Ch Ch Changes!

What a year it has been! I haven't blogged for ages, so I have some catching up to do. This year I completed my student teaching, graduated college, left my job of over 5 years, and started teaching 2nd grade. On top of all that, my dad was sick and needed a triple bypass and my husband was unemployed for a little while. Needless to say, it has been a roller coaster!

Student teaching was so much fun. I was in a third grade classroom. Third grade is perfection. 8 and 9 year olds are just plain fun. I became so attached to the kids and ugly cried when I had to leave. However, I had to go back to work and pay my bills. Working 15 hours a week just didn't quite cut it. It was extremely difficult to even work those few hours a week.

I finished up my last couple of classes after that and graduated the end of April. This was the biggest accomplishment of my life. I am the first in my family to graduate college. What a true honor! My family threw me a party in May to celebrate. We had a barbecue to celebrate and it was really a lot of fun. My family is so supportive and I love them dearly.

A midst all this triumph, my dad wasn't feeling so well. He went down to the VA Hospital in Salt Lake to get checked out. We found out he had some blockages and needed a triple bypass. We were all very scared about the situation, but I was thankful they found the blockages before something went seriously wrong. We went back down to Utah 6 weeks later for the surgery. They put him under and prepped him for surgery. My mom and I went to the waiting room and settled in for the 4-5 hour wait. The surgeon promptly came out and told us he couldn't do the surgery. For some reason, my dad's heart pump function had decreased to under 30%. He changed his medication and sent him home for 6 more weeks.

We returned the next month hoping for the best. When they put my dad out for the surgery, his heart pump function decreased again. I wondered if it was the anesthetic they used... who knows. They had a heart pump on standby in case he needed it, but he was strong and steady through the surgery. After 7 long hours, the surgeon greeted my mom and I with happy news that my dad was doing great. He was in ICU and unconscious for a couple of days, but was able to return home within a week of the surgery. Remarkable! We were so blessed things went smoothly. Dad is feeling great now and looking great too. I'm so happy and relieved he is OK.

The week of my Dad's surgery, I had an interview with the Shelley School District. I got a call from the principal of their elementary, faked a doctor appointment at work, and rushed to Shelley for my interview. Thursday they offered me a job. Woohoo! I am now teaching 2nd grade. Setting up my classroom was a ton of work. It was full of stuff and needed cleaned, so it took me a full week just to get it in shape. I have already faced so many challenges. Teaching is the toughest job I have ever and will ever have. However, ti is so worthwhile and fulfilling. Education is important. It is our future. I am honored to work with youth and hope I can have a positive impact on every student I teach. I have learned that teaching is not a career - it is a lifestyle. My students are great! They are so smart and funny.

Justin got a new job and is back in school as well. We have been so blessed with opportunity this year.

So, that's a short summary of what has been happening with me. I'm on harvest break right now... that's about the only reason I had time to blog. Harvest break has been wonderful. I've never had 2 whole weeks off of work. I feel great. This morning I went for a walk in the crisp air and made pumpkin muffins. I love Autumn!

Day 14

Today I am thankful for nutella. It is probably my most favorite food. Ever. I just made some crepes and filled them with nutella. What a heavenly dinner after a long day at work and a workout at the gym!

Day 13

I am thankful for having awesome co-workers in my work group! They help me get through Mondays and make my day better : )

Day 12

Today I am especially thankful for fuzzy socks, flannel sheets, and heated blankets. It is getting mighty chilly in Idaho!

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I sure did! I did a little Christmas shopping and sewed a couple of cute little gifts as well. I visited my parents, too, which is always nice : )

Day 11

Today I am thankful for Veterans. I am grateful for their service to our country. They keep us safe and uphold our freedoms. I am particularly grateful to my Dad, who served in Vietnam, and my Grandpa, who served in WWII. Thanks to all the heroes out there!

This is my Dad.

My grandpa is pictured on the bottom, 2nd from the left.

This is my grandpa Melvin with his twin brother, Merlin. His mother send five sons to war and all five came home. How grateful she must have been!

Catching up...

I have fallen a little behind... but here goes!

