PG City Fireman's Breakfast

Around the first weekend in May Kyle gets very excited about the annual Fireman’s Breakfast in Pleasant Grove. That is when they put the big banner across the front of the fire station announcing the event. Every day as we pass the station, either to or from daycare, Kyle has to ask “are we going to go see Mokey mom?”

We have tried to go every year that we have lived in PG. The kids enjoy going and seeing the inside of the station and sitting in the trucks. Kyle has made huge leaps over past years when it comes to seeing Smokey the Bear. Last year he was not asking if we were going to see smoky, he would ask questions like “Mom, do’s Mokey hab teef?” I guess teeth means you mean, because that was Kyle’s way of finding out if Smokey would bite him.

This year the boys were with Donovan the weekend of the Breakfast. They invited Alexis and me along so we met them there. I can’t recall in all the years we have gone being able to eat my whole breakfast, or eating it while it is warm. I am typically trying to feed someone little and keeping them nearby as they take in the excitement of the fireman preparing the food, the sound of the siren going off every 15 minutes and Smokey walking around saying hi to all the kids. This year was no different. I am glad we I was able to go and share in this moment with the kids.

This past year the station purchased a new truck that is simply any man’s dream toy! The Pierce Manufacturing truck is custom-made and was designed according to the PG firefighter specifications to meet city needs. The truck was $927,000 and an additional $100,000 in equipment was added to outfit the truck. Oh and I asked, no it doesn’t have a stereo, DVD player or any other type of entertainment sound system. If your gonna have an expensive ride you’d think it would have quality sound! But it has plenty of fun gadgets, knobs and buttons to make up for it!

Obscure Gifts Giving Occasions

I was wondering around a boutique near work one afternoon and I found the cutest little purse that I knew Alexis would absolute love! It was made out of pop can tops, so very “reused, renew, recycled” but a little on the pricy side. I could only feel justified in giving her such a cute gift if I had a reason and Christmas was over half a year away... I couldn’t wait that long. So I set it down and walked away. A week later I realized that Earth Day was right around the corner; that was PERFECT! So I returned and purchased the cute little bag.
Now came the dilemma, with 5 kids you can’t get 1 something with our al least 2 of the other 4 throwing a fit. So I had to come up with a plan. I would like to thank Alexis for this idea. We would celebrate Obscure Holidays, why not, they are on the calendar. We should use them to our advantage and celebrate.

Alexis received her little bag for Earth Day and then next in line was Courtney, she got Cinco de Mayo. What says Mexican holiday more than a piñata? Watching Alexis bob that piñata up and down as Courtney tried to whack it with a wooden spoon was freaking hilarious.

Next is Brittany, I need to find the perfect obscure holiday for her. How about Flag Day or even better Utah’s Pioneer Day?

I have decided the there are only two ways that appliances are purchased:
1. You are remodeling your kitchen or buying a new place or
2. They stop working. That’s it. People are not out there looking at a new fridge or stove just because the season change and you want a new color. Nooo… You always say, I like that, but I will wait till mine DIES till I get a new one!

Well it must have been time for mine to go, because in the end it decided that the oven was NOT going to turn off. When the coil was about to catch on fire, it was time to unplug it and call it. Time of death May 22, 2010 at 11:23 PM.


The new upgrade arrived a few days later. Yes, Yes I know.. I would prefer gas, I also would prefer stainless steel but since I got a new white dishwasher for Christmas and I am not in a position to remodel the entire kitchen, the stainless steel will have to wait for now.. or till these die!

Curbing

On more than one occasion said how much I love my yard. I love the feeling I get when people walk past and make complements, does that make me a yard snob? I love when they slow down and take it all in. I have a grand master plan in my head for how I want it all to look one day; it includes curbing, a pergola, large patio, and a red BBQ grill (YES this is a yard fixture- don’t question it), but each step is pricy.

