Joe, Jamie and Caden Lee

Introducing...

2010-11-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Caden Randy Lee

November 16, 2010

3:25 pm

3 lbs. 12 oz.

16.5 in.

Caden was born at 32 weeks and 5 days. His due date was January 6, 2011. Here is his story.

On Saturday, November 13th, I was sitting at home watching iCarly after a full day of rehearsal. It was not a vigorous rehearsal, I only have 20 lines so I was sitting and working on grades the whole time. I had just put the jello in the fridge becasue I was going to bring jello jiglers for our ward linger longer on Sunday. I had just eaten a treat of apples and peanut butter and went to put my dishes in the sink. While throwing away my napkin I suddenly felt a strange feeling. Ok, so I rush to the bathroom and call my sister-in-law, Sena, to ask her if what I'm feeling is my water breaking. She confirmed my suspicions and told me not to drive myself to the hospital. I called my friend Pam and she headed over. Sena had called Mom and so I was talking to her while I rushed around the house throwing stuff in a bag while holding a towel (gross). Mom asked what the dr. had said and I simply stated, "I didn't call her". So, I called the dr. She said that she was pretty sure my water had broken so she told me to go to IMC in Murray because the Riverton hospital won't take you if you're under 34 weeks. Pam gets to the house so I grab an extra towel and walk out to the car. On the way there I was having small contractions, just uncomfortalbe, not painful, and very irregular. So I call Joe to tell him what's going on. I call Laura to tell her that my grades are in but I hadn't posted yet (how was I this calm?) We got to the hospital and I walk in. As I'm standing at the countar signing papers, I suddenly realize that I now know how if feels to pee your pants.

So the dr. did an exam and said that indeed my water had broken (DUH!). So I would have to stay in the hospital til he was born to avoid infection. They said that when your water breaks, its best to keep the baby in (if they're not stressed) until 34 weeks. After that they've found the baby does better outside. That would put us at Thanksgiving. I settled in for the long haul. I wasn't having contractions regularly and they weren't getting any stronger. If I had gone into labor they would've let him come because that is often a sign of infection. They started me on steroids to help his lungs develop more quickly. They wanted him to stay in for at least 48 hours to get the most benefit from the steroids. On Monday I went down for an ultrasound and a nonstress test. They were looking to see if everything was still good. I ended up having 2 nonstress tests because he wasn't very active in the morning and his heartrate wasn't peaking as often as they wanted. He was doing good.

On Tuesday, the 16th, I went down again for my regular nonstress test. Again, he wasn't peaking so they sent me down to labor and delivery so I could be monitored for a longer time. I was all hooked up about 9:00 am, working on lesson plans on my laptop. A resident came in and briefed me about a c-section, so in case something happened I would already know what the procedure was. As they monitored him they saw his heart rate dipping every once in a while, but he would bring it up himself. They thought maybe he was laying on the cord at those times since there wasn't fluid to prevent him from doing so. About 1:30 they came in and said that what they were seeing was his heart rate dropping everytime I had a contraction (still not regular and just uncomfortable). They said they thought we should deliver him today. My mom called Joe at work and told him it was time to come to the hospital. They were going to give me patocine to see if he could handle real contractions. About 30 minutes later, the high risk ob came back and said, they didn't want to stress him anymore so we were going for the c-section. She said we could wait and see what happened during the rest of the day, but she didn't want it to get to an emergency situation. She said they would prep and be ready in about half an hour. It is very weird to have someone tell you that you're going to be a mom in a half hour when you were planning on being a mom in 2 months.

So they get all preped and Joe gets to the hospital but he had woken up with a sore throat so they said he shouldn't go in. Mom came with me. It was the most sureal experience of my life! They used a spinal block which is like an epideral but it works faster and numbs you from about midchest down. The hardest part was about 10 minutes in when I started panicking that I couldn't breath. They told me this might happen. Because you're numb from midchest down, you can only feel the top of your lungs expanding. I felt like I was sufficating or drowning, even though in my mind I knew I was breathing. It was like a panick attack. It lasted for about 10 minutes, 5 minutes before they got him out and 5 minutes after. When they got him out he went right through this little window to the NICU where they can quickly asses and help him breath if need be. Well, the steroids worked and he was brething on his own. His apgar scores were 8 and 9. The nurse came back about 15 minutes later to get my mom's camera so I could see what he looked like. I was sleepier as they were putting me back together (also a weird feeling). There was no pain but I could feel them tugging.

When I was all sewn up they brought me back to recover. I was shaking uncontrolably which they say is adrenaline. Since Joe and I couldn't go to the NICU, mom went back to see him and got some pictures that they printed of him. I got back to my regular room about an hour later. They said I'd be able to see him about 10 pm when the spinal block was all worn out. I stopped shaking soon after and wasn't feeling pain or nausea. I rested and talked and slept. About 7:30 Randy and JaNise came to see me so mom went down to eat since she hadn't eaten since breakfast. At 8:00 a nurse practitioner from the NICU came in and told me that they had found that Caden's esophogus and stomach weren't connected. He would have to be taken to Primary Children's Hospital for surgery. Randy called mom and she came back up. They let me go down to the NICU since I was not feeling nauseated (wheelchair ride). Joe came at about 9 and I got to hold Caden for about an hour and a half before the Life Flight team got there. Joe went with him in the ambulance to Primarys. I had to go back upstairs.

Caden had his surgery on Thursday morning. It went well. I got out of the hospital on Saturday morning and went straight up to the Primarys to see him. I am very grateful for all the prayers and thoughts that were with me during that week. I know that Caden is doing so well because other people were praying for him. I know that I was calm throughout this whole experience (really, ask my mom, I was weirdly peaceful) because the spirit was with me. Thank you to all who prayed and continue to pray for our little family.

Faculty Baby Shower

2010-11-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

So there are two aides and two teachers pregnant and due pretty close together. So we all had one big shower from the faculty. Well, three of us were there. One of the aides had her baby six weeks early so she couldn't be present. So Laura, Melissa and I partied! We got lots of great, cute things from our friends at school.

Tables loaded with presents for the four of us

So cute! Cute little basinet made of diapers and full of surprises

Melissa, Laura, Me (believe it or not, I'm due last)

Another Book Update

2010-11-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

So I thought I'd update on my reading just to see how I'm coming. Still have about 2 months to finish.

