Memorial Day weekend

This post is sort of a "hodge podge" of what I'm doing and thinking right now.

Today, we put flowers on my parents graves in Provo, and also my grandpa's grave in American Fork. I don't know if Memorial Day means much to those who are no longer on this earth, but it makes me feel good to remember and honor them. Actually, I do that most days, but today I bring flowers.

That subject brings me to the next one. I've been reading my new book by Li-Young Lee called "Behind My Eyes." I have known of this poet for years and have admired certain poems of his. Reading this book has really made me fall into his writing. He writes so well of common everyday things, but his words make me feel like I am slipping into a dream. One of his lines says, "I'm never finished answering to the dead." Great stuff!

Happy Memorial Day.

Food, Glorious Food!

Micah played the part of an orphan in a performance of "Oliver Twist" yesterday. He sang the "Food, Glorious Food" song and danced. His 1st grade class put on the play with their 6th grade buddy readers. They have enjoyed their one on one reading times with these buddy readers all year, and been invited to participate with them in several activities. These have included history studies, a trip and performance at an elderly care facility, and this play. It has been so much fun for them. Here are some pics of the play, and one of Micah and his buddy reader (Edmar).

Dashing through the snow...

We were gifted with a late season rain and then snowstorm this morning. I was able to experience it in full, because I drove on an "end of the year" field trip to the library with Micah's class. Carson went with us. I was tempted to have the kids join me in singing Christmas Carols on the way there. However, once inside the library, we had a good time learning about how to care for borrowed books, taking a tour, and hearing some stories. My kids could have probably led the tour, but were patient with the whole thing.

My final mock-up copy of my chapbook came in the mail today. Carson went to check the mail, and came running in as fast as he could, all smiles, waving the manilla envelope and yelling. He even got to open it first. My kids have been witness to my many rejections, years of work, and my successes. They know the struggles, and the importance of not giving up when you love something. It's fun to have those moments like today, when I can see in their faces how proud they are of me.

Cub Scout Olympics

Last night was Carson's Pack meeting. This one was our Cub Scout Olympics for our ward. Carson took 3rd place, competing against everyone, not just the boys his age. It was fun and a great confidence builder for him. He is naturally athletic, though he does not compete on any teams. You know he didn't get that from his mother:)

This morning, Carson and I went for our daily walk. Our neighbor (somewhere) has a rooster, and the big boy was crowing his head off. It reminds me that even though we live in a populated area, there is still farm country out here. When we first moved here, instead of a school we had two mules living behind our house. We enjoyed feeding them apples and carrots, and were sad when the farmer moved them.

A day at the zoo

We spent the day at Hogle Zoo. It was lots of fun, and about 101 miles of walking from my point of view. We saw several new animal babies, among them a baby elephant (Zuri) and a rare baby Siamese Crocodile. Here are some pics of the day.

Two little fish with very big attitudes

These are our pets. Their bowls sit next to each other, and being fighting fish, they like to show off to each other. This is Carson's fish "Sushi" and Micah's red fish "Pepper."

Mother's Day

Today is a time to celebrate with my own children, and also to remember my own mother and all the great women who have gone before me. Here are some photos of my Grandma, Mom, and me on my blessing day. One of my Mom and me at the Grand Canyon. Of course, a few of Dakota, Carson, Micah, and me today.

Warmer days

Our Spring as been a fickle chick this year. On the sunshiney days we have tried to get out and have some fun.

Dakota is getting taller each day. His voice is deep and he is often mistaken for his dad on the phone.

Carson keeps me going and organized, as usual. He has a new pet fish (a Crown Betta) named "Sushi."

Micah just mastered riding his bike without training wheels. He did that in two days. He also lost another tooth, one of his front ones.

Here are some pics.