Day at the Zoo

This week I had the privilege of attending my first field trip as an adult. My oldest child is eight years old and I have not been able to go on one field trip until now. I went to the zoo with my first grader. I've been to this zoo a couple of times before (many, many years ago) but I must say, I was quite disappointed with this trip.

I remember seeing in my previous visits a flock of flamingos (my favorite) but there were none this time. The only birds we saw were the ducks, swans, geese, and varieties of parrots. The wild turkeys and peacocks were roaming around the zoo their own.

There were no lions, no koala bears, no polar bears. The tiger was no where to be seen. The "Great Apes" were in hiding. The Cheetah is in such a grassy area we had a very difficult time finding him. My son was excited to see the penguins but that exhibit along with the seals was closed for construction. The elephants and rhinos were there but I felt that the enclosures they are in are much smaller and it seemed more difficult to seem them.

The giraffes were there in the exact same spot as I remember them. As always, they were majestic. I love the giraffes.

Of course, the monkeys were there. The cute Capuchin Monkey just like the one that steals the keys from Ben Stiller in Night At The Museum.

There was also a Howler Monkey that had some serious howling issues that you could hear throughout the whole zoo.

One of the best looking monkeys was the Colobus Monkey. The tail on this monkey is really long and bushy.

We arrived at the zoo at 9:30 am with the plan to meet back at the bus at 12:45 pm. At 11:30 am the kids were done and had seen everything that was available to see.

There just didn't seem to be as much as I remember. Maybe because I am older and things are not as large as they were when I was a kid but the zoo seems to have gotten smaller over the years. There seems to be more food stands, and gift shops and less animals.

The greatest attraction for the kids was the snakes, spiders and crocodiles. We visited that exhibit twice. The second time around the porcupine that was at this exhibit was scratching on the glass wall as if he was trying to escape.

The kids did enjoy the playground that has been installed. They have placed tarps over the toys to keep them cool but it seemed that they forgot to do the same for the benches where parents typically sit to watch the kids play.

I really don't mean to seem negative about my experience, it was fun watching the kids. However, I'm sad to say that I just don't think it would be worth my money to pay for entrance. For a field trip it is sufficient.

What I think however doesn't mean much. The most important thing on this day was that the kids all had fun.

Easy

I truly LOVE my job and those that I work with!

Dad's Surprise

Over the Memorial Day weekend I was able to spend time with all of my siblings. Sunday was my father's birthday. With each year it becomes more difficult to find a gift for my parents. My brother thought is would be a great surprise if we all got together this year for dad's birthday. So, my two brothers JG & JA as well as JG's wife and four girls climbed into a Ford Explorer and drove from San Diego, CA to Brigham City, UT Thursday night. They arrived at mom and dad's around 8:00 Friday morning. My sister GL and her daughter flew in from Sacramento Thursday morning. Unfortunately, her husband and two boys had to stay behind. Me, my husband and four boys drove up early Saturday morning.

Dad truly was surprised! He beamed in church Sunday when from the pulpit they welcomed our family who had arrived as a suprise birthday gift for our father. He grinned as he played with his nine grandchildren. He stood proudly as he watched his boys simply move the dryer vent for mom from the garage to the front of the house.

Dad's health hasn't been so great lately and it's been some time since I have seen him smile as much as he did over those three short days we were together as a family once again. There is no doubt that it meant so much for him to have his kids together.

Before this weekend it had been three years since we all were together. I hope we don't wait as long next time.

Dad, we love you and look forward to many, many more smiles.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...TO ME

Tomorrow I will 39 years old. Sure seems like time flies. For Mother's Day my two youngest boys each gave me a little poem where they filled in some blanks (with a little help from their teacher).

One said that I have blue hair and black eyes and was 70 years old. The other said I had brown hair and blue eyes and was 4 years old. That makes 74. A co-worker told me to average it. Sure, that makes 37 (close enough).

I've never really been one who has wanted to make a big deal out of a birthday. I work with a few people who absolutely LOVE their birthdays and celebrate it accordingly. To them I say, "good for you." To me it's just another day with a few fringe benefits.

Being A Mom...

Growing up my mom was (and still is) a great role model to me. She was always there when I needed her (and sometimes when I didn't). Our house was always spotless. I joke about not needing to set my alarm clock because I would be awakened by the sound of the vacuum cleaner upstairs when it rolled over the heating vents. I love and admire my mother, I'm not sure how she did it all.

I sit today looking around my house thinking to myself, I really, really, really dislike housework. I know I'm not alone in my misery. Today I just seem to be having an especially difficult time motivating myself.

I am fortunate to have a husband who doesn't mind doing the dishes, or the laundry. He will even put most of the laundry away it is just those dreaded socks that we both try to avoid as long as possible.

Thank you dear for being so willing to help.

With children it seems to kitchen floor always needs to be swept and mopped. Another chore I'm not particularily fond of. The wet weather hasn't help much. The dog must go out and when he does he tracks in the mud. I know, I know if I would just take care of it as soon as it needs to be done then I wouldn't have to worry about mopping the floor on the weekends. Some day that may happen.

So as Mother's Day approaches I sit hear listening to my children screaming and fighting and look at the chores that need be to done, I pray "Lord, please grant me more strength and patience."

I also realize how grateful I am to be a mom and how I truly take it for granted. I love my four boys more than life itself. I'm grateful for a mother who has raised me well and is a great example to me. It's the little things that make life wonderful.

This is a little poem that I received from my boys a couple of years ago.

I have a friend!

She has warm smiles

And soothing hands,

And whenever I can't

Be brave enough

She understands.

I have a friend!

She makes me glad

Like the morning sun,

So whenever I have

A joy to share,

She's the one

I have friend!

She makes me cookies

Presses my clothes,

And whatever I need that

Is good for me,

She knows

I have a friend!

She's special -

Like no other,

'Cause she loves me

And I love her.

She's my mother

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!