Finished
In Progress
Yet to be read

1. A Great and Terrible Beauty-Libby Bray
2. Three Cups of Tea-Mortenson & Relin
3. Princess Academy-Shannon Hale
4. The Land of Elyon: Book 1-Patrick Carmen
5. The Wind Singer: Book 1-William Nicholson
6. Uglies-Scott Westerfield
7. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 1-Rick Riordian
8. Fablehaven: Book 3-Brandon Mull
9. A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love and Faith in Stages-Kristin Chenoweth
10. Darcy's Story: Pride and Prejudice told from whole new perspective-Janet Aylmer
11. Shooting the Moon-Frances Oroark Dowell
12. The Book of One Hundred Truths-Julie Schumacher
13. Flat Stanley-Jeff Brown
14. The Secret Garden-Frances Hodgson Burnett
15. The Sound and The Fury-William Faulkner**
16. The Awakening-Kate Chopin
17. Brave New World-Aldous Huxley

Ok so I'm a little further, right? I gave up on The Sound and the Fury...I was totally lost, I had no idea what anything meant, not so fun. If you have a suggestion for a Faulkner book to add to my list for next year, let me know.

Halloween

2010-11-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

So I carved a pumpkin. I picked the design because, well it had a cat and it was easy. Didn't think I'd have the patience for a harder design. However, I am very proud of it. Then on Saturday night, fake Halloween, I got the most trick-or-treaters I ever have. I was very excited. But then I realized that I have a kitty that loves to run outside. I decided to put his harness on him because when he has his harness on, he doesn't think he can move. Its like he's frozen, he just slinks along whenever he decides to move. Most of the time he just sat.

And my other cat loves food. Here is where she sat most of the night.

My brand new, totally cool, Pampered Chef CUT-N-SEAL

2010-10-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking it'd be cool to have one of these babies for a while. I LOVE eating Uncrustables but they're so stinkin' expensive so I figured I could just get one of these and make my own! So I ordered one when my mom had an online Pampered Chef party. And so yesterday I finally made one. It was so fun! Here are pictures of my step-by-step process, because I was bored... SO COOL!

The Best Christmas Pagent Ever!

2010-10-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am doing another show with the South Jordan Community Theatre. It is a children's play, not a musical. I'm playing one of the moms, Mrs. McCarthy. My family is the technological family, that is our theme. I've got 4 kids and obviously, one more on the way. Ha ha. I've got about 20 lines, its cute and the kids are fun. Come see!

Cupcake Decorating Class

2010-10-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

So I went to a cupcake decorating class with Laura and Cameo. It was by the same lady that did the cookie decorating class Laura and I took this spring. We learned to make three monster cupcakes. I really liked the first one we made but I got really frustrated with the cyclopse, my frosting was not behaving. The last one we did was the one that looks like he's made of spagetti, it was hard to get it to look right but his eyes are cool. Fun night!

Jam!!!

2010-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

So Laura and I decided to make jam. She just recently ran out and I've been wanting to make it. My mom and I tried to make raspberry jam when she was here but we tried to use Splenda instead of sugar. It turned out very interesting...useable but weird, we're still trying to figure it out. In the meantime I wanted some strawberry freezer jam. So I went and got cheap strawberries at Costco (I recently got a Costco card). Well, in the end, it was way to many strawberries so we're good on jam for a while. We ended up making 5 batches, could've made 6 but decided to eat some of them. Laura puts her jam in tupperware and I put mine in glass jars (cause that's what our moms did). Here is a picture of us with all our jam. YUM!

And here is a picture of us at the Girl's Night Out we went to in September. The girl with the brownie was just standing there but the other pictures didn't turn out...its funny though.

New knives

2010-10-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

So I've wanted to get some nice knives for a while so when I saw a Cutco booth at a Girl's Night Out, I walked right up to him and told him I knew what I wanted. He called the next week and set up an appointment. I got the 4 knives I wanted. My mom has had hers for a long time. They sharpen them for free and they're guaranteed against, well, anything. I got a santoku paring knife, a spreading knife, a utility knife and a santoku butcher-like knife. Yay for me, here's a pic!

Hot Chocolate

2010-10-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

So as I was looking for some hot chocolate at the grocery store I saw this amazingly colorful package. So I decided I had to try it. Basically its just regular hot chocolate with a package of colorful marshmallows attached. Kind of lame cause you don't get very many servings. I don't understand why they couldn't put the marshmallows in the same packet as the hot chocoate like normal but its fun anyway :)

Book List Update

2010-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

I decided to do a post on my book list progress. Not been doing great because I get so distracted by other books.
Finished
In progress
Yet to be read

1. A Great and Terrible Beauty- Libby Bray
2. Three Cups of Tea- Mortenson & Relin
3. Princess Academy- Shannon Hale
4. The Land of Elyon: Book 1- Patrick Carmen
5. The Wind Singer: Book 1- William Nicholson
6. Uglies- Scott Westerfield
7. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 1- Rick Riordian
8. Fablehaven: Book 3- Brandon Mull
9. A Little Bit Wicked: Live, Love and Faith in Stages- Kristin Chenoweth
10. Darcy's Story: Pride and Prejudice told from a whole new perspective- Janet Aylmer
11. Shooting the Moon- Frances Oroark Dowell
12. The Book of One Hundred Truths- JulieSchumacher
13. Flat Stanley- Jeff Brown
14. The Secret Garden- Frances Hodgson Burnett
15. The Sound and the Fury- William Faulkner
16. The Awakening- Kate Chopin
17. Brave New World- Aldous Huxley

Although it looks like I can never finish this list by the end of the year, I am determined. So let me know what you think, can I do it? How do you do it? Luck to me :)

Ok, I'm back...sort of

2010-09-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

So I realized that this is ridiculous! I have not updated forever so quick catch up.

1. I'm pregnant! Due January 6, don't ask boy/girl...don't know yet. I was sick from week 10 all the way to week 21. Now at 24 weeks I'm already pretty uncomfortable which seems a bit early as I talk to other expectant moms.

2. Not doing so hot on my reading list...I get distracted by other books

3. Started my 4th year of teaching (still 4th grade, same school) I currently have 35 kids in my class but will soon knock it down to 29 by getting a new teacher. Thank goodness!

4. Rode a 4-wheeler for the first time ever...cool

5. I'm working on being more on top of stuff: grading, cleaning, organizing. Also getting out and doing things more often: taking guitar lessons, temple, lectures, etc. So if you have any suggestions of ways to keep me from procrastinating or ideas of other uplifting/fun things for me to do, leave me a comment!

