Daisy and Dash's Gerbil Pups

Gavin and Alayna's gerbils had babies!  They were so tiny and cute!  We were able to find good homes for all 6 of them - 3 boys and 3 girls.  It was fascinating to watch them grow and see how their parents cared for them.  We'll probably have another litter of pups in a month or two - as we didn't have the heart to separate Daisy and Dash.  They have bonded and it would be so mean.

Daisy the good mommy carrying her babies back to her nest - after Daddy Dash kicked them out!  Lol.  Actually, Daddy Dash was very gentle and loving toward his babies as well.  He probably thought he was helping Daisy when he did so.

Once the pups grew hair, we were able to hold them.  2 of the girls had grey fur.

One girl and 3 boys had white fur.

 

Last Day of School 2024

The kids' last day of school was on Friday, May 24th.  They got out early at 10:30 a.m.  I went to pick them up and had to take a picture of the horses and little shetland pony pulling a cart with a sign welcoming summer vacation.

Mrs. Bills - the assistant director - was retiring, so we brought her a couple dozen eggs in a basket as a goodbye gift.  I'm going to really miss her.  She knew Gavin and never made him feel like he was less of a person - even when he would go into flight, fright or fight mode.

These two - they aren't so little any more... It's making me super sad, but I guess there's nothing I can do about it, so I'll embrace it.

Last Day of 6th Grade - Gavin had already changed out of his school clothes.

Last day of 3rd Grade

We thought today would be a fitting day to release the 6 butterflies.  I had originally bought them for my preschool class to observe the butterfly life cycle, but since we had to end early, I let my own kids set them free.

This poor butterfly's wings didn't develop correctly.  It's cacoon had fallen to the ground by another butterfly and it was unable to climb up onto the side of the netting once it emerged out of it's cacoon.  It's wings became misinformed and he spent his time going in circles on his back at the bottom of the netted enclosure.  Poor little butterfly...

 

Hydronephrosis

Remember how that one really rude doctor diagnosed me with prolapse?

Well, we didn't trust her, so we sought a second opinion and boy are we sure glad we did.  The second doctor, Dr. Platt, was quite adamant I did NOT have prolapse.  He told me I had a condition called hydronephrosis.  All my symptoms matched his diagnosis and he was able to fit me in for same-day surgery on May 16th to perform exploratory surgery and a cystoscopy (stent in my right ureter).  While exploring, he found that my ureter was blocked by scar tissue.  He said there was a lot of it and it was quite difficult for him to get the stent through.  But he succeeded and my poor right kidney was so relieved he did.  My back pain and side pain became almost non-existent after the surgery.  The stent isn't the most comfortable, but I can deal with it for 6 weeks.  The doctor will take it out on June 26th and then he'll let me know if I need to have a more invasive surgery where he'll cut off my ureter (getting rid of the scar tissue) and place it in another part of my bladder.  I sure hope that doesn't need to happen.  I'm sick of surgeries, and I'm not sure my body (and my brain) can handle it.  Being sick takes a toll on you not only physically, but also mentally.

I had my surgery done in Provo at The Central Utah Surgical Center.  I had to be put out with anesthesia, but it was the easiest surgery I've ever had.  It only lasted an hour or less and when I came to, I was able to stay awake, eat a bit of Jell-o, and go pee.  It wasn't pleasant going pee - stung like the dickens.  They gave me a pill beforehand that turned my pee bright orange - I think to make it not sting as much.  So the first day or two after surgery, it was like peeing orange soda pop! lol!

Since this surgery, I don't feel as bloated, very few electrifying pains in my side and abdomen, zero back pain, and things are looking on the up and up with my health.... now that I have a true diagnosis.

 

Mother's Day 2024

The primary children sang, "Mother Tell Me the Story" for Mother's Day and did a nice job with Ian Bucker on his cello.

Our ward has a silly tradition of making all the women go to a luncheon during 2nd hour.  Every year, I tell them I don't want to go, and every year they tell me they are getting a sub for me.  Every year, I walk home and spend that hour cleaning my house or making a meal.  LOL!  

I texted Kathy during that time to see what she was up to and if she and Loren would like to come to dinner.  She said they were going to the International Peace Gardens in SLC and invited us to come along.  It's a lovely park - showcasing many different countries throughout the world.

These gates were in the Germany section of the park.

My Irish flag.

Laynie in Paris

Gavin in China

We came home and ate saucy meatballs with rice and a salad.  I had also made this GIANT sugar cookie - because I love sugar cookies - with pink frosting - and sprinkles.

 

Clogging Nationals 2024

Nationals at Lagoon is always held on the first weekend in May.  The girls did an amazing job clogging as a team and as individuals.  They have grown so much and are so fun to watch!  They danced to Meghan Trainor's song called Goosebumps.

Laila, Lydia, Katelyn, Rosie, Brea

Lilli, Alayna, Grace, Kelsey, Noemi

Laynie did really well on her solos as well and even received a Jr. All-American award for the traditional solo.  Apparently only the top 3 dancers to dance this solo are given this award.

(A poster I made for Hype Week at the studio.)