Only THE BEST Disney Musical Ever!

As any child of the 80's-90's will know, when The Little Mermaid came out, it had the power to change a young girl's heart. It certainly did mine. I loved that movie. LUVED. I have crystal-clear memories of Cassie and I attempting to flip our hair out of the water at Lake Powell just like the movie and fastening our life jackets around our legs like a fin. I also had elaborate plans to write to Disney demanding they make small figures from the movie with various outfits to put them in. (I would have been in heaven if I had seen what is available now.)

Hale Center Theater - a local theater company in West Valley - put on their version of The Little Mermaid, and I knew I had to be there. I dragged the boys and my mom along with me. It was amazing. The lighting, set designs, costumes, special effect - fantastic. I wasn't sure how anyone could make a live version without it being completely cheesy, but we all loved it. Even Jack (mostly) paid attention.

Now, just to figure out how to grow my hair to my waist and fit into a shell bikini top...

 

Don't Make My Brain Hurt

As I was looking back through our pictures over April, May, and June, it does look like we did some fun things. However, in my mind, the only thing that I did that entire time was study. Back in January, I had an opportunity to sit through some SPHR classes for work. (SPHR = Senior Professional in Human Resources.) There is a certification that you can earn by taking this nasty test, and I registered to take it, not fully realizing how much time it would take.

Every night, I read from one of the six books that make up the content of the exam. I would then work to memorize hundreds of flash cards and work through dozens of practice tests. It had been nearly ten years since I had studied, and last time I did, I didn't have two kids. It was brutal, and I alternately felt confident and then despair.

There were three of us total taking the test. All of the leadership team in HR (Director level) had taken it, and while most passed, two didn't. Out of the three of us taking the exam, I would be the first to take it.

The test was three hours, and while the questions (175 of them) were multiple choice, they were horrible multiple choice. The questions tested you on your knowledge of HR laws, but then went a step further in interpreting and applying them to situations. I had to go to a special testing center to take the exam, and they were super strict - not even letting me take in water. After the test, you hit a submit button, and then wait (forever!) while the screen goes blank and the test results are configured.

Luckily, I passed! Phew. I couldn't believe how relieved I was. And while I am certainly proud of the accomplishment, I hope I don't have to ever EVER do that again...

Fishermen

Over the course of the spring, my mom and dad had taken Cole and Jack to various ponds trying to catch some fish. While many fond memories were built, no fish were forthcoming. On Father's Day weekend, we drove up to Tibble Fork to try the small lake there.

Bingo!

So many fish were caught, the other fishermen were looking at us with jealousy. The boys were so excited.

These pictures perfectly illustrate the difference between my two boys. Cole stands at a respectable distance and refuses to touch the fish he caught. Meanwhile, Jack squeezes the ever loving life out of his.

As this was also Father's Day weekend, we brought a special treat up. My dad has always loved Twinkies. I have so many memories of him eating them at Lake Powell; even going so far to teach a fellow camper and foreign exchange student to eat them like "tea cakes." This picture brings me so much joy.

Spending the day fishing and eating Twinkies? I'd say that's a pretty perfect Father's Day.

Sleepover

Jack asked Cole if he could have a sleepover. When Cole said yes, Jack squealed, ran to his room and packed his suitcase. He then hauled it in to Cole's room and announced he was there for the sleepover. I was shocked when they actually slept through the night...

 

My Ray of Sunshine