May

Brynn got her haircut!  It is so cute and she is happy with it, although sometimes she forgets that it is short and will ask for a ponytail.

Stockton had the humidifier in his room while he was fighting a cough and he set it up so that it looked like he had steam coming out of his ears.

The high school track team was hosting a mock track meet for kids with the goal of getting them interested in track.  We had a boy from our ward who "sponsored" us with three free tickets so I took Molly and Stockton and Easton (Brynn didn't want to go so she stayed home to play with Corbin).  We were rushed because Molly had a soccer game that night but the boys got to do the long jump and the 200 and Molly got to try the 100 and 200.

I don't think any of our kids will be track stars!  We don't produce sprinters but maybe later on they would like longer distances.

I finally got to see one of Stockton's baseball games!  He ended up striking out three times (I don't think he usually does that, I must have made him nervous) but he made some awesome defensive plays at short stop.  Justin said he hit better at the next game and I am happy that I will at least get to see his very last game.

Molly had a soccer game in Springville on a Saturday so we all went to cheer her on.  I always tell the kids to pack something that they will want to do at the game for entertainment and this time Brynn packed her fingernail polish and did some nail-painting before the game started.

Since we were so close, we decided to go to one of our favorite little places in Hobble Creek Canyon.  It's not kept up very well but we discovered it years and years ago and used to take the kids there often when we lived in Spanish Fork.  We hadn't been back since we moved-Ivy had never been there and Brynn couldn't remember ever being there.  We threw rocks in the river, walked around a little, and then went to dinner at Two Jack's Pizza.

 

 

Stockton found an old, rusted basketball hoop in the river!

Eric and Heidi hosted a dinner at their house for April's birthday.  These two cute cousins had fun together on the tramp.

Ivy and Eli

The girls picked lots of dandelion bouquets for me, especially Brynn.

On the subject of dandelions, our pasture blossoms with them every May.  I love them in the pasture, as long as they stay away from the yard.

 Some fun at home.

I love you, Brynn.  I hope you always fall asleep like this.

Sometimes Ivy and I will either walk or ride bikes up to meet the kids as they are getting off the bus.

This lilac bush did so well this spring!  The scent was amazing!

Justin had Young Men's at our house one night and one of the boys was nice enough to push the two little girls on the hammock.  They have a blast in that thing!

Molly has become really good friends with a girl on her soccer team, Regan.  Somehow Regan's family had some killer tickets to a RSL Women's game and invited Molly and another girl from the team to go with them.  Molly jumped at the chance.  Regan's dad drove them down and they got to go in a special clubhouse and have a really nice dinner before the game.  They had amazing seats right next to the tunnel where the players run in and out.  Molly was so bummed she hadn't taken anything to get signed because several players stopped to say hi and give fives and some even asked if they could sign something for them.  They wanted to stay for the whole game which meant they got home super late on a school night but that was fine with me.  She came home and was on cloud nine.  She was so excited and happy and I'm so grateful she's made some fun friends and was able to go and have fun doing that.

They coordinated beforehand to wear their jerseys.  Regan's dad noticed that they walked into the stadium in backwards order!

Molly, Kylie Bishop, Regan Heywood

Regan, Kylie, Molly

 

This doesn't happen very often, but I love when it does!  Even more so when she falls asleep cuddling with me.

Molly finished up her soccer season with a win!  That doesn't happen very often so it was extra exciting.  They were playing in Layton so we all went to dinner as a team at Noodles and Co.

Molly, Reese Myers, Hannah Risto, Carley Andersen, Natalia Wagstaff, Aspen Ivie, RSL goalie (who happened to be eating at the same place and took a minute to chat with the girls), Kylie Bishop, Bridgitte Ferreyra, Caroline Turner, Regan Heywood

We had some fun with my camera while we were waiting.  Brynn got that bandana at a birthday party the night before and wore it all day.

Team picture.  This team is changing a little this coming year.  Molly got put on another roster which was a disappointment initially but I think it will be beneficial in the long run.  She will still get to practice and play with the friends she has made but will be given the chance to play on the select team as well.  The hope is that she will learn a lot, gain some confidence and aggression, and become an even better player!

