Good Girl, Jazzy!

I admit that most of my life I have loathed animals.  It seemed that if ever I took the time to stare at one for long enough, it would inevitably pooh on itself, lick its genitals, or charge at me.  My only experience with a family animal when I was young was with our bunny whose name was Puffy and who I am certain was a lesbian with glowing pink eyes and a hatred for all of humanity, but especially me.  I would try and pet her occasionally and she would open her mouth like she was yawning and bare her tiny dagger teeth at me.  We freely let her roam our house, poo-ing pellets and pissing all over because we were all afraid of her.  And when I say HER, I must disclose that we didn't find out HE was in fact a SHE until her later years, which is why to this day, I feel she was a lesbian bunny-- Waaayy too much testosterone in that bunny for her to claim any sort of femininity.  That story, memories of disgusting mating possums at Hogle Zoo, and the horse of our back-door neighbors who used to pleasure itself every dinner hour so we had to close the blinds, comprise my miserable history with animals.  And then. . . our family got a dog named Jasmine, or Jazzy for short.  This little puppy girl is really more like a 1 year old child with fur that has remained 1 her whole life, and always will.  She has fulfilled the measure of her creation already in her 5 years with our family, in that she has softened my heart and taught me how to love not just her, but all animals (okay, maybe not all).  She has shown me that animals have spirits, that animals have feelings, that they respect their owners, love those around them, and are sensitive to the suffering of those they love.  She has taught my children responsibility, a love and respect for animals, as well as given them many wonderful memories.  Jazzy is as sweet, patient, and kind as any human I have ever met, if not more-so.  She is as dumb as a door nail and took 5 (yes 5) years to potty train, but she loves me.  And I love her.  I love that I am her favorite.  I love that when she sees one of us coming, it's like the best day of her life as she frantically runs to greet us, often tinkling from excitement.  I love that she cries this pitiful, pitiful sound until I bring her into my room and let her lay at my feet to watch tv with me.  I love that if I just look at her or say her name, her tail wags wildly.  I love that she doesn't talk with words, but communicates love in so many other ways, and that it is unconditional.  I love that she is my automatic vacuum, as she quickly licks up any scraps I drop from the kitchen counter.  I love that if she sees me walking toward her, she turns over to have her tummy scratched.  I'm even a little embarrassed to admit I like when she licks my feet.  I love puppy footprints in the snow, and that she still finds pleasure when she goes potty and I say, "Good girl, Jazzy!  Good girl!"  Yes, it is true.  Pigs must indeed fly, because I, Sandra, previous hater of all animals, love my dog.  And because of her, when I look into the eyes of a horse, or watch a dolphin flip on top of the water, or see a deer out my window, I see that animals have intelligence and spirits like humans.  Because of her, I have developed even more of a testimony of God's love for his children, and for his immense creativity because he gave us animals.  Yes, I love my dog.  Who knew?

Summer time

The last week of school was action packed and then we were hurled into a very quickly moving summer.  Me and the girls went to the Taylor Swift concert, Christian started his training as a CNA (nursing assistant), we took a trip to the Homestead in Heber which was sublime, the kids have slept on the trampoline every night this week, Robert has had a campout with the Young Men, and I've been busy with photo projects, reading, running/exercising, lunch dates, and fun with the kids.  For my friend's birthday this week, a group of us drove to the Bountiful Temple at 5am and ran all the way to Farmington which was about 10 miles.  I love my neighborhood and am so grateful to have such wise, wonderful friends.  I'm proud to say I have one week of summer under my belt and my sanity is in tact!  I have to say it makes a big difference to have older kids that can help with the younger ones.  Also, a schedule or plan each day helps me feel more in control which contributes to my happiness.  Today I dropped off Madison and Ashton for 3 hours at Station Park with $10 and they got ice cream, played in the fountains, ate samples at the grocery store, bought Madison some makeup, and Ashton a small Lego toy.  They had fun and I had peace and quiet.  We also have a chart set up that requires them to do 30 minutes of reading per day, clean their rooms and do one added chore, and trade off taking care of Ashton.  They also have an hour of quiet time which means they can rest, read, do a quiet activity or play outside.  I'm sure this will all run smoothly until about mid July and then it will all be downhill from there like it always is.  I really do enjoy the company of my children, which is saying a lot coming from an introvert like myself that relishes when things are calm and organized, because quite frequently it is not like that.  During the summer, Robert and I also go out twice a week instead of the usual once per week.  It is usually something very simple, even just taking a walk and then getting an ice cream.  I find it really helps my sanity to spend time just with him on a more frequent basis when the kids are all home most of the day.  We are looking forward to multiple camps for the kids with church and with soccer for Hunter.  We are having a mini-reunion in Deer Valley when Robert's sister comes into town in July, and we have a California trip planned for August.  I am trying very hard to breathe deeply and enjoy each moment, knowing how fast my children are growing up.  One more year and Christian will be graduated!  Say it isn't so!!!  This morning I woke up to the sound of the lawnmower.  It was 8am and Madison and Hunter had decided to get a head start on their chores for the day without having to be asked.  Madison had already been up at 7 to put the neighborhood flags out for Flag Day before starting the lawn.  What amazing children I have.  I don't like when other people brag about their kids, so I'll stop now.  :)

Me and my girls before the Taylor Swift concert

We had awesome seats!

Christian hikes to Flag Rock on the last day of school.

Last day of school.  My oldest and youngest at the park.

Christian practicing his stethoscope skills from his CNA course on Ashton for Family Night.

Hunter at 6th grade graduation with his teacher.

E and A getting along at the Homestead.

Cool bridge we stopped to take pictures at.

Puppy love.

Handstand contest.

Cuddles with Mads and Ash.

Climbing trees for fun.

Lots of swimming.

Mugging for the camera

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Jazzy enjoying the car ride.

Cute Ashton

Elisabeth and Calyn sledding down the hill in front of our house.