Ok, so I guess you're kind of updated. Happy Fall!!

Books to read in 2010!

2010-03-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

So I decided that I need to make a list of the books I want to read this year so I can keep track of them. So here are the ones I've thought of so far, in no particular order.

1. A Great and Terrible Beauty- Libby Bray
2. Three Cups of Tea- Mortenson & Relin
3. Princess Academy- Shannon Hale
4. The Land of Elyon: Book 1- Patrick Carmen
5. The Wind Singer: Book 1- William Nicholson
6. Uglies- Scott Westerfield
7. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 1- Rick Riordian
8. Fablehaven: Book 3- Brandon Mull
9. A Little Bit Wicked: Live, Love and Faith in Stages- Kristin Chenoweth
10. Darcy's Story: Pride and Prejudice told from a whole new perspective- Janet Aylmer
11. Shooting the Moon- Frances Oroark Dowell
12. The Book of One Hundred Truths- JulieSchumacher
13. Flat Stanley- Jeff Brown
14. The Secret Garden- Frances Hodgson Burnett
15. The Sound and the Fury- William Faulkner
16. The Awakening- Kate Chopin
17. Brave New World- Aldous Huxley

I "HEART" March 17th!

2010-03-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ok , so I love St. Patricks Day! I'm only the tiniest bit Irish but we always celebrated it with food in my family and of course...wearing green. So I got as much green as I could to dress up for school. My kids thought I was totally insane, it was awesome. Then when I got home I prepared some St. Patrick's Day food, including green milk (here's to you Mom). Joe thought it was so fun!

So here is my green milk. And I made shamrock toasties. Cut a green bell pepper near the bottom to make the shamrock shape. Toast an English muffin, put cheddar cheese slices on top, put the pepper on (with a tiny slice for the stem). Then broil them till the cheese is melted-delicious! And sweet shamrock pretzels. Used Pilsbury bread stick dough, shaped them, sprinkle on green sugar and cinnamon then bake as directed. So cute!

St. Patrick's Pot of Gold! I made jello jigglers- I don't like lemon flavor so i mixed it with strawberry so they gold is orange but I was ok with that. Then you slice a tiny bit off the bottom of some limes so they'll stand up. Cut off quarter off the top, then scrape out the inside. Insert little cubes of Jello jigglers and voila!

And this is a terrible picture but here I am after making the green milk, in all my St. Patrick's Day glory (and green).

New Pots and Pans!

2010-03-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we were given a set of pots and pans when we got married and they have worked fine for the last 5 1/2 years but we realized that they are warping and the non-stick stuff has been chipping. So we got some money from my parents for Christmas so we decided to use it to put towards new pots and pans. Well, I finally went looking and consulted our neighbor who is a chef (thanks Joe). The stars alligned at Kohl's tonight. I got a great set of Farberware, stainless steel with stainless steel covered aluminum bottoms. Plus I got 2 non-stick pans and I bought a tiny little pan meant for cooking one egg, because I LOVE tiny things! Anway, they are amazing and I got them all at an amazing price. So that is the story and here is a picture of my amazing pots and pans.

Long time, no type!

2010-02-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

Ha, I'm hilarious! Ok, anyway, it's been a while since I wrote anything on here so I need to catch you up. (Even though, I don't think many people look at this thing).

12/09

So in December we went on a ski trip with the 4th grade and it was freezing. Then I went to San Diego just before Christmas to see my family and to see Jessica get married. Yay Jess! Sadly, me and three of my roomates have to travel to other states to get together even though we live within about an hour and a half of each other. Wow, we're pathetic. Ok so then Christmas came and it was just me and Joe. We couldn't go to CA for Christmas because apparently people who aren't teachers don't get two weeks off for Christamas...weird. We got lots of cool stuff for Christmas and had a nice day.

1/10

Then in January, Joe started his masters program and was switched to the graveyard shift working 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. for two months. So it was a big change for us. He just recently finished his first class (he got an A) and is into his second. He is almost done with the crappy shift. Plus he turned 31 and we had a party and lots of people came! I've been helping South Jordan Community Theatre with its production of Aladdin, Jr. and it has been taking me out at night, but not as much as when I'm in a production. Ok, so January was hectic and stressful.

2/10

February has been good so far. I've been helping more with Aladdin and the kids have a blast. Opening night is tonight, go to sjtheatre.org to get tickets. For Valentines day Joe bought tickets to see Dear John which we liked and then we went to Red Robin to eat. Considering this is probably the first time we've done anything for Valentines in 5 years, it was a great night! Then this past Tuesday, Ben, Joe's brother who has been staying with us since December moved out and headed to CA to be with his wife and baby. He was finishing his job here while Joy started her job there. It was fun to have him here.

So that is life in the past 3 months. Hopefully I get better at keeping up with my blog again. Toodles.

Rupert in our Christmas Tree before we decorated

Jessica and her cute hubby

This is Joe on Christmas. He got Oblivion and Star Wars: Force Unleashed

I got lots of fuzzy socks for Christmas. I love them!

Here are some of the people at Joe's party.

The Sun'll Come Out!!!

2009-11-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

So Annie was a total blast! I made some new friends and got to spend time with old ones. The cast was so fun and the crew was very hard working. Our production staff is amazing...every show they work so hard. Trust me, seeing an SJCT production is worth the money (which is very reasonable). And even better than seeing a production is actually being involved with a production. For more information go to sjtheatre.org K, here are a few pics.

Easy Street, Easy Street....

That's where we're gonna be!!!

Annie is the Key

The jig is up!

Camping!

2009-10-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

So we went camping. It was our fist time camping together...ever. It was so fun! We went with my cousins. We picked apples, played apple baseball, hiked the crater, went inside the crater, walked around the natural springs, then on our way back we stopped at Bridal Veil and froze our feet in the water.

ANNIE!-South Jordan Community Theatre

2009-09-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm soooo excited. South Jordan Community Theatre is doing Annie next. Just auditioned. I sang "In My Own Little Corner" from Cinderella. I was in the audition with Michelle, Alina, Jill and Jessica. They are all so talented. It was way more nerve racking auditioning for these people that I know so well. I love them all and appreciate all their hard work and time. I'm impressed and awstruck that they give us all such amazing opportunities. Thank you all!!!