Day 7: I am thankful for books! There is nothing like escaping to a good book!

Day 8: I am thankful for new opportunities and change, even though it is really difficult for me at times. I received my student teaching assignment today and Justin started a new job. I am also grateful to him for working extra hard while I finish my education. I have been placed in a great school and have a wonderful cooperating teacher. Woohoo!

Day 9: I am grateful for technology. I love my computer, kindle, iPod, and smartphone. I am thankful to live in a time when things are so exciting and it is so easy to stay in touch with those we love. Technology just makes everything easier.

Day 10: I am thankful for snow! Even though I complain about it every year, there is something so beautiful and exciting about the first big snow of the season. Snow is peaceful, quiet, and graceful.

This photo was taken at my parent's house.

Day 5 and 6

Day 5: Today I am thankful for my family - all of them! I have wonderful cousins, aunts, and uncles who have been there for me my entire life. We have so much fun together and I love them to pieces! I also am fortunate to have wonderful family in-law!

I am proud to call this group of stone cold weirdos my own! Love you all!

Day 6: I am proud and thankful for the vote I cast today!

Day 4

My grandpa. Oh, where do I even begin with Melvin? He was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. He taught me so many things: how to color and stay in the lines, how to garden, to play baseball, politics, history, and so many important life lessons. He also taught me to laugh even when things are bad. He was a car salesman later in life, after his farming days, and I remember him saying things like "There's an ass for every seat!" about cars you wouldn't exactly expect to sell right away. He was always so optimistic. I am who I am largely in part because of him. I miss him every day and I know he is looking down on me. I am grateful to have had such a wonderful grandparent and example in my life.

Thankful.

I've been horrible about keeping up my blog! Just to give a quick update, things are going well. I recently finished my last class and also received my student teaching assignment. Justin is doing well too. We have done a lot of fun things lately: cooking together, going to movies, taking a short trip here and there, and just enjoying one another! He has been busy tying up flies for fishing season. I am amazed at his artistic abilities and skill level - I wish I was that good at something! Since I finished up my last class, I have been crafting and reading a lot; two things I love but never seemed to find enough time to do them!

I have noticed everyone posting things they are thankful for each day on facebook. I like this idea! So even though I am getting a late start, here goes:

Day 1: My amazing parents. I don't know how I was lucky enough to get them, but I thank Heavenly Father every day for them. They are supportive, funny, kind, and loving.

This is such a weird picture, but I couldn't find a good one of them! Sorry Mom!

Day 2: My husband! Justin is wonderful. He is affectionate, thoughful, always honest, and funny. I am so grateful I get to come home to him each day!

Day 3: Autumn. I had a gorgeous walk today along the river. This is my most favorite time of year. The beauty of the fall season never ceases to amaze me each year. I love everything about it: the changing leaves, chilly weather, snuggling up, and the Holidays that accompany it.

I am feeling gracious and humble already : )

Happy November, everyone!

Highlights

I haven’t updated my blog for a very long time! I really need to get better about doing that this year. The holidays were great for us. We spent time with family and friends and I had time to really appreciate all the blessings in my life. 2012 is going to be a big year for me! I will be a student teacher and FINALLY finish my degree. Here are some highlights of my 2011:

• Losing 20 pounds
• Seeing the Hoover Dam 
• Playing blackjack at a Vegas casino for the first time 
• Hiring a trainer and getting into weight training 
• Passing the Praxis I and II 
• Turning a whole quarter century old 
• Learning, once again, that life can’t be plotted on a calendar 
• Making jam, sewing making an attempt to be more domestic (finally after 5 years of marriage) 
• Discovering the almighty Pinterest 
• Sadly, losing my grandmother (dad’s mom). I will miss her.

Favorite books I read: The Help, Bloodlines, Hush Hush (I didn’t do nearly as much reading last year as I hope to do this year)

Favorite movies I saw: Harry Potter, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Bridesmaids I don’t really have a resolution for 2012, but I hope to continue with getting more fit, not plotting my life on a calendar, reading lots of books, and finishing my degree. I hope to learn many new things this year. Oh, and update my blog more often!

