Kate's Kinder Graduation

I am not too sure how it happened, but my little Kate has grown up and is now officially a kindergarten graduate. We had a great time on Friday watching her end of year show, applauding as she received her award in class (the LifeSaver award because she would always finish her work first and then go help other kids), and celebrating at Wendy's afterward.
The end of the school year has always been an emotional time for me, both when I was a student and now as a mother. It is amazing to look back on the memories made during the year and to see all the things they have learned. As usual, I shed a few tears of gratitude for the wonderful people who have blessed Kate's life this year, especially cute Ms. Woodhouse who helped load the kids into the car each day. Funny how it's the little things that matter the most.
Anyway, I am so proud of Kate. She is an angel in our family. She is a peacekeeper, a helper, a silly monkey, and a smartypants. I could not wish for a better daughter.

Photos: Kate and Keyan, our neighbor who we carpooled with all year, lunch at Wendy's, Kate and Sammie (her favorite friend in K), the family in Kate's classroom for the last time, Kate with Pappy (so nice of him to come down for this!), and Kate with her teacher, Mrs. Curtis.

My Mother's Day

Look at this cute little family who made my favorites-- crepes and orange julius for breakfast!

Trav's mom with the girls. Eve can't be normal in a picture to save her life.

 We had a big family party at Trav's parents house, then stopped by my parents for a few minutes. Randomly, my uncle and aunt were there-- the ones the girls associate with cool rocks. And lucky for us, Uncle Joel did not disappoint. He had geodes for the girls to bust open with a hammer.

 Truly, we were all a little nervous to see Evie with a hammer in her hands. It could end up anywhere.

I am pretty sure this one will be in Kate's wedding video one day.

Taking a crack at it.

The girls were thrilled about all the fun geodes they found. Anna could not wait to bring hers for show and tell and tell everyone how she opened it herself. She looks like she means business.

End of The School Year Fun

May is the crazy busiest time of the year. There's always a wedding, graduation, recital, etc. to go to. Every night is some activity or other and everything is fun, fun, fun! 

I helped out with Anna's Cinco De Mayo party in her class. This is really the first time I have been in Anna's class this year, because it has been pretty inconvenient with a new baby and all. I loved getting the chance to see her classmates and to help them make maracas! Of course I miscounted the number of spoons involved and ran out of supplies, which nearly sent Anna over the edge. Her teacher thought it was hilarious because Anna is a perfect angel in class but had no problem getting fiesty with her mama!

Anna's best friend is Lexie. They are good together, because Lexie is the class clown and Anna is a bookworm, so they each help each other to do things they otherwise wouldn't. Lexie is also Anna's teacher's daughter, which has made for a fun teacher/student relationship. Who else can text their kids' teacher the night before the party?

Next was Mom and Muffins day with Kate's class. She is so sweet. I  loved the chance to spend a little one on one with my girlie!

Kate sticks her tongue out when she is concentrating on something. Isn't that adorable?

Then Field Day with Kate's class. I was too busy running the Bean Bag Toss to get photos during the actual Field Day, but I caught some of the Otter Pops at the end.

As you can see, the reason I am not a professional photographer is that I clearly have no ability to organize people for group photos. But here's most of the kids in her class.
The little guy on the right side in the white shirt is Bentley and he is in love with Kate. Back in November he asked for her phone number so she could come play at his house, and she was all embarrassed about it. She had a good time playing there, but when I suggested we invite him over to play, she kept resisting. Finally she said, "Mom, Bentley always chases me around and tries to kiss me. It bugs me."
O-kay. Maybe we shouldn't encourage this kid?
But all through Field Day he kept sliding up next to her in line, and today when I talked to his mom, she apologized if Bentley has bothered Kate. Apparently he talks about her all the time at home and his parents are trying to help him learn appropriate ways to act with girl friends. So good luck to you, little Bentley. I think you're super cute, but Kate's just playing the field right now.

This Could Possibly Be the Best Day Ever

A couple weeks ago we had one of the best days I can remember. We met Trav's parents up in Sandy at the aquarium and loved seeing all the water animals. Is this not such a sweet picture? Otters are one of my favorite animals because they seem like one of the few animals who actually play, rather than just eat/sleep/hunt. It was so fun to see them swimming around.

 Evie and Anna got really excited about petting the rays, but Kate was hesitant. I couldn't convince her to try it, but she was interested in watching.

After the aquarium, Trav's parents took the kids back to their house so that we could go to the temple. It's been forever since we were able to attend the temple together and it was so wonderful. I left feeling the most overwhelming sense of peace and joy. I love the temple!

Afterward we discovered that they serve gluten free pizza at Hire's in Taylorsville, which was awesome! And who can go there without enjoying the delicious root beer floats? Eve was pretty much in heaven, as you can see.
As we drove home that night, the kids fell asleep and Travis and I got to talk. I felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world. It was a simple kind of day, but everyone was happy, and we were all together. I think that's what heaven will be like. You know, including the root beer floats.

Spring Break Zoo Trip

Spring Break was a while ago, but I am only just getting around to blogging it. : | We went up to the zoo with my mom, as well as the majority of Utahns. It was so packed that we had to park super far away from the zoo at this little dog park.