So after the audition I went to a bridal shower for one of the girls from our productions. It was so fun, Annie did a good job putting it together, and Michelle, ever the seamstress at heart, made an amazing dress out of tissue paper! Fun!! So after the shower was over we were talking about auditions and wouldn't you know, there was still a half hour before they were over so we convinced Annie and Dawn to audition-because we love them! So we all trooped over and they auditioned spontaniously!

Hope we all get call backs, they are so fun! More to come...

***UPDATE***

I will be playing the role of Lily St. Regis. She is the ditzy girlfriend of Ms. Hannigan's brother, Rooseter. Didn't expect that at all but I'm excited to get into it.

5th Anniversary!

2009-08-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

August 21, 2004

Today is our 5th anniversary, which we are spending apart. Joe texted me at 5:30 am with a happy anniversary message and then he called when he could and wished me happy anniversary again. And so I felt very loved. When Joe gets back we're going on a little trip. Don't know where yet but its going to be fun. I Love you Joey!

July 3, 2009

Graduation!!!

2009-07-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Its official. Joe graduated from Basic. He is now officially a soldier. He told me that the drills stopped calling the magets and stuff and started calling them soldiers. Interesting... So here are some pictures.

This is where he has been at Fort Sill

Captain Perry giving his remarks at Graduation

Larsen, Lasalle and Lee (They had to sit like this through the whole graduation)

The Drill Sergants

Lee and Lasalle are GRADUATED!!!

Specialist Rupert manning the Howitzer

Me and Joe

Family Day at Fort Sill

2009-07-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today was family day. I went to the Patriot Club to pick Joe up. I was so happy and excited to see him, I got a little misty eyed (I just don't cry that easily). So we were happy and then we met up with Lasalle and his girlfriend and her mother. We went to the artillery museum, the guardhouse where Geronimo was kept (saw his cell), and Geronimo's grave. It was very interesting. I want to learn more about the history of the area, including Geronimo's involvement with the U.S. army. Interesting! We went to their barracks after that so we could see where they'd been living. Close quarters lets just say. Charlie Battery. Then we went to lunch at a Chinese buffet. It was ok. We dropped them at their hotel and then we got to hang out together some more. We went to the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton. That was interesting. We saw a huge sloth! There is a replica of a fort outside at the museum and we were out there for about an hour talking to the guy at the trading post. We learned a lot and Joe got to start a fire using a fire iron (or whatever it was called) and a rock and some material and some rope...it was very cool. Then we just cooled off and watched some tv and ordered pizza. It was so nice to just be together. Took him back to base and came back. Just thought I'd update while I have the time. Tomorrow is Graduation!!!

Lasalle and Joe "guarding" Geronimo's cell

Me and Joe at Geronimo's grave

Larsen, Lee and Lasalle at Charlie Battery

Joe on a Segway at the Museum of the Great Plains

The fort replica at the museum

Me in one of the guard towers at the fort

Our "Amazing" run of Joseph!

2009-06-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

So being in Joseph was way more work than I expected, not being really familiar with the show I didn't realize that it was just all singing and dancing, heavy on the dancing. And I'm ok with that and really happy that it took sooooo much of my time the only problem is, now that it is over, what will I fill the extra 20 to 30 hours a week with. For now, I am a world traveler. Ok, not really the world, how about the western United States. As of right now I am sitting in the Denver airport waiting for my flight to Oklahoma City. I'm going for Joe's graduation from Basic Training. Yay! I get back on the 4th and then go to Logan for CORE Academy, after that it is off to San Diego to hang with the fam! Then I go to Rexburg after that to get Bekah from school. Wow! Then there is just a blank canvas of nothing.

Well, back to Joseph, I had such a blast! I met so many amazing and talented people and am grateful that I was able to work with Toni, Kim and Kevin again. Next season is promising to be just as amazing and I can't wait to see all the shows! I'm grateful to the friends I've made throughout the last 2 months and hope to keep in contact with them. Here are some picture just so you feel jealous that you didn't get to be in it!!!

Our AWESOME gold leggings!!

Go, Go, Go Joseph!!

Brandon (Judah/my husband) and his daughter who played one of our kids and me

Our whole amazing cast!!

Night at the Museum 2 Review

2009-06-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

So I saw this in Rexburg with my sister and thought it was really funny! I'm not one of the people that is going to say it is way better than the first one but it is definitley better than most sequels. I was laughing through the whole thing. Granted, there were some cheap laughs but overall I was entertained enough to see it again with my cousins. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5 because I don't think it will be the best movie of the summer but I really liked it.

Summer Movies

2009-05-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

So these are some of the movies I'm thinking of seeing this summer. If you see it before me let me know what you think so I don't waste my time.

Terminator Salvation

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

My Sister's Keeper

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

If there are others you can suggest please do!

Sunshine Elizabeth Lee

2009-05-06T20:32:00.001-07:00

Ok so Joe's brother, Ben, and his wife, Joy, just had their first baby. She was born on April 23 early in the morning. 7 lbs and 19 inches. She had a full head of hair which is now slightly receding according to Joy. She is a very pretty baby as you will see. It is very exciting. I got to go see her before they left the hospital. So here are some picture so everyone can see our beautiful niece, Sunshine!

Sunshine Elizabeth Lee

Me and Sunshine

Ben with Sunshine and Jack

Leaving the hospital. What a cute little family!

JOSEPH w/SJCT

2009-04-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to post about my latest community theatre endevor. I will be playing Judah's wife in the South Jordan Community Theatre production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". Our director has such a fun vision for the production. I am also the Children's Chorus Music Director. That may be a little challenging but I think it will be fun. I know a few of the kids who were lost boys in Peter Pan will be participating. Our practices start this week and performances are in June. Let me know if you want to go. It will be spectacular!

Last Call

2009-04-22T18:13:00.001-07:00

So today was my "last call" from Joe. He says it is hard. I'm doing ok, just lonely sometimes and sounds freak me out at night. I'm trying to keep busy. Joseph pratices start on the 4th. I'm directing the children's chorus and I am playing Judah's wife. Just excited for things to get started. Thanks to everyone for the support. Will update when I get Joe's address.