For YEARS I have wanted to add curbing and this year a curbing fairy came out of nowhere and offered to install it for me. Ken Huff, Wayne to me, is a distant cousin of mine. We grew up in the same neighborhood in Orem and reconnected on Face book as most friends and distant cousins do. Here are the pictures of how it turned out. Looks good hu! I love it!!!

It makes my flowers look better too!

Poem's to Courtney

Courtney has a... well let's just say an admirer. His name is Bailey Carlson. He absolutely adores Courtney. How do we know this, well he puts his admiration into poems that he writes for his English class, but Courtney's friends all swear that they are about her. I have to tell you I think they are sort of sweet.. in a obsessive kinda way.

A Little Extra

By Orpheus

When she smiles her smile

The way she turns her hair

As she simply walks

There's something extra there

It's not a normal smile

A grin can't bait my heart

How does she do it

I guess I'm not that smart

The way she flips her hair

Like a wave crahing to the shore

As time seems to fold over

And suddenly life is more

How she laughs so wonderfully

A simple cheerful giggle

It has a little extra

And I'm caught as I stare

Even the way she walks

The way she seems to glide

Like an eagle in her beauty

Affection I can't hide

The way she lives

Even the way she breathes

She adds a little extra

Just the way she is

Pondering Aloud

by Orpheus

So many questions

To think about

Should I write more for her

And then I doubt

I've become love struck

And ashamed in two

But at the same time

I'll walk it through

She's beautiful and funny

I write more about her

And now I found

That she reads all my writings

And now I don't know

If I should keep writing

I put in my word

As others keep fighting

I'm swimming in questions

I'm crying for joy

I want her to like me

But I'm just a boy

I try as I might

To impress her dearly

As her beautiful smile

Shines so clearly

I long to see her

But I know not what she wants

And I wish for an answer

Should I keep writing

Thinking of Her

By Orpheus

Even when she said she doesn't

I still say I do

When I am looked over

My confession stands true

Your eyes shine like the sea

And I'm lost as I stare

The touch of your hand

Would my heart tear

The charm that you have

That makes me feel lost

I long for a hand

The map of your love

I know you don't feel so

But I still do

When I'm feeling good

I mutter I love you

The swing of your body

The swish of your hair

You smile so sweet

That it breaks my heart

The skip in your step

The glow in your eyes

Even though you don't like me

Your beauty makes me try

Come Straight Out

By Orpheus

I am very confused

At the way the girls do act

When I say I like their friend

And they giggle and smile at me

But their smiles just remind me

Of her heartbreaking smile

Even though she has braces

Her beauty shines for miles

As she walks by I stop to stare

I look away when she sees me

And as she turns her waist long hair

I am struck with the love from cupids arrow

And still her friends laugh when I say

That she stops me dead

When I see her face

But my heart drops like lead

So I ask them now

Why do you embarrass me

What do you gain

In this evil game

Just tell me what you think

Don't be a child

You know something I don't

And you can't hide it

So come straight out

With what you know

Your laughing a guise

For a knowledge filled throne

Love Does Not Hide

By Orpheus

What is wrong with people

That criticize true words

They laugh at love like hyenas

Because the true meaning they've not heard

I compliment a girl

And they giggle when they hear

I smile as she walks by

While others are laughing near

I know this poem is short

But it wasn't intended to be long

I was trying to get a cross a point

Not sing a song

These poems were never given to Courtney, just written for credit. Then one day she recieved this:

Truthful Confessions

To Courtney

I'm going to be truthful now

I still am not sure why

You can be so elegant

And have passed me by an by

I say I kind of like you

And I've written it down in ink

I ask that you give me an answer

And tell me what you think

Your long blond hair falls like silk

It puts me in a trance

And if I could have the choice

I'd have it we would dance

Around and under the shining light

And I would hold you tight

And maybe for what I lack

you would hug me back

Your eyes sparkle in the light

For you I'd try with all my might

You're the cutest that I've seen

And I always say what I mean

I've been truthful with you

I've said what I like you

So now I ask in sincerity

Do you like me too

Umm...wow. How sweet is that?! Poor Courtney felt awful. She has had her eye on someone else and she knew she had to break this poor boy heart. Later the following were written.