 We had a little picnic and then climbed around on the huge trees at the park.

This was Max's first trip to the zoo, and as you can see, he was riveted.

They have cleared away a bunch of trees which makes it so much easier to see the tigers.

Eve kept track of the map for us, and kept telling us where to go.

We got pretty thirsty. My cute mom always packs those little Crystal Light drink mixes, and the kids were loving it!

We had to leave shortly after this becase the girls were complaining their legs were too sore to keep walking, and unfortunately I only have a two kid stroller. I was unaware as a new mom that I would need a space for my SEVEN year old!

Mother's Day 2012

My mom is truly the best. I love her so much and appreciate all the sacrifices she has made for me. This year for Mother's Day I gave her a jar of my favorite memories with her, and since I want to keep a copy for myself, I am going to copy them to the blog. You know, just in case I ever actually get around to printing this off into a book.

I remember how we would sit in the hot tub and practice my words for the spelling bee.

I remember how you let Kristi and I drive the Jeep on our road trip to the Grand Canyon, and how we were terrified.

I remember how we couldn’t quite figure out how to set up our tent on one of our girl camp-outs and when we got back from a hike someone else had fixed it for us.

I remember losing my tooth while standing in line with you for a ride in Las Vegas.

I remember how you gave up every Saturday of your life for 3 months a year so you could be at each of my dance competitions.

I remember going on trips with you to your echo conferences—Boston, Florida, New Orleans.

I remember driving with you to San Francisco when Anna and Kate were small and how we stopped in the Sierra Nevadas to stretch our legs and Anna got poison oak. Remember how by the time we got out of the mountains she was covered in an itchy, red rash?

I remember how you drove me to church in West Jordan every Sunday. And mutual. And dance. We did a lot of driving.

I remember doing lots of service projects with you—Thanksgiving Dinner at the homeless shelter, Decker Lake cleanup, United Way Day of Service.

I remember you taking me for walks by the canal at Village II and looking for little baby ducks. It makes me so happy to see you do that with my kids now.

I remember going to coffee with you and your friends. It made me feel so grown up and important to get to do that.

I remember one time at Lake Powell when a major storm blew in and we needed to get the boat off the water. You put Kristi and me in the front of the boat and covered us with your body to keep us from falling out.  I thought you were so brave.

I remember how you took me everywhere with you. I’m sure I was a burden sometimes, but I loved just driving around with you and singing to the radio.

I remember when you got pulled over because I was reading to you and you weren’t paying attention to your driving. I was so afraid the policeman was going to arrest you and take you away from me!

I remember how you would always find someone who needed help at Christmas time and we would go shopping for them.

I remember going to Bear Lake and getting raspberry shakes. Mmmmm.

I remember how every time we would go camping you were always the first one awake and you always made yummy pancakes for us.

I remember climbing into your bed at night when I had a bad dream.

I remember you singing me a song every night before bed. “Jesus Loves the Little Children” or “It’s a Small World” or “What Child Is This?”

I remember you teaching me how to do a cartwheel in the backyard of our old house on Hard Rock Drive.

I remember how we went to Vegas every May for 5 years when I had competitions down there.

I remember how excited you were for Anna to be born. You bought a bunch of baby stuff before we even knew that she was a girl!

I remember how I knew I could ask you to help us with babysitting on your day off when Trav was in school and I was working. I knew I could impose on you….. and still do!

I remember how good you were to my friends growing up. Stefanie, Kristi, and Juan all ask about you every time I talk to them.

I remember how you would read me bedtime stories, even when I was a teenager. Was it “Politically Correct Fairy Tales?”

I remember going to the mall and getting fried zucchini, mushrooms, and cauliflower from Hot Dog on a Stick.

I remember how excited you were when Anna was born; you got to the hospital so fast and were breathless to hold her.

I remember how you stayed at our crummy apartment after Anna was born and did your best to help me figure out how to take care of my first baby. I even remember one of the dinners you made: breaded chicken and potatoes.

I remember how Trav and I hid your Santa Claus statue in your shower. J

I remember shopping for my wedding dress with you, Grandma Kaye, and the Springville Ashby girls.

I remember how you never batted an eye when I wanted to have friends over or a party at your house. Even after I’d grown up and left the house, we still had our college graduation party, Anna’s blessing, and Kate’s first birthday there. Thanks so much, I know how much work that must have been for you.

I remember how you always let me take a friend on vacation with us.

I remember when we went on our trip to the Bahamas and you paid those native ladies to braid my hair.

I remember watching a video about childbirth during my first semester of college and calling you to say thank you for going through that for me.

I remember how you and Dad would sacrifice anything to help me with something.

I remember when I needed to go to the hospital to have Kate and you came to pick up Anna, even though it had only been 3 hours since you’d left our house.

I remember when Anna locked herself in the bathroom at our old apartment and I could not figure out how to get her out, so I called you. And you told me to bust the doorknob off with a hammer and get that baby out of there!

I remember when Travis and I got married, our cupboards were stuffed with spaghetti sauce and cake mixes that you had been stocking up on the whole length of our engagement.

