Day!!!

Yes, it is clearly off center.

Not the reason it only lasted a day.

The Friday after school got out the kids and I trekked to Grandma Penny's. Grace desperately needed a hair cut. As much as I want to grow her hair out, she just look better with it short. For some crazy reason, all of her hair grows forward. It is constantly having to be put in a princess twist. The longer it is, the more it just gets into her face. I had plans to just trim the rest of the girls hair, except for Isabel. She needed a major overhaul. One morning while brushing out her hair I noticed flaking skin, or dried shampoo and conditioner. Not knowing what it really was, or maybe a combination of both I decided Isabel needed short hair. Why you ask? It's hard to take care of long hair. Some where along the way I had failed in teaching her how to appropriately wash that head of hers. Aside from actually getting in the shower with her, I'd have to start all over again. Both Hannah and Annika wanted super short hair as well. *Sigh* Hair is one thing I am not going to fight over. It is one way for them to express who they are. Unless they don't know how to shampoo properly, then I have to step in. Grinning and Bearing it, I allowed their hair to be chopped off, once again. Isabel's still isn't as short as I would like it, and Hannah & Annika is way to short for my liking. It's just hair, right?

What's with the Mohawk on Beckham's head? Well, you know how I pure love Glee? I just love Puck's mohawk and thought Beckham would look stinking adorable in one too! And he is adorable. But both my Mom and Husband loath the look. I wanted it to be a complete surprise to Brent. I wanted to push his buttons and get a reaction out of him. I would have, if Beckham hadn't of spilled the beans the night before!! We had a wedding to go to the next day so the beloved Mohawk was shaved completely off 15 minutes before we left. At least I had my Puck for a day!

My New Address For the Summer:

The Ball Park!

See how Annika tightens her grip on her choice of weapon?

Despite her small size, she can relly hit!
No, really, she can



Isabel on the other hand would do better at designing the softball outfit!
She's at least determined to do her best!
That's all we ask.



Jaren, the experience hitter.

He finds success 50% of the time.

This time, he struck out.

Wow, he's growing up!

I don't think he could look more like his Dad with that smile!!

Being married to my man of choice thrusted me into the world of sports. I had no idea that my summers were going to be filled with baseball bats and gloves. I had no idea I would be driving from one game to another pulling my hair out in between. It wasn't until last year that I realized I had better change my attitude or my summers were going to be miserable. So I ponied up, pulled my hair back, and settled in for the long ride. Changing my attitude has made a world of difference. Some nights are still difficult. Especially when I lose track of time and didn't get dinner started when I should have and the house is still a mess when I return from being gone for 3+ hours. But it's a good life. I hope my kids will leave with good memories of summer. Playing at the playground, watching everyone else play ball and playing themselves.

Last Day of School

Mrs. Bourne with Jaren

Leaving the world of Elementary School and

Entering the world of Junior High, YIKES!!

Mrs. Stirland with Hannah
What a great year it's been for her!



Mr. Rigby with both Isabel and Annika
Next year, off to seperate classes again!

The last day of school was a super busy one for me. It wasn't all about the kids like it should have been. I did take them out to breakfast at McDonald's. They all chose something off the dollar menu and a drink. It's awesome how all drinks are just a dollar. They never get drinks so they were thrilled with the prospect. Even more then the food, they enjoyed romping around on the playground. I am trying so hard to allow my children to experience their childhood instead of forcing them to grow up sooner then they deserve. It's hard to not feel like people are wondering "what in the is that mother thinking", and allow them to scream and jump and act silly. They played for a super short minute and we all scrambled to the car to get to school on time. We made home in time for them to walk to school One Last Time. For Jaren, it will be the last time, since he's off to Junior High next year. Be still my heart. Each one complained all the way out the door.

After they left I went to breakfast myself, then to Walmart, then home again home again to mee the children dear. Right after school we ventured to Great Grandma's house to do some cleaning. After spending 2 hours of my precious time there it was home again home again to do cleaning of my own. I was stressed quite a bit since I had so much to do before my book club ladies came calling. The stress became too much and the storm screamed out of my mouth and the victims were my poor children. Lucky for them they all escaped to Jaren's baseball game with Dad. Unlucky for me, just two ladies showed up. All that work and fuss and stress for naught.

The last day of school should be filled with fun and carefree activities. It just came up on me faster then I expected. I blame the weather. It just doesn't feel like summer break weather. I knew it was coming, I could feel it in my bones. I will try and make it up to my kids with some great acitivities.