HeartBroken

By Orpheus

The days when love is strong

When I long to be with her

When classes seem too long

The sands of time freeze over

Until she says to me

An almost song like break up

The fire of love is doused

As I wake up

The shadow of love gives longing

A memory there but faint

Like a dream you can't remember

Of a long forgotten saint

A taste from days long past

A blunt dull sour sugar

A happy memory that does not last

That is replaced with gloom from far

The shadow of made up memory

One that blinks out of existence

That did not happen in this life

A future vision from the past

Like a mountain looming over

Rejection's a burden hard to bare

Wandering alone in the forest

When I see a maiden standing there

She's always been there

To help with my needs

But I overlooked her

In my foolish greed

A broken heart is hard to heal

Its a wound that's not quite there

As feelings flow out

A tender hand will always care

So even though it's hard

My shattered heart ajar

I am open to new life

And it need not come from afar

The Beauty of a Girl

By Orpheus

She smiles like the sun

Her hips swing as she walks

The love in her face

Stops me while she talks

Perfection in each step

I cannot help but stare

Her beauty has me stopped

I think of her everywhere

A dance a hug or a peck on the cheek

I'd pick one of the three

Any day of the week

When I sleep it's her I see

The melody in her voice

Heaven in her smile

Falling for her was not my choice

For her I'd crawl a thousand miles

Whenever I walk by

I cannot help but sigh

And think to myself

Dang she's cute

The Face That Launched My Heart

By Orpheus

Her hair is like the sun

Skin that's smooth as rolling waves

Her eyes glisten one by one

As She steals my will away

My heart skips a beat

I long for an embrace

Falling into the labyrinth of her eyes

When I see the glow of her face

The fire of my soul

Burns as I see her golden locks

Her smile fills the hole

In my heart as I'm struck with love

She's the Helen of my life

The face that lifts me up

The only girl that makes feel this way

From her voice I will not stray

She doesn't need to launch a thousand ships

For me to notice her elegant hips

The way her body flows

I'd kneel and before her bow

The eyes that I'm lost in

Her arms spread apart

To give me hug

As I see the face that launched my heart

You're as Perfect as You Need to Be

By Orpheus

I could say you're perfect

That you take my breath away

But I would be lying

And you probably wouldn't stay

Your face is like an angel

Is something else that I could say

But using clichés is cheesy

And also pushes you away

Your lips are red as roses

Your sadness makes me cry

Your face shines like the moon

But these would all be lies

My heart doesn't skip a beat

Your eyes don't twinkle like stars

You are not quite perfect

But if you leave I'll be scarred

You don't need to be perfect

To steal my heart away

You're good enough for me

Any week any day

I'll be there for you

Like water in the ocean

The way the sun shines

I will smile for you

You're beautiful as flowers in spring

When I sleep it's you I see

This is the truth

You're as perfect as you need to be

The Day That Never Ends

By Orpheus

Your the sun that always shines

Your the day that never ends

Your eyes that always sparkle

Remind me you're my friend

You are always there

We'd make a cute pair

Your flowing hair

And me standing there

You take my breath away

Every time you walk by

Whenever I see you

I stare every time

I take a second look

And watch till you're out of sight

Because if I notice you

Notice me you might

A Peck on the Cheek

By Orpheus

You girls are so pretty

And perfect and witty

When you walk by

I'm lost in your eyes

Your hair flows like honey

Your smile, so sunny

Your gaze makes me weak

All I wants a peck on the cheek

The curves of your body

That add to your beauty

Sweet as you are

All I do is stare

Your lips soft as clouds

