After sitting and watching Shaylyn do the city parade last year, I was sort of excited that she wouldn't be doing it again. While it should be fun, and in some ways it is - it's mostly a lot of stress for me. And early mornings, which don't bode well with me, like ever.
Then we get the news that Lex's ball team was going to be participating. A mom of one of the kids on his team helps with the parade in some form and added their team to the lineup. I guess it was a good thing for the team as they were the team that won last year (not sure that all the same kids were on it last year).
So, Lex had to be there early and we decided instead of the whole family waiting for 2 hours or whatever it was, we'd just have Eric drop Lex off and find a place for us to sit. I'd get the rest of the crew ready and we'd head over closer to start time.
I got all the other kids ready and we headed out. We found Eric easy enough and got there just before they closed off a street, which meant it was almost time for the parade to start.
Eric and I were pretty annoyed this year as there seemed to be a lot more business advertising than there was last year and it felt more like a moving advertisement than showing off what talents and fun things there are in the city. We also had some kids infringe on our kids space - pretty much knocking them over and getting in the way anytime they threw candy. And the mother didn't say a word. It was frustrating. And I'm not talking little kids fighting my little kids. It was a girl who was probably 12 and her brother was probably 10, getting in the way of my 2, 5 and 7 year olds. UGH.
Anyway, we bit our tongue and tried to enjoy what we could.
{...Chickfila is always a favorite...}
{...I may have been a little overexcited by the dalmation, but Lex was following right behind...}
I wasn't too great at taking pictures of the boys playing ball this season. I'm not sure why I didn't, but I just didn't. Eric's mom did take a couple at the game(s) she came to, but I don't have them currently.
One day though, I decided to pull out the camera and get a video of Lex up at bat. I would love to say that he hit that ball, but of course - because I was taking a video, he didn't. Oh well. At least I have some sort of proof that he played.
What I love most about this video is that you can hear all the people cheering him on. He was really on a great team this year that cared a lot more about sportsmanship than winning. Of course, winning was a perk, but to the parents and coaches this year it was more about being supportive of everyone.
Our ball season started on May 17th. Though we signed up months before. It is Nate's first year playing and is of course doing T-Ball.
Lex is now at an age where he has try-outs and actually has a team name and uniform like that of the pro's. So super exciting. It also means he plays at real ball fields instead of just the park where the little kids play.
Having both boys in ball is a little crazy and looking at the schedule they have a couple games at the same time on the same day. Thankfully, the 1st day wasn't like that. Nate's game was at 9:00 a.m. and Lex's started at 11:00.
Due to certain circumstances Lex still didn't have a pair of cleats, so instead of Eric being able to make it to Nate's game - he took Lex and bought a pair of cleats. Because we live in the middle of nowhere, it was the only option we had.
While Nate and I were driving to his game, he asked if he could take some pictures. I let him take a couple and one of them include this gem...
We got to his game and had a nice time. I love the fact that his coach is the same coach Lex had one of his first years.
(Coach is the guy in blue)
After Nate's game I took him home and met Eric and Lex at Lex's game. The only downside to where Lex plays is the lack of grass.
We were excited to learn what team Lex got put on. He was put on the Mariners and we were excited by that because we have family that lives in Washington and they root for the Mariners. Also, when Lex was young our nephew had a party held at the ball park where the Mariners play. Eric's dad was a true Cubs fan, but also rooted for the Mariners and since we don't have Cubs in our league - we were so delighted to get another one of Dad's teams.
I dislike the fact that where Lex usually plays has an absence of grass - but it is what it is and I didn't get very good shots from where we were sitting. But hey, these guys won 11-3! Awesome first game!
Happy Birthday! Today would've been your 67th birthday. Had you been here, we probably would've celebrated on Sunday. Mom would've quickly turned the Mother's Day celebration over to celebrate your birthday. Your dessert of choice would of course be Strawberry Shortcake. Anytime the dessert choice was yours, we could about count on Strawberry Shortcake.
I never complained. In fact, did you know - Strawberrry Shortcake is one of my favorite's too? Of course I never really requested it on my birthday because it was your thing. It made it easy to fall back on my 2nd favorite and I knew within the course of 6 months I'd have both my favorites.
Speaking of birthday, I remember when Ailey was about due. After she had passed my hopes of being born on my mom's birthday (May 1st) and then Mother's Day of that year (May 9th), I had prayed she'd be born on your birthday. So when my water broke the day before your birthday I remember joking with you when we met up at the hospital (Thanks again for coming to get all the other kids that early morning) that maybe my labor would last into the next day, you saying that she needed to have her own birthday.
I see the wisdom in those words now, though I didn't see it then. I'm thankful she chose to come the day before your birthday, though. I sometimes wonder if that helped solidify the bond you had with her. I miss that interaction you know. For some reason she chose to cling to you and it was always fun to see her with you.