Eric Andersen, Regan, Natalia, Kylie, Bridgitte, Lexi Harris, Reese, Caroline, a girl from Orem who I don't know, Kate Giles, Ron Dummar, Hannah, Aspen, Carley, Jordan Gibby, Molly

Mother's Day!  My Mother's Day was so great.  I was able to sleep in and get ready in relative peace.  These two snuck up for some perfume and lotion but they mostly helped Justin in the kitchen.

They made me a birthday feast with French Toast with strawberries, bananas, buttermilk syrup, and homemade whipped cream.  Sausage and orange julius were also on the menu.  I got spoiled with presents-we had picked out some new plants for the yard which I was happy to count as Mother's Day gifts but they also surprised me with The Greatest Showman movie and a stainless steel water bottle that keeps your water cold for hours.

Justin wasn't quite ready for church when the rest of us were (I like to leave early) because he had so many dishes that he was trying to get done.  He wasn't available to take a group picture so I got individual pictures with all of my babies, who are definitely not babies anymore.

Homemade cards are my favorite and I got some gems this year.  This one made me giggle though...I guess my favorite food is beans!

We stayed home that afternoon, per my request.  We had seen April the week before and we had plans to see my mom on her birthday later in the month.  Molly's soccer had finished the day before and it had been a busy month so it felt wonderful to stay home.  Justin and the kids made a yummy dinner while I rested on the couch.  They made chipotle chicken skewers, coconut rice, and parmesan zucchini.  Molly had made mint brownies and Justin had bought my absolute favorite ice cream, Aggie Blue Mint.  After dinner we took a walk and then later we watch The Greatest Showman.  It was a perfect day.

I read a book called "Motherhood Realized" this month and it was such a good book.  I would recommend it to everyone.  I took pictures of my favorite parts and wanted to put them down here.

-...one thing is true for each of you: you are the right mother for your children.  You were the right one when they were born.  And you'll be the right one when they are grown.

-You are exactly who your children need. No one can fill your shoes.  No one can give you what you have to offer.  No one can love or know your child like you do.  That is the privilege of being a mother.

-Remember that being a "good mom" is ultimately about the relationship you develop with your children and the important life skills you pass on to them, not the outward, superficial things we often associate with the definition of a "good mom."

-Most likely, you had some initial ideas of what you wanted your motherhood experience to look like; a vision of the wonderful moments you would enjoy with your children or the things you would accomplish.  As much as possible, do those things!

-"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." -Mother Teresa

-Motherhood is perhaps the greatest example of a long, long string of small things that, done with great love and extra thought, can have ripple effects that go on for generations.  Big things are MADE out of little things.

-...circumstances don't dictate the kind of mother I am.  I can be the mother I want to be regardless of my circumstances.

-"It is a happy talent to know how to play," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Some mothers have fun as a natural gift-and some of us need to develop that talent.  Is it worth planning and letting loose for fun? Yes! Fun is the glue of fond memories.  Fun is the mover of mountains of laundry and obstinate kids who would not otherwise budge without it.  Fun will bring children voluntarily back to an activity like chores, homework, or family night in a way that force cannot.  It can bring children back to us.  Fun is not a luxury.  It is a necessity for strong families.

-Don't let the mundane moments in life rob you from the beauty of normal that surrounds you.  Remind yourself to look for the beauty, the gems that are tucked within the fabric of the everyday normal.

-We are not diminished by our children.  We are infused with purpose because of them.

-There is something inherent in us that wants to be happy; we want the good in life to be magnified.  It's the same with moments.  As mothers, we can choose which moments we will enlarge and treasure.  "While in the pursuit of happiness, one should stop and just be happy."

-We don't realize how wonderful life is every minute of every day.  We're too busy, too hurried, too distracted.

I also listened to a podcast lately and a really amazing Conference talk that have made me stop and think about what kind of mom and woman I want to be and about this {somewhat overwhelming} job in general.

I know that was a lot but I must have read the book at just the right time because there was something so good on almost every page!  I think it maybe hit me harder because this past year has been a little eye-opening...kids do grow up, they will leave the house and that is starting to sink in a little more now that three of mine are gone most of the day.  I really just hope I can enjoy them and soak them all in and try not to stress out about routines (I love schedules!) and messes.  Being a mom is all I've ever really wanted to do and I only get this one chance and all too soon, this stage of my life will be over.  I really want to do it right.  It's a good thing I have awesome kids and a husband who helps me.