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-04-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

So Joy and I went to a Girls' Night Out event last night in Sandy. It was digital scrapbooking. We went to the Beginner's Class. The company is Digital Scrapbook Memories and you buy their cds that come with paper and embelishments and all the stuff you would use for regular scrapbooking. You create the pages in any photo editing software but they use Photoshop. So since Joy and I got Photoshop Elements from a class we took at school last year we decided to buy one of their beginner cds and see how it is. We've been working on it tonight and it is so fun. A little challenging at first but once you understand Photoshop you can do it easy. The cool thing about it is that it takes up way less space and costs less than traditional scrapbooking. Now, don't get me wrong I love normal scrapbooking but since I don't have a space to spread out, this will be way easier. There are so many cool things about it and it takes so much skill to be able to do it digitally that I don't feel like I'm selling out. So here is their website if anyone is interested http://www.digitalscrapbookmemories.com/ and here is the first page I did. Happy Scrapping Everyone!!

Sundance pictures are HERE!!!!

2009-03-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here are the pictures from Sundance. Joy finally sent them to me (ha ha) While we were in Park City we found the memorial to Ben and Joe's great-great-grandfather who ran the paper there forever. So that is what the first picture is.

So here is the better of the two pictures Joy got through the window of the place where David Archuleta was performing.Now, we can't remember this guy's name but he always reminds me of Pee-wee Herman even though I know it isn't him. So if anyone knows his name, please let me know so I can give the guy some kind of respect.And here comes the best picture of the night. The first one is of Demi and Ashton when they were coming down the stairs, but the second one is Ashton Kutcher and he seriously was that close to Joy and I, she wasn't zooming in at all. It was awesome!So I think we'll go again next year because it was really fun.

Only Five!!

2009-03-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

The first five people to comment on this post will get something from me! My choice. For you. Handmade. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be (nor do I at this point).
The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they want to receive a homemade gift from me will indeed receive one. Be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!!!

The "Aquarium"

2009-03-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

So Jeanna and Gracie came out west and I got to spend some time with them. It was so fun but I really wish they lived closer. We need our friends back!! Anyway, we decided to go to the Living Planet Aquarium. It was very small, housed in what looked like an old grocery store. Still, it was something to do. So here are some pictures.

Gracie dancing by a fish tank

touching sting rays

Gracie liked climbing up to see the fish better

Ok, here are the pictures. We miss you Strassburgs!!!

I took a personal day to spare the lives of 29 ten-year-olds

2009-02-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

So I decided that since I had a doctor's appointment I might as well take a personal day so I could get a break and give the kids a little break from me. It was eh. I had a new teacher meeting I had to go to at 8:00am and then from there I went straight to the doctor (woo hoo). Then I went home and Joe and I were going to go to the library but he had a meeting and was fixing someone's car so instead we went to lunch at the Village Baker. It was REALLY good.

Then we went to Tai Pan Trading to look for a coat rack to go on the wall by our door. We didn't find one though. Then Joe was working on a car so I went to the Salt Lake City Library to return a bunch of stuff and I checked out some books and cds and also...

That's right! I got the first season of Charles in Charge and did you know that in the first season it was a completely differnt family. They are so not as funny as the Powel family. So I can't wait to be done with this season so I can move on to the better family. I love Charles! Then I had to go back to school to do tutoring with one of my students. It would have been better if it was a completely school-free day but it was still pretty good not having to deal with the questions, complaints and physical agression of 29 kids.

And the Steelers take it!!

2009-02-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Our Super Bowl party was a success. We had our neighbors (and friends) Jason and Kimber & Joe and Beth over. We all made food and watched the game on our huge t.v. We had double stuffed blue cheese potatoes with buffalo chicken chilli (my Joe made those), enchiladas (Beth), deviled eggs, pasta salad, knock off Chili's queso, little smokies (Kimber), muddy buddies (other Joe) chips and salsa, and soda (ME). It was lots of fun. Of course the last 2 minutes were the best, but that is kind of how I feel about all football games. Joe & Beth, Jason & Kimber, Joe
The one red balloon was my idea because we were cheering for the Steelers.

Don't worry, its Apple Beer

Joe & Beth

Me and Joe (this is the best I could get. He made even dumber faces in the other three pictures, if you can believe it)

Sundance Film Fest (Pictures to come)

2009-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

We went up to Park City with Ben and Joy to see if we could find any celebs. We wandered around, had some awesome pizza and then after a reeeaaallllyyy long time we finally saw someone. The first people we saw were J.K. Simmons from Spiderman and Juno, and some guy we recognized but couldn't put a name to. They were in a room with a bunch of windows so we could see in. Then we saw David Archuleta through a window at a club where he was singing and that was cool. Then Paris Hilton walked right by us. BTW she walks really fast. So we stood there for a while after David was done singing to see if he'd come out and we saw Jeffrey Jones aka Principal Rooney from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. David wasn't coming out so we walked in the direction Paris had headed and while we stood there for about an hour we saw that guy who looks like Peewee Herman but it isn't him, Anne Heche and James Tupper from Men in Trees, Soleil Moon Frye aka Punky Brewster, and... ASHTON KUTCHER and Demi Moore. They all walked right past us we could have touched them. Of course my camera was having issues so I'll have to get them from Joy. It was so late and we were totally freezing but it was soooo worth it!

And we were the losers

2009-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

We had the cousins sleep over one Friday night and still had them on Saturday night so we were trying to decide what we could do that would be fun with the last hour before their parents came to pick them up. So Alyssa and I decided a picture scavenger hunt would be fun. So the teams were: Me and Alyssa vs. Joe, Taylor and Connor. We ended up loosing by 300 points because Joe is crazier than I am so he actually did the 100 point items such as "a member of your team delivering a meal to a person in a restaurant" and "entire team in the trunk of a car (not your teams car)" and I'm only brave enough to ask the guy at the mattress store if we could climb under one of the beds and take a picture. Here are a few of the pictures we got.a member of your team in a dog house

entire team in a group hug

a member of your team in a shopping cart

(it was funnier because it was one of those little kid shopping carts)

entire team sitting in one chair

(the girl who took the picture for us didn't get the chair in the picture, she was an idiot)
a member of your team under a bed

So even though we didn't win we had so much fun running around trying to find things.

Visitors from California

2008-12-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

My brother, Aaron, and his wife, Sena, and their adorable kids, Hayden and Danika, came to visit for Thanksgiving. Now, mind you, they weren't coming to visit only me, Sena's parents live close by but they came up and we got to hang out with some more family. Danika is so cute and Haydon is doing so much better with his speech not to mention he is the cutest baby ever!