I'm lost in shrouds

When I try to talk

I get scared, turn, and walk

You are humble

I am meek

I just mumble

For a peck on the cheek

A hug will do fine

A hug that is mine

The warmth of your body

You're such a hottie

Id fall limp your arms

Any day of the week

All that I ask

Is a peck on the cheek

A peck on the cheek

Is that too much to ask

A peck on the cheek

A peck on the cheek

Brittany 6th Grade Graduation

Brittany graduated from 6th grade. No really. Her school has a themed graduation ceremony every year for the 6th graders. Ya, I know I totally do not remember have a 6th grade graduation either! This year was Alice in Wonderland. The school gym was decorated beautifully; it was done very well. All the kids wore top hats and at the end they even moved their tassel from one side to the other. Brittany looked so cute in her new dress and hat.

By the size of this grin you can tell she is excited for something?

Her new dress,

summer vacation,

the 6th grade dance,

all of the above.

I hope she is ready for Jr. High... the move from elementary school to Jr. High, in my opinion, has to be the hardest of all school transitions. No more recess, multiple classes and teachers, extracurricular activities, peer pressure, clicks,.... UGH! makes me want to crawl into a hole.. maybe I am just having flashbacks (for the record, I hated Jr. High!).

Congratulations Brittany!

Prom Princess

Alexis looked amazing in her prom dress. We got lucky, the first store we went to was close by in (of all places) "down town" Pleasant Grove, it was the second dress she tried on and it was perfect; she still tried on a ton more... but kept coming back to this one.

The dress was altered at the store to add a back and straps. They had to add some snaps too, but placed them into the wrong place and as a result we had to call over a neighbor, Karen Decker, at the last minute to sew her in. Tucker arrived to pick up Alexis to witness the sewing of the dress. He patiently waited and said all the right things, right up to when he said "If you pass out Alexis I know mouth to mouth..." Ummmm.. Tucker, I am standing right here!

The back looked great, Karen is a pro, and a real life saver. (thank you Karen!)

Princess Alexis putting on her glass slippers.. I mean, pink Converse All Stars, with the help of fair hand maiden Missy.

What a cute couple.... awwwwhh...

Time to shoot!

Tracy and I shoot in natural light, so after a long winter in Utah the very first opportunity to get outside and shoot you grab the first person willing and to drive till you find that perfect spot. Ok, so the weather was not the best that day, and basically it was a major dust storm and the sky was a beautiful shade of dingy, but Courtney was beautiful and that was all that mattered.

After making her all up we drove to SLC and were on the hunt for a location, Court sat in the back seat not saying a word. Tracy and I were worried that she hated her make up and hair and that she was a little worried about the experience. WE WERE SO WRONG!

Once she got into the moment she had a blast, and the cars driving by and honking and whistling didn't hurt either.

When we got home that night she asked me if she slept real still if her make up would stay on, so she could wear it to school the next day. LOL! And she did too!

Alexis was the next sucker on one of our outings, she invited along two of her friends. Nicole and Missy.

This is what it is like for me to be around Tracy when she is shooting and the light is low enough that I am no longer any help. This is what I see....

This is what Tracy sees... Nice hu! Shooting these girls was the best, you can make them do just about anything.. like laugh on demand.. as seen here.

You know that Alexis is a cute kid... I love how this captures her.

Next on the list is Brittany... then maybe we will try to get those boys to hold still.

More April... Spring Break

I took off some time from work and hung out with a bunch of animals.. no really I did.