That's not to say you didn't have a relationship with the other kids, cause we both know that's not true. You did more for my kids than anyone should ever need to do. I can't count the times you helped us out when things just weren't going our way or the little day adventures we'd take to different places around the state. Or the vacations we went on where you would pay for food and room, though we fully expected to pay for all. The biggest thing though is all the nights at the ball park. I'm sure the kids will remember those days for years to come, but it's definitely something we'll all miss.
Lex is playing ball again this season. He's now old enough that he's playing the 'real thing'. He had tryouts and everything. Guess what team he ended up on? The Mariners! (We don't have Cubs in this league, or I'm sure he would've ended up there) I couldn't have been happier to hear what team he landed on. I'm sure you'd get a kick out of it too.
Nate is also playing this year. His first time. He was a little afraid to go to his first practice. He was sure he wouldn't have any friends and that he would suck. (His words) I dragged him to his first practice anyway and he has quite a few friends on his team and as he soon discovered (he didn't suck - also his words). I'm sure you would love to be at their games and I kinda think in some way you will be. Their first games are on Saturday. I'm hoping for a successful season.
And while I'm still scared for my boys to play football, we'll be seeing a lot of games this year. Shaylyn is going to be cheering for our Little League Football 7th grade team this year. Cheerleading is expensive! She is costing us more than the 2 boys in baseball.
Tanis is still going strong with his clarinet. You'd be proud of the progress he's made. He's learned quite a bit and is enjoying it more and more. He had a concert last week and the kid can't keep still. He hears the music and he just has to move.
And then there's Jace. You'd be getting a kick out of him right now. He's so funny. He loves to be involved with the kids and especially loves dogs. Sometimes he stares off into space with the biggest grin on his face and it makes me wonder if you're hanging around playing with him. I certainly hope so. He may not get to know you the way the older kids did, but I'm praying he knows you in a different sort of way.
By the way, your baby boy has really grown up. Even in the few months since you've been gone. He helps his mom out whenever she calls and very rarely does he complain about doing so. He's done a great job at wearing many different hats at the same time and juggling everything around. You taught him well. Thank you for your example.
Did you know he always puts me first? He teaches his kids to respect me. When they mouth off to me, he's the first one to tell them I deserve more respect than that. He's even told them once or twice that they can say what they want to him, but they should never say bad things about/to me. I'm sure he learned that from you.
Mom and I were talking the other day and I was explaining that before Eric does something that doesn't include me, he'll always ask if I'm okay with it. Guess what she told me? She said you'd do the same thing! Thank you for yet another great example for your son to follow.
Finally, I want to thank you for all you did for us. Even from the very beginning. I never felt anything but acceptance and love from you. One of my first memories of doing something with you and Eric was after our Christmas choir concert at Temple Square. Because you worked downtown you were able to come and see the concert and then took us to Wendy's afterwards. Did you know it was my first time going to Wendy's? I discovered that though I don't typically like Chocolate ice cream a Frosty was good and I would've been missing out on a wonderful treat had I not had that experience.
You continued to support us both. I also remember a time you and Eric slipped out of your ward meeting (probably Priesthood) to visit my ward during my brother's farewell when I sang. I wasn't expecting to see you, but was thrilled you were there.
I am thankful to you and Aunt Cindy for helping me get the job at the State. I learned so much there and enjoyed my time there and I wouldn't have had it without you looking out for me. I also love the fact that it gave us a little more time together. Thank you for taking me to and from work daily. It was nice to be able to work in the same building. It allowed me a chance to get to know you just a bit better. It was the first and probably the only times I will have listened to talk radio and sports radio. It was fun when I discovered that you occasionally listened to music and that you enjoyed The Beach Boys. Music I enjoyed as well.
Working in the same building was also a good thing because if I got sick, I got you out of work. Thanks for never complaining when I wanted to leave. I also remember you doing the unpleasant job of waiting around with me in the Social Security office and DMV so I could change my name on those wonderful legal documents after Eric and I got married.
Thank you for being in our corner immediately when Eric and I decided to get married. You gave us a place to live and you were there every time we chose to move. Even that one time when I was super pregnant and couldn't lift anything and as soon as I tried, you were the first to scold me and tell me not to do anything but supervise.
Thank you for just accepting me as your own and for trusting your sons judgement and for helping us get to where we are today. I'm sure we couldn't have done it without your help along the way.
We love you and miss you terribly, but know you're in a far better place. I hope they celebrate birthday's in Heaven and that you are being served huge, delicious pieces of Strawberry Shortcake that you can actually enjoy, cause your diabetes and other issues won't interfere. Enjoy your day and remember we still love you and still need your help here and there. (Especially today when we go tackle the Dentist...)
With 3 kids in elementary school, May becomes a whirlwhind of end of year activities. I somehow always manage to forget this small detail and end up running around crazy when every May comes around. This year there was no shortage of activities to keep us as parents, and students busy. And since I like to keep things semi-organized and orderly, I will go in kid order. (And yes, most of my pics are crappy. This is because I had to use my cell phone for most of these days and well, I'm not so proficient at it...)