We Love the Mall!!!!

2008-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

I took my cousin, Taylor, and her friend, Aspen, to the mall and it was so fun! If I ever go to the mall its either all alone or with Joe (and as we all know, guys aren't usually the best shopping buddies), so this was the first time in a long time that I actually had fun. The girls tried on cute dresses and we had so much fun. We loved the hair straightener that cost $150 that we tried out.

Taylor and AspenMe!

These are the bangles I bought and we split them to remember our AWESOME trip to the mall. We have since then returned to the mall and plan on doing it again soon. I LOVE THESE GIRLS!

Rupert gets glasses

2008-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

So I guess I'm going to go back and catch up with posts since I've been so bad. Plus I'm watching the Super Bowl and I need something to do or I can't cocentrate on what is going on. It must be ADD rubbing off on me from the kids. So back to the post, this is a picture of my cat Rupert. Joe got glasses for driving at night and we decided it would be funny to try them out on Rupert. The first time we tried it he looked cute but when we finally got the picture taken he was pulling his head back because he hated us and so this is what we ended up with, which is waaaaayyy funnier!

Things I've Done

2008-11-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run . 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie or on a TV show 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen. 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma. 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar. 72. Pieced a quilt. 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee

Now, copy and paste this into your own post, and BOLD the one's you've done.

Halloweenish!

2008-11-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

So here is my "catch up" post. Our cousins sleep over at our house a lot and one Saturday Joe took them to a pumpkin patch while I was at rehearsal. They each got a little pumpkin and a gourd. Plus they chose one for their sister who couldn't sleep over.

When they were at the pumpkin patch, Joe bought some corn. When they got home they made hamburger helper and boiled the corn. So when I got home we all had lunch together. Rupert LOVES corn!!!

And here are Rupert and Weasley in their Halloween costumes which they can only wear for about 2 minutes while I take the pictures. But they look so cute!

A trip to the mall!!

2008-10-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

So I took my cousin, Taylor, to the Southtowne mall and we had so much fun! I haven't been to the mall for a long time. It was fun to just walk around and hang out. One of the first things I saw at the mall was this awesome Janet Jackson style jacket. Ha ha! I can't believe how much of the eighties style has come back, the skinny jeans, the aviator glasses, leggings, etc. Its so funny!

SNOW!?!

2008-10-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it but it snowed! I was soooo not ready for this. Now that it has come I guess I have to deal with it. The snow was gone by 11:00 but still it snowed and the neighbors created this lovely snowman.

Wendy!!!!

2008-09-10T16:50:00.001-07:00

Ok, the results are in and I have been cast as...Wendy! So I'm excited that I have a part. I wish there was more singing but this is going to be so fun. So here is my tribute to a few of the Wendy's in the world.

Dame Maggie Smith as Wendy in Hook.

Wendy in Disney's Peter Pan

Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy in Peter Pan

I'm excited to be Wendy. Even though I'll never match up to these amazing ladies.

Daybreak Community Theatre

2008-09-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

So, I did it. I auditioned to be in the Daybreak Community Theatre production of Peter Pan. I auditioned on Tuesday night and made callbacks, which were last night. So it basically came down to 8 girls they were looking at for the three leads (Peter, Wendy, and Tiger Lilly). All these girls were so much fun. We had to do some acting, singing and dancing. It was lots of fun. I went into this planning on being in the chorus only. And now I'm waiting to see if I have an actual part. Don't know how I feel about it yet. I'd be excited to get a part but I won't be upset if I don't since I wasn't planning on it. But at least I know that I'm basically in the musical (in one way or another). So cool for me. I'll post on Wednesday when I find out if I have a part or if I am a CHORUS MEMBER! Lates.

How is school going?

2008-09-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, my class is a little crazy. They are hard to get calmed down and don't stay on task. I've got a few kids who take a lot of extra attention. We'll see how it goes. At this point... I MISS MY CLASS FROM LAST YEAR! And if you talked to me at all last year, you know that this is a huge turn around in my attitude.

Joe's school is really different from a public high school. He's not sure what to think about it yet. Its a big adjustment from middle school and he really misses the kids. He's still doing EF tours with them next year though and we've become good friends with a few of the families of kids who went last year.

So tune in later for more thoughts.

We're going to hit a bucket of balls.

2008-08-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

So the neighbors came over today and asked if Joe and I wanted to go hit a bucket of balls with them at the golf course nearby. We went and let me tell you, I am not good at golf. This is only the 2nd time I've ever tried to do anything with golf and I was just as successful this time as last time. We only had a few balls left and then the guy came out with the machine to pick up all the balls and Joe said "I'll buy you Taco Bell if you hit him". So we were all trying to hit him. Kimber got the closest but no one ended up with Taco Bell. Too bad!

Mill Hollow

2008-08-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

I went to Mill Hollow, a Granite School District camp, for 3 days with two other teachers and 20 students. It was lots of fun! We went on hikes, did crafts, sang songs and then the kids got to hang out with the counselors all night so we got a break. It was cabin camping so it was easier than being in a tent.

BREAKING DAWN- PART 1

2008-08-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

I was soooo excited for Breaking Dawn to come out.

So I got a wristband at Barnes and Noble and on Friday night I went to get my book. Well, there were a few THOUSAND people there and I decided that I would be there until 3 am if I waited in this line. So I went down the street to Walmart. I got there at 11:30 and got in line. At 12:22 am I checked out with my book. It was so fast I don't even know why I wasted my time. So I came home with my book and I read... and read...

and read...

until, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

No I didn't finish the book that night but I'm almost done. I'll post again when I'm done with it to let you know how I felt about it. I like it so far. Joe still hasn't finished Twilight. He gets bored with it very easily cause there is so much "girl crap". We'll see how it goes.

My Cats in Bed

2008-07-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

So my mom and dad brought a bunch of my crap up with them. They brought my American Girl Doll bed. Well Weasley decided that it looked like a nice place for a nap so she crawled in and got comfortable. Then Rupert wanted to sleep in the bed too. He jumped in and broke the bottom out (it had been broken before). So I fixed it and he was back in. But this time was even cuter because he used the pillow to rest his little head on. I've never seen anything so cute!

Joe has a new teaching job!