Popcorn Balls

This weekend has been fun! On Friday night, I made dinner with friends and caught up on our favorite shows we had missed throughout the week. We also watched the new show Grimm.

I am pretty sure it will be tradition for Mindy, Amanda, and I to all watch it together on Friday nights because there is NO way any of us would watch that alone! Super scary! I thought it was really good though... perfect for a Halloween weekend!

On Saturday I did one of my most favorite things... cook with my Mom! We carried on tradition and made my Gram's popcorn balls for Halloween. They are so yummy and one of my favorite fall treats. I think they beat any old Halloween candy.

We also went to my Aunt Sandy's house for a fun Halloween party with Katelynn and Jake. There were all sorts of creepy food and cute costumes.

Today has been a day of homework, housework, and cooking. I am studying for my big Praxis II exam coming up in less than 2 weeks. Yikes! I am really nervous. I also have some Italian chicken bubbling in my crock pot. Thanks, Savanna for the recipe! It sure smells good!

I also had a wonderful 25th birthday. Thanks to my friends and family for making it so much fun! Justin got me these super cute boots that I am in love with...

I hope everyone has a happy Halloween tomorrow! Hunker down, Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Viva Las Vegas!

In celebration of my 25th birthday, a couple of friends and I went to Las Vegas for a girl's weekend. I had so much stinkin fun! We did Vegas up right with blackjack, slots, no sleep, Fremont Street, shopping, shows, and the Strip. OK, first of all... the people in Vegas are absolutely one of a kind (ha, no pun intended). I love people watching in Vegas. People just never cease to amaze me. Here is one guy I saw who was awesome!

We left Thursday night and got to the Luxor at about 8pm. We checked in, ate, and wandered the hotel, then went over to the Excalibur. The next day we shopped until we almost dropped, walked a TON around the strip, and went to see the Jabbawockeez. They were nothing short of amazing. Their dancing and comedy was spectacular and I had a TON of fun... minus the drunk lady next to me that was making weird hand gestures all night to the music. Whatever!

Saturday was the M&M store, the Coke store, Fashion Show Mall, the Wynn buffet, and Fremont Street. I got some fun souveniers at the Coke store, Mindy bought some cute Halloween M&Ms. I spent most of my time at the Fashion Show mall at Forever 21. That store was completely overwhelming. I have never seen so many clothes in one store for women in my life. And they have 132 dressing rooms. Crazy! Then we ate at the Wynn which is spendy but pretty much the BEST FOOD EVER.

 Halloween M&M's

 Fountains at the Bellagio

 Me being a goof and making the same pose as the cowboy...

The last night was Fremont Street. Mindy turned me into a blackjack queen! We played at a table in Fitzgerald's until about 2 in the morning. I love Fremont Street because the tables don't require big bets and you can play on just a little money for a long time. We played until about 2am and then had to drag our tired butts back to the hotel to pack and catch an airport shuttle at 5am. No sleep for us!

Haha, there I am rocking my giant McDonald's Diet Coke next to the cocktails at the Blackjack table.

Fremont Street was full of people in costumes for Halloween, scary bands, freaks, and an awesome light show. I had a great time in downtown. I almost think it is more fun at night than the Strip.

I had a TON of fun and can't wait to go back to Vegas again! Maybe next year!

Nice Week

I have had a really nice week. It is fall time and beautiful outside, I have had a short break from school, and I also have spent lots of fun time with friends and family. Yesterday my brother and sister in law were in town to visit. Justin's parents had dinner and then a little birthday celebration for my brother in law, Erik, and I. Oh, here's an interesting factoid for you... my sister in law, Emily's birthday is on the 23rd, mine is on the 25th, and Erik's is on the 26th of October. Fun! Anyway, we had lots of fun playing Nerts and Mario Kart and catching up. 

My cousin, Darcy, had a purse party with family and friends last night. I just love my family. They are hilarious! 

On Friday, my friends Savanna, Mindy and I went to this "What Today's Women Want" expo at the Shilo. I love looking at crafts and jewelry. They had so many cool things there! Savanna got these nail stickers in a chevron print that were pretty much the cutest thing ever. They are this new thing called Jamberry and they have a ton of cute designs. Speaking of nail designs, I am working on a new blog post with all my nail designs I have painted over the last few months. Stay tuned!