Anyway, soapbox.  I'll stop.

I was able to help in Brynn's class for one hour every Monday morning.  Ivy always came with me and was usually well-behaved.  I will admit that I didn't always look forward to going in but I was always met with a smile and a hug from Brynn so that made it worth it.  None of the other kids' teachers needed classroom help so looking back at the year, I am so glad I was able to be in the classroom for that short amount of time

My goal was to make it to one field trip for each of the kids this year.  It was a little tricky with Ivy because I don't have anyone up here that I can swap with but I was able to go to Stockton's field trip to Kohler Farm in Midway and had a girl in my ward take Ivy.  It was a short field trip and we were back before lunch so it worked out great!  We toured the farm and saw how the cows are milked.  It was short but sweet and I was happy to have a little time with my boy.

shaking the cream to make butter

One of the mom's from Stockton's baseball team has some sort of connection with the UVU baseball team so they were able to go to a game and stand out with the players for the national anthem.  They were all so excited!  They got tickets to the game for them and their families and got to pick wherever they wanted to sit in the stadium.  We sat behind them and they were so silly and fun and just plain happy to be there.  I don't think they ever came down from their high.  They were also surprised with baseballs signed by all the players from the UVU team and they got to lead "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for the 7th inning stretch.  We left after that since it was already pretty late but it was a beautiful night for a baseball game and I'm glad we were able to be there!  Other highlights were getting teased (and sprayed with silly string) by the mascot, Willie.  Getting Willie's autograph on their hands.  And just being boys in general!  It was fun for me to sit back and watch Stockton interact with other boys his age.

There is no way I can name all the boys on his team.  I haven't been to enough games, plus they all look so similar in their hats!  I know Stockton has really become friends with a boy named Locke.  Stockton is 5th boy in from right.

3rd in from the right, on the left side.

2nd in from right.

The girls also loved their autographs, the free piggybanks, the soda, and the freedom they had in going from Justin and I in the stands to Molly and her friend on the grass.

 

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for the 7th inning stretch.  Stockton is 4th in from the left.

We have a weed in our pasture that is growing at an insane rate of speed.  It hasn't even been there in years past and the horses absolutely refuse to eat it down.  We need to get some goats but we'd have to repair some fences so they don't get into the yard.  Justin wants to burn it, my dad says to spray it first so I guess that's what I'll be doing soon.

These trees line our pasture fence.  They are pretty.  I love our trees.

The kids love to ride the electric scooter to the bus.  We have two but one of them has a faulty battery and doesn't charge anymore.  They have been really good about sharing the good one, taking turns, and giving each other rides to and from the bus stop.

The last couple of weeks of school we started to let bedtime slip a little.  Those early summer/late spring nights are just so enjoyable and it's hard not to be outside playing and working in the yard.

We lost the training wheels to the little bike and had to get new ones.  Justin stayed up late one night getting them put on so Ivy could go on a little bike ride the next day.  She was very good on it and was almost too fast for my liking!  She still loves to ride in the bike seat on the back of my bike the most.

Yard work is never ending and project lists are a mile long.  But we are living our dream and we enjoy working outside.  Justin dug a trench from the the house to his shed so he could have more power in his woodshop.  He got it all wired and Ivy was nice enough to help him fill in the trench.  She mostly enjoyed playing in the water.

Justin was working at an event in Heber and Molly got to go with him.  I think it was some sort of drive for charity and he had to be at one of the check points to hand out packets or something.  There were lots of cool sports cars.

 

When dad digs a hole in the pasture, it makes sense to go stand in it.

The work on the greenhouse continues.  Gene came up and helped Justin put up one of the end walls.

Ivy is showing the girls how she uses her ice powers to blast Stockton down the stairs.  They love her and eat it up.

It was especially important that I get on a field trip with Molly since she is going to be done with elementary school.  She had two in May and I was able to make arrangements for Ivy so that I could go on the hike to Timpanogas Cave.  It was a perfect day and the mountains were beautiful and green.

I got assigned a group of seven girls and we were paired up with another mom with her group of boys.  We hiked together and toured the cave together.  I can honestly say that this group was really fun to be with...they were laid back and joked around easily.  It was a steep hike but most of them did great!