2008-07-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Joe has been looking for a new teaching position with people who love to teach and work together well. So this week he had interviews with two different schools and the one he wanted offered him the position. He will be teaching History for the entire high school. Its another charter school but their focus is on film. He will be teaching: Sophmores-World History, Juniors-U.S. History, and Seniors-Government and Citizenship. Next year they will open the school to Freshman and he'll be teaching Geography so he's getting that endorsement this year. Anyway we're excited and for the rest of the summer we're focussing on the Wasatch Climbing School!

Rock Climbing with the neighbors

2008-07-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

So on Saturday we went rock climbing up Big Cottonwood canyon with our neighbors. It was fun. I did some repelling and Joe and Jason climbed. Kimber is afraid of heights so she didn't do either. We talked while they climbed. Then that night they invited us over for a bbq. It was fun and the steaks were good. Then Joe and Jason decided to go light fireworks into the lake and Kimber and I just hung out in their house. They're cool and I hope we can hang out again considering we have no one to hang out with.

This is my husband!

2008-07-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here goes.

1. What is his name? Joe

2. Who eats more? well I can eat more at each meal but he eats all day so I'd say he does

3. Who said I love you first? He did.

4. Who is taller? Travis, I am a shorty

5. Who is smarter? We are both teachers but I'd say I'm better at English and he is better at History

6. Who is more sensitive? Me

7.Who does the laundry? That would be me but he is willing to do it.

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you are standing at the foot of the bed looking at it, he does.

9. Who pays the bills? I write out the checks but both of us contribute with the money part

10. Who cooks more? Both of us do

11. What meals do you cook together? We don't usually cook together

12. Who is more stubborn? We are both really stubborn

13. Who is the first to admit they're wrong? Usually whichever one figures out that they were wrong, and I've got to be honest we are both wrong sometimes.

14. Who has more siblings? Joe, he's got half siblings all over the place.

15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? It's pretty much fifty fifty I'd say.

16. What do you like to do together? Watch movies, rock climbing, hang out

17. Who eats more sweets? We both eat them but not out of control

18. Guilty pleasures? He thinks Gilmore Girls is funny so he won't make me turn it off if I'm watching and he comes in

19. How did you meet? We were in the same ward at BYU-I and I was the only one who laughed at his intelligent joke

20. Who asked who out first? Joe asked me out because his date cancelled on him

21. Who kissed who first? He kissed me

22. Who proposed? Joe

23. His best features? His arms

24. What is his greatest quality? He actually gets a long with pre-teens. He teaches 6th, 7th and 8th grade and he loves those kids and they love him. I mean, who really gets along with 11-14 year olds?

25. Tag? Anyone who wants to cause I clearly don't have enought people who read my blog!

Amanda's Wedding

2008-07-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't posted in a looooong time and so....

I went to my old roomate from BYU-I, Amanda's wedding. Kimberly (another roomate) and her friend Willy also went. We all drove together up to Challis. Challis is a tiny town 2 and a half hours from Idaho Falls. I'm talking miniscule, like they have only one light and it is only a blinking yellow light. It is hillarious. But I love it there every time I go. Weird huh? So we had a great time. It's been a while since I've seen her family and they are all so fun. So here are some pictures.

BOOOOO...David Cook

2008-05-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

I"m so sad. I love David Archuleta! I'm so sad. I totally think that the win resulted from Simon's plug for David A. last night. He created a sympathy vote! Stupid Simon! This is the first time I've been so mad at him. I agree that David A. kicked butt last night but Simon went too far and caused this stupid thing. OK, David Cook is a good singer but I think that David Archuleta performed at a much more consistant level with correct singing style. He also has a lot more strength in his voice where as David Cook can cover it all up by calling it "rock". Whatever, I'm done ranting just thought I'd tell you all how I'm feeling.

Tagged Again!

2008-05-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

I got tagged again but this one is different so I'm going for it!

How To Play This Game of Tag. Post these rules on your blog. Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Here it is...

Joys:

1. my family (husband and cats) 2. Teaching, 3. reading

Fears:

1. water (not a fan) 2. dogs (I am getting better) 3. Joe not coming home because he fell off a mountain or drowned in rapids or something

Goals:

1. get through my 1st year teaching 2. read all Jane Austen books 3. have a family (with more than just cats)

Current obsessions/collections:

1. TWILIGHT!!! 2. Harry Potter (forever and always) 3. Scrubs (its hilarious)

Random surprising facts:

1. I love rock climbing (I'm really great at repelling) 2. I love history! 3. My least favorite chore is doing the dishes (I would rather clean the bathroom or do laundry)

I tag: Jeanna, Jessica (cause she hasn't done it yet), Jeni, Hilary and Aaron

TWILIGHT!!!

2008-05-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, two posts in one day! I forgot that I just had to post about Twilight. I have now finished the three books that are out and I'm totally hooked. I haven't felt this way about a book since I started the Harry Potter series (which I must say is still my all time fave). The Twilight series, however, runs a very close 2nd to the HP series. I'm just so freakin excited about the movie coming out and Breaking Dawn (the 4th book) that I had to let you all know. Here is a link to the Twilight movie web page so you can see the trailer that came out last week. I love Kristen Stewart and she is perfect for Bella. Also, as I'm sure you can see, Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory in the HP movies) is an awesome Edward! Ok well if there is anyone who likes to talk about the books you need to call me cause I have no one to talk to about Twilight because Joe refuses to read them (understandably).

http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

So enjoy the trailer!

I Guess its Time to Write Again

2008-05-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

I guess it is time for a new entry! I've been so busy with CRT prep and stressed with grading that I haven't had time to even think of anything else. Plus we've been crazy sick at our house. I got a bad cold that is going around, gave it to Joe, he developed pneumonia and I got the virus again. And on top of that my poor cat, Weasley, fell of the kitchen table and didn't wake up in time. She sprained her ankle, hopefully. I couldn't afford the freakin $90 xrays to be sure but I got her some pain medication and her limp is going away so I'm pretty sure it isn't broken. So blah!

2008-04-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

an English mailbox

at the Tea Shop

Gelato from an Italian Eatery

Cool Car!

Jessica has been visiting me since Wednesday night. We've been into the city a few times. We went to the London Market and Elizabeth's English Tea Shop. It was so much fun because we love Britain. We've been watching Gilmore Girls and talking about Twilight! Plus Jessica went to school with me on Thursday and Friday and my kids were totally fasinated by her presence. They will be so sad when she isn't there on Monday.

Koala's March

2008-03-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

I love Koala's March Chocolate Creme Filled Cookies!!!!