My friend Jessi called me on Thursday to chat. She moved to Spokane a little while ago and I sure do miss her! She broke the news that my other BFF Lizzie got engaged that night!  So of course, I immediately called Lizzie. Lizzie answered the phone casually and I said congratulations. Then I said, "Wait, am I interrupting a date or anything?" She replied, "No. We are just watching Cops." Ha! What a thing to do on the night of your engagement! I am so excited for her and Clayton. I have known both of them for a long time and they are absolutely perfect for each other. I am so honored and humbled she has asked me to be her Maid of Honor and that I will be able to share a part in their big day. Cheers!

On top of all those fun things, we also took the time to snap a few pictures this weekend in the fall leaves. 

I love weekends! 

Birth Month!

Huzzah! It is finally my favorite month... October! I share my birth month with my Mom, whose birthday is coming up on Tuesday. We celebrated this last weekend with ice cream, brownies, presents, and my wonderful and fun family. My dad and I got my mom a Kindle and I don't know if I have ever seen her so excited about anything! She is loving it and now I want one too! On a funny side note, my grandma has no idea what a kindle is and could not figure out why she was so excited to get a candle.
Anyway, my my 2-5 is coming up next. I am ringing in the quarter century by going on a quick Vegas trip with some friends. I love the people, shopping, buffets, and sightseeing - can't wait!
To my friends and family... here are some gift ideas (I know it seems ridiculous to make a list but everyone always asks me, so here you go!):

1. Kindle Fire
2. Riding Boots
3. Sweater Dress
4. Scarf
5. Tom's Shoes (size 8)
6. Cash or Gift Cards - I always love getting this, then I can buy whatever I want! FYI, my favorite places are Sephora, Amazon, Old Navy, and Maurice's
7. Argyle Knee Highs (to go with my riding boots if I get them : )

I love, love, love Fall! One of the many reasons I love Fall is because some of my favorite fruits and vegetables are in harvest: peaches and zucchini. I have really turned into Suzy Homemaker lately. This last weekend I tried my hand at freezer jam. It was so easy! I made three batches: peach, strawberry, and peach strawberry. They are all yummy but peach strawberry was the favorite. I made a low sugar variety but it was still plenty sweet. Here is the recipe:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/peach_jam.html

I also made refrigerator pickles. That was easy, too! In 4 days I will have yummy bread and butter pickles. Refrigerator pickles and freezer jam... where have you been all my life?!

Has everyone heard of pinterest.com? If not, you should get on it! This website is consuming my life and I think it is responsible for my domestic mood lately. There are so many great ideas for the home, fashion, crafting, you name it. I also love that I can follow friends kind of like facebook, but better!

Finally an Update!

Wow! It has been a really long time since I updated my blog. I guess that goes to show just how busy my summer was! I haven’t had a break from school since I last posted and I have had crazy events back to back to back to plan at work. But Hallelujah! I survived and now Autumn is on its way! This time of year is my absolute favorite. It just feels so new and exciting! Its back to school time, plus tons of cute clothes in beautiful colors are on the racks at my favorite stores. And let’s not forget the Fair! I spent a good share of my 4 day weekend in Blackfoot with family and friends going to the Fair to eat yummy food and see the sights. Here are some of my favorite things about the good ol’ Fair:

• Seeing people I know
• Looking at the photography, quilts, and cakes
• Eating scone nuggets, ice cream cones, pronto pups, hamburgers piled with onions, and drinking frozen lemonade
• Trying to find Kenny Rogers with Jessi Weaver (HA!)

Maybe it is just the Blackfoot in me… but I do LOVE the Fair : )

I enjoyed the summer blockbusters! I went to a lot of movies over the summer. Here were my favorites:

Here are a couple of photos from my summer fun. We went to Vegas for a much needed vacay, camped in Island Park, and had lots fun with family and friends.

Good Advice

This week was Audrey Hepburn's birthday. I thought this advice I read from her was really profound:

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives and the passion that she shows.

