Monkeying Around at the Zoo

Tim and Brenda got here last night and we all went to the zoo today. It was fun!

Eden with the penguins.

Jonah with the penguins.

Celeste with the butterflies.

Brenda with a butterfly on her head.

Tim being a really nice uncle.

Little Scholars

Here are our four beautiful children in front of the school this afternoon. They are wonderful!

Becca's first day of preschool!

She did it!

Becca was so excited to go to preschool today. (I was too.) She didn't ride the bus, but I couldn't resist a picture with her bus and driver. She goes to the same school as the other kids. It is a preschool through the public school system for children that are running behind in one way or another. They hope to get her all caught up before she starts kindergarten next year. Crazy! Her classroom is right by Eden's class. She had a great time today. I love that smile! She said that they ate cookies and had table time. There are 3 other children in the class right now and 3 teachers! That's almost one on one ratio. I love that. There are a few other children that are being tested to get in. If they do, I think it will bring the class size up to 8. We'll see. But it is a great program and we are so grateful she got in!
We just adore our little Becca Boo. I get sad sometimes that she has grown up so fast.

megan

Megan Mattson is such a good friend!
Last night we went out to Olive Garden for my birthday and then walked the mall. I cannot remember the last time I did that. I had so much fun! Megan and I started to really become friends about a year ago. And she is so good to me. In my opinion a good friend is someone that truly loves you and helps you be a better and happier person. That's Megan. Thanks for everything Megan. I love you!

Today is my 29 birthday and it has been awesome. I woke up to a heart attack on my lawn. It's hard to see it here, but these are a bunch of hearts pierced in may lawn. Each heart has a sweet note on it. No names, so I don't know the culprit but it is several people that did it as I can tell from the notes and handwriting. I think my YW got involved. It meant a lot to me. I've also gotten phone calls from all of my older siblings and one younger, and my parents. I got to go out to lunch with 6 friends. That was fun. Steve is going to take me out soon. It has been great. I feel so grateful for the people that show love towards me. I am so blessed! I love you all very much. You make my life enjoyable. I don't know what I would do without my family and friends. Thanks!

By the way...Congratulations to Andy and his new baby boy. Preston Erwin Waite PEW!I hear he is perfect and can't wait to meet him.

My family.

Well, Andy you want me to talk about you. I was searching my photos and I didn't have a single photo of you! Isn't that bad? You can send me some. I have photos in albums and such but my scanner is not working so I can't scan any in. But I've got a link to Andy and Amber's blogs to see. So whoever is reading can go and read up on my way cool little brother. I am impressed with what he has done. This guy has gone through some serious issues growing up. Like being stripped naked and locked out of our home in downtown Bakersfield. Or beat to a pulp. Or getting his top front teeth knocked out in an accident. But he still managed to grow up, serve a mission, marry a girl way out of his league, and run a successful business. Andy, you rock! I love you!
I love all of my brothers and sisters and am proud of them in many ways. I think our family is awesome. Us kids all love each other so much and we are there for each other. We have countless memories that will always bring me joy. And my sibling in-laws are great too! Trent, Brenda, Emily, Rob and Amber, I love you guys! The kids they produced are even better if you can believe that. My nieces and nephews are so smart and talented and such good kids. I'm proud of them too.
So Anna, Tim, Sherod, Emily, Andy, Molly and Sam, I want to thank you for being my siblings! I will always love you and thank God for our family.

amanda

Daughters of God.

I just had the most wonderful weekend with some awesome young women. I really fell in love with these girls. We took 9 of them up to a cabin in the mountains. Two of them are not in the photo. They had to leave early :( So about half of our girls made it. We really missed the others!
The cabin was great and the area was gorgeous. These girls were so nice to each other the entire time and the Spirit was strong. My testimony grew and I felt myself bond to these beautiful people. I am so excited to be Young Women's President now. It's taken a few weeks for it to sink in well. But it is going to be an experience that I will cherish forever. I can't wait for camp next year!

You can click on the photo to see better.

May 8 1998

Today I am thinking about the happiest day of my life. My wedding day. I've been feeling stressed and worn out lately! It is memories like these that keep me going sometimes. And there are more wonderful memories to come as I spend the remainder of my existence with Steven Bishop.

Emily

Emily is an awesome sister!!!! I have been really busy but always really admired her blog and wanted to start one. Well, after telling her this again, today she decided she'd start mine for me. And here it is! She even put the links of other bloggers I like. Like my sister in-laws. Emily rocks my world. I miss her all the time. She is such a good friend and support. Thanks Emily!!!!! (She's just as busy as me too!)
This is a picture of her in Anna's FiltaFry van. There's Chris P. Fry on the van. Isn't it the most wonderful van you ever saw? It brings joy to my heart.

The Bishop Kids

Anna-Celeste is 8 years old. She is smart and very talented. She has an artistic ability and is a good reader and writer. Celeste just started the 3rd grade.
Jonah is 7 years old and is our outdoors boy! He also loves to build things. He takes the most exquisite joy out of building junk out of junk. Jonah just started the 2nd grade.
Eden is our social butterfly. She loves to socialize sometimes more then she likes to learn! She is a sweetheart! Eden just started the 1st grade.
Becca is the baby in the family and makes us so happy. We love her grin. She loves her brother and sisters dearly and misses them every day they go to school.