My mother must have gotten these when I was younger because I remember them and I had seen them once in Idaho Falls and could never find them again until today! I got them at Smith's and they are delicious. Just thought I'd share.

My Answers

2008-03-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Four Jobs I've Had:
1. 4th grade teacher
2. Sandwhich artist (twice)
3. Land Aquestion Asst.
4. Tutor for Autistic Boy

Four Movies I could Watch over and over:
1. Goonies
2. Any Pixar movie
3. The Little Mermaid
4. All Harry Potter movies

Four Places I've Lived:
1. Hanover Park, IL
2. Temecula, CA
3. Rexburg, ID
4. South Jordan, UT

Four T.V. Shows I Love:
1. Gilmore Girls
2. Scrubs
3. Lost
4. Full House

Four of My Favorite dishes/foods:
1. Chicken fingers (from anywhere)
2. steak when Joe makes it
3. Johny Carinos
4. Cereal

Four sites I visit daily:
1. Blogspot
2. facebook
3. Mugglenet
4. Stephenie Meyer

Four Places I have Vacationed:
1. Florida
2. The Carribbean
3. Church history sights
4. Southern California (I guess I vacatation there now)

Four Places I'd rather be right now:
1. With my family
2. in the midwest instead of the stinky west
3. Rexburg (I know its weird but once you leave there you'll know)
4. Europe!!

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:
1. Jessica
2. Joyce
3. Liz
4. Jeanna

UK Someday!

2008-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Rock of Cashel, Ireland

The ruins of the Dunnottar Castle, Scotland

Stonehenge (of course)

Tower Bridge

I want to go to Europe so bad. It has always been number one on my list of places to visit so when Joe started working with EF tours to take students on a tour this summer I was so excited thinking I may be able to go. Boy was a wrong. I'm so disappointed because I was so close. The tour they're going on is England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Its a perfect trip! Plus there is a 2 day extension to Paris that some of them are going on as well. If I only got to go to Europe once in my life, this is the trip I would want. They're going for 17 days. They'll see the Killarney region and County Kerry including the Blarney Castle, hello, kissing the Blarney stone?! Then on to Dublin for about 2 days. Continuing on to North Wales and several castles. Next they go to the Edinburgh region fro 3 days and go on a walking tour, see the homes of Robert Louis Stevenson and Alexander Graham Bell. Then Edinburgh Castle! More Castles... Then to Yorkshire and the Bath region. Last stop...LONDON! Guided sightseeing and a walking tour. There is an optional excursion to Windsor Castle which I would so opt for! Then free time in London. The extension in Paris includes sightseeing, walking tour and a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. I had to just get this out there because I've just been dwelling on the disappointment all alone.

Downstairs!

2008-03-08T21:14:00.001-08:00

Ok, not ready to show the upstairs yet but here are some pics of the living room and kitchen areas. No pictures on the walls yet but I'm getting there. What do you think?

My brothers' babies

2008-03-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

Ok so I thought it was about time to post about my nieces and nephew. Since I only have cats and no actual human children to post about here goes. My nephew, Hayden will be 2 in June and he is the cutest baby in the entire world. Then my niece Chelsea will be 1 in May, she looks like a china doll. Lastly my niece Danika was just born in January and haven't actually met her yet but Aaron and Sena are coming up in a few weeks so I'm excited to see them.

Here Comes the Sun!

2008-03-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

Rock climbing season is coming...its almost here. We did lots in Idaho and got some in last summer season too. We have lots more equipment this year and Joe went to West Virginia this year to get his AMGA certification so we are all set. I'm excited to get better at it. My favorite thing is repelling but that is probably because I'm too lazy to actually work my upper body enough to be able to climb quickly. But still I'm excited. Joe is working on his curriculum for this semester. They're big adventure is rock climbing so he's going to be doing a lot of it this year. Anyway, now that I've blah blahed long enough about rock climbing I'll write more later.

Moved in...kind of

2008-02-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

My gosh! It is all out of the apartment and into the house. However, I will not be posting pictures for a long time because I have to unpack everything and let me tell you, there is a lot of crap. I've been throwing away crap forever and still there is more. I don't even know what this crap is, but its my crap and it needs a place to live. Tonight I'm cleaning the apartment which consists of cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, floors and vaccuming and nothing more because I never get my full deposite back and this place was nasty when I moved in. My goal is to take no more than an hour and a half. My sister in law is helping so hopefully it will go quickly. I guess that is all for now. I'll post more as we move forward.

Literacy Night Failed/Excited to move/Paris for Joe

2008-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

We had a family literacy night tonight at school and it pretty much failed. Kind of sad that families can't take one night out and come read books and do activities with their families. Plus, I had to go back to school after my half hour break and try to get the 6 kids who came to my room, in an hour and a half, excited about the book I had to read with them. So maybe we shouldn't have done it during winter. No one likes to leave home again when it is freakin' snowing and crap. Oh well.

I'm back to being excited about moving into my own house (*note: I will be using the word house to talk about my townhouse.*) Ok so we may be closing around the end of next week. All we have left to do is go to our walk through to check out if there is anything the builders need to fix before it turns over to our responsibility. That is on Monday and after that we close. Woo Hoo!!!

Joe is going to Paris next week. He has a training for his EF tour that is coming up in June. He is leaving on Valentines' Day which is kinda stinky (well, it's not like we're super into the holiday anyway). So his tour is in June fro 17 days to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He has 17 kids signed up right now and working on their fundraising. He gets to go for free as the chaperone. If he gets enough kids signed up and paid then I get to go too. That would be so cool and I really will be sad if I don't get to go. Well I'm still excited for him to be going to Paris.

Townhouse

2008-02-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

We are buying a townhouse!!! I'm so excited. We keep getting robbed living in these apartments in stupid Kearns so we're movin' on up. I can't wait to get into them. They are in the Daybreak community in South Jordan. In view of the new temple going up in the community. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and an unfinished basement that we're going to work on this summer. Brand new, granite counter tops, tile instead of linoleum. Can't wait to move in. The mortgage guy and homebuilders are working quickly for us so we should be in by the 20th (cross your fingers).

Teaching

2008-02-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

So we are both a little stressed at school right now. Joe is working really hard creating his curriculum for next trimester. I am having a really hard time handling 31 students with a huge learning gap between the top and bottom students. I love all of them but they do have their own difficulties that sneak into the classroom.