The first day we went to the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. It is full of a bunch of dead and stuffed animals. See this collection of species found in Africa.. Cameron successfully launched his Binky over the glass wall upstairs and it landed next to that baboon... think he was testing them to see if they would move?
After we had our fill of stuffed creatures from around the world we headed over to the BYU creamery for ice cream. Oh so yummy.
Apparently Kyle was not in a sharing mood.
The following day was beautiful outside. Perfect for the Zoo, so we were off to see living animals. Did you know that when your a single mom who has given birth to a small village you get a major discount when you purchase the "Single Parent Family Pass"...it's true! Score!
I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot more pictures of the zoo this year.
Cameron is almost 18 months old now, I LOVE this age, it is my vary favorite. The whole world is new and amazing at this age. I loved watching Cameron's reaction to all the different animals, and seeing how excited he was with each one. Maybe it was because these moved and made noises.. they weren't stuffed. Even this little bunny was super cool to Cam.
We did the stuffed animals, living animals.. so we were off to see the prehistoric animals at Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum. Again, Cameron's reaction was a blast to watch. He let out a "rarrrr" a few times when he made the assumption that what he was looking at had to be monster. One of the kids favorite parts is the area where you can play in the sand and water with the plastic dinosaurs. Cam thought it was cool too.. but that the sand didn't taste as good as it looked. I had a great time with the kids. I miss not getting to hang out with them and do fun stuff like this more often. I sure to appreciate moments like this. I never thought I would be the stay at home type.. but weeks like this one make me wish that I could spend more time with my kids. -Don't get me wrong, I love my job, and I am SOoooo thankful I have one! But I think you know what I mean.

Catching up on April STILL... Easter.

On Saturday the 3rd we painted eggs.. helping out the Easter Bunny, doing our part.
Beautiful! The Easter Bunny was so proud!

Easter Sunday everyone was so surprised to find that the Easter Bunny had paid a visit and had planted clues all around the house.

I like cheese, I like rice, you make one of these with this device. (Rice Cooker)

A letter for you, a chocolate rabbit for me! You don't need a stamp on this delivery. (Mail Box)

Roses are red, and so am I, used for hiding a tool to the movies that make you sigh. (Red Vase)

My name is like a big dog's bark. I'm all bass and make an excellent place to hide a clue for the things you love to taste. (Sub Woofer)

If you're a little piggy and eat all the Candy you will get a tummy ache and go Wii wii wii all the way home! (Wii ottoman)

Your hunt for sweets begins here, don't sweat, don't cry.the clue is located in the place clothes go to dry. (Dryer)

I am a place the dishes go to shower. (Dishwasher)

When you want a drink you head to me before the fridge or sink. (Kitchen cabinet -where the cups are)

Winter time all the year round, usually full of ice cream, but this is where a clue can be found. (Freezer)

I am the place visitors sit. (Living room couch)

Full of cans and a sister too. Find the next clue before it gets "stored" and rolls away. (Food storage flow rack, in "Alex's " room)

A hammer, a wrench, and a screwdriver to. This is where you find your next clue. (Tool bag)

When your brother smells bad you put him on me to change his dirty hiney. (Changing table)

You tickle me until I laugh and giggle with glee. I'm covered in red fur and a sight to see. (Elmo)

After a long day, the boys are all smelly. In here they go to swim on their bellies. (Master bath tub)

I serve no purpose, other than to look good. I look like Petunia, but I am certain that I am only a... (Curtain, that look like the red chair)

Fishy, fishy, wave your magic wand... you don't live in a house you live in a.... (Pond)

I drive you to and fro. To school , to dinner, anywhere you want to go. Look in the back and you will find a clue where you buckle in your little behind. (Tahoe)

Your journey will come to an end at last, go to the place where we keep the thing thing that mows the grass. (Shed)

Corney I know.. but it was fun to watch them run from location to location, and then have Kyle find clues out of order, like Elmo's little tiny egg and my bath tub that was filled with eggs.

Cameron just ran around saying "ball...ball..." and chucking plastic eggs everywhere.

In the end they were happy to find their baskets.

The Easter Bunny must really like those two boys, when they found the basket it was in the back of a brand new John Deer battery powered truck!
The only thing stopping Kyle from taking off was that fresh coat of Easter snow we got the night before.

The Easter Bunny brought extra Peeps, can't wait to roast these little guys over an open flame in the fire pit! mmm....