I remember when I thought I was going into labor with Eve and you came down and took the girls for the night. The next day I was still pregnant and you brought them back to me!

I love the way you play with my kids. You are such a fun grandma— always chasing them, going for adventure walks, and dancing to music.

I remember taking the kids to the Manti Temple with you and rolling down the hill.

I remember going to Moab with you, Dad, and the girls and how we found that one trail with the softest sand. The girls were in heaven!

I love that you never lose your patience with my kids, even when they are whiny, sick, or just have too much energy.

I remember how you used to call Anna “Sunshine” and Kate “Smiler.”

I cannot even begin to remember the number of times you have watched my kids for me so that I could run errands, go to the temple, or take a nap. It has kept me sane!

I remember lots of hikes with you—Bridal Veil, the Grotto in Payson Canyon, Secret Lake, etc. Pretty much any time we are out in nature, you are up for a hike.

Doing the Parade of Homes with you last year was one of my favorite things ever.

I remember how much fun we would have with Back to School shopping each year.

I remember sitting next to you at the counter at night, both of us with our noses in a book and eating ice cream.

I remember going to the library with you and bringing home dozens of books for both of us. I think you are the reason I love reading, and I think that is the reason my kids love reading. Thank you so much!

I remember when Dad fell off the roof. I watched you do literally everything for him for 3 months without complaint. You taught me what true love really means.

I admire your resilience. Things have not always been easy or perfect for you, but you have always pushed through, generally with a smile on your face.

I remember that day that we went to the zoo and the parking lot was so full that we had to park our cars at the dog park down the road. You made it so fun for the kids by climbing trees and finding flowers and tossing Max in the air.

I remember how hard you worked to make your backyard beautiful for my wedding reception. It was perfect!

I remember how Kristi used to call you Wilma.

I admire the way you haven’t given up on Mike. You have shown me how deep a mother’s love runs.

Something's Missing....

Miss Kate lost her first tooth! It had been loose forever, but one morning she laid on my bed for about 2 hours just wiggling that tooth and reading Junie B. Jones. Finally she came to me and said it was ready. I felt in there, and it wasn't quite ready, but I sat down with her and wiggled that little tooth until it came out. I am so grateful that I set aside my laundry basket to spend the time with her to wiggle her tooth. She is such a precious daughter, full of joy and sweetness. She often gets overlooked because of Anna's drama and Eve's terrible threes, but this little girl is so special to me and I love her to pieces.
Kate was thrilled beyond reason to lose this tooth. She took to school with her to show all her pals, who were appropriately impressed. But you better believe she made sure to bring it home and stick under her pillow that night. She had spent the whole day telling Eve how the Tooth Fairy brings money and she was not disappointed!

A List of All the Things I've Done Wrong Today

1. Showered, but never got around to actually doing my hair. Then went out in public multiple times.
2. Took my kids to the park and didn't put sunscreen on them.
3. Wiped my baby's boogery nose on his blanket, and laid it down for him to sleep on.
4. Let Max eat wood chips at the park because I was busy pushing Eve on the swings.
5. Forgot one of the essential pieces to the Cinco De Mayo craft I was in charge of for Anna's class.
6. Brought jicama to the class party. Allrecipes.com said it's a favorite Mexican snack, but Mrs. Weight's first grade class disagrees.
6. Left one of the carpool kids at the school because I couldn't find him. (It turned out he had gone home with his dad, so that's a relief.)
7. Forced my kids to do their after school jobs even though I hadn't done any of my chores for the day.
8. Neglected to call the dentist. Again.
9. Accidentally let my wild and crazy dog out of the house while we were trying to leave this morning.
10. Since my dog doesn't come when I call her, I drove the van halfway down the street, opened the door, and said, "Daisy, let's go for a ride." An extremelly short ride back to the house. That's right-- I LIED TO MY DOG.
11. Wore my husband's triathlon T-shirt. No, I have never done a triathlon, but I kind of like looking like I did.
12. Calmly stepped around the growing pile of clean laundry on my floor and didn't worry about getting it folded and put away.
13. Fed my children leftover soup for dinner. The reason there was leftover soup was because they didn't like it the first time..... and it didn't go over any better tonight. So, essentially, I am starving my children.
14. Coddled Kate when what she more deserved was a time-out.
15. Set a wet wash cloth on top of Anna's 100% math test, which left a water mark. This was a major transgression which resulted in a hysterical fit of tears-- not my own.

The good news is that although I had a rough day, I did not yell at my kids (probably because I lost my voice). I did not swear, gamble, cheat, or lie. I did not spend any money. I did not gossip, even though I was at the park with 4 other ladies. I was supportive of my husband and didn't even get upset when he went back to work after we got the kids to bed and left me with all the dishes (which is only fair since it's the only housework I did today.) I did sit out in the sunshine with the girls after school and chat with them. I did take the time when I was putting Anna to bed to tell her a story of how I broke a bad habit of chewing my thumb, in an effort to encourage her to stop picking at her cuticles. And, yes, finally, I did the dishes. And rewarded myself with Rocky Road ice cream afterward.
So I'm not perfect. There's a long list of things that I could improve. But at least I'm doing some things right.