I didn't know all the kids in her class!  I can point out some of her friends and a couple of kids from our ward.  Kapri, Rylie Ball, Molly, Sloane Ellingford, Davis Judd, Jake Webb.  The rest I didn't know.

Sloane and Molly

 

Jake and Molly

Kapri, Rylie, Sloane, Molly

Timpanogas Cave is another Utah place that I have never been to!  It was a little unnerving to start into the cave but it was a really amazing place!  There are actually three different caves within the cave and the temperature drops down to 45 degrees!  It was incredible to me to think of the people who initially discovered the caves...two of them were just teenage boys who used it as their hideout.  I can't imagine stumbling across a cave like that on accident! It was a neat, neat place to see.

Sloane and Molly

After we toured the cave, we hiked down the trail, had a picnic lunch, and then got on the bus to go home.  Even the bus ride wasn't bad just because it was such a fun group of kids.  It was hands down the best field trip I've ever been on and I hope my other kids get to do the same one when they're in 5th grade so I can go with them!

I struggled with knowing who to send Ivy too.  Justin had a meeting that he absolutely could not miss and I just don't know anyone up here well enough to ask them to take her all day which would include taking her to the bathroom often and feeding her.  I ended up sending her to my mom and dad's the day before but since they have a temple shift on Wednesday nights, Ali took her for that night.  Ivy loved playing with "Sef" and "Wucy" and was so excited to have a sleep over in Seth's room with him!

Lucy, Ivy, Seth

Brynn was invited to a last minute birthday party for Carli Steiner.  She is a year older than Brynn (Carli turned 8) but I am good friends with her mom and we get the girls together occasionally.  They went to the Zermatt in Midway to play mini golf, ride the carousel, and pet the goats.  Then they had cake at the Steiner's house.  Because I am good friends with Tricia, she sent me these pictures.  Such cute girls!

Elise Pulley, ?, Brielle Loerscher, Brynn, Peyton ?, Carli, Audrey Stout

Audrey and Brynn

Brynn and Carli

Since Molly's soccer club merged with an Orem club last year, they have had a handful of practices in Orem.  She's been able to find a ride each time...phew!  One time at practice they hung cereal boxes from the goal posts and if you hit it, you got to keep it.  Molly came home saying that her coach really needs to step up his game!  They also got ice cream sundaes at that practice.

Kylie, Molly, Caroline, Regan

My yard helper.

Bike ride with the kids.  They got way ahead of me.

Some selfies of Molly.  She sure is growing up, wearing mascara now and taking more time getting ready.

We went to the cabin for Memorial Day.  Justin had to work on Saturday and I had to be in Primary so we just went for a short visit after church until Monday afternoon.  On the drive up, Ivy kept saying she was tired so I told her to close her eyes and take a rest.  She said, "But there's a problem.  Every time I close my eyes, they just open up again!"  I looked back a little bit later and saw her concentrating very hard on keeping her eyes closed.  I guess it worked, though, because a few minutes after that, she fell asleep for real.

My mom's birthday was that Sunday.  She made her own birthday dinner but I told her she couldn't make her own cake.  I doubled a recipe for sugar cookie bars and baked them in a cookie sheet.  Brynn picked the blue frosting.  My dad had candles and ice cream.  These kids adore their grandma!

Brynn, Harper, Grace, Tessa, Abby, Grandma, Ivy, Stockton, Chloe, Molly, Spencer, Ben

The weather report said rain but we lucked out because Monday was such a nice day.  The dad's golfed while the kids played outside.  My mom had also planned a "human pinata."  She hot glued candy to two shirts and made Bryce and Justin wear them.  The kids had to chase them around and pull the candy off in order to keep it.  It was a hit!  We got rained on pretty good right as we started heading home.  All the nieces and nephews were done with school but our kids still had 2.5 more days!

giant bubbles!

Bryce and Justin

Justin took the kids, minus Molly, on a Rhino ride up to the top of the mountain.

The kids had field day at school.  I didn't go but a friend sent me this picture of Molly and Sloane.

Brynn was so excited to show everyone her 1st grade memory book that she gathered all of us around her and read every bit of it.  She has learned so much over the year and it was fun for her to see where she was last August and where she is now.