The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years."

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!

Some Things I've Learned...

It has been a rough week. But I feel like I have learned a lot about myself... here are some things I have been pondering...

1. We have to take the good with the bad in life and roll with it… and try to focus on the good and not dwell on the bad.
2. Patience is something I don’t have and am working on.
3. Do not compare yourself to any other person… ever.
4. Harry Potter, Jack Bauer, Sex and the City, and caramel popcorn make me feel better… weird combination, but true.
5. John Mayer’s “The Heart of Life” and “Stop This Train” are amazing and incredibly relatable for me.
6. I am looking forward to a much needed vacation.
7. My husband is absolutely amazing. He makes up for my lack of patience and has so much love for me. He also loves my parents, which really touches my heart.
8. Heavenly Father always provides a silver lining.
9. Life is short.
10. It is heartbreaking to see a parent cry for the first time…and not be able to do anything about it.
11. I will miss my grandmother. She was strong, insightful and loving all in her own special ways.
12. Take things one step at a time. I have learned that I can’t plan out my entire life on a calendar. I need to just let some things happen to me. All my life I have done everything the exact way I am supposed to… and I think it is okay to say “what the hell” once in a while (Thanks, Avril Lavigne... lol).

There hasn't really been anything too exciting going on in my life; Just the normal, everyday stuff. I have been cooking some fabulous things, though! The other night I made crepes with a lemon cream cheese filling that turned out pretty amazing if I do say so, myself. Last night I made white chicken enchiladas that were also spicy and fabulous. And I’m losing weight whilst eating all this delish food, which is even better! I noticed I haven’t posted a book review for a long time either! I am still reading Uglies by Scott Westerfield. It really is a quick read, but I’m just slow! I have been really busy with school lately. And when I’m not doing that, I’m cooking, exercising, or watching 24. Jack Bauer has consumed out lives. Best. Show. EVER.

I went to the Aluminum Show the other night at the Colonial Theater. In the description of the show, it compared to Stomp and Blue Man Group. I don’t know if I would really compare it to that, but it was certainly interesting! I don’t really even know how to describe what it was…. I guess you could say dancing and lots of aluminum tubing and lights? It was unique and entertaining though!

I also had to do an observation this week for school. I visited a kindergarten class, which was pretty cool. The thought of teaching kindergarten was always sickening to me, but now I’m not so sure. Those kids are so sweet and genuine at that age. I really think I might dig teaching kindergarten. Those kids really brightened my day!

I’m still loving Zumba. My friend, Mindy, and I went to a Zumbathon a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty fun and a good workout as always. And on a pretty exciting note, I took third place in our Lighten Up Challenge at work! I lost 13 more pounds in about 8 weeks, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it was sure a lot of work! But I feel better and look better for sure. I won a $75 gift card that I think I will use to buy some summer clothes since none of mine from last summer will fit me! I need some cute things for our trip, which I am VERY excited for!

And most of all I’m really ready for Spring to be here! I want a tan and to see something green outside for a change!

Thank you, Mr. President

I have had a pretty good week! Last Monday, for Valentine's Day, Justin and I went out for a nice dinner at The Sandpiper and spent some time together. We agreed to just get eachother a card this year. I got Justin a hilarious card that he totally loved, then he handed me my card. It was seriously 3 feet tall and the largest card I have ever seen! Oh, and it sung a silly song when you opened it. Justin: "Well if all I was going to get you was a card, I had to get a good one!" I love Valentine's Day!

Thanks to President's Day, I had a long weekend! It was pretty fun. I took in a couple of movies this weekend. My friend, Mindy, hadn't seen Harry Potter yet, so we went to see that at the cheap seats. It was just as good the second time! I'm a total Harry Potter NERD. I love it!

I also saw I am Number Four. It was good! I really enjoyed it!

The rest of my lazy weekend was filled with reading, shopping, laundry, exercise, and tv. Justin and I started watching 24 on Netflix because there was nothing on TV. We are SO hooked on that show! I just can't get enough Jack Bauer! I highly recommend it! I like when I find a good series that is actually out on dvd. I always know I have something to watch when I get bored.