TANIS
May was perhaps busiest for this kid.
We started off the month with a DARE graduation on the 14th. Tanis is in the lucky group of 6th graders who are the LAST to actually do the DARE program. They are switching to something called NOVA next year. Apparently the DARE graduation was advertised poorly as very few parents showed up. I was thankful that Tanis was excited enough that he didn't let me forget about it and I was there.
When Tanis returned home I wanted to get a picture of him in his shirt, holding his certificate - which I did. But this was also the night we went to the BEES game and I lost my camera - so no picture of him in his shirt with his certificate. I did like his shirt much better than the one my brother got eons ago. My brother had this black tee with the words DARE written across it and it was just blah!
Tanis has a tee that is in the shape of a smiley face, but the words for DARE are what makes the smiley face. Trust me, it's much better and more creative that it was...
On May 22nd, we were pleased to go to Tanis' Spring Pony Band concert. I couldn't believe the progress this group of kids had made in 4 months. Now, they aren't great BY ANY MEANS, but they are so much better than they were in December. I think our kid still has a lot of work to do, but it was a nice concert anyway.
I'm even so nice to share it with you:
May 30th was probably the toughest day for me in all this hoopla. May 30th was 6th grade Graduation. I would've been fine without an actual ceremony as I'm struggling with my kid being old enough to head to Jr. High as it is.
The gym was decorated nicely and all the 6th graders looked nice in their best clothing. I held things together until they had the sweet special needs kids 'graduate.' The sweet lady that works with these kids seems so amazing and listening to her speak was enough to open the flood gates. Then the kids actual walked the stage and got their 'diploma' and that was when the water works really started going.
I composed myself for a bit and was only slightly teary when Tanis had his turn:
After all the kids had 'graduated' the principal made his speech. I laughed through a lot of it, but then at the very end he had all the Moms stand up and then the kids had to yell to the moms, "I love you." Yup, I totally lost it then.
This is such a hard thing for me to go through and I'm sure I won't be done with the tears. I was so appreciative of Tanis' teacher this year and was so grateful that he was blessed to have Mr. Orr as his teacher. I think it was a very good thing for Tanis.
My baby boy is growing up so fast and has now said 'goodbye' to elementary school. Le sigh...
SHAYLYN
On May 18th, Shaylyn (and the rest of the 4th grade) had a day where they shared their county reports. When I heard about the county reports I was so thrilled...NOT! Doing it for Tanis made me crazy and I wasn't looking forward to doing it again.
I was pleasantly surprised this year that all we had to do at home was gather some information a couple of times. Shaylyn did that effortlessly. So I was happy to see her finished project that she did all on her own during classtime.
-- This was a little project that was hanging in the hall that I happened across...You should read the part about
her brother, Alex... ---
One day on Facebook I had a friend mention how excited she was that all 3 of her kids got to compete in the 'big race' on Field Day. I thought that was an accomplishment and then being somewhat silly and/or curious I asked my kids if any of them were going to run the big race.
Shaylyn pipes up that she was able to. (I wonder if I would've been told had I not asked first...hmmm) She didn't know when the big race would be though. I asked my friend and thankfully she knew and I was off to the races at 9:30 in the morning on May 29th.
What happened that we don't see is that before the big race each individual class had the girls race, then the boys. Each class took the top 3 and sent them to the 'big race'. Shaylyn was one of the top 3 in her class. The gym coach then had each of the girls run in 2 separate heats. By my math that should've been like 12 girls, but I think there was only like 8 or 10....
Anyway, Shaylyn ran the 1st heat and came in third which meant she would run with the 1st 3 girls in the 'final'. So when she ran against all six girls, she came in:
(She's in a white shirt and khaki shorts...)
THIRD!!!
She was so excited that she won a ribbon and I was so happy I was able to be there for it. She was even more excited that her 'boyfriend' got the same place as her when he ran with the boys.
ALEXANDER
For starters, ball season has begun again. Although this year Lex has played very seldom. He had a friends birthday party one week, then the same friends baptism the next week. This past week we weren't home and so I feel somewhat bad that he hasn't had a better season.
The first day of the season I again didn't get pictures, but the second game (May 19) I made sure I got pictures.
-- Sometimes, he gets bored in the outfield and decides he's a robot... --
-- Straightening the cap, things are gettin' serious now --
On May 25th, Lex got to show up his dance moves. The 2nd grade does a dance thing every year teaching the 2nd graders about different cultures. Lex's class ended up with an Irish jig and they were told to wear their best clothes. I was thinking Irish - wear your green shirt. Well all the other mothers dressed their boys in a white button up shirt and black slacks...My kid looked a bit out of place, but he was cute nonetheless.
Little Baby Lexi
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There are times when certain scrap kits just call to me...this was the case
when I saw Connie Prince's Baby Love. My little sister had a baby in
January, s...
